The Bittersweet Life
Episodes
Episode 167: RECAP
30 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
After an lengthy journey to visit her family, Tiffany returns to her home in Rome. We get her impressions and hear a big announcement from Katy. NEVER...
Episode 166: TIPS (with Lori-Lee Emshey)
24 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Today, tips on what NOT to do from an expat who is on her 17th expat assignment, Lori-Lee Emshey. Listen to avoid the mistakes people often make when...
Episode 165: SPARK (with Cat Seto)
17 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Artist Cat Seto completely remade her stationery business after being bullied into a trip to France. Ferme a Papier (Cat's reborn business) ...
Episode 164: SUZANNE, Part 2 (with Suzanne Morrison)
09 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Travel changes you, but how much? We trace how hosts Tiffany and Katy have changed through the eyes of their childhood friend, Suzanne Morrison. ...
Episode 163: SUZANNE, Part 1 (with Suzanne Morrison)
03 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We explore what makes yoga appealing to some? And what youthful notions of travel are unrealistic? NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start wi...
Episode 162: ARRIVAL, Part 2
21 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Expat Tiffany Parks returns to her hometown of Seattle after years away (in Rome). This episode is a continuation of last week's episode with special ...
Episode 161: ARRIVAL, Part 1
11 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tiffany Parks arrives in Seattle from Rome, reuniting with co-host Katy and long-time best friend, Suzanne Morrison. The conversation turns into ...
Episode 160: TRIP
30 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany is heading to the U.S.A after 4 years without visiting her home country. Is her Italian-born toddler ready with enough English to meet his Ame...
Episode 159: SALT (with Hala Alyan)
21 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Hala Alyan is a Palestinian American a poet, novelist (Salt Houses) and clinical psychologist. After her family fled Kuwait when Saddam invaded, they...
Episode 158: GRIEF
15 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Katy cries over a sudden, devastating loss in her life, and the conversation turns to how to decide what you want out of life. REMEMBER to send us you...
Episode 157: CLARE (with Clare Brown)
30 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fan favorite Clare Brown joins us from Split, Croatia to talk about Tinder dating in a foreign country, making it as a freelancer, and the hazards of ...
Episode 156: SIGNS
23 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever received a sign to do something? Do signs even really exist? Katy and Tiffany share their experiences and yours. REMEMBER to send us y...
Episode 155: LONELY
16 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Loneliness. Can it be cured by hitting the road? Katy and Tiffany discuss. REMEMBER to send us your voice memos about LONELINESS for an upcoming sho...
Episode 154: MUSE Part 2
10 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of a rebroadcast of our walking tour through Rome tracing the steps of the painter Caravaggio. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to ...
Episode 153: MUSE Part 1
02 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A rebroadcast of our walking tour through Rome tracing the steps of the painter Caravaggio. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Epis...
Episode 152: COOKING Part 2 (with Francesca Montillo)
28 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The cooking discussion continues. Katy and Tiffany discuss their own cooking habits in response to last week's episode with Francesca Montillo of Lazy...
Episode 151: COOKING, Part 1 (with Francesca Montillo)
20 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Italian expat and cooking expert, Francesca Montillo, inspires us to cook and eat with others daily. She also explains what it is like to grow up in s...
Episode 150: RESIST (with Ezra Levin)
12 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Do expats and American citizens have a responsibility to resist and take action against President Trump? Ezra Levin, co-executive director of the Indi...
Episode 149: COFFEE
06 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Starbucks is opening its first Italian location in Milan in 2018. Are you okay with that? Tiffany and Katy discuss the good and bad of homogenized cor...
Episode 148: TIME FLIES (with Alan Burdick)
26 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Why does time fly sometimes? Why does it slow when you travel? We explore time with the New Yorker's Alan Burdick, author of Why Time Flies. Alan Bu...
Episode 147: SEX (with Emily Witt)
12 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Is part of exploring the world exploring sex? Host Katy Sewall talks with journalist (and former expat) Emily Witt about her book Future Sex. Warning:...
Episode 146: VIEW
05 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How does your perspective change of your hometown when you live abroad or travel? Katy and Tiffany explore that idea. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't...
Episode 145: LETTERS
29 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Katy and Tiffany read your letters and encourage you to email stories of the signs you've received in life before changing course or embarking on a ne...
Episode 144: TRUMP
22 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Using voice memos, Katy and Tiffany watch the Presidental inauguration of Donald J. Trump from their respective parts of the world - Rome, Italy and S...
