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

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

ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture is a society podcast hosted by Catrin Skaperdas, with 25 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Catrin Skaperdas hosts ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture, a society show with 25 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #24

  The UK vs Italy - Cultural Differences, Mom-Funded Doctor Visits, and Pasta Crimes

  Aug 11, 202632 min

  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: Roasting British dining chains that pretend to be Italian Unpacking why Italians eat with surgical precision Stories about being mistaken for a delivery driver Why cutting pasta is a tragedy The realities of visiting your home country Language learners being talked to like toddlers Awkward small talk comparisons The "game" of “Are They Gay or Italian?” How "Italian time" tests Catrin’s patience Tino's ritualistic first stop the second he touches down in Sicily Chapters: Chapters: 00:52 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 .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #23

  The Making of Authentic Italian Rice - What Rice to Use for Risotto, Carnaroli Rice vs Arborio Rice, Aged Rice, and Northern Italian Food Culture

  Jul 28, 202641 min

  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. * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * 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: Verona, Mantova and Italian food culture How Silvia built Meracinque with her four sisters How Italian rice and its specific varieties are different than other rices around the world The rice she produces, carnaroli rice ("the king of rice"), and how it differs from the arborio variety Popular rice dishes around Italy and when in the year you eat them The breakdown of how rice is planted, harvested, dried, and aged for a full year, and why aging makes all the difference in quality What it’s like working with four sisters The adversity Silvia and her sisters face being a women owned business, especially in this sector What it’s like selling rice to different markets The pros and cons of running a food business in Italy Chapters 02:01 Intro 03:08 Verona, Montava, and Italian Food Culture 06:28 The birth story of Meracinque 08:43 Characteristics of rice: carnaroli vs arborio 12:09 Different rice dishes around Italy 14:57 What rice dishes Italians eat and when they eat them throughout the year 16:08 Rice cultivation process start to finish 21:08 Pros and cons of running a family-owned business 23:58 What it’s like to be a women-owned business in this industry 28:22 Selling Italian rice outside of Italy 35:27 Difficulties of running a business in Italy 40:56 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 .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #22

  The Real Milan – Hidden Gems and Local Secrets Everyone Must See and Survival Tips for Foreigners from a Born-and-Raised Milanese

  Jul 14, 202648 min

  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! * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * 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: What you actually need to see if you’re visiting Milan for the first time A completely hidden, secret museum most tourists pass right by How Alice used to "escape Milan" while still physically being in the city The West Side vs. the East Side The reality of safety in Milan from two women living there A rapid-fire game sharing Alice’s favorite local restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, vintage shops, and aperitivo spots! What people eat in Milan Chapters 02:06 Intro 02:20 why Alice is the perfect person to speak with us about Milan 03:41 Why Alice left Milan and why she came back (why she hated Milan at one point and why she loves it now) 06:06 WHAT DID I ASK - MISSING AUDIO - how has Milan changed over the years, maybe? 08:08 Why Milan is a great place to live for foreigners or Italians that moved back after living abroad 12:41 Why people hate Milan 14:53 Why Catrin likes Milan 16:03 Why Catrin likes Milan 17:59 what someone should see if they were visiting Milan for the first time 25:30 West side vs East side of Milan 28:48 the safety of Milan 33:08 Alice shares her “favorites” in Milan 37:20 Where Alice recommends going for a quick trip outside of Milan, near by 38:37 Typical night out in Milan 43:28 What people eat in Milan 48:15 Outro More about @daysofmilan: Daysofmilan 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 Daysofmilan, 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 .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #21

  Cultural Contrasts Between Northern and Southern Italy - Regional Languages vs Dialects, Movie Dubbing and Title Translations, Sicilian Pride, and the Arancino Debate

  Jun 30, 202640 min

  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: Why Catrin thinks Milan is a good landing spot for someone from Long Island moving to Italy What differentiates a regional language from a dialect If people in Italy speak English, how well, and why that might be Dubbing culture in Italy Different Italian regional accents accents How Italians pronounce famous foreign actors names wrong The pronunciation of Italian letters Films that have their names “translated” from English to something in Italian Is it an arancino or arancina? Difference between kindness and familiar-ness in the north vs south of Italy How Sicily doesn’t have high speed trains Sicilians are prideful about being from Sicily Chapters 1:09 Intro 3:50 differences between Milan and Turin 6:58 how Sicilian and Neapolitan is an actual a regional language, not a dialect 10:32 Italians speaking English in Italy 13:49 Movie dubbing in Italy 15:03 Regional accents across Italy 18:55 How foreign actors names are pronounced in Italy  23:51 Funny movie title translations 28:01 Arancino or arancina debate 33:10 North vs South of Italy 38:02 Sicilian pride 42:00 Outro See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #20

  An Italian Expert Explains What Grappa Actually Is - Francesca Nonino on its History, Making Process, and the Biggest Drinking Mistakes

  Jun 16, 202651 min

  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: What is grappa What makes grappa authentic How grappa was discovered Catrin's first experience with grappa What grappa not to drink The test that grappa producers need to do in order to ensure it won’t kill you How Grappa fits into Italian culture Why you need to read the label when you buy/drink grappa The process of making grappa How the first single variety grappa was born Running a woman-run business Italy Being a woman in the grappa industry in Italy Pros and cons of running a family owned business in Italy Francesca Nonino’s journey and passion for her family and her company The Nonino family story The story of the first female master distiller in Italy History of grappa  Drinking culture in the U.S. vs Italy The biggest mistake you can make when drinking grappa Francesca’s thoughts on Made in Italy 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 .

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.