Expat Lifestyles Episodes

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen interviews Kirtika van Hunen-Malla who shares her experiences of living across cultures and how Eastern philosophies have shaped her understanding of international living. Here are some key highlights from their conversation: Background & Cross-Cultural Upbringing:Kirtika grew up with a unique blend of Indian and Nepali cultures, which provided her with a rich cultural perspective even before moving to the West. Eastern Philosophical Influence:Kirtika...

In this episode, host Doreen Cumberford chats with Dr. Sally McGregor, a licensed clinical psychologist and adult third culture kid, about the mental health challenges faced by expatriates and globally mobile individuals. Dr. McGregor is the founder of Wanderwell Psychology, focusing on the well-being of expatriates, third culture kids, global nomads, and more. They discuss the unique psychological pressures of expat life, the importance of finding the right psychotherapist, and the difference ...

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...

We hope that these 30 podcasts have been both useful and informative! In this final episode of Nomadic Diaries' Reentry Series, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller reflect on 30 days of podcasts that included stories, themes, and challenges faced during the journey of returning to one's passport country. The series centered on personal experiences, expert tips, and actionable advice aimed at transforming repatriation into a positive and generative phase of life. The question at ...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to return home after years of globetrotting? In this compelling episode of Nomadic Diaries, Linda Mueller sits down with Margaret Ghielmetti, author of "Bravish: A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist". They explore the emotional rollercoaster of expatriate life, overcoming perfectionism, and the challenging yet rewarding process of repatriation. From the subtleties of cultural adaptation to the importance of building international connections, th...

Have you ever felt the rush of joy upon returning home from a long journey, only to be blindsided by the emotional and logistical challenges that follow? In this short episode of Nomadic Diaries' ReEntry Series, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Helen Ellis, an expert in long-distance grandparenting relationships, to uncover the practical and emotional intricacies of repatriation. Helen shares heartwarming and pragmatic strategies to help expats navigate their return with grace, blending t...

Ever felt the pull of the world that lies beyond your doorstep? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series host Doreen Cumberford reads the heartwarming and insightful story of Deirdre K. Razzaque, exploring her journey of identity and belonging after living abroad. Through her experiences in diverse cultures, from Costa Rica to Vermont, Deirdre shares the continuous and often challenging process of finding home within oneself. Arriving Well is a compilation of five raw, compelli...

Imagine transitioning from the vibrant expat life in California to the complex and challenging reality of returning to London? That’s the journey Polly Collingridge from the Cultural Intelligence Centre shared with Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller on this episode of Nomadic Diaries. Polly discusses the cultural shifts, reverse culture shock, and the intricate emotional landscape faced during repatriation, alongside insights from academic research on cultural identity and expat adaptations. ...

Feeling unsteady as you transition back to your home country? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller delve into the complexities of repatriation, exploring the emotional and logistical challenges through the metaphor of lily pads. Repatriation isn't just about physically returning home. It's a multifaceted process that involves emotional, psychological, and logistical shifts. The lily pad analogy perfectly captures how these small steps ca...

Have you ever used nature, the outdoors, or your environment to inspire or ground yourself during repatriation? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller seek to provide encouragement to go outdoors, to breathe in nature and to ground oneself during the repatriation journey. Here at Nomadic Diaries we love to interview expat and cross-cultural authors, so continue to tune in to discover wisdom and lessons that create a more inspir...

How do you navigate the complex journey of grieving an old life while building a new one? In today's episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, we look into the often overlooked topic of grief during repatriation. Doreen and Linda interviewed Dr. Sally McGregor, cross-cultural therapist, who shared invaluable insights on dealing with hidden grief, ambiguous loss, and the emotional journey faced by expats and Third Culture Kids. We learned about the power of being present, findin...

Today’s episode of the Re Entry Series, focuses on the Vision Building for your repatriation journey. We discuss the importance of creating a vivid, emotional, and sensory-rich vision of your desired future state to navigate the complex process of returning home. Linda Mueller and Doreen Cumberford share practical tips on setting clear, positive intentions and visualization techniques to keep you motivated, aligned and moving towards your preferences. Remember, envisioning your repatriation exp...

Do you ever feel like the invisible side of you gets lost in the chaos of repatriating back home? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller dive into the spiritual or invisible aspects of repatriation, sharing insights on how to find inspiration during times of transition. They introduce Elizabeth Kubler Ross's metaphor of stained glass windows and discuss actionable steps from Brene Brown's to help keep your inner light shining. Tune in and discov...

Welcome to a short but pithy episode of the Re-Entry Series of Nomadic Diaries. Here, we dive into the complexities of repatriation with Renata Urban, an expert in language training and intercultural communications. Renata shares her insights on why reentry can often be more challenging than expatriation, the emotional and cultural hurdles repats face, and practical strategies for smoother transitions back home. She also highlights the importance of building a "sanctuary" and finding supportive...

Welcome to the introductory episode of the Nomadic Diaries Reentry Series! Hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller set the stage for this 30-day podcast journey focused on repatriation and reentry. Discover the structure of the series, the topics covered, guest experts featured, and the mission behind this endeavor. Key Points: Series Introduction: This podcast series will be a daily release for 30 days aimed at supporting those going through repatriation. Focus for Each Day of the Week:Mond...

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 our new modern world where diverse teams and international collaboration are the norm, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures while engaging empathy is really important. Shownotes: Welcome to the Nomadic Diaries podcast, where we explore the intricacies of global living and the connection to empathy! I chatted with Maria Garaitonandia, an expert in cross-cultural leadership development. Drawing from her rich background as a first-generation Cuban immigrant raised across Ital...

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 ...

Exploring the Benefits of Identity, Diversity & Global Heartedness! 🌍 Embracing Diversity and Cultural Adaptability 🌈 Join host Doreen Cumberford as she explores the transformative power of multicultural experiences with guest Kristen Rudberg. From Guyana to Pakistan to the United States, this episode dives deep into the challenges and rewards of a globally-minded life. In this episode, you'll discover: 🌟 The Superpower of Cultural Adaptability Growing up across continents, Kristen ...

🎙️ Dive into the Latest Episode of Nomadic Diaries with Sylvia Thiesen! 🌎 In our latest podcast episode we were honored to host the incredible Sylvia Thiesen. Sylvia, is a seasoned coach, therapist, and multi-cultured traveler. 🔑 Key Takeaways Embracing the Small Steps Prepares us for Big Leaps Be bold. Start with manageable challenges like dining alone without distractions. It’s all about building confidence one step at a time. Infinite Opportunities Inside Travel Harnessing the power ...

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...