Moving Along

Christi Cassidy

Moving Along explores travel, relocation and life transitions. Christi Cassidy shares stories of people who packed up and left--either by necessity or choice; advice from experts in organization, budgeting and moving; and tips on making your life transition a positive new adventure.

  1. Relocating to Portugal: What You Need to Know with Scott Kirk

    30 JAN

    Relocating to Portugal: What You Need to Know with Scott Kirk

    In this episode of Moving Along, Christi Cassidy interviews Scott Kirk, CEO and founder of Visas.pt, a company that assists people looking to move to Portugal with visa and immigration services. Scott discusses the exponential growth of their online community, which includes 2.4 million monthly visitors to their Facebook groups, including Moving to Portugal and Living in Portugal.   Contrary to popular belief, Portugal is not becoming overrun with Americans moving to Portugal, and Scott offers words of wisdom for respecting the Portuguese culture and ways to fit in.     The conversation delves into Scott's own adventurous background stemming from his family's travel history, leading to his extensive global travels and eventual settlement in Portugal.     Scott also provides detailed insights into the process and nuances involved in moving to Portugal, addressing various visa types for retirees, digital nomads, entrepreneurs and others, economic considerations, real estate market dynamics and scams to watch out for.     Often called the “Gateway to Europe,” Portugal is a welcoming country and gay-friendly. Still, Scott emphasizes the importance of responsible immigration and cultural integration.     Scott offers practical advice for those considering relocating and details the pathway to dual citizenship, currently a five-year process that may soon become a 10-year process. The discussion highlights not only the challenges and benefits of moving to Portugal but also Scott's personal motivations and experiences that shaped his journey.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Scott Kirk 02:35 Island Boy in Victoria, British Columbia 04:05 Digital Nomad in Remote Brazil 06:28 Why Portugal? 08:47 Founding Visas.pt 11:38 Is Portugal Getting More Expensive? 13:05 Prato do Dia - Plate of the Day 14:49 Beach Life 15:53 Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal 17:48 Gateway to Europe 20:04 Requirements for Retiring to Portugal on a D7 Visa 22:29 Healthcare in Portugal 24:08 Cost of Living in Portugal 24:32 Buying a Place in Portugal 27:09 Schengren Shuffle 27:55 The Golden Visa 28:33 Requirements for the Pathway to Dual Citizenship in Portugal 31:11 Rainbow Connection: Gay-Friendly Portugal 32:20 Taxes in Portugal 32:58 Non-Retirement Visa Options for Portugal 34:12 Starting a Business in Portugal - The D2 Visa   34:41 Visas for Highly Qualified Skilled Individuals and Students 36:04 Digital Nomads in Portugal 37:06 Scams to Beware of in Coming to Portugal 41:32 Mistakes People Make in Emigrating to Portugal   Resources https://visas.pt   https://rainbowconnection.pt   Living in Portugal Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatsinportugalqa   Moving to Portugal Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingtoportugal2.0   For a free consultation and to contact Scott Kirk: https://visas.pt/contact.php  CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    46 min
  2. Unlocking the Magic of Disney with Dr. Disneyland

