Expat Life Unfiltered

Expat Livin
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Welcome to Expat Livin—real talk about life abroad. Hosted by Danielle & Guillermo, a U.S. family who moved to Spain, we share stories, tips & insights on relocation, visas, housing, raising a family, and building a life you love overseas. Whether you're dreaming or already living the expat life, tune in for honest, practical episodes to guide your journey.

  1. FEB 12

    American Family Almost Homeless in Thailand

    They had a plan, boarded the flight, arrived in Thailand… and on day one were told the apartment they had lined up was no longer available. Welcome to real expat life.In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, Danielle talks with Tasha Watson, who moved from Pennsylvania to Chiang Mai, Thailand with her husband, Marcus, and their six-year-old son, ready to begin their new adventure abroad. Instead, they landed in immediate chaos and had to scramble for housing in a brand-new country.Now, just three months later, they’re settling in, homeschooling, working remotely, and building routines that finally make life feel normal again.We get into:✈️ what pushed them to make the leap overseas🏠 how they handled losing their housing upon arrival💻 balancing remote work while parenting abroad📚 what homeschooling looks like in Thailand🌏 culture shock, adjustments, and early lessons learned❤️ what they wish they had known before movingIf you’re dreaming about relocating your family, becoming a digital nomad household, or starting over in Southeast Asia, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how messy, and how rewarding, the first months can be.👉 Want help planning your own move abroad? Join the Move Abroad Mentorship program where we turn big dreams into step-by-step plans.👉 https://expatlivin.com/move-abroad-mentorship🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help?Our Move Abroad Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm.👉 https://expatlivin.com/move-abroad-conciergeSubscribe for real stories, practical guidance, and honest conversations about building a life overseas. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Go to www.ExpatLivin.com📍 Follow Expat Livin for real talk about life abroad:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ESTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livinYouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShortsWebsite: https://www.expatlivin.com

    29 min

  2. FEB 12

    I Moved Abroad as a Teenager — Here's What Shocked Me Most

    What is it really like for a teenager to grow up living abroad?In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, I’m joined by my son, Xavier, to talk honestly about his experience as an American teen living overseas. From adjusting to a British school system and learning Spanish, to making new friends, navigating cultural differences, and comparing life abroad to life in the U.S.—this is a real, unfiltered conversation from a teen’s point of view.We often talk about visas, housing, and logistics when moving abroad, but for families, the emotional and social side—especially for teenagers—can make or break the experience. Xavier shares what surprised him most, what’s been hardest, what he loves, and what parents should really think about before moving overseas with teens.If you’re considering moving abroad as a family—or already living overseas and wondering how your kids might adapt—this episode offers a perspective you don’t hear often.🎧 Listen & Subscribe for more real conversations about moving abroad, expat life, and raising kids overseas. If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with another parent dreaming about life abroad.📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start?You don’t have to figure this out alone.🌍 Join the Expat Livin CommunityGet clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life.👉 https://expatlivin.com/community🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help?Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm.👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge📍 Follow Expat Livin for real talk about life abroad:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ESTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livinYouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShortsWebsite: https://www.expatlivin.com

    31 min

  3. JAN 20

    Life Abroad Isn’t the Problem—This Is

    Why does life abroad feel harder than it should—even when you love where you live?So many people dream of moving abroad, but once the excitement fades, the day-to-day reality can feel overwhelming. It’s not usually one big thing, it’s the small frustrations that pile up. Things like missing familiar foods, struggling with healthcare systems, navigating schools, paperwork, or simply not knowing who to ask when something feels off.In this episode, we talk honestly about why life abroad feels harder than it should, what we miss from home, what we don’t miss at all, and, most importantly, what actually helps expats adjust and thrive once real life kicks in.This conversation isn’t about convincing anyone to move abroad. It’s about recognizing that most expats don’t fail because they chose the wrong country, they struggle because they don’t have the right support, information, or community.If you’re planning a move abroad, living overseas already, or somewhere in that messy middle, this episode will help you feel less alone—and more prepared.📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start? You don’t have to figure this out alone. 🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community Get clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/community 🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help? Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge 📍 Follow Expat Livin for real talk about life abroad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShorts Website: https://www.expatlivin.com

