Con Parole Nostre

Con Parole Nostre captures something most Italian learning podcasts miss entirely: what it actually sounds like when Italian friends sit down for drinks and talk about whatever comes to mind. Hosts Elfin (based in Cremona), Silvia (in Tuscany), and Barbara (living in England) meet twice a month to chat about everyday life, and the result is the closest thing to eavesdropping on a genuine Italian conversation without booking a flight. The 68 episodes cover a surprisingly broad range of topics — Italian actresses and actors, the concept of "bella figura" and why Italians care so much about making a good impression, traditional "cucina povera" cooking, Italian island life, digital wellness, sports, pets, and sensitivity to weather. Episodes run 6 to 20 minutes, keeping things conversational rather than lecture-like. The show also offers paid transcription bundles for learners who want to read along and catch every word. The podcast holds a 4.6 star average from 42 Apple ratings. Reviewers praise the natural speaking pace, which sits right in the sweet spot for intermediate-to-advanced learners — not slowed down for educational purposes, but not so rapid that you lose the thread. One honest caveat: the show has not released new episodes since May 2022, so the back catalog is what you get. But 68 episodes of authentic Italian conversation is still a rich resource. Some listeners note occasional background music and volume inconsistencies, which is worth knowing. If your goal is to train your ear on how real Italians actually talk — complete with crosstalk, laughter, and informal vocabulary — Con Parole Nostre delivers that authenticity better than most competitors.