Life doesn't have a script. At least, it doesn't have to. Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks explore the challenges and joys of moving abroad and moving home. Whether you're living overseas, or not — or not yet — join us weekly for unadulterated conversation. Get to know Rome. Laugh at our embarrassments and insights. Most of all, imagine the possibilities for your own life (and meet some famous authors along the way).
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Sep 28, 2026 · 31:05
A cringy AI-generated ad that touts a gimmicky protein pasta as "just like in Italy!" makes us wonder: what are the worst misperceptions around Italian culture, food, and…
Sep 25, 2026 · 36:04
Some psychologists say that anticipation of a desired event can often bring more happiness than experiencing the event itself. And if that's the case, can we conclude that…
Sep 21, 2026 · 29:44
The US mid-term elections are just around the corner, and it's important to know that Americans living or studying abroad can vote from whereever they happen to be! (And it's…
Sep 18, 2026 · 37:46
On this episode from way way back in the early archives of the show, Tiffany and Katy take listeners on a walking tour of their favorite Roman neighborhood, Trastevere. *** The…
Sep 14, 2026 · 39:31
Today we're joined by Katy's sisters, Dana and Sara, to chat about what's on the horizon for Dana, considering her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer last year. As always, Dana…
Sep 11, 2026 · 40:09
In cities like Rome, tourists are part of the city's identity, its reality, its way of life. When they go away—and don't come back—the city will inevitably change and adapt. Will…
Sep 7, 2026 · 34:20
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…
Sep 4, 2026 · 34:32
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…
Aug 31, 2026 · 31:36
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…
Aug 28, 2026 · 28:17
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…
Aug 24, 2026 · 28:52
When a stranger online started badmouthing Rome, Tiffany's reaction was visceral. It was almost as if someone had insulted her mother. On this week's new episode, Tiffany and…
Aug 21, 2026 · 28:40
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…
Aug 17, 2026 · 40:40
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…
Aug 13, 2026 · 32:08
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 43:10
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…
Aug 7, 2026 · 31:31
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…
Aug 3, 2026 · 43:50
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…
Jul 31, 2026 · 20:15
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…
Jul 27, 2026 · 1:05:07
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…
Jul 24, 2026 · 33:20
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…
Jul 20, 2026 · 33:28
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…
Jul 17, 2026 · 46:09
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…
Jul 13, 2026 · 50:35
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…
Jul 10, 2026 · 26:52
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…
Jul 6, 2026 · 46:56
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…
Jul 3, 2026 · 43:24
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…
Jun 29, 2026 · 1:03:24
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…
Jun 26, 2026 · 25:17
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…
Jun 24, 2026 · 12:55
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…
Jun 22, 2026 · 35:31
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…
Jun 19, 2026 · 29:18
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…
Jun 17, 2026 · 8:07
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…
Jun 15, 2026 · 30:13
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…
Jun 12, 2026 · 35:44
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…
Jun 10, 2026 · 30:23
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…
Jun 8, 2026 · 30:04
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…
Jun 5, 2026 · 35:38
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…
Jun 3, 2026 · 3:06
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…
Jun 1, 2026 · 30:40
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…
May 29, 2026 · 35:27
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.…
May 27, 2026 · 11:50
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…
May 25, 2026 · 25:58
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…
May 22, 2026 · 32:27
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…
May 20, 2026 · 6:38
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…
May 18, 2026 · 51:19
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…
May 15, 2026 · 43:53
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…
May 12, 2026 · 15:23
Your big Rome trip is coming up and all you can see on social media are terrifying videos of massive crowds filling every, street, piazza, and museum. Did you make a mistake…
May 11, 2026 · 31:39
Lots of Americans move abroad to a lower-cost-of-living country in hopes of making their salary stretch further. And if they manage to continue earning an American salary from…
