Get the Boots

Send us Fan MailTrigger warning: We are talking about very sensitive topics in this episodes, including assault, trauma and suicide. For immediate help or to discuss struggles, you can connect with people who can support you by calling or texting 988 anytime in the US and Canada. In the UK, you can call 111. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.My guest today is an adult TCK*: Jessi, the former Director of Marketing and Adult TCK Services with TCK Training (she's still actively involved in their Suicide Intervention Training and select retreats. Jessi is especially passionate about creating mental health resources for TCKs and walking alongside teens and young adults as they navigate the challenges of a global life.We talk about her own bumpy story, and conclude with actionable tips for mental health - while this is all in a global context, this episode is incredibly important and valuable for anybody raising or working with young people.Jessi's tips (time stamped)(01:01:57) Have healthy support systems for yourself in place & communicate those to the kids = modelling it(01:03:03) Receiving all their hardships (even the tiny ones) they communicate = validation of feelings; TCK training has a course on “safe space responses”(01:05:10) Be mindful how you talk about mental health publicly; it’s not something to joke about, and it is something that needs to be talked about (in an age appropriate way) = take away stigma and shame(1:08:33) Be prepared to share resources, talk about resourcesUse the resources to educate yourself!Jessi’s website isn’t live yet (at the time of June 2026), but bookmark it for future use. You can find her on LinkedIn.In the meantime, head to TCK Wellness, or TCK Training, for further resources, counseling directories (in progress) and courses.Directory of vetted, TCK-informed mental health professionalsA Practical Guide to Supporting Suicidal TCKs (from someone who’s been there) - blog about Jessi's storyTCK Suicide Intervention TrainingSafe Space Responses - Free seriesBooks: For parents: The Grief Tower (Lauren Wells)For adult TCKS: Unstacking Your Grief Tower (Lauren Wells)*Definition of TCK: TCK stands for Third Culture Kid, which is an individual who spends a significant part of their developmental years outside their parents' passport countries or cultures. They blend aspects of their home culture with host cultures, creating a unique "third culture" identity, and often feel "from everywhere and nowhere". Often children of diplomats, missionaries or military personnel.

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is a 6 times expat, podcaster, author, international keynote speaker, global purpose coach and business mentor, amongst other things! - meet Dominique Narciso Kim.If you've ever been upset to be called the "trailing spouse", or struggled with your identity shifts during a move abroad, our conversation is for you. Dom gives the term "trailing spouse" a new and definitely more positive spin.Find Dominique on LinkedIn or Instagram to follow her journey. Not only does she have a new country to move to, she also has tons more projects in the pipeline.More information about her work can be found on her website.Books mentioned: Tal Ben Shahar: The Pursuit of PerfectDominique Narciso-Kim: Live Your New Story: Discover Your Best Self and Live Your Best LifeWe talked a little bit about the peace corps, for more information, head straight to their website. For more information about my memoir, Transcontinental Overload, head to my website, or find my Substack, Steph Gets the Boots.

Send us Fan MailToday's guest brings a fresh breeze of energy and positive vibes! Louise, originally from Sweden, has lived in Lanzarote for over 25 years and has made the Spanish island her and her children's home.We discuss the wonders and challenges of multilingualism and what it looks like to try and raise your children with more than one language. For more information about Louise, or maybe you're in need of a multilingual virtual assistant with a good dose of expat experience, head to LinkedIn or Instagram.My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns & Making a Life In Between", is widely available as paperback (ISBN 9798999488800) and Ebook. Audiobook and German edition will be out soon! Check my website for purchase links.

Send us Fan MailWe have a special treat today: Megan from the UK is taking us on the Camino de Santiago!After working on cruise ships and then briefly back in England, Megan decided to head down to Portugal to walk the Camino - all by herself. To get clarity, to experience being alone, to test her limits. If you've ever thought about walking the Camino yourself, or if you've never heard of it, this is the episode for you. Enjoy!You can find out more about Meg and her language-coaching business, Mega Language Coach, on her website, or find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Find out more about me and my book on my website, Instagram, or head straight to my all-encompassing Linktree. 

Send us Fan MailToday, we're heading all over the planet! My guest, Kimberly Haley-Coleman is the founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, a US & Canada based nonprofit that leads and mobilizes volunteers for short-term service projects in over 25 countries worldwide.We talk about the concept of service, the importance of local knowledge and participation and why and how an experience like the ones Globe Aware provides can be transformational. As Kimberly puts it, it's a "win-win-win situation!"For more information on Globe Aware, head straight to the website, or follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, etc. Additional information about Kimberly: With a background in international business development and finance, she previously held leadership roles at global firms including CNBC.com, Space Services International, and Investtools. Kimberly holds an MBA in International Business, an MA in Art History, and a BA from Emory University. A multiple patent holder, SMU Guest Lecturer, and recipient of the Texas Business Hall of Fame Award and long-time Hall of Fame member, Chairman of the Executive Board for the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) and actively engaged with organizations like the Building Bridges Coalition and United Nations ESOC Consultative Status Committee and variety of other nonprofit boards focused on international service, community development, and environmental improvement.My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns and Making a Life In Between" is widely available as paperback or ebook. You can find international purchase links on my website, or (if in the US) head straight to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or directly to the printer. 

