ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture

Catrin Skaperdas

Your ultimate (and accurate) guide to Italian culture! ITALIAN, FOR SURE goes beyond the cliches and stereotypes to reveal the true Italian way of living.

Catrin Skaperdas, an American living in Italy, hosts lively interviews with locals in an effort to give Italians the (befitting) stage to passionately share their wisdom, stories and insights about Italy.

* Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com *

ITALIAN, FOR SURE is perfect for listeners who desire to learn more about Italian culture, dream of moving to Italy, plan on visiting or studying abroad in Italy, or have Italian roots or heritage. It covers topics that help develop your cultural awareness, making it easier to navigate Italy, and equip you with fun facts to share.

Listen and embark on a culturally rich journey every other Wednesday at 6:00am CEST that will transport you to different corners of Italy through the voices of locals who make this country truly special. Italians will set the record straight, allowing you to know what’s truly Italian and what’s not by unveiling hidden gems about the Italian customs.

(ITALIAN, FOR SURE is created and hosted by Catrin Skaperdas.)

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20 episodes
Updated July 29

Episodes20

Newest first

July 29 · 40 min
The Making of Authentic Italian Rice - What Rice to Use for Risotto, Carnaroli Rice vs Arborio Rice, Aged Rice, and Northern Italian Food Culture
Making the highest-quality Italian rice, from soil mapping techniques and aging processes to pioneering blockchain technology in modern agriculture, is something Meracinque co-founder Silvia Tovo knows all about. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * In this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE, host Catrin Skaperdas sits down with Silvia for a fun, deep dive into the world of Italian food, specifically rice culture - including choosing the correct rice for risotto, the real rice-dish star of Milanese cuisine (which isn't what most people think), and how food culture takes shape across Italy. Together, they talk about: Verona, Mantova and Italian food culture How Silvia built Meracinque with her four sisters How Italian rice and its specific varieties are different than other rices around the world The rice she produces, carnaroli rice ("the king of rice"), and how it differs from the arborio variety Popular rice dishes around Italy and when in the year you eat them The breakdown of how rice is planted, harvested, dried, and aged for a full year, and why aging makes all the difference in quality What it’s like working with four sisters The adversity Silvia and her sisters face being a women owned business, especially in this sector What it’s like selling rice to different markets The pros and cons of running a food business in Italy Chapters 02:01 Intro 03:08 Verona, Montava, and Italian Food Culture 06:28 The birth story of Meracinque 08:43 Characteristics of rice: carnaroli vs arborio 12:09 Different rice dishes around Italy 14:57 What rice dishes Italians eat and when they eat them throughout the year 16:08 Rice cultivation process start to finish 21:08 Pros and cons of running a family-owned business 23:58 What it’s like to be a women-owned business in this industry 28:22 Selling Italian rice outside of Italy 35:27 Difficulties of running a business in Italy 40:56 Outro More about Meracinque: Founded in 2016, MeraCinque is an innovative agricultural company run entirely by Silvia and her four sisters—Margherita, Benedetta, Anna, and Maria Vittoria. Inheriting a deep passion for the land from their agronomist father, the sisters united to produce an exceptional, 100% sustainable Carnaroli Classico rice. Their name tells their story: "Mera" for meraviglia (wonder), their lifelong family nickname, and "Cinque" representing the five sisters bringing a new balance and harmony to Italy's traditional farming industry. Learn more about Meracinque on their website: https://www.meracinque.com/ This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 15 · 48 min
The Real Milan – Hidden Gems and Local Secrets Everyone Must See and Survival Tips for Foreigners from a Born-and-Raised Milanese
Why Italians hate people from Milan, what there is to do and see in Milan (including hidden gems), and quick trips to take from Milan are just some of the things talked about on this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE - a perfect episode for foreigners living in or visiting Milan! * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * It’s a rare treat to hear from someone who was born, raised, and still lives in Milan today. ITALIAN, FOR SURE guest, Alice Todaro, is the perfect person to take us behind the scenes of Milan and shares why she once hated Milan (and why she loves it now), as well as how the city has dramatically changed over the years. Alice - Milan local and Founder of @daysofmilan - reveals to host Catrin Skaperdas why Milan is ultimately her "best friend" and the two of them talk about the following: What you actually need to see if you’re visiting Milan for the first time A completely hidden, secret museum most tourists pass right by How Alice used to "escape Milan" while still physically being in the city The West Side vs. the East Side The reality of safety in Milan from two women living there A rapid-fire game sharing Alice’s favorite local restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, vintage shops, and aperitivo spots! What people eat in Milan Chapters 02:06 Intro 02:20 why Alice is the perfect person to speak with us about Milan 03:41 Why Alice left Milan and why she came back (why she hated Milan at one point and why she loves it now) 06:06 WHAT DID I ASK - MISSING AUDIO - how has Milan changed over the years, maybe? 