Borderless Stories

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This podcast is a celebration of intercultural relationships in all their forms. We share stories of success and triumph, as well as practical strategies and expert interviews.

KC McCormick Çiftçi

  • Nov 12, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • every other week NEW EPISODES
  • 36m AVG DURATION
  • 50 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Borderless Stories

Breanda Cross

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 33:46


My guest today is Breanda Cross, and we are chatting all about her 35 years of experience with Servas International. She shares stories about traveling and hosting travelers from all over the world, as well as the mission and impact of this organization. 

Abi Ventour

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2020 56:13


My guest today is Abi Ventour, coach for intercultural couples who run (or want to run) a business together. In this conversation she shares her own personal experience running a business and being in an intercultural relationship, as well as insights gained from her coaching work. This interview is a treat -- don't miss it, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes either. If you'd like to connect with Abi, find her on Instagram. And if you're in Grenada or just looking to admire some delicious food photos, check out her restaurant on Instagram as well.

Vanessa, Creator of The Brave Journal

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 28:42


My guest today is Vanessa, creator of The Brave Journal. We talked about her experience growing up in a multicultural family, as well as her global journey to find herself. This episode is packed with wisdom and golden nuggets, and I hope you enjoy it. To connect with Vanessa or purchase your copy of The Brave Journal, visit her website or find her on Instagram. As always, don't forget to subsribe!

When Your Partner's Family Doesn't Accept You (Part 2)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 30:13


In today's episode, we conclude Marion's story from Episode 43. These episodes were recorded 6 months apart, and in this interview she provides closure about the relationship dynamic we previously discussed. It is, again, a raw and vulnerable look inside a difficult situation, so I ask you to reach out directly to me if you have a message to share with Marion, either by email (kc [at] borderlessstories [dot] com) or on Instagram (@borderlesskc).

Pamela Logan

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 30:52


My guest today is Pamela Logan, author of the upcoming book "Compassion Mandala." We talked about her experience running a non-profit in Tibet, working in partnership across cultures, and of course her upcoming book. To connect with Pamela or purchase a copy of her book, visit her website. As always, don't forget to subscribe!

Marie (French Bias)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2020 26:23


My guest today is Marie from the blog "French Bias." She is raising bilingual children in Michigan, and we talked about her experience living in my home state. Connect with Marie at her website or on social media @frenchbias. There is a lot of great insight here for parents raising bilingual children -- don't miss it! 

Jessica Kumar

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 33:23


My guest today is Jessica Kumar from the Invisible India podcast. In this interview (recorded prior to the global pandemic) we talked about her life and marriage, lived between the USA and India. Tune in for a great conversation, and don't forget to subscribe!

When Your Partner's Family Doesn't Accept You

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 36:24


In today's episode, I'm talking with a woman named Marion about her struggle with being accepted by her partner's family. This is a very vulnerable, open conversation, and it was a great honor to have her share her raw experience with our listeners. Please enjoy -- and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a future update about this couple. If this episode resonated with you, please feel free to send me a comment (kc@borderlessstories.com or on Instagram @borderlesskc) so I can pass it on to Marion.

Patricia Q. Jenkins

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 33:55


We're back! Today's episode was recorded in February, in a world pre-global pandemic. My guest is Patricia Q. Jenkins, host of The Enterprising Expat podcast. Patricia grew up in the UK, her parents are from Lesotho, and she is currently living in the US -- we talked all about the roles those three places played in her life, and it was a great conversation. Tune in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Lori Tharps

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 36:42


I had the honor of chatting with Lori Tharps, host of My American Melting Pot. She is also the author of four books, all of which you'll hear about when you listen. Lori is an inspiration in the fields of diversity and anti-racism education, and this is not an episode to miss! Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Alaine Handa

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2020 32:23


My guest today is Alaine Handa, who is an adult third culture kid and the author of ”In search of the best Swedish chokladbollar” -- fair warning, our conversation about chocolate balls and cinnamon buns might make your mouth water! Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Gabriela Encina

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2020 36:20


My guest today is Gabriela Encina, psychologist and expat coach. Gabriela shares her own story and journey, and she also highlights her work with cognitive behavioral therapy with incredibly practical, easy-to-use strategies. This was a great learning experience for me -- don't miss it! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our future episodes.

