How Berlin Healed my self neglect and gave me a NEW START | Deidre Olsen

In this episode I speak with writer Deidre Olsen, a Canadian living in Berlin whose story shows how a change of country can completely reshape a life. After growing up with trauma, fighting self neglect, and trying to survive the high cost of living in Canada, she reached a breaking point. Moving to Germany gave her something she never had before: safety, stability, community, and the space to rebuild herself.We talk about what pushed her to leave Canada, why Berlin offered the right conditions to grow, how running and sobriety helped her find structure, and what it means to finally feel a sense of belonging after years of feeling lost. She shares her journey of healing, writing, studying, and creating a home she once thought she would never have.If you are thinking about moving to Germany, starting over in Berlin, or searching for a path that feels more aligned with who you want to become, this conversation will speak to you. It is a story about courage, rebuilding, and finding a future that feels possible.Topics covered:• Leaving Canada and seeking a better life in Germany• Berlin as a place for healing, growth, and community• Mental health, childhood trauma, and recovery• The expat experience in Germany• The reality of cost of living in Canada vs Germany• Running, fitness, and building self trust• Sobriety and personal reinvention• Creating a stable home and planning a book• Advice for newcomers in Berlin