Whereabouts Tales | Stories of Belonging and Immigrant Experiences

Pamela Topjian left an abusive marriage, a stable career, and nearly everything she owned—at 50 years old. In this raw and powerful episode, she shares how she boarded a bus to California with nothing but a suitcase and a last shred of hope. We talk about childhood trauma, surviving emotional abuse, rebuilding identity, the power of therapy, and what it means to find peace later in life. Pamela's...

In this heartfelt conclusion, Perrine opens up about how Germany became her most transformational chapter. From struggling through lockdown and language barriers to finding love and meaning, this story is a powerful reminder of how life abroad can change us—completely. Chapters 00:00 Highlights & Intro 00:42 Moving to Canada 02:39 Cultural Differences: Language and Weather 05:47 Work Experienc...

What if the pyramids are older than we think? Or quantum chips are syncing across parallel universes? Paul speaks with  Greg Dizzia  and  D.R. Foresi , co-founders of  Cosmos University , about rewriting human history, the Book of Enoch, ancient floods, quantum computing, and AI's role in shaping the future. A wild ride from lost civilizations to cutting-edge tech. Perfect for fans of Graham Hanco...

Rachel Lloyd grew up in rural Florida, never dreaming she'd one day study international law—in Russian—in the middle of a global crisis. In this episode, she shares her bold leap from small-town life to the heart of Moscow, how she adapted to a new culture and language, and what it was like living abroad during the war in Ukraine. We talk about language barriers, protests, Russian friendships,...

Author Jaye Pool joins us to share how writing became her way out of religious control, grief, and silence. From losing her faith to reconnecting with her birth mother, and finally reclaiming her voice through fiction — this is a story of emotional healing, identity, and courage. 🎙 Topics we explore: Growing up in Detroit & faith tensions Losing control, finding clarity Writing as a tool for e...

Perrine Webber shares how growing up in multicultural Provence sparked her creativity and led her to leap into life abroad. From sewing in fashion school to studying in Singapore, Perrine reflects on identity, bold choices, and building a global life. This episode is a story of courage, culture, and how small steps create magical change. 📍 France → Singapore → The world. Chapters 00:00 Cultural B...

When Kiana Burton unexpectedly lost her father, it reshaped her identity, her sense of meaning, and her understanding of solitude. In this raw and honest conversation, Kiana shares how grief impacted her life, why she embraces solitude, and what she’s learned through personal loss and working in criminal law. We talk about human nature, emotional intelligence, and why society avoids stillness. Fro...

What does it really take to start over in a new country? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rafa shares his deeply personal story of leaving Brazil behind — not for money, but for safety, growth, and something more meaningful. From nearly backing out at the airport to rebuilding his career and identity in Europe, Rafa opens up about fear, friendship, grief, culture shock, and what it means t...

What was it like growing up in communist Romania vs capitalist America? In this nostalgic and eye-opening episode, Paul and Milo revisit their childhoods from the 1980s and 1990s—one shaped by rationing, gray cities, and propaganda; the other by neon toys, McDonald’s, and TV overload. They compare life on both sides of the Iron Curtain: 🧊 Queuing at 4AM for milk vs Happy Meals at Chuck E. Cheese...

In episode #0023, Adrien takes us on a raw and riveting journey from the American South to rural France as a queer and trans expat. We talk about the fear that led them to leave the U.S., the bureaucracy meltdown involving A4 paper and a cat, and the hilarious struggle of ordering bread in perfect French. This episode is equal parts emotional, chaotic, and deeply human—a story of identity, resilie...

What happens when a quiet kid from a 70s apartment block finds his voice in podcasting and lo-fi music? Meet Steve Barnes, the creative mind behind Introvoid and Sweet Child of Time. In this warm and wildly fun episode, Steve opens up about growing up with a single mom, finding community in unexpected places, building a DIY music career, and how podcasting helped him embrace his voice—literally.🎧...

At just 10 years old, David Ramms saw a video that shattered his view of the world — and he's never looked at food the same way since. In this raw and deeply personal conversation, David opens up about growing up vegetarian, becoming a full-time vegan activist, and the brutal truths he’s uncovered inside farms and slaughterhouses across Europe. We talk about desensitization, the psychology of the...