Justine & Dominic

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2020 44:19


Today's episode is a special treat: for the first time ever, I'm chatting with two guests at once! Justine and Dominic are sharing their story, from a chance meeting in a hostel to a long-distance romance to closing the distance and moving in together. It was such a delight to chat with these two, witness the beautiful way they complement each other, and learn from their experience. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Kristen Piedra

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2019 27:13


My guest today is Kristen Piedra, host of the MIXED podcast. MIXED is a podcast exploring the personal challenges and joys of parenting bi-racial children, so today Kristen is sharing her experiences and lessons learned on her own podcasting journey. Tune in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Rachael Lynn

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2019 26:17


My guest today is Rachael Lynn, author of the new book "At Home Anywhere." Rachael was inspired to write her book after going through a few major life changes all at once, including getting married and moving to Dubai. We're talking all about her experiences, and she shares helpful advice for anyone going through their own time of change. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Natalie Fortunato

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2019 24:41


Today's guest is Natalie Fortunato, an American living in Germany with her German husband. She shared her story of meeting her husband for the first time when he had only six days left in the US, which was just the beginning of their beautiful story. We also chatted about choosing to learn from cultural differences rather than facing them with judgment. It was a great conversation; don't forget to subscribe!

Liz Kleinrock

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2019 31:25


I've got a special guest to share with you today: Liz Kleinrock! Liz is an anti-bias educator and consultant based in Los Angeles, California, and you may know her as @teachandtransform. Prior to interviewing her, I'd already learned a great deal from her on Instagram, and our conversation did not disappoint. We talked about a wide range of topics, from anti-bias and anti-racist education to transracial adoption, and even Thanksgiving. Don't miss this episode, and don't forget to subscribe!

Ruth Kudzi

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2019 29:00


My guest today is Ruth Kudzi, business mentor, mindset coach, and bestselling author. Ruth shares her personal journey as the partner to her Ghanaian husband and the mother of two biracial daughters, including her family's first trip to Ghana together and resources for helping children navigate their racial identity.

Camilla Quintana

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2019 32:08


My guest today is Camilla Quintana, a life and relationship coach for intercultural, international, and expat couples. Camilla is originally from Austria and currently lives in Spain with her family. She teaches all about the "inner happy place" -- don't miss it, and don't forget to subscribe!

Kay Fabella

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2019 34:52


My guest today is Kay Fabella, The Story Finder. Kay is a Filipina-American entrepreneur living in Spain, and the author of "Rewrite Your Story." In our conversation, Kay talked about the importance of representation, encouraging all of us to share our stories for those who may need to see them for inspiration. She also openly shared her own experience with burnout, with takeaways and lessons that many of us can benefit from. Listen in, and be sure to subscribe!

Katie (@acultureapiece)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2019 23:50


My guest today is Katie from A Culture Apiece. Katie is from the US, her husband Markus is from Austria, and they share their experience as an intercultural couple on their blog, "A Culture Apiece." Katie shares all about their unique and unexpected story of meeting and navigating their distinct cultures together. Listen in, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes!

Maribel Quezada Smith

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2019 42:10


My guest today is Maribel Quezada Smith, host of the podcast "Diferente." Maribel shares her experience moving to the US from Mexico as a child, the challenges she faced grappling with her identity, and her own experience in an intercultural marriage. She is an inspiration, with a story that will benefit anyone looking to embrace their own difference for the best. Check it out, and be sure to subscribe!   Connect with Maribel! IG and Twitter: @Maribel_QS Website: www.maribelqs.com

Maggie Giele

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2019 42:54


This episode is a conversation with Maggie Giele, business and marketing strategist. Maggie shares her experience growing up, studying, and working across the globe, from the Czech Republic to the United States to Singapore and finally to the Netherlands. She also offers valuable insights to listeners who work across cultures and shares great advice for anyone building a business or curious about building a business. Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe!

