Episodes

12
Nov. 12, 2024

When You Have to Go Home Before You're Ready

Can you imagine repatriating in an emergency? Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series where we explore the journey of repatriation back home. In our latest episode, Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller chat with Joel David Bond, a true explorer who's spent 20 years living on multiple continents. We plunged into the story of his abrupt return to the U.S. after 20 years abroad, Joel offered insights into managing anxiety, using technology for smooth transitions, and fostering a mindset of...
11
Nov. 11, 2024

The Practical Nightmare of Moving Back Home: Logistics Nobody Talks About

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the planning and logistics of moving back home? In today's episode of the Re-Entry Series, Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller dive deep into the logistics of repatriation on Nomadic Diaries. They share invaluable tips on everything from efficient packing to handling crucial documentation and pet transport. One key to a satisfying repatriation lies in managing the logistics effectively. When the practical details are well-managed, you can focus on the ...
10
Nov. 10, 2024

Your Repatriation Year Is Your Pivot Year — Here's How to Use It

Do you ever feel like the invisible side of you needs some sources of inspiration during the potential chaos of repatriating back home? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller dive into the invisible aspects of repatriation. Linda shares her insights into a book called The Pivot Year, 365 Days to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be by Brianna Weist. Here at Nomadic Diaries we love to interview expat and cross-cultural authors, so continue to tune...
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...
31
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...
31
Oct. 22, 2024

The Digital Nomad's Guide to Creative Flow with Amy Suto"

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...
30
Oct. 15, 2024

Nomadic With Horses - Check-In Take Two!

Koen is one of our regulars on Nomadic Diaries and lives the life of a traveling nomad accompanying high performance horses as they travel around the world to attend equestrian events. It was really fun to reconnect, especially after Koen had visited Saudi Arabia, and I was eager to hear what he had been learning from his travels over the last six to nine months. I really enjoyed reconnecting with Koen Gomes again. The conversation covered the following: Embracing Ambiguous Identity: We discus...
29
Oct. 8, 2024

A Nomad's Compass: Navigating Life, Resilience, and Adventure

Meet Chris Cerra, the genius and founder of Remote Base and Digital Nomad Trip Reports! I was introduced to Chris by a friend, who operates one of the most functional and powerful expat/nomad insurance companies and we discovered a common love for the far-ranging subjects of nomadism. Chris shared his wide-ranging but very sensible and down to earth approach to nomading, here are a few takeaways. Understanding Your 'Why' Knowing your motivation for embracing a nomadic lifestyle will help fuel...
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...
27
Sept. 24, 2024

Write Your Own International Story - Mariam Ottimiofiore

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...
26
Sept. 17, 2024

A Season for Adventure: Steve Hoffman

"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 ...
25
Sept. 10, 2024

Leadership Lessons From the Road - Zoe Routh

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...
24
Sept. 5, 2024

The Ultimate Home Exchange Experience: with Founder Marie DeCossse

In this episode of "Nomadic Diaries," host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Marie DeCosse, the founder and CEO of Nomad Travel Groups. Together, they delve into the creation and philosophy behind the Nomad Home Exchange platform. Takeaways: Marie shares her upbringing as a third culture kid, moving between the US and developing countries, shaping her passion for global travel and cultural exchange. Nomad Travel Groups is the result of her global heartedness!Introduction to Nomad Travel Groups Provi...
23
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 ...
22
Aug. 26, 2024

Building Boldness in Baby Steps - Sylvia Thiesen

🎙️ 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 ...
21
Aug. 19, 2024

Learn Any Language: Finding Fluency with Kerstin Cable

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...