Episodes

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...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m tackling a topic that’s more relevant than ever: fake news and misleading information about moving to Italy. Let’s face it—when you’re navigating the overwhelming amount of advice online, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. That’s why I’m here to help you separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to something as life-changing as relocating to a new country. We’ll start by looking at how misinformation creeps into our lives—no...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into one of the most complex and, let’s face it, daunting aspects of the citizenship journey: claiming Italian citizenship through the court system. If you’ve traced your family roots back to Italy and are eager to secure your citizenship, you might have already run into obstacles like the infamous 1948 rule or endless wait times at your local consulate. The truth is, for many, the best path forward lies in navigating the Italian legal system—a ...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, we dive into what it’s like to move to Italy as the spouse of an Italian citizen. We explore common questions, like how the process changes if your Italian spouse is already living in Italy versus if you’re moving together from abroad. From the unique privileges and responsibilities that come with being married to an Italian citizen to the legal steps required for residency, we’ll walk you through what to expect. You’ll learn about the importance of organ...

Hey there! In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges of relocating to Italy: figuring out the visa maze. If you’re not an Italian or European citizen, choosing the right visa is absolutely key for living here longer than 90 days. I know it can feel overwhelming with so many visa types, each with its own rules, so I’m breaking it down by focusing on the three most popular options: the Elective Residency Visa, the Student Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I, Samantha Wilson, delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of moving to Italy: the necessity of securing a rental property before applying for a visa. Many aspiring expatriates find themselves caught off guard by this requirement, which can complicate their plans and create confusion. I begin by outlining the types of long-term visas available in Italy, specifically the National D visa, which is valid for up to 365 days. I explain that proof o...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m thrilled to dive into the incredible world of Italian cuisine with Robert Campana, the founder of the popular Instagram channel Stop Italian Sounding. We explore why it’s so important to recognize authentic Italian food versus the many imitations you often see outside of Italy. Robert shares his journey as an Italian American and how living in Italy inspired him to educate others about genuine Italian products. We bust some common misconceptions about...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we’re diving into a critical topic for anyone considering or currently in the process of applying for Italian citizenship. In this episode, we discuss a significant recent change from Italy's Ministry of the Interior that impacts how citizenship applications are handled, particularly for those affected by what we refer to as the "minor issue." This term refers to cases where a child under the age o...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson breaks down the ins and outs of the Italian real estate market. If you've felt confused or frustrated with how long properties sit on the market or how different the process feels from what you're used to, this one’s for you! Samantha talks about the biggest challenges foreign buyers face—like the lack of a centralized MLS system that complicates the search. She also explains why some homes take forever to sell, whether it's the condition ...

Welcome back to A New Life in Italy! Today, I’ve got a truly special guest and an incredible conversation lined up for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy, not just for the beautiful views and pasta, but to actually start a family and raise children here, then this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with none other than Georgette, the creator of the popular blog A Girl in Florence. G Hello and welcome to another episode of A New Life in Italy, where we explore all aspects of livin...

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to A New Life in Italy, where we dive into everything you need to know about life, travel, and the incredible journey of moving to Italy. I’m your host, and today we’re going to explore a topic that most people strive to accomplish, but often dont know exactly how—how to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle by traveling to smaller towns and lesser-known spots, and living like a local, rather than sticking to the usual tourist destinations. Now, don’t get ...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I took you on a deep dive into the must-know steps and key considerations for anyone dreaming of making the big move to Italy. We started by getting crystal clear on the 'why' behind your move—because knowing your motivations is the first step to creating a life that truly lights you up. Then, we explored how to choose the perfect location that aligns with your lifestyle (because, let's face it, Italy has so much to offer, and finding your ideal spot is ...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marianne, a Norwegian living in Oslo who, along with her husband, embarked on the adventure of buying and renovating a 600 square meter ancient palazzo in Sicily. Marianne shares her journey of purchasing the property in Palazzolo Accredi, a small town in Sicily, and transforming it into an Airbnb. Her story is one of passion, determination, and embracing the challenges of renovating a historic property in a foreign country So, if you're con...

Hello everyone, Samantha Wilson here, your host of A New Life in Italy. In this episode, we delve into the heart of Italian culture by exploring Ferragosto, a significant holiday in Italy. Ferragosto, which dates back to ancient Rome, was established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE as a period of rest and celebration after the harvest. Over the centuries, it evolved, with the Catholic Church later aligning it with the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. During the 1930s, the fascist regime promote...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy. I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. Today, we delve into a topic that fascinates many: the health and longevity of Italians. Italy is celebrated for its healthy lifestyle, often attributed to the Mediterranean diet, a culture that values leisure, and strong family connections. However, there's more to it than just diet and exercise. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live healthily in Italy, including the healthcare system and ...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we dive into the fascinating world of Italian wine, a vital part of Italy's heritage. I share a bit about my own journey to Italy, where I initially planned to retire and explore every Italian wine. In this episode, I introduce you to Ashwin Mathia, a charismatic wine expert and the host of the Instagram account "Unpinned Wine." Ashwin, a self-described "recovering sommelier," joins us to discuss h...

Today I’ll be filling you in on the enticing opportunities Italy is offering to foreigners and locals, including the NEW incentive for homebuyers in qualiying mountain towns in Tuscany. Get ready to uncover initiatives like one-euro homes, tax regimes, and town rejuvenation projects designed to make your Italian dream a reality. Learn about the financial benefits and practical steps to take advantage of these offers, from picturesque villages helping pay for property to tax regimes for new res...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in Italy. Since our last discussion on this topic, there have been significant updates and developments that are crucial for anyone considering this lifestyle. I share these important updates that impact: Specifics on qualifications New processes to prepare your application Tax Implications of the Digital Nomad in Italy We also have a special guest, Kristen Wilson from Traveling ...

The forgotten way to save money on your move and life in Italy. In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I dived into the crucial topic of budgeting and how currency fluctuations can make a major impact on your cash flow. Together with my special guest Rachel Canales from GC Partners, we explore how smart financial planning, particularly in handling the shift from your home currency to the euro, can significantly impact your budget. I discuss the differenced between online banks and Italian b...

Welcome back to "A New Life in Italy," the podcast dedicated to helping you plan and make the move to Italy. I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. In today's episode, we tackled a topic that often confuses newcomers and those in the planning stages: the difference between Italian residency and the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit). Many expats and prospective movers use these terms interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct legal statuses, each with its own set of applications, benefits, ...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," we delve into one of the most daunting aspects of moving to Italy for expats: obtaining an Italian driver's license. Learn the intricate process of converting your foreign driver's license to an Italian one, or starting from scratch if you're from a country like the US, Canada, or Australia. My special guest, Barbara, an American-Italian living in Rome, shares her firsthand experience of obtaining her Italian driver's license. She discusses: - Her ini...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I take you on a journey to the stunning island of Sardinia, a place that holds a special place in my heart. Sardinia is not just a picturesque destination; it's a vibrant island rich in culture, beauty, and ancient traditions. My best friend, Patricia Braise, who is more like a sister to me, hails from Sardinia, and she joins us to share her deep love and insights about her home island. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of Sardinia, offering valuabl...

Ciao! Today we are going on a virtual tour across the regions of Italy, to help you find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're looking for busy hub in the north or a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle in the south, this episode will guide you through the key factors to consider and help you pick the best place for you. Key Points Discussed: Understanding Italy's Regions Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own provinces and municipalities. The country has a rich history, only ...