Michelle Isabel & Co

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2019 32:51


Today's episode is a conversation with Michelle of Michelle Isabel & Co. Michelle is a cross-cultural wedding planner and a wealth of knowledge for anyone planning a cross-cultural wedding or celebration. Listen in as she shares wisdom for couples in all stages of the planning process!

Karthika Gupta

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2019 42:38


Today, I'm sharing an interview with Karthika Gupta, the founder of Culturally Ours, which is a website, blog, and podcast devoted to cultural understanding and inclusion. Karthika shares her own story, from moving to India to rural Illinois to Chicago, along with her journey as an entrepreneur. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Edit Vasadi

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 37:47


Today, I'm sharing a conversation with my friend, Edit Vasadi. Edit is a photographer who specializes in multicultural weddings and the host of a podcast called "Getting Married Multiculturally." Edit shares her own experiences in a beautiful way that I believe will help listeners know that they aren't alone in their hard times and that there is hope for the future. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Lara Wagner

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 43:09


Today's special guest is our first ever immigration attorney! I'm sharing my conversation with Lara Wagner, who practices out of Chicago and helps clients all over the world. We're talking about fiance and spousal visas, how to choose which one is right for you, and the current state of immigration in the US. Don't miss this conversation!

Inva (@inaspirational)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2019 39:58


Today's episode is a conversation with Inva, who is originally from Albania. Inva moved to the US for her studies, and we talk all about her experience as a student and an immigrant. We also discuss her intercultural relationship, unique strategies for success, and some tips for the rest of us to take to heart. Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe!

Tayo Rockson

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2019 34:53


We're back! Today's episode is a conversation with Tayo Rockson, diversity and inclusion expert, host of the "As Told by Nomads" podcast, and the author of a new book called "Use Your Difference to Make a Difference." Tune in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Hüseyin Çiftçi

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 39:50


Today's episode is a peek behind the curtain of our 4-day virtual retreat, Love + Culture Haven. I'm sharing my conversation with my husband, Hüseyin Çiftçi, about his experience moving to the US on a K-1 visa and lessons learned in the last few years. Check it out (and don't forget to subscribe!)!

The Heart Behind Borderless

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2019 22:44


It's just me today! I'm sharing with you a bit more of the origin of Borderless Stories, the heart behind everything that we've created thus far, and a glimpse at what lies ahead. It's been awhile since I chatted with you on my own, so I hope you'll tune in (and subscribe, if you haven't already)!

Kelli (Love Beyond Borders Podcast)

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2019 45:39


Today's episode is a conversation with Kelli, the host of an upcoming podcast called "Love Beyond Borders." Kelli shares her experience navigating the US immigration process with her Brazilian husband. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Lena Papadopoulos

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2019 36:54


Today's episode features Lena Papadopoulos, an intercultural educator, consultant, and facilitator. The work Lena does to help individuals and organizations navigate cultures is fascinating and so important. Take a listen, and don't forget to subscribe!

Neha O'Rourke

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2019 38:31


Today I'm talking with Neha O'Rourke, the founder of Somewhere in Between Coaching. As a first generation American, one half of a multicultural marriage, and a business owner who's gone on her own unique career journey, she has a fascinating story to share! Check it out, and be sure to subscribe!

Viktoria Undesser

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2019 45:05


Today's episode is an interview with my friend Viktoria Undesser, who is the founder of Lead Today Shape Tomorrow. Viktoria is a leadership coach, and we talked all about navigating both personal and professional intercultural relationships. This was such a fun interview -- be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes!

