Whereabouts Tales | Stories of Belonging and Immigrant Experiences

Paul Puscas | Stories of Belonging and Cultural Exploration

Whereabouts Tales shares the real stories of immigrant experiences, belonging, and global journeys from expats, returnees, and cultural explorers. I'm diving into life between worlds unpacking identity, transformation, and what it means to belong. Each episode is a conversation about chasing dreams, navigating change, and discovering yourself far from home. Tune in for raw, thoughtful, and inspiring journeys across borders. 🎧 New episodes every 2 weeks | 🌍 Real people. Raw stories. Remarkable paths.

  1. VOR 6 STD.

    The 25-Year Persuasion: Yvonne's Unconventional Move to Spain

    Hey everyone, Paul here, and I'm still buzzing from my incredible conversation with Yvonne! If you've ever dreamed of leaving your home country for a sunnier, slower pace of life, or even if you just need a serious dose of positivity, then you *have* to listen to this episode. Yvonne's story is truly captivating. Born in Germany, raised in Belgium, she’s lived what she calls a "nomad life" from a young age (03:17). But interestingly, Spain wasn't her first choice; her heart was set on France. We dive into how a freezing winter trip to France, combined with a family dream of opening a B&B, unexpectedly pivoted her and her husband Carsten towards the sunny shores of Andalusia (05:40). I was particularly fascinated by Yvonne's multilingual background, nurtured in a European school, which made the switch from French to Spanish surprisingly smooth (07:07). Her candid reflections on the cultural differences between Germany and Spain are eye-opening. She openly shares her struggles with what she perceives as a German "complaining" culture (12:18), contrasting it with the Spanish approach to life, resilience, and problem-solving, which she attributes, in part, to the legacy of dictatorship. But perhaps the most inspiring part of our chat was Yvonne's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. When their newly established B&B (opened in 2014) faced complete shutdown for over a year and a half, Yvonne didn't despair. Instead, she embraced it as a "feature, not a bug" (51:19). She used the time to upskill in marketing and, incredibly, found innovative ways to stay connected with her guests through online "Ampero hours" and virtual wine tastings, even during personal tragedies (50:50). Her unwavering positivity and ability to focus on what *can* be done is truly contagious. My key takeaways from Yvonne's story are numerous: the power of adapting, the importance of focusing on what you can influence, and the profound difference between living to work versus working to live (1:05:00). Yvonne beautifully articulated that "home is a feeling" (1:19:41), not just a place, and how prioritizing family and embracing a slower pace has enriched her life in Spain. She also debunks the myth that expat life is all gin and tonics in the sun (1:18:58) – hard work is essential, but it’s about *how* you approach it. Join us for this wonderfully honest, insightful, and incredibly uplifting conversation. Yvonne's journey is a powerful reminder to find joy and opportunity even in the toughest times. You won't regret it!

    1 Std. 23 Min.

  2. 25. MÄRZ

    3 Years, 80+ Countries: The Solo Traveler's Journey

    Good evening, or whenever you're tuning in! I'm thrilled to bring you a truly special episode today, one that moves beyond typical expert advice to deliver a profound experience. I recently stumbled upon Carl's story on Reddit, where his 'Ask Me Anything' post captivated me: 'I'm 33, a man, and I traveled the whole world the last three years (85+ countries).' I knew immediately I had to invite him to share his incredible journey. Carl, an Austrian, embarked on a nearly three-year solo adventure. What struck me first was his refreshing honesty about how he afforded it: openly discussing 'privilege,' meticulous saving for over a decade, and clear priorities (06:11). I particularly resonated with his point about understanding the immense privilege of an Austrian passport and the ease of travel we often take for granted (09:25). His journey wasn't just about seeing places; it was about choosing experiences over possessions, giving up his apartment and belongings – a truly frightening leap of faith (14:13). His impulsive travels through South America, Asia, and Central Asia were filled with natural wonders and cultural immersion. He recounts booking a flight to Rio on a whim (16:55), or hiking through Nepal, asking villagers for a place to sleep without prior bookings (38:53). But Carl also sheds light on the often-unspoken realities of long-term travel, including profound loneliness, even when surrounded by people (22:35). The emotional drain of constantly forming and dissolving friendships truly made me think. From Bali’s digital nomad bubble and unexpected culinary delights (48:26) to infrastructure challenges in the Philippines and the overwhelming kindness of strangers in Kazakhstan, Carl encountered it all, often shattering his own prejudices (53:05). A profound takeaway for me was Carl's realization about the 'sweet spot' for travel – not endlessly, but in 4-6 month bursts, to avoid saturation and to allow for re-connection with home. He articulates brilliantly how removing daily distractions creates mental space for introspection and personal growth (1:23:24), leading to a detachment from money and possessions. This episode is a powerful reminder that 'home' isn't just a physical place, but the people and the feeling of belonging (1:40:31). If you've ever dreamt of traveling, or want to understand the deeper human experience behind such an epic journey, this episode is a must-listen. Carl's honesty, vulnerability, and incredible stories offer invaluable lessons on priorities, perspective, and what truly makes us happy. Join me as we explore the world through Carl's eyes, and perhaps find a bit of ourselves along the way.

