Check Out Our Latest Episodes
S1, E37: London: Top Things to See & How to Visit Them
Crowns, Markets & the Art of the Perfect Pint
In this episode, Sean and Brandon break down London’s greatest hits, from the Tower’s Beefeaters and Crown Jewels to afternoon tea rituals and pub culture perfected over centuries. They cover what’s worth booking in advance, when to visit to avoid the chaos, and how to experience the city like someone who actually knows their way around. This episode zeroes in on eight must-do experiences, including a day trip to Windsor and Stonehenge, and explains exactly how to make each one count.
S1, E36: Venice: Top Things to See & Travel Advice
Your Field Guide to Churches, Canals, Cicchetti & Getting Wonderfully Lost
In this episode, Sean and Brandon break down the essentials of Venice. They walk through the icons, from the gold-drenched glow of St. Mark’s Basilica to the glass-melting magic of Murano and the rainbow daydream that is Burano. They share why gondolas are worth it (yes, even if it’s cliché), the tricks for dodging crowds at the Doge’s Palace, and how the Rialto Market reveals the city’s heartbeat every morning. And of course, they cover the Venetian art of eating cicchetti, sipping an ombra, and letting yourself get blissfully, intentionally lost.
S1, E35: Paris: The BEST Things to See & Do in 2026
Breaking Down the Myths, Must-Sees, and Modern Magic of the City of Light
In this episode, Sean and Brandon unpack the truth about Paris. The beauty, the chaos, and the croissants worth crossing an ocean for. They run through the top sights (Louvre, Versailles, Notre-Dame, and more), when to go, how to skip the lines, and why tours aren’t just for your grandparents. Expect myth-busting, travel hacks, and a little tough love about what not to do. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, this is your cheat sheet to mastering Paris in 2026.
S1, E34: Rome: Must-See Spots and How to Visit Them in 2026
Everything First-Time Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting
In this episode, Sean and Brandon break down everything you need to know about seeing Rome in 2026—from the Vatican and Colosseum to underrated gems like the Borghese Gallery and Baths of Caracalla. They share insider tips on when to go, how to get tickets, and why tours are the secret weapon for avoiding chaos. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this episode shows you how to do the Eternal City right.
S1, E33: Europe Travel FAQs
Everything First-Time Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting
In this episode, Sean and Brandon walk through everything you need to know before your first European adventure—how far in advance to plan, what to tip, and which “rules” to ignore. They tackle common misconceptions, reveal local habits worth adopting, and share insider advice for traveling smarter (and calmer) across the continent.
S1, E32: Ghost Stories: History That Won’t Stay Buried
Royal Ghosts, Wicked Popes, and Cursed Tombs
In this episode, Sean and Brandon follow the restless spirits of history’s most notorious figures. They uncover the eerie afterlives of Marie Antoinette, Anne Boleyn, Bloody Mary, and even a pope who went to trial after he died. It’s a journey through haunted palaces, cursed churches, and the legends that blur the line between myth and memory.
S1, E31: Europe’s Wildest Rulers
The Kings, Popes, and Emperors Who Took Power Too Far
In this episode, Sean and Brandon dive into Europe’s most unhinged monarchs—tyrants who ruled with more chaos than crown. From Caligula’s horse obsession to Henry VIII’s marital mayhem, they reveal how ego, paranoia, and unchecked power shaped the continent’s bloodiest chapters. Expect madness, megalomania, and a few dark laughs as they unpack the real-life drama that makes Game of Thrones look tame.
S1, E30: Secrets of the Louvre
The Myths, Masterpieces, and Madness of Paris’s Iconic Museum
In this episode, Sean and Brandon go beyond the Mona Lisa to uncover the unbelievable history of the Louvre—part royal palace, part fortress, part art heist recovery center. They explore its centuries-long transformation from medieval stronghold to the most visited museum on Earth, revealing everything from Napoleon’s bedroom décor to the ghost said to haunt its halls. Along the way, they dig into art myths, stolen masterpieces, and why 25% of Leonardo da Vinci’s surviving works now live under one Parisian roof.
S1, E29: The Sack of Rome
The Fall of Rome: How the Eternal City Was Lost
In this episode, Sean and Brandon dig into the night the gates opened and the Eternal City lost its grip on history. They explore the rise of the Visigoths, Alaric’s demand for legitimacy, and the starvation and politics that made Rome ripe for collapse. You’ll hear why senators buried gold in cisterns, why churches were spared, and how Augustine’s City of God reframed the disaster.
