The Passport to Freedom Podcast

Today we're speaking with Isabella Demarko, a YouTube content creator from the UK who recently left everything behind to pursue a new adventure (alone) in Bali!Isabella had been feeling lost, stuck, and depressed in the UK for years, and was dying for a change. One day, she decided that she had to follow this desire to move abroad, no matter the cost. She is now THRIVING in Bali, living her best life possible, and shares all of the ups and the downs she's encountered along the way.She also shares some amazing wisdom about making friends abroad and how to make the most out of life by truly viewing life as a game ✨I can't wait to hear what you think of this episode!Check out Isabella’s YouTube Channel!Watch Isabella’’s Bali Videos on her Second Channel!Follow her on Instagram: @IsabellademarkoThe Passport to Freedom membership is coming soon!The community itself is free, and you can request to join the membership here. Your request will be approved on June 1st when doors open 😊Chapters00:00 Introduction to Isabella's Journey08:55 Breaking Free: The Decision to Move Abroad18:31 Turning 30 and Traveling24:20 Culture Shocks in Bali32:44 The Desire for Freedom38:32 Being a Travel Influencer in Bali and Building a Business47:09 Social Connections and Overcoming Shyness01:03:02 Making Friends Abroad and Daring Yourself to Be Bold01:11:10 Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth in Bali01:21:22 Embracing a New Life Abroad01:21:22 Building a Supportive Community01:21:22 Introduction to Passport to Freedom Podcast01:21:48 Exploring Citizenship by Descent01:22:12 Building a Supportive CommunityFollow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to discuss working on your citizenship by descent application together 1:1.

This episode features Monica Hay, a writing coach and expat living in Amsterdam, who shares her inspiring journey navigating Italian citizenship by descent laws suddenly changing, moving abroad to the Netherlands on the DAFT visa, and running a business abroad amidst frustrating bureaucratic hurdles! Her story offers invaluable insights into resilience, legal complexities, and the, not so sunshine and rainbows, realities of expat life.Also, I discuss how I'm creating the uptime community for people applying for citizenship through ancestry in Europe with the intention of moving abroad with their very own Passport to Freedom! As a special gift, I want to give the first 50 people who join the ability to get a special founding members rate. For as long as you’re in the community, you’ll be locked in at this price!✨ Join the waitlist here to be the first to know when it opens!In this episode, you will hear:Monica’s experience with Italian citizenship by descent and how laws can unexpectedly change, suddenly leaving you ineligibleThe logistics of moving to the Netherlands on the DAFT visa and setting up a business abroadPractical tips for expats on navigating bureaucracy and finding support networksThe importance of hiring immigration lawyers and community resources in the immigration processMonica’s perspective on the meaning of freedom after relocating abroad!Connect with MonicaMonica Hay - Writing CoachInstagram - Monica HayFollow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call 

Today's guest is Marta, a digital nomad who has traveled to over 70 countries over the last 11 years. She was on the corporate track, working a six-figure job and climbing the ladder, when she reached a moment where she looked around and asked herself… Is this it?Instead of ignoring that question, Marta sold her house, left the stability of corporate life behind, and set out to explore the world....by petsitting!! 00:00 Introduction 06:08 Marta's Journey and Career Transition07:11 Breaking Away from the Status Quo11:59 The Digital Nomad Experience16:41 Traveling the World: Countries and Experiences20:56 Making Connections While Traveling25:17 Pet Sitting as a Travel Strategy30:48 The Journey into Pet Sitting32:19 Navigating the House Sitting Platform36:14 Meeting Pets and Owners39:10 Understanding Costs and Fees43:20 Adventurous Travel Stories45:49 The Importance of Travel48:13 Facing Challenges AbroadTrusted House Sitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/Follow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

The moving abroad prep has begun! I will be moving to Krakow in October, and in this episode, I share with you everything I've done to prepare for the move over the last few months. It can be difficult to know what to do when the move feels so far away, so I hope that by me sharing the nitty gritty details of how I've been navigating this, that it will help you know how you can start your process too. Follow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

