Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global Transitions

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...

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...