Explore every episode of the podcast Italian Life

Even travel experts make mistakes. In fact, travel experts always make mistakes! But few actually tell you what they are. Not us! We are laying it all out there for you to learn from. Seasoned traveler Julie Brown joins Riccardo and Andrew for our season finale. If you're coming to Italy soon, you need to listen to this (and enjoy the laughs). Visit UnlockTuscany.com for our free guide. So much more including noctourism (huh??) and news of the day. Listen in!

Our guest Ariana joins the Italian Life team with insider tips for our upcoming August "Flee the Heat" trip. We dive deep into Bassano del Grappa's unique history and traditions. Is Treviso worth seeing? You don't have to say Valdobbiadene to want to go and drink the famous prosecco. News of the day: What's this fuel shortage all about anyway? The Word of the Day is appropriate: Basta. Join us!

Sometimes a single dinner can change everything! In this episode the Italian Life team greets Chef Aurelio Barattini to talk about the distinctions of Tuscan cooking and the traditions of a family restaurant, four generations in the making, Antico Locanda di Sesto! News of the day celebrates Andrew's favorite, The 80th birthday of the Vespa and guess. what? Smart Working doesn't mean what you think in Italian-- Iole's word of the day will set you straight.

Italian Life guest Joe Hamrahi visits the podcast to discuss that pull that so many Italo-Americans feel, to come to Italy and reconnect with their roots. Joe's ties to Sicily include a great grandfather, an actual Corleone Family loyalist, who's gangland murder on the streets of New York made the New York Post. We have a Napoli Bank Robbery on News of the Day and much more.

Italian Life goes to the Eastern edge of Tuscany with special guests Sonia and Tom, owners of Casale Della Luci, a restored Tuscan farm house in the medieval town of Lucignano, known as the "Pearl of Val di Chiana. Learn all about this amazing region, with nearby gems like Arezzo, Cortona and Montepulciano and more. News of the day takes a serious look at the controversial new Italian Citizenship laws exploring the different sides of the issue. Listen in and learn, be inspired and plan your trip to discover the undiscovered.

Italian Life heads south with our guest Claudia who grew up in Puglia as our guide. We dive into the famous places you may know—Alberobello, Matera and Polignano a Mare, but take you so much further and tell you how to enjoy it like a local. Andrew takes the challenge to test his one day walking tour of Bari. See how he does! News of the day and so much more.

Special guest Russell Thomas, a 20+year resident of Siena joins Italian Life for a deep dive into how to discover one of Tuscany's most interesting, beautiful cities. Beyond the famous Palio in the summer, the city continues to defend its old-style charm and ancient traditions while being a vibrant place for locals and tourists to easily mix. We follow up an earlier News of the Day on the controversial painting using the face of Giorgia Meloni, and Iole protests Is it Real or AI? Don't miss this!

Special guest Eric Veroliemeulen, curator of This Time Tomorrow in Florence joins the Italian Life crew to dive into all things Florence, where strong opinions drive the public conversation. Love it? Hate it? There seems to be little in between, yet it remains one of the most popular destinations in all of Italy. We dive into the issues, explore solutions for your visit and give the insider's perspective on all things Firenze, the epicenter of The Renaissance. Riccardo struggles with Is It Real or AI?, news of the day on tourism trends and much more.

Special guest Manuel Maiese joins the Italian Life team talking about the wonders of seeing Tuscany to the Ligurian Sea from the mountains above. Maneul, of Wild Trails, is hosting our Jaw Dropping Hikes week April 24-30 including the amazingly fun, local, walking celebration of Marce della Villa! News of the day about efforts to stop overtourism, Is it Real or Ai, and so much more.

With our hub so close to Viareggio, home to one of the best Carnevale festivals in all of Italy, we danced and dodged our way through the festivities to give you the pros and cons and the insider tips on how to make this amazing festival, a bucket list item that you won't miss next year. And the funniest Is it Real or AI ever? You be the judge! Listen in.

