Episodes

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m back with something really exciting — it’s Bootcamp season! Every year around this time, my inbox fills up with questions from people just like you who are dreaming about making the move to Italy. So I thought, why not answer some of the biggest ones right here on the podcast? I’m diving into all the essentials you need to know if Italy is on your horizon. Things like visas (yes, including the tricky elective residency visa for retirees), what kind of...

Ciao a tutti and welcome back to A New Life in Italy podcast! With today’s special topic and guest, it’s only fair that we bring some Italian words (parole) into the mix. Have you ever wondered how to combine travel with language learning? And have you fallen for the myth that there’s an age limit when it comes to effective language learning? Well, keep reading, because in just a moment, you’ll not only gain insight, but also encouragement. After all, learning Italian isn’t about achieving per...

Ciao a tutti! Samantha here. I’m thrilled to announce the latest episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, which is dedicated to those of you who dream of calling Rome home or simply want to experience the city in a more authentic way. Author of "Italy Made Easy", Doug Morris, joins today's episode, sharing his insight after spending a decade in the adored Eternal City. We start by discussing the unique charm of Rome, where ancient history seamlessly intertwines with modern life. Doug shares wha...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I sit down with Jaid, a fellow Canadian who traded life in Toronto for a fresh start in Bari just one year ago. Jaid opens up about her solo trip to Puglia in 2023 that completely changed her path, leading her to take a leap of faith and move to Italy. She shares the highs and lows of that journey—culture shock in Palermo, the charm of Lecce and Monopoli, navigating Italian bureaucracy, and finding her place in a country where friendships often span dec...

Hey everyone, it’s Samantha Wilson with a special breaking news episode of Your New Life in Italy. On today’s show, I’m unpacking a landmark court ruling that could completely change how families apply for one of Italy’s most challenging visas—the Elective Residency Visa (ERV). Here’s the big news: For years, consulates (especially in the US and UK) have insisted that each adult applying under the ERV prove their own independent passive income of over €31,000 per year. So if you were a couple?...

Ciao friends — it’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re talking about something that no one tells you enough about when buying property in Italy: how to actually move your money… without losing your mind, your deal, or your savings. You’ve probably been dreaming about that hilltop farmhouse or beachy little pied-à-terre. You find the one, make the offer… and boom. Things get real. Fast. But here’s the thing: Italy isn’t going to sit around and wait while your bank tries...

Hey there, it’s Samantha! In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead. I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to ...

How Fast Can You Really Move to Italy? Let’s Talk Timing. Hey there, it’s Samantha! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how soon can I actually move to Italy?—this episode is for you. I’m diving into what the timing really looks like depending on your situation. Whether you’re dreaming of moving in six months… or six days, I break down the fastest paths (and the not-so-fast ones), so you know what to expect. If you’ve got Italian or EU citizenship, good news—you’re already ahead of the gam...

Ciao! It’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy , I’m sharing my personal favorites — the tools, places, and little life-savers that make living in Italy easier, more beautiful, and a lot more fun. From my go-to Italian language teachers to where I escape the summer heat (spoiler: not Florence), the restaurants I return to again and again, and even the apps I use daily — this episode is full of real, honest recommendations. No sponsors, no affiliates — just what I actually lov...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy , I’m diving into a question I get all the time from clients, members, and listeners: “If I get the Digital Nomad Visa… can I bring my spouse? What about my kids?” The short answer? Yes—you can. But (you knew there’d be a but, right?)… it’s not always as straightforward as people expect. So today, I’m walking you through what it really looks like to bring your family with you when you’re making the move to Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa. We’ll talk a...

Ciao friends—Samantha here! In this episode of A New Life in Italy , I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the biggest (and most confusing) decisions you can make when moving to Italy: buying a home . If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through dreamy Italian property listings online and thinking, “I’ll just message the agent and go from there,” —I’m going to stop you right there. Because the truth? The buying process in Italy isn’t as simple—or as straightforward—as i...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m getting honest about something I think too many people overlook when planning a big move: the emotional side of starting over in a new country. Yes, Italy is beautiful. Yes, the lifestyle shift can be amazing. But today, I want to talk about what doesn’t always make it onto Instagram—the reality of what happens when you move your entire life, your identity, and your sense of home to a place where everything is different. I’ve seen it time and time ag...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into one of the most common—and important—questions I get: how much does it really cost to live in Italy? Now, I know it’s easy to fall in love with the idea that Italy is some dreamy, budget-friendly paradise. And in many ways, it can be more affordable than other countries—but I’m here to give you the honest truth about what it actually costs to live here long term. We start with the big one—housing. Whether you’re buying or renting, I walk ...

Ciao amici! In this special report episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into something that’s been creating a lot of buzz (and a little bit of panic, if we’re being honest)—the big changes Italy is proposing to its citizenship law. If you’ve been dreaming of claiming your Italian roots and getting that coveted passport through ancestry, you’ll definitely want to tune in. For years, Italy has had one of the most generous citizenship-by-descent laws in the world—you didn’t need to live in I...

If you’ve ever wondered what life in Italy is like with a pet—this episode is for you. Hey, it’s Samantha, and in today’s episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re talking all about bringing your furry (or feathery!) family members along on your Italian adventure. Whether you're already deep in the planning phase or still daydreaming with your dog curled up next to you, this one’s packed with everything you need to know. I share what it’s really like to live in Italy with a pet—from the legal stuf...

Alright, let’s get real about buying property in Italy. In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m breaking down exactly how to plan a successful property viewing trip—because trust me, just showing up and hoping for the best? That’s a recipe for frustration. Buying a home in Italy is exciting, but it’s also full of twists and turns that can trip you up if you’re not prepared. I’m sharing what I’ve seen work (and what doesn’t) when it comes to house-hunting here, so you can avoid the classic m...

iao, my friends! If you've been dreaming about moving to Italy but keep hearing horror stories about high taxes—take a deep breath and stick with me. Because today, I’m breaking down some incredible tax breaks that most people don’t even realize exist for new residents in Italy. Yes, Italy has a reputation for high taxes. But did you know that if you plan properly, you could pay significantly less than you ever expected? In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I sit down with Italian tax adviso...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, One day, I’ll move to Italy? You’ve got the dream, but maybe you’re waiting for the perfect moment—retirement, more savings, or just the right timing. Well, today’s episode is going to make you rethink that approach. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tanya and Davide Raso, a couple who decided that waiting wasn’t an option. They packed up their life in Minnesota, moved to Italy ahead of their retirement plans, and started a brand-new busine...

Moving to Italy is a dream for so many people—but let’s be real, getting here isn’t always smooth sailing. Italian bureaucracy is a beast of its own, and whether it’s consulates, comune offices, or the questura, every office seems to have a different answer for the same question. It’s confusing, it’s frustrating, and it’s easy to get caught up in misinformation or, honestly, just go with the answer you want to hear rather than the right one. In today’s episode, I’m diving into what it really ta...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into the thrilling, sometimes nerve-wracking experience of packing up your life and moving to Italy. Hi, I’m Samantha Wilson, and today, I’m joined by Vanessa Reid, a Canadian content creator who took the leap and relocated to Torino just eight months ago. Vanessa’s story is all about bravery, determination, and embracing the unknown. Imagine moving to a city you’ve never even visited before! She shares why she chose Torino—spoiler alert: affor...

Hey there! It’s Samantha here, and today we’re diving into a question I hear all the time: Should you go for the Elective Residency Visa or the Investor Visa when moving to Italy? Whether you’re planning to retire under the Tuscan sun or just want the freedom to hop back and forth, knowing which visa fits your dreams (and your situation) is super important. Let’s start with the Elective Residency Visa (ERV). If you’re retired or have a steady stream of passive income, this might be your ticket....

Hey there! Welcome to Season 3 of A New Life in Italy! I’m Samantha Wilson, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this season with a topic that’s on so many of your minds: the Elective Residency Visa (ERV). Or, as some people like to call it, the "retirement visa." If moving to Italy is your dream but the whole visa process feels overwhelming, then this episode is absolutely for you. Let’s break it all down together. First, I walk you through exactly what the Elective Residency Visa is an...

Ciao Tutti! I can’t believe we’ve already reached the end of Season 2 of A New Life in Italy! It’s been such an incredible season filled with inspiring stories, helpful advice, and—my favorite part—your questions. For this special finale, I’m tackling some of the most common and pressing questions you’ve sent in about moving to Italy. Whether you’re just starting to dream about life here or you’re already making plans, I’ve got answers that I think will help you take the next step toward your...

Welcome to another episode of New Life in Italy! I'm Samantha Wilson, and today, we’re diving deep into the power of chasing big dreams—especially the dream of moving to Italy and building a meaningful life here. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Bartner, the co-founder of La Tavola Marche, an organic farm, inn, and cooking school tucked away in the stunning countryside of Le Marche. Ashley and her husband, Jason, took the plunge 17 years ago, leaving their fast-paced lives in New York to...