Growing Up Between Worlds — A Sibling Conversation on Identity, Culture, and Belonging

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with my brother Riccardo for a conversation that feels both deeply personal and surprisingly universal. As siblings, we share the same family, the same roots, and many of the same experiences—but the way we’ve each processed our multicultural upbringing is very different.Growing up across continents meant that identity was never a simple question for us. We talk about what it was like navigating multiple languages, cultures, and expectations—and how moving between places like Asia, Europe, and the United States shaped who we are today.Riccardo and I reflect on the advantages and challenges of being raised between cultures: the adaptability it fosters, the moments of confusion around belonging, and the subtle ways language, nationality, and even our names influenced how others perceived us—and how we perceived ourselves.We also explore the concept of being a Third Culture Kid, the ability to become cultural “chameleons,” and the unexpected independence that often develops when home is constantly shifting. From Riccardo’s experience building a life abroad to my reflections on identity across different environments, this episode is an honest look at what it means to grow up global while still trying to understand where you belong.Above all, we talk about the incredible value of embracing multicultural perspectives—especially for the next generation growing up in an increasingly connected world.In this episode, we explore:How growing up in multiple countries shapes identity, adaptability, and worldviewThe role language, accents, and names play in shaping self-perceptionCultural differences between Italian, American, and broader European experiencesHow passports and nationality can influence opportunities and belongingThe realities of being a Third Culture Kid (TCK)Why multicultural childhoods often build resilience and independenceThe contrasts between life in Europe and the United StatesWhy embracing diversity and global citizenship matters more than everI loved this touching conversation with my big brother. It was a long time in the making. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed recording it.Rick’s background covers a 40 year career that has ranged from banking and finance to sports management and entrepreneurial ventures. He is a published author with two patents to his name and professional postings in New York, Washington DC, Milan, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, and London.Born in Philadelphia, Rick has lived in Thailand, Hong Kong, Italy, Canada, England, Germany, and the US. Currently residing in Frankfurt with his wife Patricia, Rick and Trish have three children, one in Chicago, one in Madrid, and one in Seoul. Rick’s mother lives in Rome, and his sister lives in Madrid….His is truly an international and third culture family.Follow Rick on LinkedIn herePlease hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving!For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese