Nomadtopia Radio

There have been some big changes in my life since Jill Sessa interviewed me for Episode 200 at the end of 2022, so I'm back with some updates! Tune in to learn what's been going on, why I'm feeling the need for more space in my life and work, and how I'm creating that space. I share: The big trip we're gearing up for A major decision I've made about Nomadtopia(R) A life-changing diagnosis I recently received (don't worry, I'm okay!) And more   Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.  

Investing in real estate as a nomad might sound impossible. When you're traveling all the time, how can you buy a property, fix it up, find renters, and manage it? As it turns out, there is a way, and it doesn't involve renovations or interviewing potential tenants—or require you to be local to the property. In today's episode I'm chatting with Matt Bowles, longtime nomad and cofounder of Maverick Investor Group, which helps people purchase turnkey properties that already have tenants and property managers in place. He shares why these types of properties are such great investments especially if you're living the nomad lifestyle as well as the benefits of working with a nontraditional brokerage like his and how such an investment can give you consistent passive residual income for  years to come. In this episode: Why Matt wanted to build his own business and how he created more autonomy in his life to travel the world How joining Remote Year brought him community as a nomad, and what influences the pace at which he travels from country to country Why he loves visiting Africa and his recommendations for nomads interested in exploring the continent Everything you need to know about turnkey properties, from what they are to why they're advantageous How Matt's nontraditional brokerage approach works for buyers, and the income and tax benefits that come with owning rental property How this type of real estate investing plays into housing injustice, and how to be a responsible landlord who provides value and a safe space to tenants and the community For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/203. Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Simply deciding where to travel as a nomad can be tricky. Every country has different entry and visa laws, and it's easier to travel with some passports than others. Unfortunately, people who have to apply for a visa to go almost anywhere face an unnecessary and unfair barrier to seeing the world. In today's episode, my guest is Vangile Makwakwa, a South African, a nomad, and a money coach. We talk about discriminatory visa processes, her personal nomad style, her favorite countries she's visited, and how to navigate money trauma when moving abroad. In this episode: The different home bases Vangile has had around the world depending on where she is in lifeWhy her podcast focuses primarily on helping Black women invest in real estate in African countries How her South African passport influences where she goes and why she primarily goes to countries that are more welcoming to Black people The discrimination of some Western countries' visa processes, making it difficult for Black and Brown people to explore the world Vangile's work as a money coach, her focus on ancestral money trauma, and how our relationship with money connects to our nervous system  How moving to another country affects your finances For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/202. Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Finding a forever home certainly isn't a priority for all nomads. While some are on an intentional search, others actively spurn the idea of home—or they end up finding it when they least expect it and a location they visit just suddenly clicks. As I always say, there's no one way to approach the nomad journey. In this episode, I'm chatting with Vanessa Jacquemin, an online business strategist who left her original home in the United States more than 20 years ago and recently found her forever home in Mexico. She shares her process for finding the right home for her, how becoming a mother shifted her point of view, and her advice for others wanting to embark on a nomadic journey.  In this episode: Vanessa's history of traveling and living nomadically from age 21, and how she has now found her forever home in Mexico What Vanessa considered when looking for a forever home and how living multiple places helped influence her decision Her experience as a Black person living in Mexico Vanessa's thoughts on the best way to set yourself up to be able to move abroad How becoming a mother shifted her perspective on what to look for in a place to call home The importance of making a change, even a small one, towards living your happiness For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/201. Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

As we enter a new year and the podcast hits 200 episodes, I'm reflecting on my own Nomadtopia journey. I invited my friend Jill Sessa back to interview me on my experiences as a nomad. In this episode, we talk about how my Nomadtopia has changed since Jill last interviewed me in 2018. I share what's new and upcoming in my work as well as how my lifestyle and my perspective on location independence has evolved over the years, especially since our twins were born in 2019. We also discuss some of the more challenging aspects of navigating life and family as a nomad. In this episode: What location independence means to me How having kids makes being a nomad and planning adventures a different experience The effects of the pandemic on nomadic life (for me personally and in general) What my local community is like and how I'm approaching schooling for my kids How the future plans we're considering are different from the way we've approached traveling and living abroad in the past How we settled into a groove of working and spending time with our kids, and how things shifted when they started school What's new and exciting in the Nomadtopia Collective, and the importance of non-judgmental community for nomads What I'm learning about how to navigate being a nomad with aging parents Upcoming workshops I'll be offering about handling important aspects of location independence For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/200 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

