Stacks and Stories

About Stacks and Stories

What is life in Rome really like as an expat family? Each episode shares honest stories, practical tips, and first-hand experiences from families who have made the move. You will hear the moments that surprised them, the challenges they faced, and the everyday wins that made Rome feel like home. This podcast is built for expats, by expats. If you are planning your move or already living in Rome, you will find perspectives you can relate to and advice you can use. Brought to you by the American Overseas School of Rome community, Rome’s truly international school.

Publisher

American Overseas School of Rome

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Mar 2025

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Eat, Drink, Repeat: Decoding Roman Food Culture

   Rome Unfiltered | Season 2, Episode 2 Think you know how to eat in Rome? Think again! Why does your coffee cost more when you sit down? Should you tip at restaurants? What's a coperto, and why does your waiter never seem to bring the bill? In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, host Walter is joined by Joanna, Barbara, and Alexis, three food-loving expats who have spent years navigating Rome's dining culture. Together, they share their funniest restaurant misunderstandings, unexpected cultural discoveries, and practical tips for eating like a local. From aperitivo and coffee rituals to restaurant reservations, tipping etiquette, Sunday grocery closures, and the unwritten rules of Italian dining, we explore what newcomers need to know about Roman food culture. Whether you've just moved to Rome, are planning your move, or have lived here for years, this episode will help you understand the habits, traditions, and occasional frustrations that make eating in Rome such a unique experience. Because in Rome, knowing what to eat is only half the story. Knowing how to eat is where things get interesting. 🎙️ Rome Unfiltered is the podcast made by expats, for expats, sharing the real experiences, cultural surprises, and everyday lessons of living in the Eternal City. Enjoyed the episode? Share it with someone moving to Rome, and follow Rome Unfiltered for more conversations about life in Italy. #RomeUnfiltered #LivingInRome #RomanFoodCulture #ExpatsInRome #ItalianFood #LifeInItaly

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Rome Will Love You Back: The Day Rome Starts Feeling Like Home (Part 2)

   ROME UNFILTERED – Season 2, Episode 2 (Part 2 of 2) Rome Will Love You Back (Part 2): The Day Rome Starts Feeling Like Home How does a city that once felt overwhelming become a place you never want to leave? In Part 2 of this conversation, Walter continues speaking with Polly and Angie about the mindset shifts that come with building a life in Rome. Looking back on their own journeys, they reflect on the moments that transformed Rome from a city they were trying to navigate into a place they truly call home. Together, they explore what changed over time, how they adapted to Roman culture, the routines that brought stability, and why many of the things that frustrated them in the beginning are now part of what they appreciate most. More importantly they explore the changes in their children and what they think their kids will miss the most once they leave. In this episode, they discuss: • The turning points that changed their experience of Rome • How their perspectives evolved over time • Raising children in an international city • Building routines that create a sense of home • The values they've adopted from Italian culture • Advice they would give every new family moving to Rome Whether you've just arrived or have lived here for years, this episode is a reminder that adapting to life abroad doesn't happen overnight. It happens through everyday experiences, small mindset shifts, and giving yourself the time to grow. If you haven't already, listen to Part 1, where Polly and Angie discuss the emotional stages of expat life, culture shock, and the challenges of settling into Rome. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter.

3. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Rome Will Love You Back: The Emotional Stages of Expat Life (Part 1)

   ROME UNFILTERED – Season 2, Episode 1 (Part 1 of 2) Rome Will Love You Back: The Emotional Stages of Expat Life (Part 1) Welcome to Season 2 of Rome Unfiltered. Every expat arrives in Rome with expectations. Then reality sets in. The language, the bureaucracy, the pace of life, the communication style, and the everyday moments that make you question whether you'll ever truly settle in. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Walter sits down with Polly and Angie to reflect on the emotional stages of expat life. Together, they revisit the excitement of arriving in Rome, the frustrations that followed, and the culture shock that almost every newcomer experiences. From learning to understand Roman temperament and communication to navigating the emotional highs and lows of building a new life abroad, they share honest stories and practical insights that every expat family can relate to. In this episode, they discuss: • The emotional stages of expat life • First-year frustrations and culture shock • Roman temperament and communication styles • Managing expectations during the transition to life in Italy • The challenges of raising children abroad • The mindset that helps families adapt Whether you've just landed in Rome or are preparing for your move, this episode is a reminder that the challenges of settling into a new country are a normal part of the journey. This is Part 1 of 2. Continue with Part 2, available now, where Polly and Angie share the turning points that changed their perspective and the lessons they've learned from building a life in Rome. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter.

