A New Life in Italy

Samantha Wilson
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A NEW LIFE IN ITALY – THE PODCAST THAT takes you behind the scenes of what it's really like to move and live in Italy and shows you how starting a new life in the bel Paese is possible for you. This weekly podcast is hosted by Samantha Wilson, Italy’s top relocation expert and chief dream maker at Smart Move Italy is for anyone who dreams of adopting the Italian lifestyle, no matter where you are in the process. Tune in every week for some inspiration, and super “ah-ha” moments, and learn how you can live longer, spend less, and smile more in your new life in Italy.

  1. How to Teach English in Italy and Build a Real Income

    10H AGO

    How to Teach English in Italy and Build a Real Income

    Thinking about moving to Italy but not planning to retire? Then at some point, probably soon, you'll face the question: what am I actually going to do for work? In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson sits down with Aisling, an Irish expat who moved to Italy, changed careers in her late 30s, and built a successful freelance business teaching English to corporate clients. If you’ve ever considered teaching English in Italy, freelancing, or starting over in a new country, this episode gives you a real, honest look at what it actually takes. Because the truth is… it’s not just about speaking English. It’s about qualifications, bureaucracy, relationships, and building something sustainable over time. Aisling shares her 10-year journey from working in the arts in Ireland to teaching business English in Milan, and eventually creating a flexible, location-independent career from her home in Tuscany. You’ll learn how she got started, what surprised her most about working in Italy, and why relationships matter more than resumes in the Italian business world. This episode is essential listening if you are planning your move to Italy and want to understand how to realistically support yourself once you arrive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to teach English in Italy and what qualifications you actually need The difference between working for a language school and freelancing How to set up a freelance business in Italy, including Partita IVA Why you need a commercialista and how taxes work for freelancers How to find clients in Italy and why networking is everything The reality of Italian bureaucracy when starting a business How long it takes to build a stable income as an expat Why business English is one of the biggest opportunities in Italy How COVID changed remote work opportunities across the country What it really takes to build a sustainable career in Italy Who This Episode Is For:Anyone planning to move to Italy and needing to work Expats considering teaching English in Italy Freelancers and remote workers looking to relocate to Italy People changing careers later in life and starting over abroad Listeners who want a realistic view of working and living in Italy Resources Mentioned:Aisling’s book: Freelance English Teaching in Italy: How to Find High-Paying Clients and Build a Sustainable Career If you’re serious about moving to Italy and want expert guidance on visas, relocation, or building your life here, you’ll find everything you need at Smart Move Italy. And if this episode helped you, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who’s dreaming about their own life in Italy. Because this move is possible… when you know how to do it right. Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website

    41 min
  2. The First 90 Days in Italy: What No One Tells You

    MAR 25

    The First 90 Days in Italy: What No One Tells You

    You’ve planned it, dreamed about it, and finally made the move to Italy. But what happens next? In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson shares the real experience of the first 30, 60, and 90 days after arriving in Italy. This is the phase no one fully prepares you for and where most people feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure if they made the right decision. If you are planning your move to Italy, currently applying for a visa, or have recently arrived and feel like things are harder than expected, this episode will help you understand exactly what is happening and how to move through it with clarity and confidence. This is not about the dream. This is about building your life in Italy. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the first 90 days in Italy actually feel like beyond the excitement Why emotional ups and downs are completely normal after moving abroad How Italian bureaucracy really works and why nothing seems to happen in a straight line The biggest mistakes foreigners make after arriving in Italy How to approach your first 30, 60, and 90 days with a clear and simple plan Why loneliness can show up even when you’re living your dream How to stop feeling behind and start building your life with confidence Topics covered include: Moving to Italy for foreigners Living in Italy after relocation Permesso di soggiorno process explained Italian bureaucracy and settling in Expat life in Italy Emotional challenges of moving abroad Renting vs buying property in Italy Cost of living in Italy for newcomers Public transport vs owning a car in Italy Listener Questions Answered: Should you buy property in Italy before moving or rent first? How much money do you need for your first year living in Italy? Do you need a car to live in Italy or can you rely on public transport? If you’re in that in-between phase where the dream has become real life and things feel harder than expected, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward. Ready to move to Italy with clarity and support? Download our free visa guide or explore how we can help you with visas, relocation, and property at Smart Move Italy. If this episode helped you, share it with someone who is planning their move to Italy. And don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode. Mentioned in this episode: APP Link Sentire Media Website Sentire Media Website