If you're switching locations frequently and working constantly, it's easy to get burned out on nomad life. What systems and boundaries have you put in place to create more balance? In today's episode, I'm chatting with Kristin Wilson, author of Digital Nomads for Dummies. She shares how she ended up writing this book and the main steps she outlines for becoming a digital nomad. We talked about how to build a life that works for you, finding balance, and setting boundaries. Kristin also shared her perspective on why you should outsource your travel planning and destination research. In this episode: Balancing the flow of staying in one place with regular travel How it was easier to handle the COVID pandemic as a nomad Kristin's journey to write and publish Digital Nomads for Dummies, and the main steps it takes to become a nomad Kristin's practices and advice for ensuring boundaries, time away from work, and rest Outsourcing travel planning and destination research For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/199 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Do you find it difficult to resist buying all the beautiful and interesting things you encounter on your travels? Today I'm sharing my experience—including the story of a bedspread I've been lugging around for years—and some tips for finding the right approach for you. Check out my new video background that I mention in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTsHXmpTqB/ Download your free guide, 10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Learn more about the Nomadtopia Collective at https://www.nomadtopia.com/collective Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to Nomadtopia Radio on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!

If you want to merge your interests with travel, whether on a personal or business level, then you'll enjoy today's episode. I'm chatting with Stuart Every, an international producer of street festivals, who lives a nomadic lifestyle with three home bases around the world. He's sharing how he built his global business, logistics that come with networking, hiring, and marketing, and how to find community when regularly moving around.  In this episode: Why Stuart chose to have three home bases and how he built up his global business How street theater artists are the original nomads How often Stuart travels in his nomadic business What it's like navigating the nomad life when you're older How to balance independence and need for community as a nomad The logistics of running a global business and managing a distributed team  For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/197 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

The nomadic lifestyle tends to go in cycles. On the road for a few years, in a permanent location for a few years, back and forth as life brings different wants and needs. Complacency followed by a catalyst for change. In today's episode, I'm talking with Michael Boyink, who spent eight years on the road in an RV followed by four years living in a small town. He and his wife are now on the brink of their next big move. He shares what it was like living in an RV, how his kids managed it, and navigating the decisions that come with being a nomad. In this episode: Michael's journey in and out of nomad life over the past 10+ years How to navigate the up and down cycles that inevitably come with a nomadic lifestyle Why Michael and his wife decided on the Tulsa Remote Program How burnout contributed to their need for change How their kids reacted and adapted to this lifestyle   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/196   Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to starting a family as a nomad. Your priorities change, you have to plan differently, you might miss some adventures. There's no question that having a baby (or two, in my case!) changes your nomad experience. In this episode, I'm chatting with Amanda Kingsmith, who currently lives in Mexico with her husband and new baby. She shares their experience planning for and shifting into this next phase, deciding when to stop traveling and where to give birth, and balancing their child's needs with their nomadic lifestyle. In this episode: What it's like for Amanda being in a more stable chapter of her nomad life How and when she first become location independent Amanda's primary income streams How and when Amanda and her husband decided to start a family How trying to get pregnant affects nomads' choices How Amanda navigated where to give birth and where to live What she thought life would be like with a baby and how that experience has panned out so far How their kids will impact their lifestyle in the future What it has been like traveling with a baby For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/195 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Nomads can experience grief in many forms: grief for the places we've loved and left, grief for saying goodbye to the friends we meet during our travels, and of course grief for those we lose to death. Losing a loved one is always life changing, but it can be especially difficult for those of us living and traveling oceans away from home. In this episode, I'm joined by Charlene Lam, grief coach and founder of The Grief Gallery Charlene Lam, who came into this work after losing her mom while she was abroad. She explains how grief can be a unique experience for nomads, but also how grief feels different for everyone. Charlene also shares her advice for creating a plan in case a family member dies or has a medical emergency while you're away. In this episode: Why Charlene loves the unique combination of stability and flexibility in her nomad life How she created a career in grief work after losing her mother suddenly Navigating the emotional challenges that come with living far from your loved ones Why it's important to have conversations about loss before it happens How to create a plan in case a loved one dies or needs medical care while you're away How to stay connected with family from anywhere Creating a support network of people back home to help in case of emergencies How different people process grief, and respecting how you process grief  Where to find help and resources if you're experiencing grief For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/194 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Many people think about remote working and the digital nomad lifestyle as being something new, but it's actually been around nearly as long as the internet itself. Those of us who've been here since the early days have evolved along with it, both in our careers and in our traveling lifestyles. In this episode, I'm joined by digital marketing consultant and digital nomad Luis Betancourt. We talk about how we first met in 2007 during the heyday of Couchsurfing and how Luis's digital nomad lifestyle has changed since then. He shares how he and his wife have found their unique balance of home versus traveling and work versus play. Also, Luis shares his advice for utilizing online networking to grow your business. In this episode: How Luis's life as a nomad has evolved over the years How Luis became a digital nomad before it was a worldwide trend Falling in love with solo traveling, and then sharing his love of travel with his wife How the pandemic allowed him and his wife to become fully location independent Finding a balance between traveling the world and enjoying time at home How working remotely has changed since Luis first discovered it How to market yourself as a solopreneur or freelancer  The power of virtual networking to grow your business and client base   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/193 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram https:www.instagram.com/nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

