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lamp bulb

Do you know the feeling of...

using methods that are terribly boring

spending hours on textbooks and not being able to understand a simple text

wasting money on boring lessons where you only do grammar

trying to learn with boring and ineffective smartphone apps

Libro

Boring and ineffective approaches

Many language courses, apps, manuals, books, and YouTube channels today still base their teaching on dated and inefficient approaches. What do I mean by that?

There is way too much grammar

Learning is detached from context

Too little input and almost no interesting content

That's why I am excited to introduce you to...

La storia di Italo - A2-B1 course

An Italian language course designed for people who have some beginner knowledge of Italian and want to build a solid foundation in the language, reaching an intermediate (B1) level.

The course is based on an incredible story that will keep you hooked from start to finish, thanks to the power of storytelling...

Italo in cucina
Italo in cucina, deluso

Let's go back in time: it's 1962

It's the story of a young man from Boston with an unusual name: Italo.

Italo doesn't know the truth about his past... until, on the day of his twenty-first birthday, his mother reveals something incredible to him:

– Italo, tu sei nostro figlio, ma io ed Harry… non siamo i tuoi veri genitori.

– Ok, è uno scherzo? – ho riso.

– No Italo, è una lunga storia, ma non è uno scherzo.
Torino nel 1962

The news prompts him to return to Italy, to Turin, to search for his biological parents, who had sent him to the United States during the war.

Once there, a chain of unexpected events begins: mysteries, discoveries, betrayals, plot twists...

The magic of story 🪄

I am a huge fan of comprehensible input: learning naturally through content that's at our level or slightly above it.  Stories are one of the best ways to learn in this manner.

However, what we read or listen to should not only be easy enough to understand: it must also be interesting, engaging, and captivating.

A story must be not only comprehensible but must also enthrall us and make us feel emotions. Here's why:

🤩

You won't be able to stop

You're going to have a burning desire to find out what will happen to Italo and the other characters. Like a book or a TV series that captivates us, you will need to see it through to the end. This way, you'll make progress in a natural way and you'll learn almost without noticing.

🧠

Emotion-fueled memorization

Emotions play a central role in memory, including language learning. A story that emotionally engages you helps with the memorization of vocabulary and grammar constructions.

📖

Context-based learning

In this course, the story comes first, and every word and construction you learn is embedded in the context of the story, not in artificial and lifeless dialogues.

Attention to detail, total immersion

Music. The music contributes to creating an immersive and emotional atmosphere in the story. If you prefer, you can also listen to the episode without the music.

Sound effects. The sound effects will make you feel alongside Italo and the other characters.

Different voices. We have given each character a different voice, to increase realism and immersion.

Italo all'aeroporto
Italo e sua madre
Ragazza bionda in cucina
Italo in cucina
Madre di Italo
Ragazza bionda al ristorante
Italo in cucina
Italo a torino

What do our students think?

walkman

A story in 15 chapters

The story is told in 15 chapters. Every chapter contains an audio file, a PDF, the English translation and a video analysis of the chapter.

notebook

Detailed transcripts

Each episode contains the detailed transcription of everything you will hear in the audio file. You can read and listen at the same time, which is an incredibly effective learning method.

magnifying glass

Glossary and grammar notes

Inside the transcript, you will find a glossary that explains, in Italian, the meaning of every word you probably don't know, as well as the more challenging grammatical constructions.

map

Private community

You will have access to a private community of students like you who have purchased the course, where you will have the chance to discuss the course and ask questions to our teachers.

microphone

Audio version

La Storia di Italo is an audio story. You can listen to it wherever you are, thanks to the course app.

Chiavi

Lifetimes access

The course is yours forever, including any future improvements we will make.

Esercizi e grammatica

For every chapter we have prepared grammar, vocabulary and comprehension exercises.

Video-analyses

Each chapter is analyzed by our teacher Irene in a 30-45 minute in-depth video. Thanks to these in-depth videos, you will understand the story and the grammar even better.

