Roots & Routes Podcast

Call Me MOOD
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🌍 Roots & Routes Podcast dives into real conversations with Black expats who’ve made the leap abroad. From travel trends to the realities of visas, culture, community, and safety, we unpack what moving overseas is really like—beyond the Instagram highlight reels. Hosted by RJ Mood, Tisha, Akeem & Michelee, each episode explores the lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs of living abroad while reconnecting with the African diaspora worldwide. ✈️ Subscribe, like, and share—your journey abroad starts here.

Episodes

  1. 09/24/2025

    Move Abroad Without the Mess: Community, Healthcare & Budget Secrets

    Roots & Routes Podcast – Move Abroad Without the Mess: Community, Healthcare & Budget Secrets Thinking about moving abroad but overwhelmed by the logistics? You’re not alone. The Roots & Routes Podcast is here to help you navigate every step of your relocation journey—without the stress, wasted money, or confusion. In this episode, “Move Abroad Without the Mess: Community, Healthcare & Budget Secrets,” hosts RJ, Michelee, Rotisha, and Akeem dive deep into the realities of starting a new life overseas. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh start in Colombia, exploring life in Europe, or reconnecting with your roots across the African diaspora, this conversation is packed with real-life insights and practical strategies. Our mission is simple: to empower you to live abroad confidently, with the resources, support, and mindset you need to thrive. 🌍 Community First: Discover why building a strong community abroad is the key to avoiding isolation, culture shock, and burnout. Learn how to connect with expat networks, local communities, and other members of the African diaspora so you always have support. 💊 Healthcare Secrets Abroad: From insurance hacks to finding trustworthy local doctors, we uncover how to navigate healthcare systems overseas—without breaking the bank or putting your health at risk. 💰 Budget Smarter, Live Better: Moving abroad doesn’t have to drain your savings. Get proven strategies for managing your money, planning ahead for unexpected expenses, and living well on a realistic budget. ✈️ Avoid Common Mistakes: We share the biggest pitfalls that new expats face—and how you can skip the trial-and-error stage by learning from those who’ve already made the move. This episode is designed for: Future Expats ready to leave the U.S. or their home country for a better quality of life abroad. Black Travelers exploring ways to reconnect with culture, community, and legacy while living overseas. Remote Workers & Digital Nomads looking for a lifestyle shift that includes stability, affordability, and adventure. Families & Couples considering relocation and seeking clarity on healthcare, finances, and community support. The Roots & Routes Podcast is more than just travel talk—it’s a movement. Hosted by RJ Mood and a dynamic team of expats and travelers, this show is about reconnecting the African diaspora through travel, culture, and community. Each episode blends storytelling, expert advice, and lived experience to help you turn your dream of living abroad into a reality. We don’t just highlight the beauty of relocation—we talk about the challenges too. From visas and finances to culture shock and healthcare, we give you the tools and resources to move abroad without the mess. If you’re searching for content on moving abroad, Black expats, relocating to Colombia, life overseas, African diaspora travel, healthcare abroad, digital nomad tips, budgeting for expats, or community support for relocation, you’ve landed in the right place. 👉 Subscribe to Roots & Routes wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop weekly, giving you fresh insights on global living, culture, and travel. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I move abroad without losing my mind—or my money?” this episode is for you. Visit MOODTravelAbroad.com to get more information about moving abroad to top expat destinations like: Colombia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa

    1h 32m

  2. 09/22/2025

    From America’s Division to Life Abroad | Remote Work, Freedom & Black Expat Journeys