08:08 Why Milan is a great place to live for foreigners or Italians that moved back after living abroad 12:41 Why people hate Milan 14:53 Why Catrin likes Milan 16:03 Why Catrin likes Milan 17:59 what someone should see if they were visiting Milan for the first time 25:30 West side vs East side of Milan 28:48 the safety of Milan 33:08 Alice shares her “favorites” in Milan 37:20 Where Alice recommends going for a quick trip outside of Milan, near by 38:37 Typical night out in Milan 43:28 What people eat in Milan 48:15 Outro More about @daysofmilan: Daysofmilan is more than just a guide; it’s a companion for anyone navigating life in Milan, whether they’re here temporarily or for the long term. Our mission is to make the journey of discovering Milan smoother and more enjoyable by providing curated insights into the city’s treasures — ranging from hidden gems tucked away in quiet streets to the bustling hotspots locals and visitors alike adore. Beyond that, we aim to foster connections and help expats integrate seamlessly into the local culture, creating a community that celebrates both Milan’s heritage and its growing global influence. At Daysofmilan, we believe that exploring a city should be an enriching experience, not an intimidating one. Our goal is to empower expats with the tools, information, and inspiration they need to thrive in Milan and make it their own. Connect with Alice on Instagram: www.instagram.com/daysofmilan This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 1 · 40 min
Cultural Contrasts Between Northern and Southern Italy - Regional Languages vs Dialects, Movie Dubbing and Title Translations, Sicilian Pride, and the Arancino Debate
From the high-paced streets of Milan to the high-speed-train-less tracks of Sicily, we are navigating through Italy and its regional differences. In this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE, we also tackle Italy's hilarious relationship with Hollywood, from the elite world of Italian voice dubbers to why nobody can pronounce Matthew McConaughey, and the wildest movie title translations you've ever heard. We also chat about the ultimate Sicilian food debate (Arancino vs. Arancina), unpack the difference between Northern and Southern Italy (such as hospitality), before wrapping up with a fun look at why phonetic Italian is so straightforward to learn compared to the rule-breaking nightmare of the English language. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Sicilian Turin resident Samuele Brusca - Content Creator, Co-Founder of Samuele Brusca Academy and TEDx Speaker - and host Catrin Skaperdas bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of: Why Catrin thinks Milan is a good landing spot for someone from Long Island moving to Italy What differentiates a regional language from a dialect If people in Italy speak English, how well, and why that might be Dubbing culture in Italy Different Italian regional accents accents How Italians pronounce famous foreign actors names wrong The pronunciation of Italian letters Films that have their names “translated” from English to something in Italian Is it an arancino or arancina? Difference between kindness and familiar-ness in the north vs south of Italy How Sicily doesn’t have high speed trains Sicilians are prideful about being from Sicily Chapters 1:09 Intro 3:50 differences between Milan and Turin 6:58 how Sicilian and Neapolitan is an actual a regional language, not a dialect 10:32 Italians speaking English in Italy 13:49 Movie dubbing in Italy 15:03 Regional accents across Italy 18:55 How foreign actors names are pronounced in Italy 23:51 Funny movie title translations 28:01 Arancino or arancina debate 33:10 North vs South of Italy 38:02 Sicilian pride 42:00 Outro See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 17 · 50 min
An Italian Expert Explains What Grappa Actually Is - Francesca Nonino on its History, Making Process, and the Biggest Drinking Mistakes
Unlocking the real world of elite Italian drinking culture requires moving past the "lighter fluid" stereotypes to explore the rigorous science, hidden history, and strict family dynamics behind crafting authentic, single-varietal grappa - and don't forget about the lethal production testing required to keep consumers alive. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Francesca Nonino, sixth generation of the Nonino family, and host Catrin Skaperdas have an entertaining and informative conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: What is grappa What makes grappa authentic How grappa was discovered Catrin's first experience with grappa What grappa not to drink The test that grappa producers need to do in order to ensure it won’t kill you How Grappa fits into Italian culture Why you need to read the label when you buy/drink grappa The process of making grappa How the first single variety grappa was born Running a woman-run business Italy Being a woman in the grappa industry in Italy Pros and cons of running a family owned business in Italy Francesca Nonino’s journey and passion for her family and her company The Nonino family story The story of the first female master distiller in Italy History of grappa Drinking culture in the U.S. vs Italy The biggest mistake you can make when drinking grappa Francesca’s thoughts on Made in Italy Chapters 2:15 Intro 4:20 What is Grappa 6:54 Catrin’s first experience with Grappa 9:41 How Grappa is part of