The Pod Abroad

Paulina de los Santos

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

  1. 6d ago

    The American Singer Who Became a Star in Germany | Linda Jo Rizzo

    Linda Jo Rizzo shares what it was like becoming an American singer in Germany during the 1980s. In this interview, we discuss Italo Disco, culture shock, moving from New York to Germany, life abroad, and building a music career in Europe.Linda arrived in Germany in 1984 expecting to stay just two weeks. Instead, one opportunity changed everything, launching a career that has taken her around the world while making Germany her second home.We talk about:Growing up as an Italian-American in New York CityThe culture shock of moving to Bavaria in the 1980sHow Germany became the center of the Italo Disco movementWhat it was like performing for German audiences versus American crowdsBuilding an unconventional career as an independent artistRaising a family while touring across EuropeIdentity, belonging, and having two places to call homeWhy she never truly stopped feeling American after four decades abroadHer advice for anyone pursuing a creative career todayWhether you're interested in Germany, immigration, life abroad, music history, or simply hearing an incredible life story, I hope you enjoy this conversation with Linda.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – From New York to Germany02:05 – Why two weeks became 41 years06:15 – First impressions & culture shock13:25 – Munich's incredible 1980s music scene21:10 – Building a life and career in Germany30:40 – Identity: New Yorker, American & European39:30 – German vs American audiences52:45 – Creativity, success & finding fulfillment1:09:40 – Advice for artists and entrepreneurs1:18:20 – What's next for Linda Jo Rizzo?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.comLinda's website: https://lindajorizzo.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lindajorizzolivePhotographer of thumbnail photo: https://www.milapairan.de/🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  2. Jul 14

    What 40 Years in Germany Did to This Canadian

    Canadian in Germany, moving abroad, Canada vs. Germany, life in Munich, cultural differences, identity, belonging, and what happens when a temporary move becomes a 40-year life abroad.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I speak with Greg Arena, a Canadian who moved to Germany in 1986 expecting to stay for only three years. Nearly four decades later, Germany is home.Greg shares how a sense of adventure first brought him to Europe, how he ended up working at BMW in Munich, and how living in Germany gradually changed the way he communicates, works, and sees himself.We talk about some of the cultural differences that stood out when he first arrived, from German formality and the confusing rules around "du" and "Sie" to punctuality, precision, workplace hierarchy, and the German willingness to tell people directly when they are doing something wrong.Greg also reflects on what it means to belong in two countries. He explains how building a family, a career, and a support system in Germany slowly weakened the pull to return to Canada, while never completely replacing his Canadian identity.This conversation explores how cultural change can happen so gradually that you barely notice it, why Germany no longer feels abroad to Greg, and whether someone can become "more German than the Germans" without ever stopping being Canadian.🎙️ In this episode:• Moving from Canada to Europe in the 1980s• Why Greg originally planned to stay only three years• Starting his career at BMW in Munich• Living in West Germany before the Berlin Wall fell• The cultural shock of German work culture• Growing up in Canada with a German mother• The complicated rules around "du" and "Sie"• When Germany slowly started feeling like home• Why returning to Canada began to feel less likely• The Canadian traits Greg still holds onto• Becoming "more German than the Germans"• Punctuality, precision, and German perfectionism• Differences between German and North American work culture• Building a business in Germany• Why AI can never fully replace human connection• Whether Canada or Germany feels more like home⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – He never meant to stay this long08:31 – The Germany that shocked him17:16 – The moment Germany became home21:49 – More German than the Germans?31:40 – Why he never moved back to Canada45:54 – Where is home after 40 years?🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  3. Jul 7

    I Went Vegan in Texas. Germany Changed Everything.

