Italian Life
Italian Life is a podcast hosted by Andrew, Riccardo, and Christina that covers all things Italy. They share news of the week, travel tips, a phrase of the week, and more. The show is aimed at both native Italians and those who adore Italian culture. Listeners can also get a guide to plan their dream Italy vacation.
Episodes
Napoli Napoli: The real center
Italian Life's tour host Barbara joins the team to talk from the heart about her home town, Naples. You've never been to Napoli, until you've been to Napoli Napoli... the bustling and busy core of the center of the city. We'll share where to go, what to see and of course, the best ways to get out to the nearby islands. Wanna go? Why not?!
A la tavola non si invecchia: Our family meal
What better way to kick off a new season is a lively Italian Life family meal? Chef Giuseppe hosts at his family Mulino, home of The Olive Press Kitchen: https://www.theolivepresskitchen.com/Giuseppe, Iole and Andrew are joined by Barbara, her son and Chris (Season 4: Sh*taly! episode) to debate steaks, fat, dessert, and what's it really like in Italy. Join the fun. Yes, we still have News of
Season 5 Channel Trailer: Why Not?
We're back and with so much more to talk about! Barbara, the heart of Italian Life, joins the show with her locally famous phase "why not?" Tuesday, the season rolls out. Subscribe now: Episode 1: A tavola non si invecchia: Our family mealEpisode 2: Napoli, Napoli! Episode 3: Gin Battles: Who wins the drinker or the scientist? Episode 4: Genova. A truly 'undiscovered' gem.Epi
Season Finale: Unlock Tuscany by not doing what we've done!
Even travel experts make mistakes. In fact, travel experts always make mistakes! But few actually tell you what they are. Not us! We are laying it all out there for you to learn from. Seasoned traveler Julie Brown joins Riccardo and Andrew for our season finale. If you're coming to Italy soon, you need to listen to this (and enjoy the laughs). Visit UnlockTuscany.com for our free guide. So muc
Flee the Heat: Veneto and More
Our guest Ariana joins the Italian Life team with insider tips for our upcoming August "Flee the Heat" trip. We dive deep into Bassano del Grappa's unique history and traditions. Is Treviso worth seeing? You don't have to say Valdobbiadene to want to go and drink the famous prosecco. News of the day: What's this fuel shortage all about anyway? The Word of the Day is appropria
Tuscan Food Tradtions with Chef Aurelio
Sometimes a single dinner can change everything! In this episode the Italian Life team greets Chef Aurelio Barattini to talk about the distinctions of Tuscan cooking and the traditions of a family restaurant, four generations in the making, Antico Locanda di Sesto! News of the day celebrates Andrew's favorite, The 80th birthday of the Vespa and guess. what? Smart Working doesn't mean what
Connect to Italian Roots: A Gangster, A Cookie and More
Italian Life guest Joe Hamrahi visits the podcast to discuss that pull that so many Italo-Americans feel, to come to Italy and reconnect with their roots. Joe's ties to Sicily include a great grandfather, an actual Corleone Family loyalist, who's gangland murder on the streets of New York made the New York Post. We have a Napoli Bank Robbery on News of the Day and much more.
Hidden Tuscany: Escape to Val di Chiana
Italian Life goes to the Eastern edge of Tuscany with special guests Sonia and Tom, owners of Casale Della Luci, a restored Tuscan farm house in the medieval town of Lucignano, known as the "Pearl of Val di Chiana. Learn all about this amazing region, with nearby gems like Arezzo, Cortona and Montepulciano and more. News of the day takes a serious look at the controversial new Italian Citizen
The Ultimate Local Guide to Puglia
Italian Life heads south with our guest Claudia who grew up in Puglia as our guide. We dive into the famous places you may know—Alberobello, Matera and Polignano a Mare, but take you so much further and tell you how to enjoy it like a local. Andrew takes the challenge to test his one day walking tour of Bari. See how he does! News of the day and so much more.
Siena: Intentionally 'undiscovered' Tuscany
Special guest Russell Thomas, a 20+year resident of Siena joins Italian Life for a deep dive into how to discover one of Tuscany's most interesting, beautiful cities. Beyond the famous Palio in the summer, the city continues to defend its old-style charm and ancient traditions while being a vibrant place for locals and tourists to easily mix. We follow up an earlier News of the Day on the cont
Is Florence Still the Crown Jewel of Tuscany?