Italian culture 12:15 Why it’s important to read the Grappa label 16:40 The process of making grappa 21:44 Francesca Nonino’s memory with her Nonno 23:24 The birth of the single variety grappa 26:38 Running a woman-run business in Italy 29:29 The story of the first female master distiller in Italy 31:10 Dynamics of running a family run business in Italy 38:08 Marketing Grappa in the United States 44:18 Drinking culture in the Us and Italy 47:18 The biggest mistake you can make when drinking grappa 49:21 The truth about made in Italy 51:37 Outro More about Francesca Nonino: Francesca Bardelli Nonino, sixth generation of the Nonino family, is Head of Web Communication and co-responsible for the U.S. market alongside her aunt Elisabetta at Nonino Distillatori. After earning a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Management — enriched by a semester at Yonsei University in Seoul and an internship at illycaffè — she joined the company as a Brand Ambassador. Alongside her professional role, she further developed her expertise through two master’s programs in Social Media Communication and User Experience, a certified bartender course, the AIS sommelier certification, and the WSET Level 3 qualification. In February 2021, she was selected by LinkedIn to officially join its global LinkedIn Influencer program, a network of leading entrepreneurs, academics, and managers. In May of the same year, she was recognized as “The Grappa Influencer.” In 2022, she received the America Award for promoting an iconic Made in Italy product overseas. In June 2023, she won the “Digital Night – Talents Transforming the Digital World” award for modernizing the communication of a historic product, followed in October by the “Impact Marketing Award.” In August 2024, she was included in Wine Enthusiast’s global “Future 40” list, highlighting professionals shaping the future of the beverage industry, and was also named among the Top 100 communicators by Forbes Italia. In 2025, she received the Italy Ambassador Award in the Food & Beverage category, dedicated to content creators who promote Italy in the digital world. In 2026, she was awarded the Dominae Prize, recognizing women who represent Made in Italy globally. Her next goal is to learn the art of artisanal distillation from her mother and grandfather and become a Master Distiller. Connect with Francesca on Instagram: www.instagram.com/francesca.nonino This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 3 · 1 hr 2 min
Cultural Confessions of an Italian - Middle Names, Religion, Dating and Sex, Fashion, Egg Freezing and Surrogacy in Italy
In Italy, without a comma in-between a first name and a middle name [e.g. Catrin, Austin], the two names become one, legally binding first name [e.g. Catrin Austin]. Did you know that? Or how about the fact that a woman cannot legally thaw eggs she’s had frozen in Italy to use them unless she is in a documented heterosexual relationship; Blows your mind, right? * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Milanese local Giulia Lavinia Futura Baroni and host Catrin Austin Skaperdas have an entertaining and uncensored conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: Middle Names Popular Given Names, like Giulia: If you grew up in Italy during the 1990s, half of your friends were named Giulia. Religion in a Modern Society: While Italian-Americans fiercely preserve old-school Catholic traditions, modern young families in Northern Italy are increasingly raising their kids completely detached from the Church. Dating, Sex, and Circumcision: An unfiltered look into Italy's view regarding sexual culture, dating rules, and modern intimacy. Fashion in Milan: Milanese fashion is effortless elegance. Egg Freezing: We look at the practical, emotional, and financial realities of freezing your eggs in Italy. Surrogacy: Surrogacy is illegal in Italy. Italian Food: Why Italians don't all balloon in weight despite eating pasta and pizza nearly daily comes down to ingredient quality, processing standards, and walking culture. Trigger Warning: This episode contains open conversations regarding sex, anatomy, and reproductive topics. Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are personal experiences and opinions of non-healthcare professionals. Always consult a qualified medical professional for any health-related questions or treatments. Recording Date: This episode was recorded in 2024. All personal reflections reflect the timeline of recording. Chapters: 00:02:08 Intro 00:03:32 Middle names in Italy 00:08:15 Common given names in Italy 00:14:35 Religion in Italy 00:23:47 Dating in Italy 00:39:17 Sex in Italy 00:43:30 Circumcision: Italy vs U.S. 00:47:19 Fashion in Milan, Italy 00:54:28 Egg freezing in Italy 00:58:38 Surrogacy in Italy 01:00:56 Italian food 01:05:23 Outro This interview of ITALIAN, FOR SURE is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 20 · 38 min
Buying Property in Italy - 1 Euro Homes, Mortgages from Italian Banks, First-Time Buyer Perks, and the One Costly Mistake to Avoid