Send us Fan MailFor the last episode of the year, I sit down with Nadine Prager to talk about burnout and what we can do, especially at the end of the year, to avoid it. You can find Nadine via her website, or on Instagram, or join her Telegram WhatsApp group, The Luxury of Sensitivity.Also check out her wonderful podcast, Too Sensitive, My Ass! which we didn't have time to talk about today, and keep your eyes peeled – Nadine has a book coming out in 2026!Another thing we didn't get to is astrocartography, a service Nadine offers that can help you find out which location in the world is beneficial for you and your goals in life.Sperrnächte ("Lockdown Nights"/"Dark Nights") refer to a spiritual time (December 8-21, culminating in Solstice) in Germanic traditions where people intentionally slow down, cease work, cleanse their homes, and reflect on the past year to prepare for the new, allowing for deep introspection and energetic clearing before the main "Magic Nights" (Rauhnächte) begin. Rauhnächte (or "Rough Nights"/"Magic Nights") are 12 sacred nights between Christmas and Epiphany (Dec 25th - Jan 5th) in Central European folklore, a liminal time when the veil between worlds is thin, spirits roam, and people perform cleansing, introspective, and divinatory rituals like burning herbs (incense), journaling, and using the "13 Wishes" ritual to set intentions for the coming year, often involving quiet reflection and driving out bad energy. A few links if you're interested in those traditions:Sperrnächte, End of year, Rauhnacht, end of year traditions, Rauhnächte, 13 Wishes Ritual.The German publishing house Nadine works with is the Westermann Verlag: "The Westermann Gruppe is one of Germany’s leading providers of educational materials. Bringing together publishing houses, printing works and services, the Westermann Gruppe has a presence at every stage of the publishing process.Education is our passion and we produce educational materials for a lifetime of learning. Our publishing houses offer titles for pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools, as well as vocational training and professional qualifications."---My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns & Making a Life In Between" is for sale at all major booksellers. You can find a list of merchants here.Direct warehouse links: US customers, UK customers  To read and listen to my blog post, subscribe to my Substack.

Send us Fan MailAs promised, here are a few tips and tricks to check in with yourself and find a sense of grounding and connection with where you are.Inga Knysh works as a transformation coach based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, and please reach out if you want to be a guest or have a story you'd like to share with me.My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns & Making a Life In Between" is for sale at all major booksellers. You can find a list of merchants here:Direct warehouse links: US customers, UK customers  

Send us Fan MailI'm so happy to kick off my new podcast direction with a guest who knows all about transformation. Originally from Russia, Inga Knysh is a personal transformation coach based in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. After her own experiences living abroad, repatriating to Moscow and then moving twice more, Inga learned to listen to her body and intuition and decided to make a complete career change. To find out more about Inga's work, visit her website and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, and please reach out if you want to be a guest or have a story you'd like to share with me.My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns & Making a Life In Between" is for sale at all major booksellers. You can find a list of merchants here:Direct warehouse links: US customers, UK customers  

Send us Fan MailWelcome y'all!It was time for a change. My book, "Transcontinental Overload - a Memoir of Movement, Meltdowns & Making a Life In Between" is coming out this Thursday, 23 October 2025, and the title will be reserved for all things book-related.So why "Get the Boots"? Well.... dive into this episode and find out!I'm excited to start something new and look forward to talking with all my new guests and listeners."Get the Boots" goes hand in hand with my Substack publication, Steph Gets the Boots.You can still find me on my old website, as well as on Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn.Buy my book here (US) or here (UK), or find it globally (ebook and paperback) at your favourite book sellers.

Send us Fan MailHere's the latest episode - it is the last episode of Transcontinental Overload the Podcast. But fear not: I will continue in a different format with a fresh focus and a new name very soon.Today's episode is all about what it's like to be a TCK - a third culture kid. My guest is Tanya Crossman, a cross-cultural coach, mentor and researcher, who is supporting families in their global journeys.This episode is first and foremost for parents, all parents, not just those of TCKs, and above all, parents of teenagers. Please listen, share and talk about this episode - there is so much wisdom in it.Find out more about Tanya on her website, follow her on Instagram and on LinkedIn, and read her books, Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century, and Thongs or Flip Flops: Australian kids overseas and what comes next. Tanya is writing her third book and is gathering input! Make sure you check out her Instagram.You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Substack.

Send us Fan MailThis is the penultimate episode of Transcontinental Overload - the Podcast. One more after this, and then it's off to new adventures. I'll keep you posted! Don't forget to subscribe so you automatically get the new episodes.Today's episode is about being a TCK - the next one is about being a TCK and working with TCKs. My guest today is Urmi - Italian by birth, Bengali by blood, Canadian by law. She tells her story of being a brown girl in Sicily, brought up by Bengali parents who immigrated to Italy and assumed they were raising a Bengali child. Urmi's book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle, is available on Amazon.Urmi's activities and achievements are too many to list – you can find them all on her Linktree.

Send us Fan MailHeute gibt's eine Folge mit ganz viel Herz!Frank nimmt uns mit in seine Herzensstadt San Francisco, wo er seit mehreren Jahren lebt und als Tourguide arbeitet.Unser Gespräch fängt mit Franks spannender Geschichte an und schlängelt sich durch Themen wie Mut, Freundschaft und den Unterschied zwischen deutschen und amerikanischen Beziehungen, die derzeitige politische Lage, Minderheiten, den Blick von außen, Nationalgefühl, und die Liebe zu anderen Menschen und Orten. Weitere Infos zu Frank findet ihr auf seiner Website, auf Facebook und auf Instagram, und für weitere Einblicke gibt es diese ARD- oder ZDF-Reportagen.Mich findet ihr weiterhin auf Instagram, und seit neuestem auch auf Substack! Habt einen schönen Sommer.