You never know when a new place might take your breath away. And sometimes, it's the most unlikely destinations that produce the most profound impacts in our lives. As you'll hear in today's episode, even a spur-of-the-moment trip can create a lifelong passion for a place. In this episode, I'm joined by the founder of Expat in Croatia, Sara Dyson. She shares her story of moving to and falling in love with Croatia, even though it wasn't her first choice of destination. She explains some of the bureaucratic and logistical challenges of moving to a different country, and we also talk about the impact digital nomads and expats can have on a place and how to be sensitive to these issues. In this episode: How Sara turned her childhood dreams of living in Europe into a reality How she decided to move to Croatia, even though it wasn't her first choice Why Sara created Expat in Croatia, the resource she wishes she had when she first moved overseas Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur How Sara has fallen in love with Croatia and made it her home in the past ten years Who Croatia is a good fit for, and how most foreigners experience the country Types of visas and permits available to people who want to live in Croatia How to be sensitive to the impact digital nomads and expats have on a place's economy and real estate market   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/192 Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

To live—and really flourish—abroad, cultivating self-trust is critical in finding your footing in a new place. Living in another country can come with a range of difficulties, but that's just part of the challenge. It's not a balm to fix all your problems, but it does provide an opportunity for self-actualization. In this episode, I am joined by Christine Job, a business strategist currently living in Spain. We talk about how taking a different path gives you the space to choose what you really want, accountability as a form of self-care, and how living abroad can be a pathway to wellness. You'll get her insight into what it's really like living abroad and facing challenges with language differences, a new sense of identity, and learning to surrender.  In this episode: What brought Christine to Spain and kept her there How self-care and betting on yourself doesn't always look the way you'd expect  The biggest benefits of living abroad and having an international experience How living abroad is a pathway to wellness How nomad living opens you to a sense of surrender  How this kind of lifestyle shifts your sense of identity The language barriers of living abroad The biggest surprises of living in Spain How you can hold joy and grief at the same time   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/191. Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Working with your spouse poses a unique set of challenges. When you throw full-time RVing into the mix, it becomes an even bigger adventure. But as you'll hear on today's episode, there's nothing quite so freeing as hitting the road with the person you love to live untethered by your location or work. In this episode, I'm joined by wives and business partners Jennie and Meredyth Mustafa-Julock for a conversation about living and working together on the road. Jennie and Meredyth are sharing their story of giving up their big-city lifestyle for one of full-time RV travel. Plus, they're sharing their advice for sharing responsibilities and working together in an RV. In this episode: Why Jennie and Meredyth decided to become digital nomads How they adjusted to the RV lifestyle as two women who'd never camped before How the RV lifestyle allowed Jennie and Meredyth to become more minimalist How to do a “test drive” of the nomadic lifestyle to make sure it's a good fit How Jennie and Meredyth prepared for and researched the nomadic lifestyle What you learn from working and living with your partner in a small space Jennie and Meredyth's advice for couples who want to make a similar life change How to separate responsibilities while on the road and find your traveling flow   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/190. Download your free guide, ​​10 Things You Need to Do before Becoming a Nomad: https://www.nomadtopia.com/guide Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

