The Bittersweet Life - podcast cover

The Bittersweet Life

Expat, Repat, Travel, Rome, Seattle, Books, Art, Italy, Wonderwww.thebittersweetlife.net
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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Episodes

Episode 55: ZONES

Living in a different time zone than your family and friends can change relationships. Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks explore how, and that leads to a discussion on irrational fears. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bi...

Mar 25, 201525 minSeason 2Ep. 55

Episode 54: FLIGHTY (with John Wynn)

A common stereotype about expats is they're maladjusted and running from real life. Is that true? Host Katy Sewall speaks with psychiatrist and former expat, John Wynn, about it, and host Tiffany Parks shares her own story. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with...

Mar 15, 201526 minSeason 2Ep. 54

Episode 53: FLUX (with John Wynn)

Life is full of major transitions. For host Katy Sewall, moving to Rome then back to Seattle has been hard. She speaks with psychiatrist and former expat, John Wynn, about why change is tough and how to do transitions well. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with...

Mar 08, 201527 minSeason 2Ep. 53

Episode 52: ANIMALS (with Andrew Blechman and Clark and Evalea Beck)

Travelers and expats often encounter animals. From the humble, common pigeon to a monkey or a great white shark. Today we share animal stories from all over the world. Special guest stars: Andrew Blechman , author of Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World's Most Revered and Reviled Bird and Clark and Evalea Beck, pigeon rescuers. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bitterswe...

Mar 01, 201526 minSeason 2Ep. 52

Episode 51: CROWS (with Gabi Mann)

Gabi (age 8) regularly feeds crows and they bring her shiny things in return. Katy's story about Gabi was instantly viral. Hear Gabi as she shows host Katy Sewall her crow-gift collection. We'll also discover why crows give gifts and how you can earn gifts too! Show guests: Gabi Mann, her mother Lisa, John Marzluff (corvid expert), Tony Angell (artist, crow imitator) NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the...

Feb 22, 201524 minSeason 2Ep. 51

Episode 50: HOME

For travelers and expats, what feels like home changes sometimes. Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks share their experience with home and homesickness. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and s...

Feb 15, 201525 minSeason 2Ep. 50

Episode 49: TIME

Time can seem long or short, important or boring, precious or fleeting. Why do some experiences stay vivid while others seem so long ago? Tiffany and Katy explore how time plays with memories. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or wr...

Feb 08, 201534 minSeason 2Ep. 49

Episode 48: FREELANCE

Expats are often freelancers. Writers, artists, tour guides, radio reporters. Katy and Tiffany talk about the difficulties of freelancing and appeal to you for help. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@ma...

Feb 01, 201539 minSeason 2Ep. 48

Epsiode 47: CONTRAST

Parts of American culture seem strange after a year living as an expat in Italy. Katy and Tiffany talk about the cultural oddities that stand out after living abroad. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@m...

Jan 25, 201532 minSeason 2Ep. 47

Episode 46: GOODBYE

Katy's last morning arrives. Tiffany and Katy spend their final moments together before Katy is no longer an expat. Taped during Katy's final 20 minutes in Rome. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.c...

Jan 18, 201526 minSeason 1Ep. 46

Episode 45: LEAVING

Moving home after living as an expat isn't an easy thing to go. Tiffany and Katy lament Katy's imminent departure from Rome and discuss the joys and difficulties that lie ahead. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bitter...

Jan 11, 201530 minSeason 1Ep. 45

Episode 44: MORNING

Listen as the city of Rome comes alive. Tiffany picks up Katy at dawn, when only garbage men and birds move about. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show content can only be used wit...

Jan 04, 201531 minSeason 1Ep. 44

Episode 43: CARAVAGGIO, Part 2

We retrace the steps of the painter Caravaggio who walked the streets of Rome in the late 1500s. We examine his artistic genius and murderous temper while looking at his painting "Madonna di Loreto." (Listen to "Part 1" first.) NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect ...

Dec 14, 201420 minSeason 1Ep. 43

Episode 42: CARAVAGGIO, Part 1

The painter Caravaggio walked the streets of Rome in the late 1500s. Today we retrace his steps , examining his artistic genius and murderous temper. Listen to Part 2 for the conclusion. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us...