Riccardo and Andrew welcome Simone, co-owner of Bella Touring Tuscany to dive into the myths and realities of over-tourism and whether Americans are less welcome in Italy than before. We help you navigate and give great ideas for how to plan your next vacation. Word of the day, News of the day and Simone takes her first shot at "Is It Real or AI?" Listen in!

Well we don't get to all five of them, but lively conversation here about how to plan (and not plan) you're next Italian adventure. Check out our free guide to unlock Tuscany and avoid all five of these mistakes here: https://unlocktuscany.com/

Iole and Andrew banter about the best small airports, what's real and what's AI and of course, the word of the day! Listen in.

We all agree: Umbria has the "it" quality. Want to know more about it? Listen in! We have some fun with Is it Real or AI, news o of the day and word of the day. If you want to discover Umbria, this is it!

Wrapping up the holiday season, we take a look back at the famous rom-com and debate the merits of house swapping as a method for an Italian Adventure. Pro or con? Riccardo and Andrew are joined by Pisan Chemist Iole to hash it out. Learn the difference between Prendere and Adare and of course, play "Is it Real or AI?" Listen in!

Does the bella vita really exist? How much is marketing and how much is something you can really embrace and experience? The phrase, "well, that's Sh*taly" exists for a reason. Our guest is Chris, an American expat raising two daughters in Italy and is about to launch a podcast called Shitaly, where the love for Italy is balanced with the reality of living here. For those dreaming of living here one day, and even for those who realy do... this fun look at the complexities may resonate or even enlighten. This is your turn to Play Is it Real or AI! Do we have our first celebrity endorsement? Listen and vote!

Riccardo is back, and Andrew revisits his obsession with Sardinia, the focus of a podcast earlier this season. That podcast was the first that we “planned” Andrew's trip on air. Now Riccardo and Andrew break down the travel plans, the goals and if the dream of Sardinia was matched by the reality. We have our first video Is it Real or AI! Check it out on instagram. News of the day and so much more.

Lucca is tops in Tuscany for tourist growth, according to recent statistics. Come here once and you'll see why. But we talk about how to explore the city off the main street and the same tours of the same seven places that every tour takes you on. With Artful Italia Founder Sheri Doyle, we talk about the truly unique adventures that await. We even have a new audio tour, just for art and shopping (and some really good snacks as well). As always we have "Is It Real or AI?" -- news of the day (Party at the Pope's house!) and so much more.

Restauranteur, food writer and self-described "cook" Stefano joins the Italian Life crew to talk about the passions and obsessions of Italians with food. Just what is "Italian" cooking? Butter in Cacio e Pepe?! NO! No? We cover it all. More is it Real or AI, news of the day and so much more.

Special guest, world traveler, writer, musician and more, Alan Gaskill joins the show talking about how to dive into the experiences of Italy when you come here. Talking all things Italy to help get your mind in the right place a truly make memories that last a lifetime. Real or AI is back! News of the day? Nobody wants to come to the US... but are Americans facing backlash abroad? We'll talk about it all and more.

Lucca is like a new pop single, climbing the charts of "must-see" tourist destinations. Every day we see the streams of tourists wandering in and out, while missing the essence of what makes Lucca such a magical, mystical, historic town. Two locals join me talking all things Lucca. We'll give you the inside information about things you'll see if you use our first audio tour. Tips for restaurants, Puccini gossip, walk where Julius Caesar did and of course, we'll argue about gelato. It's impossible not to. Check it out here if you're coming to Lucca or already here: https://italianlife.co/audio-tour/

Listen in and we'll it like it is!

We're back! Season 4. So many new things happening, some we tease and some we dive in. None more interesting than a chance to experience the Olive Harvest in Tuscany this year with us. Meanwhile, we're talking about "God's Influencer," playing "Is it Real or is it AI?" and a new word of the day. Listen in!

The sun is out, rains have mostly moved on and the beaches are opening up! But we've got our eyes on the island of Sardegna! Christina talks about her experience doing a photography shoot in the posh area of Olbio and Costa Smeralda, while Andrew lets us in the research he's done on turning the island into a weekend getaway from Tuscany. Is this his Italian versin of "Going to the Hamptons?" News of the day, "Is it Real or AI?" and so much more. Listen in!