    1 Std. 45 Min.

  3. 11. MÄRZ

    The Spanish Reset | Immigrant Experiences and Cultural Explorers | Trading Routine for Quality of Life - A Returnee's Journey

    In this deeply personal episode, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Yibet and Manuel. returnees and cultural explorers, as they trade the American dream for life in Valencia, Spain. Their immigrant experiences honor belonging and transformation from the start. From the outset, I was fascinated by their journey. Yibet and Manuel, originally from Texas and Mexico respectively, built a stable life with four children in the US. They had the big house, successful corporate jobs, and a seemingly ideal existence. But as Yibet shared, (05:43) something was missing – a sense of purpose. This feeling, coupled with their son's football opportunity in London, sparked a drastic decision: to sell everything and move to Europe. Their move wasn't without its challenges, which Yibet recounts with incredible honesty and humor. Imagine moving ten suitcases from the US to Spain, only to realize that (25:31) a typical Spanish taxi won't fit your luggage, or that even a large rental car won't hold both your family *and* your bags! Their apartment hunting was another eye-opener, navigating bureaucracy, multiple dialects, and bewildering "profile" rejections (29:03). As someone who's experienced similar frustrations in Germany, I truly empathized with the feeling of needing "closure" and understanding "why." The culture shocks, especially around personal space and the sacred Spanish siesta, (1:20:56) brought some truly hilarious and relatable moments. A huge takeaway for me was their profound shift in defining "home." For Yibet and Manuel, home is no longer a geographical place but a feeling, wherever family and purpose reside (1:34:04). I was moved by their reflection on gaining "time back" with their younger daughters, valuing presence over convenience. It's a "do-over" they never expected, and it highlights the true cost of the relentless American hustle. We also delved into their remarkable financial journey, inspired by Dave Ramsey, which helped them escape debt and build a foundation for this life-changing move (54:53). Yibet and Manuel’s candidness about their struggles—the fear, the logistical nightmares, the loss of friends who didn't understand their "no's," and even the imposter syndrome in her remote finance career (1:05:06)—makes their story incredibly real. Yet, their joy and conviction in their new life are undeniable. As Manuel simply puts it, their success is "just being here" (1:12:12), staying true to their purpose despite the hardships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a big life change, feeling unfulfilled by the status quo, or simply needing inspiration to chase a different kind of happiness. Their journey reminds us that "the ugly truth behind the beautiful photos" is often where the most profound growth happens.

    1 Std. 40 Min.

  4. 25. FEB.

    Small Town Wisconsin to Seville Sun | A Returnee's Global Journey | Journey Home - Stories of Cultural Explorers and Returnees

    In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Stephanie Jahn, an American expat who traded the snowy landscapes of Wisconsin for the vibrant, sun-drenched streets of Seville, Spain. Our conversation couldn't have started better, diving straight into her unique upbringing in a tiny Wisconsin town with no stoplight and a gas station as the primary grocery store! (01:09) It immediately struck me how different her world was from the bustling metropolis she now calls home. Stephanie's journey to Spain began with a college study abroad semester in Seville, sparking a fascination with Europe's rich history and diverse cultures. I was particularly interested in how she navigated the transition from textbook Spanish to the rapid-fire, often abbreviated Andalusian dialect. We shared a laugh over the common struggles of language learning, from misinterpreting simple phrases like "over there" (22:11) to the sheer frustration of a witty one-liner getting lost in translation before you can even form the words. My personal takeaway? There is "no bigger enemy for learning a new language than your ego" (01:11:00), a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with from my own German learning experience! Beyond language, Stephanie shared her inspiring story of building a life from scratch. From a fateful Facebook notification that led her to teach English (47:12) to rediscovering her passion for real estate, she’s now a relocation specialist, helping other expats find their footing in Spain. Her "love story" of making her first Spanish friend truly highlights the power of openness and saying "yes" to every opportunity (01:01:16). We also delved into the cultural differences, contrasting the US's 'work to live' mentality with Spain's embrace of slowing down and respecting personal time (01:44:01). Listening to Stephanie, I was reminded that success abroad isn't just about luck, but about hard work, perseverance, and a genuinely positive attitude. Her journey is a testament to embracing the unknown and chasing dreams, even when the path isn't clear. This episode is packed with relatable insights for anyone who has ever considered a move abroad or is simply curious about bridging cultures. It’s a warm, honest, and truly inspiring conversation that I know you’ll enjoy!

