Xuxu - The Prague Expat Podcast

What happens when you leave Istanbul, start from scratch in Brno, build a career in IT… and then decide to buy a van and launch your own moving business?In this episode of Xuxu, I talk with the founder of Omut Express about moving to Czechia, building a life in Brno, quitting corporate life, and helping more than 320 people move across Prague, Brno, and Europe.We talk about career changes, expat life, best moments, Czech surprises, svíčková, faith, risk-taking, and why sometimes you need to be “a little bit crazy” to build the life you want.A warm, funny, and motivating conversation about starting over — and keeping going.In this episode:Moving from Istanbul to BrnoStarting a career in ITQuitting corporate lifeBuilding OT Express from scratchCzech culture shocks and favorite traditionsWhy failure can become a blessingThe power of just doing it🎧 Listen to more episodes of Xuxu on Spotify.

In this episode of Xuxu, I talk with Charlanne, an American expat who moved to Prague in 2013 and ended up building a whole new life in the Czech Republic. What started as a trip with her dad to Prague turned into a major life change: leaving behind plans to become a police officer in the US, falling in love, staying in Prague, raising a family, and now moving into a tiny house near Olomouc.Charlanne also shares what surprised her most about Czech society, how she met her Czech husband on Tinder, what giving birth in the Czech Republic was really like, and why she’s trading Prague for village life.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to move to Prague, start over abroad, or build a life far from where you thought you’d end up, this episode is for you.In this episode:moving from the US to Pragueculture shock in the Czech Republicdating and finding love in Pragueexpat motherhoodgiving birth in Czech hospitalslearning Czechleaving city life for a tiny house near PragueXuxu is a podcast about expat lives, identity, change, and the stories people carry with them in Prague and beyond.

Welcome to the final episode of Season 1, an episode mostly about xuxu. But i needed a host - so I invited my friend Martin. The first ever Czech person I was in touch with. After a full season of interviewing expats about their first days, culture shocks, integration stories, and life in the Czech Republic, Martin steps into the hot seat to share his own perspective - as the first Czech guest on the show.Together, we revisit:🇨🇿 What foreigners really think before moving to the Czech Republic✈️ First impressions of Prague back in 2017🌍 Eastern Europe vs. Central Europe — does it matter?🏥 Navigating healthcare, language barriers, and real integration🍺 Beer culture similarities between France and CzechiaIt’s a reflective, funny, and heartfelt conversation about identity, belonging, and what “home” really means after 8 years abroad.Thank you for being part of Season 1. 💛

❄️ “Did I make the wrong decision?”Arriving in Prague at minus five degrees, straight from a sunny Greece, our guest’s very first thought was doubt. In this episode, we rewind to October 2018: the first night on a friend’s couch, the first bureaucratic errand (hello, Lítačka), and the shock of Czech autumn.Friendship, IT jobs, referrals, and falling in love with a city faster than expected.We also dive into:– Greek communities abroad and how they grow– first impressions of Czech people- A conversation about doubt, adaptation, language barriers, and the small everyday moments that make a new country slowly feel like home.🎧 Listen if you’ve ever moved abroad — or wondered if you should.

What does it really take to rebuild your life in a new country—and even create a community from scratch?In this episode, Maria shares her journey of arriving in Prague alone, without ever having visited the city before, after years of moving across countries. We talk about the emotional reality of immigration: the excitement, the fear, the exhaustion, and the moment you realize that “arriving” is only the beginning.Maria opens up about her integration process in Prague, learning the language, finding her footing, and the importance of building a support system. That search led her to football—something she only started playing at 22—and eventually to founding Roving Cobras, a women’s football club in Prague created as a safe, non-judgmental space for beginners and expats.

In this episode of Xuxu Podcast, we welcome Robin, who takes us through his unexpected journey from the UK to Prague — starting with a fully-funded interview trip for a PhD that changed everything.Robin shares the story of arriving in Prague for the first time, discovering the city’s open spaces, forests, and hidden corners, and how a simple Twitter post spotted by his dad ended up shaping the next five years of his life.We talk about:🌍 What it’s like to be “foreign talent” in Czech academia🔬 His PhD research — from genetic mutations linked to ALS and epilepsy to early-stage drug development💸 The surprisingly chaotic reality of PhD funding in Czech Republic🚧 Moving labs, navigating Brexit and COVID, and adapting to Czech work culture🌞 Why he left the UK, and how long it really takes to build a life in Prague🤝 Making (and losing) friends abroad, finding community through hobbies, and dating through lockdown

Anaïs moved to Prague when she was just two years old, after her parents found work in the Czech Republic. Now sixteen, she’s lived almost her entire life in Prague — but with French roots at home. So… does she feel French? Czech? Both? Or maybe neither?In this episode, we talk about identity, belonging, and what it’s like to grow up between two cultures — not as an expat, but as someone who’s never fully been from just one place.

We talk about:✨ Why learning Czech makes integration faster and easier✨ The struggles and funny moments of switching between English and Czech✨ How politics and dark humor shape Czech society✨ Culture shocks — from billboards to electionsA candid conversation about belonging, identity, and finding your place as an expat in Prague.

From meeting the love of your life in a Bageterie Boulevard to long-distance and moving to Prague again and becoming a tour guide at Terezin's former concentration camp, Raymi's story is one to listen to again and again!

In this episode of Xuxu Prague Expat Podcast, we sit down with Olivia, an expat from China who shares her honest and heartfelt journey of building a new life in Prague.Olivia opens up about the mindset shift, confidence, and personal growth that comes from living far from home.We talk about:The transformation you feel when you're no longer in your comfort zoneHow friends back home notice changes in your personalityThe welcoming and dog-loving culture she found in Czech society

When Anthony landed in the Czech Republic at 28, he didn’t have a master plan—just an open mind. Fast forward nearly 15 years, and he's the driving force behind Fource.cz, one of the most influential live music promoters in the country. If you’ve been to a concert in Prague, chances are, Anthony had a hand in it.Music isn’t just his passion—it’s his profession. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.Oh, and he’s got a little something for you at the end of the episode!

Continuing our series of meeting Expats in Prague. Ksenia is one of my salsa teacher, she arrived to Prague in March 2022. Leaving Ukraine wasn't an easy decision but she's now found a home in Prague for the upcoming years with her mom and daughter! Dancing is her daily therapy!

Mauricio is a professional baker from Venezuela, he arrived in Prague for medicine studies when he was just 18. We’ve talked about everything from his journey leaving Venezuela to mastering sourdough in the heart of Europe. Whether you’ve tried his pastries or just love a good story about finding home abroad, you’ll want to keep an eye (and appetite) on Mauricio.Timeline:30''-4': His first day in Prague4'- 18': From medicine studies to professional baker19': speaking czech24' making friends26' Prague is my home29' Czech people34' First techno party37' - Going back to Venezuela?39' - Competition in bakeries41' - Latino food vs. Czech food46' - Wish

Adda (Arnheiður Eiríksdóttir) is an Opera singer at the Czech National Theater. We've discussed everything from her first day in the Czech Republic to her love for Opera and the "Chlebíčky" culture. She's really close to Czechs, having a Czech husband and friends and doesn't feel like she fits in Iceland anymore. She's a delight of a person. Check her out at the Opera!Timeline:0'-2': Her first day in the Czech Republic2'-22': Being an opera singer22'-24': Icelandics in Prague24'-28': Czech culture28'-32: Czech language32'-34': Czech-Icelandic wedding34'-36': Czech people36'-41' Feeling at home41'-43': Make a wishFollow Adda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnheidureiriks/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xuxupodcast/Support us on https://buymeacoffee.com/xuxupodcast