The Bittersweet Life

It's a debate as old as time, and today Katy and Tiffany are tackling it:

Which are better: dogs or cats?

And perhaps more importantly, which make better pets? Is the loving loyalty of a dog a more important trait in a pet than the independent, low-maintence lifestyle of a cat? And crucially: which animal is cuter?

Katy grew up with dogs, and now has cats.

Tiffany grew up with cats, and now has a dog.

Does that mean cat people can become dog people and vice versa?

Are you tired of watching every one you know go to Italy?

Florence-based food blogger and culinary tour guide Coral Sisk was, and she penned a viral complaint about it for the popular online foodie publication Eater, with the specific complaint that the media turns too much of its focus on Italy—particularly when it comes to food programming—so tourists think it's the "only" place to go.

The comment section was wild, with most of the responses somewhere along the lines of "I love Italy and there's nothing wrong with that!"

Of cour...

Do you write in a journal? If you don't know, have you ever done so in the past? Have you ever used a journal as a means of self-therapy?

These and other similar questions come to us in a two recent email from two long-time listeners, and we decided to devote an entire episode to this interesting topic. (Since we're both writers, you might not be surprised to hear our answers!)

But listen all the way to the end to discover the published journals that we have most enjoyed reading.

WE LOVE LISTENER...

On a past Bittersweet Moment, Tiffany remembered accidently smearing a bit of lipstick on the doorframe of one of the buildings she lived in her first months in Rome, and how that red streak is still there, 18 years later. And how, somehow, every time she sees it, it reminds her of her earliest days in Rome, almost an "I was here" moment.

This episode from our archive is Inspired by this idea. Katy and Tiffany talk about other moments in their life that they have felt a similar sensation, how common that might be, and why we...

When a stranger online started badmouthing Rome, Tiffany's reaction was viceral. It was almost as if someone had insulted her mother.

On this week's new episode, Tiffany and Katy chat about what it means to love a city so much that you are sometimes blinded to its faults.

They also touch on why, despite popular opinion online, it's perfectly okay to romaticize living in Italy. (Tiffany has been doing it for the last 22 years and show no signs of falling out of love with Rome.)

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COME TO ROME WITH US...

What is wonder? And how does it affect your life? Perhaps most importantly, what can we do to harness it?

In this episode from our archives, we are joined by Andrea Scher, author of Wonder Seeker: 52 Ways to Wake Up Your Creativity and Find Your Joy, a playful, practical, and effective guide to finding wonder and joy in your daily life. Andrea's passion and life's work is to cultivate a sense of wonder, and to help others do the same.

She discusses how her need for wonder has grown out of her innate sensitivity, anxiety...

Last week we aired a fascinating and inspiring conversation with Julian Shapiro-Barnum about his new book How to Grow up without Becoming a Grown-up and his strategies for resisting the pull of what can often end up being a constrictive and joyless adulthood.

Today, Tiffany and Katy continue the conversation. They wonder: have they managed to remain childlike (or hey, even childish) despite the fact that they have entered long since adulthood?

And does having your own kids keep you young, or does it make you even more of a grown up?

What...

In this episode from our archives, we ask our listeners: What are the sounds you truly love, not for how beautiful they are, but for what they mean? Sounds that, for whatever reason, make you happy? Sounds that, when you hear them, you know something good is about to happen?

We asked and you answered. We asked our listeners to send in the sounds that mean something to them, and we got so many, we almost couldn't fit them all in one episode! Happy listening.

***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for...

What can kids teach us about how to live? This is a topic close to the heart of today's guest, Julian Shapiro-Barnum. An actor and comedian, Julian is perhaps most known for his web series Recess Therapy, in which he interviews children playing outside in New York City.

He joins us this week to talk about his new book, How to Grow Up without Becoming a Grown-up. He shares what he has learned from his young interviewees: how to notice the beauty all around you, how to believe you can make a difference in the world, when...

Does the language that we speak influence the way that our thoughts work?

An article in the New York Times by Guy Deutcher, Does Your Language Shape How You Think? explores this topic in depth.

Taking inspiration from the article, Katy and Tiffany muse on this topic on this episode from our archives. We consider how gendered nouns influences how we think about objects, how specific we choose to be—or are forced to be—depending on the language we are speaking, and other language-rich ideas.

