Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global Transitions

In this insightful episode of the Nomadic Diaries' Belonging Project miniseries, Doreen and Megan welcome Andrea Schmidt, a trilingual global teen life coach specializing in supporting third culture kids (TCKs), especially teenage girls. The conversation delves into the complex processes of identity formation and belonging for TCKs, challenges of boarding school experiences, and the importanc...

In this insightful second episode with Lois Bushong, the hosts dive deep into the concept of belonging for Third Culture Kids (TCKs), adult TCKs, and globally mobile families. Lois Bushong shares her expertise as a licensed marriage and family therapist, unpacking generational differences and the pivotal role of shared cultural memory of family and community.  Key Topics & Insights Shared Cult...

In this episode, Lois Bushong joins Megan Norton-Newbanks and Doreen Cumberford - Host of Nomadic Diaries for a thoughtful discussion on belonging among Third Culture Kids (TCKs), globally mobile families, and expats. The conversation covers generational differences, the power of cultural memory and rituals, strategies for fostering belonging across generations, and personal reflections on identit...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford, Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Lois Bushong, Author, Retired Counselor and Coaching expert on Third Culture Kids (TCKs). This conversation dives deep into the ever-evolving concepts of home and belonging, exploring generational differences, digital community building, and the psychological needs that underpin our sense of “place.” Key Dis...

In the inaugural episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks dive deep into the concept of “belonging” within the context of global mobility, international relocations, and the personal effects of constantly moving across borders. They explore: The connection between cycles of relocation, relational loss, and a sense of belonging. The ways globally mobile people,...

The Plot Twist Nobody Warns You About! In this insightful conversation, Angie Weinberger returns to Nomadic Diaries to explore the complex emotions and practical challenges faced by expats and global citizens, especially around repatriation and defining "home." Angie, based in Zurich, shares her expertise on supporting expats and expat partners with global mobility. Key Topics Covered Ma...

Episode Overview In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford re-interviews Angie Weinberger, a renowned expert in global mobility and repatriation. Angie shares her deep knowledge about the complex journey of returning “home” after years abroad, unraveling common myths and real-life challenges that expats and global nomads often face. Key Topics Discussed Reverse Culture...

In this heartfelt episode of Nomadic Diaries , host Doreen Cumberford chats with Brigitte Muller, a South African marketing strategist and long-term expat living in Tampa, Florida. They delve into the complexities of expat life, from the economic realities that drive difficult moves, to the richness and challenges of adapting to life in a new culture, grappling with grief from afar, and the deep s...

Some time ago I recorded this episode of Nomadic Diaries with Todd Nims, an Aramco Brat whose parents we had known in Saudi Arabia. Episode Highlights In this captivating conversation, we explore the fascinating journey of filmmaker and cultural bridge-builder Todd Nimms, whose unique upbringing between Saudi Arabia and America shaped his perspective on identity, belonging, and cross-cultural unde...

Key Topics Discussed Tracy’s Expat Journey: Tracy shares her path from Aberdeen, Scotland to Mexico, with stops in Houston and Cancun, and explains how her kids have thrived in a multilingual, multicultural environment. San Miguel de Allende for Families: It is definitely shifting from a retiree-focused town to an increasingly family-friendly destination, with multi-generational families taking ro...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries , host Doreen Cumberford welcomes friend and real estate expert Tracy Moss to discuss the ins and outs of buying property in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.  Tracy draws on her 20+ years in Mexico, sharing practical steps, insider tips, and cultural insights to help expatriates, digital nomads, and dreamers navigate the real estate market with confidence. Key Topi...

Doreen Cumberford welcomes Patrick Kadian - an expat, hypnotherapist, and expert on mental health for global nomads. With over 30 years of expat experience spanning 16 countries, Patrick offers a unique perspective on raising third culture kids (TCKs), navigating transitions, and caring for the mental wellbeing of globally mobile families. The focus is on understanding the TCK experience, the chal...

