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My guest today is "The Culture Guy" - Christian Höferle, founder, president and CEO of The Culture Mastery, a coaching, mentoring and consulting company based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Our conversation starts with Christian's early life in small-town Bavaria (incidentally, the exact same area and time period I grew up in), his experience as a 17-year-old exchange student in the US, and how this part of his life shaped his future mindset. We then meander through his professional life traveling from Germany to the United States, and finish by talking about the nature of his business.
We cover a multitude of cultural differences, expectations, and the importance of vulnerability in an international setting, and find some special Bavarian aspects of being German - which I'm always happy to talk about!
Christian shares some amazing insights into the German and American psyche and draws out some fascinating historical coincidences - if you're working in an international environment and are intrigued by how different cultures can work together more productively, you're in for an absolute treat.
Christian mentions Karl May, a German 19th and early 20th-century author, and in fact one of the most well-known German writers to date. He wrote travel adventure stories about the American Wild West despite never having travelled there himself, and his stories about Winnetou and Old Shatterhand were part of German children's childhoods for over a century.
Just because I promised it in the episode, here's an American swear word you might not know you needed: "BFE = Butt F%$ Egypt = the middle of nowhere". You're welcome.
Spider Murphy Gang is a Bavarian pop group we grew up with in the 80s. Watch the video of the song Christian quotes from to get some impressions of summery Munich in the 80s!
Eisbach-Surfen: The Eisbach is a side arm of the Isar, Munich's beautiful river, and there is a standing wave, where surfers gather at any time of the year to show off their skills.
Find out more about Christian and what he's up to on The Culture Mastery Website, his very funny and informative YouTube channel and podcast "Two Chaps Many Cultures" on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and IHeartRadio, or find him on LinkedIn and of course on Instagram. -
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Today's guest is, without a doubt, the most global person I've had the pleasure of talking to! She is none other than two-times author, writer, speaker, economist, language enthusiast and passionate expat, Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore.
To say that today's episode is a love letter to learning languages is an understatement, and you will find so much wisdom in Mariam's observations. I kept wanting to stop and take notes.
Mariam was born in Pakistan, grew up in Bahrain, the United States and Pakistan, went to college in the US and Britain, and has lived in Germany, Denmark, Singapore, Dubai, Ghana and Portugal. She met her German-Italian husband at university in Brighton, England, and they're raising their three children with even more than "just" their four home languages.
They're currently based in Cascais, Portugal.
I still don't know how we managed to fit it all into one episode, but we cover a huge variety of topics. We talk about how she has managed all those moves, maintained and developed her identity, why learning the language of each country has been so important, and how she keeps all those memories alive for her family.
Mariam recently published her second book, "The Guilty Can't Say Goodbye", a mystery novel about three global women, and of course we're talking at length about this book and the writing process. I devoured it on a recent trip and wholeheartedly recommend it for your summer reading list!
For more information about Mariam, her life and her books, visit her website, and make sure you follow her on Instagram.
Find reviews of her books on Goodreads: The Guilty Can't Say Goodbye, and This Messy Mobile Life. -
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Today's episode is for all the aspiring writers out there and, of course, their equally important enthusiastic readers!
My guest is Catriona Turner, a seasoned expat and newly published author. Her memoir, "Nest - a Memoir of Home on the Move" is widely available.
We chat about Catriona's expat journey, taking her from Scotland to France, Uganda, Congo and Denmark, and then back to Scotland, and how she decided to fulfil her dream of becoming a writer and then a published author.
Find out more about Catriona on Instagram, or her website: The Frustrated Nester.Get the first three chapters of "Nest" for free: https://thefrustratednester.com/overload/
Sign up via email, and you'll be sent the download link.
The book that helped Catriona with her memoir is Fast Draft Your Memoir by Rachael Herron. Rachel also hosts a brilliant writing podcast, called How Do You Write.
If you're interested in joining a writing challenge, NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month) might be the tool for you!Another writing resource Catriona mentions is Faber Academy London; this is full of advice, courses, and writing assistance.
If you're interested in making a Galette des Rois for epiphany, here's Catriona's French recipe, and here's one in English.Thank you again, Catriona, for this inspiring, uplifting and informative conversation!
Have a Fun-filled Festive Season and a Happy New Year! -
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My guest today is an education warrior: Brantley Turner-Bradley, East Asia Education Director for Dwight Schools.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Brantley spent 25 years of her life in China and is raising three TCKs with her husband. We spoke in June, while Brantley and her family were in the US; they are currently embarking on a new venture in Hanoi, Vietnam.