    21 min
  3. Why You Feel Healthier Eating Pizza in Italy

    MAR 11

    Why You Feel Healthier Eating Pizza in Italy

    Have you ever noticed something strange when you visit Italy? You eat pasta. You eat bread. You eat pizza. And somehow… you feel better. People say this to me all the time. The bread doesn’t bother their stomach. The pasta doesn’t leave them bloated. They feel healthier even though they feel like they’re eating more. So what’s going on? In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha talks with Dr. Anna Toker, a board certified colorectal surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience studying digestive health. Dr. Toker recently traveled to Italy to explore why people here eat foods many people fear, yet still maintain better gut health and longevity. Dr. Anna Toker-transcript Together they explore the real reasons behind the “Italy effect” including slower meals, better ingredients, smaller portions, more walking, and less stress around food. You’ll learn why the Mediterranean lifestyle may be just as important as the Mediterranean diet and why slowing down might be the most powerful ingredient of all. Listener Q&A At the end of the episode Samantha answers three listener questions: • What surprised you most the first time you visited Italy? • Should you rent or buy when you first move to Italy? • What is one mistake people make when planning their move? If you’ve ever wondered why food feels different in Italy, this episode explains why. Resources Mentioned Dr. Anna Toker: Find her insights and educational content on Instagram and online. Connect with Smart Move Italy If you’re dreaming about your own new life in Italy, Smart Move Italy can help guide you through the process. From visas and relocation planning to buying property in Italy, the team works with people from around the world who are ready to start their next chapter here. Subscribe to A New Life in Italy If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you know someone who dreams about living in Italy, share this episode with them. Because sometimes the journey to a new life begins with one small idea… and a great conversation. Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website APP Link

    51 min
  4. From Burnout to Palazzo: How to Take Back Your Time and Start Living Now

    FEB 25

    From Burnout to Palazzo: How to Take Back Your Time and Start Living Now

    What if you are not actually short on time… you are just investing it in the wrong places? In this episode, I sit down with international time management specialist, best-selling author, and life designer Kate Christie for a conversation that is about so much more than productivity. We talk about ownership. About intention. About what happens when life cracks you open and forces you to reassess everything. And about why “later” is a dangerous word. Kate shares how she walked away from corporate law, rebuilt her life after profound personal loss, and now helps high-performing women reclaim more than 30 hours of guilt-free time every month. Yes. Thirty. We dive into: • Why you cannot “manage” time, only invest it • The difference between a Bucket List and a Life List • How grief reshaped Kate’s priorities forever • The three types of goals every woman needs: Go Big, Go Small, and Go Now • A 90-second framework you can use today to kickstart any dream • And how buying and renovating a palazzo in Sicily became the ultimate case study in reinvention Kate’s story is bold, honest, and deeply empowering. Her message is clear. It might be your turn. If you have been putting something off, this episode will lovingly challenge you. About Kate Christie Kate Christie is an international time management expert, best-selling author, speaker, and founder of Time Stylers. She works with high-performing individuals and teams to help them reclaim their time and redesign their lives. Her most recent book, The Life List, encourages women to stop waiting for someday and start intentionally living now. She is currently renovating a palazzo in Alcamo, Sicily while building an “eternal summer” life between Australia and Italy. Connect with Kate Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katechristieloves/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kate.christie.92/ Website https://www.katechristie.com.au/ The Life List https://www.katechristie.com.au/books/the-life-list-new/ Palazzo Blueprint This free resource covers the first five steps of Kate’s powerful goal framework that we discussed in this episode. If you are ready to move from dreaming to doing, start here: https://palazzo.katechristie.com.au/ If this episode spoke to you, take 90 seconds today and write down one intention and one go-big goal. And if that goal happens to be Italy… you know I am here to help. www.smartmoveitaly.com Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who needs to hear that it might just be her turn. Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website APP Link

