69 episodes

Welcome to "The Expat Pod!" Hosted by James Doran, our podcast explores the ins and outs of expat life, featuring stories, interviews, and tips for living abroad. Subscribe for new episodes every week and join our global community of expats and travellers.

Connect with us on:
Instagram: @the.expat.pod
TikTok: @theexpatpod
X: @ExpatPod
Facebook: The Expat Pod
Youtube: @theexpatpod
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates!

The Expat Pod James Doran

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

Welcome to "The Expat Pod!" Hosted by James Doran, our podcast explores the ins and outs of expat life, featuring stories, interviews, and tips for living abroad. Subscribe for new episodes every week and join our global community of expats and travellers.

Connect with us on:
Instagram: @the.expat.pod
TikTok: @theexpatpod
X: @ExpatPod
Facebook: The Expat Pod
Youtube: @theexpatpod
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates!

    E045 - The Power of Positive Communication and Respect Advice for Living Abroad

    E045 - The Power of Positive Communication and Respect Advice for Living Abroad

    Summary

    Richard shares his experience of living abroad, starting with his time in Spain and then his move to Costa Rica. He emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the language and culture of a foreign country to truly learn and grow. Richard also discusses the process of obtaining visas and the need for legal assistance when dealing with contracts and property in a foreign country. He highlights the value of positive communication and treating others with respect in both personal and business relationships. In this conversation, Richard shares his experiences of living abroad, specifically in Spain and Costa Rica. He talks about the initial excitement and adventure of arriving in a new country, describing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings he encountered. Richard also discusses the social aspects of living abroad, including making friends and immersing himself in the local culture. He then delves into the process of starting his own business in Costa Rica and offers advice for those considering living abroad. He emphasizes the importance of being respectful, street smart, and open to new experiences. Richard concludes by encouraging listeners to live their own lives and not let naysayers or negative influences hold them back.



    Takeaways

    Immersing oneself in the language and culture of a foreign country is essential for personal growth and learning.

    Obtaining visas and dealing with legal matters in a foreign country may require the assistance of an attorney.

    Positive communication and treating others with respect can lead to better personal and business relationships.

    Taking risks and pursuing opportunities abroad can lead to unexpected and fulfilling experiences. Living abroad can be an exciting and adventurous experience, filled with new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings.

    Socializing and immersing oneself in the local culture is an important part of the expat experience.

    Starting a business in a foreign country requires careful planning, hiring specialists, and adapting to local laws and regulations.

    It is important to be respectful, street smart, and open to new experiences when living abroad.

    Don't let naysayers or negative influences hold you back from pursuing your dreams of living abroad.



    Sound Bites

    "I wanted to live again. And I know I was going back to where I was going to be."

    "What did I see? Rainforest. What did I hear? Monkeys. Birds. Amazing."

    "What did I smell? The freshest air could ever breathe. What did I taste? Come on, man. Look at the food that's here. And what did I feel? The warmest weather. It felt amazing, like a warm bath."

    "It's almost like going back in time 20 or 30 years. People are family oriented, God fearing. All the neighbors know one another. People walk arm in arm, hand in hand. Kisses on the cheek, which I always think is cool."



    Connect with Us:


    Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod 


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ 


    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ 



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:25 Chapter 1: Getting There

    14:29 Chapter 2: Language and Cultural Immersion

    27:19 Chapter 4: Positive Communication and Respect

    35:24 Chapter 5: Taking Risks and Pursuing Opportunities

    44:21 The Excitement and Adventure of Living Abroad

    55:43 Socializing and Immersing in the Local Culture

    01:06:22 Starting a Business in a Foreign Country

    01:18:17 Advice for Living Abroad

    01:26:25 Living Your Own Life and Ignoring Naysayers



    Keywords

    living abroad, language immersion, cultural immersion, visas, legal assistance, positive communication, respect, living abroad, adventure, culture, socializing, starting a business, advice






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    • 1 hr 23 min
    Quick Fire Questions - Will Beebe - Coping with Homesickness

    Quick Fire Questions - Will Beebe - Coping with Homesickness

    Summary



    In this conversation, James Doran interviews Will from Most Life Abroad in Taiwan and Brazil. Will shares his favorite place he's ever lived, his favorite international food, his favorite international tradition, his best home sickness remedy, the hardest thing about living abroad, the best phrase he's learned, the best way of making new friends, the best thing to do in a new city, and his best life hack.



    Takeaways

    Living abroad can provide unique experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

    Favorite places, foods, traditions, and phrases can vary depending on personal preferences and experiences.

    Making new friends and exploring the local culture are important aspects of living abroad.

    Currency devaluation and transportation challenges can be difficult aspects of living abroad.

    Learning the local language can enhance the experience of living abroad.

    Visiting home and staying connected with family and friends can help alleviate homesickness.