    27 min

  4. JAN 1

    DON'T RENT PROPERTY In Spain Until You Watch This Video! Expert Agent Talks

    Moving to Spain soon or just dreaming about it? ☀️Whether you plan to rent, buy, or invest, the Spanish property market follows its own rules. From deposits and documents to agent differences and hidden taxes, it’s easy to get lost without the right help.In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, Guillermo sits down with Flavie Staub, a trilingual real-estate expert based in Madrid who also serves clients in Málaga and Palma de Mallorca. Flavie shares her journey from France to Spain, explains how the market really works for foreigners, and reveals what to watch out for before signing anything. 🎧 What You’ll Learn 🏡 How renting really works for foreigners in Spain 💶 Step-by-step guide to buying a home as a non-resident 📄 Deposits, guarantees, and paperwork you’ll actually need 🚫 Common rental and purchase mistakes—and how to avoid them 📈 Key differences between investing in Madrid vs. Mallorca 💡 Why using vetted local pros (like Expat Livin’s network) saves you stress and money 🕒 Timestamps 0:00 – Intro │ How Spain’s real-estate market “plays by its own rules” 1:05 – Flavie’s story │ From France to Madrid and her first property in 1998 4:15 – Working across Madrid, Málaga & Mallorca │ How she manages multiple markets 5:40 – Rental process │ Why renting in Spain is tougher for foreigners 8:40 – Deposits & guarantors │ Insurance, escrow, and owner requirements 10:00 – Short-term vs long-term rentals │ How to test neighborhoods before committing 12:55 – Community & culture │ Integrating with locals vs staying in expat circles 14:00 – Buying in Spain │ Bank accounts, NIE numbers, and legal setup 18:00 – Agents & licensing │ Why anyone can call themselves an agent—and the risks 21:25 – Personal shoppers │ Spain’s version of a buyer’s agent explained 24:40 – Due diligence │ Scams, inspections, and what notaries don’t check 32:15 – Investing │ Madrid’s business focus vs Mallorca’s resort market 35:00 – Short-term rental laws │ Where licenses still exist (hint: Málaga) 36:10 – Market growth │ Property appreciation and choosing prime areas 38:00 – Taxes & fees │ Transfer tax, notary, registration, and new-build costs 39:14 – Final takeaways │ Why having the right local expert changes everything 39:55 – Outro │ How to start your home search with Expat Livin 👉 Ready to find your home in Spain? Visit expatlivin.com/real-estate and tell us where you’re moving. We’ll personally connect you with trusted, vetted agents—including experts like Flavie—to help you rent, buy, or invest stress-free. 🏠 Get real-estate help → https://expatlivin.com/real-estate 📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start? You don’t have to figure this out alone. 🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community Get clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/community 🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help? Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge 📍 Follow Expat Livin for real talk about life abroad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShorts Website: https://www.expatlivin.com #movingtospain #livinginspain #spanishrealestate #buyinginspain #rentinginspain #investinspain #madridlife #malagaliving #mallorcadreams #expatlife

    40 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Moving Abroad? Here's What You Need to Know About U.S. Taxes

    Are you an American living abroad or planning to move overseas? Then this is one podcast episode you cannot afford to skip. In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, I sit down with Nathalie Goldstein, the founder of My Expat Taxes - and an American expat herself. Originally from California, she now lives in Austria with her family, giving her both the personal experience and professional expertise to help U.S. citizens abroad navigate one of the most confusing parts of expat life: U.S. taxes. We talk about: What most Americans don’t realize about U.S. taxes while living abroad Common (and costly) mistakes expats make Must-dos and absolute don’ts for Americans overseas How to stay compliant without overpaying or panicking Her personal journey moving abroad and building a business as an expat If you’ve ever thought, “I moved abroad… why is the IRS still emailing me?” — you’re not alone 😅 This conversation breaks it all down in a clear, calm, and practical way. 🔗 Need Help With U.S. Expat Taxes? Learn more about My Expat Taxes and get support here: 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrJaA6napCpjW03ffAoE_rSzZQYS7WcRAYOudvPm6iuLN9qw/viewform 📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start? You don’t have to figure this out alone. 🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community Get clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/community 🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help? Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge 📍 Follow Expat Livin for real talk about life abroad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShorts Website: https://www.expatlivin.com

