Expecting Expats

Hosts Amanda and CJ
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Welcome to Expecting Expats- a space where we’re expecting more than just babies—join Amanda, a childbirth educator and doula, and CJ, a therapist-in-training, as they explore parenting, partnerships, emotional growth, and the journey of building a life in a new country.

  1. 2 days ago

    Divorce, Co-Parenting, and Finding Strength as an Expat Family with Louisette Winkel

    What happens when your family life changes dramatically while living far from home? In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode of Expecting Expats, we sit down with author, speaker, and founder of Ignite Spark, Louisette Winkel, to discuss one of the most challenging topics many families face: navigating separation and divorce while raising children abroad. As an expat mother of three, Louisette shares her personal journey of moving from the Netherlands to Germany, building a new life abroad, and later facing an unexpected separation. Through her story, she offers powerful insights into resilience, personal growth, and creating a healthy co-parenting relationship that keeps children's wellbeing at the centre. Together, we explore how expat parenting can become even more complex during major life transitions, especially when you're far from your usual support systems and navigating different legal systems, languages, and cultural expectations. This episode is filled with practical advice, hope, and reminders that even in life's most difficult moments, it's possible to create stability, connection, and a new vision for your family. In this episode, we talk about: * Navigating separation and divorce while living abroad * How expat life can add additional challenges to co-parenting * Supporting children through major family transitions * Creating a new family structure after divorce * Why personal growth is essential during difficult seasons of life * Helping children feel safe and heard during change * The importance of communication and collaboration in co-parenting * Finding community and rebuilding your support system as an expat parent * Creating new family traditions and redefining what family looks like Key Takeaways for Expat Parents ✨ Children need honesty, reassurance, and stability during periods of change. ✨ It's okay to acknowledge your own grief while still supporting your children. ✨ Co-parenting works best when parents focus on what they can control and keep their children's needs at the centre. ✨ Building a new version of family life takes time, patience, and flexibility. ✨ Seeking professional support, such as family or play therapy, can make a huge difference during transitions. Our Favourite Expat Parenting Tips from This Episode: * Keep communication open and age-appropriate with your children. * Involve children in conversations about new family routines when possible. * Inform schools and caregivers about major changes happening at home. * Lean on your community and ask for support when you need it. * Focus on creating a sense of safety and consistency for your children. * Remember that healing and rebuilding take time. A Reminder for Every Expat Parent Separation and divorce are never easy, and navigating them while living abroad can feel especially overwhelming. But this episode is a powerful reminder that there is no perfect way to move through difficult transitions. With patience, support, and intentional communication, families can find a new rhythm and create a version of expat family life that still feels loving, connected, and secure. Whether you're currently navigating separation, supporting a friend through it, or simply looking for expat parenting tips and insights into building resilient families abroad, this conversation offers compassion, practical advice, and hope. Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is showing them that even in difficult seasons, families can adapt, heal, and grow together. Connect with Louisette Winkel Book: Flip Your Script Instagram: @ignitespark4u Website: https://www.ignitespark4u.com

  2. 1 Jul

    Summer Check-In: Navigating the Joys and Chaos of Expat Family Life

    Summer has officially arrived, and for many international families, that means a season filled with sunshine, travel plans, school holidays, and a healthy dose of chaos. In this special catch-up episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ sit down for an honest conversation about what life looks like right now as moms raising children abroad. From summer bucket lists and family traditions to the realities of traveling with kids and attending weddings with little ones in tow, this episode is a reminder that expat parenting is often a balancing act between creating magical memories and simply surviving the logistics. CJ shares exciting personal news as she completes her couples therapy training and prepares to open her own practice supporting international families and couples in Frankfurt. Amanda opens up about the anticipation—and anxiety—of a summer packed with family adventures, including a formal wedding with two energetic boys. Together, they reflect on the changing seasons of expat motherhood, the freedom that comes as children get older, and the importance of embracing both the beautiful and messy moments of expat family life. In this episode, we talk about: * Creating summer bucket lists and family traditions * Managing the end-of-school-year chaos as an expat family * Travel hacks for long journeys with kids * The realities of bringing children to weddings and special events abroad * Finding time for yourself during motherhood * Embracing the changing stages of parenting as children grow * Building community and support while raising a family overseas Our Favourite Expat Parenting Tips from This Episode: * Create a simple family summer bucket list with experiences everyone can enjoy. * Lower the pressure and focus on connection over perfection. * Travel days are easier with snacks, screens, and realistic expectations. * Remember that children are allowed to be children—even at fancy events. * Give yourself permission to enjoy this season of life and say yes to a little fun. A Reminder for Every Expat Parent If you're feeling both excited and overwhelmed by summer, you're not alone. The pressure to make magical memories while managing work, travel, and everyday parenting is real. This episode is your reminder that there is no perfect way to do summer or parent abroad. Whether you're planning adventures, visiting family, or simply trying to survive the school holidays, we hope this conversation makes you feel seen and supported. Because expat family support starts with knowing that other parents are navigating the same joys and challenges right alongside you. We'd Love to Hear From You What are your family's summer plans? Are you already in holiday mode? Send us a voice message on Instagram—we'd love to hear your stories and may even feature them in a future episode of Expecting Expats. Happy summer from our family to yours! Podcast recommendations: Molly’s morning meditations Link to Amanda’s website: www.mindfulmamafrankfurt.com Link to CJ’s webside: www.worldsapartcounseling.com