The essential steps to navigating the Italian real estate market are mapped out in this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE. Want to buy property in Italy without the stress of landing on financial landmines, or simply curious to learn what it would take to live in the land of the No.1 cuisine in the world, according to TasteAtlas rankings (2025/2026)? * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Specializing in helping foreign buyers buy, invest in, and manage property in Italy, Jacopo Tartaglia (an Italian real estate agent and the founder of Valente Italian Properties) and host Catrin Skaperdas (an American who has bought property in Italy) help make the property buying process in Italy understandable. Jacopo walks you through the process of buying property in Italy, step by step, making it very easy to understand so you’re prepared for your property buying journey - even if you want to buy a castle. Jacopo and Catrin have an entertaining and useful conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: If foreigners can buy a property in Italy, without being a resident If Italy’s 1 euro homes are worth it One very helpful tip to avoid spending thousands of dollars unnecessarily and having a major headache to deal with What budgets you should consider when looking to buy in Italy If foreigners can get a loan from an Italian bank if they’re not a resident in Italy Perks for 1st time home buyers What costs you should consider when buying property in Italy Places where you can find Italian property listings online Why you shouldn’t overlook a property listing with bad photos If buying property in Italy is really worth it The top websites for Italian property listings: Immobiliare.it Idealista.it This episode is perfect for people who: Want to buy property in Italy while still living in the US Are moving to Italy and looking for property Foreigners already living in Italy that want to buy property Would be interested in investing in rental property in Italy Want to understand what it would be like to buy property in Italy Chapters (Apple Podcasts, Spotify): 2:02 Intro 2:33 The most researched city by foreign buyers of property in Italy 6:02 Jacopo explains why he’s the right person to speak about the topic of real estate in Italy 8:22 Where foreign buyers are looking for property in Italy 11:44 If it's worth it to buy 1 euro homes in Italy 13:34 Revealing budgets someone should consider when looking to buy in Italy 15:39 If foreigners can get a loan from an Italian bank if they’re not a resident in Italy 17:26 What costs you should consider when buying property in Italy 17:51 Perks for 1st time home buyers 20:04 One very helpful tip to avoid spending thousands of dollars and having a major headache in the future 23:15 Why you can’t trust Italian real estate agents 25:22 Jacopo walks you through the process of buying property in Italy, step by step, making it very easy to understand so you’re prepared for your property buying journey - even if you want to buy a castle 29:12 Where you can find Italian property listings online 34:43 Why you shouldn’t overlook a property listing with "bad” photos 37:57 Is buying property in Italy worth it 38:30 Property tax benefits in Italy 40:18 Outro Jacopo Tartaglia is a real estate agent and the founder of Valente Italian Properties. Through his work and social channels, he shares practical insights on buying, investing, and living in Italy, helping international clients navigate the Italian real estate market. Contact Jacopo: https://valenteit.com/it/contact-us/&utm_medium=organic&fonte=Youtube&hs_language=it This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 6 · 50 min
The Italian Podcast Market - Co-founder of the Largest Italian Podcast Media Company Offers Insights into the Podcasting Industry in Italy
Get the inside scoop on the Italian podcast market, like what podcast genres are popular (or not) in Italy, how the non-verbal in Italian culture - like Italian hand gestures - affects podcast listening, and growth and monetization techniques. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Francesco Tassi, co-founder and CEO of VOIS, the Milan-based podcast creators network achieving 6M monthly listens, and host Catrin Skaperdas sit down at the VOIS studios (on March 3, 2026) to navigate the evolution of the Italian podcast industry from 2019 to today, bringing you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian media culture inclusive of: The Italian podcast market in 2019 and why VOIS only worked because of where in Italy it was launched Francesco gives a podcast 101 lesson about the two waves of podcasting (2004 and 2014) The reaction of Francesco telling his Italian friends and family that he was starting a podcast company in 2019 How the podcast market in Italy has changed from 2019 to now and how VOIS has changed from then until now Cross-promotion and monetization techniques in Italy, including dynamic ad insertion (DAI) How podcasts moving toward video has affected the Italian podcast market How other forms of media perceive podcasts (e.g. how radio stations see podcasts) How competition exists between podcasts and between podcasts and radio How the Italian podcast market differs from other markets around the world Podcast genres that are not popular in Italy: comedy and sports Francesco describes what they call at VOIS “responsible entertainment” Average length of podcasts in Italy and when people are listening, according to the data, and what Francisco thinks about it How non-verbal in Italian culture affects Italian podcast listening, or doesn’t (affect it) Francesco talks about how the Italian podcast market is a great opportunity right now Chapters: 01:14 Intro 3:01 The Italian podcast market from 2019 to now 7:03 The reaction of Italians when Francesco told people in his life that he was starting a podcast company 10:03 Italian work culture vs the US work culture 13:39 How VOIS / the Italian market has changed from 2019 until now 16:15 Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) in Italian podcasts 22:56 The sense of competition in the Italian podcast market between radio v podcasts or podcasts v podcasts 27:13 How the Italian podcast market differs from other podcast markets around the world 28:22 Italian podcast genres and why certain ones are more popular than others 33:38 “Responsible entertainment” explained 37:55 Average podcast length in Italy 44:28 How non-verbal in Italian culture affects Italian podcast listening, or doesn’t 50:00 Francesco’s final thoughts on the Italian podcast market 52:00 Outro To learn more about VOIS, check out their website https://vois.fm/ This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 22 · 52 min
