Podcasts about trailing spouse

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!

  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.  

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.    

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  

"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

Last year we met Brie Ripley, a young newly married Seattlite who had moved to Rome for a job without ever having visited the city, or even the country. On this episode, we catch up with her and husband 10 months later to see how they are adjusting to life in Rome and life as expats, now that the expat honeymoon phase is over and they are faced with the real challenges of living abroad. We talk about their struggles to learn the language, their attempts to create a community, and how hard it can be to live in a foreign country when you don't particularly embrace trying new things. Thet both weign in on what it feels like to be the so-called "trailing spouse" vs. the (for lack of a better term) "leading spouse," how living in a foreign country has changed how they interact as a couple, and whether either of them would have moved to Rome if they had been single at the time (spoiler: their answers are very different from each other!) Find Part One of this interview here: Episode 527 Moving to Rome—Sight Unseen (with Brie Ripley). ------------------------------------- ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!  

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    

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    

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    

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        

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  

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  

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  

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.

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    

 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

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.    amelderragui.com   Podcast:  The Time is Now   Katie Fowle- Learning to Flourish.org   Sharoya Ham- Embrace Behavior Change  

Living Overseas and working when a family member in the continental US dies suddenly is a hard circumstance to face.  Paperwork, family, logistics, travel, time-limits and State law are all a consideration that converge all at the same time. It's NOT easy.  Join Susie and Angi for a personal story in their experience.  We hope this information will allow you to prepare or plan a bit for your own family situation. To set up personal sessions and get your own goals, life purpose and wellness plans on track: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Holiday Stress sneaks in even when we try to avoid it.  Join us for a discussion on how our Overseas Families manage to find some sanity in November and December. Find out how to work with us at The Big Purple Blob: www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

This is a process to help kids deal with grief.  As parents, we can help our kids process their emotions (we can't prevent them from having emotions).  This is one way to help our kids who may be struggling with the challenges in the world today.   Jennie Linton can talk with you- find out more at www.theexpatmom.com   Send us your ideas for our next topic: thebigpurpleblob@gmail.com

The Trailing Spouse is dead – this week on the podcast we talk about why the “Accompanying Spouse” has arrived. I mean the Accompanying Spouse was always a better term wasn’t it? We all walk side by side don’t we? Sidenote – the term Trailing Spouse will no longer be used in the Two Fat Expats Facebook Group with Accompanying Spouse being the preferred term. We’re also talking Posh and.. Read More The post The Trailing Spouse is Dead first appeared on Two Fat Expats.

Blob Book Club: Join us to check in with Mental Health as we discuss the book What Happened to You : Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey    

Ever wonder if it's the right time for you to leave the the Diplo life?  This episode explores the consdierations and logistics of choosing a new path.  Join Katie & Susie for a thoughtful discssion on leaving the FS life. Katie can help families with children who are having difficulty mastering reading. www.Learningtoflourish.org   Susie helps families improve health, nutrition and wellness. www.healthyexpatparent.com      

I know...I know...we also cringe at the term "trailing spouse" but when titling podcasts...what's an equally and understood term?  Can we start making "traveling partner" a thing?  Or "freelance partner"?  Send your suggestions to thebigpurpleblob@gmail.com Insights from Luke & Tim: Tim Claver Photography: https://www.timcalver.com/   Luke Beer is a first-tour EFM living in Armenia along with his wife a USAID FSO, and their 4-year-old daughter. A Canadian-born, rural character who recently became a naturalized American, he loves a spirited geopolitical discussion or a museum on any topic but misses his Hereford cows back home dearly. Luke met his wife while working in Afghanistan and has traveled to another 40 countries. Without any formal social accreditations besides being the President of two different Rotary Clubs, Luke relishes in the improvement of his cross-cultural awareness and aptitude. At the same time, as someone who genuinely believes in the mission of American diplomacy and who appreciates living abroad in challenging environments, he is keen to share his self-deprecating experiences that might benefit others.  

