Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global Transitions

Cathy really embodies all the experiences of life abroad.  She was a brave spouse, mother, accompanying partner. Here is he We would love to hear from you, send us a text please! Support the show You can map the move. You cannot map the metamorphosis. Nomadic Diaries explores the interior journey of expat life — the belonging, the identity shifts, the repatriation, and everything that travels with...

How a Nat Geo Producer Became a Storyteller Fiction of Imagination Welcome to the current episode of Nomadic Diaries, where journeys are more than just miles on a map—they're transformations of life and spirit. This week, we're diving into the adventurous life of Neil Laird, a former TV producer and now a novelist, whose career path has migrated from filming National Geographic documenta...

Nomadic Diaries Episode: International Women's Day Special Host: Doreen Cumberford In this episode, we have combined the voices of six women who I interviewed over the last year. Each one is unique, works in international and intercultural situations, and has at least one golden nugget of wisdom to contribute to our lifestyles. Meet: Iliana Jankova : Moved from Hungary to the US with $200. Il...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with cross-cultural communication expert Kathy Ellis to explore the intricate world of cultural adaptation and repatriation.  From her humble beginnings in small-town Midwest America to living in six different countries and visiting over 40, Kathy shares her fascinating journey of becoming a global citizen and helping others brid...

Join Doreen Cumberford, the host for a delightful conversation with Margaret Ghielmetti, author of "Brave(ish)," who reveals how living abroad transformed her life from the inside out. Margaret shares her refreshingly honest take on finding courage in unexpected places and building what she playfully calls "superpowers" through facing fears head-on. In this episode, you'll...

What happens when a 13-year-old in Malawi needs emergency medical evacuation, but their insurance has just expired? Andrew Jernigan shares the dramatic story and reveals how proper international insurance can be the difference between life and death. In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen sits down with Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads, to unravel the complexities of international insura...

Imagine unlocking the power of your subconscious to achieve your dreams. In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford introduces us to the life-changing tool of vision boards, detailing how they can help expats and nomads achieve their goals through visualization and intentionality. Whether you are departing or arriving, an expat, nomad or repat vision boards can be a worthy tool. En...

In this episode host Doreen Cumberford interviews Iliana Genkova, who shares her remarkable journey from Bulgaria to building a life across multiple continents. Starting with just $200 in her pocket, Iliana moved to the United States in 1999, marking the beginning of her global adventures. Her story demonstrates how sometimes the best plans are a mix of preparation and embracing the unknown. After...

In this week's soul-stirring episode of Nomadic Diaries, I sat down with the remarkable Elizabeth Pritchard to explore how living overseas builds unshakeable grit and resilience.  Elizabeth shares how each international challenge she faced – from cultural misunderstandings to complete life rebuilds – became a building block for developing true mental toughness. Her insights on turning adversi...

Join me on a fascinating journey through the life and insights of John McEntire, a global citizen whose experiences span over five decades and traverse the cultural landscapes of Japan, Taiwan, Qatar, and beyond.  John holds a certification with Jack Canfield to teach the success principles and has visits to 40 countries under his belt.  He has also developed a unique perspective on how cultural u...

Step into the world of global mobility as we explore the intricate tapestry of expatriate life and the art of navigating transitions in 2025. In this compelling episode, we delve into the multifaceted challenges and rich opportunities that come with living abroad, from embracing seasonal traditions in new cultures to managing the complex dynamics of international careers.  Drawing inspiration from...

Today we are on vacation. But we wanted to share this most excellent story from Vishti Kanahele. Here are a few of the most importants points from this episode: 🧠 Mental Health Awareness : The importance of acknowledging and seeking help for mental health issues can't be overstated, especially for expats and digital nomads facing stress and uncertainty during frequent moves. Platforms like t...

Welcome to our first scheduled and deliberate replay episode.   The reason we choose this episode is because it was one of our favorite episodes from 2024. Join us for a touch of inspiration and a fun conversation with Steve Hoffman, a James Beard award winner for food writing whose life story spans continents and careers. We explored Steve's fascinating background as an author, tax preparer,...

Ever wondered how globe-trotting lifestyles are transforming in our post-pandemic world? In this captivating episode of "Nomadic Diaries," guest Sylvia Thiesen interviews host Doreen Cumberford, to find out why Nomadic Diaries exists. The Importance of Belonging and Connection One of the central themes of the podcast is the importance of connection and belonging. In today's digital...

Hosts: Doreen and Sharon Fields  Special Guest: Rebecca Eichler Episode Summary: Welcome to another compelling episode of Nomadic Diaries ! In this episode, hosts Doreen and Sharon Fields are joined by the remarkable Rebecca Eichler, an international human rights advocate and the star of the acclaimed documentary Las Abogadas: Attorneys on the Front Lines of the Migrant Crisis . Key Takeaways: Reb...

We hope that these 30 podcasts have been both useful and informative! In this final episode of Nomadic Diaries' Reentry Series, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller reflect on 30 days of podcasts that included stories, themes, and challenges faced during the journey of returning to one's passport country. The series centered on personal experiences, expert tips, and actionable advic...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to return home after years of globetrotting? In this compelling episode of Nomadic Diaries,  Linda Mueller sits down with Margaret Ghielmetti, author of "Bravish: A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist". They explore the emotional rollercoaster of expatriate life, overcoming perfectionism, and the challenging yet rewarding process of repatriation. Fr...

Have you ever felt the rush of joy upon returning home from a long journey, only to be blindsided by the emotional and logistical challenges that follow?  In this short episode of Nomadic Diaries' ReEntry Series, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Helen Ellis, an expert in long-distance grandparenting relationships, to uncover the practical and emotional intricacies of repatriation.  Helen...

Ever felt the pull of the world that lies beyond your doorstep?  In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series host Doreen Cumberford reads the heartwarming and insightful story of Deirdre K. Razzaque, exploring her journey of identity and belonging after living abroad.  Through her experiences in diverse cultures, from Costa Rica to Vermont, Deirdre shares the continuous and often chall...

Imagine transitioning from the vibrant expat life in California to the complex and challenging reality of returning to London?   That’s the journey Polly Collingridge from the Cultural Intelligence Centre shared with Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller on this episode of Nomadic Diaries. Polly discusses the cultural shifts, reverse culture shock, and the intricate emotional landscape faced during...

Feeling unsteady as you transition back to your home country? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller delve into the complexities of repatriation, exploring the emotional and logistical challenges through the metaphor of lily pads.  Repatriation isn't just about physically returning home. It's a multifaceted process that involves emotional, ps...

Have you ever used nature, the outdoors, or your environment to inspire or ground yourself during repatriation? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, the Re-Entry Series, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Linda Mueller seek to provide encouragement to go outdoors, to breathe in nature and to ground oneself during the repatriation journey. Here at Nomadic Diaries we love to interview expat and cross...

Feeling adrift or untethered after moving back home?  In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, our host Doreen Cumberford  speaks with guest Camilla Quintana about the emotional and practical challenges of repatriation while sharing her personal stories of transition and adaptation.  Camilla offers insights on maintaining connections and shifting your focus to commonalities, and offers valuable advice...

Have you ever experienced what you suspected might be symptoms of repatriaion? In this episode, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Linda Mueller discuss some of the more light-hearted ways and situations where returnees can sometimes feel caught between multiple cultural identities, struggling to reconcile their international experiences with their home environment. The psychological impact of repatriati...

What do digital nomads have to consider when returning back home after enjoying thrilling adventures, exciting work projects and all that freedom? In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Amy Suto, a seasoned traveler and writer, to share insights from her eight-month journey across South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, and discuss how her travels inspired her lates...