Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories

Marc Alcobé Talló
  • 4.6 (7)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories shares honest, human stories of people building lives and homes abroad. Hosted by Marc Alcobé, the channel explores what it really means to live somewhere new, beyond visas, checklists, and highlight reels.Through in-depth conversations with people living abroad around the world, we talk about belonging, identity, culture shock, community, and the slow process of becoming almost local. These are stories about finding home in unfamiliar places, navigating life between cultures, and redefining where you’re from.Whether you’re already living abroad, planning a move, or simply curious about life elsewhere, Almost Local is a space for reflection, connection, and real experiences of life beyond borders.New episodes weekly feature personal stories from around the world, shared with honesty, depth, and nuance.

  1. Almost Local #58 | Always Hiking, Never Home: What That Actually Feels Like

    2D AGO

    Almost Local #58 | Always Hiking, Never Home: What That Actually Feels Like

    In this episode, Belinda shares her inspiring journey from corporate life and extensive travel to embracing the outdoor life in Scotland. Discover how hiking and slow travel have transformed her perspective and enriched her life, offering practical insights for anyone looking to explore beyond conventional tourism. Belinda’s story exemplifies how embracing outdoor adventures and thoughtful travel can invigorate retirement and reshape one’s sense of community and purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or contemplating your first long-distance trail, her insights invite you to see travel and life through a broader, more enriching lens. 🎙️ Guest: Belinda Coker An adventurous spirit who transitioned from a corporate career to a life of exploration, embracing hiking and slow travel across the globe. With roots in New Zealand and Australia, she now resides in Scotland, sharing her experiences and insights through her hiking guides and house-sitting projects. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soultreader Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoultreader Soul Trader: https://soultreader.com/ Hike It Right Hide: https://soultreader.com/hike-it-right/ House Sitting Collective: https://housesittingcollective.com/ 🏷️ Discount code Get a 10% off on all the courses on the House Sitting Collective (https://housesittingcollective.com/) with the code "hstravel" Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. StartAbroadPersonalised relocation services for Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal and Spain. Code 5%: ALMOSTLOCASlate and KeyThe Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.Level8Use code LEVEL8Expat10 for 10% off your next high-quality travel suitcase.PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    49 min
  2. Almost Local #57 | From France to Canada: A Journey of Language and Culture

    MAY 18

    Almost Local #57 | From France to Canada: A Journey of Language and Culture

    Unlock the secrets of embracing life abroad and learn how mastering language and culture can transform your experience — all from someone who did it firsthand. Cathy shares her incredible journey moving from France to Canada, launching a French bakery in Vancouver, and shifting to a successful language coaching career — showing that with the right mindset and approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities. Discover how the Canadian approach to immigration and entrepreneurship can be surprisingly accessible — lower barriers, fewer formal requirements, and faster paths to success compared to France. Cathy breaks down her unique experience building a bakery with just a startup mindset, plus the cultural nuances between French and Quebecois French that most outsiders never see. If you're considering moving abroad or leaning into multilingualism, her insights on navigating local customs, learning new languages, and making meaningful connections will inspire your next step. You'll learn the key differences between city life in Vancouver versus Montreal, including cost of living, social customs, and everyday routines — essential intel whether you're planning your move or just curious about life in Canada. Cathy also dives deep into her neural language coaching method, revealing how understanding your brain’s language learning processes can accelerate fluency and boost confidence — crucial for anyone struggling with language anxiety or looking to elevate their skills beyond basic conversation. Most importantly, this episode highlights how taking risks, embracing failure, and staying curious can open doors you never imagined. Whether you’re dreaming of living abroad, switching careers, or simply want to deepen your multilingual journey, Cathy’s story proves that the best experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. 🎙️ Guest: Cathy Introligator Cathy is a passionate language coach from Montreal with extensive expat experience in Canada, known for her innovative neural language coaching approach and her inspiring journey from bakery owner to language educator. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/cathy.intro YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cathy-Intro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-introligator/ Website: https://mypolyglotlife.com/ Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. Slate and KeyThe Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    40 min
  3. Almost Local #56 | From Communist Poland to Detroit: How Being an Outsider Became My Superpower

    MAY 11

    Almost Local #56 | From Communist Poland to Detroit: How Being an Outsider Became My Superpower

