Solena Global Living Podcast: Real stories, real estate, and the realities of life abroad

Thinking about moving to Granada, Spain? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, we explore what life in Granada is really like — from the lifestyle and culture to real estate prices, daily life, and what foreign buyers should know before making the move. I’m joined by local real estate expert Guillermo, who has lived in Granada since childhood and shares a local perspective on why th...

Thinking about moving to the Costa del Sol, Spain? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, we break down some of the best places to live on the Costa del Sol based on lifestyle, budget, and priorities. I’m joined by local real estate expert Dico, who shares insight into what makes different Costa del Sol towns unique and why choosing the right area is about much more than finding a be...

Most international buyers know Barcelona and the Costa Brava — but few have heard of the stretch of Catalonia's coast just to the south. The Costa Daurada (Golden Coast) offers a completely different lifestyle: more relaxed, more local, and in many cases, more affordable. In this episode, I sit down with Jaume, a Catalan native and trusted real estate expert based in Calafell, who spent years livi...

If you’re planning a scouting trip to Spain, the goal is not just to see beautiful places — it’s to figure out where your life might actually fit best. In this video, I talk through some of the most important things to think about when scouting different cities and towns in Spain: getting clear on your non-negotiables, narrowing down regions, slowing down enough to really feel a place, talking to...

Dreaming about living abroad… but your income is still tied to one city, one office, or one “approved” timezone? If you’ve ever thought, “I can figure out the visa / school / housing part… but how am I actually going to make a living?” — this episode is for you. In this conversation, Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Arnitha Webb, who built a business she can run from anywhere (and now lives abroad...

Feeling overwhelmed by Madrid? Wondering which neighborhoods you should actually consider, what it costs to rent or buy, and how to find “your place” in a city that seems to have endless options? In this conversation, Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Sanja of eXp Realty to help you cut through the noise and start making smart, grounded decisions—whether you’re relocating soon or just beginning you...

Thinking about moving to Spain and wondering what life is really like on the Costa Blanca North? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, we take you inside Denia, Spain — one of the most searched coastal towns for expats, retirees, and families. Host Vanessa sits down with Marta, a local real estate expert who has lived in Denia for nearly four decades, to talk honestly about: ✔️ What...

If you’ve been researching the Costa Blanca North and wondering whether Altea, Jávea (Xàbia), or Moraira is right for you, this episode breaks it all down. I sit down with Marianne, a long-time local resident and real estate expert, to compare three of the most beautiful and sought-after towns on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. We explore what each town feels like, who it’s best suited for, and what...

Discover why Málaga has become one of Spain’s most beloved destinations for expats and investors alike. Vanessa sits down with local expert Carin, a rental and buyer specialist, to talk about what makes Málaga so magnetic — from its walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods to the challenges and joys of renovating property in the city. You'll learn: - What makes Málaga’s community so warm and ma...

What’s it really like to live in Cantabria, Spain? In this episode, we explore one of Spain’s most underrated regions — a lush, green corner of the north where life moves at a slower pace, communities are tight-knit, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. Our guest, Grace is a rental specialist and Property Finder and she shares insider insights into life in Santander and the surrounding region —...

Thinking about moving to Girona, Spain? In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to live in Girona—from the city’s most desirable neighborhoods to lifestyle insights, housing options, and what makes this corner of Catalonia so special. Our guest, Gloria, is a local real estate expert who helps international buyers navigate Girona’s unique market. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm...

Thinking about moving abroad? In this episode, Erica Wright shares her real story of leaving the U.S. and building a new life in Mexico. She opens up about the decision to move, the challenges of navigating the visa process, cultural adjustments, and what daily life as an expat really looks like. We dive into practical topics like safety, cost of living, healthcare, and remote work — as well as th...

Thinking about Portugal—specifically the Algarve? In this episode, Vanessa sits down with a Lagos-based real estate agent to break down what life actually feels like in Lagos (walkable, small-city vibe, west-coast beaches + sunsets), who this area serves best (families, community-seekers), and the trade-offs (Lagos carries a premium €€€). We cover schools (Portuguese vs. international), rentals, w...

Thinking of moving to Valencia, Spain? Wondering which neighborhoods are the best fit for your lifestyle? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with David, an American real estate professional turned Buyer Specialist (and rental specialist) in Valencia, to uncover what life is really like in Spain’s third-largest city - and how to find a home here. We cover:- The vibe and...

What’s life really like in Murcia, Spain? In this episode, I sit down with an American and food vlogger living in Murcia, Maggie Dickmann. We explore the culture, food, and lifestyle that make Murcia one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. From mouthwatering tapas to the region’s relaxed pace of life, Maggie shares why she fell in love with Murcia — and why more people moving to Spain should consider it...

Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you can find your dream home, you first need the right residency pathway. In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with immigration attorney Maryem Essadek, my go-to expert on Spanish visas and residency. We break down the most common visa options for Spain—including the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Golden Visa—and highli...

Thinking about moving to Spain but unsure where to land? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa heads to Murcia and the Costa Blanca South—an often-overlooked region nestled between Alicante and Cartagena. Joined by Murcia native and real estate expert David Rivera, we explore: - What makes Murcia an incredible (and affordable) place to live - Lifestyle perks of this inland c...

Thinking about making Seville your new home? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Jahn, my go-to real estate and rental expert in Seville, to explore what life is really like in Spain’s most charming southern city. We cover everything from why expats love Seville, the real cost of renting in the city center and suburbs, and how to navigate Spain’s unique r...

What does it take to pack up your family and start a new life abroad? In this episode, Vanessa Rosenblum interviews Guillermo Salas about his bold move from the U.S. to Spain. Guillermo shares the motivations behind his family’s relocation, their transition from a small coastal town to vibrant Madrid, and how he built a successful remote real estate business while coaching others to do the same. W...

Dreaming of life on Spain’s most breathtaking coastline? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa sits down with local real estate expert Warwick to explore what makes the Costa Brava a hidden gem for international buyers. From charming medieval villages to Michelin-starred meals and a wide variety of housing options, discover why this rugged, radiant slice of Catalonia could b...

Thinking about buying property in Spain but not sure how mortgages work as a foreigner or non-resident? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Martine Newman from Mortgage Direct to break down everything you need to know about getting a mortgage in Spain when your income is earned outside the country. Whether you're retiring, relocating, or i...

What happens when you spend three weeks traveling through Spain with a group of strangers, touring property, talking to locals, and trying to answer the big question: Could I really move abroad? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Thays Morgan, a savvy traveler and curious real estate investor who joined our scouting trip across Southern Spain...

In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I talk with Ann Reed, an American retiree who joined me on a three-week scouting trip through Spain. Like many who dream of moving abroad, Ann came searching for clarity—could she really move her life to Spain? While the trip answered many questions about where to live and what kind of lifestyle she wanted, it also surfaced something she didn’t...

From Stressed Library Director to Spanish Beach Life - A Solo Woman's Journey at 55 What does it really look like to completely transform your life in your 50s? Meet Jeannie Dilger, who left her high-stress job as a library director in Chicago to build her dream life in Valencia, Spain - and she's never looked back. In this inspiring episode, Jeannie shares her complete transformation stor...

Are you relocating to Portugal and wondering how to find the right school for your children? In this episode of Live and Invest Abroad , host Vanessa Rosenblum speaks with Naomi Crompton and Sarah Narciso from Alesco , a consulting firm that helps international families navigate the Portuguese education system. We dive into the essential questions families have, like: ✅ Public vs. private vs. int...