For many parents, reconciling that new role with our identity as adventurers and travelers can lead to a whole new kind of journey. It can take a while to find our travel legs as a parent and discover what “adventure” looks like for our family. But as I always say, there's no “right” way to do any of this, and whatever works for you is perfect.   In this episode, I'm joined by mother and business owner Ami Dehne for a conversation all about the realities of our Nomadtopia with young children. We explore what it's been like to incorporate children into our lives and travels, and Ami shares her thoughts on finding adventure closer to home. Plus, we chat about creating businesses that allow us to live our lives to the fullest.   In this episode: Why traveling with kids, especially babies, is a major adjustment How to find adventure closer to home and adjust for your children Defining “Nomadtopia” for yourself and crafting a unique life for your family How to live, travel, and parent with intention How accepting your identity as a parent can open you up to new kinds of adventures Why you should focus on simplicity and consistency in your business How to build a business that lets you be location-independent   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/189.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Nomadtopia Radio is all about showing you that there's more than one way to live a nomadic life. Even the most unlikely people can become full-time travelers or create their own unique version of a location-independent lifestyle.   In this episode, I'm joined by wife, mother, business owner, and full-time sailor Erin Carey. She shares her journey from suburban Australia to living on a yacht with her husband and three children. We talk about the realities of living on a boat at sea or in a marina, how she balances family and work, and her advice for anyone considering a similar courageous leap.   In this episode: How Erin and her family came to live on a yacht with no prior sailing experience The resources and research Erin turned to at the beginning of her journey How your daily life and community changes as you travel around the world How Erin creates balance between her family life and her business Why even full-time nomads should create routines that work for them How Erin runs her business from all over the world How entering a country on a boat is different from flying or driving How COVID-19 has affected Erin and her family What to consider before you and your family commit to a nomadic lifestyle   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/188.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Identity is often closely tied to our location: where we were born, where we grew up, where we live now. For those of us living nomadic lives, however, that sense of identity can feel out of reach. As we transition from place to place, we experience the grief of leaving our old selves behind and the excitement of stepping into a new world. But how can you find a sense of belonging when you don't belong to any one place?   In this episode, I'm joined by third culture kid educator and author Megan Norton. She's sharing her experience as an adult third culture kid, how her identity informs her work, and how those of us living highly mobile lives can find belonging wherever we are in the world.   In this episode: What a third culture kid is and how it affects people in adulthood How those of us living nomadic lives experience a similar blend of cultures and places The benefits and challenges that come with being a third culture kid How identity and diversity are shifting in our interconnected world Processing the grief and loss that comes with a nomadic or highly mobile lifestyle How to thrive in a nomadic lifestyle full of transition How “belonging” can mean different things to different people Using your multicultural experience as a strength in the professional world Building your own community as a nomad or third culture kid   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/187.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!    Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

