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Quiero un Panino con Cheese
Ever tried answering the question “Where are you from?” and gave a 10-minute monologue? Ever caught yourself switching between three languages in the middle of a sentence? Ever wondered what home really means when you’ve had more than one?
If so, welcome to Quiero un Panino con Cheese, the podcast for parents, kids, and families living the beautiful chaos of multicultural life.
Hosted by Gaia Striano and Hazel Swayne, two moms who have raised children across borders, this show explores the joys and challenges of Third Culture Kids—kids who grow up between cultures, languages, and identities.
Quiero un Panino con Cheese
TCK Stories with Chiara
In today’s episode of our series, TCK STORIES , we sit down with Chiara — Gaia’s middle child and a true Third Culture Kid. Born in Paris to Italian parents, Chiara's journey spans multiple countries: from Rome to Madrid, then across the ocean to the U.S. for college and work, and now back to Spain.
Chiara opens up in a raw and heartfelt conversation about what it’s like to grow up feeling like an outsider, navigating identity, and the challenges of reverse culture shock after returning to Europe.
We talk about:
✨ Growing up with a sense of not fully belonging
✨ How being a TCK has shaped her identity and worldview
✨ The complicated question: "Where are you from?"
✨ Navigating friendships and explaining her multicultural background
✨ Long-distance guilt and adjusting to life back home
✨ Her best advice for parents raising TCKs
Whether you're a TCK yourself or know someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. Chiara’s story is honest, reflective, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating cultural complexity and change.
Mentioned in the episode: Find and follow TCK Global on Instagram
Please hit the follow button and enter our crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as we open up about our personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe solo, or whatever gets you moving!