    49 min
  5. Getting Sick in Italy: What Actually Happens, Where to Go, and How Not to Panic

    FEB 11

    Getting Sick in Italy: What Actually Happens, Where to Go, and How Not to Panic

    No one really talks about this until it happens to you. You wake up sick in Italy and suddenly everything feels heavier. New system. New language. New rules. And a lot of what you think you know about healthcare no longer applies. In this episode, Samantha records in real time, still in pajamas and actively sick, to walk you through what actually happens when you get sick in Italy. Not the official version. Not the perfect government website version. The real life, boots on the ground experience. This is a must listen if you already live in Italy, are planning a move, or spend extended time here and quietly wonder what you would do if you got sick. Where do you go first. Who do you call. Do you need insurance. Can the pharmacy really help. And how do you explain what is wrong when your brain is foggy and Italian is not your first language. You will learn how the Italian healthcare system works in practice, why the pharmacy is often your first stop, when to see a doctor, when to avoid the emergency room, and how to stay calm when everything feels unfamiliar. Samantha also shares what it is like dealing with COVID in Italy right now and why the approach here feels very different than what many people remember from past years. The goal of this episode is simple. To help you feel calmer, more prepared, and less afraid of the what ifs. Getting sick abroad does not mean you are alone. It just means the system works differently. What You Will Learn in This Episode How healthcare in Italy actually works at a high level Why the pharmacy is your first line of care and how pharmacists help diagnose and treat symptoms Which common medications in Italy match what you may know from home When to see a doctor and the difference between public and private care How much private doctor visits typically cost and how fast you can be seen How emergency rooms work in Italy and when to go to the pronto soccorso What COVID looks like in Italy right now and how cases are managed How to handle language barriers when you are sick and stressed Why rest is taken very seriously in Italy and how that mindset affects recovery Who This Episode Is For People already living in Italy Anyone planning a move to Italy Long term visitors or digital nomads Anyone nervous about healthcare abroad Anyone who wants to feel prepared before something goes wrong Listener Questions Mentioned in This Episode Is it better to rent first or buy right away when moving to Italy How do you know if a small town is livable year round and not just great for vacations What is the one thing people should have figured out before moving to Italy to make the transition smoother If this episode helped you, save it for later, share it with someone planning a move, or send it to a friend who worries about healthcare abroad. And if you are listening while sick, this is your reminder to slow down, rest, and trust that you are not missing anything. New episodes every week. www.smartmoveitaly.com Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website

    32 min
  6. Visa Mistakes That Can Keep Your Family Out of Italy

    JAN 28

    Visa Mistakes That Can Keep Your Family Out of Italy

    Planning a move to Italy with your spouse or children can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to visas. One of the biggest mistakes families make is assuming Italy offers an automatic family visa or that loved ones can simply arrive together without careful planning. In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson walks you through how family visas in Italy actually work, why so many families get delayed or separated, and what you need to know before you make a single move. Italy’s family visa system is not intuitive. Timing, eligibility, and sequence matter more than most people realize. Misunderstanding just one step can trigger long delays, denials, or years-long waiting periods. If your move to Italy includes a spouse, children, or dependents, this episode is essential listening. What You Will Learn in This Episode • How family visas in Italy really work and why they are not standalone visas • The difference between family reunification visas and family visas for spouses of Italian or EU citizens • Who qualifies as a dependent under Italian immigration law and who does not • Why adult children and parents are rarely approved without proven medical dependency • The exact order required for family reunification applications • What a Nulla Osta is and when it is required • Why the Suitability Certificate is critical and often overlooked • How entering Italy too early can trigger a two year family reunification delay • Why showing up without a visa no longer works in Italy • When a family visa may not be the best option for your situation Who This Episode Is For • Families planning to move to Italy together • Couples where only one spouse qualifies for a visa • Parents relocating to Italy with minor children • Spouses of Digital Nomad, Investor, Work, or Student visa holders • Spouses of Italian or European Union citizens • Anyone confused about family visas, dependency rules, or timing Key Topics Covered • Family visa Italy explained • Family reunification visa Italy • Spouse visa Italy • Moving to Italy with children • Italian visas for families • Nulla Osta for family reunification • Suitability Certificate Italy • Permesso di soggiorno for family members • EU spouse visa Italy • Italian immigration rules for dependents Listener Questions Answered • Is it too early to start planning visa timing if we are moving to Italy in a year • Does Italy care if only one spouse qualifies for a visa • Is it normal to feel overwhelmed trying to coordinate visas, school, healthcare, and residency Important Takeaway Family visas in Italy are never automatic. But they are absolutely manageable when you understand the rules, respect the required sequence, and plan ahead. Most family visa problems are not caused by bad luck. They are caused by assumptions. This episode gives you clarity so you can protect your ability to arrive in Italy together and start your new life without unnecessary stress or separation. Listen to the full episode to avoid the most common and preventable family visa mistakes. Have a Question for a Future Episode Send Samantha Your Question If you have a question about visas, moving to Italy, or starting a new life abroad, you can leave a voicemail using the link in the show notes. Your question may be featured in a future episode. Ciao for now, and see you next week on A New Life in Italy. Visit Smart Move Italy Get the Smart Move Blueprint Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website