    From America’s division to a life you designed. On Roots & Routes Podcast, we sit down with Black expats who left the constant stress and chose freedom, community, safety, and opportunity—and they break down exactly how to move abroad and what real life abroad actually feels like. What you’ll get in this episode:• Remote Work, demystified — full-time remote, freelance, consulting, and online business paths that pay the bills and protect your peace.• Visas & Residency — Digital Nomad Visas, timelines, docs, health insurance, background checks, and what to do first.• Cost of Living — sample budgets, realistic rent, healthcare, transit, SIMs, coworking, and everyday life.• Safety by Strategy — how expats choose vetted neighborhoods, move smart, and use community intel to stay safe.• Community & Belonging — the WhatsApp groups, meetups, language exchanges, and weekly rituals that turn strangers into family. City snapshots to help you choose:• Medellín — spring weather, metro, neighborhood vibes (Laureles/El Poblado), huge coworking scene.• Cartagena — Caribbean history, old-city charm, beach weekends; plan for heat/humidity.• Santa Marta — laid-back coast, access to Tayrona + Minca; beach + mountains.• Playa del Carmen — beach lifestyle, strong digital nomad network, quick flights, walkability.• Panama City — modern skyline, financial hub, big-city conveniences and connections.• Cape Town — mountains + coast, creative energy; plan housing and safety intentionally. Your 30/60/90 move plan:Days 1–30: Shortlist 2 cities. Check official visa pages. Draft a monthly budget. Start your income plan (remote role search, client outreach, or packaging your skill set).Days 31–60: Collect documents (income proof, insurance, background check). Join local Black expat groups; post a value-forward intro (cowork accountability, gym partner, Spanish buddy). Book consults with an immigration pro or relocation guide.Days 61–90: Apply or prep for your recon trip. Lock short-term housing, SIM, coworking. Set a weekly ritual (Sunday potluck, midweek salsa, Friday café-cowork). Consistency builds community. Mistakes to skip (so you land soft):• Paying deposits without contracts, walkthroughs, or receipts.• Trusting random DMs—ask for references + reviews.• Ignoring tax/residency implications—talk to a pro before you commit.• Treating the Digital Nomad Visa as a shortcut to permanent residency—learn the long game early. Why Roots & Routes exists:Because you deserve the blueprint—from people who’ve done it. We cover how to move abroad, remote work abroad, neighborhood picks, safety routines, and the real emotional stuff no one posts on Instagram. Next steps: Save this reel for your move prep. Share with someone who’s ready to leave survival mode. Hit moodtravelabroad.com for free resources + relocation guides to Colombia (Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta), Mexico (Playa del Carmen), Panama (Panama City), and South Africa (Cape Town). Subscribe on YouTube: Black Expat Life Abroad for step-by-step breakdowns and neighborhood deep dives. When you’re ready to trade chaos for clarity, we’re ready with the map. Let’s make your journey abroad a breeze. ✈️🌍

    1h 31m

  3. 09/10/2025

    Beyond the Hype: Expats vs. Immigrants, Passport Bros, and Diaspora Wars Abroad

    So you’re thinking about moving abroad? 🌍✨ You’ve seen the YouTube videos, the Instagram reels, and the TikToks showing dreamy beaches, colorful cities, and freedom from “the grind.” But what’s REAL? What’s hype? And what’s often left out of the conversation for us as African Americans looking to start a new chapter overseas? That’s exactly what we unpack on this week’s episode of the Roots & Routes Podcast with RJ Mood, Tisha, Michelee, and Akeem. 🎙️ 👉 We’re talking: Expat vs. Immigrant – Why the language we use matters and how it shapes our experiences abroad. Passport Bros – What’s fueling the movement, what conversations are happening around it, and what it means for Black men & women navigating love, relationships, and respect abroad. Diaspora Wars – From cultural clashes to moments of unity, what really happens when Africans, African Americans, and Afro-descendants from around the globe connect in new countries. For Black travelers between the ages of 25–55 who are tired of just “watching” and ready to actually make the move, this conversation is your guide to moving beyond the highlight reel. We’re sharing personal stories, challenges, breakthroughs, and tips so you can step into your journey with clarity and confidence. Because the truth is: moving abroad is more than a vacation—it’s about identity, belonging, and building a life that feels free. Whether you’re considering Colombia, the Caribbean, or anywhere in the world, we’ve been there. And we’re here to help you every step of the way. 💡 Ready to start planning your move abroad? Grab our FREE relocation resources at moodtravelcolombia.com. Stay tuned for moodtravelabroad.com—coming soon with even more tools to make your journey smoother in multiple destinations. 📌 Save this video & share it with someone who’s also thinking about moving abroad. 🎥 Follow us, like, and subscribe on YouTube at Roots & Routes Podcast for more conversations that go beyond the hype. Because your journey abroad isn’t just about crossing borders—it’s about reconnecting with yourself, your roots, and your community. 🖤✈️

    1h 32m

  4. 09/08/2025

    🌍 Moving Abroad Isn’t What You Think: Gentrification, Food Myths & Black Expat Truths ✈️