    9 JAN

    Unlocking the Magic of Disney with Dr. Disneyland

    Dr. Jeffrey Barnes, also known as Dr. Disneyland, delves into the enchanting history and life lessons of Walt Disney. Dr. Barnes, an author and professor, shares his unique experiences growing up as a military child, his transformative journey to Disneyland and his eventual deep dive into Walt Disney’s remarkable story of resilience and creativity.     Author of The Wisdom of Walt and Life Lessons from Walt, Dr. Barnes muses on the evolution of Disney parks, the impact of storytelling and the current business challenges and strategies of the Disney brand.     He is blunt in his assessment of the Jimmy Kimmel incident with ABC and Disney+ and doesn’t shy away from discussing Disney’s corporate leadership and post-pandemic pricing strategies. “Not consumer-friendly, not family-friendly,” he says.     Dr. Barnes also shares personal anecdotes and powerful insights on creativity, overcoming obstacles and the enduring magic of Disney that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of Disney's legacy and how its lessons can be applied in everyday life. Books by Dr. Jeffrey Barnes The Wisdom of Walt Life Lessons from Walt   Contact Jeff Barnes and find links to buy his books at his website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com   00:00 Introduction to Dr. Disneyland 04:02 Memorable Family Vacations - The Land of Oz and Disney World 05:21 Loving Disney World and the Comedown on First Visit to Disneyland 07:29 Walt's Story 10:37 Reinterpreting Disney World as an Adult 14:20 Bucket List Disney Parks Around the World 14:57 How Jeff Likes to Travel 16:29 How did the book come to be? 18:59 Diagnosed with life-threatening brain tumor 21:37 Second Brain Tumor 22:11 Is Disney for the Wealthy Only? 24:52 Post-Pandemic Pricing at Disney 25:40 Disney Corporate Leadership 27:38 Disney, Bob Iger and Jimmy Kimmel 31:11 Disney as Reflection of American Society Through the Decades 38:53 Roy Disney and Financial Restraints 41:32 Advice for Visiting Disney the First Time 43:49 How the Magic Is Made 45:27 Leadership Lessons from Walt 47:27 Consulting at Disney   Places Mentioned Disneyland Disney World Storybook Mansion   Riverside, California Florida Panhandle Orlando, Florida Boone, North Carolina Kansas City Los Angeles Griffith Park Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disney Seas Disneyland Paris Euro Disney Glendale Fort Huachuca Davis-Monthan Air Force Base St. Petersburg, Florida Marceline, Missouri CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    51 min
  3. Walking for Inspiration with Silvina Lanusse

    25/11/2025

    Walking for Inspiration with Silvina Lanusse

    Sylvina Lanusse, a mixed-media artist and host of Walking for Inspiration, takes us on an engaging journey across continents and through the layers of her rich artistic process. From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island, Sylvina has woven her love for the ocean and nature's elements into every piece of art she creates. Her recent Italian adventure adds yet another color to her palette, as she shares how the Vatican's marble floors sparked her creativity. Sylvina's story is not just about art, but about the emotional landscapes of migration, the bittersweet nature of farewells and the surprising connections formed along the way.   In this episode, we also explore the poignant themes of immigration and belonging. Sylvina opens up about how a generous benefactor changed the trajectory of her life, enabling her to study abroad and refine her artistic voice. We delve into the heartache of losing her parents, of losing her canine companion Polo and the intricate feeling of having multiple homes across the world. Art emerges as a sanctuary for Sylvina, a space where creativity transcends geographical borders and offers solace amid life's upheavals.     Silvina reflects on how the spontaneity of migration has shaped her path, leading her to find stability and opportunity in Canada—it’s a story of resilience, creativity and connection.   CHAPTERS    [00:00:34] Introduction to Silvina Lanusse [00:02:11]  Early Life and Family Background [00:04:31]  Beach Memories and Sensory Experiences [00:07:51]  Walking for Inspiration and Artistic Sensitivity [00:09:58]  Travel Adventures and Cultural Connections [00:15:45]  Benefactor's Support and Artistic Journey [00:19:41]  Finding Community Through Art [00:22:11]  The Art Is My Lifeline [00:26:26]  The Bond with Polo [00:28:14]  Coping with Loss [00:29:30]  Walking for Inspiration [00:31:10]  Shaped by Migration [00:34:38]  Choosing Canada Over the U.S. [00:37:35]  Embracing the Artist's Life [00:39:09]  Reflections on Immigration [00:42:56]  Connecting with Silvina   Contact Silvina: @silvinalanusseart   Website: https://www.silvinalanusseart.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvinalanusseart/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvinalanusseart   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart     Walking for Inspiration – Silvina's video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@silvinalanusseart  CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    45 min
  4. Seven Continents, No Jets - Chip Walter

