The Color of Home

What happens when Christmas doesn’t look like home? In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of celebrating the holidays as third culture kids and missionary kids. From makeshift traditions to missing family across the ocean, we share the creative ways we found connection, the bittersweet moments of being far away, and how those experiences shaped what “home for the holidays” really means.

In this episode, we dive into the differences between school life in Papua New Guinea and our home countries—the good, the hard, and everything in between. From classrooms and teaching styles to cultural expectations and student experiences, we’ll share stories that highlight how schools shape us in unique ways across the world.

What does healthcare look like when you step outside of the modern systems we’re used to? In this episode, we dive into the striking differences between medical care in developing countries and the structured systems of our home countries. From limited resources and creative problem-solving to the reliance on community and faith, we share personal stories and insights on what it means to navigate medicine in two very different worlds.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of love languages and how they show up across different cultures. From words of affirmation to acts of service, every culture expresses love in unique ways—and sometimes what feels natural in one place can be misunderstood in another. We share stories from our own experiences navigating cultural differences, exploring how relationships, friendships, and even family dynamics are shaped by the ways we give and receive love.

In this episode, we’re talking about accents and the same English words that mean totally different things depending on where you are. From the everyday phrases that spark awkward pauses to the words that left us laughing (or embarrassed), we share our favorite stories of cross-cultural English mix-ups. Join us as we unpack the quirks of language and how even “speaking the same language” can lead to some of the funniest misunderstandings.

From security line slip-ups to gate-change chaos, we’ve had our fair share of adventures before even boarding the plane. In this episode, we swap stories about airport mishaps, the ones that made us laugh, cringe, and question our packing choices , and share a few tips along the way!

In this episode, we unpack the very real tension between our love for travel and our complete lack of financial planning. From impulsive travel decisions to accidentally overdrafting our accounts, we’re talking about the struggle of learning how to budget after growing up in a completely different money world.

In this heartfelt episode of "The Color of Home," Joanna and Sierra delve into the complex topics of body image and modesty. Drawing from their personal experiences growing up as Third Culture Kids, they explore the cultural and societal pressures that shaped their views on femininity and self-worth. Through candid conversations, they discuss the challenges of navigating modesty standards, the impact on their body image, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Join them as they share insights, encouragement, and the importance of finding value beyond appearances. Tune in for an honest and empowering discussion that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their self-image.

In this episode, we dive into the hilariously uncomfortable world of awkward questions—especially the dreaded “Where are you from?” What seems like a simple icebreaker often turns into a long-winded tale of passports, home countries, third cultures, and everything in between. Join us as we unpack why these questions are so tricky for people with globally mixed-up lives, share our most awkward answer moments, and laugh through the chaos of trying to explain our story in one sentence.Instagram: @thecolorofhomepodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheColorOfHomeEmail: [email protected]

Growing up on the mission field meant a lot of things—adventure, ministry, cultural mashups… but for many of us, dating wasn’t part of the picture. In this episode, we’re talking honestly (and probably laughing a little) about what it was like to grow up with zero dating experience and how that affected us when we moved back to our passport countries. From purity culture confusion to first crushes in our 20s, we’re unpacking the awkward, the delayed, and the downright hard parts of trying to navigate relationships post-missions life. If you’ve ever felt behind, confused, or just plain weird about dating after MK/TCK life—this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’re diving into the many ways we find community — in everyday life, unexpected places, and seasons where it feels hard to connect. Whether through shared work, small moments, or simply showing up, we’ll talk about what it means to build meaningful connections right where you are. If you’ve ever felt alone or unsure where you fit, this one’s for you.

Finding your first job is tough, especially when everything around you feels unfamiliar. In this episode, we’re diving into how to land that first gig, from crafting a resume to acing your interview. We also talk about what it’s like to step into the workforce while adjusting to a new culture or environment. If you’re feeling lost in the job hunt or just don’t know where to start, this one’s for you.

What happens when you return to the place that shaped you? In this episode, Joanna, Melanie, and Sierra talk about navigating friendship through changing seasons and what it felt like for Melanie to step back into Papua New Guinea with familiar soil under her feet, but no familiar faces around. It’s raw, honest, and a little nostalgic!

In Part Two of Grieving Goodbyes, we move from sharing our stories to offering guidance on how to process grief in a healthy, hopeful way. We on the emotional weight of transitions and where to turn when goodbyes feel overwhelming. If you’re in a season of letting go, this one’s for you.

Goodbyes aren’t always clean-cut and they don’t always come with closure. In this episode, we talk about the grief that comes with saying goodbye: to people, places, and seasons of life. Whether you’re an MK, a third culture kid, or just someone who’s had to let go of something you loved, this one’s for you.

Being content isn’t always easy especially when life feels heavy or unfamiliar. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to choose contentment in the middle of pain, longing, and unmet expectations.

In this episode, we sit down with Savannah Carter to talk about the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious journey of navigating marriage when two worlds collide. From different expectations to communication styles and family traditions, we unpack the real challenges and the unexpected blessings of a cross-cultural relationship. Whether you’re dating, married, or just curious, this episode will give you a front-row seat to how faith, patience, and laughter can bridge even the widest cultural gaps.

What happens when you raise children in a culture you weren’t raised in yourself? In this episode, we sit down with our friend Kara as we talk about the joys and challenges of parenting with a third culture perspective. From navigating identity and belonging to keeping Christ at the center of it all, this conversation is for every mama learning to parent from a place of grace, growth, and global perspective.

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart Michaud—pilot, third culture kid, and lifelong adventurer to talk about the unique relationship TCKs have with change, movement, and the idea of “home.”

Two brothers from Trinidad now navigating life, faith, and family in the U.S.

Our special guest Josh talks about his wild journey from the jungle to the gym!

In our very first episode, we (Sierra and Joanna) dive into the wild world of growing up as missionary kids in Papua New Guinea, trying to answer the dreaded “Where are you from?” question, and why we started The Color of Home podcast. Expect some laughs, a few deep moments, and a whole lot of relatable chaos as we kick off this journey of navigating life between cultures.