La storia di Italo
Learn Italian through an incredible story.
Reach the intermediate level with a comprehensive language course.
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 studied grammar
trying to learn with boring and ineffective smartphone apps, without any success
Ineffective approaches, everywhere
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.
I am excited to introduce you to...
La storia di Italo
A course designed for people who have some 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…
Let's go back in time: it's 1962
The course tells 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.
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, joys, sorrows…
The magic of story 🪄
I am a huge believer in 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 to understand: it must also be interesting, engaging, and captivating.
A story must be not only comprehensible but must also enthrall us. 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.
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 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.
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.
What do the students think?
Eliseu Jr., studente e creatore del podcast Lingocast
Luke Ranieri, insegnante di latino e poliglotta
Scott Runkel, studente di italiano
Two seasons, 14 chapters
Italo's story is told in two seasons of 7 chapters each, which allow us to develop the story and immerse you in it.
Transcripts
Each episode contains the transcription of everything you will hear in the audio file. You can read and listen at the same time, or first listen and then read: as you prefer!
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.
Audio version
You will be able to listen to the story wherever you go, thanks to the mobile app of the course.
Private community
You will have access to a private community of students like you who have purchased the course.
Lifetimes access
The course is yours forever, including any future improvements we make.
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.
What about 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 difficulty of the grammar constructions increases over the course of the 14 episodes, moving from an A2 level to a B1.
Plus, we have prepared exercises that will allow you to test your knowledge.
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.
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.
With great guests...
Who have helped us bring the story's characters to life with their wonderful voices.
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.
Irene La Preziosa
Certified Italian teacher and content creator. Like Elissa, she has experience in creating audio materials for students. She portrays two characters.
A solid methodology
We've placed the story at the center, but we've built the course with a solid and scientific methodology inmind.
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.
Captivating 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
English translation
In the course, you will find the entire story translated into English as an additional aid to your understanding.
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.
You'll love La storia di Italo
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.
Learn wherever you want, on any device.
We provide a mobile application that allows you to access the course wherever you are!
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.
You enjoy stories and storytelling, and you prefer a movie to grammar.
The course is not for you if:
You have a very 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
You can listen to a preview of the first two chapters!
Benvenuto/a! Alcune istruzioni
Capitolo 1: Il compleanno
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: passato prossimo, aggettivi possessivi
Capitolo 2: L'apprendimento
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: futuro semplice
Capitolo 3: Il viaggio
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: il Lei di cortesia, participi passati irregolari
Capitolo 4: I nomi
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: perifrasi progressiva (stare + gerundio), il Lei (di nuovo)
Capitolo 5: La sartoria
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: comparativi, superlativi
Capitolo 6: Il bar
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: verbi modali
Capitolo 7: L'abbraccio
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: verbi riflessivi e intransitivi pronominali
Capitolo 8: Paola
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: imperfetto indicativo; meglio/migliore, peggio, peggiore
Capitolo 9: La ricerca
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: costruzioni di durata, si impersonale
Capitolo 10: La telefonata
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: pronomi personali oggetto diretto e indiretto,
Capitolo 11: Le chiavi
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: pronomi combinati (o doppi), la forma passiva
Capitolo 12: Il parco
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: condizionale presente (o semplice), usi del condizionale presente
Capitolo 13: La casa
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: l'uso di cui, forme implicite con l'infinito
Capitolo 14: Il patto
Trascrizione senza glossario
Traduzione in inglese
Grammatica: ne e ci
E ora che succede?
A2-B1 Level (pre-intermediate)
(pre-intermedio, intermedio)
14 chapters, 150+ pages
100+ minutes of audio
+BONUS 1: English translation
+BONUS 2: audio files without music and SFX
Don't like it? Full refund for 60 days!
I have full confidence that La Storia di Italo will exceed your expectations and help you reach the desired B1 level in Italian in a fun way.
However, I understand that everyone's learning preferences can be different. That's why I offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Here's how it works: if, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the course, simply send me an email at info@podcastitaliano.com within 60 days of purchase, and I will promptly refund the entire payment.
Your satisfaction and success are my top priorities, and I want you to have full confidence in your investment.
Some reviews
Here are some students who went through the course.
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
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.
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Bernardo Ríos
Linguista, Spagna
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
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
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
FAQs
Got some more questions I haven't covered here?
This course is aimed at people who have a basic knowledge of the Italian language and aspire to reach a solid B1 (intermediate) level.
100% in Italian, including explanations. 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.
Yes, there are! Each PDF file includes grammar explanations and exercises. Additionally, the transcriptions contain grammar notes in the margins.
If you have no knowledge of Italian, you might find it a bit too challenging to start this course.
That being said, if you already speak a Romance language you might understand a lot.That being said, if you have limited or basic knowledge of Italian, this course is perfect for you.
Here’s my recommendation: try listening to the preview (chapters 1 and 2), and if you can understand at least 70% of the content, it's likely a suitable choice. Otherwise, it's advisable to wait until you have a bit more knowledge.
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!
No, it's yours forever and any future improvement we make will be free.
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.
The audio episodes are 5-10 minutes long on average (100+ minute of audio in total). The 14 PDFs amount to 170+ pages.
It's time to change your Italian forever
Join us and experience the magic of language learning through the power of storytelling. It's time for a new Italian adventure!