We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano
Impariamo l’italiano piano piano is a story-based podcast for B1–B2 Italian learners who want to improve their grammar and vocabulary by following an ongoing mystery, rather than studying isolated lessons. Beginners are welcome too - everything unfolds piano piano, one step at a time.
Each episode advances a serialized story, Le Pagine del Passato, allowing you to experience Italian in context as meaning builds gradually through memory, dialogue, and investigation. Grammar structures such as the imperfetto, passato prossimo, congiuntivo, and object pronouns emerge naturally through the narrative, helping you recognize how Italian works in real situations.
Hosted by Myra, an instructional designer and adult language learner, the show is joined by Antonio - a dramatic, opinionated presence who interrupts, comments, and occasionally derails things, making the learning process both human and entertaining. Together, they guide listeners toward greater confidence in Italian, step by step.
📜 Looking for full episode transcripts?
Full transcripts are shared through the Companion Series on Substack, where supporters can access episode texts and study materials:
https://welearnitalian.substack.com
🎙 Listen, learn, and improve your Italian fluency - one episode at a time!
We learn Italian step by step | Impariamo l'italiano piano piano
🛠️ Bonus Episode 16A - Vocabulary for Chapter 3 Part 3 | Setting, Space, and Detail
This episode is only available to subscribers.
We learn Italian - step by step
Exclusive access to premium content!--> Vocabulary Flashcards for Bonus Episodes 16A and 16B <--
In this bonus episode, we begin working through the vocabulary for Chapter 3, Part 3 of our story — a section where the language becomes richer, more detailed, and more immersive.
--> Link to Post for Transcript for this episode <--
(Available to show supporters)
To help you take it all in, we’ve organized the vocabulary into clear categories and worked through them step by step.
In this episode, you’ll explore:
🏛️ Setting and atmosphere
🏰 Architecture and objects
⚔️ History and human presence
✍️ Visual details and craftsmanship
For each category, you’ll hear:
• a short contextual introduction
• the same passage in Italian
• active recall practice
• and a mini quiz to help you use the words
This is where you move beyond simply following the story…
and start noticing the language that brings it to life.
These bonus episodes are part of the Podcast Companion Series - designed to help you build your Italian actively, with repetition, context, and practice.
And if you’d like to practice live, you can join us in our community meetups.
⏳ CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
3:37 Category 1 – Contextual Introduction
4:57 Italian Only – Category 1
6:26 Active Recall – Category 1
7:28 Mini Quiz – Category 1
8:59 Category 2 – Contextual Introduction
10:12 Italian Only – Category 2
11:48 Active Recall – Category 2
12:58 Mini Quiz – Category 2
14:39 Category 3 – Contextual Introduction
15:58 Italian Only – Category 3
17:45 Active Recall – Category 3
19:10 Mini Quiz – Category 3
20:57 Category 4 – Contextual Introduction
22:03 Italian Only – Category 4
23:27 Active Recall – Category 4
24:09 Mini Quiz – Category 4
24:57 Wrap-up
Live Italian practice session
Ready to start using Italian?
In this guided meetup, we’ll work through Episodes 19–23, focusing on the gerundio with examples like camminando and sto leggendo.
You’ll interact with Antonio and practice step by step.
👉 https://www.meetup.com/italian-piano-piano-community-meetup/events/313631277
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Impariamo l’italiano piano piano!
Here are a few ways you can connect with me:
- Subscribe to my blog here
- -->Leave me a voice message<--
You might even be featured on the show! - Take the listener survey
- Join us on meetup!
Email: welearnpianopiano@gmail.com
All content © 2026 Impariamo l’italiano piano piano – Un impegno quotidiano
📄 Episode Transcript & Study Materials
For this episode, the full transcript is available on Substack, where it’s easier to read, search, and follow along with the explanations.
👉 Here is a link to all of my posts on Substack.
I’ve moved transcripts there so everything can live in one place: the episode text, examples, and Companion Series materials all together.
How to access additional resources:
- Click “Support the Show” in any episode description to become a supporter.
- If you’re already a podcast supporter, your substack subscription already includes access to the guides.