covid-19 Archives - The Bittersweet Life

[THE BITTERSWEET PAST] Coronavirus Hits: Italy Locks Down, Part 1

Mar 7, 2025

Coronavirus Hits: Italy Locks Down, Part 1 is an episode from our archives that captures what life was like exactly five years ago. Do you remember what life was like during the first days and weeks of lockdown following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost...

The Bittersweet Life

Life doesn’t have a script. At least, it doesn’t have to. Hosts Katy Sewall and Tiffany Parks explore the challenges and joys of moving abroad and moving home. Whether you’re living overseas, or not — or not yet — join us weekly for unadulterated conversation. Get to know Rome. Laugh at our embarrassments and insights. Most of all, imagine the possibilities for your own life (and meet some famous authors along the way).

Today we’re joined by Katy’s sisters, Dana and Sara, to chat about what’s on the horizon for Dana, considering her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer last year.

As always, Dana shares inspiring words of hope and fortitude, proving that a terminal cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean an instant end to a happy and rich life.

They also attempt to address the question: would you want to know how much time you have left? For most of us, this is abstract question we’ll never have to face. But Dana has a unique perspective on this.

She also considers what exactly she wants her life to look like at the very end, and the benefits of stopping the fight sooner in order to enjoy a peaceful closing with the people she loves, in the places she loves.

And also, since a celebration of life (which Dana has opted for instead of a memorial) is about LIFE, hear about Dana’s plans to attend her own, while she is still alive.

***To help katy’s sister Dana and her family with the staggering medical costs of her stage 4 agressive brain cancer—her specialist is outside her insurance network—as well of the costs of temporarily relocating to San Francsico for her treatments, please consider donating to her GoFundMe. Anything you can contribute will be extremely helpful. Thank you.***

————————————-

COME TO ROME WITH US: Our 4th annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure, taking place from 1 to 7 November 2026, is officially sold out! If you’d like to be on our first-dibs mailing list to make sure you don’t miss out on future trips, just send us an email!

AD-FREE LISTENING: After well over 10 years on the air with little-to-no advertising, in 2026 we have finally made the difficult decision that this completely independent and self-funded show is no longer sustainable without it. HOWEVER! If you join us on Patreon, for as little as $3 per month, you will have access to all new episodes completely ad-free!

ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started.

GET TWO BONUS EPISODES PER MONTH: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life at the $5 per month level or above, and you will have access to two all-new (and sometimes wacky) bonus episodes every single month. As well as ad-free listening, occasional live meet-ups, and access to our chat community. Visit our Patreon site to find out more.

TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue.

START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up.

SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps.

WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us on Facebook or Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured!

NEW TO THE SHOW? Don’t be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET

BOOK: Want to read Tiffany’s book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon.

TOUR ROME: If you’re traveling to Rome, don’t miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!