Nomadic Diaries Doreen Cumberford

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, titled Expat Families - Surviving Alone Overseas,  Rhoda Bangerter and Doreen Cumberford delve into the emotional and logistical complexities faced by expats and split families living abroad.

Rhoda shares her firsthand experiences tackling the challenges of maintaining stability and coherence in family life while being separated from her husband by vast distances because of work commitments.

Here are three of the top strategies for managing such situations:

Self-Inclusion in Decision-Making:
Rhoda emphasizes the importance of including oneself in the family decision-making process. By including oneself in this process, families can ensure that they take care of every member and don't sideline anyone's well-being. After all families are teams!

Building a Support Network:
Establishing a strong local support system can provide practical help and emotional comfort. Rhoda advises connecting with local expat communities or similar groups who understand the challenges of living abroad.

Build A Sense of Belonging:
Getting involved in local communities initiatives and activities builds connection. Being  involved in the local community can also improve one’s quality of life and provide a sense of belonging, which is often missing in expat life.

Emphasizing Self-Care:
Both discussed the critical role of self-care and recognizing one's own needs. It's important for individuals to maintain their physical and emotional health to be fully present for their families, and how effective are we at doing this?

Utilizing Resources:
Rhoda mentions her book, 'Holding the Fort Abroad', which offers guidance and support to solo parents in long-distance relationships. Resources like these can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing life abroad.

Rhoda Bangerter is a Speaker, Split Location Consultant, and the Author of “Holding the Fort Abroad”. She was raised in a multicultural home and is married to a Swiss. They currently live in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Her husband has travelled for work their whole marriage including two years when he was based in Kabul.

https://www.instagram.com/amulticulturallife/
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2618040678441348
Linkedin Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodabangerter
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Fort-Abroad-Surviving-parenting/dp/1838167013/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37GH17SNJAVES&keywords=holding+the+fort+abroad&qid=1700724444&sprefix=holding+the+fort+abroa%2Caps%2C311&sr=8-1

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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!

🎧 Grandparents - Distance Does Not Mean Disconnection!  In this powerful episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford welcomes New Zealand researcher and author Helen Ellis to explore the nuanced dynamics of long-distance family relationships. 

With a rich background as an anthropologist and the unique experience of being a distant stepmother, Helen shares her insights on how families can maintain connections and navigate the emotional landscapes despite the miles between them.


🌍 Helen's anthropological insights, combined with her personal journey as a distant mother and stepmother, illuminate how multigenerational connections can flourish despite geographical distances.
Key Takeaways for Our Listeners:
Building Bridges
We discussed how to keep love flowing across time zones with simple practices tailored for grandparent-grandchild relationships.
Embracing Change
Learn about the three levels of acceptance essential for grandparents and how to find harmony within the dynamic nature of distant grandparenting.
Communication is Key
See how technology and the timeless charm of the written word bridge emotional voids and create enduring bonds. 
Don’t miss out on this profound conversation that could redefine how you connect with your loved ones across the distance. It’s all about evolution, empathy, and the art of keeping close, no matter where life takes you.
#NomadicDiariesPodcast #DistanceFamily #CulturalExchange #Understanding 
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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!

In this episode we explore the various factors that contribute to expat fatigue, including cultural adjustments, language barriers, and the emotional toll of being far from loved ones.
Hear personal anecdotes from Doreen’s experiences and Camila’s expert insights on navigating the rocky waters of expat life.
Discover actionable strategies and tips to combat expat fatigue and reinvigorate your expat journey.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Expat Fatigue. 
Learn what sets expat fatigue apart from general fatigue, including unique stressors like cultural and language barriers.
2. Strategies for Relief
 Camila shares a three-step approach to alleviating expat fatigue, focusing on changing your state, adjusting your mood, and maintaining a positive, energetic vibration.
3. Building a Support System
 The importance of fostering quality relationships and having a supportive network to manage the challenges of a globally mobile life.
📍 Whether you're a current expat, considering the leap, or repatriated and adjusting back, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you thrive in your international life.
🔗
#ExpatLife #GlobalMobility #CultureAdjustment #NomadicDiaries #ExpatFatigue #Empowerment
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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!

Jean Marie DiGiovanna interviews host Doreen Cumberford in this episode, discussing the purpose of Nomadic Diaries and the lessons that may be learned when our wanderlust is unleashed. 

Unveiling the Podcast's Why
Doreen Cumberford begins by shedding light on the motivation for creating Nomadic Diaries. As someone who gravitates towards verbal engagement and authentic conversations, she found the podcasting medium to be the perfect platform for sharing transformative stories, insights, and secrets gathered from her vast experiences as a coach, speaker, expat and.......

