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. 2D AGO

    What If You Learned How to Stay? Pia Mailhot-Leichter on Belonging, Creativity and Extinction Moments

    About Pia  Pia Mailhot-Leichter is a self-described "recovering nomad" who has lived in more places than most people visit, from Manhattan to Sri Lanka, London to France, and eventually dropping anchor in Copenhagen after decades of following the nomadic pull. Born to a French-Canadian mother and a New York City father, she grew up crossing cultures before she had words for it, and spent years searching for belonging before discovering it lived inside her all along. Today she's an author, creative coach, and founder of Kollective Studio (yes, the Danish spelling), where she helps visionary rebels and unconventional dreamers birth their boldest projects into the world. Find her at kollective-studio.com What You'll Walk Away With This conversation is a love letter to everyone who has ever felt like a stranger in their own life and a gentle nudge to remember that you are the creative director of every scene. Pia shares the moment a therapist stopped her mid-"I'm moving to Paris" and offered her a genuinely radical idea: what if you learned how to stay?  That one reframe changed everything. We talk about what she calls "extinction moments", those are the uncomfortable in-between spaces where an old version of you has to dissolve before something new can emerge, and why that void is actually the most fertile creative territory you'll ever stand in.  We also explore why expats are already more creative than they give themselves credit for, and what to do when the honeymoon wears off and bureaucracy swallows the adventure whole. Pia's answer? Ask yourself how you'd creatively direct your next scene, as if you were a play or a movie director. Costume, soundtrack, mood, energy - all of it. Your Next Scene Starts Now If this episode lit something up in you, please share it with a fellow nomad, a recovering expat, or anyone in the middle of their own extinction moment — they need to hear this one. Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    42 min

  2. MAR 12

    Belonging Everywhere and Nowhere: The Expat's Identity Puzzle

    About Daniela  Daniela Draugelis didn't just study cultural intelligence, she lived it before she even had a name for it. Born in Argentina to a Lithuanian immigrant family (her father fled Europe as a war refugee), she grew up speaking Lithuanian at home, celebrating cultural traditions on weekends, and navigating between worlds long before anyone called it "code-switching." Twenty-plus years of globally mobile life across China, Indonesia, the US, and now Pakistan, she's a certified Cultural Intelligence facilitator who helps executives, diplomats, and globally mobile individuals not just survive the crossing — but genuinely thrive. Find her at culturalpathways.com What You'll Walk Away With  This is one of those conversations that gives you language for things you've always felt but couldn't quite name. Daniela walks us through the four pillars of Cultural Intelligence, including Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action - and explains why having just one or two isn't enough. You can read every guidebook about your new country and still find yourself eating lunch alone in your car, wondering why nothing is clicking. We also get into the fascinating difference between tight and loose cultures, and what it costs us, both emotionally and practically, when we find ourselves leaping between them. And in true nomadic spirit, Daniela shares the moment she asked her Pakistani hostess for the "restroom" and was shown to a bedroom. Even after 20 years, culture has a way of keeping us beautifully humble! Be Curious, Not Judgmental  Daniela's parting wisdom comes straight from Ted Lasso , and it might be the most portable cultural intelligence tool you'll ever carry.  Do you know someone navigating a new culture right now? This episode is for them. Share it, and let's keep the conversation going. Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    47 min

  3. MAR 8

    One Next Best Step: Dr. Joy Wiggins on Moving Abroad Solo, Raising a Teen in Lisbon, and Building a Global Career

    Dr. Joy Wiggins  Meet Dr. Joy Wiggins, we chatted about Raising Kids to Boardroomsshe is a cultural agility expert, former professor, and single mum who packed up her life in Texas and moved to Lisbon, Portugal with her teenage daughter Ruby. She's spent decades living and working across cultures, from Germany to China to Jordan, she also now helps globally mobile women build careers and lives that don't fit neatly inside one country's borders. What You'll Take Away: There's a world of difference between being culturally competent and culturally agile, one is going along to get along, the other is knowing yourself well enough to walk into any room, anywhere in the world, and read what's really happening beneath the surfaceMoving abroad as a single mum with a teenager is not for the faint-hearted, Joy shows us that when you take it one "next best step" at a time, and you keep the conversation honest with your kid, the adventure is absolutely worth the wobbleThe biggest blind spot Western women carry into cross-cultural spaces is mistaking their own confidence for competence.  Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do in a new culture is to stop talking, watch who speaks, and learn the unwritten rules before you try to rewrite themThe women who thrive globally aren't the ones who hustle hardest — they're the ones who get strategic, build real solidarity with other women, and understand that sometimes opening a door just a crack is how you eventually walk through it fullyConnect with Dr. Joy Wiggins: 🌐 joywiggins.com 💼 LinkedIn: @DrJoyWiggins If this episode stirred something in you, whether you're mid-move, mid-career, or mid-life or wondering what's coming next, please share it with a woman who needs to hear it today. And if you haven't already, subscribe to Nomadic Diaries wherever you listen. Your story belongs here. Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    36 min

