The Pod Abroad

Paulina de los Santos
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

  1. 1d ago

    Getting yelled at in Germany... and the other side

    Germany, living in Germany, American in Germany, German culture, Munich, cultural differences, expat life, German stereotypes, life abroad, immigration, German seniors, moving to Germany, Germany podcast, volunteering in Germany.Why does it sometimes feel like strangers in Germany are just waiting to tell you what you're doing wrong?After nearly 10 years of living in Germany, I've been yelled at and scolded by strangers more times than I can count. From crossing the street at the wrong time to apparently packing my groceries too slowly, some of these interactions have genuinely gotten to me over the years.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I'm sharing some of those stories and how they slowly shaped the way I viewed German culture, particularly my perception of senior Germans.But there's another side to this story.Over the years, I've had encounters that challenged those assumptions completely. And since I started volunteering with seniors at a local community center in Munich, I've gotten to know some incredibly kind, funny, resilient and fascinating people who have made me question whether the version of Germany we experience through brief interactions with strangers tells us much about the people who actually live here at all.In this episode, I talk about:Getting yelled at and scolded by strangers in GermanyThe unwritten rules foreigners are somehow expected to knowWhy these interactions affected me more than I realizedThe assumptions I started making about German seniorsThe Bavarian Oma who completely surprised meWhy I decided to start volunteering with seniors in MunichThe people I've met through volunteeringHow actually getting to know Germans changed my perspectiveWhat living abroad has taught me about stereotypes, empathy and belongingIf you've ever lived in Germany, experienced German directness, been corrected by a stranger, or found yourself developing assumptions about a culture after living abroad, I think you'll relate to this one.And if you're German, I'd especially love to hear your perspective. Have you noticed this too? Is correcting strangers something you associate with German culture, or do you see it completely differently?⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 The Oma I thought would yell at me00:40 Getting yelled at in Germany10:32 Experiences with German strangers23:17 I was stereotyping German seniors29:06 The Oma who changed my perspective29:51 Volunteering with seniors changed everything🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  2. Aug 11

    Why Moving Abroad Makes Easy Things Feel So Hard

    Culture shock, living abroad, adapting to life abroad, moving abroad, expat life, life in Germany, cultural differences, immigration, culture shock in Germany, adjusting to a new culture, identity abroad, expat struggles, Munich, Germany. What if the hardest part of moving abroad isn’t learning a new language or understanding a new culture, but slowly questioning yourself? In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with Jessica Scholl, an American who has lived in Germany for 13 years and works extensively in intercultural relations. Together, we unpack what culture shock actually looks like, why adaptation isn’t simply a matter of time, and how living in another culture can affect your confidence, identity, and sense of self. Jessica explains why culture shock can be much more subtle than the obvious cultural differences we notice when we first move overseas. Sometimes it’s the accumulation of small moments: misunderstanding social cues, struggling to communicate, feeling like you’ve broken a rule you didn’t know existed, or suddenly finding something difficult that used to feel easy. Over time, those experiences can make you wonder: Is the country the problem... or am I? We talk about how to recognize those patterns without immediately blaming yourself, why adaptation doesn’t follow a neat or linear timeline, and what can actually help you build a life abroad while still holding onto who you are. We also discuss: What culture shock actually is Why culture shock can happen subconsciously Why adaptation isn’t a linear process The impact of living abroad on self-confidence Why easy tasks can suddenly feel difficult Language barriers and feeling misunderstood Cultural compatibility vs. incompatibility Germany’s rules and social expectations Making friends and finding community abroad Why you can still struggle after years abroad Giving yourself grace while adapting How moving abroad can change your identity If you’re experiencing culture shock, struggling to adapt to a new country, feeling frustrated with yourself while living abroad, or wondering why you still don’t completely feel at home after years overseas, I hope this conversation helps you better understand what you’re experiencing and gives you a little more grace along the way. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Culture Shock 06:29 Early Culture Shock 11:46 Adaptation Isn't Linear 17:27 Language & Belonging 32:08 You or the Culture? 46:11 Breaking the Self-Blame Cycle 🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD Howdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world. 👉 New episodes every Tuesday. 🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroad TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroad Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad Inquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com 🎥 CREW Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  3. Aug 4