May 8, 2026 · 42:12
On this episode from our archives, we tell a true story of corruption, evil, and avarice... A powerful, unscrupulous man whose two greatest vices are greed and lust. He's close…
May 6, 2026 · 4:22
Tiffany's household has been shaken up by a surprising new family member. What do you think? Are you surprised? This is just a sneak peek of a much longer bonus episode that…
May 4, 2026 · 30:08
When you leave your home country and move abroad as a young person, you probably have a plan for finding a place to live, securing employment, maybe even getting health…
May 1, 2026 · 40:30
In this episode from our archives, we chat with expat, author, and vlogger Dana Newman, an American living in Germany. Dana moved to Europe back in 2008, first to Prague, then…
Apr 27, 2026 · 30:45
When an unpleasant hitch seems to ruin your best-laid plans, sometimes, just sometimes, you discover later that it was all for the best. That something better than you could have…
Apr 24, 2026 · 35:35
What do Goethe, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin and so many other writers and artists have in common? They all reached the apex of their creative output while…
Apr 22, 2026 · 9:42
Tiffany lays out five reasons why you should drop whatever you're doing and come spend a week in Rome with us this fall... and why it might just be your best trip ever! Thinking…
Apr 20, 2026 · 26:59
Don't miss this fascinating interview with writer and teacher Victoria Montes, a long-time expat currently living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Victoria has spent much of her life…
Apr 17, 2026 · 36:04
Some psychologists say that anticipation of a desired event can often bring more happiness than experiencing the event itself. And if that's the case, can we conclude that…
Apr 15, 2026 · 3:29
Our supporters on Patreon voted YES to this episode idea! So today we fire up the random question generator again, except this time, there's a twist: we each have to guess what…
Apr 13, 2026 · 32:18
We all have mementos from the past: cards and letters from loved ones, journals from or angst-ridden teenage years, homework from when we were just wee things... but the question…
Apr 10, 2026 · 31:49
We all have fantasies when we are young about how we want our lives to turn out. Some are far-fetched, some are probably doable. But do you ever stop to ask yourself how much of…
Apr 8, 2026 · 18:10
What does Easter look like in the most catholic city on Earth? As it turns out, it's all about two things: Jesus, and big chocolate eggs. And I mean BIG. Hear all about what a…
Apr 6, 2026 · 33:18
Taxes are enough of a nightmare when you live in your home country. But what happens when you move abroad? Did you know that the United States is one of only two countries in the…
Apr 3, 2026 · 31:38
In this episode from our archives, we explore the topic of hard work vs. luck, when it comes to a person's success. You did it! You've landed that amazing job, or maybe you're…
Apr 1, 2026 · 3:48
Last week, Tiffany shared two of her favorite childhood movies with her 10-year-old son, and it was almost like stepping back into the past (particularly with one of the films!).…
Mar 30, 2026 · 33:38
On this new episode, Tiffany regales us with the beautiful plans she made for a fun weekend that ended up going disastrously awry. Is part of growing older learning to take such…
Mar 27, 2026 · 47:04
In this episode from our archives, we are joined by legendary travel writer Paul Theroux for a candid, backstage interview delving into his five decades spent traveling the world…
Mar 25, 2026 · 9:24
On this out-of-the-ordinary mini-episode, Katy digs into some old schoolwork from her childhood. That leads to the question: what should we do with tangible memories from our…
Mar 23, 2026 · 24:37
After last week's horror story from Tiffany about her out-and-out war with her upstairs neighbors over her piano playing, we decided to follow up with a more optimistic episode.…
Mar 20, 2026 · 1:03:37
In this two-part episode from our archives, Italian expat and cooking expert, Francesca Montillo, joins us for an in-depth interview which inspires us to cook and eat with others…
Mar 18, 2026 · 4:36
This special bonus episode was SUCH fun to create. We hope you laugh along with us as we answer some ridiculous and interesting questions. This is just a sneak peek of a much…
Mar 16, 2026 · 33:23
What happens when you suddenly develop a passion for playing the piano, and your upstairs neighbors can't stand to hear you playing and take every opportunity to tell you so ...…
Mar 13, 2026 · 57:56
On this episode from our archives, Katy meets up with one of The Bittersweet Life 's longtime listeners, San Francisco resident Lynn Fortunato. Lynn is standing on the precipice…
Mar 10, 2026 · 14:24
You know what no one tells you about moving abroad? The first year is hard... excruciatingly hard. Want to make it easier? Follow Tiffany's 7 tips to survive your first year of…
Mar 9, 2026 · 36:56
Have you ever gotten sick while traveling? Really sick? Today's special guest, Katy's sister Dana, has and on this possibly TMI episode, she joins Katy and Tiffany to explore the…