    🌍 Moving Abroad Isn’t What You Think: Gentrification, Food Myths & Black Expat Truths ✈️ Thinking about moving abroad? You’ve probably seen the reels and TikToks of palm trees, cheap rent, and stress-free living. But what’s left out of those 60-second videos is the real story. In this powerful episode of the Roots & Routes Podcast, host RJ MOOD is joined by fellow Black expats Tisha, Akeem, and Michelee for an unfiltered conversation about the truths, myths, and challenges of life abroad. This isn’t about selling you the fantasy of $300 villas or endless vacations. This is about pulling back the curtain and sharing what it really takes to thrive as a Black American abroad. ✅ Gentrification Abroad – How expats sometimes contribute to the displacement of locals and what it means to move responsibly. ✅ Food Myths vs. Reality – Is everything cheap and organic overseas? The truth about groceries, dining out, and adjusting your taste buds. ✅ Culture Shock & Daily Life – From noise levels to “gringo tax,” to figuring out water safety, we share the daily adjustments that social media rarely talks about. ✅ Black Expat Identity – What it feels like to be a part of the African diaspora abroad, how identity shifts, and how Blackness is viewed in different countries. ✅ Community Matters – Why your success abroad is tied to the community you build and how to find (or create) your tribe in a new country. ✅ Facing the Hard Truths – Why chasing TikTok trends can set you up for failure, and why intentional research and preparation are non-negotiable. For many Black Americans, the idea of moving abroad feels like the New American Dream—a chance to escape hustle culture, high costs of living, and systems that weigh heavily on our communities. But without the right information, people often arrive abroad unprepared, frustrated, or even disillusioned. This episode is designed to ground you in truth. Moving abroad can absolutely transform your life—it can mean more peace, better balance, financial relief, and a deeper sense of freedom. But it also requires awareness, adaptability, and humility. RJ, Tisha, Akeem, and Michelee bring their lived experiences to the table so you don’t make the mistakes so many expats have made before you. ➡️ Black Americans tired of the U.S. hustle and grind. ➡️ Future expats exploring Colombia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, and beyond. ➡️ Digital nomads & remote workers ready to build roots abroad. ➡️ Anyone who wants the truth about moving abroad—not just the Instagram highlight reel. 🎧 Tune in now: Moving Abroad Isn’t What You Think: Gentrification, Food Myths & Black Expat Truths 👉 Don’t just dream about moving abroad—get prepared. 👉 Like, share, save, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. 👉 For relocation tours, expert-led virtual conferences, and free resources, visit MoodTravelColombia.com. 👉 Want more? Stay tuned for MoodTravelAbroad.com—coming soon with resources for Mexico, Panama, South Africa & more. ✨ The Roots & Routes Podcast is where real expats share real stories. Hosted by RJ MOOD, each episode connects Black travelers and future expats to the knowledge, resources, and truth they need to make moving abroad not just a dream—but a reality.

    1h 41m

  5. 09/08/2025

    What’s REALLY Going On in America? Black Expats React from Abroad 🌍

    🌍 What’s REALLY Going On in America? Black Expats React from Abroad ✈️✨ Is the American Dream still worth chasing—or is it becoming the American Illusion? In this powerful episode of the Roots & Routes Podcast, host RJ Mood sits down with Black expats from around the globe to unpack the tough questions so many of us are asking right now: What’s really happening in America? And what does life look like once you step outside of it? From economic struggles and rising costs of living to systemic racism, policing, political division, and the constant pressure of hustle culture—our guests share raw and unfiltered perspectives on why they left, what they’ve found abroad, and why so many Black Americans are reimagining what “home” really means. This isn’t about bashing the U.S.—it’s about being honest, reflective, and open about why thousands of Black professionals, families, and retirees are choosing to plant roots elsewhere. ✅ Real Stories – Black expats discuss what pushed them to leave the U.S. and what they’ve gained abroad. ✅ Racism & Safety – How being Black abroad compares to daily realities in America. ✅ Mental Health & Peace – Why many find a deeper sense of peace and healing outside the U.S. grind. ✅ Cost of Living – Honest breakdowns of how far your money goes abroad compared to the U.S. ✅ Freedom to Breathe – What it feels like to live without the constant stress of America’s hustle culture. ✅ Global Blackness – Discovering identity and connection with the African diaspora worldwide. We’re living through what some are calling the “next great migration.” More and more Black Americans are asking whether staying in the U.S. is really the best option—or if life abroad offers the freedom, safety, and opportunities that feel out of reach back home. This episode gives you a front-row seat into the conversations happening across the diaspora. You’ll hear the truth about expat life—the challenges, the triumphs, and the realities that social media doesn’t always show. Whether you’re just starting to think about leaving, actively planning your move, or simply curious about what life looks like on the other side, this episode will give you the perspective and clarity you’ve been craving. 🎧 Watch now: What’s REALLY Going On in America? Black Expats React from Abroad 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, subscribe, and save this episode to revisit later. 👉 For relocation tours, free resources, and step-by-step guidance on moving abroad, visit MoodTravelColombia.com. 👉 Want more? Stay tuned for MoodTravelAbroad.com—coming soon with resources for Mexico, Panama, South Africa, and beyond. ✨ Roots & Routes Podcast is your guide to moving abroad with confidence, connection, and community. Hosted by RJ Mood, each episode features real talk with expats who’ve made the move, offering insights into travel trends, relocation tips, cultural truths, and what Black life abroad is really like.