    What Germans Really Think About America

    What do Germans think about America? A German who's never been to America shares his honest opinion on the USA. We discuss Germany vs USA, American stereotypes, life in Germany, American culture, work-life balance, politics, healthcare, and how Europeans view the United States.How much of what we believe about a country comes from firsthand experience—and how much comes from the media, culture, and the people around us?In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with my friend Stephan, a German who has never visited the United States. Despite never having been there, he has thoughtful opinions about American life, shaped by years of observing the country from afar.Together, we explore where those opinions come from, what surprised me about his perspective, and how our conversation challenged assumptions on both sides. Rather than debating which country is "better," we talk about the trade-offs between life in Germany and the United States—from work culture and quality of life to politics, consumerism, media narratives, and what it's like viewing America from Europe.Whether you're American, German, an immigrant, an expat, or simply curious about cultural differences, I hope this conversation gives you a new perspective!⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 First Impressions01:29 Why He's Never Gone09:43 Perception vs. Reality20:11 America's Trade-Offs31:02 Challenging Assumptions43:12 What We Can LearnTopics we discuss:A German's perspective on AmericaGermany vs. USAHow Europeans view the United StatesAmerican stereotypes abroadMedia influence and perceptionWork-life balance and quality of lifePolitics and cultureConsumerism and the American DreamTravel, identity, and cultural assumptionsCan you really judge a country you've never visited?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  4. Jul 28

    What 40 Years in Germany Taught This Brit

    Germany, moving to Germany, life in Germany, British expat in Germany, living abroad, Germany vs UK, cultural differences, immigration, Munich, expat life, moving overseas, British immigrant, Germany podcast, life abroad.What happens when you move to Germany for just two years... and end up staying for 40?In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with Nick Walker, a Brit who arrived in Germany in the 1980s expecting his move abroad to be temporary. Four decades later, Germany is home.Nick shares what it was like building a life in Germany long before smartphones, Google Maps, or international communities were common. We talk about learning the language, adapting to German culture, raising a family abroad, returning to the UK and California, and why Germany always pulled him back.We also discuss:* What Germany was really like in the 1980s* Why so many expats struggle to integrate* Germany vs. England after living in both countries* The importance of learning German* Building friendships and community abroad* Whether Germany truly feels like home* The biggest mistakes foreigners make when moving overseas* Advice for anyone considering a move to Germany or EuropeIf you've ever dreamed of moving to Germany, wondered what it's like to build a life abroad, or questioned where "home" really is, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Everybody Knew My Name02:17 Why I Moved to Germany14:56 Life in Germany as a British Expat27:52 Germany vs. England After 40 Years41:30 The Biggest Mistake Expats Make54:45 Advice for Moving to Germany🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  5. Jul 21

    The American Singer Who Became a Star in Germany | Linda Jo Rizzo

    Linda Jo Rizzo shares what it was like becoming an American singer in Germany during the 1980s. In this interview, we discuss Italo Disco, culture shock, moving from New York to Germany, life abroad, and building a music career in Europe.Linda arrived in Germany in 1984 expecting to stay just two weeks. Instead, one opportunity changed everything, launching a career that has taken her around the world while making Germany her second home.We talk about:Growing up as an Italian-American in New York CityThe culture shock of moving to Bavaria in the 1980sHow Germany became the center of the Italo Disco movementWhat it was like performing for German audiences versus American crowdsBuilding an unconventional career as an independent artistRaising a family while touring across EuropeIdentity, belonging, and having two places to call homeWhy she never truly stopped feeling American after four decades abroadHer advice for anyone pursuing a creative career todayWhether you're interested in Germany, immigration, life abroad, music history, or simply hearing an incredible life story, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Linda.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – From New York to Germany02:05 – Why two weeks became 41 years06:15 – First impressions & culture shock13:25 – Munich's incredible 1980s music scene21:10 – Building a life and career in Germany30:40 – Identity: New Yorker, American & European39:30 – German vs American audiences52:45 – Creativity, success & finding fulfillment1:09:40 – Advice for artists and entrepreneurs1:18:20 – What's next for Linda Jo Rizzo?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.comLinda's website: https://lindajorizzo.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lindajorizzolivePhotographer of thumbnail photo: https://www.milapairan.de/🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  6. Jul 14

    What 40 Years in Germany Did to This Canadian

    Canadian in Germany, moving abroad, Canada vs. Germany, life in Munich, cultural differences, identity, belonging, and what happens when a temporary move becomes a 40-year life abroad.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I speak with Greg Arena, a Canadian who moved to Germany in 1986 expecting to stay for only three years. Nearly four decades later, Germany is home.Greg shares how a sense of adventure first brought him to Europe, how he ended up working at BMW in Munich, and how living in Germany gradually changed the way he communicates, works, and sees himself.We talk about some of the cultural differences that stood out when he first arrived, from German formality and the confusing rules around "du" and "Sie" to punctuality, precision, workplace hierarchy, and the German willingness to tell people directly when they are doing something wrong.Greg also reflects on what it means to belong in two countries. He explains how building a family, a career, and a support system in Germany slowly weakened the pull to return to Canada, while never completely replacing his Canadian identity.This conversation explores how cultural change can happen so gradually that you barely notice it, why Germany no longer feels abroad to Greg, and whether someone can become "more German than the Germans" without ever stopping being Canadian.🎙️ In this episode:• Moving from Canada to Europe in the 1980s• Why Greg originally planned to stay only three years• Starting his career at BMW in Munich• Living in West Germany before the Berlin Wall fell• The cultural shock of German work culture• Growing up in Canada with a German mother• The complicated rules around "du" and "Sie"• When Germany slowly started feeling like home• Why returning to Canada began to feel less likely• The Canadian traits Greg still holds onto• Becoming "more German than the Germans"• Punctuality, precision, and German perfectionism• Differences between German and North American work culture• Building a business in Germany• Why AI can never fully replace human connection• Whether Canada or Germany feels more like home⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – He never meant to stay this long08:31 – The Germany that shocked him17:16 – The moment Germany became home21:49 – More German than the Germans?31:40 – Why he never moved back to Canada45:54 – Where is home after 40 years?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  7. Jul 7

