Italian, For Sure
As the podcast about Italian culture, ITALIAN, FOR SURE goes beyond the cliches and stereotypes to reveal the true Italian way of living by interviewing Italians born and raised in Italy.
New to Italian, For Sure?
24
Aug. 11, 2026
The UK vs Italy - Cultural Differences, Mom-Funded Doctor Visits, and Pasta Crimes
From committing the Italian sin of cutting pasta to understanding that the concept of time is different in various parts of the world, this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE is a hilarious riot of cultural clashes between the UK and Italy. Recorded right before Catrin’s trip to Sicily with her parents, comedian Tino Giaccotto and host Catrin Skaperdas pull back the curtain on Tino's hilarious life between the UK and Italy. They have a zero filter, maximum laughs conversation about Italian cultu
1
May 1, 2024
Mamma Mia - Decode Italian Hand Gestures, Accents and Onomatopoeias with Polyglot Artist Maddalena Mazzaferri from Rome, Italy
Laugh along with us while learning essential Italian words and sounds to avoid awkward misunderstandings, impressive regional accents that sound entirely different (e.g. Milanese vs. Roman), and the Italian hand gestures that non-Italians use, but might not fully understand. Join host Catrin Skaperdas and polyglot artist Maddalena Mazzaferri as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Accents: Roman, Sicilian, and Milanese Italian Hand Gestures and their True
16
April 21, 2026
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 Itali
18
May 19, 2026
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
20
June 16, 2026
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 Skaper
Recent Episodes
24
Aug. 11, 2026
The UK vs Italy - Cultural Differences, Mom-Funded Doctor Visits, and Pasta Crimes
From committing the Italian sin of cutting pasta to understanding that the concept of time is different in various parts of the world, this episode of ITALIAN, FOR SURE is a hilarious riot of cultural clashes between the UK and Italy. Recorded right before Catrin’s trip to Sicily with her parents, comedian Tino Giaccotto and host Catrin Skaperdas pull back the curtain on Tino's hilarious life between the UK and Italy. They have a zero filter, maximum laughs conversation about Italian cultu
23
July 28, 2026
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
22
July 14, 2026
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
21
June 30, 2026
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 differe
20
June 16, 2026
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 Skaper
19
June 2, 2026
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 Baron