A discussion on newly arrived at post and experienced overseas living.  Luke & Tim share their perspectives.   Tim Claver Photography: https://www.timcalver.com/   Luke Beer is a first-tour EFM living in Armenia along with his wife a USAID FSO, and their 4-year-old daughter. A Canadian-born, rural character who recently became a naturalized American, he loves a spirited geopolitical discussion or a museum on any topic but misses his Hereford cows back home dearly. Luke met his wife while working in Afghanistan and has traveled to another 40 countries. Without any formal social accreditations besides being the President of two different Rotary Clubs, Luke relishes in the improvement of his cross-cultural awareness and aptitude. At the same time, as someone who genuinely believes in the mission of American diplomacy and who appreciates living abroad in challenging environments, he is keen to share his self-deprecating experiences that might benefit others.   Checkout: www.TheBigPurpleBlob.com for more information.    Send us your ideas for podcast topics: thebigpurpleblob@gmail.com

 Third Culture Kid researcher, Tanya Crossman joins the Big Purple Blob for this episode. Tanya is sharing the latest research about TCKs and their Mental and Emotional Health   Tanya Crossman   Jennie Linton at The Expat Mom.com   Find more episodes at www.thebigpurpleblob.com  

Building Confidence for our kids as the grow up around the world.  The Big Purple Blob is here to support parents and more!   Katie:  www.learningtoflourish.org Jennie: www.theexpatmom.com

Exploring the challenges of working as TANDEM partners.   How can we acknowledge the disappointment and overwhelm using the Name It to Tame It process.    

++++++++++++  Back to School!  ++++++++++ Sharoya and Katie will share three vital routines to support your child's success in school this year!   Sharoya Ham, M.Ed. Parent Coach at Embrace Behavioral Change: https://www.embracebehaviorchange.com/   Katie Fowle, M. Ed, Reading Teacher at  Learning to Flourish 

Family Attorney Lucia Levias shares some REAL WISDOM and important information for anyone who may consider divorce from a partner while one or both of you is living overseas.   The Big Purple Blob is here to serve you.  Tell us which topics you'd like us to feature at www.thebigpurpleblob.com   To work with Jennie directly and uplevel your emotional wellbeing: www.theexpatmom.com    

What happens when a TCK stops moving around the world?  How can TCKs follow their deep interests and pursue goals if they're continually changing locations? Angie Collins & Katie Fowle discuss their experience as parents raising kids who have defined themselves as Third Culture Kids for years....and then transition into living in their home country.   Angie Collins--Find out more at http:www/parentcoachangie.com Katie Fowle---Helping young learners gain confidence  http:www//learningtoflourish.org

Is your co-parenting relationship not going well?  If so, perhaps parallel parenting might be a better fit.  In this episode, Susie and Sharoya define and differentiate these two styles of parenting partnerships.  They provide helpful tips on how to navigate a tense relationship between estranged parents.    Find Susie at HealthyExpatParent.com Find Sharoya at EmbraceBehaviorChange.com  

Follow Susan and her journey:www.itspouses.orgwww.mentorprogramstl.orgwww.stlmosaicproject.orgLinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook****************For more information:www.susannemueller.biz TEDx Talk, May 12, 2022:Running and Life: 5K Formula for your Success | Susanne Mueller  Monday: Podcast “Take it from the Ironwoman” more than 360+ episodesWednesday: Facebook live with "From the Lipstick Leadership Living Room” 1 pm ET (this started in March 2020)Friday:  650+ weekly blogsInstagram: susanne_mueller_nyc / take_it_from_the_ironwomanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-mueller-ma/YouTube: Susanne Mueller: The IronwomanBoth Take it from the Ironwoman and Lipstick Leadership are also books, order them or buy them in your local bookstore. Shop local!Book a time with me for your 1:1 coaching session or group session. Now is the time to elevate your profile, if not now, then when? **************640+ weekly blogs / 360+ podcasts / 26 marathon races / 5 half ironman  / 2 books / 1 Mt. Kilimanjaro / 1 TEDx Talk / 1 Ironman…. 

Finding Meaning and Purpose as an accompanying male spouse.     Luke Beer discusses the opportunities and challenges of being an accompanying male spouse and the opportunities he's found to find purpose and community as a member of Rotary International.   https://www.rotary.org/en   Podcast correction - Luke is President of the Rotary Club of Dupont Circle.   To work with Katie:  www.learningtoflourish.org   We want to hear from you!  Share your idea and story with The Big Purple Blob