Episodes

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 ric...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. 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 ti...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 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: ...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. From describing the university experience, to when Italians typically get a first job and why, to the difficulties of obtaining a drivers license, to contract terms, and more, join host Catrin Skaperdas, guest Fed...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. 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 ...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) (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 host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Donatella as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat a...

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. "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 wa...

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Stefania as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat about Italian c...

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 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 lang...

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. 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, j...

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. 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...

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. 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. Mantell...

Master eating like a local in Italy by understanding how Italian food is regional, the differences between a trattoria, an osteria, and a restaurant, what Km0 and Slow Food mean on a menu, and when to cut the spaghetti (...never... the answer is never). Join host Catrin Skaperdas and Piedmont Cook and Restauranteur Marco Massaia as they have an entertaining chat about Italian restaurant culture inclusive of: Tipping Norms How to Tell if an Italian Restaurant is Authentic Waiter Cult...

Gain an inside perspective on Italian wellness (or in Italian: "benessere") and how Italian's approach self-care. Dive into fascinating insights about Italian culture that are reflected in Italian spas, like the importance of silence and the presence of public displays of affection, while distinct philosophies of wellness between Italy and the U.S. are highlighted. Join friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Harley and QC Spa of Wonders Cofounder and CEO Andrea Quadrio Curzio as they have an entertain...

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 ...

On Italian, For Sure, host Catrin Skaperdas (an American living in Italy) interviews Italians about the Italian society and culture, spreading accurate information about Italy with Italian people in an entertaining way.