Episode 143: CRITTERS (with Jane Alexander)
15 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Actress and conservationist Jane Alexander (Kramer vs. Kramer) joins host Katy Sewall on stage to explore the world and the amazing creatures in it. T...
Episode 142: HAT BOX
09 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We celebrate the dumbest thing we ever traveled with. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach thousa...
Episode 141: HUMILITY
12 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Does it take humility to live in a foreign country? Tiffany and Katy discuss. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSE...
Episode 140: RAKEEN (with Rakeen Akila)
04 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Rakeen Akila was kidnapped and held for ransom in Afghanistan. Now he's a refugee in Italy. His story is one of amazing resilience and great heartbrea...
Episode 139: PLACEBO (with Erik Vance)
28 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Why do foreign doctor's offices seem sketchy sometimes? Why are colors brighter when you travel? This has more to do with your brain than reality. Sci...
Episode 138: ELECTION, Part 2
22 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What do Italians think about Trump? Does the country that produced Mussolini and invented fascism fear or support the new US president? Tiffany's Ital...
Episode 137: ELECTION, Part 1
13 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We capture the raw reaction of Katy and Tiffany to the election of reality TV star/businessman Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, via voice memos se...
Episode 136: VALUES
31 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What if the values you were raised with are different that those of the foreign country you now live in? Should you maintain old cultural values in a ...
Episode 135: MOVING Part 2
23 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Katy moved to Rome once. Does that mean she'd be brave enough to do it again? Are you brave enough to move to a brand new city? Katy and Tiffany use a...
Episode 134: CAMINO (with Aarin Wright)
16 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The Camino de Santiago is a popular pilgrimage route across Spain. Our guest Aarin Wright set off on the Camino with her father after finishing Univer...
Episode 133: EXCHANGE (with Sunny and Mike Strong)
09 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sunny Strong studied abroad in Florence in 1963, leaving her boyfriend Mike at home. Now, after 52 years of marriage, they recall how that time change...
Episode 132: SPQR (with Mary Beard)
25 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Mary Beard talks about her new book S.P.Q.R: A History of Ancient Rome. What parts of ancient Rome are alive in modern Rome? For one - Traff...
Episode 131: DEAL
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tiffany Parks shares a big announcement. Also, Katy and Tiffany explore what it means to live in a temporary place that doesn't feel like home. ...
Episode 130: BOTSWANA (with Sara Sullivan)
11 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We visit Gaborone, Botswana where expat Sara Sullivan moved after living in Pakistan. We talk about misperceptions of Africa, 'staying-in-touch' strat...
Episode 129: SPEECH (with Lisa Wilcox)
04 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We use linguistics and speech pathology to think about learning languages with special guest Lisa Wilcox. Sound boring? Turns out- it is actually real...
Episode 128: QUAKE
28 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tiffany Parks in Rome reacts to the earthquakes that rocked Italy on August 24, 2016. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Ep...
Episode 127: TEARS
21 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
If you cry unexpectedly while looking at art, or reading or watching TV, what do those tears mean? Do they indicated buried longings, fears, or loves?...
Episode 126: THERAPY
14 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We delve into the archives to get you some free therapy. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Reach tho...
Episode 125: BEGIN
08 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
By listener request, we replay the very first episode of the show, which happened over 2 years ago. A perfect opportunity to introduce The Bittersweet...
Episode 124: SHIP (with Nicole Hardy)
31 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole Hardy sailed the world on a 180 ft. square rigged tall ship. Her fantasy idea was rather horrific in reality. As a single woman who takes seri...
Episode 123: MOVING, Part 1
25 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Our hosts say goodbye to their old lives as Tiffany moves out of her Trastevere apartment, and Katy's Seattle home is torn down. They explore life, lo...
Episode 122: ARTISTS (with Rob Spillman)
17 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We visit the artist movement of cold war Germany, then Berlin after the wall comes down with guest Rob Spillman. Rob is editor and co-founder of Tin H...
Episode 121: WOMAN (with Scottie Madden)
10 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Reality TV director Scottie Madden's journey from man to woman took 50 years. She and her wife Marcy join Katy to talk about how their relationship ha...
Episode 120: SETTLER
04 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On July 4th (Independence Day in the USA), many immigrants get their citizenship. In their honor, we rebroadcast the day (host) Tiffany Parks finally ...
Episode 119: WRITING (with Daniel Butterworth)
27 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Writing while traveling. Many of us do it. Professor Daniel Butterworth teaches us how to do it better. Show correction: Ghirlandaio painted the Santa...
Episode 118: POLITICS
19 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How does being an expat affect your politics? Host Tiffany Parks discovers that her politics in Italy are different from her politics in the United St...
