10/16/2026
How does a broken heart lead to a tiny village in the Italian mountains? 👀
Matthew Sigman is an award-winning writer and the author of Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart. He joins Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine to share the deeply personal story behind his new memoir, inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, Augie, after 18 years together.
Heartbroken and searching for a way forward, Matthew left New York City for Quarna, a small mountain village in northern Italy. There, an unlikely friendship and the warmth of a welcoming community helped him rediscover connection, hope, and a new perspective on life. He reflects on the extraordinary ways dogs shape our lives, the challenges of navigating grief, and how an animal’s love can keep guiding us long after they are gone.
🎧 Listen to Episode 138 now: https://bit.ly/4hSUlIX