The Pod Abroad

Paulina de los Santos
  • 4.7 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    How America Looks to a European for the First Time

    A European visiting America for the first time can be a culture shock. In this episode, my friend Bettina shares what surprised her most after traveling to the United States for the first time in her life.Bettina grew up in Bulgaria and has lived in Munich for more than a decade. After finally receiving her visa, she spent three weeks traveling across the US visiting family, exploring cities, and seeing whether the America she imagined from movies and media matched reality. We talk about expectations vs reality when visiting the United States, what Europeans actually notice about American culture, and whether the stereotype that Americans are “fake friendly” is true.We discuss:• What surprised a European visiting the US for the first time• American friendliness vs European culture• Visiting Atlanta, Savannah, Washington DC, and New York• Why everything in America feels bigger• Food culture in the US vs Germany• Whether visiting the US changed her perspective on EuropeThis is an honest conversation about culture shock, expectations, travel, and what happens when someone finally experiences a country they’ve only seen through media before.If you’ve ever wondered what America looks like through European eyes, this episode gives a real perspective.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – Bettina becomes a German citizen02:30 – Getting a US visa and traveling to America10:00 – First impressions arriving in the United States16:30 – Are Americans really “fake friendly”?23:00 – American food culture vs Europe31:00 – Did visiting the US change her perspective?About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. The Pod Abroad explores cultural differences, life abroad, and what it means to build a life between countries.Each week I share conversations with international friends living in Germany about identity, culture, and navigating life far from home.👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who loves travel, culture, or living abroad.✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about life in Germany, cultural differences, and the experience of living between the US and Europe.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram → https://instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    35 min

  2. MAR 5

    How I Use AI as a Communicator in 2026

    AI in Communications 2026, ChatGPT, Generative AI, LinkedIn Content, SEO vs GEO, Corporate Germany and Marketing Jobs. This is what AI actually looks like inside my career as a communicator in Munich.Over the last few years, AI has changed how we work, and its it's only gaining adoption. In this episode, I get real about how I use AI such as ChatGPT Plus, Perplexity, and OpusClip in my real workflow. I don't use AI to completely replace thinking, but to structure it, and it's definitely been helpful! I share how I use transcripts from this podcast as data, how titles and thumbnails are generated and tested, how I approach AI when writing cover letters in Germany, and why the shift from SEO (search engine optimization) to GEO (generative engine optimization) is relevant right now! I also get into the harder parts: over-reliance, everyone sounding the same, ethics in journalism and art, environmental impact, and pressure from corporate productivity. Do you use AI on a daily for your personal and/or work life?? Let me know!How do you find the balance between using it and maintaining your humanness?⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 AI in Communications in Germany03:30 LinkedIn and the AI Voice Problem08:30 How I Use ChatGPT and Perplexity19:00 AI for Podcast Strategy31:20 AI for Job Applications36:30 SEO to GEO39:30 Ethics, Environment and the FutureIf you work in marketing, communications, content creation or corporate strategy, I would love to know how AI is shaping your day-to-day work.About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina :-) I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany, for nearly 10 years. Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? Along with my incredible international village here in Munich, we're sharing 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 to join the conversation.👉 If you relate to this episode, please like/comment/share with anyone you think it would resonate with!✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastMore platforms: https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Email → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music: Tim ter Huurne / tim@thepodabroad.comDesign/Branding: Ali Khazanbeik https://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967

