Episodes

Join Doreen Cumberford, the host for a delightful conversation with Margaret Ghielmetti, author of "Brave(ish)," who reveals how living abroad transformed her life from the inside out. Margaret shares her refreshingly honest take on finding courage in unexpected places and building what she playfully calls "superpowers" through facing fears head-on. In this episode, you'll discover: Why being "brave-ish" (rather than perfectly brave) leads to authentic growthHow living in different cultures...

What happens when a 13-year-old in Malawi needs emergency medical evacuation, but their insurance has just expired? Andrew Jernigan shares the dramatic story and reveals how proper international insurance can be the difference between life and death. In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen sits down with Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads, to unravel the complexities of international insurance for global citizens. Andrew shares compelling narratives that shaped his mission, including th...

Imagine unlocking the power of your subconscious to achieve your dreams. In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford introduces us to the life-changing tool of vision boards, detailing how they can help expats and nomads achieve their goals through visualization and intentionality. Whether you are departing or arriving, an expat, nomad or repat vision boards can be a worthy tool. Enhanced Focus through Visual Tools: Vision boards aren't just pretty collages. They tap into our bra...

In this episode host Doreen Cumberford interviews Iliana Genkova, who shares her remarkable journey from Bulgaria to building a life across multiple continents. Starting with just $200 in her pocket, Iliana moved to the United States in 1999, marking the beginning of her global adventures. Her story demonstrates how sometimes the best plans are a mix of preparation and embracing the unknown. After securing U.S. citizenship, Iliana's journey took her to the UK, where she learned valuable lessons...

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...

Step into the world of global mobility as we explore the intricate tapestry of expatriate life and the art of navigating transitions in 2025. In this compelling episode, we delve into the multifaceted challenges and rich opportunities that come with living abroad, from embracing seasonal traditions in new cultures to managing the complex dynamics of international careers. Drawing inspiration from James Clear's wisdom that "habits are the compound interest of self-improvement," we explore how in...

Today we are on vacation. But we wanted to share this most excellent story from Vishti Kanahele. Here are a few of the most importants points from this episode: 🧠 Mental Health Awareness: The importance of acknowledging and seeking help for mental health issues can't be overstated, especially for expats and digital nomads facing stress and uncertainty during frequent moves. Platforms like telehealth are game changers. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Raising Global Citizens: Exposure to diverse cultures and experi...

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...

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...

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...

Feeling adrift or untethered after moving back home? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, our host Doreen Cumberford speaks with guest Camilla Quintana about the emotional and practical challenges of repatriation while sharing her personal stories of transition and adaptation. Camilla offers insights on maintaining connections and shifting your focus to commonalities, and offers valuable advice for making your return a smoother, more fulfilling experience. Join us to learn how to leverage thes...

Have you ever experienced what you suspected might be symptoms of repatriaion? In this episode, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller discuss some of the more light-hearted ways and situations where returnees can sometimes feel caught between multiple cultural identities, struggling to reconcile their international experiences with their home environment. The psychological impact of repatriation can often include unexpected grief, a sense of loss, and difficulty communicating the depth o...

What do digital nomads have to consider when returning back home after enjoying thrilling adventures, exciting work projects and all that freedom? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Amy Suto, a seasoned traveler and writer, to share insights from her eight-month journey across South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, and discuss how her travels inspired her latest book "Nomad Detective." Amy provides tips on avoiding digital nomad burnout, planning ahead for ...

Can you imagine uprooting your life multiple times, weaving through diverse cultural landscapes, and then finding your way back to a semblance of "home"?. In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford read from Michael Pollock's poignant narrative, "Bridges and Anchors," which is a chapter from the book Arriving Well. As Michael recounts his dynamic journey from New York to Kenya, China, and back to the United States, he shares the intricate challenges and enriching experiences of ...

Can you magine stepping back into your homeland only to feel like a stranger in a once-familiar place? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford & Linda Mueller together with author and repatriation expert Craig Storti, examine the intricate world of repatriation, unpacking the emotional, social, and cultural challenges that come with a returning home after long stints abroad. From the unexpected struggles of returning home to the emotional impact of farewells, Craig's insigh...

Have you ever wondered how to truly find closure when saying goodbye to a place you've called home? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, titled Farewells, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller delve into the emotional intricacies of farewells and the impact they have on our repatriation journey. From personal anecdotes to expert tips on creating meaningful rituals, they explore how farewells can be empowering rather than distressing. Tune in to discover h...