Naira Bonilla

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2019 44:39


In today's episode, I'm talking with Naira Bonilla, the host of the Amor Diverso podcast. Naira is from Colombia and her partner is from Egypt, and she shares all about lessons learned and challenges faced, including being in a long-distance relationship. Tune in, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes!

Molly Geoghegan

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2019 42:24


Today's episode is an interview with Molly Geoghegan. Molly completed her Master's degree in Ireland with a dissertation about female travel. She shares her insights from her studies, especially about topics such as passport privilege. It was a fascinating interview, and I hope you'll enjoy it!

Heather Cameron

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2019 40:28


Today, I'm talking with Heather Cameron, an entrepreneur from Canada who has had the experience of working her way around the globe. She is sharing insights from her professional career as well as advice for navigating cultures professionally. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Rebecca Weber

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2019 34:36


Today's interview features Rebecca Weber, an American freelance journalist in South Africa. We're talking all about her work, including its unique challenges and her advice for others navigating two cultures professionally. Check it out!

Susanna Heiskanen

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2019 35:58


Today's episode is a conversation with Susanna Heiskanen from the Nordic Mum Podcast. Susanna is from Finland, her husband is from the UK, and they live with their two children in Australia. Susanna shares her about her experiences in an intercultural marriage and living as an expat so far from home. Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe!

Sarah Quezada

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2019 35:32


Today, I'm sharing my interview with Sarah Quezada, author of "Love Undocumented." We are talking about her experience as part of a mixed status couple, the work that it has inspired her to do in the field of immigration, and her recent trip to the US-Mexico border. Don't miss this episode, and be sure to subscribe to be the first to know about future episodes.

Sheyla (@sheyla_partyofone)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2019 43:41


Today, I am talking with Sheyla (@sheyla_partyofone). We're chatting about intercultural love, working on a Master's degree in Europe, and dreaming about a trip to Puerto Rico. Listen in, and don't forget to subscribe!

Victoria (A Traveling Translator)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 53:30


In today's episode, I'm talking with Victoria from A Traveling Translator. We're talking immigration, the green card process, and how that process can (sometimes) work for a person who is undocumented. I learned so much from Victoria -- don't miss this episode!

Kiona (How Not to Travel Like a Basic B*tch)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2019 47:42


Today, I'm sharing my interview with Kiona from How Not to Travel Like a Basic B*tch. She shares valuable advice about being an effective ally and using your privilege for good, as well as lessons learned from dating interculturally. Listen in, and be sure to subscribe if you like what you hear!

Elizabeth Adams

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2018 35:07


In this week's episode, meet Elizabeth Adams, the founder of Date Night. Elizabeth shares all about her innovative new company, as well as stories from her own intercultural (and now long-distance) relationship. Be sure to subscribe after you're done listening so you don't miss an episode!

Cassandra Le

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2018 41:18


Today, I'm talking with Cassandra Le. Cassandra is a copywriter and content strategist living in Madrid. She shares her experience as an Asian-American woman working in Spain, as well as advice for other intercultural couples. Check it out!

Elisa Bini

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2018 39:08


In this episode, I'm chatting with Elisa Bini. Elisa is an intuitive coach from Italy, and she shares her story of meeting and marrying her husband in Morocco. Be sure to subscribe, so you don't miss future episodes!

Tim Steinbrenner

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2018 38:44


In this episode, I talked with Tim Steinbrenner about intercultural marriage, living in a third country, and preparing to raise a bilingual child. Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe!

Lindsay Müller

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2018 47:06


In this episode, musician Lindsay Müller shares her intercultural love story in Brazil. Tune in to hear her story, and be the first to hear all future episodes by subscribing today!

Welcome to the Borderless Stories Podcast!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2018 24:09


In the first episode, join host KC McCormick Çiftçi for an introduction to this new podcast. Hear the story of her own intercultural marriage and how it inspired the creation of Borderless Stories!

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