    58 min

  3. FEB 24

    Did America Offer More Than Germany? | Speaking With Feli from Germany

    Moving to the US from Germany changed Feli’s life. In this episode, we talk about Germany vs USA, the green card lottery, US visa process, entrepreneurship in America, and building a life abroad.In 2016, Feli moved from Munich to Cincinnati for what was supposed to be one semester. It turned into nearly a decade of living in America as a German, building a YouTube business, buying a home, and navigating immigration uncertainty.We discuss:• What Germans really think about the US• American college culture vs German university life• The reality of the green card lottery• Visa insecurity and staying in the US long term• Entrepreneurship in the US vs Germany• How moving abroad builds confidence and resilienceThis is an honest conversation about opportunity, risk, identity, and whether America can truly accelerate personal growth.If you are thinking about moving to America, moving abroad from Germany, or starting a business in the US, this episode will give you a real perspective.This is an honest conversation about opportunity, risk, identity, and what it actually takes to build something far from home. If you are thinking about moving abroad, starting a business, or questioning where you belong, this episode will resonate.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 – Why Feli moved to America in 201605:16 – Expectations vs reality in the US15:00 – Building a business and life abroad24:52 – Visa stress, green card lottery, and immigration reality35:00 – Confidence, resilience, and returning to GermanyAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina :-) I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for the last 9 years. The Pod Abroad brings insightful, funny, and unfiltered stories, together with advice on navigating life abroad. From cultural differences to adapting to new norms, each episode explores what it means to build a home away from home. Weekly episodes feature a mix of my own stories and conversations with international friends.👉 If you relate to this episode, please like, comment, and share with a fellow immigrant, expat, travel lover, or anyone curious✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about cultural differences and life as an American in Germany🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.comFeli's amazing channel, go show her some love!!@FeliFromGermany🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik https://ytjobs.co/talent/profile/410967

    57 min

  4. FEB 17

    An American Running for Munich City Council | Emily Wachelka

    American in Germany running for Munich City Council. Emily Wachelka discusses German citizenship/dual citizenship and how internationals in Munich can participate in local politics and elections.Emily has lived in Munich since 2005 and recently became a German citizen while keeping her U.S. passport. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we break down how Munich’s local government works, what the City Council (Stadtrat) actually does, and how non-citizens can influence politics, even without full voting rights.We talk about dual identity, civic engagement, and the real pathways available to internationals living in Germany. From joining political parties to participating in the Migrants Advisory Board (Migrationsbeirat), Emily is making local politics accessible and understandable.If you’re an American in Germany, an international living in Munich, or simply curious about German local government, this episode explains how city politics works and how you can get involved.Connect with Emily here:https://www.emilyformunich.de/ https://www.gruene-muenchen.de/person...   / emily.wachelka  We discuss:• Dual citizenship in Germany• How Munich local politics works• What the City Council actually does• The Migrants Advisory Board (Migrationsbeirat)• Who can vote in local elections• How internationals can influence politics in Munich• Identity, belonging, and civic participation abroad⏱ Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:00 – From the U.S. to Munich07:00 – Becoming a German Citizen13:00 – What Munich City Council Does17:00 – Joining The Greens & Entering Politics23:00 – Schools, Bureaucracy & Local Policy28:00 – American vs German Political Culture33:00 – The Migrants Advisory Board Explained39:00 – What “Home” Means Abroad43:00 – How Internationals Can Get Involved🎧 FOLLOW USSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastMore platforms: https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad📌 CONNECTIG → @thepod.abroadTikTok → @thepod.abroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 PRODUCTIONVideo, Audio & Music: Tim ter HuurneBranding: Ali Khazanbeik @alikhazanbeik

