Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global Transitions

Doreen Cumberford
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Where Global Living Transforms Lives    Imagine a life where every border crossed becomes a doorway to personal transformation!Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, the podcast that turns international adventures into extraordinary personal journeys. We're not just telling travel stories. We're uncovering the raw, unfiltered experiences of expats and global nomads who have transformed uncertainty into opportunity.  Each episode dives deep into the hearts and minds of extraordinary individuals who've turned geographical transitions into powerful paths of self-discovery. Are you an expat feeling lost between worlds? A digital nomad seeking more than just scenic backdrops? This podcast is your compass. We explore the real-life challenges and insights of international living, sharing genuine stories, practical strategies, and life-changing wisdom from those who've navigated the complex terrain of global mobility.  Nomadic Diaries is more than just a podcast – it's a platform for connection, understanding, and personal growth. We believe that living abroad isn't about collecting stamps in a passport, but about expanding the boundaries of who you can become. Join us as we explore how stepping outside your comfort zone can be the most profound journey of personal growth you'll ever undertake. Your global adventure starts here – where every mile traveled is a mile of transformation.

  1. 11/30/2025

    Farewells and Reflections....

    In this heartfelt farewell to the Nomadic Diaries podcast, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks co-host reflect on a remarkable 10-month journey exploring the expansive topic of belonging. Together, they look back over 30 episodes, key guest moments, personal transformations, and the evolution of the conversations. The hosts revisit why belonging matters, share moving stories from the series, and discuss how the podcast impacted their own sense of community and connection. They also express gratitude to their team and listeners, offering wisdom and inspiration for anyone navigating questions of belonging in their own life. Key Themes The universal human desire for belonging and its many expressionsNotable guest moments: Stephen Toole’s international classroom, Marcia’s insights on somatics, and Cass Stewart’s perspective on belonging within a high-pressure teamThe distinction between “connection to” versus “connection with” people and placesIntergenerational perspectives and generational shifts in discussing and experiencing belonging, especially regarding technologyParadoxes and challenges: belonging as both internal and external, and the necessity to continually reinvest in building communityPersonal takeaways and the courage it takes to both belong and create spaces for others to belongThe podcast as a bridge builder and companion for listeners navigating changes, transitions, and questions of homeNotable Quotes “Belonging is not found, it’s formed.”  Megan Norton-Newbanks“True belonging never asks us to change who we are.” Brene Brown “May you be at home wherever you find yourself today.” – Maya Angelou  Special Thanks Gratitude is given to the podcast’s guests, angel producer John Palmer, and sound engineer Pradeep for their invaluable contributions. Final Thoughts Listeners are encouraged to revisit the podcast library, connect with the stories that resonate, and continue the conversation about belonging. The hosts hint that while this is the final episode of the season, more may come in the future. Farewell The episode closes with a multilingual goodbye, expressing love, gratitude, and the hope that all will find belonging wherever their journeys take them. Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    30 min

  2. 11/29/2025

    Belonging Across Cultures

    Show Notes Welcome back to Nomadic Diaries for part two of our conversation with Ruth Van Reken, the influential voice behind "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds." Joined by Megan Norton-Newbanks and your host Doreen Cumberford, Ruth dives deep into cross-cultural identity, belonging, and generational perspectives. Key Topics Discussed Navigating the "Where Are You From?" QuestionRuth shares practical ways globally mobile people can gracefully answer this challenging question.The Social Dynamics of IdentityExamining why traditional questions about origin can feel alienating, and how curiosity and cultural sensitivity can create bridges instead.The importance of focusing on connection and stories rather than details.Generational Differences in Storytelling and BelongingThe panel reflects on how different age groups approach storytelling, sharing, and forming connections.Unique Strengths of Third Culture Kids (TCKs)Ruth outlines new research highlighting cultural competency and linguistic skills as hidden superpowers of TCKs.Adaptability, bridge-building, curiosity, and global enthusiasm as signature traits in careers and communities.Creating a Sense of Home and BelongingRuth reflects on cultivating belonging wherever she’s lived, emphasizing human connection and the joys of multicultural friendships.Advice for Parents Raising TCKsRuth offers actionable guidance: nurture family traditions, recognize each child's unique gifts, and always foster a sense of agency and choice.The importance of honoring both shared humanity and individual uniqueness.Final Thoughts on BelongingThe episode closes with a focus on collective belonging, inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa.Notable Quotes “You can make it a fun question.”  Ruth Van Reken“I am more interested in the connection than the details.” “Our biggest challenge is not only belonging—but belonging to ourselves.” –Ruth Van Reken Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    41 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    Belonging Between Two Worlds - Ruth Van Reken