    1 Std. 53 Min.

  5. 18. FEB.

    Parenting and the American Dream - A Journey of Belonging

    In this episode, I finally got to revisit a huge topic I missed last time: the impact of a specific "discovery" and how it shed light on the evolving landscape of modern journalism. I was genuinely surprised and, frankly, a bit disappointed to learn that individuals involved in misleading stories are still active – a stark reminder that the world often isn't fair (00:01). This led us into a fascinating discussion about how journalism has shifted from pure reporting to more of an entertainment medium over the last 30 years (00:37). I was so excited to hear Max talk about his new Substack, where he shares recipes and memories. It perfectly encapsulates our shared belief in the enduring power of long-form content, pushing back against the narrative that nobody has an attention span anymore (01:43). We delved into the beauty of platforms like Substack that allow for deeper dives into ideas, a refreshing change from the usual short, attention-grabbing articles. Max's work with "Food and Community" on social media also really resonated with me. I love the storytelling in his reels (06:59), and it highlights a different way of living – one that prioritizes slowing down, enjoying moments, and genuine social interaction, something I believe we've lost touch with, especially after COVID (07:46). This brought us to a deeper conversation about technology's impact, drawing a powerful parallel between social media and the tobacco industry's early days (09:47), and my growing concern about generational knowledge loss. But what truly inspired me was Max's personal journey from being a "witness" reporting on others' lives to actively "creating" his own. He shared how this led him from a fashion company to making wine, and now to his innovative non-alcoholic drink, GlassRose. This pivot to becoming the protagonist of his own story is incredibly powerful and shows the immense satisfaction that comes from bringing an idea to life (21:54). I particularly admire Max’s "slow way of living" and his philosophy of finding joy in the process (29:23), rather than being consumed by the "grind" culture. His lack of fear of failure and openness to unexpected opportunities, like a simple Facebook message that transformed his life (35:53), is a testament to embracing curiosity. We also touched upon the nuances of raising children in the US compared to Germany, exploring the educational system's flexibility versus standardization (47:39), and the pervasive "pursuit of happiness" in American culture. Finally, we teased our next episode with a discussion about Max’s journey into sobriety and the unexpected inspiration behind GlassRose (1:12:04). My biggest takeaway from this conversation is the profound importance of embracing the journey, finding joy in every step, and daring to create the life you truly want to live.

    1 Std. 25 Min.

  6. 11. FEB.

    From Oil Rigs to Intuition | Immigrant Experiences and Global Journeys | Engineering a Life Without a Plan - Cultural Explorers' Stories

    In this episode of Whereabouts Tales, I had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Angela Jamieson, a woman whose life journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Join Angela, a cultural explorer and immigrant, sharing her global journey and story of belonging through unconventional life changes and personal growth. I was so excited to dive into her story, starting from her upbringing in Saskatoon, Canada, right in the same house she lives in today (1:10), to how she unexpectedly found her "ticket to travel" through engineering (3:20). Angela's career took her from Canada to the Netherlands and then to Brunei, living the life of an expat with all its perks – movers, nannies, cooks, and a vibrant international community. I particularly loved hearing about the cultural nuances she encountered, from the Dutch's relaxed cycling pace (11:10) to adapting to customs in an Islamic nation like Brunei (21:38). Angela's commitment to learning Dutch, which she considers her best second language (15:21), truly resonated with me as a powerful form of respect for her host countries. As I often reflected during our chat, doing your research and adapting to the local culture, rather than forcing your own, is key (23:45). Despite this outwardly glamorous and successful life, Angela began to feel a profound emptiness (24:53). She candidly shared how the "too privileged" existence, far from her roots, led to a deep yearning for the mundane – for the simple act of mowing her own lawn or ironing her own clothes (28:00). This realization, coupled with the profound loss of her father (46:17), became the catalyst for a monumental shift. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, even with financial security, true fulfillment lies elsewhere, and as I often say, "you have two lives, and the second one starts when you realize you only have one" (52:31). This transformative period led Angela to quit her high-flying corporate job and embark on a new path: "inner engineering." What surprised and delighted me most was her unique approach to personal development, playfully dubbing herself a "poop philosopher." Yes, you read that right! Angela has authored a book called *Using Number Two to Get to Number One* (1:01:38), which uses the universal act of pooping as a metaphor for letting go of emotional baggage and embracing life. Her philosophy, "if you don't poop, you're full of sh*t" (54:38), is unexpectedly profound and hilarious. It's a testament to her audacity and honesty, making complex self-development concepts incredibly accessible and relatable. This book, and her whole journey, is about making personal development understandable, not philosophical (1:13:34). Join me for this unforgettable conversation with Angela as she shares how embracing the "weird" and letting go of perfectionism led her back to herself and her childhood dream of being a writer (1:12:31). Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, you have to travel far and even "flash a few things" to truly come home to yourself (1:20:11). I guarantee you'll walk away with a fresh perspective, a few laughs, and maybe even a new appreciation for your morning ritual.