    52 min

  5. FEB 10

    Why I fled Venezuela for Germany With €1000 and No German Skills

    Leaving Venezuela at 17 meant choosing between fear at home and starting over in Germany. In this episode of The Pod Abroad, Fernando reflects on migration, identity, and watching his country from afar.Fernando faced a decision most teenagers never have to make. Stay in Venezuela, where tear gas, corruption, and fear were becoming normal, or start over in Germany with almost nothing and no certainty it would work.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, Fernando opens up about growing up privileged in Venezuela while living with constant insecurity, violence, and political collapse. He shares the moment leaving became unavoidable, why he secretly stayed in Germany against his father’s wishes, and what it took to build a stable life in Munich without money, language, or a safety net.In this episode, we explore:Growing up privileged inside a country in slow collapseHow violence and fear became normalized at a young ageThe moment tear gas made leaving feel inevitableChoosing Germany with no money, no German, and no guaranteesWatching Venezuela through U.S. political narratives from afarWhat “home” means after more than a decade abroadA note from meLiving abroad and watching your home country struggle is hard. There’s grief, anger, helplessness, and an uneasy mix of safety and guilt. Loving your country does not mean staying silent. Sometimes it means paying attention, asking uncomfortable questions, and choosing awareness over comfort. If you’ve ever felt caught between pride and disappointment, distance and responsibility, this episode is for you. And if you've never experienced any of these things and stayed to listen to Fernando's story, we see you and thank you!!!Chapters00:00 Intro03:10 Life in Germany now 07:25 Growing up privileged 11:00 Normalized fear 14:15 When safety disappeared 18:20 Protests and crackdowns 22:40 The breaking point 29:00 Staying against expectations 31:15 Learning German the hard way 37:50 Watching from afar 40:45 Different reactions abroad 49:30 Can you ever return?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 shares lived experiences from people building lives across borders. Representation matters here. New episodes weekly. Join the conversation in the comments.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → /thepod.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.comFernando's channel, go show him some love:   / @fernandotabora   🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    57 min

  6. FEB 3

    How Italy and the UK Broke My German Comfort Zone

    Living abroad changes how you see your home country.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we explore life abroad, cultural differences, identity, and what it means to watch U.S. politics and democracy from Europe in 2026.In this conversation, I sit down with Holger, a German who spent more than a decade living and working in Italy and the UK, to talk about how living abroad reshapes the way you think, work, and understand the world.We reflect on how different countries shape people in fundamentally different ways. Italy’s improvisation and strong sense of community. Germany’s structure, security, and reliance on systems. The UK’s performance driven work culture and merit based mindset. Holger shares how these environments influenced his identity, career, and decision to step away from traditional work structures later in life.As an American who has lived in Germany for nearly 10 years, I also share what it feels like to watch the United States from the outside in 2026. We talk about political violence, policing, media narratives, and democratic institutions, and why these developments are especially concerning to Germans who recognize historical warning signs from their own past.This episode is grounded in lived experience. It is not about debate or certainty. It is about perspective, distance, and how living abroad forces you to confront who you are without titles, national narratives, or comfort zones shaping your thinking.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:• Living abroad and long term cultural adaptation• Italy, Germany, and the UK through lived experience• Identity beyond career and productivity• Early retirement and stepping outside work based identity• Watching U.S. politics and democracy from Europe• German historical perspective on state power and policing• Media consumption, bias, and information overload• How distance changes awareness rather than disconnecting you• Why lived experience matters more than opinion⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 Living abroad and perspective01:45 Identity beyond work06:00 Italy and improvisation14:30 Germany and structure20:50 The UK and performance culture28:10 How living abroad reshapes worldview36:40 Early impressions of the United States42:55 Watching the U.S. from Europe50:00 Media, power, and fear54:10 Final reflections🌍 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 living abroad, cultural differences, identity, money, and building a life overseas without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might find it valuable.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.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    55 min

  7. JAN 27

    A South Korean Perspective on the U.S. (Never Visited)