Living in Italy vs the U.S. - Culture Shocks Between an American and an Italian, Including Cost of Living, Drivers License Exams, Breakups, Health Care, and the Drinking Age
Uncover where "Tuscany without the tourists" is and healthcare hacks that can save Americans money, and laugh with us through a cross-cultural roadmap between Italy and the US, on this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Italian D.C. resident Amedeo Jashi, real estate and affordable healthcare entrepreneur and content creator, and host Catrin Skaperdas chat their way through cultural differences between Italians and Americans to bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of: Amedeo's views of America and Italy, as an Italian that lives in America Areas of Italy that feel more “Italian” vs less Cost of living in Italy vs America Income taxes for the employee vs employer in Italy vs America Why Amedeo thinks Abruzzo is amazing Living like an Italian in Washington DC How hard it is to get a drivers license in Italy Drinking culture in Italy vs America The difference of Amedeo’s independence as a child growing up in Italy vs Catrin’s independence as a child growing up in the U.S. Gross vs net income in US vs America Cost of labor in Italy vs America The differences of American and Italian health care How in Italy it’s more common than in the U.S. to have friends who are of the opposite sex Breakup “culture” in the US vs Italy Chapters: 1:08 Intro 3:50 How an Italian views America and Italy 8:06 The cost of living and taxes in Italy 9:58 Amedeo tells us about Abruzzo 13:03 Living like an Italian in Washington DC / An Italian’s view of America’s cost of living 16:39 Getting a drivers license in Italy 18:29 Saving money in the US vs Italy 19:13 Drinking culture in Italy vs America 22:26 Independence in Italy 24:58 The way Italians do business in Italy 28:38 Cost of labor in Italy vs America 31:28 How to be self-employed in Italy 33:54 Healthcare in Italy vs America 44:32 Breakups in Italy vs America 52:22 Why Amedeo calls people peasants 55:23 Outro To check out Amedeo on Instagram, click here https://www.instagram.com/amedeo_iasci/ This interview is available to watch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and available to listen-only everywhere else you can get podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nov 13, 2024 · 37 min
Italian Fashion as it Relates to Italian Culture - Made in Italy, Luxury vs Fast Fashion, and How Italians Dress Described by CEO of Stefano Ricci in Florence, Italy
In Italy, dressing well is more than just a fashion statement. Stefano Ricci's CEO, Niccolò Ricci, explains the deep-rooted traditions and cultural nuances of Italian style. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * While revealing insights into one of Italy's most prestigious luxury brands, Niccolò and host Catrin Skaperdas have a fun and informative conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: Tips for how to feel comfortable in your clothes and look great The different ways to tie a tie (Italy vs U.S.) What "Made in Italy" really means The influence of family in Italian fashion brands Why proper attire is important to Italians Fast fashion and quiet fashion What Niccolò recommends you to avoid when getting dressed What Stefano Ricci does to give back to Florence Passing along Italian crafts to the future generations -- Stefano Ricci is an International Luxury Fashion and Lifestyle company. For more information about Stefano Ricci, check out https://www.stefanoricci.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 30, 2024 · 34 min
Weddings in Italy - Italian Wedding Traditions, Food, Superstitions, Gifts, Attire, Party Favors, Stories, and More
How are weddings in Italy different than weddings in America? As an American that recently got married in Italy, host Catrin Skaperdas noticed a lot of cultural differences between weddings she had experienced in the U.S. and traditions in Italy. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Join newly-wed American host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Carolina Cornaglia - Event Manager at Casa Scaparone - as they laugh and smile their way through a conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: What do Italians wear to weddings in Italy Wedding superstitions Pre-wedding traditions Bridesmaids/Groomsmen vs Testimonies If there is religion present in weddings in Italy Party favors and "confetti" Wedding bands Seating plan What gifts do Italians give at weddings in Italy Food culture at weddings in Italy What's thrown at the end of Italian wedding ceremonies Stay tuned until the end to hear Carolina share 3 funny, cute, and shocking stories of weddings at Casa Scaparone. -- To learn more about Casa Scaparone, check out: https://www.casascaparone.it/en/ -- This interview was recorded inside the flower atelier at Casa Scaparone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 16, 2024 · 29 min
Workout Culture in Italy - Head of Curriculum at Barry's Milan Offers Insights into the Italian Fitness Scene
