What does it mean to grow up between countries, cultures, and languages? And how does that shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and define “home”?

In this episode of Real Moms Talking, I sit down with Gaia Striano from Quiero Un Panino Con Cheese Podcast to explore her experience growing up as a Third Culture Kid. Born in Italy, Gaia spent her childhood moving between Hong Kong, Montreal, New York, and Italy, navigating different cultures, identities, and expectations along the way.

Together, we talk about the joys and challenges of an international upbringing, the search for belonging, and the impact that even seemingly small things—like having your name constantly mispronounced—can have on your sense of self. Gaia shares candidly about what it felt like to grow up between worlds and how those experiences continue to influence her life today.

Now a mother of three multilingual children living in Spain, Gaia offers a unique perspective on raising the next generation of global citizens while reflecting on her own journey.

Whether you’re a Third Culture Kid, a parent raising children across cultures, or simply curious about identity and belonging, this conversation is full of insights, reflections, and moments that will stay with you long after listening.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• ​ Growing up as a Third Culture Kid
• ​ Identity, belonging, and the meaning of home
• ​ The emotional impact of moving between countries
• ​ Cultural adaptation and fitting in
• ​ Why names matter more than we often realize
• ​ Raising multilingual children as a former TCK
• ​ Lessons from a global childhood

Connect with Gaia:

@querounpaninoconcheese

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