  3. 17 Jun

    Hallway Claustrophobia: Why Getting Out the Door Feels So Hard as an Expat Parent

    Have you ever found yourself standing in a crowded hallway, desperately searching for a missing shoe while one child refuses to get dressed, another is asking a thousand questions, and you're already late? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ dive into what they're calling "hallway claustrophobia"—that overwhelming feeling that seems to strike during family transitions, especially during hectic mornings, school drop-offs, travel days, and bedtime routines. Together, they explore why these moments feel so intense, how overstimulation affects both parents and children, and why these everyday challenges can feel even bigger when you're navigating expat family life. From managing the emotional load of parenting abroad to handling transitions in a new language and culture, this episode is a reassuring reminder that you're not failing—you're simply human. Amanda and CJ share honest stories from their own experiences with expat parenting, discuss how stress and sensory overload impact the nervous system, and offer practical strategies for staying regulated when family life feels chaotic. Whether you're newly abroad or have been living overseas for years, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with a few new tools to navigate the everyday challenges of expat motherhood, expat parenting, and raising children far from home. In This Episode, We Discuss: * Why mornings and family transitions can feel overwhelming * The science behind parental overstimulation and transition fatigue * How moving abroad impacts stress levels for parents and children * Why kids often struggle with transitions and routines * The connection between time pressure, sensory overload, and emotional regulation * Practical ways to manage overwhelm during busy family moments * The importance of repair after losing your patience * How to create more calm and connection during daily routines * Why self-compassion matters in expat family life Expat Parenting Tips from This Episode: * Slow down when possible—everything is not an emergency * Notice signs of overstimulation before reaching your limit * Take a breath or step away briefly when emotions start rising * Prepare for transitions by giving children advance notice * Remember the HALT check-in: Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? * Focus on repair rather than perfection after difficult parenting moments * Give yourself grace—raising a family abroad comes with unique challenges Resources Mentioned * Good Inside Podcast with Dr. Becky * Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger by Soraya Chemaly Connect With Us Have you experienced "hallway claustrophobia" or another version of transition overwhelm? We'd love to hear from you. Share your experiences, questions, and favorite expat parenting tips with us. Your stories help strengthen the expat family support community we're building together. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who might need the reminder that they're not alone. Because parenting abroad is hard—but you don't have to do it alone.

  4. 3 Jun

    Trading Germany for Spain: Rebuilding a Business + Expat Family Life with Seli Jacome

    In today’s episode of our Expat Experts Series, Amanda and CJ sit down with Seli Jacome —a birth and postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and former Frankfurt resident who flipped the script on expat family life four years ago by relocating her trilingual family to Valencia, Spain. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to move out of Germany, or how to navigate the vulnerable phases of expat motherhood while building a business from scratch in a brand-new country, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Key Takeaways from the episode: * The Search for Slow Living: How the desire for green space, safety, and a slower pace of life drove Seli's family to move from Germany to Spain. * Embracing Multi-Cultural Identity: Seli discusses navigating her family's unique German, Korean, Mexican, and British roots within expat parenting. * The "DIY" Approach to Expat Parenting: How Seli spotted a massive gap in the Spanish postpartum healthcare system and created her own international community groups (including a massive secondhand kids' market in her garden!). * The Mental Load of a Third Language: The exhausting reality of managing pediatric appointments, school systems, and daily life when navigating your third language. * Germany vs. Spain: A fascinating comparison of school flexibility, healthcare structures, and why Seli’s family swapped German structure for Spanish sunshine and a slower pace of life. * Navigating Big Moves with Teens & Newborns: Seli’s firsthand expat parenting tips on moving across Europe with older children and a 7-week-old baby in tow. 📝 Other Episode Highlights 🌍 A Truly Global Family Background Seli is half-German and half-Korean, married to a man who is half-Mexican and half-British. Together with their three kids, they speak English, Spanish, and German at home. Despite deep roots in Germany, Seli opens up about never feeling like she 100% fit in—and how that ultimate search for belonging led them to the colorful, diverse expat bubble of Valencia. 🛑 The Shock of Spanish Bureaucracy & Healthcare Think German paperwork is tough? Seli shares hilarious and stressful stories of navigating old-school Spanish paper trails. She also breaks down the cultural shocks of expat motherhood in Spain, where the cozy German Hebamme (midwife) home-visit culture doesn't exist, forcing new moms to navigate postpartum care entirely differently. 💼 Finding Your Niche in a New Market When Seli arrived in Spain, she realized local mothers return to work much earlier (around 4 months) compared to Germany, leaving a massive lack of expat family support for postpartum care and community playgroups. By embracing a "Do-It-Yourself" attitude, she successfully rebuilt her doula and education practice to serve the international community. ⭐ Connect with Our Guest * Find Seli here: * www.21doulaservice.es * 21doulaservice_selijacome ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? If you found Seli’s expat parenting journey inspiring, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with real, raw stories and practical expat family support. Podcast recommendations: Neuroshambles