Discover the vibrant world of workout culture in Italy, and join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Gabriele Tortorella - Head of Curriculum at Barry's Milan - as they laugh their way through a conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: Athleisure in Italy Boutique fitness studios in Italy What time Barry's opens in Milan vs New York City What clothes people are wearing when they arrive at Barry’s Milan KG (kilograms) vs LB (pounds) and Kilometers vs Miles Locker room habits in Milan (Italy) vs Miami (United States of America) Smoothies and breakfast culture in Italy How the Barry's Milan community is reflective of Italian culture What language is spoken at Barry's around the world * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * -- (This interview was recorded inside the iconic Red Room at Barry's Milan and can be watched on Spotify or YouTube.) -- For more information about Barry's Milan, check out https://www.barrys.com/studio/senato/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 2, 2024 · 46 min
Becoming an Adult in Italy - What Age are Italians Considered Adults? How Hard is the Driving Test? Is Getting a Job at 18 Easy? Freelancer or Employer?
Sharing her journey between childhood and adulthood in Italy - full of cultural differences that shocked our American host - is Federica Mutti. Content Creator (47k+ YouTube), Published Author, and Co-Founder of MUNU Communications Agency. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * From describing the university experience, to when Italians typically get a first job and why, to the difficulties of obtaining a drivers license, to pros and cons of employment types, and more, join host Catrin Skaperdas, guest Federica, and friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Hurley as they have an entertaining and thorough chat about what it's like growing up in Italy, inclusive of: Why Federica didn't get her drivers license at the legal age in Italy When Federica got her first job and why her father wasn't happy about it An Italian's perspective on freelancing What the "holy grail" of employment contracts is and why the trust in this contract is declining How work-life balance is in Italy What age Italians are considered adults What a resident of Italy needs (by law) before they can freelance Federica's interesting and inspiring experiences between 18 until 27 years old -- For more information about Federica Mutti, check out https://www.federicamutti.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 18, 2024 · 41 min
An Italian Living in the U.S. - Comparing Cultural Differences Between Italy and America, like College Graduation Ceremonies
As an Italian living in America for over two years, Michele D’Innella has noticed plenty of interesting cultural differences between the U.S. and Italy. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * His unique experiences - having gone to law school in both countries - make his perspective fascinating as he brings us unique tidbits about Italian culture such as the "interrogations" children in the Italian school system go through. Join host Catrin and guest Michele as they have an entertaining and informative chat about Italian culture inclusive of: What Italians (vs Americans) wear for college graduation Differences between law school in the U.S. and Italy Why Michele feels more or less safe living in Washington, D.C. (compared to Bari, Puglia) Cultural differences prevalent in his relationship with an American "Interrogations" in Italian school How college graduation in Italy differs from college graduation in the U.S. The largest cultural difference he noticed as an Italian living in America A wrongful conviction of an American in Italy -- This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. -- Born in Bari in 1995, Michele D’Innella is a lawyer and award-winning podcast producer. He studied Law at the University of Bari and then specialized in International & Comparative Law with an LL.M. at the George Washington University. In 2019 he made his first appearance in the podcasting world with an indie project. However, the real debut as a professional podcaster came in March 2021, when D’Innella launched his first branded format named “Storie di Tenebra”, a true crime series about the most infamous serial killers of Italy. The success of such initiative, mainly due to his forensic background, brought D’Innella on top of the charts. On the stage of Italy’s Podcasting Festival, he publicly announced the release of his new docuseries “Inverno Nucleare - Cronache di Chernobyl”, which then won the first edition of the Italian Podcast Awards in April 2022, in the category "Rising Star". After joining in 2023 the Board of Directors at Brothers in Law Inc., a non-profit organization committed to diversifying the legal profession, D'Innella officially entered the international podcasting community with a handful of new formats in English. Listen to Non Spegnere La Luce (Michele's true crime podcast produced in Italian) on Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 4, 2024 · 39 min
Mental Health and Sex Therapy in Italy - What's the Stigma, How to Get Help, What Care is Available, and How to Become a Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist
(TW: Mentions of suicide and sex) Helping us navigate the mental health system in Italy is Donatella Fiacchino, an Italian clinical psychologist and sex therapist. Whether you're considering relocating to Italy or simply curious about the differences in mental healthcare, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the Italian psyche. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Donatella as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat about Italian culture inclusive of: How Italians view mental health Routes someone in Italy looking for mental health care can take Finding therapy in English in Italy The ratio of suicide rates in Italy vs the U.S. Steps someone can take to become a clinical psychologist or sex therapist Why Donatella thinks sex is still a taboo in Italy Sex education in Italian's schools Gender roles in sex in Italy Differences between the North and South of Italy on topics surrounding mental health -- "The opinions, facts, examples, stories and hypotheses shared by Donatella Fiacchino in this episode come from personal observations on society, from the scientific literature and her psychological knowledge, from data collected via surveys, and from social media content. Examples when talking about people, relationship dynamics and any psychological construct only have explanatory functions and they do not come from the stories of current or past clients of Donatella Fiacchino. There’s never specific reference to current or past clients of hers. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." - Written by Donatella Fiacchino -- For more information about Donatella Fiacchino, check out https://www.donatellafiacchino.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 21, 2024 · 48 min
Venice Through the Eyes of a Local - Avoid Getting Pickpocketed, Identify Tourist Traps, and Learn the Origins of Ciao, Spritz, and Fascinating Historical Anecdotes about Italy
Visitors of Venice (past, current, and future) will gain a lot of uncommonly told info about "Venezia," as it's known in Italy, in this episode. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * "Attenzione pickpocket!" Whether you want to know more about that viral TikTok sound, the truth about "La Dolce Vita," or if Italians really use gondola's to get around, Federico Blumer has the insider information, local stories, and uncommon facts about Venice to share. Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Federico as they laugh and chat their way through fun facts about Venice to bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of: Pickpocketing and how to avoid it Tourism in Venice, Italy: Do they want it? Do they need it? The truth about "La Dolce Vita" A typical day for someone who lives in Venice How Federico feels about living in a place with no cars If locals really use gondolas in Venice What happens when you have a disagreement with someone in Venice The origin story of "Spritz" Why you shouldn't get a pizza in Venice How "carbonara" originated The anti-pasta movement A fascinating story of a guy who single handedly saved the day for Venice Advice for when people come to Venice The origin story of "Ciao" -- Federico Blumer, Venetian by adoption, born in Milan in 1986, is a cultural influencer and uses his social channels called "Il Viaggio di Scoperta" (The Journey of Discovery) to share fun and important facts about the city of Venice, Italy. To check out Il Viaggio di Scoperta on Instagram, click here https://www.instagram.com/ilviaggiodiscoperta/ This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 8, 2024 · 47 min
Growing Up Black in Italy - Stefania Okereke's Journey from Childhood in Cremona to Producing a Show with Amazon Prime that Taught her the Italian Food Fun Facts she Shares
Stefania Okereke gets deep about her experience as a Black woman that grew up in Cremona, Italy, but not before she shares delicious details about Italian food that she learned while touring Italy to produce a show with Amazon Prime: the first time Stefania saw pappardelle, how to cook a perfect bistecca alla Fiorentina, and more. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Stefania as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Stefania's experience as a Black woman that grew up in Italy "Cheese rolling is a thing!" The time Stefania met Anna Wintour and Khaby Lame at the first ever Black Carpet Awards in Italy Stefania warns you of the 3 Ps: The essential P foods for Italians The importance of time at the table within the Italian culture "I like you so much...but you're not the same." How to cook a perfect bistecca alla Fiorentina Advice to balance the Italian and London ways of living The first time Stefania saw pappardelle Stefania leaves us with her thoughts on what needs to change in Italy -- More information about Stefania Okereke: Stefania Okereke is a dynamic Italian-Nigerian multimedia broadcast journalist with a wealth of experience in producing and presenting for TV, digital platforms, radio, and podcasts. Over the past five years, Stefania has been at the forefront of news and current affairs, shaping narratives, breaking news, and bringing world events to audiences through acclaimed programs. Her impressive portfolio includes contributions to The One Show, Panorama, Today Programme, BBC London, and BBC World Service’s Newsday, Africa Daily, and Focus on Africa. Additionally, she has worked on reputable programs like What’s Up TV, Sky TV, Channel 4, ITV, BAFTA Awards, and Italy’s Rai 1. A storyteller at heart, Stefania is passionate about bringing people together, amplifying diverse voices, and connecting with underserved communities, making her a true advocate for inclusion and representation in media. -- In support of the Black community in Italy: https://www.instagram.com/weafricansunited/?igsh=OTFhYnNsZGRqcnA%3D https://www.instagram.com/colory.it/?igsh=N2hwY3YyMjB5OW5u https://blackcarpetawards.com/ -- This interview is available in video to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 24, 2024 · 36 min
