THE UNAFRAID STORYTELLER IN ITALY with John Roedel

In a world saturated with polished images and meticulously curated social media feeds, the essence of our true selves often gets buried. We’re taught to mask the messiness of life, to smooth out the edges of our stories until they fit neatly into the expectations of others.

But isn’t life inherently messy, wonderfully chaotic, and brimming with unforeseen adventures? It’s this unpredictable journey that makes our existence so profoundly beautiful.

The Unafraid Storyteller retreat is an opportunity to embrace the wildness of your narrative, to celebrate imperfections, and to write with unguarded honesty. Poet, writer, and comedian John Roedel guides you through this transformative experience with his signature blend of humor, heartfelt insights, and engaging activities. John’s approach to writing is not about crafting a perfect narrative but offering a mirror to the soul, allowing others to see their reflections within your words. Through the art forms of writing and storyteller, this experience peels away the layers of pretense to reveal the raw, untold stories that reside within us all.

THIS IS MORE Than a Writing Retreat…

…it’s a journey of discovery and authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned writer of any kind, a storyteller at heart, or simply someone longing to connect more deeply with your own story, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to write without fear of judgment.

• Journaling Sessions Dive deep into the well of your memories, dreams, and reflections to uncover the stories that have shaped you.
• Group Camaraderie Engage in meaningful discussions and shared storytelling experiences that foster a sense of community and mutual understanding.
• Creative Exercises Challenge your creativity through prompts and activities designed to spark your imagination and bring your stories to life.
• Physical Movement Incorporate movement to unlock new perspectives and connect with your story on a physical level.
• Hands-on Activities Learn through doing, with exercises that encourage you to explore the sensory details of your narratives.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create and share your stories with a master storyteller and like-minded community!

ABOUT John Roedel

John Roedel is a comic who unexpectedly gained notability as a writer and poet through his heartfelt Facebook poetry that went viral in 2021. John is the author of six self-published books that have all become Amazon bestsellers.

Offering a sincere and relatable look at his faith crisis, mental health, personal struggles, perception of our world, and even his fashion sense, John’s writing has been shared millions of times across social media, and is lauded by fans and readers worldwide.

John loves teaching his approach to writing and storytelling to anyone who is interested in “digging out the gold in the hills of their own hearts”. He teaches at universities and retreat centers across the US, blending his trademark comedy with creative exercises, journaling, dialogue, and introspection to help people fearlessly embrace and share their personal stories. John is now bringing his relatable approach to teaching to Italy, in an intimate and spectacular retreat setting.

“I believe in the power of sharing our hearts/stories/words with the world. The more storytellers we create, the more empathy we foster, and the more empathy we foster, the more community we can build. This is a unique writing retreat for writers and non-writers alike. It’s for anyone who wants help unsticking the words that get gummed up in our hearts.” ~ John Roedel

DURING THE RETREAT We’ll Focus On…

• Embracing Authenticity: Understanding the importance of being true to oneself and embracing the messiness and chaos of life
• Celebrating Imperfections: Learning to appreciate and celebrate imperfections in your narratives
• Writing with Honesty: Developing the ability to write with unguarded honesty
• Reflecting the Soul: Using writing as a mirror to the soul, allowing others to see your reflections in your words
• Peeling Away Pretense: Stripping away layers of pretense to reveal raw, untold stories
• Journaling Techniques: Diving deep into memories, dreams, and reflections through journaling sessions
• Fostering Community: Engaging in meaningful discussions and shared storytelling experiences that foster community and mutual understanding
• Creative Challenges: Challenging your creativity through prompts and activities designed to spark imagination
• Incorporating Movement: Using physical movement to unlock new perspectives and connect with your stories on a physical level
• Sensory Exploration: Exploring the sensory details of your narratives through hands-on activities
• Storytelling Skills: Enhancing your storytelling skills through guided exercises and activities
• Writing Without Judgment: Learning to write without fear of judgment in a supportive environment
• Connecting Deeply: Connecting more deeply with your own stories and personal experiences
• Gaining Insight: Receiving heartfelt insights and guidance from John Roedel’s unique perspective as a poet, writer, and comedian
• Journey of Discovery: Undertaking a journey of self-discovery and authenticity in your writing

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Monday, October 6: Arrival

• Highlights: Arrival, village walking tour, introduction with John
• Dinner

Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, our private drivers will transport you to the Italian countryside, and your boutique hotel accommodations in the unspoiled village of Città della Pieve. After check in, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of the village with host, Pamela Haack, followed by a workshop overview with John Roedel at Studio 18 – our inviting and roomy workshop space – with a focus on saying “Yes” to the adventure ahead. Afterwards it’s time to enjoy a welcome aperitivo, followed by a delectable dinner prepared by Chef Vito. 