  5. 20 May

    Raising Third Culture Kids: Superpowers, Identity Crises, and Where the Pretzels are

    What happens when you’re raising children in a country completely different from your passport culture? In this episode, Amanda and CJ explore the beautifully complicated reality of expat parenting and raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs). From blending holiday traditions (think Danish elves, St. Nicholas, and Santa Claus all competing for airtime) to navigating identity, belonging, and the ever-changing meaning of “home,” this conversation dives deep into modern expat family life. Amanda and CJ share honest stories about expat motherhood, cultural confusion, and the emotional challenges that come with raising globally mobile kids. Whether your children are fluent culture-switchers, “look-alike” TCKs, or simply obsessed with German bakery pretzels, this episode offers reassurance, laughter, and practical insight for parents building lives abroad. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing this whole international parenting thing “right,” this episode is packed with relatable moments, encouragement, and thoughtful expat parenting tips. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that while raising TCKs can create complicated identity questions, it also gives children extraordinary adaptability, empathy, and resilience. Key Takeaways * What is a TCK? A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is someone raised outside their parents’ passport culture, blending their home culture with the culture of their host country to create a unique “third culture” identity shared by many internationally mobile families. * The “Look-Alike” vs. “Non-Look-Alike” TCK Experience Amanda and CJ discuss how children who physically resemble the dominant culture of their host country are often expected to fully understand the language and social norms—creating a unique layer of identity pressure many expat families experience. * Redefining the Meaning of Home In both expat motherhood and broader expat family life, “home” often becomes less about geography and more about relationships, routines, and emotional connection. * The Hidden Superpowers of TCKs While global mobility can bring challenges like transient friendships and identity struggles, TCKs frequently develop remarkable emotional intelligence, cultural adaptability, communication skills, and resilience in uncertainty. * The Importance of Expat Family Support Raising children abroad can feel isolating at times, which is why strong community, honest conversations, and reliable expat family support systems are so important for both parents and kids. Book recommendations: ​Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds​Rage becomes her: The Power of Women’s Anger, by Soraya Chemaly Podcast Recommendations: Disengaged, by Leah Harding

  6. 6 May

    Raising Multilingual Kids: Strategies, Challenges, and Celebrations

    In this episode of Expecting Expat, we dive into the wonderful world of expat parenting and explore the joys and challenges of raising multilingual children across cultures. Whether you're navigating expat family life or seeking expat parenting tips, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt stories about fostering language skills and cultural identity abroad. We discuss various language strategies, including one parent, one language, minority language at home, context switching, and more. Hear real stories from parents balancing multiple languages at home, managing language loss, and creating meaningful expat family support networks. Learn how your children’s multilingual development can become a gift of access to culture and media, and discover tips on maintaining language skills across generations, connecting with grandparents, and embracing the beautiful complexity of expat motherhood. If you're raising multilingual kids in a foreign country or simply curious about how language shapes cultural identity, this episode is packed with relatable experiences and advice. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the unique expat family journey of language, culture, and connection. Podcast recommendations: Real survival stories (by Noiser) The Daily (by The New York Times)

  7. 22 Apr

    Expat Experts: Building community through language learning - Interview with Amy Fletcher.

