PODCAST · society
Well, Why Not?
by Deborah David
My name is Deborah, and I'm a first generation Haitian American who decided to leave the US several times in my adult life. Currently, I live in Quito, Ecuador where I've been for the past four years. I'd like to share more about the journey with you and invite others who have taken the leap to move away from the familiar - mainly in the form of immigration or expatriation.
Episodes
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You Can’t Outrun Yourself: The Expat Scapegoat Trap
In this episode, I discuss the complexities of expatriation, emphasizing the importance of inner work, setting boundaries, and financial literacy before making the decision to relocate. She highlights the need for personal fulfillment and safety, while also addressing the misconceptions about the...
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Navigating a New Era | Season 4 Premiere
Welcome to the season 4 premiere of Well, Why Not? This episode is a little different—I’m taking a moment to share how I feel about the new U.S. administration's turbulent state and global impact. With so much uncertainty, shifting policies, and rising tensions, it’s important to pause, reflect,...
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Career & Culture: Thriving in Latin America
Adapting to the dynamic blend of work culture in Latin America has been a wild ride. I've loved every minute of it—the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable.
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Roots & Routes: Finding Community
After 15 years outside the US, here's my journey to finding my community. Episode referenced: What being black and abroad means to me
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Getting into US colleges from abroad
Do you believe kids have more difficulty getting into US colleges from abroad? In this episode, I go over the steps I am going through with my son and how college admissions from abroad is not as daunting as it may sound. *Please note that this information mainly applies to kids who are US citizens
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Let's catch up!
Today's episode is an update on why I took a hiatus from posting new episodes. Do you want to stay connected? Follow me on: Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on X
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Do I feel safe abroad?
Greetings! It has been a while. I'll talk about my break in a future episode, but today, I wanted to discuss how I view my safety abroad in light of recent events in Ecuador. As always, your opinions, comments and suggestions are welcome! I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click...
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Real Housewives of Dubai - a microcosm of expat representation
The title might sound like a departure from my normal topics but stay with me. I am going to explain how each of the Housewives represents "typical" expats that I have met throughout my journey. Let me know if you agree with my observations. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click...
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Debunking 4 myths for why you think you can't move abroad
I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram
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The struggle doesn't have to be real!
In this episode, I talk about my views on the idea that children and the younger generation need to go through some type of financial struggle in order to be successful adults. What are your thoughts on it? I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message.…
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Health care in Ecuador as an expat
In this episode, I share my experience with health care in Ecuador. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram
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Haitians - Why we're built different
Today is the commemoration of Bataille de Vertières, which was the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution, and the final part of the Revolution under Jean Jacques Dessalines fought in 1803. I wanted to celebrate the occasion by talking about 3 historical facts about Haiti that I think make…
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Tips for choosing a new *home*
Are you thinking of moving abroad, but you don't know how to go about picking a new home? In this episode, I give a few tips on how to find out information that will help you make this big decision. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay...
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3 Things I love about living in Ecuador
I'm back! And the title says it all :) I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram
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Cultivating a life of abundance
This episode is an extension of my previous episode titled "You can't escape yourself." I believe that to thrive anywhere begins with you and 8 years ago I started making small changes that have enhanced my outlook on life. What do you think about my steps? Do you have other suggestions? I'm on...
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What being black and abroad means to me
As I mentioned previously, the black experience is different for each person. In this episode, I talk about the big differences that have marked me while being black and abroad. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why...
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3 mistakes I made when I moved abroad
In this episode, I talk about the 3 mistakes I made when I first moved abroad. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Why my friends think I'm good with money
As promised, in this episode I go into more detail about my financial management journey (which I'm still on). From how I started saving to my introduction to trading in the stock market - it's here. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay...
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The more things change...
...the more things change. In this episode, I talk about what has changed and what has seemingly stayed the same about the Black Experience in the US and being an expat. What are some big changes you've noticed lately? I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice...
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Some of my favorite cultural things
I have learned to love some of the quirkiest Haitian traditions and sayings. In this episode, I share some of my faves. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Finding my inner advocate...
...as a black woman. Since moving abroad, I have put a lot of effort into learning about myself, my boundaries, and how to advocate for myself. In this episode, I talk about how that looks in the US versus in Latin America. Is there a time you wish you would have spoken up for yourself? Tell me...
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How to start living the life you want to live
This title is provoking my impostor syndrome a little, but I really believe that these few steps helped me prepare to take more risks, listen to my instinct and be a much happier person. What are some things you do to live a more authentic life? I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY...
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How to immigrate to Ecuador?
It's about time a shared the *little* knowledge that I have about Ecuadorian immigration. For more details about the visa process, here are some resources: Pensioner/Retiree visa: https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-jubilado Investor's visa:...
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Why are we still labeling people?
Can labels (nationality, race, ethnicity) really tell you anything about a person? In this episode, I talk about why I don't think so and a better way to get to know someone. I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not?...
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You can't escape yourself!
In this episode I talk about why I believe moving abroad is like money - it can only make you more of what you already are. What are some of the reasons you've thought of moving abroad? I'm on Youtube now: https://youtu.be/o3h_MW6PaJY Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected!…
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We aren't meant to do it alone.