Special guest Eric Veroliemeulen, curator of This Time Tomorrow in Florence joins the Italian Life crew to dive into all things Florence, where strong opinions drive the public conversation. Love it? Hate it? There seems to be little in between, yet it remains one of the most popular destinations in all of Italy. We dive into the issues, explore solutions for your visit and give the insider's
Jaw Dropping Hikes in Tuscany
Special guest Manuel Maiese joins the Italian Life team talking about the wonders of seeing Tuscany to the Ligurian Sea from the mountains above. Maneul, of Wild Trails, is hosting our Jaw Dropping Hikes week April 24-30 including the amazingly fun, local, walking celebration of Marce della Villa! News of the day about efforts to stop overtourism, Is it Real or Ai, and so much more.
February's a Party at Carnevale!
With our hub so close to Viareggio, home to one of the best Carnevale festivals in all of Italy, we danced and dodged our way through the festivities to give you the pros and cons and the insider tips on how to make this amazing festival, a bucket list item that you won't miss next year. And the funniest Is it Real or AI ever? You be the judge! Listen in.
Is Italy Breaking Up With You?
Riccardo and Andrew welcome Simone, co-owner of Bella Touring Tuscany to dive into the myths and realities of over-tourism and whether Americans are less welcome in Italy than before. We help you navigate and give great ideas for how to plan your next vacation. Word of the day, News of the day and Simone takes her first shot at "Is It Real or AI?" Listen in!
The 5 Biggest Mistakes Tourist Make
Well we don't get to all five of them, but lively conversation here about how to plan (and not plan) you're next Italian adventure. Check out our free guide to unlock Tuscany and avoid all five of these mistakes here: https://unlocktuscany.com/ Iole and Andrew banter about the best small airports, what's real and what's AI and of course, the word of the day! Listen in.
Undiscovered Italy: The spirit of Umbria
We all agree: Umbria has the "it" quality. Want to know more about it? Listen in! We have some fun with Is it Real or AI, news o of the day and word of the day. If you want to discover Umbria, this is it!
The Holiday: Would you house swap?
Wrapping up the holiday season, we take a look back at the famous rom-com and debate the merits of house swapping as a method for an Italian Adventure. Pro or con? Riccardo and Andrew are joined by Pisan Chemist Iole to hash it out. Learn the difference between Prendere and Adare and of course, play "Is it Real or AI?" Listen in!
What's Real: Italy or Sh*taly?
Does the bella vita really exist? How much is marketing and how much is something you can really embrace and experience? The phrase, "well, that's Sh*taly" exists for a reason. Our guest is Chris, an American expat raising two daughters in Italy and is about to launch a podcast called Shitaly, where the love for Italy is balanced with the reality of living here. For those dreaming of
Sardinia: Did reality match the dream?
Riccardo is back, and Andrew revisits his obsession with Sardinia, the focus of a podcast earlier this season. That podcast was the first that we “planned” Andrew's trip on air. Now Riccardo and Andrew break down the travel plans, the goals and if the dream of Sardinia was matched by the reality. We have our first video Is it Real or AI! Check it out on instagram. News of the day and so much m
Off Main Street: Celebrating Artful Lucca
Lucca is tops in Tuscany for tourist growth, according to recent statistics. Come here once and you'll see why. But we talk about how to explore the city off the main street and the same tours of the same seven places that every tour takes you on. With Artful Italia Founder Sheri Doyle, we talk about the truly unique adventures that await. We even have a new audio tour, just for art and shoppi
Obsession With 'Italian' Food and Wine
Restauranteur, food writer and self-described "cook" Stefano joins the Italian Life crew to talk about the passions and obsessions of Italians with food. Just what is "Italian" cooking? Butter in Cacio e Pepe?! NO! No? We cover it all. More is it Real or AI, news of the day and so much more.
Phones down! We're Making Memories For A Lifetime
Special guest, world traveler, writer, musician and more, Alan Gaskill joins the show talking about how to dive into the experiences of Italy when you come here. Talking all things Italy to help get your mind in the right place a truly make memories that last a lifetime. Real or AI is back! News of the day? Nobody wants to come to the US... but are Americans facing backlash abroad? We'll talk
Lucca Audio Tour: An irreverent guide
Lucca is like a new pop single, climbing the charts of "must-see" tourist destinations. Every day we see the streams of tourists wandering in and out, while missing the essence of what makes Lucca such a magical, mystical, historic town. Two locals join me talking all things Lucca. We'll give you the inside information about things you'll see if you use our first audio tour. Tips
Experience Autumn In Tuscany: An Olive Harvest And So Much More
We're back! Season 4. So many new things happening, some we tease and some we dive in. None more interesting than a chance to experience the Olive Harvest in Tuscany this year with us. Meanwhile, we're talking about "God's Influencer," playing "Is it Real or is it AI?" and a new word of the day. Listen in!
Teasing The Dream Island Getaway: Sardegna
The sun is out, rains have mostly moved on and the beaches are opening up! But we've got our eyes on the island of Sardegna! Christina talks about her experience doing a photography shoot in the posh area of Olbio and Costa Smeralda, while Andrew lets us in the research he's done on turning the island into a weekend getaway from Tuscany. Is this his Italian versin of "Going to the Ham
Artful Italia: Connecting You To The Best In Italian Craft
Special Guest Sheri Doyle, founder of Artful Italia, joins Christina and Andrew to talk about what "Made it Italy" really means and how you can experience it first-hand. We check in on the new citizenship laws that make it much harder for "American Diaspora" wanting to live here (we didn't know such a thing existed!?). Wine Windows, Is it Real or AI, who wins? and so much m
What's the Deal With the Water?
The Nasone – ubiquitous water fountains in many cities and towns, so named because they look like a "big nose" — are a source of constant curiosity for tourists, especially when the water just runs out freely as some still do. Where is that water coming from?! In Lucca the locals bring their bottles to fill out and take home. Why so special? We've got your answers and much of what yo
The Ultimate Guide to the Cinque Terre
We're getting into the height of tourist season, so if the Cinque Terre is a "must-see" (and we get it... it's worth it!)... then you need this ultimate guide! We tell you how to get there, how to experience the beauty, and most importantly how to navigate the big crowds and still have a dream vacation. Appropriately our News of the Day is on Over Tourism in Italy! Riccardo tries
Three Tips to Avoid Overtourism
It's a crazy time in Rome with the Conclave and the Year of Jubilee. We talk about the movie and it's similarities to the Conclave happening right now. With all of this going on, the tourists are coming earlier and in bigger groups than years past. Planning a trip can help you avoid burnout from crowds, long lines and missing out on the spirit of Italy. We give you three tips that can real
Flying the Friendly Italian Skies
Cheap airlines? Thumbs up or thumbs down? We love some and others... not so much. Christina and Andrew break it all down for you because the first step of a dream vacation is that step on to a plane! NEW GAME ALERT: is it real, or is it AI? Christina is our first contestant. Listen to how she does. Spring is here and we're ready for travel.
Ready for Sun in Sicilia and the Mob Goes High Tech?!
We're taking you to Sicilia, but not the elite hotels of Taormina, but the jumping off spot for southern beaches... Agrigento home of the famous Grecian Ruins, close to the Scala di Turco, a vibrant downtown life on this hillside town. News of the day will make you laugh. The Mafia thought its technology was secure, so the police had a hey day listening in. The one thing they learned: Gen Z ma
Chef Guiseppe, the Cucina Populare and a cooking class in Tuscany
Chef Guiseppe of the Olive Press Kitchen, formerly the Extra Virgin Cooking School of Lucca, joins us to talk about local food, wine, and how to make amazing local food. We have fun with an "Italian Style Breakfast" and so much more.
Volterra and the Tuscan Countryside (not Twilight!)
The residents of Volterra are more than happy to welcome you there if you're a fan of the Twilight series, where Bella comes to save Edwin. They are also glad to tell you it wasn't filmed there! But there are so many better reasons to visit one of the oldest towns in Italia, set atop alabaster high up on a mountain in the middle of many other places to see. We'll tell you all about the
Tired of Winter: We've Got Travel Porn
With the last of winter hanging on, give yourself a sunny break and start planning your dream vacation with us. We've got all the little tips you need to travel like a local. We also breakdown the new "lines" to limit people at Trevi Fountain in Roma. And its all, roba da pazzi, as we say in the word of the day. Listen in!
