ITALIAN, FOR SURE  |  Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture
ITALIAN, FOR SURE  |  Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture

ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture

Catrin Skaperdas

Overview
Episodes

Details

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 in Italy, hosts lively interviews with locals in an effort to give Italians the (befitting) stage to passionately share their wisdom, stories and insights about Italy.* Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com *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.)

Recent Episodes

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
APR 22, 2026
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. * 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 Italians and Americans to bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of:Amedeo's views of America and Italy, as an Italian that lives in AmericaAreas of Italy that feel more “Italian” vs lessCost of living in Italy vs AmericaIncome taxes for the employee vs employer in Italy vs AmericaWhy Amedeo thinks Abruzzo is amazingLiving like an Italian in Washington DCHow hard it is to get a drivers license in ItalyDrinking culture in Italy vs AmericaThe difference of Amedeo’s independence as a child growing up in Italy vs Catrin’s independence as a child growing up in the U.S.Gross vs net income in US vs AmericaCost of labor in Italy vs AmericaThe differences of American and Italian health careHow in Italy it’s more common than in the U.S. to have friends who are of the opposite sexBreakup “culture” in the US vs Italy 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.
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52 MIN
Clip "Community in Venice, Italy" from Episode 9
MAR 19, 2025
Clip "Community in Venice, Italy" from Episode 9
This clip is from Episode 9: "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" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Federico Blumer reveals a lot of uncommonly told insights about "Venezia," as it's known in Italy, by sharing insider information, local stories, and uncommon facts. Find the full episode on ITALIAN, FOR SURE to join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Federico as they laugh and chat their way through fun facts about Venice to bring you an entertaining and educational episode about Italian culture inclusive of: Pickpocketing and how to avoid it Tourism in Venice, Italy: Do they want it? Do they need it? The truth about "La Dolce Vita" A typical day for someone who lives in Venice How Federico feels about living in a place with no cars If locals really use gondolas in Venice What happens when you have a disagreement with someone in Venice The origin story of "Spritz" Why you shouldn't get a pizza in Venice How "carbonara" originated The anti-pasta movement A fascinating story of a guy who single handedly saved the day for Venice Advice for when people come to Venice The origin story of "Ciao" -- This interview is available to watch on Spotify or YouTube or to listen-only wherever you get podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. -- Federico Blumer, Venetian by adoption, born in Milan in 1986, is a cultural influencer and uses his social channels called "Il Viaggio di Scoperta" (The Journey of Discovery) to share fun and important facts about the city of Venice, Italy. To check out Il Viaggio di Scoperta on Instagram, click here https://www.instagram.com/ilviaggiodiscoperta/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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9 MIN
Clip "How Growing up in Italy as a Black Woman Shaped her Identity" from Episode 8
MAR 12, 2025
Clip "How Growing up in Italy as a Black Woman Shaped her Identity" from Episode 8
This clip is from Episode 8: "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" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, 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. Find the full episode on ITALIAN, FOR SURE to join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Stefania as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Stefania's experience as a Black woman that grew up in Italy "Cheese rolling is a thing!" The time Stefania met Anna Wintour and Khaby Lame at the first ever Black Carpet Awards in Italy Stefania warns you of the 3 Ps: The essential P foods for Italians The importance of time at the table within the Italian culture "I like you so much...but you're not the same." How to cook a perfect bistecca alla Fiorentina Advice to balance the Italian and London ways of living The first time Stefania saw pappardelle Stefania leaves us with her thoughts on what needs to change in Italy -- This interview is available to watch on Spotify or YouTube or to listen-only wherever you get podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. -- More information about Stefania Okereke: Stefania Okereke is a dynamic Italian-Nigerian multimedia broadcast journalist with a wealth of experience in producing and presenting for TV, digital platforms, radio, and podcasts. Over the past five years, Stefania has been at the forefront of news and current affairs, shaping narratives, breaking news, and bringing world events to audiences through acclaimed programs. Her impressive portfolio includes contributions to The One Show, Panorama, Today Programme, BBC London, and BBC World Service’s Newsday, Africa Daily, and Focus on Africa. Additionally, she has worked on reputable programs like What’s Up TV, Sky TV, Channel 4, ITV, BAFTA Awards, and Italy’s Rai 1. A storyteller at heart, Stefania is passionate about bringing people together, amplifying diverse voices, and connecting with underserved communities, making her a true advocate for inclusion and representation in media. -- In support of the Black community in Italy: https://www.instagram.com/weafricansunited/?igsh=OTFhYnNsZGRqcnA%3D https://www.instagram.com/colory.it/?igsh=N2hwY3YyMjB5OW5u https://blackcarpetawards.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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7 MIN
Clip "Italian Words That Mean Something Different in the U.S. and Italy" from Episode 7
MAR 5, 2025
Clip "Italian Words That Mean Something Different in the U.S. and Italy" from Episode 7
This clip is from Episode 7: "Tips for Learning Italian - Make Friends and Find a Job in Italy, Avoid Apartment Hunting Nightmares, and Embrace the Italian Culture" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, 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. Find the full episode on ITALIAN, FOR SURE to join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Roberto as they have an entertaining and educational chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Words taught in class that are not used in daily life The effectiveness and limitations of learning through TV, film, and music Double consonants Rolling 'R's Englishsisms (i.e. "sport" used in Italy) The typical flow of learning a language and what usually comes first Tips for learning Italian, whether you live in Italy or elsewhere How to read apartment listings The usual progression of native Spanish speakers learning Italian Italian words used in America - This interview is available to watch on Spotify or YouTube or to listen-only wherever you get podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. -- For more information about Roberto's Italian school, check out https://www.passepartout-italia.it/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3 MIN
Clip ""90% of Meat in Europe is Produced in Intensive Farms"" from Episode 6
FEB 19, 2025
Clip ""90% of Meat in Europe is Produced in Intensive Farms"" from Episode 6
This clip is from Episode 6: "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" Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube In the full episode, Pablo D’Ambrosi, Director of Food For Profit, exposes the meat industry in a way you've probably never heard before. Find the full episode on ITALIAN, FOR SURE to join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Pablo as they have an entertaining and educational chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Debunking the myth of Italy being all pasta and pizza Where the largest fish market in Italy is What "Slow Food" is The dark side of Europe's meat industry When in history people started eating meat more The Italian-made documentary that 1.5M have watched already What animals Italy sees as food or as pets Medicine culture (US vs Italy) Why most of the US meat is banned to be sold in Europe The Italian living in London and the American living in Italy start the episode 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. -- This interview is available to watch on Spotify or YouTube or to listen-only wherever you get podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music. -- For more information about Food For Profit, check out the website https://foodforprofit.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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3 MIN