***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the...

What does it feel like to plan for the end of your life when your only in your mid-50s?

Could you plan your own funeral/celebration of life?

What about going through your childhood mementos to decide what your children would actually want, and what you need to ruthlessly trash.

These are all things that Katy's sister Dana has had to thing about lately, after her diagnosis of stage-4 glioblastoma brain cancer. But luckily, she's not having to think about it alone. She's been supported by her sisters Sara and our own...

We are proud to say that we have some of the most engaged listeners in the entire podcast world! We get lots of mail from our listeners, both comments and questions about specific past episodes, as well as suggestions for future episodes and questions about life (often expat life) in general.

Every so often, we grab a few of those letters and read them on air, address the questions and offer our suggestions. Today we hear from a third culture kid who is married to another third culture kid, and the challenges he has faced and the...

Today we sit down with David Epstein, environmental scientist, investigative journalist, and author of the new book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better. He joins us for a special interview to discuss a modern paradox that is plaguing today's society: how seemingly infinite choices and the illusion of absolute freedom bring overwhelm, paralysis, and uncertainty.

David Epstein uses science to explain how we can benefit from narrowing our options, and how, as contrary as it might feel, using self-imposed boundaries and constraints can tap into unexpected wells of focus and innovation.

<...

We all know what synonyms are, and probably antonyms too. But have you ever heard of contronyms?

In this episode from our archives, Tiffany and Katy have a little fun playing with these controdictory words, which launches a discussion on learning a foreign language, including what makes learning English hard, and how it differs from a language like Italian. Tiffany also reveals the one Italian gramatical rule she still can't wrap her head around.

***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some...

When you've lived abroad for as long as Tiffany has (22 years and counting), every trip back to your country of origins brings with it a hefty dose of reverse culture shock.

But on her most recent trip to the US, Tiffany, along with her husband and son, spent some time in New York City, for the first time in several years.

What shocked Tiffany about being back in New York? What aspects of the city surprised her? And what aspects of life in the United States in general, and New York in particular, feel utterly...

What does it take to capture the sounds of the world's rich and diverse wildlife? On this extraordinary interview from our archives, we are joined by sound and nature recordist Martyn Stewart.

Stewart has one of the largest collections of natural sounds in the world, having recorded more than 90,000 different sounds in more than 55 different countries for a total of over 60,000 hours of natural sounds. Stunningly, Martyn reveals that two thirds of what he has recorded is now extinct. He talks about what inspired him as a young child to be a nature recordist, and explains you...

As hard as it is to succeed and thrive as a professional jazz musician, how much more challenging is it when the journey leads you to a new country—with new laws, new social customs, and a system that creates roadblocks nearly every step of the way?

Today we sit down with jazz saxophonist and music professor Felipe Salles to talk about his journey from an international student at a major conservatory in Boston "fresh off the boat" (as he puts it) from Brazil, to a working musician living in New York on a so-called "genius visa" to...

When you're a longtime expat, do your friends back home move on?

We discuss on this episode from our archives. Expats often make friends with other expats in their adopted country. That can be great, but it also means that it's very likely that your new friends will, sooner or later, move away and you'll be back to square one. It's typical, therefore, for expats to consider their friends back home as their "real friends." But do those same friends feel the same way about them?

While an expat may consider their childhood friends as...

What happens when you dream of living by the sea in Italy but you are deeply connected to your home town and community?

If you are like this week's guest, Laurel Attanasio, you compromise: buy your dream house on the Calabrian coast and live there for just part of the year. Best of both worlds, eh?

But there's a catch: living in Italy even part-time brings endless bureaucratical issues (perhaps even more than living there full-time). Case in point: you can't buy a car without car insurance, but you can't get car insurance unless you're...

Robert Fulghum is the author of 21 books and a writer whose career that has spanned multiple decades. On this episode from our archives, we share a deep and intimate conversation with him, asking questions like: how do you stay curious about the world around you?

Katy's also explores Fulghum's uncanny ability to attain resilience in the face of what some would deem to be disaster, why Robert dismisses the "meaningless" idea of personal authenticity, how travel shapes your life (and why he makes sure never to dress like a tourist!) and the simple thing that one elementary...