Send us Fan MailAs promised, here's part 2 of my conversation with Christina, a German expat here in New Jersey. Christina is a certified Embodicode® Mentor & Human Design Coach. She offers sessions both in German and English.What is Human Design?To sum it up, Human Design is a comprehensive and integrative system that combines elements from various ancient and modern disciplines to help individuals understand their unique personality, decision-making process, and life purpose.The Human Design System synthesizes aspects of two types of science: the ancient observational systems of Astrology, the Chinese I’Ching, the Hindu-Brhmin Chakras and The Tree of Life from Kabbala; and the contemporary disciplines of Quantum Mechanics, Astronomy, Genetics, and Biochemistry - this is according to its founder, Ra Uru Hu, in 1987. Human Design centers around the division of human beings into 5 "energy types": Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors. Each type has its corresponding "strategy," a mode of behavior that is natural to the functioning of that particular type’s aura or energy system. Human Design focuses specifically on these aura dynamics, using this information to prescribe "self" and "not self" themes that are then used to evaluate how one should best live according to one’s type.Human Design maps 9 energy centers in the body. An individual's bodygraph reveals which of these centers are "defined", meaning that they are consistent and reliable in their functioning, and which ones are “undefined”, meaning the energy is more fluid and less consistent. These centers are connected by Channels and form Gates at the connecting points.There are also 7 Authorities, including splenic, emotional, sacral, or lunar, amongst others, and 12 different Profiles.And all of it can be calculated based on the date, time and location of birth.We mention the Gene Keys, a big component or rather complementary system, but we don't go into this during our conversation due to time constraints.Time stamps: 24:42 Manifestor, 31:55 Projector, 33:04 Generator, 38:09 Manifesting Generator, 42:33 Reflector.Here are some resources on Human Design, some of which are mentioned in the episode:Christina's website (in German, AI is your friend for translation)Jovian Archivehttps://humandesign.net/https://human.design/https://www.mybodygraph.com/Gene Keys (Richard Rudd)Interesting podcast episode: Rick Rubin (Tetragrammaton podcast) interviewing Richard RuddContact Christina via her website or on Instagram.

Send us Fan MailHere's part 1 of two conversations I had with my friend Christina!Christina is originally from Germany, and is currently an almost neighbour of mine here in New Jersey. Although by the time these episodes are released, she might be about to get on a plane, as her time in the US has come to an end and her family is relocating to Germany.We talk about the crazy beginnings of her story here in the US, and what it's like to live in a very highly pressurised part of this country, the commuter belt around NYC. We compare notes - Christina has three children ranging from 9 to 14 years old - and so obviously school is a big subject, and we cover everything from competitiveness, anxiety, keeping up the perfect facade, perfectionism and overscheduling. We also talk about friendships, some big differences between making friends here as opposed to Germany, and how important it is to keep an open mind.Christina mentions the Harkness method - if you're interested, here's more information. The second part of our conversation takes us to Christina's business and passion project: Human Design. Make sure you stick around if you're curious or in the mood for something a bit more spiritual. I strongly recommend that you do - Human Design is fascinating!Get in touch with Christina on Instagram or through her website. 

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is another mountain girl who moved to Texas (I know I'm not there anymore but of course I loved the parallels)!Originally from Austria, Claudia lives in Austin with her American husband and their baby son. She is a professional pastry chef and culinary expert, and the founder of Alpin Delights, where she brings a taste of Austria to the US through live online baking classes, pre-recorded cooking and baking lessons, as well as a selection of authentic Austrian baked goods available to order locally in Austin.Grab your popcorn (or cake!) and sit down for this special treat of a story, as you listen to Claudia's amazing and dramatic love story that brought her to Texas, just ten months ago. No spoilers allowed here! Of course we discuss the difficulties and joys (!) of dating long-distance, how life never goes according to plan, the power of connection and the importance of family, food and friendship. Books we mention: From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, by Tembi LockeMy Berlin Kitchen: A Love Story, by Luisa WeissFind out more about Claudia and her business on her website, and follow her on Instagram.If you're interested in booking a lesson, drop Claudia a note and mention Transcontinental Overload for a special listener discount! 

Send us Fan MailToday's little progress report is all about my book, my podcast and why I do things the way I do. The German version begins at 19 minutes.Wenn ihr mich lieber auf Deutsch hört, spult zur 19. Minute vor. You can find me on my website (excuse the mess while it's being updated), on Instagram, and on LinkedIn. Substack coming soon!

Send us Fan MailUnd schon wieder sind wir auf Deutsch unterwegs - heute ist Janine von "Ich Hier Du Dort" bei mir, vielleicht kennt ihr ihren Instagram-Account, bei dem Paare davon erzählen, wie sie der Lieben wegen ausgewandert sind. Natürlich geht es bei unserem Gespräch auch um die Liebe, denn -  ihr ahnt es bereits - Janine ist selbst aus Liebesgründen ausgewandert, und zwar nach San Diego in Kalifornien wo sie mit ihrem Mann und drei Kindern lebt. Unser Gespräch dreht sich vorwiegend um Freundschaft, und wie wichtig es gerade für Auswanderer ist, sich alte Freundschaften zu erhalten und gleichzeitig eine neue Community aufzubauen. Dabei reden wir auch über die vielen kulturellen Unterschiede bei diesem Thema.Janine erzählt davon, wie sie ihr Business Ich Hier Du Dort gegründet hat, und was sie sonst noch so auf die Beine stellt.Bei Fragen zur Einreise in die USA hilft das Auswärtige Amt.Wir erwähnen die Nappifam, einen weiteren Instagram- Account, bei dem es um US-deutsches Alltagleben geht - schaut mal rein!If you haven't yet, please subscribe to Transcontinental Overload, so you don't miss any updates. 

Send us Fan MailHappy Anniversary, Transcontinental Overload Podcast!  While the current abysmal state of affairs is nothing to be cheerful about, I'm trying to keep a positive mindset and am celebrating that my podcast is 5!Let's use all our anger and despair and fear and create a strong community - long live the resistance! Es lebe der Widerstand! (deutsche Version beginnt 16:13).In the coming weeks and months, you'll find more content on and beyond the podcast, as I'm working through a stack of ideas for you, including collaborations, Zoom meets and Q&As.I'm also busy editing the first draft of my memoir, and since multitasking is not one of my strengths, I hope you forgive me for going radio silent from time to time. I'm all about mindfulness, enjoyment, recharging, and definitely not rushing around. If that's your vibe, join the club!Find and follow me on my website, Instagram, Substack and/or Bluesky, so you don't miss any important updates.Lots of love from me to all of y'all!Die deutsche Version beginnt ab Minute 16:13. Mwah!