Episode 117: CHOICE (with Tom Vanderbilt)
12 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Why do you like what you like? Journalist Tom Vanderbilt joins us to explore how our likes and dislikes are formed. His new book is You May Also Like:...
Episode 116: GOALS, Part 3
05 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We share our bucket list goals (and yours!!) as our series on goals concludes with part 3. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Ep...
Episode 115: VISUAL (with Amy Herman)
23 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to keep yourself safer by studying fine art. Our guest, Amy Herman, has trained police, doctors, military and special operatives to see the ...
Episode 114: RUINS (with Jess Walters)
15 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Author Jess Walter (National Book Award finalist & winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award) joins us to talk about his novel Beautiful Ruins. We also talk...
Episode 113: GOALS, Part 2
08 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It feels good to accomplish goals, even tiny, silly ones. Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks talk about the goals they've accomplished and those they...
Episode 112: EXPLORE (with Clare Brown)
01 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Clare Brown recently moved from London, England to Split, Croatia hoping to explore and write. Instead her life is full of new friends, adventure, and...
Episode 111: GOALS, Part 1
24 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion about "bucket list" wishes turns into all the goals and dreams that will never happen. Not as depressing as it sounds. Or is it? New to t...
Episode 110: PLANTS (with Hope Jarhen)
17 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
New York Times best-selling author Hope Jahren, writer of "Lab Girl," changes how we experience the plants of the world. She also tackles the diffi...
Episode 109: EYES
10 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany and Katy describe the sights of Rome and contemplate Katy's death in this rebroadcast of Episode 24. If you've never heard our series on the f...
Episode 108: DAWN
03 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany and Katy walk the early morning streets of Rome in this rebroadcast of Episode 44. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Ep...
Episode 107: REALITY
27 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Reality always intrudes on fantasy. Is that always a bad thing? Hosts Tiffany Parks and Katy Sewall discuss. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afrai...
Episode 106: FANTASY
20 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How much of life is us trying to fulfill the fantasies of our youth? Hosts Tiffany Parks and Katy Sewall explore this idea. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW...
Episode 105: FOLKS (with Rashmi J. Dalai)
13 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The stereotype is that when a child moves to another country, parents are depressed. But is that true? We explore the notion with Singapore-based writ...
Episode 104: GUILT (with Jessica Scott-Reid)
06 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Expats often feel guilt. What happens when you should go home, but don't? Guest Jessica Scott-Reid (Wall Street Journal Expat Blog) joins hosts Katy S...
Episode 103: CIRCUS (with Andrea Conway and Wayne Doba)
28 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Circus performers often become travelers and expats because of their work. Host Katy Sewall visits Teatro Zinzanni (Seattle's circus/dinner theater) t...
Episode 102: DESIGN (with Rebecca West)
22 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Expats often live in spaces decorated by other people. Interior designer, Rebecca West, shares some ideas on how to make anywhere feel like home. NEVE...
Episode 101: ROOTS
14 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When Tiffany's husband Claudio takes a photo with the Karate coach of his youth, Tiffany realizes that by being an expat, her life has no continuity. ...
Episode 100: MILESTONE
07 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks mark the 100th episode by talking about milestones. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode...
Episode 99: EVICTED
31 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Host Katy Sewall is greeted by sad news when she returns to Seattle from Rome. Host Tiffany Parks is also facing new restrictions on her life. Does it...
Episode 98: BYE
24 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Katy to leave Rome... again. Tiffany and Katy say goodbye and marvel at how unpredictable life and time can be. NEVER HEARD THE SHO...
Episode 97: NATIVE? (with Marta Nathansohn)
17 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to feel like a foreigner in your native country? Italian citizen Marta Nathansohn has lived abroad much of her life. Now in Rome, she'...
Episode 96: PRIESTESS (with Kate McElwee)
10 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Feminist activist and new expat to Rome, Kate McElwee, visits Katy and Tiffany to talk about her fight for women's ordination in the Catholic church a...
Episode 95: IMMIGRANT
04 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Hear the harrowing story of Rakeen, a refugee to Rome, Italy from Kabul, Afghanistan. Unbelievable! It might just change how you view asylum seekers. ...
Episode 94: NATALE
20 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks get ready for the holidays. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1:OUTSET SPONSOR: Re...
Episode 93: TRAST
13 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Tiffany Parks and Katy Sewall take you on a walking tour of Trastevere, their favorite neighborhood in Rome. NEVER HEARD THE SHOW? Don't be...