When most of us think of real estate investing, we think of late-night phone calls from tenants, constant repairs, and huge price tags. But in reality, the barrier to entry in the real estate world is much lower than we think it is, and with the right systems in place, it can become a fantastic form of (mostly) passive income, even for full-time travelers.   In this episode, I was joined by nomadic real estate investor Sarah Weaver who shared how she started a career in real estate investment while traveling the globe.   In this episode: Buying your first property as a real estate investor How COVID-19 affected Sarah's path  The benefits of creating passive income as a nomad Common misconceptions about real estate investing How the nomadic lifestyle can actually help your finances How to manage your properties from anywhere in the world What to consider and look for when investing in rental properties   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/186.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!    Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Have you ever dreamed of moving to Europe? Many non-Europeans think it can't be done, but there are a lot of visa options for living in Europe, and with the right research and planning it's entirely possible to make your dream of moving to Europe a reality.   In this episode, I was joined by Cepee Tabibian, co-founder of She Hit Refresh and author of a book all about the visa options for Americans who want to move to Europe.   In this episode: Common misconceptions about moving to Europe How visas can affect and limit your European travel plans The best European countries for digital nomads How to navigate the Schengen zone as a non-European traveler Finding the right time to move to Europe and when to start the application process How to move to Europe on a visa with a partner or children Finding a European country that's a good fit for you How to “hit refresh” on your life, even if it means taking an unconventional path   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/185.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!    Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Ever thought about your relationship with the places you visit and whether you're doing more harm than good? Are you aware of the incredible privilege inherent in the lifestyles we live (or aspire to live) as nomads?   I invite you to listen in as I discuss this topic with guest Amanda Machado. This particular episode has more questions than answers, but they're questions I think more of us need to be asking. They can help inform how we travel and where, the ways in which we can try to avoid inflicting harm on others and their communities, and lots more.    In this episode: How Amanda got into her work around privilege and travel What people can do to break barriers of privilege The steps you can take for genuine action vs. performative action Inherent privileges that people don't realize they have How to take part in justice-oriented travel Questions she sat with to examine and acknowledge her privilege   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/184.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!    Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Raise your hand if you've ever said, “That's it, I'm moving to Canada.” I've heard this phrase a time or two before!  If you're anything like me, you've probably spent a fair amount of time thinking, daydreaming, and brainstorming about where in the world you'd like to live, get residency, and even a second passport. There are certain places that tend to come up regularly as an option for many people, but I'll admit I'd always discounted Canada as being too complicated or something. Turns out, it might not be!  In this episode, I talk with Brandon Miller of My Second Passport and author of Second Passport: Your Guide To Have a Secure Alternative Home for You and Your Family, Just in Case…. all about what it takes to move to Canada. In this episode: Barriers that stop people from moving to Canada Reasons to consider making Canada your home What you need to know about the Canadian immigration process  Factors to consider for self-employed and digital workers  How to navigate border patrol How the immigration system works  What to know about taxes when moving to Canada   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/183. Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

It's been a year since our Grounded Nomads series about nomads who were scrambling to get home or to find a safe place to land as the world was shutting down.  Here we are a year later, and I felt it was time for an update on what being a nomad during the pandemic has looked like. It's different for everyone of course, but are people still creating and living their own Nomadtopia during the pandemic? For nomads, this past year brought many disruptions. Some were grounded in one place, some are just starting their journey, while others have changed how they travel to different locations all while navigating travel restrictions.  The specifics are unique, but the determination to create and live our own version of Nomadtopia remains. In this episode, I'm sharing my own updated journey and how other nomads are shifting their plans as we navigate this unique time.  In this episode: The shifts nomads have made during the pandemic Some of the disruptions nomads have experienced An update on my own Nomadtopia How the pandemic has clarified my priorities Why now is a good time to take action toward your own Nomadtopia How the Nomadtopia Collective can support your location-independent lifestyle How to share your own Nomadtopia story   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/182. Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

