
ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture
ITALIAN, FOR SURE is a podcast that offers an authentic guide to Italian culture, moving beyond stereotypes. Host Catrin Skaperdas, an American living in Italy, interviews locals to share their wisdom, stories, and insights about Italy. The show is perfect for listeners who want to learn more about Italian culture, plan to visit or move to Italy, or have Italian heritage. Episodes cover topics that enhance cultural awareness and provide fun facts, releasing every other Wednesday.
Episodes

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 l

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.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 choosi

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!It’s a rare treat to hear from someone who was born, raised, and still lives in Milan today. ITALIAN, FOR SURE guest

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 ev

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://italianf

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?Milanese local Giulia Lavini

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)?Specializing in helping foreign buyers buy,

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.Francesco Tassi, co-founder and CEO of VOIS, the Milan-based podcast creators network achieving 6M monthly listens, and host Catrin Skaperdas sit do

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.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

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

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

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 ItalyBoutique fitness studios in ItalyWhat time Barry's opens in Milan vs New York CityWhat clothes people are wearing when they arrive at

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 Ital

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 I

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! http

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 gondo

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://it

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://italianfo

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 react

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 ha

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 eatin

Buon Appetito - Italian Restaurant Details Including Etiquette, Menus (Km0), Bread, Waiters, Paying, and Tipping
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 the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com *Join host Catrin Skaperdas and Piedmont C

Experience an Italian Spa - Wellness and Self-Care in Italy Explained by Cofounder of QC Spa of Wonders (Formerly QC Terme)
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 the ITALIAN, FOR

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

Trailer
Entertaining and Insightful Conversations about Italian CultureOn 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.Italian, For Sure is the perfect podcast for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Italian culture, includ
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