The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

The Big Purple Blob
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

We offer emotional support for EFMs and Expats around the world. A group of specialists who are trained Life Coaches bring wisdom & understanding to all of us facing the challenges of frequent moves and life overseas. Parenting, Marriage, and YOUR questions answered.

  1. 38M AGO

    184-Home Robbery: EFM Ture Stories

    Susie Czorz Brown, an experienced EFM shares her personal story and ideas for how to prevent a home invasion burglary.   To work with Susie directly connect at: www.healthyexpatparent.com Find all the experts at www.thebigpurpleblob.com

    25 min

  2. APR 10

    How Did You Start Out in The Foreign Service? Origin Stories

    Connect with us at:  www.thebigpurpleblob.com Tell us your story, share your ideas for episode topics, set up a time to talk with one of us for personal coaching and find more purpose in your overseas life.   Lisa Tilstra, Angi Solley, Sharoya Ham, Susie Czorz-Brown are all HERE for it!

    45 min

  3. MAR 31

    182.5- BONUS Third Culture Kid: An In-Depth Understanding with Megan Norton

    A deep dive into what it means to be a Third Culture Kid “Letters Now Sent” Book Invitation: You are invited to submit a written piece for the book, “Letters Now Sent.” Inspired by Ruth Van Reken's book "Letters Never Sent", "Letters Now Sent" will be a collection of letters from TCKs, parents of TCKs, and system leaders to share personal stories about their experiences with TCKs/being a TCK themself/raising TCKs. This book is a fusion of both memoir and anthology written in a specific "Dear ___[name]___" format. Here is the Google Form link to submit a letter with additional details about length and content prompts: https://forms.gle/jQyzq3TtFqfyznvCA.  Please contact Megan Norton (megancnorton@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this book project. “A Work of Heart”, a project led by Simona Wiig and Megan Norton, invites any individual who has had a Third Culture experience to submit their artwork expressions depicting their cross-cultural story for the first volume of art collections (including any visual rendering, song lyrics, poetry, videography, etc.) for and by CCKs/TCKs/migrants/global nomads/whatever ‘label’ that encompasses the Third Culture experience. Both Simona Wiig and Megan Norton are creators, artists, dreamers, and Adult TCKs who desire to showcase the Third Culture experience through visual artwork created by fellow friends who have grown up crossing-cultures. Submissions are due by May 1, 2025 for Volume 1. Please contact Megan Norton (megancnorton@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this book project.

    35 min

  4. MAR 31

    182- A 'How To' on IEPs (Personalized Educational Plans for your kid in school)

    Does your child have special educational needs?  If so, this is the episode for you!  Education Consultant Aisha Smith and Janelle Meyers, Founder of Global Village Tutors, explain what parents should do before leaving post and what they need to do once they arrive in the States to ensure their child has the smoothest transition possible into a US-based school.   Aisha Smith:  aisha@sageeducationconsulting.com Parent Pathway to IEP Success ToolKit Janelle Meyer:  https://www.globalvillagetutors.org/   Sharoya Ham: www.embracebehaviorchange.com   Send us your ideas at www.thebigpurpleblob.com The Big Purple Blob is here to support YOU with the expert insights on HOW to live your best Diplo-life.

    48 min

  5. MAR 12

    181- Therapy for ExPats in 2025: What are the Options?

    Let's find out what the options are for meeting with a therapist in the Diplomatic community these days. Have you been wondering if therapy could help you? Are you struggling to find the right therapist for your needs? Frustrated with therapists who don’t understand the challenges of expatlife?  Connect with us at: https://thebigpurpleblob.com   Therapists Shanon Miller and Brittney Foose from Apricity Expat Therapy offer practical guidance to help you live your best life in 2025 through therapy.  https://apricityexpattherapy.com/   To work with Sharoya directly check out:  www.embracebehaviorchange.com

    49 min

  6. FEB 26

    180- Government to Private work Transition: Expert Ben Fowle did it

    This episode comes at an important time when so many USAID families are seeking new work after sudden termination without cause.   Find out more at: www.TheBigPurpleBlob.com Work with Ben Fowle FormerFed on Substack https://formerfed.substack.com/p/navigating-the-federal-layoffs

    46 min

  7. FEB 13

    Idea to Publish: Steps to Become an EFM Author

    David Wessel - author of Choosing Sides, the tale of an ordinary family torn apart by Hitler’s Germany  https://www.amazon.com/CHOOSING-SIDES-David-K-Wessel/dp/1952439779    Sharoya Ham and Katie Fowle - Help my child won't go to school https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Child-Wont-School-ebook/dp   "If there is a book you want to read but it hasn't yet been written, you must be the one to write it." ~ Toni Morrison   AFSA November issue has a listing of all identified books published by Foreign Service members.     Find a supportive community who can contribute to the end product.  Reviewers, illustrators, proof-readers.   It pays to find an experienced, non-biased, expert to give feedback. www.shutupandwrite.com

    43 min

  8. FEB 3

    175: Ask the Med Experts, update 2025; What to know about Med while living overseas NOW

    Should I accept an overseas post with my current medical condition? What are my options? This is the episode on Med Services you ALL want to hear.  Let's talk about specifics on general medical clearances and mental health.  Join us to consider your own choice in how to connect your medical needs to the work/location you are considering. Expert insights from: Director Jen Monna--Health Unit experienced current director Kip Quenin- Psychaitrist, Mental Health professional MED Sharepoint homepage: https://usdos.sharepoint.com/sites/MED/SitePages/Public/Main Med survey www.bit.ly/MEDFeedbackSurvey MED Internet Site: https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-medical-services/ Child and Family Programs, for SNEA inquiries: MEDCFP@state.gov   To connect with Susie directly check out: www.healthyexpatparent.com

    57 min
See All (99)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We offer emotional support for EFMs and Expats around the world. A group of specialists who are trained Life Coaches bring wisdom & understanding to all of us facing the challenges of frequent moves and life overseas. Parenting, Marriage, and YOUR questions answered.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada