In this episode of Your Italian Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Liz Knight, an American expat who has spent more than a decade building a life, career, and family in Rome. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy or wondered what day‑to‑day life in Rome is actually like, this conversation delivers real, grounded insight into the expat experience.

Liz shares her journey from Tennessee to the Eternal City, opening up about the realities behind the romantic idea of “living in Italy.” Together, we explore Italian bureaucracy, navigating residency and taxes, how the healthcare system works, and what it’s like to raise children and build community in Rome. You’ll also hear what surprises most Americans when they move to Italy, what families should know about Italian schools, how long it truly takes to feel settled, and the emotional side of starting over in a new country.

Whether you’re planning a move, exploring your Italian citizenship, or simply fascinated by expat life, this episode offers an honest, practical look at what it means to build a life in Italy—beyond the postcards and pasta.

In this episode, Lauren talks with Nikki Taylor, founder of Italy Property Consulting and one of the leading experts on buying property in Italy as a foreigner. Nikki shares her journey from Australia to Italy, how she built a career helping international buyers navigate the Italian real estate market, and what anyone considering a home in Italy needs to know before taking the leap.

Together, they explore the questions people ask when they begin imagining a life in Italy. How do you buy a home in Italy as a non‑resident? Which regions offer the best value? What should buyers look for when evaluating Italian properties? And how can you avoid the pitfalls that often surprise first‑time foreign buyers?

Nikki also opens up about the realities of the Italian property market, including some of the unforgettable moments she has experienced while touring homes across the country. From breathtaking opportunities to situations she never could have anticipated, her stories reveal the full spectrum of what it means to help people find their place in Italy.

This conversation is practical, inspiring, and filled with clear guidance for anyone dreaming of owning a home in Italy. Whether you are exploring Italian real estate for the first time or actively planning a move, Nikki offers the insight and confidence needed to take the next step.

A must‑listen for anyone considering buying property in Italy, building a life abroad, or turning their Italian citizenship into a meaningful new chapter.

Paula and Lauren Hopkins began the Italian citizenship process together years ago, long before there was a business, a community, or even the idea of a podcast. What started as a simple mother‑daughter project quickly became something deeper: a shared exploration of family history, identity, and the stories that shape who we are. That experience became the foundation for Your Italian Passport and, now, Your Italian Podcast.

In this first episode, Paula reflects on what it meant to reconnect with her roots, to honor the generations that came before her, and to walk this journey side‑by‑side with her daughter. Their conversation is filled with heart, reflection, laughter, and the kind of honesty that only happens when two people know each other’s stories by heart.

Together, they revisit the small moments that sparked big change. They talk about the curiosity that led them to dig deeper, the encouragement that kept them moving forward, and the quiet realization that reclaiming citizenship is about so much more than documents. It’s about belonging. It’s about legacy. It’s about remembering where we come from so we can understand where we’re going.

A beautiful beginning to the stories we’ll tell here, and the perfect way to open this new chapter.