In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Lucyna Bolin, a seasoned expat coach, marathon runner, and mother of two, to discuss the realities behind the polished exterior of expatriate life. Lucy discusses how success abroad doesn't always equal happiness. This is the paradox of the high-achieving expat.  Key Topics & Highlights: Lucy’s Expat Jour...

Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, where we delve deep into the journey and insights of global explorers. This episode, hosted by Doreen Cumberford, shines a spotlight on Melissa Hahn, an intercultural specialist and author of the book *Forging Bonds in the Global Workforce*. Here are a few shownotes: Forging Global Bonds: Melissa Hahn's Insights on Thriving Across Cultures Through thought-provoking...

On this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sat down with Chris O’Shaughnessy to explore the latest trends, challenges, and insights from the expat and globally nomadic community. From the impact of geopolitics on relocation patterns to the nuances of repatriation and the ever-present topic of belonging, the conversation is packed with truth bombs and practical wisdom for anyone nav...

Hopefully you will find this episode with Marilyn Gardner soul-nourishing! Host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Marilyn Gardner for a deep dive into the rhythms, challenges, and beauty of leading a global, nomadic life. Marilyn shares her experiences of moving through 36 homes across continents, the lessons found in both anticipation and nostalgia, and the journey of finding "places that light you...

In this episode, Doreen Cumberford welcomes welcomes Mathieu Gagnon, an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) and Professor of Psychology at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario specializing in the emotional experiences of third culture kids (TCKs), expats, and people in global transitions. Mathieu's international upbringing as the son of a Canadian diplomat took him from Paris to Morocco...

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen sits down with Autumn Carolyn—world traveler, writer, and author of Traveling in Wonder —to talk about the realities of moving abroad, the impact of travel on our senses, the power of reflection, and the process of returning home after years overseas. Autumn shares heartfelt stories from her time living in England and traveling...

I sat down with Linda Mueller, who was a previous Co-Host for the Re-Entry Series.  Linda is an experienced ExpatPartnerCoach and we dived into the benefits of coaching for people who live in the international and global communities. Together, we explored what it really means to thrive as a global nomad, especially as an accompanying partner. We cover everything from wrestling with issues of purpo...

In this episode, we sat down again with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to catch up on recent research findings.  Understanding Third Culture Kids Defining the TCK Journey: Tanya clarifies what makes a Third Culture Kid—children growing up outside their passport country without plans to settle permanently—and why their experience differs from immigrant children. Hidde...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, we sat down with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) whose personal experiences and professional work have made her a trusted voice in the global mobility community.  Tanya's Third Culture Journey  Tanya Crossman's journey as a TCK began with moves between Australia and the United States during her childhood, following her fat...

In this engaging episode of "Nomadic Diaries," host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Marilyn Gardner—a seasoned author and expat who has spent her life living across multiple countries.  They dive into the essence of rituals and faith and how these elements intertwine with the nomadic lifestyle. Marilyn shares vivid memories from her childhood in Pakistan and discusses how these early ex...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries , Doreen interviews Kirtika van Hunen-Malla  who shares her experiences of living across cultures and how Eastern philosophies have shaped her understanding of international living. Here are some key highlights from their conversation: Background & Cross-Cultural Upbringing: Kirtika grew up with a unique blend of Indian and Nepali cultures, which provided her...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, we welcome our returning guest, Koen Gomes, a global nomad and horse groom recorded live from San Miguel de Allende. Koen dives into his experiences as a nomadic traveler, flying horses across the globe, and the intricacies involved in this unique lifestyle. We explore Koen's travels over the past six months. Key Highlights: Koen shares details about attend...

In this episode, host Doreen Cumberford chats with Dr. Sally McGregor, a licensed clinical psychologist and adult third culture kid, about the mental health challenges faced by expatriates and globally mobile individuals.  Dr. McGregor is the founder of Wanderwell Psychology, focusing on the well-being of expatriates, third culture kids, global nomads, and more. They discuss the unique psychologic...