Cross-Cultural Skills Episodes

In this episode, Doreen Cumberford welcomes welcomes Mathieu Gagnon, an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) and Professor of Psychology at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario specializing in the emotional experiences of third culture kids (TCKs), expats, and people in global transitions. Mathieu's international upbringing as the son of a Canadian diplomat took him from Paris to Morocco, the Ivory Coast, Haiti, Switzerland, and back to Canada. Together, they dive deep into the emotional l...

I sat down with Linda Mueller, who was a previous Co-Host for the Re-Entry Series. Linda is an experienced ExpatPartnerCoach and we dived into the benefits of coaching for people who live in the international and global communities. Together, we explored what it really means to thrive as a global nomad, especially as an accompanying partner. We cover everything from wrestling with issues of purpose and identity to maintaining relationships and overcoming guilt. Linda shares her hard-earned wisd...

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...

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 ...

Nomadic Diaries Episode: International Women's Day Special Host: Doreen Cumberford In this episode, we have combined the voices of six women who I interviewed over the last year. Each one is unique, works in international and intercultural situations, and has at least one golden nugget of wisdom to contribute to our lifestyles. Meet: Iliana Jankova: Moved from Hungary to the US with $200. Iliana's story embodies courage as she has navigated several countries and continents solo. https:/...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with cross-cultural communication expert Kathy Ellis to explore the intricate world of cultural adaptation and repatriation. From her humble beginnings in small-town Midwest America to living in six different countries and visiting over 40, Kathy shares her fascinating journey of becoming a global citizen and helping others bridge cultural divides. Throughout the conversation, Kathy delves into the complexities of developing ...

In this week's soul-stirring episode of Nomadic Diaries, I sat down with the remarkable Elizabeth Pritchard to explore how living overseas builds unshakeable grit and resilience. Elizabeth shares how each international challenge she faced – from cultural misunderstandings to complete life rebuilds – became a building block for developing true mental toughness. Her insights on turning adversity into advantage had me completely rethinking what it means to grow through discomfort! We dove...

Join me on a fascinating journey through the life and insights of John McEntire, a global citizen whose experiences span over five decades and traverse the cultural landscapes of Japan, Taiwan, Qatar, and beyond. John holds a certification with Jack Canfield to teach the success principles and has visits to 40 countries under his belt. He has also developed a unique perspective on how cultural understanding and synchronization can transform organizations and communities. Through his time in Qa...

Hosts: Doreen and Sharon Fields Special Guest: Rebecca Eichler Episode Summary: Welcome to another compelling episode of Nomadic Diaries! In this episode, hosts Doreen and Sharon Fields are joined by the remarkable Rebecca Eichler, an international human rights advocate and the star of the acclaimed documentary Las Abogadas: Attorneys on the Front Lines of the Migrant Crisis. Key Takeaways: Rebecca’s Journey to Mexico: Rebecca shares her and her family’s transformative journey from the ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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 ...

In this episode host, Doreen Cumberford interviewed Kerstin Cable on the subject of languages and how to learn them effectively. 🚀 The surprising truth about Duolingo and how technology is revolutionizing language learning Discover why Duolingo is just the tip of the iceberg in the world of digital language learning tools. 🧠 The bilingual brain: How polyglots process the world differently Uncover the fascinating cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages and how it shapes your worldview...