S1, E28: Who Was Louis XVI?
The Locksmith King Who Lost His Head
In this episode, we cut through the myths and stereotypes to uncover the king behind the crown. Was he truly the incompetent ruler history remembers, or just an unlucky monarch trapped in a collapsing system? We’ll trace his marriage to Marie Antoinette, his obsession with locks, France’s costly support of the American Revolution, and the storming of the Bastille that sealed his fate.
S1, E27: Who Was Louis XIV?
The Sun King, Megalomaniac, and Versailles Builder
In this episode, we dive into the outrageous life of the “Sun King,” a man who made nobles fight for the right to put on his underwear, staged banquets just to be watched eating alone, and built Versailles by draining 25% of France’s annual income. From traumatized child-king to legendary megalomaniac, Louis XIV centralized power, reshaped France, and left behind a palace that changed how the world thinks about luxury—even if it meant his heirs would lose their heads.
S1, E26: Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?
Timeline of His Works, Inventions, and Legacy
In this episode, Sean and Brandon trace the life of the Renaissance’s ultimate multitasker: Leonardo da Vinci. He painted the Mona Lisa, dissected corpses in secret, and sketched helicopters centuries before flight was possible—all while leaving half his projects unfinished. They walk through his timeline from apprentice in Florence to superstar at the French court, unpacking his masterpieces, notebooks, and the eccentric mind that saw no line between art and science.
S1, E25: History of the Medici
How Money and Power Created the Renaissance
In this episode, Sean and Brandon discuss the Medici, the Florentine family that dominated European politics and culture for over 300 years. They explain how the family’s financial empire allowed them to manipulate governments, influence the Catholic Church, and fund some of the greatest artists of all time. This episode covers key figures like Cosimo the Elder and Lorenzo the Magnificent, explaining how a single family transformed Florence from a city-state into the epicenter of the Renaissance.
S1, E24: Who Was Julius Caesar?
Timeline of His Life, Power, and Legacy
In this episode, Sean and Brandon break down the life of the man who played politics like chess and war like a blood sport. From marrying into the right family to bro-ing out with Pompey and Crassus, Caesar knew alliances didn’t last—and he was ready to cross the Rubicon to prove it. They cover the glory, the scandal, the Cleopatra fling, and why his death made him immortal in ways his assassins never expected.
S1, E23: Crusades
200 Years of Holy Wars That Changed the World
In this episode, Sean, Brandon, and guest Angel unpack the 200-year saga of the Crusades—an experiment in holy war that changed the world forever. From the unlikely victory of the First Crusade to the stunning diplomatic win of the Sixth, they break down the key events, the infamous figures, and the lesser-known detours that defined the era. They explore how these holy missions were just as much about politics and personal ambition as they were about faith, leaving behind a legacy of mistrust and a surprising taste for sugar and spices.
S1, E22: Who Was Michelangelo?
A Timeline to His Life & Accomplishments
In this episode, Sean and Brandon map the Renaissance triple threat: sculptor, painter, and architect. Aka Michelangelo. From Medici Garden training and Julius II’s wild tomb saga to The Last Judgment controversy and the dome that crowns Rome, they tie each life moment to Michelangelo’s most famous works. Press play (or read the show notes) for the timeline and what to look for when you’re standing in front of the real thing.
S1, E21: How to Plan a Europe Ski Trip
Flights, Lodging, and Trip Planning
In this episode, Sean and Brandon trade Roman ruins for powder runs as they craft the no-nonsense blueprint for a European ski holiday that won’t torch your wallet. From carving fresh tracks between Switzerland and Italy to clinking bubbly at 8,000 feet, they reveal why the Alps still outshine Vail and what rookies always get wrong about après. Tune in (or skim the show notes) to learn which resorts punch above their price tag, what to pack that won’t scream “tourist,” and why renting gear beats schlepping skis across the Atlantic.
S1, E20: What Was Life Like in Ancient Rome?
Slaves, Plebs, and Patricians—Who Actually Ran the Empire?
In this episode, Sean and Brandon break down the rigid but sometimes surprising class hierarchy of Ancient Rome. The city was run by the rich, built by the enslaved, and sustained by millions of working-class citizens who rarely made it into history books. From gladiators earning freedom to emperors murdered by their guards, this episode reveals how power flowed (and backfired) through Roman society.
S1, E19: Who Was Caravaggio?