We cover a whole range of subjects, from the importance of cultural immersion for growth, to the Chinese vs US education system, AI and how the current education system is failing young people, the way emotions have been dismissed from curricula over the last few centuries, the differences in remote and in-person learning, the importance of vulnerability - both feeling and showing it - and so many more.
To connect with Brantley, or learn more about her, find her on LinkedIn.
The book Brantley mentions is called Emo Sapiens, by Polish author Rafał Ohme, expert in the field of psychology of persuasion, emotions and the subconscious. The book has only been published in Polish at this point. -
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Today's guest is Katherine, who was a guest on my podcast two years ago, an expat coach, writer, and locational astrologer.
Using my own journey as an example, we're traveling the world looking at some of the places I've lived in or visited, and how the date, place and time of my birth are determining how I react to different places in the world.
You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance and Living Your Purpose by Chani NicholasThe Twelve Houses by Howard Sasportas and Liz Greene.Andrea Dupuis' spiritual approach to astrology, and comprehensive program on her website Rising Woman. Locational astrology entry-level material: Helena Woods' website.
If you're interested in finding out more, check out Katherine’s website, or find her on Instagram.
Special treat: Katherine is offering a 20% discount for listeners of Transcontinental Overload on her Astrocartography packages!! Code ASTROMAP20, bookable here.
Katherine recommends:Glossary:
Sun: a place to be seen, the ego can develop, creative talents become more visibleMoon: a place to call home, go deeper into yourself, be with family, and nurture self-care practicesMercury: a busy place with lots to do, many people to meet, and so much to learnVenus: a place to love and be loved, to indulge, create, and find pleasure and romanceMars: a place to stake your claim, get motivated, take action on your passions, and do big thingsJupiter: a place of expansion, good fortune, luck, overindulgence, and grand new beginningsSaturn: a place of discipline, restrictions, and limitations, tough life lessons that make you strongerUranus: an unconventional place with lots of twists and turns, alternative experiences and people, and disruptionsNeptune: a dreamy place of bliss, spiritual happenings, unexplained phenomena, and the possibility of escapismPluto: a place for deep soul healing, psychological plumbing, and exploration of the circle of lifeNodes: a place you may have been in a past life that can still feel like you’ve been there before, fated experiences Chiron: a place to heal your inner child, explore wounds from the past, and turn pain into art or healing
Planetary line themes:MC Line: The Midheaven/Medi-Coeli line is
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We're going really deep today!
My guests are American family and sex therapists Julia & Jeremiah, who currently live in Utrecht, The Netherlands. They are the founders of "Sexvangelicals - the sex education the church didn't want you to have", and co-host the Sexvangelicals Podcast.
Sex! Religion! Politics! We talk about it all in this episode. Our topics range from sex education (and the lack thereof) at school to differences in parenting depending on which country you grow up in, and the impact of social media on they way we approach sex.
You can find out more about Julia & Jeremiah on Instagram, and make sure to check out their website, where you'll also find the Sexvangelicals Podcast. Their site is an absolute treasure trove of books, links, and recommendations if you want to dig deeper!
The book Jeremiah references is "Not Under My Roof: Parents, Teens, and the Culture of Sex". Highly recommended!
The 2021 documentary I mention but couldn't remember the title of: "Cusp", following a group of teenagers in rural Texas. Watch the trailer here, and read more about the documentary here and here. -
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Hey, it's me, I'm still here!
Just a little update from yours truly. The sound isn't very good as I recorded this in the car, but at least it's a little sign of life!
In a nutshell: I'm spending more time writing these days than on the podcast, but it's still going. :-)
Please leave feedback and suggestions, contact me if you want to be on my podcast or just want to chat!
You can find me on my website, or on Instagram.
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My guest today is Chase, an American currently based in Spain and Germany.
Chase works as Head of Remote at Doist, a pioneer of distributed work that specializes in productivity software. He is responsible for developing and executing the company's remote work strategy. Having worked remotely for over 12 years, as one of Doist’s 100 employees in 35 countries, he has a whole array of accolades!
Knowing the huge range of possible subjects, we just started chatting and our topics cover the nomadic lifestyle, working remotely and what a typical day looks like for him, national stereotypes, the pros and cons of calling several places home and what it does to one's identity, and what it's like to do all this with a pet!
Chase also has a podcast, which we didn't get a chance to talk about. If you're interested in finding out more about that, check out his website, About Abroad. He can also be found on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Other apps/websites/organizations we mention:
Internations, a global organization that helps newcomers connect with like minded people (not just expats)
Pettravel.com, a great resource for anything related to traveling with your pet
Bringfido, a global resource for anything dog-related (hotels, destinations, activities, restaurants, etc, plus entry and vaccination requirements)
When I looked for other pet travel related resources, I found this one, compiled by blogger Abroad Purpose.