DAY 2 – Tuesday, October 7: Studio, Tour of Churches & Art 

• Highlights: Studio time with John, church art walking tour
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, after a delicious breakfast, you’ll join John in the studio as you learn to say “yes” to writing from your heart. After a full morning session, it’s off to our friends’ inviting cafe for lunch, followed by artisan gelato – of course!

In the afternoon you’ll have some free time to rest and recharge before joining John once again in the studio. Then it’s off on an a walking tour as you explore the town’s many churches and view their many medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. This evening you’ll enjoy dinner at Gianluca’s cozy trattoria, specializing in Mediterranean dishes.  

DAY 3 – Wednesday, October 8: Studio, Pasta Making Lesson

• Highlights: Studio time with John, pasta making lesson
• Breakfast, lunch

This morning, after breakfast, get ready for an inspiring morning with John as he guides you in saying “yes” to your epic and original story. Afterwards, it’s off to our friend, Cristian’s, for a delightful pasta-making class that includes an underground tour of his 15th century cantina. Lunch follows, featuring your hand-made pasta, of course. 

This afternoon, after some free time, you’ll join John for an additional writing session. This evening we’ll head to a private home for a friendly aperitivo. Afterwards you’re free for dinner on your own.

DAY 4 – Thursday, October 9: San Casciano dei Bagni

• Highlights: Excursion to San Casciano dei Bagni, tour of archeological site
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning after breakfast it’s off to the medieval town of San Casciano dei Bagni, situated on a scenic hilltop teaming with thermal springs. After a coffee stop, we join up with our friend, Ludovico, for a private tour of a truly astonishing Etruscan and Roman archeological site (one of Italy’s most important new finds), followed by lunch at our friend, Daniela’s restaurant, nestled between the walls of the town’s castle.

In afternoon it’s back to studio with John for some writing time in the studio, with a focus on saying ” Yes” to the power of telling our stories to others. This evening we’ll head to our favorite wood-fired pizzeria for pizza night. 

DAY 5 – Friday, September 13: Studio and Wrap-up

• Highlights: Studio time with John, wrap-up and farewell dinner
• Breakfast, dinner

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore some tucked away alleyways of the village, including a jaunt down the narrowest avenue in Italy. Then it’s off to the studio with John for a morning writing session, including “The Unafraid Coffeehouse” where John will guide you in sharing the stories and words that you and your fellow students have uncovered while digging into your heart. 

After lunch on your own, and some time to rest, relax or maybe shop, you’ll gather with John for a final wrap-up session. This evening we’ll gather together for a celebratory aperitivo before enjoying a special farewell dinner. 

DAY 6, September 14: Departure

Early morning departure to Rome Fiumicino Airport.

VENUE Boutique Hotel Vannucci

Hotel Vannucci began as a project of Vittoria Spinola, daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who fled Pisa (and an arranged marriage with her elderly husband) to start a new life with her lover in Città della Pieve. Here, she and her soon-to-be new husband, Paolo, built two villas that became luxurious holiday accommodations for wealthy Romans vacationing in the countryside. In 1903 one of the villas became Hotel Vannucci, and today it maintains the elegance and refinement of its inception, with luxurious sleeping rooms, marble bathrooms and inviting gardens. A stay here is truly special, nestled just outside the medieval walls of the historic, and unspoiled, village of Città della Pieve. 

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WHAT’S Included…

• 5 nights at Boutique Hotel Vannucci 
• Group transportation by private transportation service to/from Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure dates. 
• Private transportation service to/from all towns and sites included in the itinerary
• All breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• 4 dinners 
• Excursion to San Casciano dei Bagni
• Tour of live archeological site
• Pasta making lesson
• Renaissance art walking tour
• Daily group and individual writing and storytelling sessions with John
• Two post-experience zoom calls several weeks after our time together ends to help process and write about the adventure we all took together.
• Time on your own for shopping and exploring

NOT INCLUDED

Also not included: airfare, meals or transportation outside of that which is specifically listed in the trip package, gratuities for hotel staff and drivers

The Unexpected is Part of the Journey: Sometimes unexpected things come up. If there is unscheduled closing or schedule change, we carefully pivot to include something that is equally as wonderful and interesting, so that the quality of your experience is never at risk. ☺️

DATES AND DETAILS

• Dates: October 6-11, 2025
• Trip Price: $3,595-$4,095 USD (choose room type upon booking)
• Room Descriptions:
  • Single: Single occupancy, single bed, private ensuite bathroom
  • Classic: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Superior: Single occupancy, double bed, private ensuite bathroom with tub/shower combination
  • Deluxe: Double occupancy, double bed or two singles, private ensuite bathroom with tub and shower (specifically for couples or friends traveling together)
• A $700 deposit is required to book your space
• Arrival and departure airport Rome Fiumicino
• View our Terms and Cancellation Policy

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