    Episode Overview In this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and  Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures. What You'll Hear 1. Ruth’s Origin Story and Journey Ruth’s personal experience of being a third culture kid raised in Nigeria, drawing parallels with her father’s similar upbringing in Iran and her own children’s formative years in Liberia.The internal challenges faced despite a privileged, adventurous life—silent grief and lack of belonging—and how journaling led Ruth to uncover deeper truths about cross-cultural identity.2. The Birth of the “Third Culture Kid” Concept Ruth’s first encounter with the term TCK and her collaboration with Dave Pollock, which resulted in the foundational book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.Insights into the writing process, the evolution of the TCK concept, and the ongoing development of the term "cross cultural kid" for inclusivity.3. Normalizing the Experience of Displacement and Grief Why naming the experience is powerful, how sharing stories cultivates belonging and healing, and Ruth’s hope to normalize feelings of isolation and loneliness.The importance of making these concepts accessible to educators, counselors, and community leaders.4. Belonging – Local and Global Discussion about belonging in various circles—family, local communities, and global networks.The difference between experiential and geographical belonging, and how third culture kids can feel at home in many places (and sometimes nowhere in particular).5. Sowing Narratives Together The power and therapeutic effect of sharing our hidden stories—the secret shames and quiet pains that many TCKs carry.Transformative moments from Ruth’s own life, including her 80th birthday celebration, where her two worlds—local and global—beautifully converged.6. Navigating Difficult Questions Tips and reflections on answering the classic expat question, "Where are you from?" with grace, and using it as a gateway to deeper connection instead of retreating behind simple answers.Key Quotes "When we share the things that are secret in those places that we think nobody feels like this, that's when people put their hand up or come on the side and say, 'But I do.' I had no idea anybody else felt like this." Ruth Van Reken"Belonging is more than just the place. But you can find that contentment in where you are if you live it fully." Ruth Van RekenSupport the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    29 min

  4. 11/27/2025

    A Belonging Bite: Celebrations & Holidays

    Episode Overview In this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and  Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures. What You'll Hear 1. Ruth’s Origin Story and Journey Ruth’s personal experience of being a third culture kid raised in Nigeria, drawing parallels with her father’s similar upbringing in Iran and her own children’s formative years in Liberia.The internal challenges faced despite a privileged, adventurous life—silent grief and lack of belonging—and how journaling led Ruth to uncover deeper truths about cross-cultural identity.2. The Birth of the “Third Culture Kid” Concept Ruth’s first encounter with the term TCK and her collaboration with Dave Pollock, which resulted in the foundational book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.Insights into the writing process, the evolution of the TCK concept, and the ongoing development of the term "cross cultural kid" for inclusivity.3. Normalizing the Experience of Displacement and Grief Why naming the experience is powerful, how sharing stories cultivates belonging and healing, and Ruth’s hope to normalize feelings of isolation and loneliness.The importance of making these concepts accessible to educators, counselors, and community leaders.4. Belonging – Local and Global Discussion about belonging in various circles—family, local communities, and global networks.The difference between experiential and geographical belonging, and how third culture kids can feel at home in many places (and sometimes nowhere in particular).5. Sowing Narratives Together The power and therapeutic effect of sharing our hidden stories—the secret shames and quiet pains that many TCKs carry.Transformative moments from Ruth’s own life, including her 80th birthday celebration, where her two worlds—local and global—beautifully converged.6. Navigating Difficult Questions Tips and reflections on answering the classic expat question, "Where are you from?" with grace, and using it as a gateway to deeper connection instead of retreating behind simple answers.Key Quotes "When we share the things that are secret in those places that we think nobody feels like this, that's when people put their hand up or come on the side and say, 'But I do.' I had no idea anybody else felt like this." Ruth Van Reken"Belonging is more than just the place. But you can find that contentment in where you are if you live it fully." Ruth Van RekenSupport the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    16 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Finding Belonging Through Film

