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

Catrin Skaperdas

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. This podcast 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 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 and post-production is done by Adam Whalley. Show art was designed by Giulia Baroni.) read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Becoming an Adult in Italy - What Age are Italians Considered Adults? How Hard is the Driving Test? Is Getting a Job at 18 Easy? Freelancer or Employer?
Today
Becoming an Adult in Italy - What Age are Italians Considered Adults? How Hard is the Driving Test? Is Getting a Job at 18 Easy? Freelancer or Employer?
(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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An Italian Living in the U.S. - Comparing Cultural Differences Between Italy and America, like College Graduation Ceremonies
18-09-2024
An Italian Living in the U.S. - Comparing Cultural Differences Between Italy and America, like College Graduation Ceremonies
(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
Mental Health and Sex Therapy in Italy - What's the Stigma, How to Get Help, What Care is Available, and How to Become a Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist
04-09-2024
Mental Health and Sex Therapy in Italy - What's the Stigma, How to Get Help, What Care is Available, and How to Become a Clinical Psychologist and Sex Therapist
(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
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
21-08-2024
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
(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 YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
08-08-2024
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
(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