4. 

   19 Jun 2026

   Rome Unfiltered: Self Care the Roman Way

   Moving abroad changes more than your address. It changes your routines, your priorities, and often the way you take care of yourself. In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, Walter is joined by Angie and Joanna to talk about an often-overlooked part of expat life: rebuilding your personal routines after relocation. Between finding schools, navigating bureaucracy, setting up a home, and supporting your family, many expats spend months focused on everyone else. At some point, though, survival mode ends and life begins again. Together, Angie and Joanna share how they found balance in Rome through wellness, fitness, self-care, and the small routines that helped them feel grounded in a new country. The conversation explores everything from finding a trusted hairdresser and booking beauty appointments to discovering Pilates classes, yoga studios, horse riding, and the habits that helped them create a sense of normalcy abroad. They also discuss: • Rebuilding routines after a move abroad • The importance of self-care during relocation • Finding trusted providers through recommendations • Pilates, yoga, horse riding, and fitness communities • Managing stress as a working parent • The Italian approach to wellbeing and balance • Why routines matter more than motivation • Practical advice for expat families settling into Rome This episode is about more than wellness. It’s about creating stability, protecting your mental health, and finding the small rituals that help a foreign city start feeling like home. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter. If you know someone who has recently moved to Rome, send them this episode. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your family is make time for yourself.

5. 

   4 Jun 2026

   ROME UNFILTERED: Doctors, Pharmacies, and Who to Call on Sunday

   Sooner or later, every expat family faces the same question: What do you do when someone gets sick in Rome? In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, Walter is joined by Katie and Linda to discuss one of the most important parts of settling into life abroad: navigating healthcare. From late-night fevers and Sunday emergencies to finding trusted doctors and understanding the role of Italian pharmacies, they share their real experiences of learning how the healthcare system works in Rome. The conversation explores the moments that catch many newcomers off guard, including the surprisingly important role pharmacists play, how referrals and parent networks help families find trusted medical professionals, and the differences between public and private healthcare. They also discuss: • What to do when your child gets sick in Rome • The unique role of pharmacies in Italy • Finding pediatricians and family doctors • Private vs public healthcare experiences • Emergency pharmacies and after-hours care • Building a trusted healthcare network • Recommendations from other parents and expats • Practical advice for newly arrived families Like many parts of expat life, healthcare can feel overwhelming at first. But once you understand the system, know who to call, and build a network of trusted contacts, it becomes far less intimidating. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter. If you're raising a family in Rome, planning a move, or simply wondering what happens when your child gets sick on a Sunday, this episode is for you.

6. 

   29 May 2026

   Rome Unfiltered: The Italian Survival Toolkit

   You don’t need perfect Italian to survive in Rome. But learning a few words, understanding a few cultural cues, and being willing to make mistakes will change your experience of living here. In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, Walter sits down with expats at different stages of their Italian language journey to talk about the realities of communication in Rome. From embarrassing language mistakes and misunderstood conversations to the small victories that come with ordering coffee confidently or handling a phone call without switching to English, this episode explores how language shapes everyday life. The conversation goes beyond vocabulary and grammar. It dives into the cultural side of communication, including why greetings matter, the difference between "Buongiorno" and "Buonasera," how Italians express themselves, and what happens when you stop worrying about sounding perfect. They also discuss: • Learning Italian as an adult • Common mistakes new expats make • The cultural importance of greetings • Mangiaparole and language learning strategies • Driving theory exams and navigating bureaucracy in Italian • Building confidence through everyday conversations • Practical phrases every expat should know • How learning Italian changes your relationship with Rome Whether you've just arrived in Italy or you've been here for years and still hesitate before speaking Italian, this episode offers practical advice, honest stories, and reassurance that everyone starts somewhere. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone learning Italian or preparing for their move to Rome.

7. 

