Expat Focus24 Jul 2025

How Restoring A 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse Changed Everything For This American Expat

Barbara Boyle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss her move from a high-flying advertising career in the US to a tranquil life in Monforte d'Alba, a small town in Italy's Piedmont region. Barbara shares what it was like to renovate a 300-year-old stone barn with zero Italian, embrace the local slow food culture, and become part of a tight-knit rural community.

She also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and why she returned to the US for treatment, and reflects on the joys and challenges of expat life. Her new memoir, 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse', captures the essence of her Italian adventure. If you've ever dreamed of moving to Italy, this one's for you.

📘 Order Barbara's memoir: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/

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#ExpatLife #Italy #SlowLiving #PinchMe #FarmhouseRenovation #MovingToItaly

00:00 Introducing Barbara Boyle

00:51 Barbara's Writing Journey

03:26 Barbara's Advertising Career

06:25 Falling in Love with Montfort

09:06 The Slow Food Movement

11:39 Renovating the Barn

14:26 Challenges and Community Support

17:35 Learning Italian and Cultural Integration

20:56 Adjusting to a Slower Pace of Life

21:17 Nostalgia and Simplicity of Life in Silicon Valley

21:53 Adjusting to a Slower Pace in Italy

22:26 Balancing Busyness and Retirement

23:38 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

28:52 Comparing Healthcare Systems: Italy vs. USA

32:07 Building Community and Friendships in Italy

34:42 Joining Local Activities and Clubs

38:54 Advice for Aspiring Expats

40:41 The Perfect Italian Dish

41:36 Final Thoughts

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