    32 min

  6. 12/06/2025

    American Teen After 5 Years in Europe: What Shocked Him Most

    Is life better in the USA vs Europe? Ask any adult and you'll get a long, complicated answer. 🌍 In this episode, a mother and her teenage son discuss their experiences living in both the US and Europe, sharing honest opinions about the differences in daily life and what it's really like living abroad. This candid conversation offers a unique perspective for anyone considering moving abroad, especially those navigating the expat life and the realities of living in Europe. 📌 Thinking about moving abroad but not sure where to start? You don’t have to figure this out alone. 🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community Get clarity, real guidance, and support from people who are actually living this life. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/community 🧭 Need hands-on, done-for-you help? Our Relocation Concierge Service is for individuals and families who want expert support with visas, housing, logistics, and planning—without the overwhelm. 👉 https://expatlivin.com/relocation-concierge 📍 Follow us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin

    14 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Mistakes Foreigners Make Buying and Renting Property in Spain

    Thinking about moving to Spain? In this video, we’ll cover the most common mistakes foreigners make when buying, renting or investing in property in Spain and how you can avoid them! From understanding the local market to navigating legal requirements, we’ll guide you through the process to help ensure a smooth and successful investment. Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or invest, the Spanish real estate market works very differently from what most expats are used to ... and knowing how it really works can save you time, money, and stress. In this episode of the Expat Livin Podcast, Guillermo sits down with Sherezade Casado, a real estate expert based in Spain who helps international clients find, purchase, and sell homes with confidence. Together, they break down: 🏡 What to expect when renting a home in Spain 💶 How the buying process works for foreigners 📄 Key paperwork, deposits, and legal steps you need to know 🚫 Common mistakes expats make and how to avoid them 🌞 Insider tips for finding the right neighborhood and lifestyle fit If you’re dreaming of your life in Spain, this conversation gives you the clarity and confidence to take the next step. 👉 Need help finding a trusted real estate agent in Spain?Visit expatlivin.com/real-estate and tell us where you’re moving. We’ll personally connect you with vetted local experts who can help you buy, rent, or invest abroad — the smart way. 📌 Ready to start your own move abroad? 📘 Grab my book: Moving to Spain: The Essential Guide from an American Expat Family. https://expatlivin.samcart.com/products/moving-to-spain-e-book 🎓 Check out our relocation solutions for moving abroad: https://expatlivin.com/relocation-solutions 📍 Follow us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin Youtube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShorts Website: www.expatlivin.com

    22 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Easiest European Countries for Americans to Move To in 2025

    Thinking about moving to Europe but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Expat Livin Podcast, Danielle & Guillermo break down the 10 easiest countries in Europe for Americans to move to — from income requirements to visa options, lifestyle perks, and all the hidden trade-offs nobody tells you about.Whether you’re a remote worker, retiree, family planning a move, or someone who just wants a slower, saner lifestyle abroad, this episode gives you a realistic, step-by-step look at what it takes to actually live in Europe legally.We cover the best EU countries for Americans, including top visas like the D7, Digital Nomad Visas, Non-Lucrative Visa, Financially Independent Person Visa, DAFT, and more — plus tips to avoid paperwork disasters, housing headaches, and those “I wish someone told me this!” moments. 📌 Ready to start your own move abroad? 📘 Grab my book: Moving to Spain: The Essential Guide from an American Expat Family. https://expatlivin.samcart.com/products/moving-to-spain-e-book 🌍 Join the Expat Livin Community for courses, guides and live support at https://expatlivin.samcart.com/products/expat-livin-community-main 🎓 Check out our relocation solutions for moving abroad: https://expatlivin.com/relocation-solutions 📍 Follow us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expat_livin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expatlivin?locale=es_ES TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@expat_livin Youtube Shorts:https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatLivinShorts Website: www.expatlivin.com

    16 min
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About

Welcome to Expat Livin—real talk about life abroad. Hosted by Danielle & Guillermo, a U.S. family who moved to Spain, we share stories, tips & insights on relocation, visas, housing, raising a family, and building a life you love overseas. Whether you're dreaming or already living the expat life, tune in for honest, practical episodes to guide your journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Expat Livin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Expat Livin
  • Show Website
    Expat Life Unfiltered