    Peter Kolat, known as Polish Peter, left communist Poland at 14 and landed in Detroit — expecting palm trees and sports cars from the movies, but finding identical brick houses and a language he couldn't speak. What followed was a decades-long journey from confused immigrant teenager to "human architect" — a coach who now helps others rebuild their identity and find their authentic selves. In this episode of Almost Local, Peter shares: - Growing up in a 14x14 room with a shared public restroom in Poland - Why he tried to erase his Polish accent — and how he turned it into his superpower - The "optimistic depression" that transformed his entire career - 5 limiting beliefs every immigrant needs to break - How to use the "outsider advantage" to build the life you actually want 🎙️ Guest: Peter Kolat Peter is a Transformational Culture Coach, author of "Authentic Self-Rebirth," and a speaker who helps immigrants and entrepreneurs rebuild from the inside out. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticselfrebirth/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HiddenMasteryMindshifts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterkolat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterkolat/ Website: https://polishpeter.com/ Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. Slate and KeyThe Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    45 min

  4. TRAILER

    Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories (Trailer)

    People think living abroad is about places—but it isn’t. It’s about what you leave behind: a routine, a language, even a version of yourself.  Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories explores the real life abroad—not the highlights, but the everyday moments in between: the excitement, the frustration, and that strange feeling of belonging… while not quite belonging.  Through honest conversations, we dive into what it really means to build a life far from where you started.  New guest episodes every Monday. Subscribe so you don’t miss a story. Send us a message! Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    1 min
  5. Almost Local #55 | Winging It: From Broke Musician to 10 Years Living Abroad

    MAY 4

    Almost Local #55 | Winging It: From Broke Musician to 10 Years Living Abroad

    What happens when you move abroad with absolutely zero plan? In this episode of Almost Local, I sit down with James Hammond (host of the Winginit Travel Podcast) to talk about his 10-year journey of long term travel, surviving on working holiday visas, and the unfiltered reality of expat life. From running out of money and finding work via payphones before smartphones existed, to getting "stuck" in Canada during COVID and navigating Vancouver's insane cost of living, James shares the highs and lows of living abroad. We dive deep into Canadian bureaucracy, what it's really like to work 9-to-5 abroad, and why, even after getting his Canadian citizenship, he's planning to move back to the UK. If you are considering moving abroad or just love raw, honest digital nomad podcasts, this episode is for you! We break down the core challenges and invaluable insights of living unconventional: How to navigate the complexities of visas, bureaucracy, and cost of living in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UKWhy sometimes winging it can lead to the best opportunities, and when to build for stabilityPractical advice for anyone dreaming of long-term travel, global work, or relocating without a fixed plan 🎙️ Guest: James Hammond James Hammond is a globally-minded travel podcaster, content creator, and entrepreneur. His work focuses on living authentically abroad while monetizing the journey—a real-world blueprint for turning wanderlust into a thriving lifestyle. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roamingwithhammo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jameshammondtravel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshammondtravel/ Website: https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com/ Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Slate and KeyThe Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    46 min
  6. Almost Local #54 | From Sardinia to Wyoming: How Cultural Adaptation Shapes Our Identity

    APR 27

    Almost Local #54 | From Sardinia to Wyoming: How Cultural Adaptation Shapes Our Identity

    In this episode, Franz Sidney shares her fascinating journey through multiple countries and cultures, revealing insights about adaptation, mindset, and the emotional nuances of living abroad. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about how to blend seamlessly into new environments, Franz's experience offers valuable lessons on resilience, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Main Topics Covered: - Franz’s early life and the cultural contrasts of Sardinia, Italy, and Greece - Transition from Southern Italy to Milan, studying design, and exploring creative careers - The decision to move abroad driven by economic challenges and opportunities - Life and integration in London: language, social life, and cultural quirks - Achieving British citizenship and navigating dual identities - Moving to the United States: cultural adjustments and lifestyle differences 🎙️ Guest: Franz Sidney A versatile mindset coach and hypnotherapist originally from Sardinia, Italy. Her journey spans Italy, Greece, England, and the U.S., blending art, design, and psychology. Franz focuses on cultural adaptation and personal growth, helping others navigate change and thrive in new environments. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createwithfranz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franzsidney YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Createwithfranzsidney Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/create-with-franz/id1525928967 Substack: https://substack.com/@franzsidney Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. Slate and Key: Thinking about relocating to Portugal? Slate & Key offers step-by-step support to guide you through the process. Start with their free webinar to understand exactly what it takes to make the move. Check out the free webinar! PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    54 min
  7. Almost Local #53 | Living in Nicaragua: What The Media Won't Tell You (Safety & Cost of Living)