Don't forget to subscribe to my podcast and blog, and if you're feeling generous, consider making a donation on Ko-Fi (who am I kidding - it's January lol). -
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In our second conversation, Lea and I jump right back in and pick up a few subjects we mentioned in Episode 48.
This time we dig even further into our expat minds, and Lea takes me deep into Jewish cultural history and how it's shaped the collective psyche.
We also talk about how our own experiences have not only shaped us, but also keep influencing our immediate families, and we go back to topics such as identity, belonging, homesickness, and how we can maintain a bearable tension between missing a place and living in the present.
For more information about Lea, or how to contact her, take a look at her therapy and coaching website, or contact her by Email: [email protected]
Lea's Charity: Act for Change , Email: [email protected], also on Instagram and Facebook.
Lea can also be found on LinkedIn. -
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Today's episode is the first of two parts - I'm talking to Lea Misan, London-based author, psychotherapist and coach, as well as trauma counsellor. She's the executive director of UK charity Act for Change, and has worked extensively with expats.
We talk about everything from what it's like to grow up with multiple languages, moving countries at a young age and in adolescence, what such a multi-faceted life does to your psyche and sense of self, and so much more.
For more information about Lea, or how to contact her, take a look at her website, or contact her by Email: [email protected]
Lea's Charity: Act for Change , Email: [email protected], also on Instagram and Facebook.
Lea can also be found on LinkedIn. -
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We're venturing east today, to Japan! My guest is Taro, a Kyoto based photographer, who grew up in California, but decided to explore his heritage and moved to Japan in his twenties.
We talk about what it's like to be a foreigner in a country that's strange and familiar at the same time, the intricacies of Japanese rules of behaviour, drinking culture, and why there is only one way to eat potato chips.
And of course we talk about photography, and how a hobby can become a lot more than just a hobby.
Taro's book, In Kyoto, a collection of over 80 photographs, will be published later this year.
You can find out more about Taro on Instagram, Twitter, or visit his website.
If you're interested in Trope Publishing and the projects and artists they feature, you can find out more here. Prints of Taro's photography are also available!
Book recommendation: Erin Meyer, The Culture Map.
Don't forget to subscribe to Transcontinental Overload, and check out my website if you'd like to find out more about me.
And of course, you can always sponsor the podcast on Ko-fi. -
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My guest today is another Texas girl! I do love my Texans, and Kaci is no exception. Originally from Houston, and in need of a new direction in life, she decided to try her luck at a job posting in Rome. Fast forward a few years, and her home is now a small town in Tuscany.
Honestly, Kaci's story reads like a film script, and I truly hope someone can take it to the silver screen.
Kaci paints such a vivid picture of her journey, describing her struggles and internal battles so well that you feel like you're right there alongside her. Our conversation covers so many expat topics, from loneliness, to messy bureaucracy, language struggles, false promises, childbirth during the early days of COVID, and what it's like to run a business with your non-expat partner in a foreign country.
Enjoy the ride with Kaci - you won't be disappointed. Please share this story with whoever needs to hear the truth about expat life with all its ups and downs!
Find out more about Kaci on Instagram, or go straight to the website.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, check out my website, Transcontinental Overload, and leave me a 5* review on whatever platform you're listening to the podcast. It might seem preposterous to ask for 5 Stars, but it's the best way for others to find it, and benefit from this community of expats!!
You can also support me by buying me a coffee on Ko-fi. Any donations are welcome!!! -
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Today's guest has made me miss not only one, but two places!
Alex Katte, originally from Houston, TX, lives near Munich with her German husband and new baby son. We discuss the weird similarities between Bavarian and Texan cultures, the joys of driving without a speed limit, and the special charm of traditional clothing.
Of course we also delve into the cultural differences, and how tricky it might be to incorporate two cultures within one family, the difficulties of the German language and what it's like to get married during the pandemic.
If you're thinking about studying in Germany, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a great resource!
I hope you enjoy today's episode as much as I did!
You can find Alex on Instagram, or follow her soon-to-be-revived blog.
To read up on why I haven't been around, check my blog, and find me on Instagram, Facebook, or right here on my website. -
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A little glimpse into my new surroundings! I've not had time or energy to set up new interviews with other expats, so today it's just yours truly, sharing some thoughts and updates from my new home in New Jersey. I'm reading out my latest blog post, which of course you can also read right here.
In the meantime, find me on Facebook, Instagram, or check out my website. I'm always interested in hearing from you, welcome feedback and comments and would love to find new guests! Get in touch. I love my expat community. -
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Here's my belated last episode of 2021 to kick off 2022! My guest is another expat in Germany, Lawin from the Philippines.