Murder, Miracles, and the Church’s Favorite Fugitive
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon sort through Caravaggio’s chaotic genius. He painted like a master, fought like a criminal, and reshaped Baroque art forever. Listen below or skim these show notes to discover how he went from a troubled teen to giving the boldest apology art history has ever seen.
S1, E18: History of the Colosseum
Gladiators, Lions, and Imperial Propaganda
In this episode, Sean and Brandon dig into the myth, madness, and master planning behind the Roman Colosseum. They explain the historical context and provide practical insights into how the arena was used and what survives today. If you’re planning a visit or want a better understanding of ancient Roman entertainment and architecture, this episode will answer most of your questions.
S1, E17: History of Rome
How Rome Rose, Fell, and Changed the World
In this episode, Sean and Brandon trace Rome’s journey from wolf-raised twins to imperial collapse. They untangle the messy history, bust lingering myths, and explore how Rome reinvented itself again and again. If you want the real story behind the Colosseum’s bloody games, power-hungry emperors, and how Christianity quietly rose while Rome crumbled, this is the episode for you.
S1, E16: History of the Vatican & How It Exists
Popes, Power & the World’s Smallest Country
In this episode, Sean and Brandon explain the unlikely journey that turned St. Peter’s grave into the world’s smallest yet most influential nation. Step by step, they cover Vatican City’s history, including persecutions, power grabs, Renaissance rebuilds, and the political deal that sealed its independence in 1929. Skim these show notes or come back for a recap later.
S1, E15: Europe Travel Updates 2025
Visas, Fees & QR Codes
In this episode, Sean and Brandon sit down with travel expert Angel Castellanos to break down the biggest changes coming to European travel in 2025. For the first time, American travelers need to think about access fees and travel authorizations. If you’re planning a weekend in Venice or a trip to the UK, this is an episode you’ll want to bookmark.
S1, E14: Rome Travel Updates & Things to Know for 2025
Jubilee Year, Pope & Permits
With the Jubilee Year drawing an extra 39 million visitors, a new baseball-loving American Pope, and changes to how you move through the Eternal City, there’s a lot to know before booking your plane ticket. Listen to the podcast or scroll through these show notes for Rome travel updates straight from the source.
S1, E13: Italy Travel Tips from Local Experts
Numbers of Efficiency, Time, Soft to Hard, Distance Between Us
In this episode, Sean and Brandon blow up the biggest myths about traveling in Italy and hand you a no-nonsense game plan for your first (or next) visit. From important rules of pasta etiquette to the fastest way to hop between Rome and Venice, they’ve packed decades of on-the-ground know-how into 90 minutes. Listen in, then skim these Italy travel tips show notes to avoid classic mistakes and earn valuable points with locals.
SHOW NOTES
🎧 Listen on Spotify (Part I)
🎧 Listen on Spotify (Part II)
S1, E12: Tuscany Travel Tips
Land Scam, Vertical Feud, Buried Pride, Real Excalibur
In this episode, Sean and Brandon expose Italy’s most romantic region. If you picture Tuscany as one giant postcard of vineyards and terra-cotta farmhouses, you’re right on track—but there’s more. Tune in and read these Tuscany travel tips to sip the best wine, find hidden farm stays, and learn how a medieval rooster decided half the wine map.
S1, E11: Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
Soft Acid, Silent Tower, Cotton Word, Drowned Glory
The Amalfi Coast is gorgeous, chaotic, and a little full of itself—and in this episode, Sean and Brandon are not letting it off the hook. From debating whether it’s actually romantic to calling out the myth of “every hotel has a view,” they dish out tough love and legit tips. Expect food recs, boat advice, and a 48-hour itinerary that skips Positano on purpose.
S1, E10: Naples Travel Tips
French Disease, 3 Times Blood, Suspended Coffee, Queen’s Tribute
In this episode, Sean and Brandon trade the Colosseum for Vesuvius, unpacking Naples from its underground aqueducts to its rooftop aperitivo bars. They’ll tell you why the city’s reputation for danger is outdated, where to grab a €2 margherita that’d make Queen Margherita proud, and how to pair a day in Pompeii with a night in the buzzing Quartieri Spagnoli.
S1, E9: Puglia Travel Tips
Tax Evasion, Spider Bite, Santa Claus, Protected Bread
In this episode, Sean and Brandon head to Puglia—the sun-bleached heel of Italy. They cover why the region’s still a bargain, how to get around without losing your cool, and which foods you should order before you even open the menu. Within these show notes, you’ll find practical tips, a few gentle digs, and an easy plan for your stay in southern Italy.