Dec 14, 201424 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Episode 41: COMPLAIN

When can an expat legitimately complain about the country they elected to live in? Tiffany and Katy wonder if complaining only for natives and immigrants? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©W...

Dec 07, 201420 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Episode 40: FRIENDS

Are long term expats unwilling to make friends with short term expats? Also, when you live abroad, is a big part of friendship saying goodbye? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show ...

Nov 30, 201421 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Episode 39: MEMORY

Tiffany and Katy muse on how memories are formed, recorded, erased and Facebooked. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show content can only be used with written permission....

Nov 23, 201428 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Episode 38: STUDENT (with Peter Dziedzic)

Students often travel abroad for extended periods of time. Does that make them expats? Our guest, student Peter Dziedzic, says no though he hasn't been home in years. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@m...

Nov 16, 201422 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Episode 37: RETIRE (with Rose and Wayne Wentz)

What planning does it take to retire overseas? Can the average person do it? Rose and Wayne Wentz retired to Rome from Seattle. They pass on their practical and helpful advice. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bitters...

Nov 09, 201430 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Episode 36: ALIEN

Are expats people who feel alien in their native country? Tiffany and Katy explore the feeling of "otherness" and the differences between an expatriate and an immigrant. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlif...

Nov 02, 201423 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Episode 35: TRANSLATE

Tiffany is bilingual and that means translating for others. It can be tiring, but it also gives her power. Has she been editing Katy's speech this whole time? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com ...

Oct 26, 201424 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Episode 34: VENTURE (with Toni DeBella)

Moving abroad isn't exclusively for students or childless people. It's an adventure for all ages. Toni DeBella moved to Orvieto, Italy once her son was grown, proving that new dreams can always be made. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Face...

Oct 19, 201422 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Episode 33: PARENTS (with Linda Martinez and Steve Brenner)

Meet two parents who boldly moved abroad with a dream rather than a plan. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show content can only be used with written permission....

Oct 12, 201431 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Episode 32: KIDS

We meet three American girls in Orvieto, Italy. Giulia (age 13), Paloma (age 11), and Viola (age 8) have been expats their whole lives. How do they view the United States from afar? Do they feel like they fit in with the local kids their age? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVER...

Oct 05, 201424 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Episode 31: TRAIN

Train travel is a romantic. Is train travel even better if you record an episode of The Bittersweet Life on the trip? You be the judge. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show content...

Oct 03, 201431 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Episode 30: COMEDY, Part 2 (with Marsha De Salvatore)

Our discussion on comedy continues with this bonus episode. Drunkenness, ESL, and expat cliches are on the table. Our guest, comedian Marsha De Salvatore, runs Rome's Comedy Club. Note: If you haven't heard Episode 29, listen to that first. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSA...

Sep 21, 201430 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Episode 29: COMEDY, Part 1 (with Marsha De Salvatore)

What people find funny varies from country to country. Comedian Marsha De Salvatore drops by to make us laugh and dissect why we're laughing. You might be funnier in another culture. Did you even think of that? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitte...

Sep 21, 201430 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Episode 28: HOSPITAL

Not all medical systems are created equal. Expats often find that out unexpectedly -- like Katy did after giving herself a concussion. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us @ bittersweetlife@mail.com . ©Web and show content ...

Sep 14, 201430 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Episode 27: UNSURE (with Amy Knauff)

Expat Amy has lived overseas since college. First in Italy, then in Nicaragua, then back to Italy. All year she's been planning to return to the United States but she never leaves. Do long term expats lose their sense of truly belonging anywhere? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CO...

Sep 07, 201434 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Episode 26: MINORITY

Moving abroad often means becoming a "minority." For many travelers, this is a new experience. Tiffany, Katy and Katy's husband Derek discuss an eye-opening aspect of becoming an expats. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousands of expats and travelers all over the world by sponsoring The Bittersweet Life. Write the at bittersweetlife@mail.com to get the conversation going. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us on Twitter , Facebook or write us...

Aug 31, 201421 minSeason 1Ep. 26
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