Building Home: An Expat Podcast by Nneya Richards

Nneya Richards
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On Building Home: An Expat Podcast, travel expert, Nneya Richards will talk to friends, expats, immigrants about making a home in a new country and all that entails– from bureaucracy, creating a family, beautiful cultural exploration, sociopolitical issues and so much more.

  1. JAN 9

    From Mumbai (Bombastic Bombay!) to New York City's Island of Misfit Toys with Kabir Awatramani

    Join me today with my dear friend Kabir Awatramani as he takes me through his journey of his chic childhood growing up in Bombay to being lured by the magical pull of the island of misfit toys, NYC. We reminisce about the old days of fashion, our Blackberries, gender studies and politics and how we  found each other across careers, continents and timelines. Such an open, thoughtful conversation and for reminding us how much identity, culture, and connection shape the way we move through the world.  We even get into GLP-1s! And of course Kabir is sharing his favorite NYC and Mumbai haunts for you to add to your saved places! Like, comment and let me know what you think! You can follow me on Instagram @nneya and on TikTok @nneyarichards

    1h 6m

  2. 12/11/2025

    Carrying Home Within: Navigating the Holidays, Grief, and Life Abroad with Christina Babich

    In this episode, Christina — a clinical psychologist who understands the beautifully tangled inner world of expats and digital nomads — opens a window into the emotional landscapes that come with living between cultures. We talk about how trauma, grief and past experiences travel with us, the different ways psychology shows up around the world, and what it really means to build a sense of home when everything feels in motion. Christina shares thoughtful, comforting strategies for navigating the holiday season, reminding us to treat ourselves with compassion and stay connected to the body’s wisdom. She also speaks to the quiet power of community and support, especially when life abroad feels heavy or uncertain. To reach out to Christina, visit her website https://www.christinababich.com/ Here’s the link to our Glam4Good Ulta Beauty BIPOC founders beauty kits.  https://www.ulta.com/p/bipoc-founders-beauty-discovery-kit-pimprod2053478?sku=2647650 100% of net proceeds benefit Glam4Good, empowering beauty with purpose. You can follow me on Instagram @nneya or tiktok @nneyarichards 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:39 Christina's Journey to Budapest 04:49 Cultural Perspectives on Psychology 09:20 Navigating Grief and Trauma 14:08 Finding Home and Stability 18:31 Mind-Body Connection in Therapy 23:35 Coping with Holiday Triggers 27:54 Creating New Traditions as Expats 32:42 Advice for Staying Sane During the Holidays

    47 min

  3. 12/05/2025

    Building Home and Holiday Traditions in Italy and New York

    This week is a solo episode where I catch you guys up on how we spent the Thanksgiving holiday. My mom's in town, Michele gave a tear-jerking speech, we had a Jamaican-Italian gala charity dinner that was featured in Vogue Italia and a beautiful stay at The Place in Florence. It was also a week of some pretty special firsts...Wow... what a packed week. Listen, subscribe and review! It helps people find us! Follow me! ⁠@nneya⁠ on IG

    22 min

  4. 11/28/2025

    Building Community from NYC to Milan with Kayla Jagusch of Even Numbers

    Nneya sits down with Kayla Jagusch—founder of Even Numbers—to discuss moving to Milan during the pandemic, building creative community, navigating entrepreneurship in Italy, and using art as a bridge for connection. Kayla shares insights from her New York upbringing, her work with major global brands, and her journey toward defining home through self-expression, cultural exchange, and belonging. Listen, subscribe and review! It helps people find us! Follow Kayla on Instagram and Tiktok @kaylajag And Even Numbers on IG and Tiktok @evennumbers.milano And me! @nneya on IG