Why Start a Podcast....
a) To build local and global competency,
b) Provide information and inspiration to support Third Culture Kids
c) Call out the recovery program that is Repatriation back to one's home country
d) Reveal the studies on distance living, cross cultural lifestyles and migration
e) To provide strategies and resources to the globally mobile communities 

From unpacking the reasoning behind starting the podcast to diving into concepts of global competency, third culture kids, and heart-to-heart connections that transcend borders, she provides a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.
The Significance of Nomadic Diaries
We are seeking to serve a diverse audience, including expats, global nomads and people who have not yet adopted labels but are building lives full-time overseas.  While delving into the 'why' of travel, our real aim is to inspire, empower, and be the "guide on the side" for people who are facing challenging journeys overseas. ,
Expansive Tools
The podcast covers a wide array of topics, from interculturalism, stories, and examples to academic discussions and practical advice. By fostering community, the podcast equips its listeners with the tools necessary to set realistic travel goals, navigate obstacles, and understand the unintended consequences of living a nomadic lifestyle.
What is Global Competency And Why do we Need it?
Doreen delves into the concept of global competency, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances, behaviors, and values, as well as the necessity of cultural intelligence for effective intercultural communication. By helping people build heart-to-heart connections that bridge cultural barriers, Nomadic Diaries advocates for a more empathetic and interconnected world.
Navigating the Expatriate Lifestyle
Doreen has worn many hats as a professional expat in government then corporate environments,  then segueing into the role as a corporate spouse.  She is married to a TCK and having raised one in Saudi Arabia.  All these roles have delivered insight and a common sense approach to lives built overseas.   

Doreen believes that no matter where we are, we can use our journeys as springboards for personal growth. By sharing personal stories and quizzing experts and authors, the podcast aims to shed light on the complexities of navigating an expatriate lifestyle.






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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with globetrotter James Hammond, as Doreen  delves into his transformation from a classic backpacker to an advocate for slow travel and cultural immersion covering work visas and digital visas. 

 James is a podcast producer, writer and travel expert.  Doreen, the host,  admits that she was extraordinarily chatty in this episode....sorry James!  
In this episode, you'll discover:
👣 James's evolution from his first hedonistic journey to embracing a purpose-driven path as a digital nomad, seeking to challenge misconceptions and truly connect with diverse cultures.
🌍 Insights into navigating the world with work permits, the digital nomad lifestyle, and how pursuing work-visa opportunities in countries like New Zealand, Canada, and Japan can shape your travel experiences.
🤝 The imperative role of cultural mentorship, empathy, and the pursuit of personal growth alongside geographic exploration.
🔑 Three Key Takeaways for Nomads and Aspiring Travelers:
1. Slow and steady wins the race - Embrace slow travel to forge more meaningful connections and immerse yourself fully in each culture.
2. Home is where the heart is - Recognize the importance of a home base and unraveling emotional baggage for a sustainable nomadic lifestyle.
3. Personal growth precedes travel triumphs - Travel is an incredible tool for expansion, but it's essential to address personal issues for transformative experiences.
Don't miss this deep dive into the nomadic lifestyle that transcends the allure of bucket-list ticks and embraces the richness of global citizenship.
Favorite Quote from this episode:

"Travel is not about merely seeing new places, but about challenging misconceptions, connecting deeply with local cultures, and realizing that empathy, understanding, and less fear can transform the way we interact with the world."  The outstanding quote of the day.

Find James at:
jameshammondtravel@gmail.com
https://www.wingingittravelpodcast.com
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-travel-podcast/id1559489384
https://www.instagram.com/wingingittravelpodcast/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC173L0udkGL15RSkO3vIx5A
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshammondtravel/

#NomadicDiaries #GlobalCitizenship #TravelInsights #PersonalGrowth





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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!

Nomadic Diaries host, Doreen Cumberford sits down with Joel Bond, to discuss Palm Trees and Resilience!  Joel is an author, educator, and expatriate who has lived in Iraq for seven years. They dive into his experience as chronicled in his first book, "As Large as Your Spirit," touching on the human side of living overseas and finding one's identity amidst global chaos.
We discussed Joel's Reverse Refugee Experience, where he shared his unique tale of attempting to return to Iraq amidst the refugee crisis, offering a fresh perspective on the term 'reverse refugee.'

A few highlights from this show included:
Pandemic Reflections
The enforced solitude of the pandemic brought about a period of introspection for Joel, prompting a deeper understanding of his global nomad identity.
Post-ISIS Iraq
Joel paints a picture of life in Iraq after ISIS, discussing rebuilding efforts, educational challenges, and the surge of foreign investments.
Evacuation and Repatriation 
Joel describes the urgency of evacuating a country for safety, the subsequent emotional turmoil, and the journey towards finding a new balance.
This conversation underlines the value of empathy and listening to the myriad of personal stories shared by individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.Doreen and Joel credit their time in the Middle East for their resilience, not only in adapting to change but also thriving amidst them. 

When culture shock gets you down, view it as an opportunity to dig deeper and learn more!
Joel's book can be found on Amazon.

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/joeldavidbond/
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/joeldavidbond
Linkedin Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeldavidbond/
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/5o9g5RJ

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Where stories might wander but purpose finds it's home!!!