S1, E8: Pope Selection News & Updates
Inside the Vatican After the Death of the Pope: Rituals, History, and What Comes Next
In this special edition episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon team up with Angel to ask practical questions in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on 21 April 2025. Expect a brisk guide to the funeral timetable, a crash course on how the conclave actually works, and a short list of cardinals whose names you might hear after the white smoke curls skyward.
S1, E7: London Travel Tips
Hot Air, Soccer, Romans, Fish-&-Chips-Fighting
London’s massive, expensive, and full of trapdoors—and in this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon give you the cheat codes. From booking the right hotel to squeezing the most out of your 48 hours, you’ll leave with a full game plan. It’s everything you want to know before landing at Heathrow.
S1, E6: Italian Beaches Travel Tips
Banana Hammocks, Alle Vongole, Americano, and Cocco Bello
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon break down the myths and realities of Italian beaches. They debate the best coastal destinations, expose the secret to claiming the perfect lounge chair, and discuss why Italians somehow look effortlessly cool while swimming. Also, is Positano overrated?
S1, E5: Sicily Travel Tips
One-way?, Homer, Dialects Within Dialects, and Talking Heads
This episode of French People Arr. Rude is all about Sicily—an island so fiercely independent that locals barely consider themselves Italian. Sean and Brandon break down the best beaches, the mafia misconceptions, and why Sicilian food might just be the best in Italy. Plus, driving tips to avoid disaster and why you should never trust a Sicilian in a speedo.
S1, E4: Paris Travel Tips
Stolen Overcoats, Milk, Window Shopping, Medieval Tinder
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we break down the do’s and don’ts of Paris, from navigating the Metro to avoiding tourist traps disguised as “authentic” cafés. Sean and Brandon debate whether the Mona Lisa is worth the hype, why people get so obsessed with Versailles, and the real reason no one in Paris wears a beret.
S1, E3: Florence Travel Tips
Bonfires, Billionaire Bellhop, Boredom, and the Scoop on Medici
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean and Brandon take on Florence—the Renaissance city that gave us Michelangelo, the Negroni, gelato, and flavorless bread. They’ll unpack how to eat like a local, what to see beyond David, and why renting a car here is an instant regret waiting to happen.
S1, E2: Venice Travel Tips
Dead Romans, Black Teeth, Smoke, and Mirrors
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we chat all things Venice. Sean and Brandon break down their first impressions, the city’s wild history, and the must-know tips for eating, staying, and making the most of 36 hours in the floating city.
S1, E1: Rome Travel Tips
German Vandals, Fendi, Overcooked Pasta, and Bloody Sandals
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, we break down the stigmas, rules, and unspoken truths about visiting Rome. Sean and Brandon compare first impressions, guest Manuel gives a local’s take, and we tackle everything from what not to order to how to survive crossing the street. Plus, the best way to eat, drink, and spend 48 hours in the Eternal City.
SHOW NOTES
🎧 Listen on Spotify (Part I)
🎧 Listen on Spotify (Part II)
Rants, Revelations, and Revelry: Meet The Tour Guy Podcast
Meet French People Arr. Rude, the in-your-face travel podcast that cuts through the clichés, challenges stereotypes, and delivers brutally honest insights on Europe’s best (and worst) cities. Hosted by Sean Finelli and Brandon Shaw, two guys who turned their Rome-based tour company into one of Europe’s top travel brands, this podcast is part history, part travel guide, and entirely unfiltered.
Want to know why Florence has the best art but the worst bread? Why Venice’s gondoliers make a fortune? Or how to spend 48 hours in Rome without standing in a single line? Every episode is packed with real advice on where to eat, stay, and explore—plus, we’ve done the note-taking for you with a full list of recommendations in the show notes.
Pitch us on your story by emailing Press@thetourguy.com
- Arezzo at Christmas: Inside Italy’s Biggest Christmas Market in Tuscany
- The History of Christmas: From Ancient Rome to Santa Claus
- Europe Travel FAQs: Everything First-Time Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting
- Spooky Sightseeing: Top Ghost Stories in History and Where to Find Them
- The Louvre Heist: What Was Taken & Why Does It Matter?
- How to Plan a Trip to Italy: Step-by-Step Guide + Local Tips
- Europe’s 8 Wildest Rulers Who Took Power Too Far
- What Is The Europe EES (Entry/Exit System) & How Does It Work?
- Planning a Trip to London: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