    ✨ Episode Summary Moving abroad is exciting—but it can also feel isolating. In this episode of Expecting Expats, we sit down with Amy Fletcher, founder of Speak Easy Sprachschule in Frankfurt, to explore how language learning can become a powerful tool for building community, confidence, and connection. Amy shares her journey from the U.S. to Germany, how she built a community-centered language school, and why integration is about so much more than grammar and vocabulary. From the challenges of feeling “like a beginner again” to the magic of forming friendships through shared learning, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to feel at home abroad. 💡 What We Cover * Why 87% of expats experience isolation—and how to overcome it * The idea of “invisible anchors” and what we lose when we move abroad * How language learning can feel humbling, frustrating, and empowering * Why community is just as important as conjugation * The role of confidence and mindset in learning a new language * How social events (like art meetups and casual conversations) accelerate integration * The impact of AI and language apps—and why they can’t replace real connection * What it’s really like to run a business as an expat in Germany 🧠 Key Takeaways * Language learning isn’t just about words—it’s about belonging * Feeling like a beginner again is part of the process (and it’s okay) * Connection builds confidence, and confidence builds language skills * You don’t need perfect language skills to start building community * Sometimes the best step forward is simply showing up 🗣️ Memorable Quotes “Learning a language is an infantilizing process—you feel like a child again.” “The language is almost the conduit—it’s how friendships are formed.” “Community starts with connection… sometimes with a single hello—or hallo.” 🌍 About Our Guest Amy Fletcher is the founder of SpeakEasy Sprachschule in Frankfurt, a language school focused not just on teaching languages, but on creating meaningful social connections for expats. Through community events, conversation-based learning, and a welcoming environment, Amy helps newcomers feel at home in Germany. Find out more about SpeakEasy here: speakeasy-sprachschule.de 🎧 Podcast Recommendations from This Episode * Coffee Break German – great for beginners (A1–A2) * Warum Nicht? (Deutsche Welle) – structured learning for beginners * Easy German – ideal for intermediate learners (B1–B2) * Fest & Flauschig – for advanced learners (C1+) who want real, fast-paced German * Sweet Bobby – a gripping storytelling podcast * Molly’s Mornings – mindful reflections and daily rituals 💬 Final Thought Building a life abroad takes courage—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Whether it’s through language, shared experiences, or simply showing up, connection is always the first step.

  8. 18 Apr

    C-section Awareness Month: Amanda shares her story of an unexpected c-section

    📝 Episode Description In this special 6-month anniversary episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda shares the birth story of her first child—an unexpected and unplanned C-section that changed everything. Recorded during C-section Awareness Month, this honest conversation explores the realities of expat motherhood, navigating pregnancy and birth in a foreign healthcare system, and what happens when birth plans don’t go as expected. Amanda opens up about her experience with prodromal labor, a stressful hospital induction, and ultimately a traumatic birth that led to postpartum PTSD. Through it all, she reflects on the emotional impact, the challenges of expat family life, and how this experience shaped her journey into becoming a childbirth educator and doula. This episode is raw, real, and an important reminder that every birth story matters—and that support, preparation, and advocacy are key in expat parenting. ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of birth trauma and may be triggering for some listeners. 💬 What We Talk About * Celebrating 6 months of Expecting Expats 🎉 * Amanda’s pregnancy as an expat in Germany * The challenges of preparing for birth abroad * Navigating language barriers in birth classes * Prodromal labor and the emotional toll of “waiting” * A chaotic lead-up to labor (including illness and unexpected events) * Hospital experiences and feeling unheard during labor * The reality of an emergency C-section * Birth trauma and postpartum PTSD * Struggles with early bonding and recovery * The importance of expat family support during postpartum * How Amanda’s experience shaped her work supporting other families 🌍 Key Takeaways for Expat Families Amanda’s story highlights important lessons for anyone navigating expat parenting and expat family life: * Birth rarely goes exactly as planned—flexibility is essential * Understanding the local healthcare system can make a huge difference * Advocacy matters: knowing your options and asking questions is key * Postpartum planning is just as important as birth planning * Emotional recovery deserves just as much attention as physical healing * Building a strong network of expat family support can be invaluable 💡 Expat Parenting Tips from This Episode * Don’t over-schedule the postpartum period—leave space to recover * Prepare mentally for multiple birth scenarios, including C-sections * Consider hiring a doula, especially when navigating birth abroad * Take birth classes in a language you fully understand * Trust your instincts—but also prepare how to advocate within the system * Seek professional support if you experience birth trauma 🤍 A Note from Amanda This story is shared with honesty and vulnerability to help other women feel less alone. Whether your journey into expat motherhood is smooth or complicated, your experience is valid—and support is always available. 🎧 What We’re Listening To This week, we’re both hooked on:Real Survival Stories – gripping, real-life survival experiences with a surprisingly soothing narrator. 📌 Connect With Us If this episode resonated with you, share it with another expat parent or leave us a review—it helps more families find support and community.

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About

Welcome to Expecting Expats- a space where we’re expecting more than just babies—join Amanda, a childbirth educator and doula, and CJ, a therapist-in-training, as they explore parenting, partnerships, emotional growth, and the journey of building a life in a new country.

Information

  • Creator
    Hosts Amanda and CJ
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hosts Amanda and CJ
  • Show Website
    Expecting Expats