    07/11/2025

    Seven Continents, No Jets - Chip Walter

    Chip Walter, celebrated science journalist and author, National Geographic documentary filmmaker and former CNN bureau chief, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey with his wife, Cyndy, crafting a once-in-a-lifetime global expedition amid the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 720 days, they achieved the extraordinary feat of traveling around the world sans jets, spanning 125,000 miles across six continents and 41 countries through a medley of transportation modes, including buses, ferries and even camels. Chip shares tales from his adventurous childhood in Pittsburgh, where his curiosity and love for exploration first took root, and how these passions eventually led him to a career in journalism. Selling their home to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, Chip and Cyndy’s odyssey began in Newfoundland and took them through diverse landscapes, from the American West to Baja, to Santa’s Workshop in Finland and the deserts of Morocco, to Egypt, South America and on to Antarctica. What began as a fluke is now a comprehensive chronicle in 37 journals and a blog, Vagabond Adventure (vagabond-adventure.com), filled with videos, photos, postcards and near-daily posts. These experiences serve not just as travel logs but as reflections on the pressing issues of our time, such as climate change. A firm believer in the power of storytelling, Chip brings to light the urgency for advocacy and action. Travel, in its purest form, serves as a transformative force, a theme Chip passionately elaborates. Immersing themselves in varied cultures and societies over two years, Chip and Cyndy discovered the profound ability of travel to break down racial barriers, expand one’s worldview and instill humility. Chip articulates with vivid anecdotes how true engagement with the world cultivates not only appreciation but also a deeper understanding of humanity. This episode promises to inspire listeners to step out of their comfort zones and explore the tapestry of unfamiliar cultures, enriching lives while making us more interesting and compassionate individuals. Chip’s blog: https://vagabond-adventure.com/ Find out where Chip and Cyndy are now at Polar Steps: https://www.polarsteps.com/ Chip's books and more: https://chipwalter.com/    CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    39 min
  5. Fueling Cultural Curiosity: Travels with Rhythm & Roam

    15/10/2025

    Fueling Cultural Curiosity: Travels with Rhythm & Roam

    Paul Island and Benef Verell, two co-hosts of the travel podcast Rhythm & Roam, share their stories about travel, relocation and how they came to start their own podcast with their friend Trecia Cooke.   How did Paul and Benef get the travel bug? Benef recounts her Midwest upbringing and how family trips, mostly within the region, laid the groundwork for her future wanderlust. It wasn't until she joined the military, in an unexpected journey to West Point, that her travel experiences truly expanded, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring new places. Similarly, Paul reflects on his childhood travels that were mostly confined to the New York tri-state area and Florida.   From there we explore the intricate ways in which family, culture and unexpected paths influence travel and career choices. Paul recalls how his older sister's dreams of London inspired further exploration and a career in the military, expanding his own travel horizons. We touch on the cultural roots that influence aspirations, such as Paul’s Jamaican and British connections, and Benef’s Afghan roots. The conversation offers insights into the interplay of family influences, cultural backgrounds, and how these elements shape unexpected life paths. The conversation turns to the impact of cultural diversity and identity on travel experiences. Benef and Paul share their encounters with stereotypes, “traveling while Black and biracial,” and the cultural expectations they’ve confronted while traveling and living abroad.   Laced with humor and canny insights, their stories highlight the importance of understanding and adapting to cultural differences, the benefits of solo travel and the unique travel styles that lead to memorable journeys.  LINKS Rhythm & Roam https://rhythmandroam.com/ Ireland episode with Paul and Benef https://rhythmandroam.com/episode/the-ireland-trip-that-made-us-question-everything Passport Knuckle Ride: Staying Sane While Traveling in a Crazy World (Pocket Travel Guide) https://rhythmandroam.com/book CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    1h 3m
  6. Sailing the World: Alison Gieschen’s Nautical Odyssey

