Puglia: Tax Evasion, Spider Bite, Santa Claus, Protected Bread

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👉 Where to stay in Puglia⁠

This week, Sean and Brandon head deep into the stiletto heel of Italy — Puglia — to uncover why this under-the-radar region might just be the best-kept secret left in Italy. They break down everything you need to know before you go: why the bread is protected by law, why raw mussels are a thing (and yes, they eat them), what "protected bread" even means, and how a giant spider bite almost derailed the trip. Along the way, they talk cheap villas, ancient olive trees older than Michelangelo, the secret to Puglia’s wine and olive oil, and why you should never rush a Sunday lunch.

Oh, and if you were wondering — yes, you can visit Santa Claus. The real one. Sort of.

If you’re thinking about skipping the usual tourist traps and diving straight into the “juice of the ocean,” this is your episode.

✨ Stuff We Talk About:

• How tax evasion led to cute cone-shaped houses

• Raw mussels, beach wine, and the juice of the ocean

• Santa Claus (yes, the original) and protected bread

• Why a tarantula bite won’t ruin your trip—but maybe your sleep

• The only pasta that’s legally allowed to look like ears

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