    1 Std. 23 Min.

  7. 30. JAN.

    From Communism to Capitalism at 9: Rafal's Journey

    In this episode of Whereabouts Tales, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Rafal, a truly incredible guest whose life story bridges two vastly different worlds. Rafal, at 46, spent his formative first 10 years in Communist Poland before embarking on a remarkable journey that led him to the United States for the next 36. This unique experience has given him an unparalleled perspective on both communism and capitalism, and I was so excited to dive into his insights. Imagine being nine years old and flying solo from Warsaw to JFK. That's exactly what Rafal did (1:36), and his vivid memories of the vibrant, colorful, and fast-paced US – a stark contrast to the "grayness" (3:55) of his communist homeland – were absolutely captivating. He recounted his first encounter with diversity, including an immigration officer using a Polish translation book, which truly highlighted the unique circumstances of that era. We explored the daily shocks of adapting to American life, from the car-centric culture to the abundance of choices in supermarkets – a world away from the "right to buy" lottery (14:36) for basic goods in Poland. I personally resonated with his "rejection" of long lines, a visceral memory from our shared Eastern European past (15:53). Rafal beautifully articulated how Hollywood movies shaped his expectations versus the reality he encountered, and how the infamous unofficial movie translators played a role in opening up communist societies (18:04). What struck me most was Rafal's honest reflection on how his childhood shaped him. He's a man driven by gratitude, prioritizing experiences over possessions, a lesson he now instills in his own daughter. We also delved into the stark differences in career paths (31:36) and the unique opportunities the US offers, contrasting with the "low floor, low ceiling" existence in communist Poland. This conversation was a powerful reminder that despite our different backgrounds, our shared history from Eastern Europe connects us on a profound level. Hearing Rafal describe feeling like a "permanent stranger" (50:07) – belonging everywhere and nowhere – truly resonated with me. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring human spirit. I promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly navigate a world of contrasts.

    1 Std. 3 Min.

  8. 16. JAN.

    From Window Cleaner to Language CEO #0054

    In this episode of Whereabouts Tales, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Azren The Language Nerd (https://azrenthelanguagenerd.com), a man whose life story is as rich and multi-layered as the languages he speaks. From the moment we started, I was captivated by his unique upbringing, speaking Gujarati, French, and English at home, a childhood that really sparked my own reflections as I’m raising a bilingual son myself (01:36). We delved deep into how growing up with multiple languages isn’t a hindrance, but rather a powerful developmental tool, shaping his brain from an early age. Azren shared a fascinating story about his exchange trip to rural France at just 15, a pivotal experience that ignited his passion and determination to truly "become French" (00:39). This commitment to cultural immersion, even as a teenager, set the stage for a compelling discussion on how language proficiency can influence our personality and interactions, and the subtle yet profound impact of cultural norms (06:42). We laughed about the importance of saying "bonjour" in France (08:09) and the "pronunciation privilege" (14:30) that can disarm strangers and build instant connection, a concept I’ve certainly witnessed in my own life. Beyond his linguistic prowess, I was particularly inspired by Azren's entrepreneurial journey. From running a window cleaning franchise (23:08) while still in university to founding Calgary Language Nerds, his path wasn’t linear. He openly discussed the initial struggles, the "baby steps" (28:56) he had to take, and how acknowledging his ego (34:03) was a massive hurdle. What truly impressed me about CLN’s philosophy is their focus on providing a reliable pathway to fluency (38:16) and their unique hiring approach, prioritizing human connection and the ability to learn over prior teaching experience (41:57). We also touched upon the future of language learning in an age of AI translation and wondered aloud if we’ll still need to speak languages in 10 years (53:45). Azren’s perspective on humans’ innate desire for skill, even when technology offers shortcuts, was incredibly thought-provoking and offered a hopeful outlook. Our conversation culminated in a profound discussion about resilience, gratitude, and how seeing life’s hard experiences as "features" rather than "bugs" (1:11:05) can shift our entire perspective. This episode is packed with personal insights, cultural revelations, and entrepreneurial wisdom. Azren's story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and an open mind.

    1 Std. 23 Min.
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Whereabouts Tales shares the real stories of immigrant experiences, belonging, and global journeys from expats, returnees, and cultural explorers. I'm diving into life between worlds unpacking identity, transformation, and what it means to belong. Each episode is a conversation about chasing dreams, navigating change, and discovering yourself far from home. Tune in for raw, thoughtful, and inspiring journeys across borders. 🎧 New episodes every 2 weeks | 🌍 Real people. Raw stories. Remarkable paths.

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