Cultural Confessions of an Italian - Middle Names, Religion, Dating and Sex, Fashion, Egg Freezing and Surrogacy in Italy

Cultural Confessions of an Italian - Middle Names, Religion, Dating and Sex, Fashion, Egg Freezing and Surrogacy in Italy

Author: Catrin Skaperdas June 3, 2026 Duration: 1:02:48
In Italy, without a comma in-between a first name and a middle name [e.g. Catrin, Austin], the two names become one, legally binding first name [e.g. Catrin Austin]. Did you know that? Or how about the fact that a woman cannot legally thaw eggs she’s had frozen in Italy to use them unless she is in a documented heterosexual relationship; Blows your mind, right? * Join the ITALIAN, FOR SURE Trip to Italy! https://italianforsurepodcast.beehiiv.com * Milanese local Giulia Lavinia Futura Baroni and host Catrin Austin Skaperdas have an entertaining and uncensored conversation about Italian culture inclusive of:Middle NamesPopular Given Names, like Giulia: If you grew up in Italy during the 1990s, half of your friends were named Giulia.Religion in a Modern Society: While Italian-Americans fiercely preserve old-school Catholic traditions, modern young families in Northern Italy are increasingly raising their kids completely detached from the Church.Dating, Sex, and Circumcision: An unfiltered look into Italy's view regarding sexual culture, dating rules, and modern intimacy.Fashion in Milan: Milanese fashion is effortless elegance.Egg Freezing: We look at the practical, emotional, and financial realities of freezing your eggs in Italy.Surrogacy: Surrogacy is illegal in Italy.Italian Food: Why Italians don't all balloon in weight despite eating pasta and pizza nearly daily comes down to ingredient quality, processing standards, and walking culture. Trigger Warning: This episode contains open conversations regarding sex, anatomy, and reproductive topics. Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are personal experiences and opinions of non-healthcare professionals. Always consult a qualified medical professional for any health-related questions or treatments. Recording Date: This episode was recorded in 2024. All personal reflections reflect the timeline of recording. Chapters: 00:02:08 Intro 00:03:32 Middle names in Italy 00:08:15 Common given names in Italy 00:14:35 Religion in Italy 00:23:47 Dating in Italy 00:39:17 Sex in Italy 00:43:30 Circumcision: Italy vs U.S. 00:47:19 Fashion in Milan, Italy 00:54:28 Egg freezing in Italy 00:58:38 Surrogacy in Italy 01:00:56 Italian food 01:05:23 Outro This interview of ITALIAN, FOR SURE 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.

Curious about what daily life is actually like in Italy, beyond the well-worn postcard images? ITALIAN, FOR SURE | Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture is built on a simple premise: the best people to explain a culture are the ones living it every day. Host Catrin Skaperdas, an American who has made Italy her home, sits down with a wide range of locals-from artisans and chefs to historians and everyday families-in candid, meandering conversations. This podcast deliberately steps away from travel tips and tourist highlights to explore the nuances of Italian society, regional differences, and the small traditions that define the real Italian way of living. You’ll hear personal stories, passionate debates about food and heritage, and insightful reflections on what it means to be Italian today, all shared directly from the source. The dialogue is lively and personal, offering a more authentic and accurate portrait of the country. Listening to this podcast feels like pulling up a chair at a lively piazza table, where the conversation is always genuine and the perspectives are always, well, Italian for sure. New episodes arrive every other Wednesday.
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ITALIAN, FOR SURE  |  Conversations with Italians in Italy About Italian Culture
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