Italian Life Trailer
Italian Life is your guide to all things Italy: How to travel like a local, where to go, how to get there and everything you need to know before you arrive. We check in with the local news, teach you a word or two and generally have a great time doing it. Dolce fra niente! Join us.
Season 3 Begins! Wanna Flee America?
A new season, with many new things coming, including meet new co-host Cristina! If the ex-pat like is looking pretty good right now, find out the ins and outs, dos and don'ts to get started the right way. What's a 90/90 plan?! We'll tell you all about it!
The Ultimate Guide to Lucca
In today's episode we talk about what you should do and see when you visit Lucca!
Nella puntata di oggi parliamo di cosa dovresti fare e vedere quando visiti Lucca!
Italian Beach Guide
Hey everyone, in todays episode we give you a tutorial on all things beaches! So sit back and relax while we tell you everything you need to know.
Ciao a tutti, nell'episodio di oggi vi regaliamo un tutorial su tutto ciò che riguarda le spiagge! Quindi siediti e rilassati mentre ti diciamo tutto ciò che devi sapere.
Instagram vs Reality in Italy
Good morning! Today we talk about Instagram vs reality in Andrew's storytime and visiting one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites in Italy
Buongiorno! Oggi parliamo di Instagram vs realtà nello storytime di Andrew e della visita di uno dei siti Patrimonio dell'Umanità UNESCO in Italia
Exploring Italy's Wine
In this week's episode we breakdown a huge part of Italian culture: wine! Here's everything you need to know...
Nell'episodio di questa settimana analizziamo una parte importante della cultura italiana: il vino! Ecco tutto quello che devi sapere...
The Do's and Do Nots
In today's episode we are reviewing some popular lists of things to do and not do when planning your trip to Italy!
Nell'episodio di oggi esamineremo alcuni elenchi popolari di cose da fare e da non fare quando pianifichi il tuo viaggio in Italia!
The Incredible Andrea Bocelli
On today's episode we briefly revisit Juliet's house in Verona and we share some interesting facts on the infamous Andrea Bocelli!
Nella puntata di oggi rivisitiamo brevemente la casa di Giulietta a Verona e condividiamo alcuni fatti interessanti sul famigerato Andrea Bocelli!
An Expert Guide to Milan, Italy
In today's episode we give you the ultimate guide to all things Milan! Also, Andrew spent how much at dinner? Plus TWO words of the day!
Nell'episodio di oggi ti diamo la guida definitiva su tutto ciò che riguarda Milano! Inoltre, quanto Andrew ha speso per la cena? In più DUE parole del giorno!
Let's Take a Road Trip!
Road Trip Italian style! Plus, how to (and how not to) rent a car in Italy.
Girotino in stile italiano! Inoltre, come (e come non) noleggiare un'auto in Italia.
Luxury Skiing and Naughty Italian Influencers
Today we are visiting Madonna di Campiglio and talking about an Italian Influencer gone rogue!
Oggi visitiamo Madonna di Campiglio e parliamo di un'influencer italiana diventata una canaglia!
Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo!
Andrew's Death by Vespa?
We're back! Join us today to talk about gondola tipping in Venice, Italy storytime, and the Amalfi Coast!
Siamo tornati! Unisciti a noi oggi per parlare delle mance in gondola a Venezia, della storia dell'Italia e della Costiera Amalfitana!
Pizzo- Calabro
Who would've thought we would talk about the South of Italy?! Here we are... Talking about Pizzo Calabro and what makes this seaside town so different.
Chi avrebbe mai pensato che avremmo parlato del Sud Italia?! Eccoci qui... Parliamo di Pizzo Calabro e di ciò che rende questa città di mare così diversa.
Vatican City and the Mystery of the Vatican Girl
Ciao a tutti! Today we discuss the Netflix documentary the Vatican Girl along with the Vatican City as our place to visit. Tune in to learn more.
Ciao a tutti! Oggi discutiamo del documentario Netflix The Vatican Girl insieme alla Città del Vaticano come luogo da visitare. Sintonizzati per saperne di più.
Snowboard or Ski? We got you covered!
Ciao a tutti! Today we are going over where you should hit the slopes in Italy. Tune in to learn where to take your winter sports!