What do Saturday morning cartoons, Romanian blackouts, and Irish pub chats have in common? Milo Denison and I compare growing up in completely different worlds — the US and Communist Romania — and what it's like living abroad today. We talk: 80s/90s nostalgia (and what’s worth remembering) Moving abroad without visiting first Culture clashes, identity, and what we miss (or don’t) about “home” What...

Julia left Germany at 18 for an internship in Ireland. Today, she's a student and entrepreneur living in Prague. Hear her raw, funny, and insightful reflections on life as an expat, language identity, and adjusting to new cultures — all while building her future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:57 Experiences in Ireland 05:51 Cultural Insights from Dublin 08:57 Transition to Prague 1...

Australian filmmaker Michael Papaeleftheriou shares his journey from Sydney to Spain, discussing indie filmmaking, creative control, and finding community abroad. Discover how simplifying his process led to greater artistic freedom with his film "Crossroads," and hear honest insights about film festivals, marketing, and the challenges of the industry. A thoughtful conversation about creativity, ex...

Dr. Leah Zitter shares her extraordinary journey from spending over two decades in an extremist religious cult to becoming a neuroscientist who developed the "as-is method" for rewiring the brain. Learn how our minds are programmed by our environments and how we can break free from harmful conditioning to reclaim our authentic selves. A powerful story of transformation, resilience, and understandi...

🌍 Join us for a heartfelt conversation with poet and adventurer Anne-Marie Wells as she shares her transformative solo journey through Iceland, where she hitchhiked across the country asking locals about their happiest memories."What I realized was none of these stories were extravagant. Nobody said, when I got this big raise at my job or when I bought this really fancy car, I was so happy. None...

In this episode of Whereabouts Tales, we sit down with Leo, frontman of the rising London indie rock band Emergency Break. Leo shares his journey from growing up surrounded by his parents' music tastes to founding a band determined to give their generation a unique voice in rock music. Discover how Emergency Break went from their first sold-out show at Camden Assembly to headlining festivals, and...

🌍🎙️ "I was sleeping and working, basically is how it felt" – After nearly 14 years working two jobs just to survive in America, Renee made a life-changing decision to teach English in South Korea. In this episode, she shares her journey from North Carolina to becoming an established ESL teacher in a foreign land. From her first culture shock moments to building a thriving social life, Renee offer...

In today's Whereabouts Tales as we interview voice acting veteran Mike Paine, who shares his remarkable 38-year journey from teenage radio DJ to international voice actor. Mike takes us behind the scenes of his interview with Ozzy Osbourne, his work narrating the D-Day Tour in Normandy, and how voice acting has evolved from analog tapes to digital studios. In this episode, you'll discover:...

In this captivating episode of Whereabouts Tales, meet Priyanka - the first person in her family to ever cross continents. Against powerful resistance from her protective South Asian family, she fought through tears until 2AM to pursue her dream of experiencing life beyond India. Discover:The midnight confrontation that changed everythingHer shocking first day abroad: "I'm no longer in my bubble"T...

🌍 Trading Night Shifts for Spanish Siestas | Culture ShockFrom ICU nurse in Cincinnati to digital nomad in Barcelona, Zoe Dawn's journey wasn't planned - but sometimes the best stories aren't. When a family situation prompted her to quit her job and move to Spain, she didn't expect to find love on Tinder within three weeks, or that Madrid would become a stepping stone to Barcelona...

🌍 Join us for an insightful conversation with Brittany Rastsmith, founder of Bloom Remote and former anthropologist, as she shares her journey from studying cultural dynamics in Croatia to becoming a remote work success coach. In Episode 10 of Whereabouts Tales, discover: How cultural immersion in Croatia transformed her perspective on work and life The unexpected challenges and joys of living ab...

Author Kelly Catlin joins us to discuss her upcoming book "Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom," offering a fresh perspective on one of rock's most discussed figures. After experiencing a personal tragedy, Kelly embarked on a two-year journey to tell Kurt's story differently - not through the lens of his struggles, but through his impact on others and his lesser-known acts of kindness. In this conversat...

A tale of courage, transformation, and the pursuit of happiness. Meet Jasmin Schubert, who walked away from her position as CEO of her family's IT business in Germany to become a digital nomad coach in Asia. Join us as she shares her remarkable journey - from her early days studying in China to making the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind. In this episode, discover: How studying in...