If you've stumbled upon this episode, you're probably already part of a distanced family or you will be as your life as a nomad unfolds. Leaving behind your family can be one of the hardest parts of setting off on your nomadic journey.   In this episode, my guest is Helen Ellis, founder of DistanceFamilies.com and author of Being a Distance Grandparent. Helen discusses some of the common challenges and emotions for distance families (as well as the benefits!), why it's so important for each generation to understand the others' perspectives, and lots more.  In this episode: Helen's journey as a long-distance parent and grandparent Why she did her thesis on distance grandparenting The fear people have around this topic What a rich encounter is and some of the different ways to create them How to address the guilt that happens with distance  The 3 H's of progressive acceptance How to set the stage for a successful distance family experience The benefits of this family dynamic   For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/181.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you'll get updated anytime a new episode is released!    Let's connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Do you have your legal ducks in a row for your nomadic lifestyle? As an online entrepreneur, freelancer, or even an employee living a nomad life, you need to know about the legal concerns that come along with being a digital nomad. In this episode, my guest is Layne Lyons JD, U.S. lawyer, business protector for women entrepreneurs, and creator of The Legal UMBRELLA Method™. Layne explains legal issues you need to know about including trademarking, domicile, tourist visas, and other laws you should be aware of when traveling in foreign countries. In this episode: Layne’s experience of being nomadic for the past 19 years Mistakes to avoid as an online entrepreneur What domicile is and what you need to know about it What you need to know about contracts and domicile How to navigate trademarks globally  The best practices for trademarking What you need to know about working on a tourist visa The importance of knowing the laws in the countries you visit For full show notes, resources, and links go to www.nomadtopia.com/180 Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you’ll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let’s connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Are you a parent that is dreaming about going nomadic with your family? Or are you a current nomad that is thinking about starting a family? If these relate to you then you might be wondering HOW you can become a digital nomad family.  In this episode, I was joined by Julia Jerg and we both shared our experiences of having children abroad. We also explore the topics of balancing work and family while traveling, what childcare looks like for nomads, and much more.  In this episode: Julia’s trajectory of taking on jobs while nomading to freelancing to building and scaling her own business Her family’s typical nomad travel schedule pre-pandemic How to get residency through your child’s birth in various countries Why Julia ended up choosing to give birth in the Canary Islands Her story of finding a way to give birth on the island Why you have to focus on mindset for your birthing process How her lifestyle empowered her to do a home birth Why you have to take control over your life and go after your desires How she knew she was ready to hit the road again after having a baby How Julia handles childcare while nomading Top digital nomad family hubs and why they’re helpful   For full show notes, resources, and links go to http://www.nomadtopia.com/179.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you’ll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let’s connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Should you eliminate the word “goal” from your vocabulary? This idea may sound a little outlandish or may come as a surprise to you but as you’ll learn from my guest in this episode, it could be a gamechanger in your goal-setting practices. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erin Elizabeth Wells. I met Erin through a mutual online connection and I resonated so much with what I was learning in her course that I knew I had to invite her to share her incredible insights with you. In this episode: How Erin got into organizing by helping a professor The realization that led her to sell her organizing business and get into productivity The unique challenges of organizing and goal setting for digital nomads Her unconventional take on goal setting and why she doesn’t use the word “goal” Why SMART goals can be unhelpful How to approach deadlines with action Her intentional approach to seasonal planning One of the biggest problems people create with productivity The false narratives of what success looks like   For full show notes, resources, and links go to http://www.nomadtopia.com/178.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you’ll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let’s connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.  

As a current or aspiring nomad, you have probably thought about or tried to learn a new language. If so, this is for you! In this episode, my guest is Ray Blakney, a serial expat and co-founder of an online language school. Ray grew up as a TCK (third-culture kid) which has significantly shaped his worldview and how he approaches life. During our conversation he walks us through his experiences living abroad, joining the Peace Corps, and starting his company Live Lingua.   In this episode: The TV commercial that changed his life How nomads can approach languages when traveling  How you know it’s time to take your language learning to the next level How to replicate the experience of living in another country for learning a new language His 3 tips on approaching language learning   For full show notes, resources, and links go to http://www.nomadtopia.com/177.   Ready to get more ideas, inspiration, and strategies for location-independent living? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms so you’ll get updated anytime a new episode is released!  Let’s connect! Get to know me better over on Instagram @nomadamy or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nomadtopia/.

Nomadtopia Radio is not going away! Tune in for some updates on the podcast, the Facebook group, the Collective, and my own personal Nomadtopia. Go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio for more information and resources, and stay tuned for much more to come.

Since 2010, Heather has lived and traveled all over the world while running two businesses (one of them a polar expedition company!). She joined me from her home base in rural Sweden to talk about getting over what other people think, building resilience, what it means to have “no Plan B” and why it matters, and more. Get a free chapter of Heather's book, No Plan B, at www.HeatherThorkelson.com/NoPlanB To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio.

Not every grounded nomad has been willing or able to stay put, sign a longer-term lease somewhere, or otherwise take a break from their nomadic lifestyle to wait out the pandemic. Eager to get back to their low-cost lifestyle as housesitters, Eden and her husband were able to take on a last-minute sit in Hawaii after their extended sit in Egypt this summer was canceled. In this episode we talk about how six months of travel plans unraveled due to the pandemic, why and how they got back to housesitting, their experience with the mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival in Hawaii, and lots more. To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio and get links to the Nomadtopia Facebook group, the Nomadtopia Collective, and more.

After retiring early, Laura and her husband decided to leave the US and find a country where they would feel welcome to be themselves as a mixed-race couple (which hadn’t always been their experience back home). They’re now enjoying life in Mexico and Laura joined me to share her experience at home and abroad, how and why she’s speaking up about racial injustice, and lots more. To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio.

