Journiosity

Ann Thomson
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Blending unapologetic curiosity with easy conversation, I interview ordinary people—just like you and me—to discover their extra~ordinary. journiosity.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Young professional perspective on the economic challenges and cultural resilience of Argentinians at a historic crossroad

    MAY 11

    Young professional perspective on the economic challenges and cultural resilience of Argentinians at a historic crossroad

    Young Argentinians on Milei’s Reforms: Inflation, Taxes, Hope and Daily Life in Mendoza In Mendoza, Argentina, October 2025, I interviewed Juli, a lawyer, and Tomi, a small business owner/engineer, about changes under President Milei after recent elections that ostensibly strengthened his position in Congress. They describe life before Milei as marked by extreme inflation, product shortages, import restrictions and high taxes, with people using instalments to cope and some abusing government benefits due to weak oversight. They discuss “ventajeros” as taking advantage of situations, including with tourists, and explain how heavy taxation and instability made professional salaries feel insufficient. Under Milei, they report greater price stability, more predictable salaries and hope that young professionals may return from abroad, though they note the transition has been exhausting and that pensioners and public services still struggle. They also share views on Trump, corruption in past governments, and Argentina’s welcoming culture and natural beauty. 00:00 Introduction to Mendoza and Guests 00:53 Election Win and Hopes 02:03 Life Under Inflation 03:13 Import Controls and Shortages 04:57 Welfare State and Abuse 07:07 The Ventajeros Culture 09:29 Taxes, Travel and Chile Runs 10:59 Installments and Beating Inflation 12:18 Young Professionals' Frustration 14:36 Stability Under Milei 16:45 Dollar Pricing Logic 17:20 Peso Swings and Brazil Trips 18:03 Hopeful Economic Outlook 19:22 Work, Wages and Brain Drain 21:24 Fairness and Public Services 23:13 Milei Crazy or Genius 24:31 Trump and Immigration Views 26:22 Corruption and Voting Change 29:36 Why Argentina Is Special 31:35 Farewell and Invite to Mendoza This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    33 min
  2. Cata's journey from buried trauma to empowerment and healing

    APR 9

    Cata's journey from buried trauma to empowerment and healing

    How do we deal with trauma that bubbles to the surface years down the road? What can that journey look like? In this episode, I’m speaking with Catalina in a cafe in downtown Santiago, Chile. What starts out as a conversation about her background and her unconventional career path turns into a multi-layered story of navigating the buried trauma that eventually becomes impossible to ignore, and what it means to face the inevitable. A bold, brave conversation—with a pinch of streetside noise. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    38 min
  3. How Marian has taken quiet power from profound trauma

    MAR 17

    How Marian has taken quiet power from profound trauma

    Is it possible to find strength in traumatic events? How can we empower ourselves despite life’s challenges? In this episode, I’m speaking with Marian, a young law student from Mexico City, interning in Ottawa, Canada. Despite losing her father at a young age and having her trust abused by another family member, Marian has an appreciation of the unique things life has taught her, a deep desire to support other women and grand visions for her future. Thanks for listening to Journiosity! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    52 min
  4. How Jenny's dating life holds lessons for understanding US politics

    MAR 4

    How Jenny's dating life holds lessons for understanding US politics

    In some ways, given current world events (for posterity, it is early March 2026), this interview could not be better timed: in this episode, I’m speaking with Jenny, a US citizen who moved to Ottawa, Canada, in mid-2025 and who has an eye-opening perspective on what is at work in the top levels of the US administration. We actually spoke only two months after her move—about how her dating experience has given her a whole other level of insight into the current state of US politics. Chillingly, in the months since I spoke to her, a lot of what she highlighted back in September 2025 has found resonance in the actions of the US and their consequences for the rest of the world. Thanks for listening to Journiosity! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and posts, and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    52 min
  5. How Betty has learnt to live with life's grey zones

    FEB 25

    How Betty has learnt to live with life's grey zones

    Do you believe in right and wrong, black and white? When that dichotomy no longer serves, can you exist in the grey zone? In this episode, I’m speaking with Betty, a nurse living in Ottawa, Canada, who grew up in a religiously conservative family in Iran. Living under the “dictatorship” of her own father and then, later, the Islamic Republic, Betty’s story shows us how it is entirely possible—perhaps even necessary—to navigate the grey zones of life. Thanks for listening to Journiosity! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes and posts, and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    1h 8m
  6. Growing up in Communist Romania, why Oana had to leave Mexico and burnout despite joy

    FEB 17

    Growing up in Communist Romania, why Oana had to leave Mexico and burnout despite joy

    Have you ever felt like there must be more to life? And have you been brave enough to follow that feeling? In this episode, I speak with Oana, a Waldorf teacher currently living in Ottawa, Canada, whose life took her from rural Communist Romania to Mexico, learning about alternative approaches to understanding the world, and finally to Canada. Her story is driven by her joy for learning—and shows us that even a joyful journey has its challenges. Thanks for listening to Journiosity! Subscribe on Substack to receive new episodes and posts, and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    1h 8m
  7. How Mohammed had to leave a country that holds a special place in people's hearts

    FEB 10

    How Mohammed had to leave a country that holds a special place in people's hearts

    What do you know about Yemen? Does it hold a special place in your heart? In this episode, I’m speaking with Mohammed, a Yemeni legal scholar living in Ottawa, Canada, whose life has been directly touched by some of this century’s most defining moments and who takes us on a journey of discovery as we delve into Yemeni geography, history and culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit journiosity.substack.com

    59 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Blending unapologetic curiosity with easy conversation, I interview ordinary people—just like you and me—to discover their extra~ordinary. journiosity.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Thomson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ann Thomson
  • Show Website
    Journiosity