    In this engaging episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Caz Stuart, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, to discuss the art of storytelling, belonging, and community - both on and off camera. Caz explores her nomadic journey from Europe to San Miguel, Mexico, weaving in her extensive career experiences, particularly in making hard-hitting documentaries on social issues for UK television. The conversation spans topics from the dynamics of competitive pickleball in San Miguel to the emotional landscape of filmmaking - how empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging take center stage in both telling and living remarkable stories. The trio also tackles how expat communities form, the challenges of integration, and the healing power of storytelling for both audiences and contributors. Key Takeaways Filmmaking as a Path to Belonging: Caz shares that her love for languages and travel opened up an understanding that people everywhere share similar hopes and dreams, inspiring her to make documentaries that foster empathy and connection.Belonging in Challenging Contexts: Through stories from shows like Survivor, Caz describes how extreme circumstances and teamwork cultivate intense, sometimes fleeting, bonds—a microcosm for belonging.Resilience and Isolation: The conversation delves into how belonging is deeply tied to resilience, and how isolation and lack of community can deepen hardship, especially for nomads and expats.Duty of Care in Storytelling: Caz emphasizes the responsibility filmmakers hold toward their subjects, ensuring stories are told ethically and contributors are supported during and after filming.Expat Integration & Community in San Miguel: The group reflect on San Miguel’s unique blend of cultural vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere, while also discussing the importance of language, integration, and the mutual duty to foster genuine connection with local communities.Behind-the-Scenes Insights: From stressful production schedules to navigating heavy topics, Caz shares candid examples from her work, highlighting the importance of curiosity, compassion, and finding compelling characters.Advice to Listeners: Curiosity is key—embrace new cultures, ask questions, seek out stories, and don’t shut yourself off from learning opportunities. Belonging is built through exploration.Memorable Quotes “Filmmaking for me was not something I thought about growing up…I just knew that I loved languages and I’m good at them, and so that took me traveling.”“People in general are good people…and so that made me think, I want to make films that help people understand that.”“If you have no belonging, you have to have a lot of resilience. Because belonging is the thing we crave.”“As filmmakers, we have a duty of care to make sure the experience is a good one, and follow up with the care afterwards as well.”“To be curious, not to shut down and go within your own little world, but to always look outwards and see what you can learn from other people.”Further Discussion Points The evolution of San Miguel as a cultural hub and refuge for expats.The challenges for older expats and those who struggle with integration, especially due to language barriers.Ethical considerations in documentary filmmaking—balancing powerful storytelling and contributor well-being.How compressed, stressful environments can accelerate a sense of community or reveal character.The importance of storytelling as a healing Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    43 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Life in the Camel Lane - A Reading

    In this heartfelt episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford opens up about the challenges and transformations of expat life, drawing from her own 15 years as an accompanying spouse in Saudi Arabia. She reads an excerpt from her book, "Life in the Camel Lane," diving into the core themes of home, identity, and the elusive sense of belonging for global nomads. Listeners are invited to reflect on adaptation, cultural transitions, grief, and the growth that comes from living liminally—caught between cultures and worlds. Key Topics Covered Personal Expat Journey:Doreen Cumberfordshares highlights from her memoir, detailing the realities of moving, adapting, and thriving in a completely different cultural environment.Anatomy of Adventure: Each expat experience is unique, demanding presence, adaptation, and a willingness to let go of familiar ways.Liminal Living: The challenge and beauty of living life on the threshold—balancing cultures, mindsets, and identities.Growth & Adaptation: How expatriates, especially Western women in Saudi Arabia, redefined themselves and built new support systems.The Role of Grief: Exploring the emotional cost of saying goodbye to friends, places, and former selves, and how these losses fuel future adventures.Re-entry and Repatriation: The struggle and skills involved in returning ‘home’ after deep immersion in another culture.Transformation through Mobility: Embracing the changes and expanded perspectives that come from global living.Memorable Quotes “Arrivals, the adaptation process and acclimatization are critical.” Liminal living is the practice of living constantly in between two cultures and juggling them both.” “As expats, ultimately we pack up our memories, our belongings, our new experiences, and we move on. Nevertheless, we grieve. Those losses have a role to play in defining our new identities and our sense of belonging.”Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    8 min

