The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

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 w...

 Join brilliant women Hillery Midkiff, Lisa Tilstra, Morgan Loosli, Susie Csorsz Brown Four brilliant women share an honest discussion on everything fitness & health.  Age? Having kids? Hard to get a routine with constant travel? Menopause? Good genes?  Vegan diet? Not a How To Manual- just thoughtful talk with smart women who have figured a few things for their individual wellbeing.   For individ...

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 Rona Jobe, the founder of LVL Up--a company that trains and hires expat trailing spouses. Rona also works with small businesses for expats.  She has all the information you want to know. Jennie has helped hundreds...

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 yo...

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    

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 a...

TCKs face unique challenges in a highly mobile lifestyle.  Katie understands that on a professional level as well as being a parent who has managed this with her own children.   If you know your child needs some additional learning tools- contact Katie.  She can work with you or point you towards other professionals with the expertise to help your child gain confidence and understanding in their w...

Moving frequently can seriously impact a partnership with added stress and constant change. In this episode we feature ways to build in stronger connections to overcome the hardship of nomadic life.   To work with Jennie check out:  www.theexpatmom.com  

Katie, author and mother of two went through a challenging time when one of her children (grade six) refused to attend school. To schedule a time to talk to Katie: www.learningtoflourish.org Sharoya, expert behavior theraplist has helped families work through this issue.  Together Katie and Sharoya have written a book to help parents navigate School Refusal. To schedule time to talk to Sharoya: ww...

Let's talk about positive Masculinity with Luke Beer!   For more info check us out:   www.thebigpurpleblob.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 p...

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 f...

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  

Join Susie to consider Gratitude this week.  Sharing some wellness....since we all need a bit more of that in today's world.   Work with Susie at:  http://www.healthyexpatparent.com     For a deeper dive into GRATITUDE you can check out:   https://www.verywellmind.com/ how-to-teach-children- gratitude-4782154   https://greatergood.berkeley. edu/article/item/ten_ways_to_ become_more_grateful1   htt...

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

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    

We survived growing up TCK!! At ages 25 and 22 Billie and Jeremiah are living their young adult lives and ready to reflect on their THIRD CULTURE CHILDHOODs.  Each family must make the right choices for their own unique needs and tck life isn't right for everyone.  In this episode we find many benefits of diplo living. Both of these successful and insightful young people recognize the TCK life has...

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...

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 h...

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...

 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