Send us Fan MailHeute gibt's mal wieder eine Folge auf Deutsch! Mein Gast ist Andrea aus Hamburg, die sich nach mehreren Jahren in den USA wieder in Deutschland eine Karriere und ein neues Leben aufgebaut hat. Andrea arbeitet im internationalen Schulwesen und als Coach und Mentor für Rückkehrer nach Deutschland, insbesondere mit Kindern, und natürlich bekommen wir jeden Menge Tipps und Perspektiven, was den Neustart im alten Land angeht.Wir sprechen über bestimmte Strategien, die bei der Rückkehr helfen und auch darüber, was nicht hilft, wie wichtig es ist, zu trauern und was so mit der eigenen Identität passiert, wenn man nach einem Auslandsaufenthalt in die alte Heimat zurückkehrt. Und noch vieles mehr!Wer sich mit Andrea in Verbindung setzen will, macht das am besten über LinkedIn, Instagram oder direkt auf ihrer Website.Wenn du Lust hast, selbst bei mir Gast zu sein (oder jemanden kennst, der Lust darauf hätte), bitte melde dich! Am besten über Instagram oder meine Website.

Send us Fan MailJust a quick note to say THANK YOU!!! It's been a great year, and here's to a happy and productive 2025!In case you want the definition of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria):Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is when you experience severe emotional pain because of a failure or feeling rejected. This condition is linked to ADHD and experts suspect it happens due to differences in brain structure. Those differences mean your brain can’t regulate rejection-related emotions and behaviors, making them much more intense.In 2025, I will bombard you with a host of other human conditions, both neurodivergent and neurotypical. You're welcome.

Send us Fan MailToday's episode takes us to a city close to my heart: Austin, the capital of Texas. My guest Viktoria, originally from Germany, tells us how she ended up in the Lone Star State, and you'll find out why we are expat twins!  Viktoria tells us about her early days in the US, her food truck business, and her move to Texas just before the pandemic. Since we recorded this in September, which is technically still summer in Austin, we also talk a lot about Texas weather. In true German fashion, we don't mince our words and discuss everything from politics to religion, and if you're an American listener, you might be surprised by our viewpoints from time to time. This is a very European episode. Enjoy at your peril.You can find Viktoria on Instagram, and follow her Worlds Collide podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts! Don't hesitate to contact her if you feel like being a guest on her show, she's a great host.Here's a link to that time I was a guest on the Worlds Collide Pod.   

Send us Fan MailWe're off to South America again! Today, we're travelling to Huaraz, the hiking capital of Peru. Ami, a student from the UK, takes us to her favourite spots and talks us through some interesting food and drinks she encountered during her stay. Some points of interest mentioned:Café AndinoWool shop “Los Gemelos” (Ami and I are both avid knitters)Shopping tips:https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-every-adventurer-should-visit-this-peruvian-mountain-town/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/huaraz-and-the-cordilleras/shoppingAncash mountain region Pastoruri Glacier ​​Village of Carhuaz (ice cream) on the wayLaguna ParónLagunas LlanganucoCity of Yungay (earthquake)City of Trujillo & seaside surf resort Huanchaco Food/drink:Ponche (eggy milk drink)Pisco Sour (cocktail using grape-based Peruvian or Chilean brandy) Chicha Morada (purple corn drink)Huancaina SauceCuy chactado = Guinea pig

Send us Fan MailI have something very different for you today. This episode is just a little outburst that needed to find an audience - I'm working on new projects, but while I don't have a finite home for them yet, this podcast is my temporary host.For comments, please find me on Instagram! I absolutely welcome feedback, especially at this work-in-progress stage. 

Send us Fan MailToday we're travelling to the Silver City!Catriona Turner, author of "Nest - a Memoir of Home on the Move", former guest on this podcast and recent repatriate to Scotland, takes us around her beautiful hometown of Aberdeen.If you haven't read it yet, Catriona's book Nest - A Memoir of Home on the Move is widely available everywhere and a really good read.You can also listen to our previous podcast conversation to find out more about Catriona's story. Please also check out her website, and Instagram with links to the wonderful writing initiative #May on the Move! Here are a few mentions in case you're planning a trip:Bars: Number 10the Dutch MillUnder the Hammer Cafes: Corner Tree CafeBooks & Beans Cafe, Inversnecky CafeRestaurants:Travancore restaurant (South Indian)The Silver Darling (fish restaurant)In and around Aberdeen: Albert TerraceUnion Terrace GardensAberdeen Art Gallery (artist Louise Bourgeois)Belmont Street  Nuart: Street art festivalOld Aberdeen/University CampusSt Machar's Cathedral & Seaton ParkBrig o' BalgownieCodona's fun fairThe fishing village of Footdee (Fittie)TorryGreyhope Bay Further afield:Royal DeesideBalmoralFalls of Feugh near BanchoryBraemarCaerngorms mountainsFife Arms HotelThe market town of StonehavenThe ruins of Dunnottar CastleSlains Castle - inspiration for DraculaFood/Recipes:YumyumsHaggisMillionaire's Shortbread

Send us Fan MailHave you ever felt lonely in your expat adventure? My guest today is Sarah, a German in London, who used her own loneliness to establish a business as a "Loneliness Coach". Friendships, and how to make friends and keep them, is our overall topic, but of course we also talk a lot about cultural differences, especially between the UK and Germany.Sarah mentions Brooke Castillo's The Life Coach School Podcast, which is a great resource, not only if you're interested in coaching in general. There's a lot of wisdom there.You can find out more about Sarah via Instagram or head straight to her Linktree and find all the links to her resources, including a quiz to find out how lonely you really are, and ways to turn it into your biggest strength.