    Sound Bites

    "This is a shorter version where Will will just go through some Quick Five Questions about his time living abroad"

    "Japan was the best place that I ever lived"

    "Brazil is a fantastic country because there are so many kinds of immigrant groups and all of them have brought their cuisines"



    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Favorite Places to Live Abroad

    01:03 Favorite International Food

    03:31 Coping with Homesickness

    05:25 Challenges of Living Abroad

    06:53 Learning the Language

    08:20 Building a Social Circle in a New City

    09:18 Discovering the Best of a New City

    10:39 Navigating Financial Systems While Traveling



    Connect with Us:


    Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod 


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ 


    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/ 



    Subscribe, Rate, and Review:

    If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.








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    • 11 min
    E044 - Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences

    E044 - Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences

    Summary

    Will shares his experiences of living abroad in different countries, starting with his journey from the US to Japan. He talks about the challenges he faced in the early days, such as language barriers and cultural differences. Will also discusses his social life and how he connected with other expats and locals through work and activities like playing football. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and the loyalty he experienced from his Japanese students and colleagues. In this conversation, Will shares his experiences living and working abroad in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil. He discusses the social life, language challenges, and cultural differences he encountered in each country. Will emphasizes the importance of having a sense of humor and being open to new experiences when living in a foreign country. He also talks about the safety concerns in Brazil and the potential for moving back to the United States. Overall, Will's stories highlight the transformative power of sports and hobbies in connecting with people and navigating different cultures.

    Takeaways


    Living abroad can be a challenging and rewarding experience
    Language barriers and cultural differences can make the initial days difficult
    Building relationships and connections with locals and expats is important for socializing and support
    Being punctual and reliable is highly valued in Japanese culture
    Teaching English as a second language can be a fulfilling career option Living abroad provides unique opportunities to experience different cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
    Having a sense of humor and being open to new experiences is essential when living in a foreign country.
    Sports and hobbies can serve as a social and language conduit, helping to build connections and navigate cultural differences.
    Safety concerns vary in different countries, and it's important to be cautious and aware of one's surroundings.
    Language barriers can be overcome through immersion and practice, and learning the local language can enhance the overall experience of living abroad.

    Sound Bites


    "My first day in Japan was a total disaster"
    "The Japanese businessmen are gonna love you. Why is that? You're already losing your hair. You're gonna get a lot of respect from these executives"
    "The Popcorn Club: A Meeting Place for Expats and Japanese Students"
    "Living abroad provides unique opportunities to experience different cultures and connect with people from diverse backgrounds."
    "Sports and hobbies can serve as a social and language conduit, helping to build connections and navigate cultural differences."
    "Safety concerns vary in different countries, and it's important to be cautious and aware of one's surroundings."





    Find out more about Will Beebe:

    https://www.soccergiantsofbrazil.com/



    Connect with Us:


    Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod 


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ 


    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod



    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:21 Motivation to Live Abroad: From the US to Japan

    08:08 Choosing Japan as a Destination

    15:23 From Japan to Taiwan: A New Adventure

    24:11 Navigating the Challenges of Living Abroad

    35:19 Building Connections: Expats and Locals

    40:54 The Importance of Punctuality in Japanese Culture

    44:00 Teaching English as a Second Language: A Fulfilling Career

    45:24 Living and Working Abroad: A Journey of Cultural Exploration

    46:24 The Social Life and Cultural Differences in Taiwan

    57:42 Safety Concerns and Adaptation in Brazil

    01:30:49 Considering the Future: Moving Back to the United States

    Keywords

    living abroad, Japan, cultural differences, language barriers, social life, expats, football, living abroad, working abroad, cultural differences, lang

    • 1 hr 27 min
    Quick Fire Questions - Taking Risks and Embracing Growth as an Expat

    Quick Fire Questions - Taking Risks and Embracing Growth as an Expat

    Summary

    In this conversation, James Doran interviews a guest who has lived in various countries around the world. They discuss favourite places to live, favourite international food and traditions, the best things about living abroad, and tips for expat life. The conversation is light-hearted and provides insights into the guest's experiences and perspectives.

    Takeaways

    Living abroad offers a sense of discovery and freedom.
    Favorite international food can vary, but Thai food is a popular choice.
    International traditions like cacao ceremonies and ecstatic dance can provide a connection to oneself.
    Finding ways to combat homesickness, such as visiting international restaurants or connecting with other expats, can help ease the transition.
    Figuring out how things work in a new country, from customs to technicalities, can be a challenge.
    Jumping into the unknown and taking risks can lead to personal growth while living abroad.
    Attending social events and being open to meeting new people is a great way to make friends in a new city.
    Exploring a new city by trying out different restaurants and discovering local attractions can be exciting.
    Flying west when travelling can be easier on jet lag compared to flying east.
    The guest offers assistance with US tax returns and denouncing citizenship on their website.

