ITALIAN, FOR SURE | The Podcast About Italian Culture full of Conversations with Italians in Italy

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. While revealing insights into one of Italy's most prestigious luxury brands, Niccolò and host Catrin Skaperdas have a fun and informative conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: Tips for how to feel comfortable in your clothes and look great The different ways to tie a tie (Italy vs U.S.) What "Made in Italy" really means The influence of family in Italian fashion brands Why proper attire is important to Italians Fast fashion and quiet fashion What Niccolò recommends you to avoid when getting dressed What Stefano Ricci does to give back to Florence Passing along Italian crafts to the future generations -- Stefano Ricci is an International Luxury Fashion and Lifestyle company. For more information about Stefano Ricci, check out https://www.stefanoricci.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 newly-wed American host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Carolina Cornaglia - Event Manager at Casa Scaparone - as they laugh and smile their way through a conversation about Italian culture inclusive of: What do Italians wear to weddings in Italy Wedding superstitions Pre-wedding traditions Bridesmaids/Groomsmen vs Testimonies If there is religion present in weddings in Italy Party favors and "confetti" Wedding bands Seating plan What gifts do Italians give at weddings in Italy Food culture at weddings in Italy What's thrown at the end of Italian wedding ceremonies Stay tuned until the end to hear Carolina share 3 funny, cute, and shocking stories of weddings at Casa Scaparone. -- To learn more about Casa Scaparone, check out: https://www.casascaparone.it/en/ -- This interview was recorded inside the flower atelier at Casa Scaparone. -- Please leave Italian, For Sure a review on Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/ratings  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 Italy Boutique fitness studios in Italy What time Barry's opens in Milan vs New York City What clothes people are wearing when they arrive at Barry’s Milan KG (kilograms) vs LB (pounds) and Kilometers vs Miles Locker room habits in Milan (Italy) vs Miami (United States of America) Smoothies and breakfast culture in Italy How the Barry's Milan community is reflective of Italian culture What language is spoken at Barry's around the world -- (This interview was recorded inside the iconic Red Room at Barry's Milan and can be watched on Spotify or YouTube.) -- For more information about Barry's Milan, check out https://www.barrys.com/studio/senato/ -- Please leave Italian, For Sure a review on Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/ratings  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. From describing the university experience, to when Italians typically get a first job and why, to the difficulties of obtaining a drivers license, to pros and cons of employment types, and more, join host Catrin Skaperdas, guest Federica, and friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Hurley as they have an entertaining and thorough chat about what it's like growing up in Italy, inclusive of: Why Federica didn't get her drivers license at the legal age in Italy When Federica got her first job and why her father wasn't happy about it An Italian's perspective on freelancing What the "holy grail" of employment contracts is and why the trust in this contract is declining How work-life balance is in Italy What age Italians are considered adults What a resident of Italy needs (by law) before they can freelance Federica's interesting and inspiring experiences between 18 until 27 years old -- For more information about Federica Mutti, check out https://www.federicamutti.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Please leave Italian, For Sure a review on Pocket Casts: https://pocketcasts.com/ratings  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. His unique experiences - having gone to law school in both countries - make his perspective fascinating as he brings us unique tidbits about Italian culture such as the "interrogations" children in the Italian school system go through. Join host Catrin and guest Michele as they have an entertaining and informative chat about Italian culture inclusive of: What Italians (vs Americans) wear for college graduation Differences between law school in the U.S. and Italy Why Michele feels more or less safe living in Washington, D.C. (compared to Bari, Puglia) Cultural differences prevalent in his relationship with an American "Interrogations" in Italian school How college graduation in Italy differs from college graduation in the U.S. The largest cultural difference he noticed as an Italian living in America A wrongful conviction of an American in Italy -- This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. -- Born in Bari in 1995, Michele D’Innella is a lawyer and award-winning podcast producer. He studied Law at the University of Bari and then specialized in International & Comparative Law with an LL.M. at the George Washington University. In 2019 he made his first appearance in the podcasting world with an indie project. However, the real debut as a professional podcaster came in March 2021, when D’Innella launched his first branded format named “Storie di Tenebra”, a true crime series about the most infamous serial killers of Italy. The success of such initiative, mainly due to his forensic background, brought D’Innella on top of the charts. On the stage of Italy’s Podcasting Festival, he publicly announced the release of his new docuseries “Inverno Nucleare - Cronache di Chernobyl”, which then won the first edition of the Italian Podcast Awards in April 2022, in the category "Rising Star". After joining in 2023 the Board of Directors at Brothers in Law Inc., a non-profit organization committed to diversifying the legal profession, D'Innella officially entered the international podcasting community with a handful of new formats in English. Listen to Non Spegnere La Luce (Michele's true crime podcast produced in Italian) on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) (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 host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Donatella as they have an educational, entertaining, and important chat about Italian culture inclusive of: How Italians view mental health Routes someone in Italy looking for mental health care can take Finding therapy in English in Italy The ratio of suicide rates in Italy vs the U.S. Steps someone can take to become a clinical psychologist or sex therapist Why Donatella thinks sex is still a taboo in Italy Sex education in Italian's schools Gender roles in sex in Italy Differences between the North and South of Italy on topics surrounding mental health -- "The opinions, facts, examples, stories and hypotheses shared by Donatella Fiacchino in this episode come from personal observations on society, from the scientific literature and her psychological knowledge, from data collected via surveys, and from social media content. Examples when talking about people, relationship dynamics and any psychological construct only have explanatory functions and they do not come from the stories of current or past clients of Donatella Fiacchino. There’s never specific reference to current or past clients of hers. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." - Written by Donatella Fiacchino -- For more information about Donatella Fiacchino, check out https://www.donatellafiacchino.com/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. "Attenzione pickpocket!" Whether you want to know more about that viral TikTok sound, the truth about "La Dolce Vita," or if Italians really use gondola's to get around, Federico Blumer has the insider information, local stories, and uncommon facts about Venice to share. 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" -- 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/ This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 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 -- 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/ -- This interview is available in video to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Roberto as Catrin opens up about her journey of learning Italian, and Roberto and her have an entertaining chat about the Italian language, Italy, and 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 -- For more information about Roberto's Italian school, check out https://www.passepartout-italia.it/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. An Italian living in London and an American living in Italy start the chat 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. Then, 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 -- For more information about Food For Profit, click here https://foodforprofit.com/. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. Federica has the unique experience of working both in the U.S. and Italy and gives interesting culture comparisons. Plus, she provides valuable insight into what it's like to be a mom in Italy. Join host Catrin Skaperdas and guest Federica as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: How many paid days off Italians get, especially in the year they get married What happens if an Italian bank holiday falls on a weekend An Italian vs American approach to lunch during a work day What's considered a "long" vs "short" vacation Work culture during August What "smart working" is Contrasting work styles in the U.S. and Italy Specifics of how you can use maternity leave in Italy Navigating Italian naming laws Gender gap in music charts and Spotify's initiatives to address it -- For more information about Federica Tremolada, check out her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ftremolada/. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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. Become proficient in picking out quality gelato and get advice to ensure you're eating real chocolate with only the best ingredients. Learn the origin story of chocolate and what type of chocolate people typically enjoy around the world. Join host Catrin Skaperdas, G.B. Mantelli of Venchi, and friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Harley as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: When and Where the First License to Craft Chocolate was Given How to Identify a Good Gelateria in Italy How Venchi's Bright Packaging Relates to Italian Food Culture What Gianduja is (Hint: It's Similar to Nutella) How G.B.'s Experiment at age 15 Became Award-Winning Chocolate G.B.'s Recommended Gelato Flavor Pairings What Exciting new Venchi Products are Launching in September 2024 How the Secret of Spanish Chocolate Arrived in Italy How Venchi Embraces Local Cultures Around the World Where to Find Venchi in the U.S. -- For more information about Venchi, check out the website https://us.venchi.com/. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 host Catrin Skaperdas and Piedmont Cook and Restauranteur Marco Massaia as they have an entertaining chat about Italian restaurant culture inclusive of: Tipping Norms How to Tell if an Italian Restaurant is Authentic Waiter Culture (Italy vs U.S.) What You Find on a Traditional Piedmont Menu Paying for Your Meal at a Cash Register How Food is a Big Part of Italian Culture Where to Put the Bread When There is no Bread Plate If Italians Use a Spoon to Twirl Spaghetti Details on the Menu When to Leave your Cutlery on the Plate -- For more information about Marco's restaurant Radici, check out the website https://www.radiciristoranteinvigna.it/it. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Harley and QC Spa of Wonders Cofounder and CEO Andrea Quadrio Curzio as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Secrets to Relaxing and Reconnecting Poignant Origin Story of QC Spa of Wonders Give Values in Italy and Italianness ("Italianità") Phone Culture and Public Displays of Affection Ancient Traditions of Thermal Baths Differences in Self-Care (Italy vs U.S.) How Beauty Rewards You Running vs Walking Cultures Where to Find Wellness and Beauty in Everyday Life Exciting New Locations of QC Spa of Wonders Throughout the interview, Kenneth and host Catrin Skaperdas will chime in with their thoughts. -- For more information about QC Spa of Wonders, check out the website www.qcterme.com. This interview is also available to watch on YouTube. -- This interview was conducted in Italian by friend-of-the-podcast Kenneth Harley and was translated to English using AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(VIDEO AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE) 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 host Catrin Skaperdas and polyglot artist Maddalena Mazzaferri as they have an entertaining chat about Italian culture inclusive of: Accents: Roman, Sicilian, and Milanese Italian Hand Gestures and their True Meanings Sounds to Communicate and Onomatopoeias in Italy Italian vs. U.S. Animal Sounds Maddalena's Mamma Mia Technique Challenging English Words for Italians and vice versa Correct Pronunciations of Italian Words: Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Spaghetti and Gnocchi Words to be Aware of their Double Meaning Similar Italian Words that have Completely Different Meanings Maddalena's Words of Wisdom -- For more information about Maddalena Mazzaferri, check out her YouTube @radioziamaddi or Instagram @radioziamaddi. This interview is also available to watch on Spotify or YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entertaining and Insightful Conversations about Italian Culture On 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, including new residents or visitors of Italy and those with Italian ancestry. Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices