The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

Have you ever wondered what details are involved in a thoughtful divorce while living the Diplomatic life? Our guest expert is here with some wise insights. Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com Lisa Hope Tilstra Sharoya Ham, Behavior Therapist

Meet Lisa Tilstra and learn from her valuable inisghts into Diplo-life.   Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

When the rug may very possibly be pulled out from under you...how do you manage?  When things that you thought were solid are taking a different direction...what can you do for yourself?   Join Lisa Tilstra and Angi Solley for this personal discussion.   If you could use some extra support, you can work with any of the Blob experts by connecting with us at www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Susie talks with Lelania Vanderberg about her unexpected path to employment as an EFM.  Found out more by connecting with Susie at: www.healthyexpatparent.com   Send us your feedback or set up a time to talk with us directly at  www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Susie Czorz Brown, an experienced EFM shares her personal story and ideas for how to prevent a home invasion burglary.   To work with Susie directly connect at: www.healthyexpatparent.com Find all the experts at www.thebigpurpleblob.com

Connect with us at:  www.thebigpurpleblob.com Tell us your story, share your ideas for episode topics, set up a time to talk with one of us for personal coaching and find more purpose in your overseas life.   Lisa Tilstra, Angi Solley, Sharoya Ham, Susie Czorz-Brown are all HERE for it!

A deep dive into what it means to be a Third Culture Kid “Letters Now Sent” Book Invitation: You are invited to submit a written piece for the book, “Letters Now Sent.” Inspired by Ruth Van Reken's book "Letters Never Sent", "Letters Now Sent" will be a collection of letters from TCKs, parents of TCKs, and system leaders to share personal stories about their experiences with TCKs/being a TCK themself/raising TCKs. This book is a fusion of both memoir and anthology written in a specific "Dear ___[name]___" format. Here is the Google Form link to submit a letter with additional details about length and content prompts: https://forms.gle/jQyzq3TtFqfyznvCA.  Please contact Megan Norton (megancnorton@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this book project. “A Work of Heart”, a project led by Simona Wiig and Megan Norton, invites any individual who has had a Third Culture experience to submit their artwork expressions depicting their cross-cultural story for the first volume of art collections (including any visual rendering, song lyrics, poetry, videography, etc.) for and by CCKs/TCKs/migrants/global nomads/whatever ‘label' that encompasses the Third Culture experience. Both Simona Wiig and Megan Norton are creators, artists, dreamers, and Adult TCKs who desire to showcase the Third Culture experience through visual artwork created by fellow friends who have grown up crossing-cultures. Submissions are due by May 1, 2025 for Volume 1. Please contact Megan Norton (megancnorton@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this book project.    

  Does your child have special educational needs?  If so, this is the episode for you!  Education Consultant Aisha Smith and Janelle Meyers, Founder of Global Village Tutors, explain what parents should do before leaving post and what they need to do once they arrive in the States to ensure their child has the smoothest transition possible into a US-based school.   Aisha Smith:  aisha@sageeducationconsulting.com Parent Pathway to IEP Success ToolKit Janelle Meyer:  https://www.globalvillagetutors.org/   Sharoya Ham: www.embracebehaviorchange.com   Send us your ideas at www.thebigpurpleblob.com The Big Purple Blob is here to support YOU with the expert insights on HOW to live your best Diplo-life.  

Let's find out what the options are for meeting with a therapist in the Diplomatic community these days. Have you been wondering if therapy could help you? Are you struggling to find the right therapist for your needs? Frustrated with therapists who don't understand the challenges of expatlife?  Connect with us at: https://thebigpurpleblob.com   Therapists Shanon Miller and Brittney Foose from Apricity Expat Therapy offer practical guidance to help you live your best life in 2025 through therapy.  https://apricityexpattherapy.com/   To work with Sharoya directly check out:  www.embracebehaviorchange.com  

This episode comes at an important time when so many USAID families are seeking new work after sudden termination without cause.   Find out more at: www.TheBigPurpleBlob.com Work with Ben Fowle FormerFed on Substack https://formerfed.substack.com/p/navigating-the-federal-layoffs    

David Wessel - author of Choosing Sides, the tale of an ordinary family torn apart by Hitler's Germany  https://www.amazon.com/CHOOSING-SIDES-David-K-Wessel/dp/1952439779    Sharoya Ham and Katie Fowle - Help my child won't go to school https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Child-Wont-School-ebook/dp   "If there is a book you want to read but it hasn't yet been written, you must be the one to write it." ~ Toni Morrison   AFSA November issue has a listing of all identified books published by Foreign Service members.     Find a supportive community who can contribute to the end product.  Reviewers, illustrators, proof-readers.   It pays to find an experienced, non-biased, expert to give feedback. www.shutupandwrite.com

"If you think you aren't doing it well, that thought means your heart is turned to your kid, and you are already 70% there," says Dr. Jean Kawiecki. As a psychologist, educator, and adult TCK Dr. Kawiecki is deeply passionate about helping TCKs and their parents through the various transitions of TCK life.      Talk with Sharoya directly to get more support in your parenting: www.embracebehaviorchange.com       Resources mentioned: The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast by Adam Young   Six Core Needs of Kids by Adam Young   Misunderstood by Tanya Crossman Raising Up a Generation of Healthy Third Culture Kids: A Practical Guide to Preventive Care by Lauren Wells The Grief Tower: A Practical Guide to Processing Grief with Third Culture Kids by Lauren Wells The RAFT

Starting a New Career:  The Time Is Now!   Are you an EFM looking for meaningful and profitable work that has longevity?  World-renowned Marketing Coach Amel Derragui joins  Katie Fowle and Sharoya to discuss how EFMs can turn their passions into portable businesses.  Katie and Sharoya share their personal stories of creating businesses that are rewarding, impactful, and sustainable from post to post.  Connect using these links: amelderragui.com Podcast:  The Time is Now   To create more connected communicaation in your family you can work with Sharoya:   www.embracebehaviorchange.com

We are glad to welcome international tax expert for this episode.  Alex has a great deal of expertise to share with us in the diplo community.     https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-expat-taxes/id1753694329   Find Alex here: https://mcgowintax.com/   Learn how to fill out international forms here: https://www.youtube.com/@McGowinTax

Should I accept an overseas post with my current medical condition? What are my options? This is the episode on Med Services you ALL want to hear.  Let's talk about specifics on general medical clearances and mental health.  Join us to consider your own choice in how to connect your medical needs to the work/location you are considering. Expert insights from: Director Jen Monna--Health Unit experienced current director Kip Quenin- Psychaitrist, Mental Health professional MED Sharepoint homepage: https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/MED/SitePages/Public/Main Med survey www.bit.ly/MEDFeedbackSurvey MED Internet Site: https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-medical-services/ Child and Family Programs, for SNEA inquiries: MEDCFP@state.gov   To connect with Susie directly check out: www.healthyexpatparent.com  

Does living in different places shape or shift your perspective on political leanings?  Join us to talk about what we've noticed.   In this talk, Jenni and Angi are considerate of varied opinions across the board.  This discussion aims to be inclusive for all, while we all decide our politics as individuals.  Especially how this works within families and third culture kids.   To work with Jenni directly check out: www.theexpatmom.com To work with Angi directly (parents and teens) connect at: www.teenlines.com    

Budgeting genius, Heather Emerick is here to share her knowledge with us!  If you're ready for accountability and upleveling your budget- check out this episode and her website here. Check out: www.diplobudgets.com Take some of the stress out of life by planning ahead for your own spending habits. Angi Solley is a Life Coach for Teens: www.teenlines.com    

Jennie, Katie and Susie share a very personal story of diplo life, facing a medical challenge.   Talk to Jennie at www.theexpatmom.com Talk to Katie at www.learningtoflourish.org Talk to Susie at www.healthyexpatparent.com   Find us all and give us your ideas for the next show topic at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Find out more about working with Sharoya and Jennie at   www.thebigpurpleblob.com   Book discussed: Anxious generation by Jonathan Haidt  https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/   Resources mentioned:   Raising an adult,  by Julie Lythcott-Haims https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Raise-an-Adult-audiobook/   Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy https://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Kids-Lenore-Skenazy-audiobook/dp/     https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-state-efforts-to-ban-cellphones-in-schools-and-implications-for-youth-mental-health/   A great podcast talking about kids and technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyFUBP4OhJs  

A challenging topic for our overseas community to experience at a distance and when we are living in the US.  See important resources below or visit us at The Big Purple Blob to share your ideas.   www.thebigpurpleblob.com     https://www.healthyexpatparent.com/post/again-use-your-words   American Tragedy Documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10914182/   How to talk to your kids about scary world events: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-scary-world-events/id1525862812?i=1000555748938  

Bidding can be pretty overwhelming.  Talk it through with experienced adults who understand.  Join Sharoya Ham and Susie Czor-Brown. Work with us at www.thebigpurpleblob.com   Resources mentioned in this episode: Below link to online version of the FSI Post Info to Go boxes that can be super useful for bidding considerations.  https://online.fsi.state.gov/PITG (PITG-External), the online version for family members and interagency colleagues.        Holding the fort abroad  https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Fort-Abroad-Surviving-parenting/dp/1838167013    

Sometimes healthcare isn't simple and easy overseas.  Join us for a discussion on Mammograms.  Visit us at TheBigPurpleBlob.com Jennie:  www.theexpatmom.com Susie: www.healthyexpatparent.com  

Lucca joins us to share his first-hand experience and ideas for going to University as he returns for a second year.  Susie leads a through parent-student talk to share insider tips for other TCKs and parents in our audience.   Thanks for being part of our Purple Blob community.  Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com    

Angi & Jennie share their stories of learning how to navigate the UNPREDICTABILITY of pet ownership as a nomad. Have an interesting experience you want to share with our wider community?  Join us for a chat. Please join us and share your ideas at www.thebigpurpleblob.com Connect with Jennie: www.theexpatmom.com Connect with Angi: www.teenlines.com    

Living overseas sometimes means that we miss out on important life events for family members because we are at a distance. What do you do when your child marries someone you don't know really well because you live so far away? In this episode, Sharoya chats with another veteran EFM.  They share their emotional journey to accept what is and embrace the beauty of what will be.   How will living at a distance affect this experience?  Sharoya Ham shares her wisdom and insights here.   Please join us at www.thebigpurpleblob.com And reach out to Sharoya directly at www.embracebehaviorchange.com  

Two parents share their experience in connecting (and sometimes convincing) their kids to talk to someone.  What to consider when finding the right person to work with your teen or kid.   To work with Angi check out: www.teenlines.com   To work with Jennie check out: www.theexpatmom.com  

Join Susie and Jennie to discuss some of the unexpected adjustments to having your kid (adult?) return to stay with you for the summer.   Jennie Linton: www.theexpatmom.com Susie Czorz-Brown:  www.healthyexpatparent.com

Susie and Sharoya share some helpful insights for parents of Teens.   Find out more at  www.thebigpurpleblob.com   To work with Sharoya: www.embracebehaviorchange.com To work with Susie: www.healthyexpatparent.com  

Dr Teneshia Taylor's study of the experince of kids' of color, comparing US schools with international schools.  In this Blob episode we are talking about mitigating the problem, helping kids of all colors have the educational experience they deserve.  Dr. Taylor is researching the current events around anti-black racism.  She has conducted a direct study of WHAT black kids experience in International schools currently. Perhaps less often occurences in International Schools but still CONSTANTLY happening in schools today.   To reach Dr. Teneshia Taylor send message to:   bbeyondbias@gmail.com   Find Susie at-- www.healthyexpatparent.com  

Eligible Family Members, Direct Hires, MoHs and TCKS....we have to factor in ALL the things when scoping out our next possible Post.  How do you choose?  Jennie and Angi share their process and ideas. To work with Jennie directly check out:    http://www.expatmom.com Angi works with teens who could use support in goal setting and emotional processing: www.teenlines.com  

Thoughts from a 16year old young man who has grown up around the world(Turkey, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Laos).  This is his positive outlook on the advantages and disadvantages of growing up third culture style.   To support your own Teen in discovering their own strengths and advantages check out: www.teenlines.com and www.thebigpurpleblob.com        

Susie shares some wisdom and helpful guidance on more mindfulness in our often-chaotic lifestyle. Find out how to access MORE of Susies wisdom and personal support here:   www.healthyexpatparent.com and www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Life can really throw a major WRENCH at you from time to time.  How do we manage just keeping up with the basics in holding balance together when hard things happen? Let's talk about how we handle tough times in Diplo living. Susie, Katie and Angi are all available to work directly with you and your family if you're seeking an accountability, check-in, or safe space to talk about your emotional health. Susie:  www.healthyexpatparent.com Katie: www.learningtoflourish.org Angi: www.teenlines.com    

When your child is standing up against you and REFUSING to go to school, you can find yourself in a cycle of arguments, exhaustion, confusion and sometimes everyone starts feeling like a failure.  Help is HERE for you.   Even if this hasn't happened in your home...chances are you know someone who has mentioned this recently or may be struggling with this in their family.  Please share this episode with others.  We want struggling parents and kids to know they are not alone.   Get your own Paperback Copy to own at home or share with School Administration HERE  e-Book version    Paperback Copy  

Let's talk about Co-parenting.  When two people (or more, when step-parents are involved) are working at raising children....we won't always agree on how to parent.   Sharoya and Susie have some insight and ideas for you.   Sharoya-- www.embracebehaviorchange.com   Susie-- www.healthyexpatparent.com   Find out more at: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

A teen perspective on the college application process.  Living OVERSEAS while applying to US schools.  Sports, Volunteerwork, and more.  Do grades really matter? SATs: are they essential? Do I need to tour and interview?  Should I apply Early Decision?   If you have a high school student who might be looking at the application process soon: grab some popcorn and listen together. One teen shares her account of the stressors and what was most effective. Interview by: Angi Solley, Life Coach for Teens:  www.Teenlines.com  

Drugs when living in the US and Abroad    Navigating drugs in overseas schools and when coming back to the US - join Katie and Susie as they share their perspectives on raising teens both at home and abroad.   Teens Overseas: Rules for tuk-tuks, drinking and more Talking to Your Teens About Drugs Opiods in Fairfax County  