  4. FEB 17

    Packed Your Bags But Forgot Your Mind? The Emotional Side of Expat Life

    What if the hardest part of moving abroad isn't finding a house, but finding yourself?  In this episode, Doreen Cumberford sits down with Vivian Chiona, founder of Expat Nest, an online counselling platform offering psychological support in nine languages to expats, repats, and global nomads worldwide. Vivian brings warmth, wisdom, and 12 years of experience helping internationally mobile people navigate the emotional terrain that logistics can't fix. Together they explore the invisible side of expat life including the culture shock, identity shifts, and loneliness that can ambush even the most seasoned global citizen. In this episode you'll discover: Why saying goodbye well is a skill — and why it matters for how you arriveThe most common blind spots expats have when they think moving is "just logistics"Warning signs your mind and body are telling you to seek supportHow transgenerational patterns shape your expat experience (and why your grandparents' journey might be living in your bones)Why loneliness is really about disconnection — and practical ways to rebuild belongingThe secret to a happy repatriation: building your global village back homeVivian's mantra for every expat: "This too shall pass"About Vivian Chiona:  Vivian is a psychologist, intercultural expert, and founder of Expat Nest offering e-counselling in nine languages including English, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Arabic. Services cover individuals, teenagers, couples, and families. A free 15-minute consultation is available, and direct billing with many insurances is offered. Connect with Vivian at: 📧 info@expatnest.com  | 🌐 www.expatnest.com Connect with Doreen at: https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ https://doreencumberford.substack.com/publish/home Book mentioned: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    38 min

  5. FEB 2

    Beyond Culture Shock: Kathy Ellis on What It Really Takes to Build a Life Across Cultures

    What does it really take to build a life across cultures? In this episode, intercultural trainer Kathy Ellis joins Doreen for an honest conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of cross-cultural living. From her small-town Midwest roots to seven countries, multiple languages, and decades helping others navigate global transitions, Kathy brings both personal experience and professional expertise to the table. In this conversation: The Cultural Iceberg: Beyond Tourist-Level Understanding Kathy explains why cultural awareness is just the tip of the iceberg—the real work happens when you dive beneath the surface into ambiguity, unspoken rules, and deep cultural integration. We discuss what it takes to move from observer to participant in a new culture. The Friendship Challenge: Building Real Connections Abroad Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as a newcomer in a foreign country? Even harder. We explore the complexities and unexpected joys of building genuine friendships across cultures, the role of shared experiences, and why humor and emotional adaptability matter more than you think. Repatriation: The Hardest Move You Never Saw Coming Coming "home" after years abroad can be more disorienting than any international move. Kathy and Doreen dig into identity shifts, reverse culture shock, and practical strategies for reintegrating into a place that no longer feels quite like home—or maybe never did. Your Survival Toolkit: What Actually Helps You Thrive Forget generic advice. We share real-world strategies that work: leading with humor, staying genuinely curious, finding cultural "bridges" for connection, and maintaining positivity without toxic optimism. Doreen shares examples from her relocation coaching work that bring these concepts to life. The Executive Friendship Gap: Success Doesn't Equal Connection Even high-achieving professionals struggle to build meaningful relationships outside of work when they move internationally. We explore the subtle cultural and generational factors that make this harder than it should be, and what you can do about it. Change vs. Transformation: Understanding the Deeper Shift Living overseas isn't just about managing change—it's about transformation. We reflect on the difference between adapting to new circumstances and fundamentally evolving as a person through cross-cultural experience. About Kathy Ellis:   Kathy holds a Master’s in Education, various Intercultural Communication and Language certifications, and serves on the board for the International Language Coaching Association (ILCA). Kathy is a Qualified Administrator in Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). In addition to her educational endeavors, Kathy has published three poetry collections, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Connect with Kathy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-ellis-9b79191/ https://www.instagram.com/kat.ellis/ Connect with Doreen: Nomadic Diaries podcast https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ https Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    32 min

  6. JAN 16

    Advertising's Golden Era and the Hard Part: Coming Home

    Today on Nomadic Diaries, I sat down with Peter Levitan, former Saatchi & Saatchi executive and serial entrepreneur, to talk about navigating international assignments, adapting to new cultures, and the challenges of returning home after working abroad. Peter shared invaluable insights on building trust, learning cultural nuances, and the importance of empathy in global business.  Peter was one of the few Americans hand-picked to transfer to Saatchi's London office during its heyday. At that time HR was not involved, there was no orientation, no cultural training, no HR support. He figured it out through pub conversations, workplace friendships, and learning to read the room in a very different business culture. He built trust, adapted fast, and thrived. Then he came home. And that's when things got complicated. Despite gaining invaluable intercultural experience, Peter returned to find nobody particularly interested in what he'd learned. There was no debriefing, no attempt to leverage his insights, and certainly no acknowledgment of reverse culture shock. The skills he'd developed, cultural intelligence, adaptability, the ability to bridge offices and cultures became invisible. In this conversation, Peter shares the realities of corporate international moves in the 1980s, the resilience required when you're navigating a new country with young children, and why returning expats often feel like their experience doesn't count. He also offers hard-won advice: be proactive about seeking support, manage your "brand" carefully when sharing your overseas stories, and don't assume your company will automatically value what you've gained. This episode is essential listening for anyone who's lived abroad and struggled with reentry, or for companies wondering why their international assignments aren't delivering the ROI they expected. If this episode resonates with you, please leave us a review. It helps other expats and returnees find these conversations. Support the show Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    35 min

  7. 11/30/2025

    "Belonging Is Not Found, It's Formed": 30 Episodes, One Big Question

    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 Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    30 min

  8. 11/29/2025

    Hidden Superpowers: Ruth Van Reken on What TCKs Get Right About the World

    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 Nomadic Diaries explores expat life, repatriation, belonging and global living. This episode may be part of our Re-Entry Series (30 episodes on coming home) or The Belonging Project (29 episodes on belonging across cultures). Browse the full catalog at nomadicdiariespodcast.com and please share or leave a review if this episode resonated.

    41 min
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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.

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