Repatriation Episodes

Globally mobile people often move forward to new assignments and destinations with momentum and ease. But repatriation tells a different story—many find returning home surprisingly challenging. These episodes explore the who, why, what, and where of re-entry, plus best practices and dream-building techniques for a sustainable return to your home country."
9
Nov. 9, 2024

When Home Feels Like a Foreign Country

Have you experienced the rollercoaster of crossing borders, building a life overseas only to do so in reverse? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, host Doreen Cumberford plunges into the challenges and triumphs of repatriation. In this episode, we had an eye-opening conversation with Chris O'Shaughnessy who is a TCK and InterCultural trainer, about the complexities of this mighty transition. From treating your home country as foreign, to using humor and humility, Chris sha...
8
Nov. 8, 2024

The Hidden Grief of Returning Home — with Dr. Sally McGregor

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...
7
Nov. 7, 2024

When Coming Home Means Choosing Between Family and Career

Have you ever felt the profound challenge of transplanting your entire life from one country to another? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, host Linda Mueller chatted with the incredible Tanja Pleis, an award-winning international photographer. We dove into her journey of balancing family life and professional aspirations while repatriating from the U.S. to Germany. Tanja shared her challenges, for example, managing grief from the closing of her Chicago studio and adjusti...
6
Nov. 6, 2024

Re-Entry Series 6: Reading From Arriving Well

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, Linda Mueller reads from Arriving Well: Stories About Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad. Arriving Well is a compilation of five raw, compelling, autobiographical stories about re-entry. Each of the authors experienced the roller-coaster ride of re-entry to their passport country in totally different and yet totally valid ways after a differing number of years abroad. This book highlights the variety of ways ...
5
Nov. 5, 2024

The Emotional Toll of Coming Home: What Nobody Warned You About

Have you ever grappled with the upheaval of moving countries and then moving back? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller engage with cross-cultural coach Jerry Jones to delve into the emotional and psychological effects of repatriation. Jerry shares his compelling personal experiences transitioning from China back to the United States, highlighting how seemingly minor lifestyle disruptions can accumulate into significant emotional ch...
4
Nov. 4, 2024

How to Mentally Prepare for Coming Home Before You Get There

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...
3
Nov. 3, 2024

The Invisible Side of Coming Home: Keeping Your Inner Light Through Repatriation

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...
2
Nov. 2, 2024

What a Suitcase Taught One Expat About Letting Go

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...
1
Nov. 1, 2024

Why Going Home Is Harder Than Leaving: A Repatriation Conversation

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...
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Oct. 29, 2024

When Cultures Collide: From India's We to America's Me

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...
28
Oct. 1, 2024

The Empathy Games: Where Everybody Wins!

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...
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Sept. 3, 2024

From Third Culture Kid to Citizen Diplomat: Kristen Rudberg

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 ...
12
June 17, 2024

What Do Jet Lag, Humor And Cutlery Have to do With Cultural Adaptation

-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...
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May 28, 2024

The Expat's Portable Identity

Welcome to Michael Sullivan's episode on Nomadic Diaries called The Expat's Portable Identity. Michael is currently a Goodwill Ambassador with the US Department of State in Turkey and is currently penning a book titled "Building Bridges: Can We Love and Relate in a Polarized World." Michael shares his rich experiences and the nuanced challenges faced by his wife and children by virtue of their relationship and biculturalism. ⚡Building Bridges Across the Great Divide⚡ In this epi...
9
Oct. 17, 2023

Wanderlust, Wisdom and Welcomes

Nomadic Diaries is happy to present real stories and practical advice from George Walther who has visited over 130 countries. George spent a decade living in ten different countries for a year each, earning him the nickname "Traveling Twain of the 21st century." His interest in experiencing different cultures and countries was sparked by a desire for more than just a taste of the world. George shared how living in different countries exposes his brain to different languages and currencies, k...