    52 min

  5. 11/21/2025

    Good Craic in Dublin with Molly Mulshine

    In this episode, I'm chatting with American journalist and comedian Molly Mulshine who now calls Dublin home. We chat about the cultural differences in parenting, the cost of living, and the vibrant comedy scene in Dublin. We go from immigration and tradwives to the Real Housewives of Potomac and the House of Guiness. It's a fun conversation you won't want to miss! And of course, Molly shares her must-sees in Dublin! Like, comment, review! It helps people find us! Check out Molly's viral Real Life Emojis video Follow Molly on Substack Molly Mulshine and Instagram @MollyMulshine and keep up with me on Instagram @nneya

    1h 23m

  6. 06/18/2025

    The Gold Star Kids Guide to Intentional Community Building with Allie Canton

    Today I'm chatting with an old dear friend from Amherst College, Allie Canton who is a meditation teacher and the author of Practically on Purpose, a Substack and podcast for high achievers who collected all the gold stars and are now looking for deeper meaning, purpose and joy. She's also a healthcare technology lawyer advising high-growth startups and volunteers with causes supporting health care access and immigrants' rights across the Hudson Valley.In this conversation, we explore the themes of community, immigrant experiences, and the importance of family. We discuss our educational journeys in elite institutions, the challenges of navigating career choices, and the cultural differences in parenting. The conversation highlights the significance of building connections in new environments, the balance between work and personal life, and the role of spirituality in our lives. Check out Allie's Substack Practically On Purpose and keep up with me on Instagram @nneya Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 07:33 The Impact of Community and Responsibility 10:25 Navigating Education and Career Choices 13:20 Cultural Identity and Family Support 16:12 Experiences in Higher Education 19:10 Building Community in Corporate Environments 25:41 Navigating the Startup Culture 28:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life 31:39 The Impact of Environment on Well-being 35:13 Rebuilding Life with Intention 38:38 Creating Community in New Surroundings 44:34 Supporting Community and Institutions 45:21 Navigating Friendships and Career Changes 47:23 Shifting Perspectives on Work and Identity 48:45 The Importance of Family Time 51:03 Cultural Differences in Parenting 53:24 Community vs. Individual Happiness 55:54 Innovation and Tradition in Society 58:44 Embracing Chaos and Creativity 01:04:31 Defining Home and Belonging 01:05:28 Building Home outro - 2:4:25, 2.59 PM.mp3

    1h 6m

  7. 05/21/2025

    The Au Pair Experience: Cultural Exchange or Cheap Labor? On Au Pairing, Ella Reeson and Netflix's Secrets We Keep

    In this episode of Building Home, I share my insight on the au pair experience, drawing from my own time aupairing in Italy and discussing a recent news story about an American au pair who fled her host family. I explore the cultural differences and challenges faced by au pairs, contrasting my positive experience with that of the young woman who struggled. The conversation also delves into the Netflix show 'The Secrets We Keep,' which examines the complexities of the au pair system and the dynamics of domestic help, highlighting issues of privilege and cultural exchange. Thanks for listening! Like, subscribe, leave a review or comment and follow me on Instagram @Nneya The People Mag article

    35 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    The Real Life Under the Tuscan Sun: Renovating in Italy with @RootlessinItaly

    This is the real life Under the Tuscan Sun... but in Abruzzo... and you don't have to be retired. You can buy that affordable home in Italy now, for you and your family. It's wildly different but Cassie and her fam is making it work! Nneya speaks with Cassie of @RootlessInItaly about her journey from the US to Italy, exploring themes of cultural integration, parenting, and small town community dynamics. Cassandra shares her experiences of giving birth in the Czech Republic, the challenges and joys of raising a multilingual child, and the process of renovating their home in Italy. They discuss the one euro house phenomenon and the implications of gentrification in small towns, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in their new life abroad. Follow Cassie on Instagram @rootlessinItaly and me ⁠@nneya

    57 min
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On Building Home: An Expat Podcast, travel expert, Nneya Richards will talk to friends, expats, immigrants about making a home in a new country and all that entails– from bureaucracy, creating a family, beautiful cultural exploration, sociopolitical issues and so much more.

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