Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian) cover art

Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

By: Taniel Chemsian
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What if your next chapter could be lived on your terms - warmer weather, smarter investments, and a lifestyle built around freedom, not deadlines?

Welcome to Live by Design - Mexico Edition, the podcast that helps you create a life of intention, adventure, and opportunity in Mexico. Hosted by Taniel Chemsian, real estate expert and long-time Puerto Vallarta resident, each episode brings you real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you design - not just dream - your ideal life south of the border.

From navigating residency, real estate, and healthcare to understanding culture, community, and cost of living, you’ll get the truth about what it really takes to move, invest, and thrive in Mexico.

Whether you’re planning for early retirement, exploring property investment, or simply craving a lifestyle with more freedom and fulfillment, this show will inspire you to stop waiting for “someday” and start living by design - right now, under the Mexican sun.

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=podbean_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Redefining Retirement in Mexico: Don Karp on Creativity, Community, and Living Well

    Redefining Retirement in Mexico: Don Karp on Creativity, Community, and Living Well
    Sep 18 2026
    What if retirement wasn't about slowing down, but about creating an entirely new chapter of life? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Don Karp, who moved to Tepoztlán, Mexico at age 60 and discovered new opportunities for creativity, community, and adventure. Don shares how moving to Mexico influenced his life and helped him reinvent himself as a writer and musician. He also discusses the realities of living in Mexico, including infrastructure, cost of living, adapting to a different environment, and finding community as an expat. The conversation goes beyond the practical considerations of retiring abroad. Don explains how staying mentally and physically active has remained an important part of his retirement, and how music, writing, entrepreneurship, and community have helped him continue creating and contributing. Don also shares his experience building a small business to help fellow expats transition to life in Mexico and reflects on why maintaining a positive outlook may be one of the most important parts of aging well. In this episode, you will discover: Why Don chose Tepoztlán, Mexico for his retirementWhat life in Mexico has meant for his creativity and personal growthThe realities of cost of living and infrastructure in MexicoHow Don found community through music and local connectionsWhy staying mentally and physically active matters after 60How a positive outlook can influence the retirement experienceWhat it's like to reinvent yourself after moving abroadHow Don turned his experience into a business helping fellow expats Key Moments: 06:08 Deciding on moving to Tepoztlán 08:47 Helping Expats Settle in Mexico 10:16 Consultation for Moving to Mexico 14:30 Using public transportation in Vallarta 17:58 Cultural differences in time management Whether you're considering retiring in Mexico, exploring life abroad, or simply looking for inspiration for a more active and creative retirement, Don's story offers an honest look at designing a life around curiosity, community, and purpose. Retirement doesn't have to mean stepping away from life. It can mean creating more space for the things you've always wanted to explore. Tune in to Retirement in Mexico - Live by Design and discover Don Karp's journey from Boston to Tepoztlán. How to contact Don Karp: WEBSITE: https://www.donkarp.com/ WEBSITE: https://mexicolivingexperience.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mexico.Living.Experience/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mexico.living.experience YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mexico_Living_Experience_Tepoz/videos EMAIL: mexico@mexicolivingexperience.com Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui... Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/ Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435
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    21 mins
  • Retiring in Mexico: Finding Community, Purpose, and a New Life in Tepoztlán