Note di grammatica

• Abbiamo capito tutto.

• Italo è arrivato a Boston nel 1941.

• Sono diventato maggiorenne.

• Siamo riusciti a scoprire la verità.

• Anna è morta tre mesi dopo, in un incidente.

• Nota: nei verbi che vogliono l'ausiliare "essere" al femminile -o diventa -a.

• Anna è morta nel 1941.

Note di grammatica

Il passato prossimo indica un'azione passata. Insieme all'imperfetto, è il tempo passato più comune in italiano. Si può formare con l'ausiliare avere o essere. Attenzione ai verbi che richiedono essere (nel testo abbiamo visto diventare, nascere, arrivare, venire, succedere, riuscire).

• Caroline ha detto la verità a Italo.

• Mia padre mi ha nascosto la verità

Ho pensato alle parole di mia madre tutta la notte.

Note di grammatica

• Caroline e le sue amiche sono andate al parco insieme.

• Gli aggettivi possessivi di solito vogliono l'articolo.

• Il mio amico;
• il mio cane;
• il mio libro.

• La mia amica;
• la mia penna;

• la mia macchina.

A strategic approach to grammar

This is a comprehensive course. The story is at the center, but each chapter focuses on selected grammar topics, which are explained in detail at the end of the chapter.

The grammar notes are easy to understand and written in a clear, simple manner. They are accompanied by many examples.

The difficulty of the grammatical constructions increases over the course of the 15 episodes, moving from an A2 to a B1 level.

Additionally, we have prepared exercises that will allow you to test your knowledge at the end of each chapter.

Finally, each chapter includes in-depth analyses of the chapter (by our teacher Irene La Preziosa) that will analyze the grammatical forms in each chapter, as well as the vocabulary and events of the story.

Some opinions on the course

Here are some students who went through the course.

verified buyer

Michele LiCalsi

I am thoroughly enjoying the La Storia di Italo (for the A2-B1 level). Davide has created a multi-part learning resource that is engaging and provides comprehensible material for students with the opportunity to listen, read, and write. La Storia di Italo is delivered in installments so there is time to fully digest the material before moving on in the story. I always look forward to the next episode, which often takes you in an unexpected direction. This narrative format is a seamless way to learn vocabulary because words are contextural and are easily remembered because they are part of the story. Key phrases and select vocabulary are noted in the margins and each episode highlights an aspect of grammar with a full explanation and practice exercises at the end of the text. There are also comprehension questions about the story. An answer key is included. The text and audio file, with and without music, can be downloaded so you can listen and/or read at any time. Everything is also accessible directly on the course platform. I signed up for the Italo Story because of my very positive experience with Fonetica italiana semplice - Corso di pronuncia. I am continually impressed by Davide’s approach to language and I highly recommend this course. Michele LiCalsi

Michele LiCalsi

Studente, USA

verified buyer

Un grande corso

Una historia que te mantiene en tensión, unos ejercicios elaborados y adecuadamente conectados a las lecciones aprendidas, unas explicaciones gramaticales sencillas y concisas y anotaciones de léxico constantes y de fácil acceso visual. ¡Un gran curso! Espero con ganas el siguiente.

Bernardo Ríos

Linguista, Spagna

verified buyer

Very enjoyable

La Storia di Italo is a fun and helpful Way to study Italian. It offers an alternative to the usual dull and frustratingly typical grammar and vocabulary lessons by bringing you along into a charming story. The method used for learning vocabulary, grammar, and the improvement of comprehension is quite effective while at the same time being very enjoyable. Highly recommended to help take you into the intermediate levels of language capability or to solidify your ability at this level.

Linda Mackowiak

Studentessa, Stati Uniti

verified buyer

Un capolavoro!

This was such a great course and Italo's story was so compelling and touching! I learned so much along the way...grazie mille, Davide!! Secondo me, tu sei un insegnante fantastico!! Everything you do is top notch!!