Tune in for a brief update on the Grounded Nomads series and the latest from Nomadtopia. To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio and get links to the Nomadtopia Facebook group, the Nomadtopia Collective, and more.

Naomi is a full-time housesitter who has made some big shifts in her lifestyle as a result of the pandemic. (Spoiler alert: she's decided to settle down in Sydney, Australia, for the next year!) We talked about how she made that decision and weighed its financial impact, mourning the loss of her identity as a nomad and feeling excited about new possibilities, her goals and plans during this time, and lots more. To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio and get links to the Nomadtopia Facebook group, the Nomadtopia Collective, and more.

Catch up with yours truly, the founder of Nomadtopia! How has becoming a mom of twins and living through the pandemic shifted my perspective on my own Nomadtopia—and lots more? Find out in this episode with the fabulous Jill Sessa returning to interview me once again. To join the conversation, connect with other current and aspiring nomads, and access additional resources for building and living your Nomadtopia, go to www.nomadtopia.com/radio and get links to the Nomadtopia Facebook group, the Nomadtopia Collective, and more.

Sam and her partner are full-time housesitters who had to scramble to find a place to stay when their next sit was canceled due to the pandemic. We cover a lot of ground in this episode including where they ended up, the importance of backup plans, the future of housesitting (in general and for them personally), and how new/aspiring housesitters can take advantage of the current situation to get housesitting experience. There’s a lot that’s relevant to all of us, so give it a listen even if you’re not interested in housesitting! See www.nomadtopia.com/groundednomads for more episodes + resources and join the Nomadtopia Collective to be part of the conversation & connect with a welcoming community who knows what you're going through.

Sam and I started out talking about how his Nomadtopia was affected by the pandemic… and quickly found ourselves fumbling through a conversation about black lives matter, freedom, white privilege, the privilege of the nomadic lifestyle, and so much more. This episode is part of the #podcastersforjustice campaign created by the #WoCPodcasters network. We are podcasters united to condemn the tragic murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and many many others at the hands of police. This is a continuation of the systemic racism pervasive in the United States since its inception and we are committed to standing against racism in all its forms.   We believe that to be silent is to be complicit.   We believe that Black lives matter.   We believe that Black lives are more important than property.   We believe that we have a responsibility to use our platforms to speak out against this injustice whenever and wherever we are witness to it.   In creating digital media we have built audiences that return week after week to hear our voices and we will use our voices to speak against anti-blackness and police brutality, and we encourage our audiences to be educated and engaged, and to take action. See www.nomadtopia.com/gnsamkern for resources and more.

Sarah has been living in a rural lakeside town in Guatemala, writing for the local paper and teaching yoga. When all her in-person work dried up overnight, she had to think quickly and learn how to bring her business online. In this episode we talk about what she's discovered in the process, the unexpected benefits of doing something she'd been resisting and of the pandemic in general, and lots more.

Norm and his girlfriend were back in the U.S. for a visit and as the pandemic escalated they made the quick decision to leave the country again. Norm shares how he's keeping himself busy and, for the first time on Grounded Nomads, we spend much of the episode talking about the future of travel—practically and emotionally, for ourselves and in general.

Seven years in Shanghai came to an abrupt end when Shannon and her husband left for a few weeks of travel in February—and couldn't return. Tune in to find out where they ended up, what it was like to pack up their apartment via video chat, the pros and cons of their current situation, and lots more.

Gustav was in Bali in March when a news report caused him to quickly decide to leave the country that same day. Now home in Sweden, he joined me to talk about having to choose one place to be, mindfulness in daily life and during lockdown, the unexpected upsides, and lots more.

A born-again nomad after a fire forced her out of her apartment in December, Erica cut her time in Mexico short to head back to Canada in mid-March. In this episode we talk about finding places to stay during a pandemic, why she feels like she may not be cut out to be a nomad, and lots more.

Their travels on hold and their bus parked in the driveway, Brittany and her family are staying in a rental house in Canada. Listen in as we talk about why she's loving sedentary house-life, the transition to motherhood, exploring what's next, and lots more.

A short trip to Mexico has turned into an indefinite one for Beck, who's originally from New Zealand and based in Toronto. In this episode of Grounded Nomads we talked about why the current uncertainty feels different than the normal uncertainty nomads experience, the need to make life feel more exciting/interesting, and exploring other aspects of our identity now that that central piece—travel—isn't available to us.