    1h 13m

  6. 09/08/2025

    Roots & Routes - The Podcast For Black Americans Looking to Move Abroad

    Roots & Routes - The Podcast For Black Americans Looking to Move Abroad Are you a Black American dreaming of a life beyond the U.S.? 🌍 Welcome to Roots & Routes Podcast, the space where real conversations about moving abroad meet cultural reconnection, community, and freedom. Hosted by RJ Mood, an expat who left the U.S. rat race to build a new life overseas, this podcast is for anyone who feels called to start fresh, live intentionally, and find peace beyond American hustle culture. In each episode, we dive into the truths, challenges, and triumphs of life abroad. We explore not just the “how-to” of relocating—visas, residency, cost of living, housing, and healthcare—but also the deeper journey of reconnecting with our roots, building community across the African diaspora, and unlearning the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck. ✨ What You’ll Discover on Roots & Routes: Relocation Realities: Step-by-step guidance on visas, documents, and choosing the right destination. Life Beyond the U.S.: Honest conversations about cost of living, safety, racism, culture shock, and thriving abroad. Diaspora Connections: Stories of resilience, culture, and history from Black communities worldwide. Expert Guidance: Insights from immigration lawyers, relocation experts, real estate professionals, and expats who’ve done it. Community & Identity: How moving abroad helps us rediscover who we are and what truly matters. If you’ve ever wondered: “Am I really ready to move abroad?” “How do I avoid scams finding housing abroad?” “Where can I find community overseas as a Black expat?” “Is life abroad really safer, freer, and more affordable?”—then this podcast was made for you. The truth is: the next great migration is happening right now. More Black Americans are leaving the U.S. in search of peace, opportunity, and freedom than ever before. Roots & Routes isn’t about just dreaming of a new life abroad—it’s about giving you the blueprint to make it happen. 🎧 Tune in weekly for conversations that are inspiring, practical, and rooted in lived experience. Whether you’re curious about Colombia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa—or any destination—you’ll get the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and create your own version of freedom abroad. 👉 Call to Action:Don’t just think about moving abroad—take the steps to make it real. Subscribe to Roots & Routes Podcast on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Like, comment, and share with someone you know who’s ready for a change. For free relocation resources, expert guides, and upcoming relocation tours, visit MoodTravelColombia.com. Coming soon, we’ll expand with resources for Mexico, Panama, and South Africa at MoodTravelAbroad.com—making your journey abroad simple and stress-free. ✨ Roots & Routes Podcast – Where Black Americans turn dreams of living abroad into reality.

    1h 42m
  • 6 Episodes

About

🌍 Roots & Routes Podcast dives into real conversations with Black expats who’ve made the leap abroad. From travel trends to the realities of visas, culture, community, and safety, we unpack what moving overseas is really like—beyond the Instagram highlight reels. Hosted by RJ Mood, Tisha, Akeem & Michelee, each episode explores the lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs of living abroad while reconnecting with the African diaspora worldwide. ✈️ Subscribe, like, and share—your journey abroad starts here.

Information

  • Creator
    Call Me MOOD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Call Me MOOD
  • Show Website
    Roots & Routes Podcast