    Texas, veganism, Germany, Americans in Germany, vegan in Germany, living in Munich, cultural differences, plant-based lifestyle, and what it's really like being vegan after 11 years. In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I share my story of becoming vegan nearly 11 years ago and what it's been like navigating that decision while living in two places where meat plays such a central role in the culture: South Texas and Bavaria. Growing up in a Tex-Mex household just minutes from the Mexican border, eating meat was simply part of everyday life. After studying environmental geosciences in college, one documentary challenged the way I thought about food, sustainability, and the choices I make every day. What started as a one-week experiment eventually became a lifestyle that has now lasted more than a decade. I reflect on what it's really like being vegan in Texas versus Germany, why Munich has been surprisingly easy to navigate as a vegan, and why I believe respectful conversations about food are far more productive than judgment. Along the way, I answer many of the questions I've been asked over the years—from whether I ever miss meat, to dating as a vegan, traveling the world, family reactions, and whether I could ever see myself eating meat again. This isn't an episode about convincing anyone to become vegan. It's simply the story of how one decision gradually became a normal part of my life. 🎙️ In this episode: Why I became vegan in 2015 Growing up in a meat-loving Tex-Mex family Texas vs. Germany: which is easier for vegans? How my family reacted Dating as a vegan and meeting Tim What I actually eat every day Do I ever miss meat? Traveling the world as a vegan My favorite vegan restaurants in Munich Can you love animals and still eat meat? Would I ever stop being vegan? Why I believe small changes matter more than perfection ⏰ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why I'm finally talking about this 02:18 – Why I became vegan 08:47 – Growing up in a Tex-Mex household 13:20 – How my family reacted 18:45 – Being vegan in Texas 24:10 – Is Germany actually easier? 29:32 – Dating, relationships & living with a non-vegan 35:58 – What I actually eat 42:27 – Do I ever miss meat? 46:15 – Traveling as a vegan 51:08 – My favorite vegan spots in Munich 56:20 – Would I ever stop being vegan? 59:47 – My final thoughts 🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD Howdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world. 👉 New episodes every Tuesday. 🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroad TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroad Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad Inquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com 🎥 CREW Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  4. Jun 30

    Living in Europe Changed My Mind About Air Conditioning

    Germany heatwave, air conditioning in Europe, Americans in Germany, life in Munich, cultural differences, climate change, and why living in Europe completely changed my perspective on AC.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I reflect on the European heatwave that has left much of Germany struggling through record temperatures—and how nearly ten years of living in Munich have completely reshaped the way I think about air conditioning.As someone who grew up in South Texas, where AC is simply part of everyday life, I used to think Germany's resistance to air conditioning made no sense. Then I slowly adopted the European mindset myself. This summer, after spending two weeks in my 32°C (90°F) apartment, I found myself questioning everything I thought I believed.I talk about the cultural differences between Germany and the United States, why so many Europeans see air conditioning as unnecessary or even irresponsible, and whether climate change is exposing a much bigger issue than simply whether people should own an AC.This episode also explores the emotional side of extreme heat: what it feels like to watch your physical and mental health decline, the guilt many Germans feel about using air conditioning, and why I now believe there has to be a healthier middle ground between protecting the planet and protecting ourselves.🎙️ In this episode:Growing up with air conditioning in South TexasMy first night in Germany without ACWhy Germans are so resistant to air conditioningHow living in Europe changed my perspectiveThe morality and guilt surrounding ACClimate change and increasingly intense heatwavesPublic health vs. personal responsibilityWhy I finally bought my first portable ACFinding a middle ground between sustainability and comfortCultural differences between Texas and GermanyHow climate change may force Europe to rethink cooling⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – I cried when it finally rained01:08 – Why this heatwave feels different07:00 – My first night in Germany without AC13:03 – Growing up with air conditioning in Texas18:18 – When Europeans challenged my views22:40 – Europe changed my mind... until this summer25:29 – Why Germany's heatwave exposed a bigger problem30:06 – Climate, guilt, and finding a middle ground🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  5. Jun 23