Special Guest Sheri Doyle, founder of Artful Italia, joins Christina and Andrew to talk about what "Made it Italy" really means and how you can experience it first-hand. We check in on the new citizenship laws that make it much harder for "American Diaspora" wanting to live here (we didn't know such a thing existed!?). Wine Windows, Is it Real or AI, who wins? and so much more. Listen in!

The Nasone – ubiquitous water fountains in many cities and towns, so named because they look like a "big nose" — are a source of constant curiosity for tourists, especially when the water just runs out freely as some still do. Where is that water coming from?! In Lucca the locals bring their bottles to fill out and take home. Why so special? We've got your answers and much of what you read online is well, wrong! We've also got tips on a beautiful hike along the historic Acquedotto Nottolini that leaves the La Mura and ends up in the hills, or even in Pisa for those that like to adventure (and walk a long way!). "Is it real or AI?" is back, as is our news of the day and word of the day! Listen in!

We're getting into the height of tourist season, so if the Cinque Terre is a "must-see" (and we get it... it's worth it!)... then you need this ultimate guide! We tell you how to get there, how to experience the beauty, and most importantly how to navigate the big crowds and still have a dream vacation. Appropriately our News of the Day is on Over Tourism in Italy! Riccardo tries to win "Is it Real or is it AI?" and as always, a relevant Word of the Day. Listen in!

It's a crazy time in Rome with the Conclave and the Year of Jubilee. We talk about the movie and it's similarities to the Conclave happening right now. With all of this going on, the tourists are coming earlier and in bigger groups than years past. Planning a trip can help you avoid burnout from crowds, long lines and missing out on the spirit of Italy. We give you three tips that can really help!

Cheap airlines? Thumbs up or thumbs down? We love some and others... not so much. Christina and Andrew break it all down for you because the first step of a dream vacation is that step on to a plane! NEW GAME ALERT: is it real, or is it AI? Christina is our first contestant. Listen to how she does. Spring is here and we're ready for travel.

We're taking you to Sicilia, but not the elite hotels of Taormina, but the jumping off spot for southern beaches... Agrigento home of the famous Grecian Ruins, close to the Scala di Turco, a vibrant downtown life on this hillside town. News of the day will make you laugh. The Mafia thought its technology was secure, so the police had a hey day listening in. The one thing they learned: Gen Z mafia recruits are not very good! Listen in!

Chef Guiseppe of the Olive Press Kitchen, formerly the Extra Virgin Cooking School of Lucca, joins us to talk about local food, wine, and how to make amazing local food. We have fun with an "Italian Style Breakfast" and so much more.

The residents of Volterra are more than happy to welcome you there if you're a fan of the Twilight series, where Bella comes to save Edwin. They are also glad to tell you it wasn't filmed there! But there are so many better reasons to visit one of the oldest towns in Italia, set atop alabaster high up on a mountain in the middle of many other places to see. We'll tell you all about them. Listen in!

With the last of winter hanging on, give yourself a sunny break and start planning your dream vacation with us. We've got all the little tips you need to travel like a local. We also breakdown the new "lines" to limit people at Trevi Fountain in Roma. And its all, roba da pazzi, as we say in the word of the day. Listen in!

Italian Life is your guide to all things Italy: How to travel like a local, where to go, how to get there and everything you need to know before you arrive. We check in with the local news, teach you a word or two and generally have a great time doing it. Dolce fra niente! Join us.

A new season, with many new things coming, including meet new co-host Cristina! If the ex-pat like is looking pretty good right now, find out the ins and outs, dos and don'ts to get started the right way. What's a 90/90 plan?! We'll tell you all about it!

In today's episode we talk about what you should do and see when you visit Lucca!

Nella puntata di oggi parliamo di cosa dovresti fare e vedere quando visiti Lucca!

Hey everyone, in todays episode we give you a tutorial on all things beaches! So sit back and relax while we tell you everything you need to know.

