Quiero un Panino con Cheese - Stories of Third Culture Kids and Multicultural Families

Gaia Striano - Parenting Across Borders, Cultures, and Languages
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Ever tried answering the question “Where are you from?” and gave a 10-minute monologue? Ever caught yourself switching between three languages in the middle of a sentence? Ever wondered what home really means when you’ve had more than one? If so, welcome to Quiero un Panino con Cheese, the podcast for parents, kids, and families living the beautiful chaos of multicultural life. Season 2 will be hosted by Gaia Striano, a TCK mom who has raised 3 TCKs across borders, cultures, and languages.   This show explores the joys and challenges of Third Culture Kids—kids who grow up between cultures, languages, and identities.

  1. 6D AGO

    Growing Up Between Worlds — A Sibling Conversation on Identity, Culture, and Belonging

    Send a text In this episode, I sit down with my brother Riccardo for a conversation that feels both deeply personal and surprisingly universal. As siblings, we share the same family, the same roots, and many of the same experiences—but the way we’ve each processed our multicultural upbringing is very different. Growing up across continents meant that identity was never a simple question for us. We talk about what it was like navigating multiple languages, cultures, and expectations—and how moving between places like Asia, Europe, and the United States shaped who we are today. Riccardo and I reflect on the advantages and challenges of being raised between cultures: the adaptability it fosters, the moments of confusion around belonging, and the subtle ways language, nationality, and even our names influenced how others perceived us—and how we perceived ourselves. We also explore the concept of being a Third Culture Kid, the ability to become cultural “chameleons,” and the unexpected independence that often develops when home is constantly shifting. From Riccardo’s experience building a life abroad to my reflections on identity across different environments, this episode is an honest look at what it means to grow up global while still trying to understand where you belong. Above all, we talk about the incredible value of embracing multicultural perspectives—especially for the next generation growing up in an increasingly connected world. In this episode, we explore: How growing up in multiple countries shapes identity, adaptability, and worldviewThe role language, accents, and names play in shaping self-perceptionCultural differences between Italian, American, and broader European experiencesHow passports and nationality can influence opportunities and belongingThe realities of being a Third Culture Kid (TCK)Why multicultural childhoods often build resilience and independenceThe contrasts between life in Europe and the United StatesWhy embracing diversity and global citizenship matters more than everI loved this touching conversation with my big brother. It was a long time in the making. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it. Rick’s background covers a 40 year career that has ranged from banking and finance to sports management and entrepreneurial ventures. He is a published author with two patents to his name and professional postings in New York, Washington DC, Milan, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, and London. Born in Philadelphia, Rick has lived in Thailand, Hong Kong, Italy, Canada, England, Germany, and the US. Currently residing in Frankfurt with his wife Patricia, Rick and Trish have three children, one in Chicago, one in Madrid, and one in Seoul. Rick’s mother lives in Rome, and his sister lives in Madrid….His is truly an international and third culture family. Follow Rick on LinkedIn here Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    47 min

  2. MAR 4

    Stories of Riia - Multicultural Marriage, Identity Shifts, and the Weight of Living Abroad

    Send a text In this episode, Riia shares her journey of living in a multicultural relationship, raising a child in "neutral territory" (neither hers nor her partner's), and navigating the complexities of identity and emotional challenges that come with being a "trailing partner," a term neither of us likes. She discusses the importance of cultural traditions, language dynamics, and the guilt often felt by expats. Through her experiences, Riia highlights the resilience and personal growth that can emerge from these challenges, ultimately defining home as the people we choose to surround ourselves with. During our discussion, Riia shares: how living in a multicultural relationship has impacted how she sees the world and has required compromises;how living in a neutral territory allows both partners to learn and struggle together, creating a strong partnership;how the pressure of being a "trailing partner" often goes unrecognized, despite the emotional labor involved;the guilt she feels about not being close to her family and the impact on her child;how expat life is not always glamorous; it comes with its own set of challenges and emotional struggles;the complexities of language dynamics in a multicultural family;her definition of home.An extremely open and honest conversation about the many aspects, positive and negative, of living a global life, many of which often go unseen. You can find more about Riia and her experiences on her Instagram page. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    37 min

  3. FEB 18

    Why a Global Mindset Matters - with Bernard Asnong, Author of "Be Awesome Be Global"

    Send a text In this episode, I sit down with Bernard Asnong, author of Be Awesome Be Global, for a thought-provoking conversation about identity, belonging, and what it really means to live beyond borders. As always, I begin with the question: “Where are you from?” — and quickly unpack how complex that simple question becomes when you’ve lived across multiple countries and cultures. Bernard reflects on what “home” means to him today and how mobility shapes identity. We dive into the origin of the book — the series of life moments that made him realize this story needed to be told — and explore the bold title itself. What does “awesome” truly mean?  A powerful thread throughout our conversation is friendship — and the surprising realization that we often underestimate the work and intentionality required to sustain meaningful relationships across borders and life transitions. We also discuss: The concept of a Global Mindset, including Intellectual, Psychological, and Social CapitalWhy Third Culture Kids (TCKs) can make exceptional leaders and managersHow Bernard’s global upbringing influenced his academic and professional path — from hospitality to Human ResourcesWhether travel is necessary to become globally mindedThe role of sustainability, responsibility, and empathy in shaping a truly global outlookWhy programs like Erasmus Programme matter so much (with a bit of laughter along the way).We also touch on practical advice for anyone who wants a more global life but feels geographically or professionally “stuck,” and what “thinking globally” really means when making career choices today. Bernard shares how he hopes readers feel after finishing Be Awesome Be Global: more open, more curious, more connected — and perhaps a little braver about embracing a world bigger than borders. This episode is a reflective, honest, and timely conversation about identity, empathy, leadership, and the kind of mindset the future demands. Bernard can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram His book, Be Awesome Be Global, can be found on Amazon Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    37 min

