
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What month Italian cities are ghost towns and how Italians can spot American tourists are just some topics we'll cover in this ITALIAN, FOR SURE episode about how Italians (vs Americans) travel.
Recorded at the WeRoad headquarters in Milan right before Catrin steps away for maternity leave, host Catrin Skaperdas sits down with WeRoad's Brand Marketing Director Margherita Galluzzo to pull back the curtain on the quirks, traditions, and psychology behind Italian vacation habits. They have an entertaining, candid conversation about Italian travel culture inclusive of:
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
4:57 How vacation days work in Italy
9:35 Why you shouldn’t visit Italian cities in August
13:59 Most popular times of year that Italians travel
14:34 How Italians treat bank holidays
16:55 How Italians vs Americans approach trip planning
21:37 Italian travel habits across the generations
23:49 “Vacanza” vs “Gita”
25:09 How Italians can spot American tourists in Italy
27:00 Top travel destination for Italians
28:42 What WeRoad offers travelers
30:07 Solo travel: Italians vs Americans
35:33 Food habits of Italians while traveling
39:16 Tourist traps in Italy
42:17 Outro
WeRoad creates groups of an average of 11 people between the ages of 18 and 49 to set off and discover the world. To date, over 300,000 travelers have shared incredible adventures with WeRoad in more than 150 destinations.
Discover WeRoad trips and travel itineraries at www.weroad.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.
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 culture inclusive of:
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
03:19 The realities of going home for people living abroad
04:27 How time works in Italy vs the UK
08:59 Italians vs Americans eating
12:29 Are they gay or are they Italian?
16:58 Tipping culture in the UK vs Italy
22:54 Using slang terms with foreigners
27:17 People assuming Tino was a delivery person
28:46 Small talk in the UK vs Italy
30:30 Outro
Connect with Tino on Instagram: www.instagram.com/tinogiaccotto_comedian
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.
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 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:
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:04 Verona, Mantova, and Italian Food Culture
05:24 The birth story of Meracinque
07:39 Characteristics of rice: carnaroli vs arborio
09:46 Different rice dishes around Italy
12:34 What rice dishes Italians eat and when they eat them throughout the year
14:15 Rice cultivation process start to finish
19:11 Pros and cons of running a family-owned business
22:06 What it’s like to be a women-owned business in this industry
25:27 Selling Italian rice outside of Italy
32:45 Difficulties of running a business in Italy
38:25 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.
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, 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:
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:16 Why Alice is the perfect person to speak with us about Milan
02:37 Why Alice left Milan and why she came back
05:02 How Milan has changed over the years
07:04 Why Milan is a great place for foreigners to live
11:37 Why people hate Milan
13:40 Why Catrin likes Milan
15:37 What someone should see if they were visiting Milan for the first time
23:08 West side vs East side of Milan
26:26 The safety of Milan
30:11 Alice shares her “favorites” in Milan
34:23 Where Alice recommends going for a quick trip outside of Milan
35:40 Typical night out in Milan
40:31 What people eat in Milan
45:18 Outro
More about @daysofmilan:
Days of Milan 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 Days of Milan, 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.
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:
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:50 Differences between Milan and Turin
06:58 How Sicilian and Neapolitan is an actual a regional language, not a dialect
09:23 Italians speaking English in Italy
12:27 Movie dubbing in Italy
13:44 Regional accents across Italy
17:51 How foreign actors names are pronounced in Italy
22:47 Funny movie title translations
26:40 Arancino or arancina debate
30:47 North vs South of Italy
35:39 Sicilian pride
38:40 Outro
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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:
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.
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 Lavinia Futura Baroni and host Catrin Austin Skaperdas have an entertaining and uncensored conversation about Italian culture inclusive of:
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:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:28 Middle names in Italy
00:07:11 Common given names in Italy
00:12:13 Religion in Italy
00:21:25 Dating in Italy
00:36:20 Sex in Italy
00:40:33 Circumcision: Italy vs U.S.
00:44:22 Fashion in Milan, Italy
00:51:31 Egg freezing in Italy
00:55:41 Surrogacy in Italy
00:57:59 Italian food
01:02:26 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.
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, 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:
The top websites for Italian property listings:
This episode is perfect for people who:
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:29 The most researched city by foreign buyers of property in Italy
04:58 Jacopo explains why he’s the right person to speak about the topic of real estate in Italy
07:18 Where foreign buyers are looking for property in Italy
09:22 If it's worth it to buy 1 euro homes in Italy
11:12 Revealing budgets someone should consider when looking to buy in Italy
13:17 If foreigners can get a loan from an Italian bank if they’re not a resident in Italy
15:04 What costs you should consider when buying property in Italy
15:29 Perks for 1st time home buyers
17:42 One very helpful tip to avoid spending thousands of dollars and having a major headache in the future
20:53 Why you can’t trust Italian real estate agents
23:00 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
26:16 Where you can find Italian property listings online
31:47 Why you shouldn’t overlook a property listing with "bad” photos
35:01 Is buying property in Italy worth it
35:34 Property tax benefits in Italy
37:22 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.
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 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:
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.
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 between Italians and Americans to bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of:
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.
From the publisher's feed
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…
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.)

90,729 Listeners

43,363 Listeners

1,971 Listeners

191 Listeners

111,864 Listeners

288 Listeners

3,564 Listeners

651 Listeners

156 Listeners

204 Listeners

195 Listeners

150 Listeners

198 Listeners

45 Listeners

98 Listeners