    Sound Bites
    "Favorite place to get work done while exploring an exotic culture: Bangkok"
    "Favorite international food: Thai pineapple chicken and mango sticky rice"
    "Favorite international tradition: Cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance"

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Guest's Background
    02:02 International Traditions: Cacao Ceremonies and Ecstatic Dance
    04:23 Navigating the Challenges of Living Abroad
    05:52 Exploring a New City: Random Adventures and Discoveries
    06:20 Expat Life Hack: Easing Jet Lag by Flying West
    06:50 Additional Resources: US Tax Return Assistance and Denouncing Citizenship


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    • 7 min
    E043 - The Importance of Curiosity When Living Abroad

    E043 - The Importance of Curiosity When Living Abroad

    Summary:

    Olivier Wagner shares his journey of living in different countries, including France, the US, Canada, and Mexico. He discusses his experiences studying in the US and the differences in campus life compared to France. Olivier also talks about his time in New York City and the cultural exposure he had there. He then shares his impressions of living in Canada, particularly in Montreal, and the cultural differences between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians. Finally, he discusses his current experience in Mexico and the ease of travel and living there. In this conversation, James Doran discusses his experiences living abroad and the cultural differences he encountered. He talks about the differences between Canadian French and French from France, including the use of old words and literal translations from English. He also shares his thoughts on language evolution and the importance of being curious when living abroad. James provides advice for those considering living abroad, such as the benefits of moving to Quebec as a stepping stone into North America. He also discusses his business, 1040 Abroad, which helps Americans living overseas with their tax returns.



    Takeaways

    - Living in different countries provides unique cultural experiences and perspectives.

    - Campus life in the US is different from Europe, with a focus on enclosed campuses and limited access to the city.

    - New York City offers a diverse and international environment, with opportunities for cultural exploration.- There are cultural differences between English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians.

    - Mexico provides an open and welcoming environment for travelers and expats. Living abroad allows for a deeper understanding of cultural differences and perspectives.

    - Canadian French differs from French spoken in France, with the use of old words and literal translations from English.

    - Being curious is essential when living abroad, as it helps to navigate and appreciate new experiences.

    - Moving to Quebec can be a good stepping stone for those interested in living in North America.

    - 1040 Abroad provides tax return services for Americans living overseas and helps with compliance and renunciation of US citizenship.

    Sound Bites

    "I lived in France until 2004, then studied in Louisiana and worked in New York."

    "I joined an accounting firm in Montreal and became a CPA."

    "Mexico was open throughout COVID-19 and saw an opportunity in having foreigners stay."

    "The melody was a way to cross off. It was quite a common one I used a lot."

    "Sometimes you can say whether it's an old French word that they're still using. Sometimes you can say whether it's a literal English translation."

    "I always feel that you speak your story, you speak English as a second language, especially from some parts of Europe. They speak American English."



    1040abroad.com



    Connect with Us:

    Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/

    Subscribe, Rate, and Review:If you enjoyed this episode of The Expat Pod, please subscribe, rate, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver valuable content on life as an expat.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    11:26 Living and Working in Canada

    33:52 Living Abroad and Language Differences

    42:01 The Importance of Curiosity and Cultural Differences

    51:09 Advice for Living Abroad and Moving to Quebec

    56:03 Advice for Americans Living Abroad

    01:04:03 1040 Abroad: Assisting Americans with Tax Returns


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    • 1 hr 7 min
    Quick Fire Questions - Tracy Lamouri

    Quick Fire Questions - Tracy Lamouri

    Welcome to another instalment of the Quick Fire Questions derivative of the podcast. In this shorter format, I ask my quest a handful of questions to which they share a quick answer in order to hopefully inspire some future expats to follow in their footsteps or at the very least be entertained by some of the great answers! 

    Living Abroad Lightning Round:

    00:00 Intro

    00:24. What is your favourite place you've lived?

    01:00. What is your favourite international food?

    02:00. What is your favourite international tradition?

    03:00. What is your favourite thing about living abroad?

    04:00. What is your best homesickness remedy? 

    05:00. What is the hardest thing about living abroad?

    06:00. What is the best phrase you're learnt whilst living abroad?

    07:00. What is the best way to make friends abroad? 

    08:00. What is the best thing to do in your new city?

    09:00. What is your best expat life hack?



    Connect with Us:


    Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod 


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089327439022 


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.expat.pod/ 


    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExpatPod


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-expat-pod/



    Subscribe to our podcast!

    Share your favourite expat stories on social media using #QuickFireAbroad


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    • 12 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

Stephen_D60 ,

Inspiring and full of advice

It is great to hear all about what opportunities are available for many people in the world. This podcast is like being a fly on the wall during a conversation of friends. With great insights and opportunities to replicate moves for yourself.

The audio quality will hopefully improve as the show grows!

ParkRunFun ,

Great Tips

Amazing to hear someone talking about the difficulties and opportunities there are in moving abroad, especially since Brexit. I’m looking forward to following this podcast on its journey!!!

Jayjay52 ,

Great Idea, looking forward to seeing it develop

Wonderful intention in this podcast, as it’s still early on, you’ll have to excuse some audio and recording issues, but nothing most podcasts haven’t faced.

I’m hoping this is super successful as it’s a great resource for people to understand the opportunities that exist to live and work abroad!

Keep up the good work.

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