In this episode, we are joined by Ali Dubrow who shares her journey of moving from the U.S. to France with her dog Jack just one week ago!She discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of relocating abroad, including navigating visa processes, transitioning her career, and the unique experience of traveling with her pet on basically...a private jet (Bark Air).We go in-depth on the challenges of traveling with pets, the adjustments to life in Lille, France, navigating a career shift, and the search for a new home. Ali reflects on the importance of self-discovery and choosing oneself, emphasizing the need to embrace new experiences and the freedom that comes with making bold life choices, unapologetically!Connect with Ali and check out her Substack!Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/alidubrowInstagram: @AlidubrowChapters00:00 Introduction1:26 Guest introduction3:50 Ali's background and decision to move abroad09:40 Career Transition and Remote Work12:33 Exploring Substack and Writing Opportunities23:37 Flying with Bark Air58:47 Her new life in Lille, France1:02:52 Reflections on freedom and choosing yourself1:12:36 Ali's advice for aspiring expatsFollow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew and Clare, a couple based in Denver, Colorado who are pursuing German Citizenship through descent via the stAG 5 path as part of their plan to move abroad!Matthew traced his eligibility back to his grandmother, who left Bavaria as a child in the 1920s. After nearly a year of research and document gathering, he just recently submitted his StAG 5 application and is now navigating the dreaded waiting period. Clare, who grew up as an army child and has long been drawn to life abroad, is preparing alongside him as they explore their next steps towards moving to Europe early next year!In this conversation, we cover:The German citizenship through descent (StAG 5) application processCommon challenges, including document rejections and proving lineageWhy Matthew chose to apply without a lawyerLessons learned and practical advice for others starting the processTheir plan to move abroad while waiting for citizenship approvalCHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Matthew and Claire03:07 How He Discovered He Was Eligible10:27 Document Collecting and Challenges22:40: Connecting with Ancestry and Family Heritage30:10: Full Circle Moment 38:37: Their Strategy to move to Spain 46:52: Greatest Challenges and Advice to those embarking on this journey51:29: Clare’s perspective on the application process55:59 Final AdviceIf you want to connect with Matthew or ask any questions, you can reach him on Blue Sky!https://bsky.app/profile/youtalkintoschmie.bsky.socialFollow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

In this episode, Allison shares her journey of applying for citizenship through descent to Poland and her experience of moving abroad to Berlin, Germany. We discuss the bureaucratic challenges, necessary documents, and what it was like to work with agency throughout her citizenship application process.We also dive into Allison's journey of moving abroad and adjusting to life in Germany, and all the challenges that comes with it!00:00 Introduction to Alison's Journey05:23 Understanding the 1920 Rule and Eligibility09:05 The Challenges of Document Gathering14:26 Working with an Agency for Citizenship18:55 The Impact of the Citizenship Process on Personal Identity28:52 The Great Cemetery Tour and Family Connections35:06 Reflections on Ancestry and Gratitude41:59 The Dream of Living Abroad43:51 Navigating the Job Market in Europe46:56 Family Dynamics and Emotional Challenges57:49 Cultural Adjustments in Germany01:00:45 Work-Life Balance and Quality of Life01:09:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Pet Owners01:14:06 OutroFollow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

In a world where we can FaceTime someone across the globe yet struggle to name our great-grandparents, something meaningful has been lost. In this episode, we explore why reconnecting with your heritage isn’t just a “nice to have,” but a powerful anchor for identity, belonging, and emotional well-being. We look at how modern individualism and social media have quietly disconnected Millennials and Gen Z from their roots—and how that disconnect shows up in our sense of self, community, and purpose.This conversation goes beyond nostalgia to examine heritage as a bridge to empathy, gratitude, and deeper understanding. We talk about the healing power of family stories, the urgency of preserving culture and language in an increasingly globalized world, and how reclaiming your roots can help you better understand who you are and where you’re going.Follow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com👩🏼‍💻 Schedule a discovery call with me to learn more about how we can work together on your citizenship through descent application: https://calendly.com/courtneygoesabroad/discovery-call

I'm moving abroad in fall of 2026, and since we are about 9 10 months away from the move, all I can really do is think about all of the "what ifs", fears, and challenges that I will face. It's too far away to make big progress to soothe these fears, so this is the stage I am deeming, the catastrophizing stage.In this episode, I'm sharing all of the fears and challenges that have been coming up in my mind, and ways I am trying to overcome them. These fears include financial concerns, family dynamics, language integration, and the fear of regret. If you're considering moving abroad or have already done it, you most definitely will relate to this episode!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Passport to Freedom10:06 Financial Concerns and Planning16:22 Navigating Relationships and Family Dynamics25:56 Language and Cultural Integration32:28 Fear of Regret and StagnationIf you’re curious about reclaiming your roots, applying for EU citizenship, or building a life of freedom abroad, this episode will give you both the inspiration and the clarity to imagine what’s possible.Follow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com

Welcome to the Passport to Freedom Podcast! In this very first episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my full journey of applying for German citizenship through descent — the why, the how, the challenges, and the real emotional rollercoaster that shaped everything that came next.I’ll walk you through what drove me to pursue citizenship in the first place, the obstacles I hit along the way (including the confusing paperwork, the waiting periods, and the “am I actually allowed to do this?” moments), and the breakthroughs that changed my life.Ultimately, this process became the catalyst for an entirely new chapter: building a business that helps others reclaim their European citizenship through descent— helping them understand their ancestry, navigate government processes, and unlock the freedom of living and working across Europe.In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why I decided to pursue German citizenship through descentThe hardest parts of the application process — and what I wish I knew soonerThe emotional journey of reconnecting to my lineageHow this decision opened the door for me to move abroadThe surprising ways this experience inspired my business, Passport to FreedomWhat this path might look like for you if you’re exploring your heritageIf you’re curious about reclaiming your roots, applying for EU citizenship, or building a life of freedom abroad, this episode will give you both the inspiration and the clarity to imagine what’s possible.Follow along for more about my own personal journey with citizenship through descent and moving abroad, and gain more tips, stories, and guidance:📸 Instagram: @courtneygoesabroad🎥 YouTube: Courtney Goes Abroad🌍 Website: courtneygoesabroad.com