Episodes

Cathy really embodies all the experiences of life abroad. She was a brave spouse, mother, accompanying partner. Here is he Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

How a Nat Geo Producer Became a Storyteller Fiction of Imagination Welcome to the current episode of Nomadic Diaries, where journeys are more than just miles on a map—they're transformations of life and spirit. This week, we're diving into the adventurous life of Neil Laird, a former TV producer and now a novelist, whose career path has migrated from filming National Geographic documentaries to authoring comedic, fantastical novels about time travel. A Journey Begins: Beginning as a young m...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...