    APR 20

    Almost Local #53 | Living in Nicaragua: What The Media Won't Tell You (Safety & Cost of Living)

    Thinking about moving to Latin America? In this episode, we sit down with Mike, who has spent 14 years living in Nicaragua and over 30 years building communities across the region. We dig into the truth about safety, the real cost of living, and why the media narrative gets it wrong. If you are looking to retire abroad or invest in overseas real estate, this conversation covers essential topics like cultural adjustment, buying property in Nicaragua, and finding affordable healthcare abroad. Whether you are interested in Gran Pacifica or just exploring expat life in Central America, Mike shares honest advice on building a home away from home. 🎙️ Guest: Mike Cobb Mike Cobb is a veteran real estate developer and community builder with over 30 years of experience in Latin America, including living in Nicaragua for 14 years with his family. He is the founder of ECI Development, focusing on creating residential communities for expats. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecicommunities/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ECIDevelopmentLTD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eci-development-ltd./ Website: https://www.ecidevelopment.com/ 📚 Guest Book How to Buy Your Home Overseas: And Get It Right The First Time!: https://www.amazon.com/How-Buy-Your-Home-Overseas-ebook/dp/B0D3RZ14NY Get your free copy at: podcast@ecidevelopment.com Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. StartAbroad: Planning a move abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. StartAbroad helps you navigate visas, paperwork, and the entire relocation process—especially for Costa Rica, Panama, Spain, and Portugal. Get 5% off with code ALMOSTLOCAL. Slate and Key: Thinking about relocating to Portugal? Slate & Key offers step-by-step support to guide you through the process. Start with their free webinar to understand exactly what it takes to make the move. Check out the free webinar! PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    54 min
  8. Almost Local #52 | Poland vs. Spain: My Brutal Culture Shock Reality

    APR 13

    Almost Local #52 | Poland vs. Spain: My Brutal Culture Shock Reality

    Is raising kids abroad harder than you thought? In this episode of Almost Local, British English teacher Amy Smith breaks down the brutal reality of culture shock in Poland vs. Spain and exposes the biggest myths about language learning. If you are an expat mother or struggling to feel 'at home' in your new country, this conversation is for you. Topics Discussed: Poland vs. Spain: Which country is actually harder for expats? Raising Bilingual Kids: The hidden challenges mothers face. The Fluency Myth: Why moving abroad doesn't guarantee you'll learn the language. Pink Flamingo English: Amy's unique approach to teaching online. Key Questions Answered: How does culture shock differ across Europe? Can you learn English without living in the UK or US? How do you handle the isolation of a language barrier? 🎙️ Guest: Amy Smith Founder of Pink Flamingo English Online — a community helping international mothers gain confidence in English and feel at home in the UK. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkflamingoenglishonline/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pinkflamingoenglishonline Website: https://www.pinkflamingoenglish.com Send us a message! Level8: Upgrade your travel experience with luggage designed for people constantly on the move. Durable, sleek, and built to last—Level8 makes every trip smoother. Get 10% off with code LEVEL8Expat10. PodMatchLike a dating app by matching hosts and guests for podcast interviews with process automations.Slate and KeyThe Key To Your New Life. A experience to curate the life of your dreams in the Portugal.StartAbroadPersonalised relocation services for Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal and Spain. Code 5%: ALMOSTLOCADisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥: https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories Follow us on social media 📲: https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories ⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories 🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

    33 min
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4.6
out of 5
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About

Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories shares honest, human stories of people building lives and homes abroad. Hosted by Marc Alcobé, the channel explores what it really means to live somewhere new, beyond visas, checklists, and highlight reels.Through in-depth conversations with people living abroad around the world, we talk about belonging, identity, culture shock, community, and the slow process of becoming almost local. These are stories about finding home in unfamiliar places, navigating life between cultures, and redefining where you’re from.Whether you’re already living abroad, planning a move, or simply curious about life elsewhere, Almost Local is a space for reflection, connection, and real experiences of life beyond borders.New episodes weekly feature personal stories from around the world, shared with honesty, depth, and nuance.

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