Send us Fan MailHeute geht's auf die Insel!Mein Gast ist Vanessa, eine Engländerin, die lange in Österreich gelebt hat und seit 10 Jahren wieder in ihrer alten Heimat Hertfordshire lebt.Vanessa arbeitet als interkulturelle Trainerin und Sprachlehrerin, und natürlich sprechen wir ausgiebig über das Sprachenlernen und die Unterschiede zwischen Englisch und Deutsch. Außerdem geht’s ums Umziehen mit Teenagern, die Zweisprachigkeit, verschiedene Schulsysteme, Tee, Schokolade und Chips, sowie den Unterschied zwischen "Handy" und "Handy".Wenn ihr mehr über Vanessa wissen wollt, findet ihr sie am besten auf Instagram, oder natürlich direkt auf ihrer Website. 

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is a true ATCK - an adult third culture kid. Third Culture Kids are people who were raised in a culture other than their parents' or the culture of their country of nationality, and also live in a different environment during a significant part of their child development years. Shakti is also the author of Colours of a Cultural Chameleon: "Where are you from?" Life. gets interesting when one has no simple answer.Born in the Netherlands to a Belgian father and an Indian mother, Shakti has known cross-cultural living from an early age, moving to Delhi, India on several occasions, and also Boston, USA, for a year, before returning to the Netherlands, where she lives today with her husband and son.We talk about writing in general, and writing and publishing your own work, but mainly we talk about what it's like to constantly bridge two or more cultures, what it means to belong, the power of celebrations, and the gift of multillingualism.  You can find Shakti on Instagram, or go straight to her website for more information about her writing, travel and publishing tips.

Send us Fan MailFor my very first Destination Special, we're travelling to South America!Nikki Palazzo, born in the US and a former expat in Germany, is showing off the city she's called home for the last 18 months: Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.  Join us on our virtual weekend through this colourful and friendly city and find out where to eat, drink cocktails and watch the sunset.We also venture out of town, and there are tips and anecdotes galore!Make sure you eat something before listening, as you'll be ravenous once you've heard Nikki describe Paraguayan food. From Tereré to San Juan Festivals and the joys of parallel parking, I promise you won't get bored hearing all about this secret little place that usually ranks pretty high on the list of happiest countries in the world. For more information, get in touch with Nikki on Instagram, or listen to her on this podcast - she was my guest for Episode 27! If you want to find out about her previous experiences in Germany, she still has her Expat Cast links available.Some other things Nikki mentions:El Café de AcáMbeju foodEl Parque de la SaludNu Guasú ParkGuaraní languageSan Bernardino town and lake O Gaucho restaurantCiudad del Este: gateway to the Iguazu FallsEncarnación: Unesco World Heritage SiteThe Chaco: the "green hell"

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is Sabine, a fellow German transplant in New Jersey, who's lived in the US since 2010. Her story is truly harrowing and amazing at the same time: Sabine talks about how a life-altering emergency made her expat journey take a 180, and how her life has changed since then. We talk about how an emergency situation like this affects your family in and outside of your country, what consequences a medical diagnosis can have for your residency status, and we discuss different health systems, and the importance of grandparents in your children's lives. Apart from being an active fundraising coordinator, speaker and advocate, Sabine functions, amongst other things, as a volunteer leadership advisor for the American Brain Tumor Association, sits on the advisory council of the National Brain Tumor Society, and serves on the Board of Directors of Epic Experience, a Colorado-based nonprofit that organizes camps for adult cancer survivors. She recommends their podcast: Campfires of Hope - Living beyond Cancer.To connect with Sabine, find her on Instagram!

Send us Fan MailToday's guest is a true nomad - Iliana, a Living Abroad Strategist, writer and scientist, born and raised in Bulgaria, and currently living in Chicago.Iliana left life behind the Iron Curtain for adventure in the US just before the millennium and has since lived in five countries on three continents. We talk about the transience of life, making friends all over the world, what it means to have a relationship with a country, and how to keep a glass-half-full attitude through the darker times.To connect with Iliana, find her on Instagram, LinkedIn or via her websites, www.olivemaps.com, and www.iliana.us, where you'll find the writer's side of this free spirit.

Send us Fan MailUnd weiter geht's mit den deutschen Folgen! Mein heutiger Gast ist Susann Reiner, alias Madame Süsette, Vintage-Liebhaberin und Geschäftsfrau mit Herz.Susann ist ursprünglich aus Thüringen, und floh mit ihrem damaligen Mann kurz vor der Wende in den Westen, wo sie sich in der Nähe von Stuttgart niederließen.Susann war ausgebildete Krankenschwester, bevor sie ihren Beruf an den Nagel hängte und in vielen Bereichen tätig wurde - unter anderem führte sie zehn Jahre lang eine Second-Hand-Boutique, zunächst in Deutschland und dann in Malaga, Südspanien, wo sie heute mit ihrem Mann bereits zum zweiten Mal lebt. Momentan arbeitet sie hauptsächlich online, und führt außerdem Vintage-Touren durch ihre Herzensstadt.Susann liebt Spanien, die Sonne, Kleider und natürlich vor allem Vintage-Mode und alles was mit Nachhaltigkeit zu tun hat, außerdem hat sie es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, Frauen zu unterstützen. Ihre positive Grundeinstellung und Energie kann man schon beim Zuhören spüren!Mehr über Susann und ihr Leben findet ihr auf ihrer Madame Süsette Website,  und natürlich auf Instagram. 

Send us Fan MailWe're heading to Rotterdam today. My guest is Sicilian Rossella Davi, who's lived in the Netherlands on and off for the last 12 years.While we talk a lot about how national stereotypes aren't always applicable, we also can't escape them, and have a good laugh at Dutch minimalism vs. Italian drama, amongst other culture shocks.  Find Rossella on Instagram, or check out her Going Expat website if you want to know more about moving abroad, and in particular the Netherlands!Want to be a guest on this podcast? Please get in touch, I'd love to hear your story. Check out my website Transcontinental Overload.