In this episode, I explain my belief that we aren't meant to "do life" alone. Whether it's through the support of family, friends and community, we should feel 100% comfortable asking for and giving help. Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well,...
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I'm back!
I'm back from my "summer" hiatus. Let's catch up with what I've been doing and what my plans are for this next season. Let's stay connected! Click HERE to leave a voice message. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Haiti was born in me
In this last episode of the first season, I explain how no matter what is going on in Haiti, my sense of being home there will never change. Thank you for listening to the past 20 episodes and stay tuned for more this Fall. In the meantime, let's stay connected! Click HERE to leave a voice…
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Why we SHOULD be talking about money
It's time we moved away from the notion that we shouldn't talk about money and finances. In this episode, I talk about how I started investing, even though growing up I thought it was only reserved for the rich. Did you learn about wealth management as a child? Resources referred to in the…
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What happens when a Third Culture Kid raises a Third Culture Kid?
You get a very poised podcast interview :) My very first interview on the podcast is with my very eloquent daughter Lyrah and after 18 years of talking to her, I've managed to learn something new. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations with my children. What are your...
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Are good manners a thing of the past?
The diplomatic life *aka diplolife* reminded me how much I love and appreciate good manners, protocol, structure. In this episode, I talk about my favorite etiquette practices and how I think everyone could incorporate them into daily life. Do you think etiquette and protocol are antiquated?…
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Travel in the time of pandemonium
I'm back!! This episode is not so much about travel right now as it is learning to say YES, even when I'm scared. What has this past year taught you about fear? Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Is the Bay Area all it's cracked up to be?
I believe that past experiences shape our present-day feelings. Growing up in the Bay Area (California) taught me what I wanted and didn't want for my lifestyle. Considered to be one of the best places in the US, in this episode I talk about some pros and cons, as well as why I chose to leave.…
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Expat Motherhood
Every life choice has its consequences, right. In this episode, I talk about what I feel my children have gained and LOST from my decision to raise them abroad. Do you think it's worth it? Let's stay connected! Leave me a voice message Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Can you find work abroad?
It depends. This is usually the biggest obstacle for those wanting to expatriate who aren't creatives or in IT. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but in this episode I share my career development over the past 15+ years... What are your questions or concerns about finding work in another...
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Being black is an experience
After recently participating in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop, I started thinking about what it means to me to honor my experience as a black woman. In this episode I scratch the surface of what I'm sure will be my lifelong journey. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram...
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Travelers vs. Expats
How do you know when you're traveler or when you're an expat? I attempt to answer that in this episode. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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Do you need to get in where you fit in?
My life choices show that I obviously don't think so. I'm glad to hear that I'm on trend because I've never felt like I fit into a particular group. Do you? Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why Not? on Twitter
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What I miss about the good ol' USA
People ask me all the time if I miss the US and my answer is...of course I do. In this episode, I talk about the top three things that I appreciate more about the US (specifically Florida) now that I've lived abroad for 11 years. Are there things about where you live that you couldn't live…
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Celebrating the holidays while expating
Yes, I just made expat into a verb :) This year, whether you're an expat or not you may be spending the holidays away from friends and family. In this episode, I talk about some tips that have helped me enjoy this season even when I'm not around all of my special people. What are your plans to…
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Do Americans have a justified fear or is it paranoia?
Since moving abroad, I have noticed that Americans have an acute sense of fear when it comes to child abductions or harm. In this episode, I talk about several instances where I was on the opposite end of what society expected me to do. Do you think the fear is justified? Or do you think we can...
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My Bilingual Journey
Learning new languages has been the most frustrating, fulfilling, difficult, and wonderful undertaking of my life. In this episode, I talk about when I decided to start learning languages and how I have yet to stop. Are you learning a new language? If not, do you want to? Let's stay connected!...
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Sheltering in Place as an Expat
Sheltering in place - not something I thought I'd ever have to do; moreover thousands of miles away from my family. In this episode, I talk about what my experience has been like for me in Ecuador. What has it been like for you in your neck of the woods? Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on...
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3 Lessons I learned in France
Have you ever learned more about yourself while discovering a different culture? I learned a lot while studying abroad in France and in this episode, I go over 3 very important observations I made that have stayed with me until today. Let's stay connected! Well, Why Not? on Instagram Well, Why…
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Longing for the Days of Summer
My summers played a huge role in my decisions to travel. In this episode, I talk about how those memories prepared me for an unconventional life. Referenced in the podcast: Osselet Kenèp Zanmann
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My First-Gen Otherness
In this episode, I tell you about how my childhood prepared me for my expatriation.
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Let's get acquainted!
In this introductory episode, I give a high-level overview of my upbringing and why I decided to leave the US when I did.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
My name is Deborah, and I'm a first generation Haitian American who decided to leave the US several times in my adult life. Currently, I live in Quito, Ecuador where I've been for the past four years. I'd like to share more about the journey with you and invite others who have taken the leap to move away from the familiar - mainly in the form of immigration or expatriation.
HOSTED BY
Deborah David
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