    I Went Vegan in Texas. Germany Changed Everything.

    Texas, veganism, Germany, Americans in Germany, vegan in Germany, living in Munich, cultural differences, plant-based lifestyle, and what it's really like being vegan after 11 years. In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I share my story of becoming vegan nearly 11 years ago and what it's been like navigating that decision while living in two places where meat plays such a central role in the culture: South Texas and Bavaria. Growing up in a Tex-Mex household just minutes from the Mexican border, eating meat was simply part of everyday life. After studying environmental geosciences in college, one documentary challenged the way I thought about food, sustainability, and the choices I make every day. What started as a one-week experiment eventually became a lifestyle that has now lasted more than a decade. I reflect on what it's really like being vegan in Texas versus Germany, why Munich has been surprisingly easy to navigate as a vegan, and why I believe respectful conversations about food are far more productive than judgment. Along the way, I answer many of the questions I've been asked over the years—from whether I ever miss meat, to dating as a vegan, traveling the world, family reactions, and whether I could ever see myself eating meat again. This isn't an episode about convincing anyone to become vegan. It's simply the story of how one decision gradually became a normal part of my life. 🎙️ In this episode: Why I became vegan in 2015 Growing up in a meat-loving Tex-Mex family Texas vs. Germany: which is easier for vegans? How my family reacted Dating as a vegan and meeting Tim What I actually eat every day Do I ever miss meat? Traveling the world as a vegan My favorite vegan restaurants in Munich Can you love animals and still eat meat? Would I ever stop being vegan? Why I believe small changes matter more than perfection ⏰ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why I'm finally talking about this 02:18 – Why I became vegan 08:47 – Growing up in a Tex-Mex household 13:20 – How my family reacted 18:45 – Being vegan in Texas 24:10 – Is Germany actually easier? 29:32 – Dating, relationships & living with a non-vegan 35:58 – What I actually eat 42:27 – Do I ever miss meat? 46:15 – Traveling as a vegan 51:08 – My favorite vegan spots in Munich 56:20 – Would I ever stop being vegan? 59:47 – My final thoughts 🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD Howdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world. 👉 New episodes every Tuesday. 🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroad TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroad Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad Inquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com 🎥 CREW Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  8. Jun 30

    Living in Europe Changed My Mind About Air Conditioning

    Germany heatwave, air conditioning in Europe, Americans in Germany, life in Munich, cultural differences, climate change, and why living in Europe completely changed my perspective on AC.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I reflect on the European heatwave that has left much of Germany struggling through record temperatures—and how nearly ten years of living in Munich have completely reshaped the way I think about air conditioning.As someone who grew up in South Texas, where AC is simply part of everyday life, I used to think Germany's resistance to air conditioning made no sense. Then I slowly adopted the European mindset myself. This summer, after spending two weeks in my 32°C (90°F) apartment, I found myself questioning everything I thought I believed.I talk about the cultural differences between Germany and the United States, why so many Europeans see air conditioning as unnecessary or even irresponsible, and whether climate change is exposing a much bigger issue than simply whether people should own an AC.This episode also explores the emotional side of extreme heat: what it feels like to watch your physical and mental health decline, the guilt many Germans feel about using air conditioning, and why I now believe there has to be a healthier middle ground between protecting the planet and protecting ourselves.🎙️ In this episode:Growing up with air conditioning in South TexasMy first night in Germany without ACWhy Germans are so resistant to air conditioningHow living in Europe changed my perspectiveThe morality and guilt surrounding ACClimate change and increasingly intense heatwavesPublic health vs. personal responsibilityWhy I finally bought my first portable ACFinding a middle ground between sustainability and comfortCultural differences between Texas and GermanyHow climate change may force Europe to rethink cooling⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – I cried when it finally rained01:08 – Why this heatwave feels different07:00 – My first night in Germany without AC13:03 – Growing up with air conditioning in Texas18:18 – When Europeans challenged my views22:40 – Europe changed my mind... until this summer25:29 – Why Germany's heatwave exposed a bigger problem30:06 – Climate, guilt, and finding a middle ground🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

Information

  • Creator
    Paulina de los Santos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paulina de los Santos
  • Show Website
    The Pod Abroad

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