Send us Fan MailMeine erste Folge auf Deutsch! Mein heutiger Gast ist Monique Menesi - vielleicht bereits bekannt durch ihren Muttersprache-Podcast, oder ihren Unternehmer-Podcast zum Business-Aufbau. Monique ist erfolgreiche Unternehmerin, Auswandererin und Coach mit mehr als 30 Jahren Erfahrung. Wie sie selbst das Auswandern mit ihrer Familie meistert (Dubai, Katar, Schweiz und USA) und was sie sonst noch für Pläne hat, erfahrt ihr in unserem Gespräch.Natürlich sprechen wir auch über ihre große Leidenschaft, das Coachen von Frauen und die Begleitung bei der Unternehmensgründung, und alles, was dazugehört. Weitere Infos findet ihr am besten auf Moniques Website, und natürlich auch auf Instagram. Viel Spaß!Wenn ihr inspiriert seid. und selbst Gast bei mir sein möchtet, meldet euch bitte! Ich freue mich immer über neue Geschichten.

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is "The Culture Guy" - Christian Höferle, founder, president and CEO of The Culture Mastery, a coaching, mentoring and consulting company based in Atlanta, Georgia.  Our conversation starts with Christian's early life in small-town Bavaria (incidentally, the exact same area and time period I grew up in),  his experience as a 17-year-old exchange student in the US, and how this part of his life shaped his future mindset. We then meander through his professional life traveling from Germany to the United States, and finish by talking about the nature of his business.  We cover a multitude of cultural differences, expectations, and the importance of vulnerability in an international setting, and find some special Bavarian aspects of being German - which I'm always happy to talk about!Christian shares some amazing insights into the German and American psyche and draws out some fascinating historical coincidences - if you're working in an international environment and are intrigued by how different cultures can work together more productively, you're in for an absolute treat. Christian mentions Karl May, a German 19th and early 20th-century author, and in fact one of the most well-known German writers to date. He wrote travel adventure stories about the American Wild West despite never having travelled there himself, and his stories about Winnetou and Old Shatterhand were part of German children's childhoods for over a century.Just because I promised it in the episode, here's an American swear word you might not know you needed:  "BFE = Butt F%$ Egypt = the middle of nowhere". You're welcome.Spider Murphy Gang is a Bavarian pop group we grew up with in the 80s. Watch the video of the song Christian quotes from to get some impressions of summery Munich in the 80s!Eisbach-Surfen: The Eisbach is a side arm of the Isar, Munich's beautiful river, and there is a standing wave, where surfers gather at any time of the year to show off their skills. Find out more about Christian and what he's up to on The Culture Mastery Website, his very funny and informative YouTube channel and podcast "Two Chaps Many Cultures" on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and IHeartRadio, or find him on LinkedIn and of course on Instagram.

Send us Fan MailToday's guest is, without a doubt, the most global person I've had the pleasure of talking to! She is none other than two-times author, writer, speaker, economist, language enthusiast and passionate expat, Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore. To say that today's episode is a love letter to learning languages is an understatement, and you will find so much wisdom in Mariam's observations. I kept wanting to stop and take notes. Mariam was born in Pakistan, grew up in Bahrain, the United States and Pakistan, went to college in the US and Britain, and has lived in Germany, Denmark, Singapore, Dubai, Ghana and Portugal. She met her German-Italian husband at university in Brighton, England, and they're raising their three children with even more than "just" their four home languages.They're currently based in Cascais, Portugal.I still don't know how we managed to fit it all into one episode, but we cover a huge variety of topics. We talk about how she has managed all those moves,  maintained and developed her identity, why learning the language of each country has been so important, and how she keeps all those memories alive for her family.Mariam recently published her second book, "The Guilty Can't Say Goodbye", a mystery novel about three global women, and of course we're talking at length about this book and the writing process. I devoured it on a recent trip and wholeheartedly recommend it for your summer reading list! For more information about Mariam, her life and her books, visit her website, and make sure you follow her on Instagram.  Find reviews of her books on Goodreads: The Guilty Can't Say Goodbye, and This Messy Mobile Life.

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is for all the aspiring writers out there and, of course, their equally important enthusiastic readers! My guest is Catriona Turner, a seasoned expat and newly published author. Her memoir, "Nest - a Memoir of Home on the Move" is widely available. We chat about Catriona's expat journey,  taking her from Scotland to France, Uganda, Congo and Denmark, and then back to Scotland, and how she decided to fulfil her dream of becoming a writer and then a published author.Find out more about Catriona on Instagram, or her website: The Frustrated Nester. Get the first three chapters of "Nest" for free: https://thefrustratednester.com/overload/Sign up via email, and you'll be sent the download link. The book that helped Catriona with her memoir is Fast Draft Your Memoir by Rachael Herron. Rachel also hosts a brilliant writing podcast, called How Do You Write. If you're interested in joining a writing challenge, NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month) might be the tool for you!Another writing resource Catriona mentions is Faber Academy London; this is full of advice, courses, and writing assistance. If you're interested in making a Galette des Rois for epiphany, here's Catriona's French recipe, and here's one in English. Thank you again, Catriona, for this inspiring, uplifting and informative conversation!Have a Fun-filled Festive Season and a Happy New Year!

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is an education warrior: Brantley Turner-Bradley, East Asia Education Director for Dwight Schools.Born in Brooklyn, NY, Brantley spent 25 years of her life in China and is raising three TCKs with her husband. We spoke in June, while Brantley and her family were in the US; they are currently embarking on a new venture in Hanoi, Vietnam. We cover a whole range of subjects, from the importance of cultural immersion for growth, to the Chinese vs US education system, AI and how the current education system is failing young people, the way emotions have been dismissed from curricula over the last few centuries, the differences in remote and in-person learning, the importance of vulnerability - both feeling and showing it - and so many more. To connect with Brantley, or learn more about her, find her on LinkedIn.The book Brantley mentions is called Emo Sapiens, by Polish author Rafał Ohme, expert in the field of psychology of persuasion, emotions and the subconscious. The book has only been published in Polish at this point.