   22 May 2026

   ROME UNFILTERED – Building Your Roman Village & the Stages of Being an Expat

   Moving to Rome can feel exciting, chaotic, isolating, and overwhelming, sometimes all in the same week. In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, I (Walter) sit down with Kristen to talk about one of the hardest parts of expat life that people rarely discuss openly: building a real support system abroad. How long does it take before Rome starts feeling like home? What happens after the “honeymoon phase” wears off? And how do expat families move from feeling isolated to feeling connected? Together, we talk honestly about the loneliness phase many expats experience, the pressure of starting over socially as an adult, the sometimes too real 'Stages of being an Expat', and the small moments that slowly change everything. From school pickup conversations and WhatsApp groups to neighborhood coffee bars, sports activities, and unexpected friendships, this episode explores how people gradually build their own “Roman village.” We also discuss: • Making friends as an expat parent • The emotional side of relocating abroad • Why kids often adapt faster than adults • School communities and parent networks • WhatsApp groups that become lifelines • Practical ways to feel less isolated in Rome • The routines that help Rome feel familiar This episode is honest, reflective, and practical for anyone trying to build a life abroad while missing the comfort of home. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another expat family building their own life in Rome.

8. 

   15 May 2026

   Rome Unfiltered: Supermarkets and Grocery Life in Rome

   Your first grocery run in Rome tells you a lot about what daily life here is really going to feel like. In this episode of Rome Unfiltered, Walter sits down with Angie to talk about the reality of grocery shopping after moving to Italy. The conversation starts with confusion inside Roman supermarkets and quickly turns into something every expat family recognizes: learning store schedules the hard way, and showing up on Sunday to find everything closed. The group breaks down the differences between supermarkets and the local mercato, how Amazon Fresh is not the go to solution, and the small systems that make life in Rome manageable once the trial-and-error phase ends. They also share practical advice on: • Grocery delivery in Rome • Shopping with kids • Sunday closures and store hours • Hidden gems for international ingredients • Asian supermarkets near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II This episode is part survival guide, part therapy session for expats trying to figure out everyday life in Rome. Rome Unfiltered is made by expats, for expats. Real stories. Practical advice. Life in Rome without the filter. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone moving to Rome or still trying to understand how grocery shopping here somehow turns into a full-day event.

9. 

   7 May 2026

   Rome Unfiltered: Driving in Rome Without Losing Your Mind

   ROME UNFILTERED — Episode 2: Driving in Rome Without Losing Your Mind You think you know how to drive. Then you try it in Rome. In Episode 2 of Rome Unfiltered, we sit down with Aimee to break down what driving in Rome actually looks like once you are behind the wheel. ZTL zones that lead to fines days later. Parking rules that change from one street to the next. A traffic system that runs on its own logic. If you have ever circled the same block for 20 minutes, driven into a restricted zone by mistake, or found a ticket waiting on your windshield, this episode will feel familiar. We cover: What ZTL zones are and how to avoid costly mistakes How parking really works in Rome The unwritten rules of Roman traffic Practical tips that save you time, stress, and money Tools and apps that help you drive with more confidence This is one of those “only in Rome” experiences. The kind that sounds unreal when you explain it back home, but becomes part of daily life once you are here. If you are moving to Rome, recently arrived, or still figuring things out, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and unnecessary fines. Rome Unfiltered. Made by expats, for expats. Follow for new weekly episodes and real stories from life in Rome.

10. 

    2 Apr 2026

    Rome Unfiltered: I Missed My Train to Milan… What You Need to Know About Trains in Italy

    Host Joanna shares her experience missing a train to Milan, offering essential insights into navigating Italian rail travel to save listeners time and stress.

11. 

    15 May 2025

    Unleashing the Bookworms! | Stacks and Stories

    Unleashing the Bookworms! | Stacks and Stories Welcome back to Stacks and Stories, featuring AOSR's dynamic librarian duo, Kathy Kramer (secondary) and Laura Gordon (elementary)! In this exciting episode, we're diving into the thrilling world of our annual Battle of the Books competition with our enthusiastic 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Just like exploring the powerful combination of text and visuals in graphic novels, Battle of the Books encourages our students to engage with diverse literary landscapes. This year, they've immersed themselves in three fantastic reads: the non-fiction deep dive of "History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics," the enchanting fantasy of "The Tale of Despereaux," and the compelling realistic fiction of "Ghost." Our librarians explain how this program pushes students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging those who love fantasy to delve into non-fiction and vice versa. They become true experts on each book, collaborating in teams of four to conquer the elimination rounds (taking place today!). The stakes are high as they prepare for the final Jeopardy-style battle on May 20th, where big prizes await the winning teams from each grade level. 🔑 Topics covered include: – The power of reading across diverse genres and expanding literary horizons – How teamwork and collaboration enhance comprehension and critical thinking – The excitement and friendly competition that fuels a love of reading – Turning reading into an active and engaging "sport" for all participants – Building a school-wide culture of enthusiastic readers, even taking book discussions onto field trips! – The creative fun of decorating team hats and celebrating reading together. 📚 Bonus Announcement! Get ready for a literary double feature! Our Secondary School Book Fair with The Little Reader Store of Rome is happening this Thursday, featuring YA and adult titles for all. Then, join us at our annual Mayfair celebration on Saturday for another book fair in the Elementary Library (books for all ages!) and a used book sale with proceeds benefiting our libraries. Come support reading and our amazing library programs! 📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. Our dedicated librarians foster a love of reading in all its forms, creating engaging programs like Battle of the Books to inspire a lifelong passion for literature. #Books #Reading #BookRecommendations #AOSR #InternationalSchoolLibrary #SchoolLibraians #AOSRLibrarians #StacksandStories #LibraryPodcast #EducationInRome #InternationalEducation