In an episode that is worth sharing with others in your life, Katy's sister Dana joins us to give an update on her health, dealing with a glioblastoma brain cancer, as well as an amazing device that she has created to keep her mind focused on things that offer consolation rather than desolation. It's a surprisingly simple idea that helps her focus on the true prioriities in her life, rather than all the scary and anxiety-producing things about facing major change in your health. And she does it is in the most fuzzy and cute, cuddly way that you...

Traveling all alone... does sound like a nightmare or a fantasy? Or perhaps the idea intrigues you but you're a little too scared to try it.

Thanks to a listener question, we delve into the realities of solo travel on this episode, the good, the bad, the perks, the challenges, the dangers, and the unexpected joys. We also share some of the wonderful and not-so-nice things that have happened to us on our own solo voyages, as well as a few hacks on how to make the most of it (and not get too lonely).

...

On Monday's new episode, we discuss the bittersweet feeling that so often comes with endings and new beginnings. Excitement tinged with nostalgia and a sense of what will be missed. What brought up these thoughts? Aurelio recently finishing elementary school and all the emotions that that brought up, particularly for his mom! (If you missed that episode, be sure to go back and listen here!)

On this mini-episode, Aurelio weighs in. What does HE feel about leaving the school and teachers he's gotten to know so well over these past five years and preparing to embark on...

It's happened: Tiffany's son Aurelio has "graduated" from elementary school and is on his way to big-kid land.

How is his mom handling it?

And why is it that endings, no matter what they are, tend to be so bittersweet?

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COME TO ROME WITH US: Our 4th annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is taking place this year from 1 to 7 November 2026! If you'd like to be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out...

Ever had a souvenir that you grew to hate? Something that you'd love to get rid of, but can't bear to because you carried it across the world?

Or what about the things you wish you had bought, but didn't? Objects that—whether because they were too expensive, too impractical, or simply too hard to get home—you failed to buy and have always regretted it?

For this conversation about the souvenirs we love, loathe, and left behind, we invited our regular Patreon and PayPal supporters to a live episode via Zoom—and some of them c...

Tiffany and her husband Claudio celebrated a (relatively) big anniversary last month. On this bonus episode available exclusively to our Patreon supporters, Tiffany talks about what they did to mark the day, and how that connects with our big Rome trip coming up in November!

This is just a sneak peek of a much longer bonus episode that drops today, available exclusively to our generous Patreon supporters.

Want to hear the whole episode and many many more like it?

Become part of the Bittersweet Life community by supporting just on Patreon! For as...

Lately it seems that people go on vacation just for the pleasure of standing in line.

What's going on?

We blame social media and viral influencers who would have many uninformed tourists believe that there's only ONE place to get the "best" espresso, the "best" pizza, the "best" tiramisù, and they are more than willing to line up for hours need be to be able to say they've had the "best."

But is it really the best?

Is it even close? (More often than not, it isn't.)

And in r...

Formerly close but now estranged siblings, two girls with a passion for swimming in the sea, a death that reveals long hidden secrets, a voice message from beyond the grave, and a tradtional Caribbean cake that ties it all together.

These are the ingredients for Black Cake, the bestselling new novel by Charmaine Wilkerson, who joins us on this episode from our archives.

In this fascinating author interview, we talk about family, memory, identity, loss, secrets, and so much more. Wilkerson reveals her own path to becoming an author, as well as a bit about...

Today we bring you Part 2 of Monday's Episode 632 in which we are inspired by a recent article, the Seattle Times to predict what Seattleites would enjoy in Rome based on what they like to do in Seattle.

Listen in to get ideas and tips for what to see and do on your trip to Rome (whether you're from Seattle or not), and you might be surprised to discover just how many things Rome and Seattle have in common!

If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part 1 first!

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COME...

In a recent article, the Seattle Times attempts to predict what Seattleites would enjoy in Rome based on what they like to do in Seattle.

But, frankly, as Roman Seattleites ourselves, we think we can do a better job with this topic.

Listen in to get ideas and tips for what to see and do on your trip to Rome (whether you're from Seattle or not), and you might be surprised to discover just how many things Rome and Seattle have in common!