Send us Fan MailToday's guest is Katherine, who was a guest on my podcast two years ago, an expat coach, writer, and locational astrologer. Using my own journey as an example, we're traveling the world looking at some of the places I've lived in or visited, and how the date, place and time of my birth are determining how I react to different places in the world. If you're interested in finding out more, check out Katherine’s website, or find her on Instagram.Special treat: Katherine is offering a 20% discount for listeners of Transcontinental Overload on her Astrocartography packages!! Code ASTROMAP20, bookable here.Katherine recommends: You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance and Living Your Purpose by Chani NicholasThe Twelve Houses by Howard Sasportas and Liz Greene.Andrea Dupuis' spiritual approach to astrology, and comprehensive program on her website Rising Woman.  Locational astrology entry-level material: Helena Woods' website. Glossary:Planetary line themes:Sun: a place to be seen, the ego can develop, creative talents become more visibleMoon: a place to call home, go deeper into yourself, be with family, and nurture self-care practicesMercury: a busy place with lots to do, many people to meet, and so much to learnVenus: a place to love and be loved, to indulge, create, and find pleasure and romanceMars: a place to stake your claim, get motivated, take action on your passions, and do big thingsJupiter: a place of expansion, good fortune, luck, overindulgence, and grand new beginningsSaturn: a place of discipline, restrictions, and limitations, tough life lessons that make you strongerUranus: an unconventional place with lots of twists and turns, alternative experiences and people, and disruptionsNeptune: a dreamy place of bliss, spiritual happenings, unexplained phenomena, and the possibility of escapismPluto: a place for deep soul healing, psychological plumbing, and exploration of the circle of lifeNodes: a place you may have been in a past life that can still feel like you’ve been there before, fated experiences Chiron: a place to heal your inner child, explore wounds from the past, and turn pain into art or healing MC Line: The Midheaven/Medi-Coeli line is your vocation, calling, sense of purpose, or aspects relating to career.

Send us Fan MailWe're going really deep today! My guests are American family and sex therapists Julia & Jeremiah, who currently live in Utrecht, The Netherlands. They are the founders of "Sexvangelicals - the sex education the church didn't want you to have", and co-host the Sexvangelicals Podcast.Sex! Religion! Politics! We talk about it all in this episode. Our topics range from sex education (and the lack thereof) at school to differences in parenting depending on which country you grow up in, and the impact of social media on they way we approach sex.   You can find out more about Julia & Jeremiah on Instagram, and make sure to check out their website, where you'll also find the Sexvangelicals Podcast. Their site is an absolute treasure trove of books, links, and recommendations if you want to dig deeper! The book Jeremiah references is "Not Under My Roof: Parents, Teens, and the Culture of Sex".  Highly recommended!The 2021 documentary I mention but couldn't remember the title of: "Cusp", following a group of teenagers in rural Texas. Watch the trailer here, and read more about the documentary here and here.

Send us Fan MailHey, it's me, I'm still here!Just a little update from yours truly. The sound isn't very good as I recorded this in the car, but at least it's a little sign of life! In a nutshell: I'm spending more time writing these days than on the podcast, but it's still going. :-) Please leave feedback and suggestions, contact me if you want to be on my podcast or just want to chat! You can find me on my website, or on Instagram. 

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is Chase, an American currently based in Spain and Germany. Chase works as Head of Remote at Doist, a pioneer of distributed work that specializes in productivity software. He is responsible for developing and executing the company's remote work strategy. Having worked remotely for over 12 years, as one of Doist’s 100 employees in 35 countries, he has a whole array of accolades!Knowing the huge range of possible subjects, we just started chatting and our topics cover the nomadic lifestyle, working remotely and what a typical day looks like for him, national stereotypes, the pros and cons of calling several places home and what it does to one's identity, and what it's like to do all this with a pet! Chase also has a podcast, which we didn't get a chance to talk about. If you're interested in finding out more about that, check out his website, About Abroad. He can also be found on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  Other apps/websites/organizations we mention: Internations, a global organization that helps newcomers connect with like minded people (not just expats)Pettravel.com, a great resource for anything related to traveling with your petBringfido, a global resource for anything dog-related (hotels, destinations, activities, restaurants, etc, plus entry and vaccination requirements)When I looked for other pet travel related resources, I found this one, compiled by blogger Abroad Purpose.Don't forget to subscribe to my podcast and blog, and if you're feeling generous, consider making a donation on Ko-Fi (who am I kidding - it's January lol).

