Co-Founder of My Expat Mind Anna Zhadan joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about expat mental health. After leaving Belarus at just nine years old and making many international moves since, Anna knows first-hand the psychological toll that living abroad can take. She channelled that experience into My Expat Mind, a directory built to help expats find therapists who understand what it's really like to start over in a foreign country.

In this conversation, she and Carlie unpack the emotional side of expat life — homesickness, loneliness, identity shifts, the FOMO of watching family and friends move on without you, and how moving so often shaped Anna's independence and her sense of home. The pair then dig into the practical side of looking after your mental well-being abroad: how to find a therapist who speaks your language and gets the expat experience, why therapy is for everyday good health and not just crisis moments, and how insurance and reimbursement can vary wildly from country to country. Anna explains how My Expat Mind works as a free directory for clients, and shares a simple packing tip for making any new place feel a little more like home. If you've ever struggled with the hidden emotional challenges of living abroad — or you're considering a move and want to look after your mental health along the way — this episode is for you.

#ExpatLife #ExpatMentalHealth #MovingAbroad #ExpatTherapy #LivingAbroad #Homesickness #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:55 Anna's First Big Move

02:37 Defining Home Abroad

05:08 Challenges of Frequent Moves

06:45 Friendships Across Borders

10:06 How My Expat Mind Began

12:06 Common Expat Mental Struggles

13:52 Finding the Right Therapist

16:03 Why Therapy Helps

20:39 Insurance and Reimbursement

21:59 Packing Tip for Feeling at Home

23:17 Where to Find My Expat Mind

23:56 Final Thoughts and Outro

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-living-abroad

📝 Show Notes

My Expat Mind – https://myexpatmind.com/

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Victoria Pearce, the writer behind A Life Away, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving abroad after 40. Victoria has lived in the UK twice — once as a young grad student, and again in her 40s with a husband and an 11-year-old in tow. Her story unpacks what it really looks like to uproot a settled life, swap a legal career for a writing one, and rebuild from scratch on the other side of the Atlantic.

Victoria is candid about the cons of relocating in your 40s — selling the house, losing the easy school-gate friendships, rebuilding a settled life from very little — and equally honest about the upsides, including the career confidence that makes a midlife move surprisingly workable. She also discusses the practical side: moving an 11-year-old into the UK secondary school system, navigating GCSEs as an American parent, pivoting from practising attorney to content writer, the strange double life of being an American abroad in a politically turbulent moment, citizenship plans, and the pull of ageing parents back home.

If you're weighing up a move abroad later in life, supporting a child through an international relocation, or rethinking your career as a trailing spouse, this conversation offers a grounded look at what to expect on the other side.

#ExpatLife #LivingInTheUK #MoveToTheUK #USToUK #ExpatOver40 #TrailingSpouse

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introducing Victoria 00:34 Why Move Abroad After 40

01:05 Victoria's First UK Move

02:35 Returning Abroad Post Covid

05:09 Cons of Moving in Your 40s

07:45 Confidence and Career

09:21 Decluttering and Moving Logistics

11:48 Moving an 11 Year Old

14:33 Navigating UK School Culture

18:24 Trailing Spouse Career Pivot

21:44 Politics, Identity and Home

27:02 Citizenship and Belonging

28:02 What to Change and What to Love

32:06 Wrap Up

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/united-kingdom/podcast/an-american-in-the-uk-the-honest-truth-about-moving-abroad-in-your-40s

📝 Show Notes

A Life Away – https://alifeaway.com/

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Yolanda Reshemah, host of The Places We Call Home Podcast, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about building authentic community when you move abroad. Yolanda's expat journey began at just 10 years old when she moved from the Caribbean to the UK, and she's since lived in France and the USA. She shares how each move shaped her identity — from discovering Parisian culture to navigating reverse culture shock — and why feeling at home starts with knowing yourself.

Carlie and Yolanda dig into why shared expat status isn't enough to build lasting friendships, and how Yolanda sought deeper connections through volunteering, classes at Berkeley, and being intentional about what she needs. They also swap stories about cultural quirks in the US, from California's yoga-outfit uniform to the phenomenon of "flaking," and discuss what it really means to thrive rather than just settle in a new country.