Julie usually lives in Chile but went home to the United States to take care of her mother temporarily in early February. She's still there. Tune in as we talk about the challenges of a short-term visit that's unexpectedly turned into an indefinite one, dealing with lost income, deciding when/if to return to Chile, and lots more.

I recorded a special episode to let you know about some changes I’m making with the podcast, and what you can expect in the coming months. In short, I'm moving back to a weekly format for now, with a special series of episodes that will feature conversations with nomads, expats, and other location-independent professionals and travelers about how the current global pandemic is affecting their lives, their plans—and even their sense of identity. The first episode will be recorded live in the Nomadtopia Collective on April 8th. Join us!

Johannes is the founder of Nomad Cruise. Originally from Germany, he has been a nomad for the past nine years and is now based in Mallorca, Spain.   In This Episode How his lifestyle has shifted over time The importance of community How Nomad Cruise came to be and who it’s for Traveling with a purpose Why Mallorca is a good base for nomads And so much more   See www.nomadtopia.com/159 for show notes plus other interviews, resources, and more. Join aspiring and current nomads, expats, and more in the Nomadtopia Collective, your home for a global location-independent lifestyle (www.nomadtopia.com/collective).  

Pascale didn't set out to be a nomad; she started freelancing simply because she couldn't survive in a corporate environment. But she also loved to travel and once she realized she could do her work from anywhere, she moved to Spain, and she has been nomadic on and off in the years since. Now a business coach, she joined me from her hometown, Montreal, where she was packing up and getting ready to head to Bali for the first time.   In This Episode Starting a location-independent business that's sustainable and fulfilling Mind-set of a nomadic entrepreneur Creating your own personal culture Shifting one's location and lifestyle as needed Letting go of attachments Being part of a nomadic couple And so much more   See www.nomadtopia.com/158 for show notes plus other interviews, resources, and more. Join aspiring and current nomads, expats, and more in the Nomadtopia Collective, your home for a global location-independent lifestyle (www.nomadtopia.com/collective).

Norm had never been very interested in international travel, but in 2016 a short trip to Europe changed his life completely, inspiring him to leave the U.S. permanently and travel continuously. He joined me from Bangkok, Thailand, to share his story and what life has been like since early 2019 when he hit the road with his girlfriend at age 64.   In This Episode Reacting to a "midlife" crisis How millennials have inspired his approach to travel Deciding to leave the U.S. and travel continuously The places that he's enjoyed the most so far Dealing with language barriers And so much more   See www.nomadtopia.com/157 for show notes plus other interviews, resources, and more. Join aspiring and current nomads, expats, and more in the Nomadtopia Collective, your home for a global location-independent lifestyle (www.nomadtopia.com/collective).  

After realizing that she wasn't really cut out for a regular job and feeling eager to spend more time abroad, Lena went independent with her work as an intercultural educator and hit the road with her partner. They tend to move slowly, spending months at a time in each place, which allows them to experience daily life in the local culture and also feel grounded enough to work effectively.   In This Episode How she envisioned and created her version of Nomadtopia The benefits and challenges of traveling full-time with a partner What she likes and dislikes about this lifestyle The nomad bubble and how/why to break out of it Her honest take on Puerto Rico as a destination for digital nomads And so much more   See www.nomadtopia.com/156 for show notes plus other interviews, resources, and more. Join aspiring and current nomads, expats, and more in the Nomadtopia Collective, your home for a global location-independent lifestyle (www.nomadtopia.com/collective).  

Ciara and her husband have moved five times in the last eight years, following his job postings around the world—and adding two kids to their family along the way. In that time she's experimented with different ways to make money remotely, learned how to quickly get set up in each new location, and navigated the shifts in identity that come with becoming a nomad and a mother.   In This Episode Using research to improve your pitches for jobs and freelance work Transitioning from nomadic couple to family Essentials for toddlers and babies abroad Taking responsibility for your life choices The shifts in identity that come with becoming a nomad and a mother And so much more   See www.nomadtopia.com/155 for show notes plus other interviews, resources, and more. Join aspiring and current nomads, expats, and more in the Nomadtopia Collective, your home for a global location-independent lifestyle (www.nomadtopia.com/collective).