Send us Fan MailIn our second conversation, Lea and I jump right back in and pick up a few subjects we mentioned in Episode 48.This time we dig even further into our expat minds, and Lea takes me deep into Jewish cultural history and how it's shaped the collective psyche.  We also talk about how our own experiences have not only shaped us, but also keep influencing our immediate families, and we go back to topics such as identity, belonging, homesickness,  and how we can maintain a bearable tension between missing a place and living in the present. For more information about Lea, or how to contact her, take a look at her therapy and coaching website, or contact her by Email: [email protected]'s Charity: Act for Change , Email: [email protected], also on Instagram and Facebook.Lea can also be found on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is the first of two parts - I'm talking to Lea Misan, London-based author, psychotherapist and coach, as well as trauma counsellor. She's the executive director of UK charity Act for Change, and has worked extensively with expats.We talk about everything from what it's like to grow up with multiple languages, moving countries at a young age and in adolescence, what such a multi-faceted life does to your psyche and sense of self, and so much more.  For more information about Lea, or how to contact her, take a look at her website, or contact her by Email: [email protected]'s Charity: Act for Change , Email: [email protected], also on Instagram and Facebook. Lea can also be found on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailWe're venturing east today, to Japan! My guest is Taro, a Kyoto based photographer, who grew up in California, but decided to explore his heritage and moved to Japan in his twenties.We talk about what it's like to be a foreigner in a country that's strange and familiar at the same time, the intricacies of Japanese rules of behaviour, drinking culture, and why there is only one way to eat potato chips.  And of course we talk about photography, and how a hobby can become a lot more than just a hobby.  Taro's book, In Kyoto, a collection of over 80 photographs, will be published later this year.  You can find out more about Taro on Instagram, Twitter, or visit his website.If you're interested in Trope Publishing and the projects and artists they feature, you can find out more here. Prints of Taro's photography are also available! Book recommendation: Erin Meyer, The Culture Map.Don't forget to subscribe to Transcontinental Overload, and check out my website if you'd like to find out more about me.And of course, you can always sponsor the podcast on Ko-fi. 

Send us Fan MailMy guest today is another Texas girl! I do love my Texans, and Kaci is no exception. Originally from Houston, and in need of a new direction in life, she decided to try her luck at a job posting in Rome. Fast forward a few years, and her home is now a small town in Tuscany. Honestly, Kaci's story reads like a film script, and I truly hope someone can take it to the silver screen. Kaci paints such a vivid picture of her journey, describing her struggles and internal battles so well that you feel like you're right there alongside her. Our conversation covers so many expat topics, from loneliness, to messy bureaucracy, language struggles, false promises, childbirth during the early days of COVID, and what it's like to run a business with your non-expat partner in a foreign country.Enjoy the ride with Kaci - you won't be disappointed. Please share this story with whoever needs to hear the truth about expat life with all its ups and downs!  Find out more about Kaci on Instagram, or go straight to the website. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, check out my website, Transcontinental Overload, and leave me a 5* review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It might seem preposterous to ask for 5 Stars, but it's the best way for others to find it, and benefit from this community of expats!!You can also support me by buying me a coffee on Ko-fi.  Any donations are welcome!!!

Send us Fan MailToday's guest has made me miss not only one, but two places! Alex Katte, originally from Houston, TX, lives near Munich with her German husband and new baby son. We discuss the weird similarities between Bavarian and Texan cultures, the joys of driving without a speed limit, and the special charm of traditional clothing.Of course we also delve into the cultural differences, and how tricky it might be to incorporate two cultures within one family, the difficulties of the German language and what it's like to get married during the pandemic.If you're thinking about studying in Germany, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a great resource! I hope you enjoy today's episode as much as I did! You can find Alex on Instagram, or follow her soon-to-be-revived blog. To read up on why I haven't been around, check my blog, and find me on Instagram, Facebook, or right here on my website.

Send us Fan MailA little glimpse into my new surroundings! I've not had time or energy to set up new interviews with other expats, so today it's just yours truly, sharing some thoughts and updates from my new home in New Jersey. I'm reading out my latest blog post, which of course you can also read right here. In the meantime, find me on Facebook, Instagram, or check out my website. I'm always interested in hearing from you, welcome feedback and comments and would love to find new guests! Get in touch. I love my expat community.

Send us Fan MailHere's my belated last episode of 2021 to kick off 2022! My guest is another expat in Germany, Lawin from the Philippines.We chat about Lawin's unexpected journey to becoming a European resident, his somewhat frosty welcome in Germany and what to expect when you move into a new place, as well as the main differences in working culture, how to make friends, and the beauty of German work-life-balance. Our conversation then veers off to cover the wonderful world of karaoke, and we discuss German music, including the weird phenomenon that is German Schlager. Lawin is a fellow podcaster; he started "Pop Your Cultural Cherry" during the pandemic, and we compare some notes and chat about his upcoming plans for the show.  Find him on Instagram, and make sure you give his podcast a listen - just click the link and find your preferred podcast platform.  

Send us Fan MailHere it is, my last episode of the year! I'm talking to Aspen, an American who grew up in Hawaii and has been based in Munich, Germany, for the last nine years. Our conversation ranges from discussing cultural differences including the vastly different social systems in the US and Germany, her journey through German bureaucracy, bluntness, and loneliness, and the reasons why she loves German culture with all its weird and wonderful quirks.     As Aspen would put it, she's achieved the American dream by moving to Germany - but I think it's down to her amazing tenacity and positive outlook on life.  We also chat about the brutal world of social media, why she's taken a step back from her original channels, and is working on new projects. One of those is a very tongue-in-cheek-but-honest new podcast about intercultural dating, which she started with her friend Nicole, host of The Expatcast podcast and previous guest on this show. The very brilliant title of this collaboration:  "The Abroadcast - two broads abroad dating Germen so you don't have to".  If you want to find out more about Aspen, find her on Instagram, and make sure you check out her and Nicole's new podcast! 

Send us Fan MailThis is a Thanksgiving special! Just kidding, but we recorded it on Thanksgiving day, and so there's a fair amount of festive talk in this conversation. My guest is Jenn, an American who's been living in Rome for the last four years. We talk about the beauty of Italy, and la dolce vita, but also how vulnerable you can feel as an expat, and how moving to a new country can pull the rug out from under your feet. Jenn opens up about her own personal journey and how she's appreciating the fact that this experience can totally transform your life in a good way and coax personality traits out of you that you never knew you had, and how all her and her husband James' "messy" experiences have led to them founding their own fitness business, Overstreet Wellness.   You can discover more about Jenn and James on Instagram: Jenn can be found here, and James is here.  Both have direct links to their fitness program. And - since Christmas is fast approaching, and I haven't had any Glühwein yet - if you feel the need to make a donation, you can do that here. Happy Holidays!