Episode 92: MOMS
06 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks meet Katy's expat friend, Cassi Griesbach, at an outdoor cafe in Rome. Cassi is a mother of three, currently expec...
Episode 91: MAFIA (with Ugo Barbara)
29 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Ugo Barbara joins host Katy Sewall to talk about Italian mobsters, the Roma (aka gypsies), sexual slavery in Italy, and immigration issues....
Episode 90: INFLUENCE
22 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Movies and books can have a big influence on personal actions. Some even inspire a move to a foreign country. What art influenced you? Hosts Tiffany P...
Episode 89: MISSING
15 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Missing important events and people is part of living abroad or traveling a lot. Host Katy Sewall missed her 20 year high school reunion to visit Rome...
Episode 88: BLOOD (with Marsha De Salvatore)
08 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Marsha De Salvatore brings humor to a discussion on living abroad with a serious blood disease. We also touch on socialized health care syste...
Episode 87: SHARING
01 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A conversation about sharing (something expats often have to do) takes a darker turn. Host Tiffany explains what's like to live with a stalker. Katy a...
Episode 86: BIRTH
25 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tiffany Parks takes you inside the realities of giving birth in Italy... or really... giving birth anywhere. Additional Resources: Touring R...
Episode 85: PARK
18 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Host Katy Sewall and her husband Derek kick back in the Villa Borghese park to reflect on being back in Rome. While there, they are visited by Abdul, ...
Episode 84: CITIZEN
11 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Tiffany Parks and Katy Sewall are together again in Rome, Italy on a very special day. Listen as Tiffany finally gets her Italian citizenship. ...
Episode 83: SHERMAN (with Sherman Alexie)
04 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Native American author Sherman Alexie joins Katy Sewall live on stage with veteran NPR host Steve Scher to talk about urban animal encounters. A longe...
Episode 82: DIVORCE (with Debra Bruno)
27 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Do expat couples divorce more than other couples? They certainly face different challenges. Writer and former expat, Debra Bruno joins us to talk abou...
Episode 81: CHEF (with Thierry Rautureau)
20 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrity chef, Thierry Rautureau (aka The Chef in the Hat), grew up small town France grilling bread over an open flame. Now he's a big shot chef in ...
Episode 80: MOVIES (with Robert Horton)
13 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Horton is a film critic and temporary expat living in Scotland for six months. What movies inspired him to move abroad? How do movies influence...
Episode 79: REFUGEE, Part 1 (with Jennifer Rumbach)
06 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Rumbach works with refugees all over the world. Lately her focus has been on the special needs of LGBTI refugees. She joins host Katy Sewall ...
Episode 78: HOUSE-SIT (with Dalene Heck)
30 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
One cheap way to travel is to housesit along the way. Find out how to go to your desired destination while saving money. Dalene Heck of Hecktic Travel...
Episode 77: CIAO
23 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany's baby is due. We say goodbye to her (temporarily) and hear her final thoughts on becoming a parent. We also find out if she's picked a name f...
Episode 76: BOOKS (with Nancy Pearl)
16 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Armchair travel! Reading can take you anywhere. Today we recommend books that transport you. NPR's Nancy Pearl is famous for giving the best book reco...
Episode 75: GUEST
09 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Part of traveling is being a guest in other people's homes. Can you relax or are you always trying to be the perfect guest? Tiffany's been living with...
Episode 74: NEW
02 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Trying new things is a big part of traveling or living in a foreign country. It's also a way to get to know yourself. Tiffany and Katy muse about newn...
Episode 73: INVISIBLE (with Surekha A. Yadav)
26 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Some expats are invisible. They look like they are native in their adopted country. That can be positive and negative. We explore how with writer and ...
Episode 72: ADDICT (with Rashmi Dalai)
19 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
What makes the expat lifestyle so addictive? Rashmi Dalai, an American writer in Asia, explores that question with host Katy Sewall. NEVER HEARD ...
Episode 71: WEATHER
12 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It is so hot in Rome and Seattle, it is all people can talk about. How much does weather dictate where you live in the world? Expats on assignment don...
Episode 70: UPDATE
05 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany updates us on Rome, her baby and the inappropriate things people are saying to her lately. Katy talks about her upcoming live performance in S...
Episode 69: GROUP TRIP (with Madeline Jhawar)
28 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a multi-generational trip isn't easy. Taking that trip is also stressful if you do it wrong. Madeline Jhawar from Italy Beyond the Obvious g...
Episode 68: RED TAPE
21 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Every country has bureaucracy. Part of living in a new country is learning the hoops to jump through. Host Tiffany Parks has been dealing with a lot o...