    Europeans Visiting America Are in for a Surprise

    Americans abroad, Germany vs USA, World Cup 2026, Texas, cultural differences, tipping culture, life in America, and what Europeans might find surprising when visiting the United States for the first time.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I explore what thousands of Europeans visiting the United States for the World Cup might experience for the first time—and why the real America is often very different from the version people know through the news, social media, and pop culture.As an American who has lived in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years, I've had countless conversations with Europeans who feel like they already know the U.S. But America is much less monolithic than people imagine, and many of the biggest surprises have nothing to do with politics.I talk about why Americans themselves are confused by tipping culture, why Texans put ice in everything, why air conditioning is practically a religion, and why friendliness and small talk can feel strange to Europeans at first. I also reflect on patriotism, national identity, and why becoming German feels fundamentally different from becoming American.And in the end, I argue that while headlines shape perceptions, most people remember something much simpler: ordinary interactions with ordinary people.🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE• Why Europeans often think they know America before visiting• The viral German World Cup fan and what his story says about the U.S.• Why Texas isn't New York—and America isn't one place• Why Americans are confused by tipping culture too• Free refills, free water, and the importance of ice• America's obsession with air conditioning• Distance culture and giant highways• Patriotism in Texas versus Germany• Why becoming German feels different from becoming American• Southern hospitality and small talk• Why friendliness is often misunderstood• The America behind the headlines⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – What Europeans Think America Is05:04 – America Is Not One Place10:53 – Food, Tipping & Free Refills18:27 – Why Americans Love Air Conditioning25:22 – Highways, Texas Pride & Identity31:02 – Why Europeans Misread Americans35:11 – The America Behind the Headlines🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  6. Jun 16

    What Locals Actually Do in Munich During Summer

    Best things to do in Munich this summer 🇩🇪 After nearly 10 years living in Munich, Germany, I'm sharing my favorite lakes, beer gardens, hikes, festivals, day trips, and local spots beyond Neuschwanstein Castle.Munich in the summer is magic—but not for the reasons most travel guides will tell you.After nearly 10 years of living in Munich, I've put together my personal guide to the best things to do in and around the city during the summer months. From swimming in the Isar and spending afternoons at Bavaria's stunning lakes to beer gardens, hikes, festivals, and hidden local favorites, these are the places I genuinely recommend.I also share why I think many visitors focus on the wrong attractions (yes, I'm looking at you, Neuschwanstein 👀) and what I'd suggest instead if you want to experience a Munich summer like a local.Whether you're visiting Munich, moving to Germany, or already living here and looking for new ideas, I hope this episode inspires you to get outside and enjoy one of the best summers Europe has to offer.🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE• Why I wouldn't put Neuschwanstein at the top of your list• My favorite places along the Isar and Flaucher• The best lakes around Munich for swimming and relaxing• Beer gardens worth visiting this summer• Beginner-friendly hikes in Bavaria• Easy day trips from Munich• Tollwood Festival, rooftop bars, and local hangouts• Ice cream spots I keep coming back to• Cultural differences between summers in Germany and Texas• Why Munich completely comes alive in summer⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Why Munich Summers Are Special05:55 – Why I'd Skip Neuschwanstein08:00 – Flaucher & the Isar10:57 – The Best Lakes Around Munich15:56 – Parks & Outdoor Spaces19:10 – Favorite Beer Gardens20:50 – Beginner-Friendly Bavarian Hikes25:47 – Easy Day Trips from Munich27:18 – Festivals, Drinks & Summer Evenings29:22 – Best Ice Cream in Munich🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina — originally from Texas and based in Munich, Germany since 2016.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, immigration, identity, and building a life overseas through honest conversations and personal stories from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK... Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroadtiktok   →   / thepodabroadsubstack   → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign & Branding → Ali Khazanbeik#Munich #MunichGermany #GermanyTravel #LifeInGermany #MovingToGermany #Bavaria #MunichSummer #AmericanInGermany #EuropeTravel #ThePodAbroad