#ExpatLife #ExpatCommunity #MovingAbroad #LivingInUSA #BuildingCommunity

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Yolanda's Expat Journey

01:25 Caribbean to UK at 10

02:42 Finding Parisian Community

04:13 Reverse Culture Shock

04:41 Tourist to Local Mindset

05:43 How Early Moves Shape You

08:09 Lessons on Slowing Down

09:41 Starting Her Podcast

12:23 A Process for Belonging

13:47 What Feeds and Anchors You

18:39 Building Lasting Friendships

22:15 Beyond Expat Friend Groups

24:48 US Culture Quirks

29:32 Where Home Is Next

31:19 Find Yolanda Online

32:36 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/the-secret-to-expat-happiness-building-friendships-abroad

📝 Show Notes

The Places We Call Home Podcast – https://theplaceswecallhome.com/

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Relocation and lifestyle consultant Laura Poggioli joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about what it really takes to settle into life abroad. Laura is the founder of La Relocation Group, which operates across Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, and soon Dubai. After relocating more than 108 people around the world in her previous corporate role, she recognised that traditional relocation support was missing something crucial — ongoing lifestyle assistance that goes far beyond the typical checklist of finding a house and a school.

From navigating building rules and recycling systems to finding a dog sitter, language classes, or a French-speaking ballet companion, Laura explains how her team helps expats handle the everyday things that can become overwhelming in an unfamiliar environment. Carlie and Laura swap stories about the unwritten rules of apartment living in Europe, the culture shock of adjusting to narrow Swiss mountain roads, and Laura's philosophy of "expat aptitude" — an open mindset that lets you accept a new culture without judging it, while also knowing it's okay to admit a country isn't the right fit and make a Plan B.

If you're preparing for a move abroad or already living in a new country and feeling the strain of adjusting, this episode is full of practical perspective on how to find your comfort zone again — and why the small things matter more than you think.

#ExpatLife #Relocation #LivingAbroad #ExpatMindset #CultureShock #MovingAbroad

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Welcome

01:02 Why Laura Started La Relocation

02:14 Beyond the Checklist Support

05:53 Community and Expat Mindset

08:03 Building Lifestyle Services

13:14 House Rules and Recycling Culture

18:18 Integration and Family Pressure

19:40 Solving Problems and Bureaucracy

22:51 Emotional Support and Referrals

27:25 Keys to Living Well Abroad

30:32 Where to Find La Relocation

31:34 Wrap Up

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-really-feel-at-home-in-a-new-country-tips-from-a-lifestyle-consultant

📝 Show Notes

La Relocation Group website –http://larelocationgroup.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=expat-focus

La Relocation Group Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/larelocationgroup

La Relocation Group Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576952125116

La Relocation Group LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/larelocation/

Laura Poggioli LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapoggiolimaraniello/

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Susana Yang, founder and CEO of The Golden Portugal, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to and retiring in Portugal. Originally from Hong Kong, Susana moved to Portugal in 2018 and founded her immigration agency after a frustrating experience with local legal services. She breaks down the three main visa routes — the D7 passive income visa for retirees, the D8 digital nomad visa and the D2 entrepreneurial visa — and explains the income and savings requirements, realistic cost of living, rental market challenges, healthcare access, and why buying property might be a simpler route for some.

Susana also dives into Portugal's Golden Visa programme, the step-by-step visa application timeline, and a looming citizenship law change that could double the residency requirement from five to 10 years. Her advice for anyone already in Portugal: apply for citizenship now, even if you haven't hit the five-year mark, because processing times mean the current rules may still apply to your case. If you're considering Portugal for retirement, remote work or simply a better quality of life, this episode is packed with practical guidance on what to expect.

#ExpatLife #MoveToPortugal #PortugalExpats #RetireInPortugal #D7Visa #GoldenVisa

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Portugal Retirement Boom

00:45 Founding The Golden Portugal

02:37 Service Culture Shock

03:38 Why Move to Portugal

04:23 Who Uses Which Visas

04:59 D7 D8 D2 Explained

06:17 D7 Income Requirements

07:39 Realistic Living Costs

09:44 Rent Pressures and Co-Living

11:12 Healthcare for Residents

12:43 Visa Steps and Timelines

15:03 DIY vs Using an Agency

17:13 D7 Permit Timeline

18:27 Citizenship Rule Changes

20:23 Apply Now Strategy

21:58 Renting Reality Check

23:26 Finding Rentals and Fees

25:44 Buying Property Instead

26:57 D7 Stay Requirements

29:37 Golden Visa Explained

31:53 Why Portugal and Wrap Up

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/portugal/podcast/moving-to-portugal-visas-costs-and-a-citizenship-deadline-you-need-to-know

📝 Show Notes

The Golden Portugal – https://www.thegoldenportugal.com/

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Tom Zachystal, Founder of International Asset Management, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about how US citizens can manage their money when moving abroad. With 25 years of experience advising American expats, Tom breaks down the difference between physically moving money into non-US accounts and simply diversifying out of the US dollar. He covers the challenges of opening overseas investment accounts due to FATCA reporting, why US-based accounts often offer better protections and lower fees, and how currency fluctuations can act like hidden inflation on your retirement spending.