    What do foreigners think of America? In this episode, a South Korean woman who has never been to the U.S. shares her perspective on America, shaped by history, culture, geopolitics, and life abroad.In the first half of this conversation, we explore how the U.S. is perceived from South Korea. My friend Dasom shares why many Koreans grow up with a deep sense of gratitude toward America as an ally, how freedom and security shape her perspective, and how U.S. pop culture and education influenced her long before she ever met an American. We also talk about the stark contrast between how America is viewed in Korea versus Europe, and why separating American people from American politics matters so much.In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to Dasom’s personal story. She opens up about leaving South Korea at a young age, living in Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and now Spain, and how each country reshaped her identity. We talk about language, motherhood abroad, cultural pressure, belonging, and what it means to look at your home country differently after more than a decade away.This episode is about perspective - both national and personal. How history shapes perception, migration reshapes identity, and how living abroad can deepen appreciation for where you come.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How America is seen from South KoreaThe U.S. as an ally, freedom, and historical memoryAmerican pop culture and global influenceStereotypes about Americans abroadLeaving South Korea and living abroad for 13+ yearsCultural adaptation across six countriesLanguage, identity, and belongingMotherhood and raising a child abroadHow distance changes your relationship to homeWhat living abroad teaches you about yourselfIf you’re interested in global perspectives on the U.S., life abroad, or the personal realities behind immigration and identity, this episode is for you. THANK YOU DASOMA for sharing your perspectives, I'm truly grateful! ⏰ CHAPTERSPerception on the U.S. 00:00 – Introduction & why this conversation matters02:05 – Growing up in South Korea & early impressions of the U.S.06:10 – The Korean War, freedom, and why America matters10:40 – U.S. pop culture, English, and American influence15:30 – Europeans vs. Asians: how America is perceived differently19:50 – Americans as creative, open, and misunderstoodPersonal story begins24:10 – Leaving South Korea for the first time27:30 – Living in Canada & Australia: early transformation32:20 – Germany, France, and cultural adaptation in Europe37:10 – Becoming a mother abroad & building a life in Spain42:30 – How living abroad changed her view of Korea46:20 – Where “home” really is after years abroad50:10 – Final reflections on identity, gratitude, and perspective🌍 About The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina—originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years. Ever wondered what life abroad is really like? Along with my incredible international village here in Munich, we're sharing 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 to join the conversation.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it.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.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.comDASOM'S CHANNEL:   / @ladasomcocina   Spanish IG:   / ladasomcocina  English IG:   / madebydasom  🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    1h 1m

  8. JAN 20

    I’ve Lived in Germany for 10 Years. This Is How America Feels Now

    What it feels like to be American in 2026 while living abroad. After nearly 10 years in Germany, I share grief, anger, and helplessness as I watch U.S. politics, democracy, and human rights unfold.I LOVE THE U.S. and that's why I care enough to speak up. I personally think it is patriotic to stand up to injustices. I talk about the emotional toll of relying on media coverage, the grounding and validation I get from family conversations back home, and the uneasy mix of safety and guilt that comes with living in Germany. From fear for my friends and family in Texas to anger at political hypocrisy and the weaponization of religion, this is an honest take on my home country that no longer feels recognizable.I get into growing up religious in the U.S., the erosion of democratic norms, the emotional toll of witnessing human rights violations from abroad, and the tension between pride and shame in national identity. I also reflect on immigration, the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, and what it means to hold on to hope when it feels fragile.This episode is not about having all the answers. It’s about naming the hurt, choosing awareness over comfort, and staying human in an inhumane moment.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:What it feels like to be American living abroad in 2026Watching U.S. politics and democracy from outside the countryGrief, anger, guilt, and helplessness from afarMedia consumption, bias, and staying informedFamily perspectives from Texas and validation from homeReligion, faith, and political hypocrisy in the U.S.Patriotism, pride, and shame as conditional emotionsImmigration, the Statue of Liberty, and American idealsIdentity, displacement, and belonging abroadWhy community, voting, and speaking up still matterIf you’re an American living abroad, questioning your relationship with your home country, or trying to make sense of the world right now, this episode is for you.⏰ CHAPTERS00:00 – A letter to America from abroad01:30 – Grief, anger, and numbness03:20 – Safety, guilt, and watching from Germany05:45 – Why I needed to speak now07:30 – Family validation from Texas09:45 – Media, distance, and perspective12:55 – Religion, power, and hypocrisy16:25 – Growing up religious in the U.S.20:15 – Pride, shame, and American identity22:20 – The Statue of Liberty & immigration25:50 – Helplessness, hope, and persistence29:20 – Final reflections & questions to ponder🌍 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 moving abroad, cultural differences, identity, money, and building a life overseas—without romanticizing it.👉 Join the communityIf this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with someone who might need it.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.abroadTikTok → /thepodabroadSUBSTACK → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad?ut...Email → paulina@thepodabroad.com🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

    31 min
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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
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Paulina de los Santos
  • Show Website
    The Pod Abroad

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