Author Episodes

Nina Aziz Justine has lived in five countries, worked across forty-seven of them, and spent the better part of five decades asking the question that so many of us quietly carry: where on earth do I actually belong? She is a serial entrepreneur, cultural chameleon, and self-described "rat in the lab" of her own life experiments, Nina has channelled all of that lived complexity into her memoir, The Home Within: A Nonlinear, Soulful Memoir About Belonging Across Cultures and Change. She sits dow...

Dr. Joy Wiggins Meet Dr. Joy Wiggins, we chatted about Raising Kids to Boardroomsshe is a cultural agility expert, former professor, and single mum who packed up her life in Texas and moved to Lisbon, Portugal with her teenage daughter Ruby. She's spent decades living and working across cultures, from Germany to China to Jordan, she also now helps globally mobile women build careers and lives that don't fit neatly inside one country's borders. What You'll Take Away: There's a world of differen...

In this heartfelt episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford opens up about the challenges and transformations of expat life, drawing from her own 15 years as an accompanying spouse in Saudi Arabia. She reads an excerpt from her book, "Life in the Camel Lane," diving into the core themes of home, identity, and the elusive sense of belonging for global nomads. Listeners are invited to reflect on adaptation, cultural transitions, grief, and the growth that comes from living liminally—caught bet...

This episode explores the deep connections between movement, body awareness, identity, and belonging, especially as experienced by people who navigate multiple cultures. The conversation dives into Marcia Bonato Warren's unique approach to Embodied Code-Switching® and the role of somatic awareness in feeling at home within our bodies across shifting cultural contexts. Key Topics Discussed: What is Somatic Awareness?Originates from the Greek word for “body” (soma). Goes beyond physical presenc...

Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, where we delve deep into the journey and insights of global explorers. This episode, hosted by Doreen Cumberford, shines a spotlight on Melissa Hahn, an intercultural specialist and author of the book *Forging Bonds in the Global Workforce*. Here are a few shownotes: Forging Global Bonds: Melissa Hahn's Insights on Thriving Across Cultures Through thought-provoking discussions and personal anecdotes, Melissa offers invaluable wisdom for navigating the complexities o...

Hopefully you will find this episode with Marilyn Gardner soul-nourishing! Host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Marilyn Gardner for a deep dive into the rhythms, challenges, and beauty of leading a global, nomadic life. Marilyn shares her experiences of moving through 36 homes across continents, the lessons found in both anticipation and nostalgia, and the journey of finding "places that light you up", even when you never fully feel that you belong. Together, Doreen and Marilyn explore what it mea...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen sits down with Autumn Carolyn—world traveler, writer, and author of Traveling in Wonder—to talk about the realities of moving abroad, the impact of travel on our senses, the power of reflection, and the process of returning home after years overseas. Autumn shares heartfelt stories from her time living in England and traveling to 30 countries before turning 30, as well as her experience with reverse culture shock and redisco...

In this episode, we sat down again with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to catch up on recent research findings. Understanding Third Culture Kids Defining the TCK Journey: Tanya clarifies what makes a Third Culture Kid—children growing up outside their passport country without plans to settle permanently—and why their experience differs from immigrant children. Hidden Struggles, Global Strengths: How TCKs develop unique perspectives while navigating complex identi...

Welcome to our first scheduled and deliberate replay episode. The reason we choose this episode is because it was one of our favorite episodes from 2024. Join us for a touch of inspiration and a fun conversation with Steve Hoffman, a James Beard award winner for food writing whose life story spans continents and careers. We explored Steve's fascinating background as an author, tax preparer, and distinguished food writer and dove into his family's move to Languedoc, France. A Season for That: ...

Ever wondered how globe-trotting lifestyles are transforming in our post-pandemic world? In this captivating episode of "Nomadic Diaries," guest Sylvia Thiesen interviews host Doreen Cumberford, to find out why Nomadic Diaries exists. The Importance of Belonging and Connection One of the central themes of the podcast is the importance of connection and belonging. In today's digital age, this issue is even more pressing, especially for older generations who may face loneliness after returning f...

In this episode, we sit down with cultural anthropologist James Richardson to explore how his experiences living in diverse cultures - especially India - have profoundly shaped his perspectives on relationships and commitment in America. James shares thought-provoking insights gleaned from his anthropological work and personal journey, painting a vivid contrast between the supportive, interconnected community dynamics he observed in India versus the more isolated, "non-committal" culture preval...

Meet Amy Suto an Author, Writer and Digital Nomad. Creativity and Flow....... As a writer, author and nomad Amy has learned a lot about well-being, balance and pace of life. She has been on the road for four years now and feels like the digital nomadic lifestyle contributes momentum to her success. Amy has used the elements of geography to create her first novel called The Nomad Detective which was inspired by her travels and true crime stories. For Amy, helping others by tell...

