SOS Podcasts
A Memoir by Rosamaria Mancini
“…An informative and amusing account of an expat finding solace in the world of podcasts.”
“…In her voice, universal subjects (including bad weather, religious faith, childbirth, and not fitting into a group) become compelling and entertaining…”
—Kirkus Reviews
In SOS Podcasts, Rosamaria Mancini tells her unique story of being a woman, wife, and mother living abroad. A self described “big pain,” hypochondriac, and perfectionist, she details her quirks and how they were exacerbated during her time in both Italy and Germany, and how she turned to podcasts to feel less alone and more connected. In a refreshingly original, funny, assertive, and honest voice she lays it all out – from her tendency toward hyper protective parenting and Catholic guilt to her opinions on air conditioning, military wives, German food, and turning the big 4-0.
A “funny, sharp, observant” story of one woman’s journey from New York to the Vatican to the outskirts of a NATO base in Germany, where she finds connection through the power of podcasts. A book for women, moms, and podcast listeners in this age of disconnection.
Praise for SOS Podcasts
“Anyone who has felt out of place will love this book. New York to Italy, Italy to Germany, this is a wonderful chronicle of cultural confusion, heartfelt and very funny. Then there’s the children – the author spins from mothering to over-mothering to worrying about over-mothering. Her one escape route is through listening to podcasts, finding solace through the voices she chooses to hear. Like any good friend, the reader will be on her side – at least mostly, she does admit to doing some crazy things!”
—David Britton
Director of Creative Writing, Swansea University
“Self-deprecating and irreverent, Rosamaria Mancini, who pitches up unexpectedly in provincial Germany, charts the loneliness of young motherhood in a foreign land where she understands little of the language and has only fellow military wives from the nearby NATO base for friends. Some chapters are pure stand-up comedy, others are poignantly moving. Rosamaria approaches each new challenge with the straight-faced aplomb only a New Yorker abroad could possibly muster but explains how she finds inner strength when she retreats to the world of podcasts.”
—Julian Preece
Chair in Modern Languages, Swansea University
About Rosamaria
Rosamaria Mancini is a writer whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and other publications. For several years she was a communications specialist at the Vatican, and she currently holds a position with Fairtrade International in Bonn. Rosamaria is also a professor of communications at the Brussels School of Governance and UMGC Europe.
A native New Yorker, she lives in the tri-border area between Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium with her husband and two children. She recently earned her PhD in Creative Writing from Swansea University. Her first book SOS Podcasts was published by Cambria Books August 1, 2024.
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ROSAMARIA MANCINI, PhD 