Karina Donovan

The creators of the course

Davide Gemello

Italian teacher and creator of the popular podcast and YouTube channel "Podcast Italiano," he was one of the first online Italian teachers (he started in 2016).

He loves learning languages and linguistics. He co-created the story of Italo and portrays the character of Italo, as well as most of the male characters.

Foto di Davide

Erika Porreca

She loves languages and storytelling. He has been collaborating with Podcast Italiano for years, has written the words for La Storia di Italo, and has provided her voice for some characters.

Foto di Erika

With fantastic guests...

Who have helped us bring the story's characters to life with their wonderful voices.

Foto di Elissa

Elissa Dell'Aera

Italian-Canadian YouTuber and language enthusiast. She speaks Italian perfectly and has worked in the world of dubbing in the past. She portrays two characters.

Foto di Irene

Irene La Preziosa

Certified Italian teacher and content creator. Like Elissa, she has experience in creating audio materials for students. She portrays two characters. She created the video-analyses of the chapters.

A solid methodology

We've placed the story at the center, but we've built the course with a solid and scientific methodology in mind, that will allow you to reach the intermedidate level.

Scientific repetition of words

The words you will encounter in the course are repeated multiple times throughout the story. This will allow you to absorb them naturally.

Increasing difficulty

The story begins at a pre-intermediate level (A2) and ends at an intermediate level (B1), allowing you to progress gradually and comfortably while enjoying an engaging narrative.

Compelling and comprehensible input

The story is incredibly interesting, and you will want to listen to it until the end.

Strategic grammar

Each chapter strategically focuses on one or two grammar topics to help you build a solid foundation in the language.

Special bonuses

Translate applicazione

English translation

In the course, you will find the entire story translated into English as an additional aid to your understanding.

Foglia

Audio without music and sound effects

Would you rather follow the story without music and sound effects? No problem, we offer you the audio files with only the voices for free.

Pdf delle note di La Storia di Italo

Make the leap towards the intermediate level

We have put all our expertise, passion, and experience into creating a comprehensive course that combines linguistic principles with the power of storytelling and will help you reach a solid intermediate level.

We have created an incredibly fascinating world that we can't wait for you to immerse yourself in.

We believe having fun while learning is the best way to be consistent and keep your motivation high.

Learn wherever you want, on any device.

We provide a mobile application that allows you to access the course wherever you are comunità di studenti che imparano con te.

un macbook, un ipdad e un iphone con la storia di italo in riproduzione

Who's the course for?

The course is right for you if:

You have a basic knowledge of Italian (A1-A2 level) and want to build a solid foundation.

You want to learn naturally through exposure to comprehensible input, using a fun approach based on narration.

You enjoy stories and storytelling, and you prefer a movie to grammar.

The course is not for you if:

You have a high level in the language and are not interested in simpler materials (although you would still learn a lot of vocabulary and grammar).

You prefer a grammar-heavy approach

You're not ready to cry 😢.

Course structure

Here's the detailed program of the course, with all of the lessons

Iniziamo!

Introduzione

- Benvenuto/a! Alcune istruzioni
- Come imparare con il corso
- Flashcards
- Pacchetto VIP
- App mobile
- I creatori del corso
- LInk di tutte le discussioni della comunità

Cap. 1: Il compleanno

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 1: Il compleanno

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: passato prossimo, aggettivi possessivi

Cap. 2: L'apprendimento

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 2: L'apprendimento

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: futuro semplice

Cap. 3: Il viaggio

Stagione 1

-Capitolo 3: Il viaggio

-Trascrizione senza glossario

-Traduzione in inglese
-Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: il Lei di cortesia, participi passati irregolari

Cap. 4: I nomi

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 4: I nomi

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: perifrasi progressiva (stare + gerundio), il Lei (di nuovo)

Cap. 5: La sartoria

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 5: La sartoria

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

- Grammatica del capitolo: comparativi, superlativi

Cap. 6: Il bar

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 6: Il bar

- Trascrizione senza glossario
- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: verbi modali

Cap. 7: L'abbraccio

Stagione 1

- Capitolo 7: L'abbraccio

- Trascrizione senza glossario
- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: verbi riflessivi e intransitivi pronominali

Cap. 8: Paola

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 8: Paola

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: imperfetto indicativo; meglio/migliore, peggio, peggiore

Cap.9: La ricerca

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 9: La ricerca

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: costruzioni di durata, si impersonale

Cap. 10: La telefonata

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 10: La telefonata

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: pronomi personali oggetto diretto e indiretto,

Cap. 11: Le chiavi

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 11: Le chiavi

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: pronomi combinati (o doppi), la forma passiva

Cap. 12: Il parco

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 12: Il parco

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: condizionale presente (o semplice), usi del condizionale presente

Cap 13: La casa

Stagione 2

- Capitolo 13: La casa

- Trascrizione senza glossario

- Traduzione in inglese
- Video-approfondimento

Grammatica del capitolo: l'uso di cui, forme implicite con l'infinito

Cap. 14: Il patto

Stagione 2

Capitolo 14: Il patto

Trascrizione senza glossario

Traduzione in inglese
Video-approfondimento
Grammatica del capitolo: ci e ne

Cap. 15: FINALE

Stagione 2

Chapter 15 will be uploaded by september 2024!

Fine

Stagione 2

E ora che succede?

Want to be guided in your learning? 
Here's our VIP package!

The VIP package is the best solution for those who want to be followed in their learning.

It is a 4-month program that will allow you to get the most out of the course.

By purchasing the VIP package you will be followed by our teacher Irene La Preziosa (one of the voices of the course and the creator of the video insights).

Here's what you'll get with the VIP package:

- access to WhatsApp group with Irene and the other students. You can ask questions of any kind. All your questions will be answered!

- one conversation lesson per week with Irene and other students, in groups of 5 people maximum (16 lessons in total)

- Correction of one text per week for 4 months (16 texts in total).

The lessons will be based on the chapters of the course and will focus on conversation and grammar.

During the lessons, you will be able to ask the teacher questions about history, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The course environment will be informal, you will feel at home and will not be afraid to practice or to learn by making mistakes.

Lessons will start on September 24, 2024 and will end on January 10, 2025.

There will be two groups for the lessons. The lessons will be on Tuesdays, except the last 3, which will they be on Fridays so as not to coincide with the holidays. There will be two groups:

- Group A (4pm - 5pm CET)
- Group B (6pm - 7pm CET)

When you buy write us an email specifying the time and day what do you prefer. Write to the address lezioni@podcastitaliano.com

Self-study or VIP?

You can choose between the self-study package, if you want to learn independently, or the VIP package, if you want to be guided in your learning by our teacher Irene.

Self-study package
€187
o 2 monthly payments of €93
15 audio chapters
15 PDFs with text, glossary, grammar and exercises
15 video-analyses (with Irene La Preziosa)
Online community
Lifetime access
Bonus:
PDF with English translation
Audio file with only voices (no music and SFX)
30-day money back guarantee
🔒 Secure 128-bit SSL checkout.
VIP package (CLOSED AT THE MOMENT)
€599
or two monthly payments of €247,5
15 audio chapters
15 PDF con testo, 15 PDFs with text, glossary, grammar and exercises, grammatica ed esercizi
15 video-analyses (with Irene La Preziosa)
Online community
Lifetime access
Bonus:
PDF with English translation
Audio file with only voices (no music and SFX)
WhatsApp group with Irene La Preziosa and 4 more students
Correction of one text a week for 4 months (16 texts in total)
Weekly lesson (max 5 people) with the teacher for 4 months (16 total lessons)
30-day money back guarantee
Only 10 seats available!

30-day money-back guarantee

I have full confidence that La Storia di Italo will exceed your expectations and help you reach the intermediate level in Italian in a fun way.