    24 min
  7. Can You Afford Not To Move To Italy?

    JAN 21

    Can You Afford Not To Move To Italy?

    How much does it really cost to move to Italy? In this episode, we break down the real cost of moving to Italy so you can understand what to expect financially and emotionally before making a big decision. Not the Instagram version. Not extreme worst case scenarios you find online. Real numbers, real planning, and the real life behind the move. In the first episode of Season 4 of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson walks you through the true costs of relocating to Italy, including one time moving expenses, ongoing monthly living costs, visa and immigration fees, housing setup, and the hidden cost offsets many people overlook. We also talk honestly about the financial and emotional cost of staying where you are. This episode is not about convincing you to move to Italy or pushing you toward a timeline. It’s about replacing fear and overwhelm with clarity, so you can decide if moving to Italy makes sense for your life, your finances, and your future. If you’ve been dreaming about Italy but feeling stuck in the planning phase, this episode will help you see the full picture and take your next step with confidence. Links and Resources Download the companion workbook for this episode to walk through the numbers calmly and clearly at your own pace. You’re not making decisions today. You’re gathering information so you can move forward with confidence when the time is right. Visit Smart Move Italy Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link Sentire Media Website APP Link

    28 min
  8. You Asked. I’m Answering. The Biggest Italy Questions of 2025 (Season Finale)

    12/17/2025

    You Asked. I’m Answering. The Biggest Italy Questions of 2025 (Season Finale)

    This season finale is a look back at the questions that mattered most. The ones you saved, shared, and replayed because they helped you make smarter decisions about moving to Italy. In this episode, I revisit our most popular topics from the true cost of living in Italy and whether €2,000 a month is realistic, to buying property, renovation surprises, investor visa rules, document apostilles, and what foreigners really need to know before making a move. It is also a thank you. Your messages, voice notes, and stories shape this show, and being part of your journey to Italy is something I am truly grateful for. I also share a sneak peek of season four, launching January 14, 2026, where we go deeper into real life in Italy with more behind the scenes conversations, honest debates, and updates from people actively navigating their move. Save the parts that speak to you, share this episode with someone who dreams of Italy, and stay connected with me on Instagram or through our newsletter. Italy is waiting for you. Mentioned in this episode: Sentire Media Website APP Link APP Link Sentire Media Website

    27 min
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About

A NEW LIFE IN ITALY – THE PODCAST THAT takes you behind the scenes of what it's really like to move and live in Italy and shows you how starting a new life in the bel Paese is possible for you. This weekly podcast is hosted by Samantha Wilson, Italy’s top relocation expert and chief dream maker at Smart Move Italy is for anyone who dreams of adopting the Italian lifestyle, no matter where you are in the process. Tune in every week for some inspiration, and super “ah-ha” moments, and learn how you can live longer, spend less, and smile more in your new life in Italy.

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Wilson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Smart Move Italy
  • Show Website
    A New Life in Italy

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