Expat Podcast the Netherlands

Your Move To The Netherlands

Podcast channel for internationally minded people in The Netherlands. Interviews and lectures about living and working in The Netherlands, covering topics like Business, Career, Networking, Cultural differences, tips for trips and recommendations by fellow expats. The podcast is hosted by Michel Daenen, a Dutch sociologist who has been an expat himself and since he repatriated supports international people to have a smooth landing in The Netherlands. This podcast originally started as a Radio Show on Easy FM, a local radio show in the Amsterdam Area. More info: www.yourmovetothenetherlands.nl

  1. Jun 24

    Life after paradise: building a new family story in the Netherlands

    In this episode of Expat Podcast the Netherlands, I talk with Hilly and Cristian Cassetta. Cristian is Italian and Hilly comes from South Africa. They met in London, built a life together in Italy, and raised their children in what many people would describe as paradise: the beautiful, protected surroundings of Tuscany. Life was good, safe and full of beauty. And yet, something started to shift. As a family, they felt the need for more challenge, more possibilities and more space to grow. So, they made a bold decision: to leave paradise behind and move to the Netherlands. In our conversation, we talk about what it means to choose growth over comfort, how an international move affects family life, and why the Netherlands became the place where they wanted to build their next chapter. Cristian and Hilly share openly what this move has meant for them as parents, for their daughters, and for their family as a whole. We explore the reasons behind their choice, the impact of Dutch life on their family dynamics, and what they have gained by stepping out of a familiar and beautiful environment into something new. If you are curious about family life abroad, the courage it takes to start again, and the unexpected gifts of leaving your comfort zone, this conversation is for you. Christian writes a blog about their experiences. You can read it here: https://www.casspeople ettas-reboot.xyz/en/ === More information about our courses, coaching and support you can find on www.yourmovertothenetherlands.nl

    Life after paradise: building a new family story in the Netherlands
  2. Mar 3

    Job Hunting in the Netherlands with Elsa Tranquillo

    In this episode of Expat podcast the Netherlands, I talk with Elsa Tranquillo — an Italian professional who’s been living in the Netherlands for several years and knows the job-search reality here firsthand. Through her own experiences applying, interviewing, and navigating the Dutch market, Elsa shares practical, valuable advice on what really makes a difference when you’re trying to land a role. We dive into the nuances behind Dutch hiring culture, how to position your story in a way that resonates locally, and the small shifts that can dramatically improve your chances — from networking with intention to making your CV and LinkedIn feel “Dutch” without losing who you are. She also shares her own experience with self-discovery that came along with living and working in new country. If you’re looking for grounded, actionable tips to move your job search forward and how to develop yourself in the meantime, Elsa delivers. == At Your Move to the Netherlands, we support expats in building a happier, more effective and more confident life in the Netherlands. Whether you’re preparing to move, already settling in, or trying to find your way in Dutch work culture, we offer a range of courses, coaching and practical support. We help you navigate daily life, understand the Dutch way of working, find a job, develop your career, and integrate in a way that feels natural and empowering. www.yourmovetothenetherlands.nl contact@yourmovetothenetherlands.nl

    Job Hunting in the Netherlands with Elsa Tranquillo
  3. 12/23/2025

    McKenna’s Dutch journey on and off the stage

    In this episode, Michel Daenen speaks with McKenna Mahacek. Her Dutch story beautifully combines creativity, courage, and finding your place in a new country. Some of you may remember a very special moment during the Michel Daenen's book launch of Expatfactor. While the audience watched a dancer move on screen, many didn’t realize they were witnessing a live performance. McKenna was dancing in a green screen setup, being filmed in real time — and only later did the audience discover that the dancer they had been watching on screen was performing live, in the main hall. In this podcast, McKenna shares what that unique experience was like for her, and how she experienced being part of such an unexpected and magical moment. Beyond that, McKenna talks about her journey from the USA to the Netherlands four years ago, how she transformed her passion for dance from a hobby into a profession, and how dancing has helped her build connections with people from all over the world — especially in Amsterdam. Through dance, community, and creativity, she has truly found her place in a new country  More info on McKenna you find on https://www.mckennamahacek.com   McKenna's insta is https://www.instagram.com/fledglingdancersamsterdam/   This is a 2 minute video of the book launch of Expatfactor, in which you see a short clip of McKenna dancing, together with guitar player Jan Snellen:  https://youtu.be/M_w-QN2_uMQ   ===   Information on Your Move to the Netherlands you can find on  https://yourmovetothenetherlands.nl   More background about the podcast host Michel Daenen you find here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-daenen/

    McKenna’s Dutch journey on and off the stage
  4. 12/04/2025

    Joyce has been around as expat spouse (Dutch language episode)

    If you’ve listened before, you know that our episodes are normally in English. But every now and then, there’s a conversation that deserves to be shared in Dutch — just as it was spoken. Today’s episode is one of those moments. And I really want to encourage you to stay with us, even if Dutch isn’t your strongest language yet. Think of it as a gentle listening exercise: you’ll hear natural Dutch, pick up new words and rhythms, and get a feel for how people truly speak in everyday life in the Netherlands. This episode may help you to build your confidence. In this conversation, I speak with Joyce van der Heide, a Dutch woman who spent many years living abroad as the partner of her husband who was posted around the world for a multinational company. She has a wealth of experience as an expat partner, and she shares her insights, stories, and lessons learned with honesty and clarity. I hope you enjoy this episode — in Dutch — and that it will inspire you on your own journey in the Netherlands. If you’re new here I want to let you know that at Your Move to the Netherlands, we support expats in building a happier, more effective and more confident life in the Netherlands. Whether you’re preparing to move, already settling in, or trying to find your way in Dutch work culture, we offer a range of courses, coaching and practical support. We help you navigate daily life, understand the Dutch way of working, and integrate in a way that feels natural and empowering. And because we work with a wide network of specialists, organisations and partners, we can guide you with many different questions — from career and culture to practical challenges and personal development. If you’d like to learn more, you’re very welcome to visit our website or connect with us. I hope today’s episode inspires you, and I look forward to having you with us next time, in English. www.yourmovetothenetherlands.nl michel.daenen@yourmovetothenetherlands.nl == Information about Joyce:  Joyce van der Heide www.joyce2journey.nl == Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music License code: 7JJ25CVO3GLNSDPD Artist: : Benjamin Tissot

    Joyce has been around as expat spouse (Dutch language episode)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Podcast channel for internationally minded people in The Netherlands. Interviews and lectures about living and working in The Netherlands, covering topics like Business, Career, Networking, Cultural differences, tips for trips and recommendations by fellow expats. The podcast is hosted by Michel Daenen, a Dutch sociologist who has been an expat himself and since he repatriated supports international people to have a smooth landing in The Netherlands. This podcast originally started as a Radio Show on Easy FM, a local radio show in the Amsterdam Area. More info: www.yourmovetothenetherlands.nl

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