    Retiring in Mexico: Finding Community, Purpose, and a New Life in Tepoztlán
    Sep 11 2026
    What does it take to create a meaningful retirement in Mexico? For Don Karp, the answer goes far beyond the cost of living or finding a beautiful place to live. After leaving Syracuse, New York, Don found a sense of belonging in Tepoztlán, a unique town in central Mexico known for its mountains, traditions, community, and distinctive culture. In this episode of Retirement in Mexico - Live by Design with Taniel Chemsian, Taniel sits down with Don to explore his journey from being a chemist in the United States to building a new life in Mexico. Don shares what initially drew him to Tepoztlán and why the community ultimately became such an important part of his life. The conversation also looks at what expat life in Mexico is really like, from adapting to a different culture and understanding healthcare differences to becoming part of local traditions and celebrations. Don explains how living in a community where family, relationships, and shared experiences matter more than materialism changed his perspective on what makes a fulfilling life. In this episode, you’ll discover: Don Karp’s journey from Syracuse, New York, to Tepoztlán, MexicoWhy Tepoztlán became a place he could truly call homeWhat makes Tepoztlán different from many other destinations in MexicoHow community and meaningful relationships can shape retirement abroadThe realities of expat life and integrating into Mexican cultureDifferences in healthcare between the United States and MexicoHow family, tradition, and community celebrations influence everyday lifeWhy moving abroad can involve changing your perspective on materialism and successWhat retirees and future expats should consider when choosing a community in MexicoHow finding purpose and connection can make retirement more fulfilling Key Moments: 03:37 Tepoztlán's unique mountain landscape 06:44 Healthy lifestyle and alternative care 10:54 Digital nomads in Mexico 15:15 Meeting new people in a foreign country 19:50 Urbanization impact on Tepoztlán Don's experience offers a thoughtful look at what retiring in Mexico can mean beyond simply relocating to another country. For anyone considering moving to Mexico, living in Mexico, or retiring in Tepoztlán, this conversation provides a personal perspective on community, culture, connection, and designing a life that feels meaningful. Listen to the full episode to hear Don's story and discover another side of expat life in Mexico. How to contact Don Karp: WEBSITE: https://www.donkarp.com/ WEBSITE: https://mexicolivingexperience.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mexico.Living.Experience/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mexico.living.experience YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mexico_Living_Experience_Tepoz/videos EMAIL: mexico@mexicolivingexperience.com Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui... Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/ Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Retiring in Mexico: Real Estate, Lifestyle, and Life in Lake Chapala

    Retiring in Mexico: Real Estate, Lifestyle, and Life in Lake Chapala
    Sep 4 2026
    What does it really take to retire successfully in Mexico? It's not just about finding the right home. It's also about understanding the buying process, navigating the legal and financial details, adapting to a new culture, and developing the mindset needed to build a fulfilling life abroad. In this episode of Retirement in Mexico – Live by Design, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Kristina Morgan, a certified and accredited real estate professional in Lake Chapala, to explore what retirees and expats should know before buying property and making the move to Mexico's interior. Kristina shares practical guidance on working with certified real estate agents, navigating changing regulations, and understanding important considerations for foreign buyers, including residency, capital gains, and title options. But the conversation goes beyond the technical side of buying property in Mexico. Together, Taniel and Kristina also explore the lifestyle and mindset changes that can make the transition to Lake Chapala more rewarding. They discuss the types of personalities who tend to thrive in the community and why gratitude, open-mindedness, cultural adaptation, and a willingness to embrace local life can make such a difference. In this episode, you'll discover: What retirees should know before moving to Lake Chapala, MexicoWhy working with certified and accredited real estate professionals mattersImportant legal and financial considerations for foreign buyersWhat to understand about residency and capital gainsDifferent title options available to foreigners buying property in MexicoHow changing regulations can affect the real estate processWhat types of personalities tend to thrive in Lake ChapalaWhy cultural adaptation is an important part of expat lifeHow gratitude and open-mindedness can make the transition easierWhat it takes to build a fulfilling retirement and community life in Mexico Key Moments: 05:13 Differences in real estate fees 08:23 Respecting Mexican culture as newcomers 10:09 Anecdote about political rallies 14:57 Living in Guadalajara without Spanish 18:00 Learning to enjoy the traffic 22:09 Moving for a better life 23:06 Practicing gratitude in life Whether you're considering retiring in Mexico, looking to buy property in Mexico, or exploring Lake Chapala real estate, this episode offers practical guidance and a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to make the transition successfully and create a life that truly fits you. How to contact Kristina: WEBSITE: https://choosechapala.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LakeChapalaRealtors/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@LAKECHAPALAREALESTATE EMAIL: askkristina@choosechapala.com Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui... Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/ Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate. https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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