Podcast
The Real Life in Italy
Hosted by Evelyn | Colline Alle Montagne - Life in Italy Guide · EN
The Real Life in Italy is just doing the best we can to make life in Italy as a foreigner just a bit easier. We’re cutting through the bullshit of “La Dolce Vita” to share with you what you really need to know while living in Italy. From tidbits of Italian culture to navigating the nightmarish bureaucracy, and even some language tips, you’ll find it all here.
What will we be talking about? Anything and everything about living in Italy. Here’s just some questions we’ll look to answer:
Who the hell was this Garibaldi guy? And this Aldo Moro? Why does every town have a Via XX Settembre?!
How do I get my Permesso di Soggiorno and more importantly, dear God how do I survive the Questura?
What DOES mi raccomando mean?
What Birth Control is in Italy? Can I get IVF on Healthcare? What are my options when pregnant in Italy? (Yes, we’ll get serious.)
What IS the difference between Carabinieri and Polizia?!
No really, can I get an iced coffee in Italy?
Living in Italy as a foreigner is filled with challenges and moments where we all want to cry, rip out our hair, throw the towel in, and say basta, I’m going home. You’re not alone. But I believe the more we can confidently understand our life abroad as expats in Italy, the easier, and more enjoyable it gets.
My own life in Italy has taken me to struggle through, and figure out how bureaucracy, healthcare, and finances work here. Along the way, because I am a nerd, I’ve also decided to learn all I can about the long and complicated history of this country I call home. Nothing makes me happier than sharing this information with fellow expats in Italy and watching them laugh off the struggle and thrive in their new life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
To learn even more about life in Italy, Italian culture, history, and bureaucracy visit: www.collineallemontagne.com
Find your host, Evelyn, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
And if you’d like to show your support, you can always buy me a glass of wine:
www.buymeacoffee/colline
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Love in Italy: How to find balance in Multicultural Relationships
Oct 14, 202400:34:11Tap to summarizeAn episode I have been waiting so long to share. This week I invited on Gabriela Encina, a psychologist helping specifically expat couples navigate the challenges of multicultural relationships. In my time in Italy I have met so many foreigners who moved to Italy for love (or stayed for love), but sometimes, things in these relationships aren’t all grande amore. There’s a huge challenge of balancing between cutural differences. Lack of language, or stability can make us feel at times that this isn’t the life for us, but for our partners. That doesn’t mean all is lost, it’s just about finding balance again. Biggest lesson:look out for yourself and take care of yourself! Don’t let your life revolve around your partner. If you are looking to create a community of your own, not your partners, look for Girl Gone International in your community (It’s where I found Gabriela!) Connect with Gabriela here: https://gabriela-encina.com https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.encina.psychologist/ If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Understanding the Italian Mafia: The Camorra
Oct 7, 202400:21:56Tap to summarizeThis week, I am revisiting our talk about the mafia in Italy with a better look at the Camorra - who are they? When did they begin? And what role do they play today? A quick episode to give you an overview of this Italian organized crime group. Some resources I mention: Gomorra -Roberto Saviano (Book & Movie, not the series)§ *Robinu Naples in the Time of Cholera* by Frank M. Snowden *History of the Mafia* and *The Two Mafias* by Salvatore Lupo Mafia Republic, by John Dickie *See Naples and Die* by Tom Behan il Camorrista Fortapa’sc If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Italian Craft Beer, An Alternative to our Standard Aperitif
Sep 30, 202400:38:45Tap to summarizeWhen Aperitivo comes around, many of us reach for a Spritz or Wine. But what about a Craft Beer? Beer is not something we often consider associated with Italy, but it’s a popular drink of choice, and in recent years the craft beer scene has really been growing. Tana Schwarz is here to tell us more about craft beer in italy. What counts as a craft beer? What are some to look for? And where can you explore more of Italy’s beer scene? Have a listen and find out. Here's some of Tana's work she'd love to share. Articles: Italy Segreta - A look into Italy's craft beer scene and how it's stuck behind the industrial stuff The Italy Edit - An Introduction to Craft Beer in Italy Craft Beer Maps: My personal map on Thatch: Where to Drink Craft Beer in Rome UnionBirrai's map of independent breweries in Italy Craft Beer Walking Tours of Rome can be found here: Italy Beer and Wine Tours and on Instagram An upcoming beer craft beer festival in Rome: EurHop The best way to find me to learn more about all things Italian craft beer is through Instagram. I also write about sustainable food, wine, beer and travel on my substack If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →The Decision to Leave Italy