    26/09/2025

    Sailing the World: Alison Gieschen’s Nautical Odyssey

    Sailing the world. It’s the adventure of a lifetime for Alison Gieschen, who has been sailing the high seas with her husband, Dan, since selling their New Jersey farm in 2017. Together they have traveled to 47 countries and four continents aboard their 43-foot sailboat, Equus.  Alison Gieschen shares her journey from growing up in upstate New York and moving to North Carolina, to becoming an avid sailor inspired by early family vacations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She recounts her serendipitous meeting with her husband, Dan, a three-time national sailing champion and Merchant Marine, and their decision to sail around the world.  Throughout the podcast, Alison details their blue water sailing adventures, including their unexpected but fortuitous stop at the Galapagos Islands and their many challenges at sea. She also touches upon her emotional struggles, such as overcoming PTSD from a severe storm during their early voyages, and the significant role that fate and mentorship played in her sailing journey.  Alison reflects on her sustained love for horses, drawing parallels between her past in competitive horseback riding and her current life aboard Equus. Alison recounts memorable destinations like the Azores—where a chance walk to town leads to a singular encounter with a cheesemonger—and Ireland, where she and Dan ended up housesitting in a Downton Abbey recreation on Bantry Bay during COVID. Throughout her travels, she is continually surprised and thrilled at the kindness of strangers.  Additionally, Alison discusses the environmental and humanitarian issues associated with Chinese fishing fleets, emphasizing the need for awareness and action regarding their harmful practices.   Places mentioned in this episode: Rhinebeck, NY Red Hook, NY Boston U.S. Virgin Islands New Jersey New Bern, NC Charlotte, NC Tahiti, French Polynesia Hiva Oa, Marquises, French Polynesia Azores Panama Galapagos Islands The Pacific Ocean The Atlantic Ocean Ireland Bantry Bay, Ireland St. Martin Bermuda   More about the Chinese fishing boats: Chinese fishing boats and forced labor, report from Al Jazeera English, Jun 20, 2024   Books by Alison include Riding the Waves of Reality, the nonfiction chronicle of their first four years of blue water sailing aboard Equus. Alison's other books can also be found on Amazon. These are not affiliate links, just so you know.    Connect with Alison and Dan: Sailmates.org Instagram: @sailmates_on_equus Facebook: Alison Gieschen   CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    45 min
  7. Africa and Beyond with Veteran Journalist Barry Maughan

    27/08/2025

    Africa and Beyond with Veteran Journalist Barry Maughan

    In this episode of Moving Along, host Christi Cassidy interviews Barry Maughan, a former chief of English to Africa for the Voice of America and the author of Beneath the African Sun (Outback, 2025). Barry shares his memoir and travelogue of living in Ethiopia during the early 1970s and his extensive journey with his wife, Suzanne, from Egypt to South Africa in a VW Combi camper bus named Bridget. The discussion also delves into his nearly 25-year career in Washington, D.C., his childhood in Australia, and the serendipitous events that shaped his life and travels. They explore the power of serendipity, the importance of embracing opportunities, and the value of travel (especially for children) in broadening one's perspective. Barry reflects on his significant journalistic experiences, including covering the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie and the devastating famine in Ethiopia, and his heartfelt insights on race, class and the role of family in African cultures. The conversation further touches on the vital role of the Voice of America in Africa and his concerns about its recent dismantling. Bio Barry Maughan is a lifelong writer and was an international broadcaster and journalist for more than forty years. During that time, he plied his trade on four continents, including stops in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United States. His major news coverages included the coup that overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in September 1974, and the devastating drought and subsequent famine in Ethiopia’s northern province of Wollo. The last 24 years of his career were spent at the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., where he retired as chief of the English to Africa service. Since his retirement, Barry has kept busy writing about his extensive travels and life experiences. Find out more and contact Barry: https://barrymaughan.com   00:36 Introduction to Barry Maughan 01:46 Barry's Early Life and Love for Travel 08:07 The Serendipitous Meeting in Egypt 10:01 Exploring Egypt and Heading South 17:40 Life and Work in Ethiopia 23:35 Challenges and Adventures in Africa 28:35 Navigating Language Barriers in Ethiopia 28:56 The Petrol Station Dilemma 31:03 Travel Adventures in Kenya 32:43 Cultural Insights and Family Values in Africa 39:34 The Voice of America   CREDITS Host and creator: Christi Cassidy Contact: christi@movingalongpodcast.com Artwork by Phyllis Busell Music by Eve’s Blue.  Post-production help from Auphonic.com. Show notes written with assistance from Descript and Claude.ai.  LINKS: More information and to listen to past episodes: https://movingalongpodcast.com Past episodes are here too: https://moving-along.simplecast.com/ Tag and like Moving Along episodes on Facebook and Instagram

    47 min

About

Moving Along explores travel, relocation and life transitions. Christi Cassidy shares stories of people who packed up and left--either by necessity or choice; advice from experts in organization, budgeting and moving; and tips on making your life transition a positive new adventure.