Ciao a tutti! Oggi esamineremo dove dovreste scendere sulle piste in Italia. Sintonizzati per sapere dove portare i tuoi sport invernali!
Torino is the Italian Dream for Movie Lovers
Ciao a tutti! Today we are talking about the wonderful Northern city, Torino (Turin). Not only will you find gorgeous views of the Alps, but also one of the greatest Cinema Museums in the world!
Ciao a tutti! Oggi parliamo della meravigliosa città del Nord, Torino (Turin). Non solo troverai splendide viste sulle Alpi, ma anche uno dei più grandi musei del cinema del mondo!
Taormina in White Lotus Season 2
Are you a fan of White Lotus season 2? Then listen in to today's episode to learn about where in Sicily you should visit to live out your White Lotus dreams!
Sei un fan della stagione 2 di White Lotus? Quindi ascolta l'episodio di oggi per sapere dove in Sicilia dovresti visitare per vivere i tuoi sogni White Lotus!
Where SHOULD you visit in Tuscany?
Today Andrew, Riccardo, and Montana are in Lucca together and they are talking about the places that you should visit (as well as some spots you might want to skip).
Oggi Andrew, Riccardo e Montana sono insieme a Lucca e parlano dei luoghi che dovresti visitare (oltre ad alcuni posti che potresti voler saltare).
A Protective Andrew in Manfredonia
Ever heard of Manfredonia? Yeah, not many people have... We're talking about why you maybe shouldn't go there and where you should go instead!
Mai sentito parlare di Manfredonia? Sì, non molte persone hanno... Stiamo parlando del perché forse non dovresti andarci e dove dovresti invece andare!
Exiled from Pompei
Andrew and Riccardo are joined by their producer Montana to go over all things Pompei! A city frozen in time by the ash of a Volcano. Riccardo will also be sharing the meaning of Chiorba. Listen to learn more!
Andrew e Riccardo sono raggiunti dal loro produttore Montana per ripassare tutto su Pompei! Una città congelata nel tempo dalla cenere di un vulcano. Riccardo condividerà anche il significa
The Door in the Last Supper in Milan
Andrew and Riccardo are discussing the Last Supper. Where to go, and how to see it, they are even talking about an unknown door. Listen to find out!
Andrew e Riccardo stanno discutendo dell'Ultima Cena. Dove andare e come vederlo, parlano persino di una porta sconosciuta. Ascolta per scoprirlo!
Twilight Fans, This is for You. Visit Montepulciano
Were you expecting us to start talking about vampires in Italy? I bet not. Listen to today's episode to hear all about Twilight and Vampires. We also introduce a guest who knows a little bit more about that...
Ti aspettavi che iniziassimo a parlare di vampiri in Italia? Scommetto di no. Ascolta l'episodio di oggi per sapere tutto su Twilight e Vampires. Presentiamo anche un ospite che ne sa qualc
Pasta Bolognese in Bologna, Anyone?
Ever heard of a city called Bologna? Riccardo and Andrew share all the must-see things there along with delish menu items.
Mai sentito parlare di una città chiamata Bologna? Riccardo e Andrew condividono tutte le cose da vedere lì insieme a deliziose voci di menu.
Love and Verona
In today's episode, we are talking all things, love! Do you know the difference between ti amo and ti voglio bene? Listen to find out!
Nella puntata di oggi, stiamo parlando di tutte le cose, amore! Conosci la differenza tra ti amo e ti voglio bene? Ascolta per scoprirlo!
The Sword in the Stone Near Siena
Yes, the Disney tale of Sword in the Stone is real! (kinda) The story is a bit different, but you are still able to go and see it for yourself. Listen to today's episode and hear Riccardo's experience with visiting the Sword along with our interesting word of the day.
Sì, la fiaba Disney di Sword in the Stone è reale! (un po') La storia è un po' diversa, ma puoi ancora andare a vederla di persona
Sei Briao? Visit Castiglioncello
Welcome to the first Podcast episode of Italian Life! Today, Andrew and Riccardo are covering a wine tasting computer, Castiglioncello Beaches, and our word of the day. Listen to find out more!
Benvenuti al primo episodio del Podcast di Italian Life! Oggi, Andrew e Riccardo parlano di un computer di degustazione di vini, Castiglioncello Beaches, e la nostra parola del giorno. Ascolta per saperne