12. 

    7 May 2025

    Stacks & Stories Episode 3

    Graphic Novels: More Than Just Pictures! | Stacks and Stories Welcome back to Stacks and Stories featuring AOSR's elementary librarian Laura Gordon and secondary librarian Kathy Kramer. In this episode, the librarians delve deep into one of their absolute favorite topics: graphic novels. They explain why graphic novels are essential reading, emphasizing that they utilize both visual and text languages to engage readers in powerful ways. From ancient traditions to modern storytelling, the episode explores the incredible benefits and diverse genres found within the world of graphic novel. The librarians discuss how graphic novels can serve as gateway books, introduce historical fiction, help young readers see themselves in stories, and even make complex classics like Romeo and Juliet accessible. They clarify the key differences between comic strips and graphic novels, highlighting why this medium offers something for every reader. 🔑 Topics covered include: – Why graphic novels ARE real reading and utilize both sides of the brain – The surprising history of graphic storytelling – How visual language enhances understanding and comprehension – Graphic novels as gateway books to longer narratives – Exploring diverse genres within graphic novels: memoirs, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and more – The crucial distinction between comic strips and graphic novels – Recommendations for great first graphic novels and engaging reads 📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. The school's library program is dedicated to fostering a love of reading in all formats and providing resources that support diverse learners and interests. #GraphicNovels #Books #Reading #BookRecommendations #AOSR #InternationalSchoolLibrary #SchoolLibraians #AOSRLibrarians #StacksandStories #LibraryPodcast #EducationInRome #InternationalEducation

13. 

    17 Apr 2025

    What Do School Librarians Really Do? | Stacks and Stories

    Welcome to Stacks and Stories, the official podcast of the American Overseas School of Rome. In this episode, secondary librarian Kathy Kraemer and elementary librarian Laura Gordon break down the real role of school librarians in international education today. Fresh from a European school librarian conference, they talk about everything from artificial intelligence and library curriculum design to student reading habits, collection development, and even book repair (yes, there’s a book hospital!). If you think librarians just talk about books and wear cardigans, think again. This episode explores how AOSR’s libraries support student learning, promote reading for pleasure and stamina, and collaborate with teachers to build 21st-century research and information skills. 🔑 Topics covered include: – What really happens at an international librarian conference – The role of libraries in student learning – How librarians teach research and AI literacy – Collection development and weeding of outdated books – Building reading stamina from elementary through high school – Promoting reading for pleasure and choice – Behind-the-scenes work in school libraries 📍 About AOSR: The American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR) is a leading international school in Italy, offering an American-International education from Pre-K to Grade 12. Our library program supports students at every stage of learning through innovative programming and a focus on lifelong reading.

14. 

    25 Mar 2025

    Welcome to Stacks and Stories

    In this first episode, you’ll get to know the brains behind the bookshelves. Think of it as part coffee chat, part behind-the-scenes tour, and part book club with people who know their Dewey Decimal from their Diary of a Wimpy Kid. They’ll share what they’re reading, how students surprise them (sometimes with overdue books from three years ago), and how libraries have become more about connection than just collection. You’ll hear a few laughs, a few confessions, and maybe even pick up a book rec or two (don’t say we didn’t warn you when your to-read list explodes). If you’ve ever had a favorite reading spot, gotten emotionally wrecked by a middle grade novel, or wondered if librarians have a secret society (spoiler: they might), this one’s for you.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

6

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0