  4. FEB 11

    Season 2 Teaser! Welcome back

    Send a text Season 2 of Quiero un Panino con Cheese is almost here. After a heartfelt and meaningful first season, I want to express my deep gratitude to my co-host, Hazel, whose energy and care helped shape this podcast. Due to professional commitments, she won’t be continuing into season two, and I wish her nothing but the very best. This new season marks a fresh chapter. I’ll be hosting solo, with a stronger focus on guest conversations featuring TCKs, parents, educators, creatives, and multicultural voices from around the world. Together, we’ll explore identity, belonging, home, language, family, and the beautifully complex realities of living between cultures. Season 2 is about expanding the table and continuing the conversation—and I’d love for you to be part of it. New episodes are coming soon. Stay curious. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    2 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

    Send a text As the year comes to a close, we’re also wrapping up Season 1 of Quiero un Panino con Cheese — and what a year it’s been.  This episode serves as a year-end recap, where we share our honest thoughts on what 2025 has meant for us personally and creatively, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and how this podcast has grown since its very first episode. From meaningful conversations to unexpected laughs, Season 1 has been full of moments we’ll never forget. We would also like to give special thanks to all the amazing guests who have taken the time to share their wisdom with us during some wonderful conversations. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our dynamic as hosts — because as you can tell from the very first moments of this episode,  we clearly never have any fun while recording 😉. Our chemistry, humor, and candid conversations have been at the heart of this show, and this episode is no different. As we close out the season, we also share what we’re hoping for in 2026 — both for ourselves and for the future of the podcast. New topics, deeper conversations, and a lineup of exciting guests are already in the works. After this episode, we’ll be taking a short break in January to regroup, gather our thoughts, and creatively reset. This pause will allow us to come back refreshed, inspired, and ready to bring you even more meaningful episodes in the next season. Most importantly, we want to hear from you, our listeners. Your support, feedback, and engagement have meant everything to us this season. What topics would you like us to explore next? Are there conversations you feel don’t get talked about enough? Guests you’d like us to bring on? Join us for this special season finale, celebrate the end of the year with us, and help shape what’s next for Quiero un Panino con Cheese. 🎙️✨ Happy New Year — and we’ll see you in the next season! Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    38 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Planes, Trains, amd Automobiles

    Send a text Traveling—especially during the holiday season—can be exciting, chaotic, and downright stressful all at once. In this episode of Quiero un Panino con Cheese, Hazel and Gaia dive headfirst into the highs and lows of travel, sharing their personal tips, quirks, and very real anxieties when it comes to getting from point A to point B. In a lighthearted and funny conversation, they break down how each of them approaches travel, from the planning and preparation beforehand to the emotional rollercoaster that comes with taking off. Hazel and Gaia also explore how differently they feel about traveling, touching on what excites them, what overwhelms them, and how their personalities show up once a trip is on the calendar. The episode doesn’t shy away from the stressors either—they open up about their biggest fears, travel mishaps, and the little things that can spiral into full-blown anxiety while on the move. Along the way, they share practical travel tips they’ve picked up through experience, as well as relatable moments that will have you laughing and nodding along. So, if you’re gearing up for a holiday trip—or traveling anytime soon—and could use some laughs, reassurance, and honest travel talk, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for helpful insights, shared experiences, and a good giggle before your next adventure. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    38 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Happy Holidays???

    Send a text In this light-hearted episode, Hazel and Gaia dive into the joys and challenges of navigating the holiday season as part of a multicultural, globally-scattered family. With relatives spread across countries and time zones—and traditions coming from multiple cultures—the holidays can quickly become complicated. They explore:  Traditions vs. Flexibility: How much should you hold onto long-standing customs, and when is it okay to let them go?Creating Your Own Holidays: The moment when carving out new rituals becomes healthier than trying to meet family expectations.Evolving Customs: Which traditions they’ve embraced over the years, and which ones naturally faded as they moved from place to place.Handling Pressure and Surprises: Through humor and personal stories, they share how they’ve managed cultural misunderstandings, family demands, and the emotional load of the season.The episode keeps things warm and fun, offering relatable insights for anyone juggling different backgrounds or trying to craft meaningful holidays in a globalized world. Grab a hot chocolate—or some mulled wine—and enjoy the laughs. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    43 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Expat Guilt - with Elisabeth Hutman, multilingual psychotherapist

    Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth Hutman, a multilingual psychologist based in Madrid, to explore a topic many expats quietly struggle with: expat guilt. Together, we unpack questions such as: Do people even realize when they’re experiencing expat guilt?What are the signs, and how can we recognize it in ourselves?How is expat guilt tied to our sense of identity?Are certain cultures more susceptible to it?What role does empathy play in shaping these feelings?Are there different forms of expat guilt?And most importantly: What tools or techniques can help us cope with being far from family and home?Elisabeth offers deep insights and practical advice as we shed light on an emotional experience many expats and immigrants don’t even realize they’re carrying. If you're living abroad and struggling with hard-to-name feelings, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can find Elisabeth on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/homeforemotions/?hl=en You can also reach out to her directly at hutman.elisabeth@gmail.com Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese

    33 min
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Ever tried answering the question “Where are you from?” and gave a 10-minute monologue? Ever caught yourself switching between three languages in the middle of a sentence? Ever wondered what home really means when you’ve had more than one? If so, welcome to Quiero un Panino con Cheese, the podcast for parents, kids, and families living the beautiful chaos of multicultural life. Season 2 will be hosted by Gaia Striano, a TCK mom who has raised 3 TCKs across borders, cultures, and languages.   This show explores the joys and challenges of Third Culture Kids—kids who grow up between cultures, languages, and identities.

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