  7. 11/23/2025

    Belonging Across Your Multiple Selves

    In this episode, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks sit down with Sa-Eun Park, also known as San Shine, a belonging coach and spiritual entrepreneur based in Incheon, Korea. San shares her powerful story of growing up cross-culturally—moving from Korea to Saudi Arabia, then Austria, and later, the U.S.—and how these experiences shaped her journey with belonging, identity, and self-acceptance. Key Topics & Takeaways The Wound of Uprootedness: San discusses the impact of being separated from her family at a young age and growing up across multiple cultures, and how this led to a lifelong search for belonging.Inner Boardroom Method: San introduces her unique approach to self-acceptance by creating an "inner boardroom," inviting listeners to listen compassionately to the many voices within themselves shaped by cross-cultural experiences.Belonging as a Superpower: The conversation explores the idea that the ability to hold multiple cultural identities is not just a challenge, but a superpower for empathy and connection.Authenticity and Wholeness: How embracing all parts of ourselves, even the conflicted or fragmented ones, leads to a fuller sense of authenticity and belonging.The Human Kintsugi: San is developing a new framework—“The Human Kintsugi”—inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. It’s about turning life’s fractures into sources of beauty and strength.Senses and Belonging: The importance of using our senses, especially intuition, to recognize belonging and polarization in spaces we inhabit.Community in a Changing World: A discussion on how the meaning of community is shifting with technology, and why self-belonging is foundational for creating connections with others.Memorable Quotes “Those voices are there to guide you to the wholeness in you.” – San Shine“Belonging is about returning to yourself and remembering who you already are.”Practical Tips Practice the Inner Boardroom: Sit with your different identities and listen to each one with compassion, as you would to children with different needs.Create Your Own Healing Rituals: Physical objects—like a heart with country flags—can help visually acknowledge and integrate all the cultures and experiences in your life.Explore Playlists: Curate music that resonates with your sense of belonging, or helps you connect with different versions of yourself.Connect with Today’s Guest: Founder and CEO of Octopus and Stitch Consulting IG - @octopusandstitchhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sanshine/Resources Mentioned The concept of “Human Kintsugi”Megan Norton-Newbanks’ book: Belonging Across BordersRepatriation Playlist (referenced in the episode; available in show notes)Thank you for joining us on Nomadic Diaries! If this episode resonated with you, share your thoughts or leave us a review. Stay tuned for more conversations on belonging, identity, and the global nomad experience. Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    50 min

  8. 11/22/2025

    ABCs - Art, Belonging and Children

    In this heartfelt episode, Doreen and Megan sit down with Dr. Jemina Watstein, an internationally experienced visual art educator who specializes in working with third culture kids (TCKs) and international families. Together, they explore the deep connection between art, identity, healing, and belonging - especially for people who’ve lived globally mobile lives. What You’ll Hear: Jemina’s Background: Jamina shares her journey as a visual art educator over two decades, teaching in the US, Germany, and Thailand, and her academic path from a Master’s in Fine Art Photography to a PhD in International Educational Leadership.Art as Inquiry & Healing: She dives into what “inquiry-based art” means and gives practical classroom examples, explaining how open-ended questions can help kids - especially TCKs - explore and express where they come from.Universality & Differences in Children’s Art: Jemina discusses universal stages of artistic development, how art transcends culture, and what influences personal expression as children grow up in varied educational systems (IB, American, etc.).Avoiding Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation in Art: The group examines how to teach cultural art forms with respect and depth, rather than relying on stereotypes, and emphasizes the importance of context and personal connection.Art, Family, and Belonging: Insightful tips for parents to use art as a way to help their children process change, loss, and belonging—whether after a move or while they’re adapting to a new environment.Travel-Friendly Art Supplies: Practical advice on traveling with art materials for families on the move—including the joy and portability of fiber arts and even something simple like a beloved pen or marker.Key Takeaways Inquiry-led art empowers both children and adults to understand and express their identities.Art fosters belonging—both individually and collectively—especially for those crossing cultures.Parents and educators can support healing and adjustment through creative prompts and open-ended exploration.Bringing even compact art supplies or starting collaborative art practices can help root a sense of self and connection, no matter where you are.Resources Mentioned TCK Art Education Website – Jemina’s site with research and contact infoJemina Watson Art – Jemina’s portfolio and worksBook: “Slurping Stoop” (for art prompt inspiration)Connect With Dr. Jemina  https://tcksarteducation.weebly.com Jemina Watson Art Final Thoughts Explore art as a safe space for inquiry and connection, wherever you are in the world. Don’t underestimate the power of making - and gifting - something by hand as a path to deeper human belonging. Thanks for listening to Nomadic Diaries! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone in your global community and let us know how art has helped you find your sense of home. Support the show Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders! We aim to inspire expat solutions, by helping you navigate global living with ease and grace.

    38 min
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About

Where Global Living Transforms Lives    Imagine a life where every border crossed becomes a doorway to personal transformation!Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, the podcast that turns international adventures into extraordinary personal journeys. We're not just telling travel stories. We're uncovering the raw, unfiltered experiences of expats and global nomads who have transformed uncertainty into opportunity.  Each episode dives deep into the hearts and minds of extraordinary individuals who've turned geographical transitions into powerful paths of self-discovery. Are you an expat feeling lost between worlds? A digital nomad seeking more than just scenic backdrops? This podcast is your compass. We explore the real-life challenges and insights of international living, sharing genuine stories, practical strategies, and life-changing wisdom from those who've navigated the complex terrain of global mobility.  Nomadic Diaries is more than just a podcast – it's a platform for connection, understanding, and personal growth. We believe that living abroad isn't about collecting stamps in a passport, but about expanding the boundaries of who you can become. Join us as we explore how stepping outside your comfort zone can be the most profound journey of personal growth you'll ever undertake. Your global adventure starts here – where every mile traveled is a mile of transformation.

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