  7. Jun 9

    Living in Europe Changed Me More Than I Expected

    Americans abroad, moving to Germany, life in Munich, cultural differences, immigration, identity, friendship, and what happens when a move that was supposed to be temporary quietly becomes an entire life.In this solo episode of The Pod Abroad, I reflect on nearly 10 years of living in Germany and the ways Europe has changed me more than I ever expected.When I moved from Texas to Munich in 2016, I thought I was coming for a master's degree and a short adventure abroad. Instead, I built a life here. Along the way, my views on money, time, friendship, home, and identity have shifted in ways I never could have predicted.I talk about why Germany changed my relationship with debt and consumerism, how a slower pace of life reshaped my view of time, what it means to build a chosen family abroad, and why saying goodbye to friends can be one of the hardest parts of immigrant life. I also reflect on seeing America from the outside, becoming an immigrant myself, and why home no longer feels like just one place.This is a personal conversation about building a life abroad, finding community far from home, and how living in another country can fundamentally change the way you see the world—and yourself.🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE• Why I moved from Texas to Germany• Student loans, debt, and consumer culture• Living without a credit card in Germany• Work-life balance and a slower pace of life• Why I sometimes miss American grind culture• What 30 days of vacation taught me• Building friendships across cultures• Chosen family and life as an immigrant• Why Sara moving away hit me so hard• Why Munich now feels like home• Seeing America from the outside• Immigration, identity, and belonging• The parts of me that became more German• Why I'll never be fully the old me again⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Nearly 10 Years Abroad04:30 – Money & Consumerism11:45 – A Different Pace of Life20:15 – Friendship Abroad28:30 – The Meaning of Home34:15 – Identity U.S. & Germany🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

  8. Jun 2

    Working in Sustainability Changed How I See Germany

    Sustainability in Germany, recycling myths, climate careers, nuclear power, work-life balance, and what happens when an Indian immigrant sees Germany's environmental reputation from the inside. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I sit down with my friend Vishnu, a sustainability professional originally from Kerala, India, who has lived across the Middle East, the UK, Southeast Asia, and now Germany.What started as a master's degree in Munich turned into something more. Five years later, Vishnu is still here, calling Munich home and reflecting on how living in Germany has changed the way he thinks about sustainability, work, ambition, and life itself.We talk about Germany's green reputation, the realities of recycling, why he believes nuclear power should have stayed, climate guilt, flying, solar energy, sustainability careers, and the surprising ways Germany differs from the image many people have abroad. Vishnu also shares his perspective on building a life as an immigrant, finding community, and why work-life balance in Germany completely challenged the "grind culture" mindset he grew up with.This is a thoughtful conversation about climate, immigration, privilege, sustainability, and learning to see the world through a wider lens.🎙️ In this episode:• Growing up between India, Kuwait, Dubai, the UK, and Malaysia• Why Munich feels like home• Germany's sustainability reputation• Nuclear power: hot or not?• Solar panels and Germany's energy transition• Why recycling is more complicated than most people think• What really happens to recycled waste• Climate guilt and individual responsibility• Flying, emissions, and personal choices• Working in the climate and sustainability sector• Challenges immigrants face in the German job market• Salary transparency and pay disparities• Why Germany changed his view on work-life balance• Life lessons from living abroad⏰ CHAPTERS000:00 – Intro10:47 – Growing Up Across Countries & Finding Home20:56 – Climate Guilt, Flying & Personal Responsibility33:09 – Germany's Sustainability Reputation42:19 – Immigrants, Careers & Salary Transparency49:07 – How Germany Changed His View on Life🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y'all :-) I'm Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest long-form conversations.👉 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [paulina@thepodabroad.com](mailto:paulina@thepodabroad.com)🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik (though it was me this time, Ali is on holiday!!)How this was made

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Howdy und Servus! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for over 8 years. I initially moved in 2016 for a master's program in sustainability and then liked it so much that I stayed! Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? I'm super happy to have an incredible international village here in Munich, and you'll get to meet some of my favorite people! We'll share funny, insightful, and unfiltered stories about cultural differences, adapting to new norms, and building a home away from home. Follow along for new weekly episodes and leave a comment.

Information

  • Creator
    Paulina de los Santos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paulina de los Santos
  • Show Website
    The Pod Abroad

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