The conversation also digs into real estate tax implications, gold and precious metals, ADRs and international ETFs, private equity and interval funds, and the 4% retirement withdrawal rule. Tom shares practical advice on using local banking products to manage currency risk and warns about the pitfalls of collectibles taxation. If you're a US citizen planning a move abroad and wondering what to do with your investments, this episode will help you understand your options — and why sometimes the smartest move is no move at all.

#ExpatLife #USExpats #ExpatFinance #MoneyAbroad #InvestingAbroad

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Moving Money Abroad

01:40 Currency Risk Explained

03:10 What Getting Money Out Means

04:54 Keep Investments in US

07:11 FBAR and FATCA Basics

08:42 Real Estate and Taxes

11:43 Diversifying Beyond Dollars

14:25 Gold Crypto Collectibles

18:44 Local Bank Products

20:11 Retirement Withdrawal Rules

21:20 Private Equity Warnings

24:48 Why US Accounts Can Win

27:02 Where to Find Tom

27:37 Podcast Wrap Up

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/us-expats-how-to-get-your-money-out-of-the-usa-and-why-you-may-not-want-to

📝 Show Notes

IAM Advisors – https://services.expatfocus.com/us-citizens-financial-advice

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American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely.

Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a three-bedroom house in a gated community for 310 euros a month to a full Thai meal delivered for under a euro — and walks through the visa journey from visa-exempt to education visa to retirement visa. She also gets into the wilder side of expat life: finding rentals through word-of-mouth (and one very memorable connection), the challenges of bringing a 40kg service dog to a country that doesn't recognise service animals, several scooter wrecks, and major surgery covered entirely by her Thai health insurance. If you're considering retiring abroad on a fixed income, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest numbers, and a lot of heart.

#ExpatLife #RetireAbroad #LivingInThailand #ChiangMai #ThailandExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introducing Lisa Denmark

05:29 Arriving in Chiang Mai During Lockdown

06:40 COVID Logistics and Quarantine

07:53 Chiang Mai Cost of Living Breakdown

11:44 Retirement Visa

16:26 Finding Rentals by Word of Mouth

19:04 Bringing a Service Dog to Thailand

21:56 Chiang Mai Expat Scene Today

23:00 Healthcare Insurance and Pharmacies

26:20 Travel Insurance Reality

28:45 Medical Culture Differences

32:41 Scooter Wreck Stories

34:57 Living Without Thai

37:20 Retirement Daily Routine

41:27 Finding Community in Chiang Mai

46:01 Future Plans

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/thailand/podcast/could-you-retire-in-thailand-for-less-than-400-a-month

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Travis Drews, founder of the Global Citizen Hub, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss an often-overlooked route to moving abroad: student visas. Originally from the US and now based in Berlin, he shares how his own international journey — and a surprising message from family — led him to help others find realistic migration pathways, even without a job offer, investment capital, or a partner overseas. He explains why student visas are among the most accessible relocation options, challenging misconceptions about age limits, work restrictions, and cost.

Travis highlights the wide range of scholarships across Europe, including programs with free or low-cost tuition, and outlines where students can work part-time while studying. He also clarifies which student visas count toward permanent residency and which serve as stepping stones, stressing the need to plan long term from the outset. For those considering a career change or seeking a foothold in Europe, the episode offers practical guidance on selecting programs, meeting language requirements, and using education as a pathway to a new life abroad.

#expatlifestyle #StudentVisa #MoveToEurope #StudyAbroad #EuropeExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Meet Travis Drews: An American in Berlin

03:01 Introducing Global Citizen Hub

05:31 Student Visas: A Pathway to Moving Abroad

09:49 Challenges and Realities of Student Visas

15:36 Scholarships and Affordable Education in Europe

24:05 Finding the Right Study Program

28:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/how-to-move-to-europe-on-a-student-visa-no-job-required

📝 Show Notes

Global Citizen Hub – https://www.theglobalcitizenhub.com

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