We chat about Lawin's unexpected journey to becoming a European resident, his somewhat frosty welcome in Germany and what to expect when you move into a new place, as well as the main differences in working culture, how to make friends, and the beauty of German work-life-balance.
Our conversation then veers off to cover the wonderful world of karaoke, and we discuss German music, including the weird phenomenon that is German Schlager.
Lawin is a fellow podcaster; he started "Pop Your Cultural Cherry" during the pandemic, and we compare some notes and chat about his upcoming plans for the show.
Find him on Instagram, and make sure you give his podcast a listen - just click the link and find your preferred podcast platform. -
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Here it is, my last episode of the year! I'm talking to Aspen, an American who grew up in Hawaii and has been based in Munich, Germany, for the last nine years.
Our conversation ranges from discussing cultural differences including the vastly different social systems in the US and Germany, her journey through German bureaucracy, bluntness, and loneliness, and the reasons why she loves German culture with all its weird and wonderful quirks.
As Aspen would put it, she's achieved the American dream by moving to Germany - but I think it's down to her amazing tenacity and positive outlook on life.
We also chat about the brutal world of social media, why she's taken a step back from her original channels, and is working on new projects. One of those is a very tongue-in-cheek-but-honest new podcast about intercultural dating, which she started with her friend Nicole, host of The Expatcast podcast and previous guest on this show. The very brilliant title of this collaboration: "The Abroadcast - two broads abroad dating Germen so you don't have to".
If you want to find out more about Aspen, find her on Instagram, and make sure you check out her and Nicole's new podcast! -
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This is a Thanksgiving special! Just kidding, but we recorded it on Thanksgiving day, and so there's a fair amount of festive talk in this conversation. My guest is Jenn, an American who's been living in Rome for the last four years.
We talk about the beauty of Italy, and la dolce vita, but also how vulnerable you can feel as an expat, and how moving to a new country can pull the rug out from under your feet. Jenn opens up about her own personal journey and how she's appreciating the fact that this experience can totally transform your life in a good way and coax personality traits out of you that you never knew you had, and how all her and her husband James' "messy" experiences have led to them founding their own fitness business, Overstreet Wellness.
You can discover more about Jenn and James on Instagram: Jenn can be found here, and James is here. Both have direct links to their fitness program.
And - since Christmas is fast approaching, and I haven't had any Glühwein yet - if you feel the need to make a donation, you can do that here. Happy Holidays! -
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Today's guest is Izge, who grew up in Turkey, left her home country to study in the US, worked in various locations. and then decided to move back and forth a few times. She now feels like a complete mix of the two countries and slightly at odds with both from time to time.
We talk about those seemingly small moments that change the trajectory of your life, the best way to integrate into life in another country, and how to combine those different aspects of yourself.
And we both agree that food is the best way to connect us with our heritage and the places we love (yes, I am collecting my guests’ recipes).
Happy Halloween, y’all! -
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Today's guest is Janine, a Canadian expat in Valencia, Spain. Janine left Canada over 14 years ago, but never planned to stay this long. Cupid had other plans, however, and she ended up staying, and after initial bumps in the road, is now fully embracing her expat existence.
We talk about the strange sense of not belonging, how to survive - and even embrace - the dark days, and why being stubborn is a good thing.
We discuss toxic positivity on social media, and how finding your voice and staying true to yourself are the most powerful weapons as an expat.
Janine is married to a Welshman, so of course we had to have a little nostalgic gush fest about Gavin & Stacey - if you've never seen it and are curious about Wales, this is the show to watch. An absolute institution, not just in the UK.You can find Janine on Instagram, and learn more about her services as a copywriter and writing coach on her new website, So Janine Christie, which will be launched very soon! In the meantime, her previous rants and observations can be found on her old website, My Expatations.
Find out more about me on my website, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, @overloadedsteph, and if you like, buy me a coffee!
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Hello, I'm back! Today I don't have just one guest, but two! Married couple Megan from the US and Simon from the UK are on the show to tell us their story and share some insights into the differences between their countries.
"Great Britain and America are two countries divided by a common language" - this famous George Bernard Shaw quote couldn't be more true.
Megan grew up near Austin, Texas, moved to California after college and then to New York, where she met Simon from the UK, who had taken the opportunity to leave his home country for a job posting in the US.
They talk us through how they met, and how their different backgrounds have influenced their relationship and decisions.
Topics include language and behaviour, US vs. British dating rules, and of course, food! British vs. US dishes, spices and special traditions, such as turkey two ways.
In case you're still wondering what Yorkshire puddings are, here's a link to provide more information! And equally so for Tamales. I just didn't have room in the episode.
See you next time! - Visa fler