Tips for Learning Italian - Make Friends and Find a Job in Italy, Avoid Apartment Hunting Nightmares, and Embrace the Italian Culture
Trying to learn Italian, dream of learning the language, or have Italian roots? Roberto Cittadini, an Italian teacher for 30 years, explains why learning the language is the key to unlocking Italy. Imagine understanding Italian conversations around you, appreciating the culture more, and making Italian friends effortlessly. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Roberto as Catrin opens up about her journey of learning Italian, and Roberto and her have an entertaining chat about the Italian language, Italy, and Italian culture inclusive of: Words taught in class that are not used in daily life The effectiveness and limitations of learning through TV, film, and music Double consonants Rolling 'R's Englishsisms (i.e. "sport" used in Italy) The typical flow of learning a language and what usually comes first Tips for learning Italian, whether you live in Italy or elsewhere How to read apartment listings The usual progression of native Spanish speakers learning Italian Italian words used in America -- For more information about Roberto's Italian school, check out https://www.passepartout-italia.it/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 10, 2024 · 43 min
The Truth Behind Italy's Food Culture - What You Might Not Know About Italian Food and Secrets of the Meat Industry Revealed by the Director of Food For Profit
Food is all-around better in Italy than everywhere else in the world... or is it? Pablo D’Ambrosi, Director of Food For Profit, exposes the meat industry in a way you've probably never heard before. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * An Italian living in London and an American living in Italy start the chat by getting into reactions when telling people you live in a different country, whether or not Pablo will say he's Italian at 100 years old still living in London, and how Milan (Italy) has changed over the years. Then, join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Pablo as they have an entertaining and educational chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Debunking the myth of Italy being all pasta and pizza Where the largest fish market in Italy is What "Slow Food" is The dark side of Europe's meat industry When in history people started eating meat more The Italian-made documentary that 1.5M have watched already What animals Italy sees as food or as pets Medicine culture (US vs Italy) Why most of the US meat is banned to be sold in Europe -- For more information about Food For Profit, click here https://foodforprofit.com/. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 26, 2024 · 52 min
Work-Life Balance in Italy - Spotify Executive Discusses Office Culture in Italy vs America and Motherhood in Italy
The ghost town phenomenon of August in Milan, the sentence that if missing will get a resume thrown away in Italy, and the names you can't legally give to an Italian child are all part of this entertaining and factual chat with Federica Tremolada, General Manager of Europe, Spotify. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Federica has the unique experience of working both in the U.S. and Italy and gives interesting culture comparisons. Plus, she provides valuable insight into what it's like to be a mom in Italy. Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Federica as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: How many paid days off Italians get, especially in the year they get married What happens if an Italian bank holiday falls on a weekend An Italian vs American approach to lunch during a work day What's considered a "long" vs "short" vacation Work culture during August What "smart working" is Contrasting work styles in the U.S. and Italy Specifics of how you can use maternity leave in Italy Navigating Italian naming laws Gender gap in music charts and Spotify's initiatives to address it -- For more information about Federica Tremolada, check out her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ftremolada/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 12, 2024 · 43 min
All About Chocolate and Gelato in Italy - Sweet Tips for Finding Great Gelato in Italy and Unveiling Italian Chocolate Recipes with Mr. Venchi
Serious gelato and chocolate cravings might occur after listening to this episode with not-your-average chocolatier, G.B. Mantelli of Venchi, the most important chocolate boutique in Italy in the 19th century. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Become proficient in picking out quality gelato and get advice to ensure you're eating real chocolate with only the best ingredients. Learn the origin story of chocolate and what type of chocolate people typically enjoy around the world. Join host Catrin Skaperdas, G.B. Mantelli of Venchi, and friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Harley as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: When and Where the First License to Craft Chocolate was Given How to Identify a Good Gelateria in Italy How Venchi's Bright Packaging Relates to Italian Food Culture What Gianduja is (Hint: It's Similar to Nutella) How G.B.'s Experiment at age 15 Became Award-Winning Chocolate G.B.'s Recommended Gelato Flavor Pairings What Exciting new Venchi Products are Launching in September 2024 How the Secret of Spanish Chocolate Arrived in Italy How Venchi Embraces Local Cultures Around the World Where to Find Venchi in the U.S. -- For more information about Venchi, check out the website https://us.venchi.com/. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.