Ciao a tutti, nell'episodio di oggi vi regaliamo un tutorial su tutto ciò che riguarda le spiagge! Quindi siediti e rilassati mentre ti diciamo tutto ciò che devi sapere.

Good morning! Today we talk about Instagram vs reality in Andrew's storytime and visiting one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites in Italy

Buongiorno! Oggi parliamo di Instagram vs realtà nello storytime di Andrew e della visita di uno dei siti Patrimonio dell'Umanità UNESCO in Italia

In this week's episode we breakdown a huge part of Italian culture: wine! Here's everything you need to know...

Nell'episodio di questa settimana analizziamo una parte importante della cultura italiana: il vino! Ecco tutto quello che devi sapere...

In today's episode we are reviewing some popular lists of things to do and not do when planning your trip to Italy!

Nell'episodio di oggi esamineremo alcuni elenchi popolari di cose da fare e da non fare quando pianifichi il tuo viaggio in Italia!

On today's episode we briefly revisit Juliet's house in Verona and we share some interesting facts on the infamous Andrea Bocelli!

Nella puntata di oggi rivisitiamo brevemente la casa di Giulietta a Verona e condividiamo alcuni fatti interessanti sul famigerato Andrea Bocelli!

In today's episode we give you the ultimate guide to all things Milan! Also, Andrew spent how much at dinner? Plus TWO words of the day!

Nell'episodio di oggi ti diamo la guida definitiva su tutto ciò che riguarda Milano! Inoltre, quanto Andrew ha speso per la cena? In più DUE parole del giorno!

Road Trip Italian style! Plus, how to (and how not to) rent a car in Italy.

Girotino in stile italiano! Inoltre, come (e come non) noleggiare un'auto in Italia.

Today we are visiting Madonna di Campiglio and talking about an Italian Influencer gone rogue!

Oggi visitiamo Madonna di Campiglio e parliamo di un'influencer italiana diventata una canaglia!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo!

We're back! Join us today to talk about gondola tipping in Venice, Italy storytime, and the Amalfi Coast!

Siamo tornati! Unisciti a noi oggi per parlare delle mance in gondola a Venezia, della storia dell'Italia e della Costiera Amalfitana!

Who would've thought we would talk about the South of Italy?! Here we are... Talking about Pizzo Calabro and what makes this seaside town so different.

Chi avrebbe mai pensato che avremmo parlato del Sud Italia?! Eccoci qui... Parliamo di Pizzo Calabro e di ciò che rende questa città di mare così diversa.

Ciao a tutti! Today we discuss the Netflix documentary the Vatican Girl along with the Vatican City as our place to visit. Tune in to learn more.

Ciao a tutti! Oggi discutiamo del documentario Netflix The Vatican Girl insieme alla Città del Vaticano come luogo da visitare. Sintonizzati per saperne di più.

Ciao a tutti! Today we are going over where you should hit the slopes in Italy. Tune in to learn where to take your winter sports!

Ciao a tutti! Oggi esamineremo dove dovreste scendere sulle piste in Italia. Sintonizzati per sapere dove portare i tuoi sport invernali!

Ciao a tutti! Today we are talking about the wonderful Northern city, Torino (Turin). Not only will you find gorgeous views of the Alps, but also one of the greatest Cinema Museums in the world! 

Ciao a tutti! Oggi parliamo della meravigliosa città del Nord, Torino (Turin). Non solo troverai splendide viste sulle Alpi, ma anche uno dei più grandi musei del cinema del mondo!

Are you a fan of White Lotus season 2? Then listen in to today's episode to learn about where in Sicily you should visit to live out your White Lotus dreams!

Sei un fan della stagione 2 di White Lotus? Quindi ascolta l'episodio di oggi per sapere dove in Sicilia dovresti visitare per vivere i tuoi sogni White Lotus!

Today Andrew, Riccardo, and Montana are in Lucca together and they are talking about the places that you should visit (as well as some spots you might want to skip). 

Oggi Andrew, Riccardo e Montana sono insieme a Lucca e parlano dei luoghi che dovresti visitare (oltre ad alcuni posti che potresti voler saltare).