Turns out we had so much to say, this episode...

Tiffany gives you the low-down on Rome's neighborhoods, particularly from the expat perspective.

Which neighborhoods are the prettiest? Where are they located? How high are the living expenses there and what kind of expat (typically) lives there? Also—what's the most important landmark in each neighborhood and what kind of food can you get there?

We answer all these questions and more. If you're planning a move to Rome (or just daydreaming about one), this episode is for you!

***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In or...

Do you ever wish you could scrap all this new technology and return to the analog world? When you actually owned your own films and music? When you didn't have to have a subscription to use your own printer? When you didn't have AI constantly trying to predict what you're trying to do?

From someone who's conducting research for her next book at the public library (Katy) and someone who is planning on going back to listening to CDs only (Tiffany), we have a feeling we're not the only ones.

This is just a sneak...

Picture it: you dreamed of moving abroad for years, and you've finally done it! You are settling into your new country, and just starting to get the swing of things, with exciting travel plans with your partner on the horizon.

But what happens when your friends back home start to come visit... too often?

What happens when nearly every weekend you become hostess, tour guide, and chef, all rolled into one?

We all love seeing our friends from back home—especially when we live far away—but is there too much of a good...

Can you keep a secret? Author Adrienne Brodeur was asked to keep an explosive secret at just fourteen years old when her mother confided in her about her extramarital affair. From that moment on, Adrienne's life changed; her innocent childhood was over, and her new life of secrets, lies, and drama began.

On this episode from our archives, Adrienne joins us for a thoughtful and intimate interview. She discusses her memoir, Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me, in which she tells this extraordinary story. She also explores the challenges of writing memoir, and how perspective...

The most fulfilling travel cannot be found on any check-list.

A meaningful trip can never be summed up by list of "top ten" things to see or do.

And no influencer has the secrets to make the perfect trip.

This is your official invitation to trash the travel check-lists and let the place you are visiting simply reveal itself to you. You might just find that the very best travel experiences come when you ignore all the "must-do"s and just allow the city you are visiting to lead you.

By...

There's lots of buzz out there lately about manifesting, and how if we can somehow harness this practice, we can effortlessly make all of our desires a reality.

But does it really work?

And perhaps more importantly—what really goes into manifesting? How much of it is simply the effort and planning it takes to make ANYTHING happen?

Last week we chatted with a psychic medium about this very topic, a friendly debate in which Katy pushed back about his claims on maninfesting. (Be sure to listen to that episode frist.) Now Tiffany an...

Is it important to be on time? What does it say about you if you are often late? What does it say about you if it really bothers you when others are late?

On this episode from our archives, we delve into the world of punctuality, and all of the expectations and resentments that can come with it (or the lack of it).

This idea was suggested by a listener via Instagram. We love when listeners send us suggestions! Send us yours—we might just do an episode on it! Email us here.

***Th...

On this week's bonus episode, we update our Patreon supporters on a bunch of personal stories. How is the new Roman puppy working out? What's happening with Tiffany's piano-fueled feud with her upstairs neighbor? And does Katy's book have a release date yet?

This is just a sneak peek of a much longer bonus episode that drops today, available exclusively to our generous Patreon supporters.

Want to hear the whole episode and many many more like it?

Become part of the Bittersweet Life community by supporting just on Patreon! For as little as $5...

Psychic mediums believe in a lot of things that can't be seen or touched, but rather only sensed, so it makes sense that they would be on board when it comes to the idea of manifestation.

But Katy is a skeptic at the school of manifestation, so she sits down with direct-voice psychic medium Felix Lee Lerma, for an impromptu debate on the meaning of the term, and if it really does what its proponents claim it does.

Don't miss this friendly but no-holds-barred debate!

And if Felix's voice is familiar, that's because...

Since Victorian times, people have been obsessed with Jack the Ripper. There are endless volumes full of history about him and the gory deaths of his five victims. What's missing is information about the lives of the women he killed—until now.

In this episode from our archives, we sit down with Hallie Rubenhold, social historian and author of the recently published book, The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper.

In this eye-opening interview, we discover that, contrary to popular narrative, Jack the Ripper's victims were almost certainly not al...