In a world where globalization has transformed the way we live, work, and raise families, the host of the Nomadic Diaries podcast dive into the complex, yet rewarding, experiences of modern-day global nomads. Join us as we unpack the realities and strategies for thriving in the face of constant change and cultural duality. Shownotes: In this episode, we sit down with Mariam Ottimifiore, author of "This Messy Mobile Life," to delve into the intricate experiences of expats, international families...

"A Season for Adventure: Steve Hoffman Show Notes: Join us for an inspiring and fun conversation with Steve Hoffman, a James Beard award winner for food writing whose life story spans continents and careers. In this episode, we explore Steve's fascinating background as an author, tax preparer, and distinguished food writer. We delve into the Hoffman family's serendipitous move to Languedoc, France, which evolved from a planned semester-long stay into an extended adventure. Steve ...

Leadership Lessons from the Road: with Zoe Routh This episode is full of nuggets that can support you in unlocking new possibilities for you and your organization! Looking for a globally minded leader and consultant with a multicultural upbringing and cross-cultured perspective on what it takes to thrive in today's borderless business landscape? Zoe Routh fits the bill! Outward Bound Philosophy Zoe takes us back to her transformative experiences with Outward Bound, revealing how fa...

Vashti Kanahele - On Navigating Mental Health, Community, and Global Adventures Join Doreen Cumberford as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Vashti Kanahele about the mental health challenges and triumphs encountered during her international journey. Vashti opens up about her experiences as an expat, particularly focusing on the impact of frequent moves on her family's well-being and the invaluable support systems that sustained her. Mental Health Awareness and Telehealth T...

In this episode of "Nomadic Diaries," Doreen Cumberford welcomes humorist and motivational speaker Conor Cunneen. Originally from Ireland and currently based in Chicago, Conor, also known as "Irishman Speaks," shares his unique insights and experiences on the use of humor in cross-cultural communication, navigating life as a migrant, and the dynamics of humor in business and presentations. Filled with laughter, thought-provoking discussions, and personal anecdotes, this episode ...

Episode Alert on Nomadic Diaries! 🌍 We just released a deeply inspirational episode featuring Kathleen Israel, a remarkable woman who embarked on the transformative journey of walking the Camino not once, but twice. Each step on her pilgrimage was a step towards healing after years of caring for her ailing husband. She shares not only her physical journey but also her spiritual and emotional voyage, culminating in the creation of her book, "Wisdom on the Camino." - Resilience and Personal Gro...

Forging Bonds Across Borders and Cultures, with Melissa Hahn! Welcome to another captivating episode of Nomadic Diaries, where we delve deep into the journey and insights of global explorers. This episode, hosted by Doreen Cumberford, shines a spotlight on Melissa Hahn, an intercultural specialist and author of the book *Forging Bonds in the Global Workforce*. Here are a few shownotes: Forging Global Bonds: Melissa Hahn's Insights on Thriving Across Cultures Through thought-provoking di...

-Embracing Cultural Diversity: In this insightful episode, Chris Shawnessy, a seasoned cross-cultural expert, takes us on an enriching exploration of understanding and navigating the nuances of cultural diversity. Brace yourself for thought-provoking anecdotes, practical wisdom, and a refreshing dose of humor. The Open Lens Chris emphasizes the importance of being open to different perspectives and embracing new routines as a means to expand one's worldview. Unwritten Rules From queuing etiquett...

Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

Conversations with EXPAT Writers While taking time off for a few days to enjoy a family wedding, Doreen recorded a review episode. Over the last two months, Nomadic Diaries has interviewed and recorded the following authors. - Camilla Quintana: Author of "The Empowered Expat Woman: Your A to Z Guide to Thriving Wherever You Are" https://www.camillaquintana.com https://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Expat-Woman-Z-Thriving-ebook/dp/B0CZ184X9J/ Camilla talked about expat fatigue, what i...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, titled Expat Families - Surviving Alone Overseas, Rhoda Bangerter and Doreen Cumberford delve into the emotional and logistical complexities faced by expats and split families living abroad. Rhoda shares her firsthand experiences tackling the challenges of maintaining stability and coherence in family life while being separated from her husband by vast distances because of work commitments. Here are three of the top strategies for managing such situations: ...

Nomadic Diaries host, Doreen Cumberford sits down with Joel Bond, to discuss Palm Trees and Resilience! Joel is an author, educator, and expatriate who has lived in Iraq for seven years. They dive into his experience as chronicled in his first book, "As Large as Your Spirit," touching on the human side of living overseas and finding one's identity amidst global chaos. We discussed Joel's Reverse Refugee Experience, where he shared his unique tale of attempting to return to Iraq amidst the refug...