Sep 23, 202400:49:28Tap to summarizeItaly is one thing when you are single. It’s another when you couple up. But when you have kids in Italy? That’s when things really start to look different. And as hard as it is to admit, having kids in Italy is sometimes the wake up call to see what The Real Life in Italy actually is… and it can push you to leave Italy. In this episode Rachel (TheItalianista) and I chat about our reasons for leaving Italy, what made that decision hard, and the cases in which we’d come back. I promise this isn’t a full whining episode - we’re genuinely sharing the things that made us worried for a future in Italy. If you are still in your totally 100% in love with Italy phase, then maybe don’t listen, it’s probably not what you want to hear. But if you’ve been having doubts, or hesitations about staying in Italy, this episode will help you realize you really aren’t alone. A note before you get into it: everyone’s journey and everyone’s family is different, you may see things differently or have different feelings about life in Italy, that’s ok, this episode is about how we feel, and choosing what is right for us and our families. Everyone else is on their own path. You can connect with Rachel at https://www.instagram.com/theitalianista/ If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Italian Wine: What you need to know living in Italy
Sep 16, 202400:28:19Tap to summarizeHow much do you really know about Italian Wine? Truly there is way too much to cover in just a podcast episode (why I took the entire 2 courses to become an Italian Wine Scholar!) But I love wine, and I love telling people about how amazing Italian wine traditions are, so here’s my introduction for you on wine in Italy. If you’re an expat in Italy, wine probably has become a part of your daily life, even if you aren’t a drinker, you’ll hear about it everywhere, and you’ll need to gift it eventually, it’s a thing. So here are some great fun facts for you to whip out and impress your Italian and wine friends. This episode explains the DOCG / DOC system, why Prosecco isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and a few of my own favorite wines. The course I mentioned: https://www.winescholarguild.com/iws-free-chapterArticles about how Prosecco sucks: Soil Erosion - https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article Pesticides - https://ilsalvagente.it/2019/02/20/ghiaccio-prosecco-e-pesticidi-la-nostra-inchiesta-integrale-su-12-bollicine/https://www.pan-europe.info/blog/prosecco-story-not-sparkling-wine-local-resistance-against-pesticides My Favorite Wines:-Franciacorta and Trento DOC -Ruché -Francone Barbera d’Alba Superiore or Michele Chiaro Cipressi Barbera -Pinot Grigio Ramato by Specogna If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Italian TV Culture and History aka What’s Up with Temptation Island?
Sep 9, 202400:48:09Tap to summarizeHow many times have you walked into an Italian’s home and seen the TV playing during dinner, or just nonstop? Have any of you really figured out what the deal is with Temptation Island? I had so many questions so I asked Rosa (you know her as Diary of A Dual Citizen) to come on and tell me. This episode takes a look at the role TV plays in Italian culture, history, and regional identity. Rosa shares her take on Italian TV shows, including reality shows, game shows, and political talk shows. We discuss how traditional TV remains a daily activity among Italians despite the rise of streaming services. Rosa also gives us a little look into the historical impact of Italian TV, particularly the influence of state-sponsored RAI and Berlusconi's Mediaset. 06:40 The Role of TV in Post-War Italy08:12 RAI: Italy's State-Sponsored TV 11:25 The Rise of Mediaset and Berlusconi's Influence 19:07 Reality TV in Italy: A Cultural Phenomenon 28:04 Political Reshuffling in RAI 28:52 Talk Shows and Age Representation 30:58 Cultural Differences in TV Debates 33:00 Local News vs. National News 36:08 Italian Game Shows39:57 TV's Role in Italian Households 44:52 Streaming vs. Traditional TV You can find Rosa at: https://www.instagram.com/diaryofadualcitizen/ If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Childcare & Schooling in Italy: Or How Summer Vacation is a mess.
Sep 2, 202400:19:05Tap to summarizeAfter a classic Agosto ferie, The Real Life in Italy is back.This episode Evelyn is going solo to chat about why she had to step away in August, that being the childcare situation in Italy. We’re covering childcare in Italy from 3 months old to 4 years, what solutions you have for daycare, and what schooling looks like from then on out. A common thread I had to point out in this overview podcast: summer vacation in Italy. Did you know essentially from July to August parents are fottuti? Schools shut down and there are limited options. On the note of long summer vacations - what does this do to Italy position in the Gender Equality Index? And did you hear that Italy wants to make summer vacation LONGER? Have a listen to this quick kick-off episode and find out more. Here’s the info on the Gender Equality Index: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2023/IT_______ If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Being Pregnant in Italy: What to Expect from Healthcare
Jul 29, 202400:36:16Tap to summarizeAs highly requested, we are getting into the topic of pregnancy in Italy. This solo episode, I explore what you should expect from the healthcare in Italy when you are pregnant, what exams will they have you do, how are your doctors going to care for (or judge, honestly) you, and what choices do you have about giving birth in Italy. There’s PLENTY more to cover on this topic, but here’s some information to get you started. Have more questions? If you are on Spotify you can comment here, if not reach out to me on Instagram or my website and I’ll address your thoughts! Check Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →What Dating in Italy Looks Like
Jul 22, 202400:49:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Real Life in Italy, we’re taking a quick look at dating in Italy. And while I (that’s Evelyn, your host) have been out of the dating scene awhile, my good friend Sylvia is coming on to share experiences and thoughts, and tell me what all the kids are up to these days. We chat cultural differences, personal dating experiences, stereotypes about dating Italian men, and the reality behind common myths. The episode covers in cultural dating habits, and practical advice for foreigners dating in Italy. And really we get into what ARE the apps that people are using in Italy (because who meets irl anymore?) Big surprise though: we DO NOT discuss mammone or mothers ever. Crazy, but true. We’ll chat that another time. Here’s the deets: 00:00 Introduction to Dating in Italy 01:58 Safety Tips for Dating in Italy 03:46 Meet Sylvia: An Expat's Perspective 04:46 Dating Expectations vs. Reality 11:00 Italian Relationship Dynamics 16:53 Stereotypes and Cultural Differences 25:49 Exploring Different Dating Apps 28:20 Italian Men and Dating Expectations 43:03 Ideal First Dates in Italy 47:12 Final Thoughts on Dating in Italy Check Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →Navigating Italy's Healthcare System as a Foreigner
Jul 15, 202400:58:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of 'Real Life in Italy,' we’re taking a better look at Italy's healthcare system—an essential topic for expats in Italy. The episode explores the details of Italy's public healthcare system, and the Tessera Sanitaria: what’s included, how you can access it as a foreigner in Italy, and what’s it good for. The episode includes an insightful interview with Nadia Neytcheva, CEO of Doctors in Italy, who shares her expertise on the differences between public and private healthcare, the challenges in the Italian healthcare system, and practical tips for expats. We’ll also discusses the role of general practitioners or medico di base and the options available for private healthcare. This episode will help newcomers navigate the healthcare landscape in Italy seamlessly. You can connect with Nadia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-neytcheva/ And check out Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot! Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy. This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out. Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
Transcribe →