Mar 6, 2026 · 48:29
In this interview from our archives, the executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Sheri Salata and her cohost Nancy Hala on the popular podcast, The Sheri and Nancy Show…
Mar 4, 2026 · 2:30
Is Katy becoming a curmudgeon? Listen to this recent event, and weigh in! This is just a sneak peek of a much longer bonus episode that drops today, available exclusively to our…
Mar 2, 2026 · 31:12
We all notice some things over other things. What determines what we notice? Is it our background? Our innate personality? Our experiences? Our preferences? Our past mistakes?…
Feb 27, 2026 · 35:56
Is the Mona Lisa in the Louvre fake? Was impressionist painter Claude Monet a radical? And was Caravaggio—our show's muse—murdered? Art history holds as many mysteries and…
Feb 25, 2026 · 13:58
Don't stumble around one of the most important ancient sites in the world without learning about its incredible history, structure, art, design, and curiosities. Tiffany is right…
Feb 23, 2026 · 35:16
Lately it seems like lots of Americans are moving abroad. But, believe it or not, some American expats are moving back to the States. Today we're joined by one such ex-expat, or…
Feb 20, 2026 · 50:27
On this episode from our archives, we give all our listeners a peek into some of the extra bonus content that our Patreon donors are receiving. Every month we offer one or more…
Feb 18, 2026 · 4:42
Most break-ups are painful, but every now and then, they can be fun. Or even funny! Have you had a funny break-up? Tune in to hear ours. This is just a sneak peek of a much…
Feb 16, 2026 · 27:39
February 17th is a big day in Tiffany's life this year... from Martedi Grasso with Aurelio (aka Pulcinella) to her Italian sister-in-law's Master's graduation to her mom's…
Feb 13, 2026 · 30:03
What do you do when your partner of almost a decade finally proposes, and after a just few short months of marriage, tells you he thinks you made a mistake getting married? Well,…
Feb 11, 2026 · 16:15
On this mini-episode, we talk about one of the most over-looked and underappreciated sites in the entire city. It has it all: glorious medieval mosaics (some of the oldest you'll…
Feb 9, 2026 · 33:13
On the occassion of Valentine's Day, The Bittersweet Life looks at the many different kinds of love, from family love to romantic love to the love you feel for your pets. Katy…
Feb 6, 2026 · 34:41
"All things cute and cuddly" was the surprising topic requested by listener Sara, who supports us at the $50 level on Patreon . Choosing the topic of an episode is just one of…
Feb 4, 2026 · 4:48
Romans love the story of the young Renaissance noblewoman Beatrice Cenci. It's an absolutely gruesome and horrific story (for all you true crime fans) and now, it's also a huge…
Feb 2, 2026 · 30:29
What happens when you move abroad with the intention of contributing to the lives of the local people... and those local people don't seem to like you. Author Beth Ann Fennelly…
Jan 30, 2026 · 26:50
In this interview from our archives, we sit down with Riley Morton, a freelance documentary producer and cinematographer who kicked off his career two decades ago in the…
Jan 28, 2026 · 11:35
It's Carnival time here in Rome, and before you say—why don't you go celebrate in Venice?—you should know that Carnevale originated in Rome. In this week's mini-episode, Tiffany…
Jan 26, 2026 · 26:29
On today's poignant episode, Katy says goodbye to her Grammy Jean, who lived to be a staggering 107 years old. Not only that, she was active, healthy, happy, and mentally sharp…
Jan 23, 2026 · 39:28
To continue our January archival series on ADVENTURE, today we revisit an interview with author Michael Maren. As a war correspondent, he covered fierce conflicts around the…
Jan 21, 2026 · 4:27
The Sewall Sisters (Sara, Dana, and host Katy) sit down to discuss aging: what they're worried about, what has already happened, and how a terminal illness changes the…
Jan 19, 2026 · 37:58
It's January and that means Katy and her sisters are off on Sisterfest! Katy and her two older sisters Sara and Dana have been taking an annual trip together every year in…
Jan 16, 2026 · 27:56
Photographer and visual storyteller Cyndie Burkhardt was living in New York City feeling unsatisfied with her life. Rather than continue to struggle, she decided to leave. Her…
Jan 14, 2026 · 13:58
The temps are dropping in Rome and all Roman children (and several adults as well!) are praying nightly for that Roman rarity: snow! Will it happen this year? It's anyone's guess…
Jan 12, 2026 · 23:21
When a writer moves abroad, how do they find a literary community in their new country, especially when that country speaks (and reads) in a different language? They create it…
Jan 9, 2026 · 29:11
The Mongol Rally is a one-of-kind intercontinental car race, the "greatest motoring adventure on the planet" according to the organizers. Participants must drive from London to…
Jan 7, 2026 · 3:46
To celebrate the New Year, we ask ChatGPT to create a party for us! Is A.I. a good party planner? Or do the humans do it better? Listen in and send us your vote! This is just a…
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