However, I understand that something might not work out. That's why I offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here's how it works: if, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the course, just send me an email at info@podcastitaliano.com within 30 days of purchase, and I will promptly refund the full payment amount.

Your satisfaction and success are my top priorities, and I want you to have complete confidence in your investment.

More reviews

Here's what our students have to say

verified buyer

Sono molto contenta!

Mi sono piaciuti la storia, il testo con il lessico, la spiegazione chiara della grammatica, le flashcard Quizlet. È stato facile avere la disciplina per seguire l'intero corso. Grazie mille!

Hanneke Moons

verified buyer

Had great experience with this course

I got really into this charming story. There are little surprises in every chapter. Is it for you? Best for B1 students looking for a book perfectly at your level. A lot of authentic dialogue, beautifully read, plenty to learn and study but not overwhelming.

Junie Curtiss

verified buyer

Una storia eccezionale!

Grazie, Davide ed Erika, per questa storia e il corso! Mi sono piaciuti un sacco. Avete fatto un ottimo lavoro. Mi è piaciuta molto la storia e ho imparato molto con le spiegazioni. Spero che ci sia la terza stagione!

Natasha Boyle

verified buyer

Incredible resource

“La Storia di Italo” is an incredible resource for anyone who knows a little Italian and wants a fun, easy, entertaining way to improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge of grammar. I love the story itself, but I’m also amazed by the production value and the way that Davide and his Podcast Italiano team have woven a tapestry of sounds, voices, characters, and music. You can sit back and listen and feel like you’re traveling back to the Italy of the 1960s. The included resources—such as transcriptions with vocabulary, grammar notes, and even exercises and comprehension questions—transform an entertaining story into a true series of lessons that is sure to take your Italian to the next level! Highly recommended!

Scott Runkel

Studente, Stati Uniti

verified buyer

Recommended

The story of Italo was interesting to follow. Interesting intermediate texts with audio are hard to find. Especially having multiple people talking. A strong recommendation from me to take this course.

Mikko

Studente, Finlandia

FAQs

Got some more questions I haven't covered here?

Who's the course for?

This course is aimed at people who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and aspire to reach a solid B1 (intermediate) level, or for those already at an intermediate level who love with stories and comprehensible input.

What language is the course in?

100% in italiano. We wanted to provide an immersive learning experience. We believe that learning in the target language, is much better than explaining rules in English. That being said, we offer the English translation as a bonus.

Are there any grammar explanations?

Yes, there are! Each PDF file includes grammar explanations and exercises. Additionally, the transcriptions contain grammar notes in the margins. The video-analyses by Irene bring even more grammar explanations.

Should I buy it as a total beginner?

If you have no knowledge of Italian, you might find it a bit too challenging to start this course.

Here’s my recommendation: try listening to the preview (chapters 1 and 2), and if you can understand at least 80% of the content, it's likely a suitable choice.

What if I have an intermediate or advanced level?

Even if you already have an intermediate level of Italian knowledge, this course can teach you a lot. The engaging plot ensures an enjoyable experience and the acquisition of new words and grammar constructions even with simpler content. Many students who have done it have an intermediate to advanced level and have found it helpful. Try it and see if it suits you: you have 60 days to get a refund if it's not for you!

Does the course expire?

No, it's yours forever and any future improvement we make will be free.

Can I access the course on different devices?

Of course! You can access the course materials on any device of your choice, whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, the course platform provides an app that allows you to learn on the go.

Is enrollments for the VIP package always open?

No, for organizational reasons, the VIP group is only open at specific times. Currently, the VIP package can be purchased until August 29, 2024. The next group lessons start on September 24th and end on January 10th.

How long are the chapters?

The audio episodes are 5-10 minutes long on average (100+ minute of audio in total). The 14 PDFs amount to 200+ pages. The video-analyses are 30 to 40 minutes long.

ragazza bionda in cucina

It's time to change your Italian forever

Experience the magic of learning through the power of storytelling. Come with us, join this adventure. Reach the intermediate level initalian.