Great information from expert, Dr Geoffrey Jones, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Programs   In this episode we are talking about Health Unit services, local services, briefly about the new Medical Clearance process coming out, Medcare Mangement as well as the Med Connect option for appointments stateside and Askmed@state.gov.     Find out how to work with us directly at www.TheBigPurpleBlob.com  

Angie Collins and Susie Czorcz-Brown discuss the EMOTIONAL and FINANCIAL load that come with setting kids up at a four year University as Diplo parents. To find out more check out: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Luke Beer is finding his path in change at his first posting.  Luke shares his insights and wisdom on balancing parenting, work and being part of the highly mobile community.   In this episode, Luke recounts his growth trajectory, from a single man with a paying job to a married, Foreign Service, stay-at-home dad, and new work found at the embassy.     For more episodes and information check out www.thebigpurpleblob.com Find out what it's like to work with Sharoya directly:  www.embracebehaviorchange.com  

 Join brilliant women Hillery Midkiff, Lisa Tilstra, Morgan Loosli, Susie Csorsz Brown Four brilliant women share an honest discussion on everything fitness & health.  Age? Having kids? Hard to get a routine with constant travel? Menopause? Good genes?  Vegan diet? Not a How To Manual- just thoughtful talk with smart women who have figured a few things for their individual wellbeing.   For individual support you can work with Susie directly. www.healthyexpatparent.com        

Are you curious about MORE work options for EFM and those of us in the "trailing spouse" universe.  The Big Purple Blob is here with some insight. Join Jennie Linton, TheExpatMom.com and Jona Robe, the founder of LVL Up--a company that trains and hires expat trailing spouses. Jona also works with small businesses for expats.  She has all the information you want to know. Jennie has helped hundreds of struggling EFMs to find their purpose and joy in life.  Work with her at www.theexpatmom.com Find out more about LVL Up at www.lvlupstrategies.com/the-what

Sharoya Ham is a trained expert with experience in raising children overseas.  Sharoya has the unique perspective of someone who knows what she's doing professionally as well as personally to create strong interactions for struggling young people.   To work with Sharoya check out: www.embracebehaviorchange.com

Resilient Partners are essential in nomadic living.   Creating community, seeking support, and prioritizing what matters - listen in on how Jessica Hayden has overcome the big and small challenges of 20 years in Foreign Service life, including an unaccompanied tour, evacuation from Ukraine, and raising three children through multiple moves.  Jessica has a lot of wisdom and insight to share.  If you find that you could use a bit of extra support yourself, navigating the EFM life--- you can reach out to any one of us at www.thebigpurpleblob.com To work with Jennie The Expat Mom click here:   www.theexpatmom.com  

Two additional questions for Mom and Son: considering the decision to seek therapy.  This mini-episode is a follow up to Episode 142- To hear the full story of how this family dealt with facing serious racism at a young age while living overseas, check out Episode 142   Sharoya can help your family:  www.embracebehaviorchange.com Angi works with Teens & Parents:  www.teenlines.com    

FS Kids of Color:  The joys, challenges, & triumphs Have you ever wondered how FS kids of color experience life abroad?  Our special guests, Kene and his mom, Nimo, share how they responded when Kene's school environment went from enjoyable to toxic.  You'll also hear how the U.S. Embassy community rallied together to bring about change at Kene's school.     Take an objective look at your school and speak up to make sure everyone is valued.   Facebook Group:  FS Parents of Kids of Color   HEAR MORE FROM KENE & NIMO- look for quick episode BONUS (#143) with additional thoughts.

TCKs face unique challenges in a highly mobile lifestyle.  Katie understands that on a professional level as well as being a parent who has managed this with her own children.   If you know your child needs some additional learning tools- contact Katie.  She can work with you or point you towards other professionals with the expertise to help your child gain confidence and understanding in their work.   www.learningtoflourish.org    

Moving frequently can seriously impact a partnership with added stress and constant change. In this episode we feature ways to build in stronger connections to overcome the hardship of nomadic life.   To work with Jennie check out:  www.theexpatmom.com  

Katie, author and mother of two went through a challenging time when one of her children (grade six) refused to attend school. To schedule a time to talk to Katie: www.learningtoflourish.org Sharoya, expert behavior theraplist has helped families work through this issue.  Together Katie and Sharoya have written a book to help parents navigate School Refusal. To schedule time to talk to Sharoya: www.embracebehaviorchange.com    

Let's talk about positive Masculinity with Luke Beer!   For more info check us out:   www.thebigpurpleblob.com    

 Angi & Jennie consider the sacrafices that Eligible Family Members are often expected to make as part of a Diplomatic partnership. Angi  --- www.teenlines.com Jennie -----www.theexpatmom.com