Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories

The conversation delves into the emotional side of moving abroad, exploring the impact of major life transitions, navigating emotional loneliness, and the use of somatic practices for emotional healing. It also addresses the myths and realities of loneliness, emphasizing the importance of self-love, belonging, and the power of softness.

Key topics

• Loneliness is a natural part of the human experience
• Belonging is something you build, not something you find
• Softness and self-love are sources of true power

🎙️ The guest: Tracey Zhang

Tracey is a somatic coach and practitioner who helps people navigate the emotional challenges of relocation and major life transitions. Drawing on her own experience of living across multiple cities, she supports people through loneliness, grief, identity shifts, and the process of building an inner sense of home.

🔗 Guest Links

• www.traceyzhang.com
• https://www.instagram.com/traceyz7501

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What we discuss:

• 00:00 The Emotional Side of Moving Abroad
• 01:32 The Unplanned Journey
• 03:13 The Impact of Major Life Transitions
• 04:10 Navigating Emotional Loneliness
• 08:45 The Relocation Loop
• 11:47 Building an Inner Home
• 21:44 Somatic Practices for Emotional Healing
• 31:57 Myth vs. Reality: Loneliness

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Arnold Beekes shares how a global corporate career, a series of moves across Vietnam, Hungary, Romania, and Paraguay, and a deep family crisis shaped his work on brain fitness. This conversation is about more than living abroad - it’s about how people handle shock, identity shifts, and the invisible limits that keep them stuck. We explore why adaptability matters more than rigid resilience, how brain fitness differs from simple positive thinking, and why lasting change has to be personal rather than copied from someone else’s playbook.

Key topics

• Years of corporate travel across Europe and the US led him to want to actually live abroad, not just pass through it.
• Why Vietnam didn’t work for him, why Budapest felt right, and how Hungary’s startup energy and scene made it a strong fit for him.
• A sister’s depression and a failed therapy system pushed him to question mental health care and start thinking about prevention instead of treatment alone.
• Brain fitness as psychological and physiological well-being where a person uses their uniqueness, handles challenges, learns continuously, and contributes to the world.
• The “invisible strait jackets” that limit people, especially the feeling of “I’m not good enough,” which Arnold sees as a common barrier across many lives.

🎙️ The guest: Arnold Beekes

Brain Athletes founder and brain fitness advocate who helps people build mental and emotional resilience through self-awareness, adaptability, and practical training. He’s also a seasoned global traveler who has lived across multiple countries and turned his own life shocks into a framework for personal growth.

🔗 Guest Links

• https://twitter.com/ArnoldBeekes
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldbeekes
• https://youtube.com/@ArnoldBeekes
• https://www.facebook.com/arnold.beekes
• https://braingym.fitness/
• https://www.brainathletes.club/

What we discuss:

• 00:00 - Introducing Arnold Beekes
• 02:07 - How Arnold’s international career began
• 05:42 - The financial crisis that pushed him out of the Netherlands
• 09:06 - Why Vietnam did not work out but Budapest did
• 10:25 - Caring for his mother for eight years
• 11:06 - Why Romania felt like the next move, and then Paraguay
• 14:19 - Where brain fitness entered the story
• 15:25 - The family crisis that changed everything
• 19:19 - Brain fitness as prevention, not just recovery
• 22:34 - The “invisible strait jackets” people get trapped in
• 24:50 - Why self-help formulas often fail
• 27:31 - Why context matters more than generic advice
• 38:32 - The three brains: head, heart, and gut
• 44:24 - Where to find Arnold and Brain Athletes

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

The conversation covers a range of topics including changes in infrastructure, safety, and lifestyle in Poland, as well as the evolution of podcasting as a business. It also delves into the use of AI in podcast production and the challenges of maintaining multiple podcasts. The conversation with Roy Coughlan covers various aspects of podcasting, including the benefits of podcasting, strategies for success, public speaking tips, and podcasting equipment recommendations. Roy also shares insights on hosting multiple shows, the importance of preparation, and the value of short-form clips for marketing. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of systemizing the podcasting process and provides advice on engaging with listeners and guests.

Key topics

• Infrastructure improvements in Poland have led to better roads and city development.
• Safety and lifestyle in Poland are highlighted as positive aspects of living there.
• Podcasting has evolved from a hobby to a business, with a focus on engagement and monetization.
• The use of AI in podcast production has streamlined processes and improved efficiency. Commit to podcasting for at least a year to see the benefits
• Preparation and systemization are key to successful podcasting
• Short-form clips and interactive content can enhance audience engagement

🎙️ The guest: Roy Coughlan

Roy is a seasoned podcaster and coach who has built a flexible, fully online media business around multiple shows, consistency, and smart systems. He comes across as practical, experienced, and candid, with a strong focus on simplicity, resilience, and helping creators avoid common podcasting mistakes.

🔗 Guest Links

• https://roycoughlan.com/
• https://va.world/
• https://brainupgrade.org
• https://www.facebook.com/roycoughlan
• https://www.instagram.com/roy_coughlan/
• https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlan
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/roycoughlan/

What we discuss:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:13 Safety and Lifestyle in Poland
• 05:22 Evolution of Podcasting as a Business
• 22:28 Challenges and Automation in Podcast Production
• 31:24 Benefits of Podcasting
• 35:13 Strategies for Success
• 35:28 Public Speaking Tips
• 47:51 Podcasting Equipment Recommendations
• 54:50 Hosting Multiple Shows

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Marc Alcobé speaks with Anthony Muiruri, a Kenya-born author, speaker, and MC now based in Athens, Greece. The conversation explores what it really takes to adapt to life in Greece, from language and culture to work, healthcare, and the realities of bureaucracy.

Key topics

• He shares what life was like growing up in Kenya, including walking 5 kilometers to school each way and helping on the farm with animals.
• Anthony explains how Greece became his first real move abroad, even though he had originally dreamed of going to the U.S.
• He describes the early culture shock in Athens, especially language barriers.
• Anthony talks about how his professional path started to take shape in Greece through personal development.
• He explains how TikTok during lockdown accelerated his visibility and pushed him toward writing.
• He describes the Kenyan community in Greece as small but highly supportive.
• He compares life in Kenya and Greece across cost of living, work culture, and healthcare and more.

🎙️ The guest: Anthony Muiruri

A Kenya-born author, speaker, and MC based in Athens, Greece, where he shares his journey of adapting to life abroad through personal development and community building. He is also the creator of Be Good for Good and the host of Abroad Experience, where he explores what it means to belong, grow, and thrive across cultures.

🔗 Guest Links

• https://www.anthonymuiruri.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/anthonymuiruri/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@anthony_muiruri/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyMuiruri
• https://www.facebook.com/anthonysmuiruri/

What we discuss:

• 00:00 — Intro
• 02:13 — Growing up in central Kenya
• 03:27 — Athens is the first place he lands in Greece
• 05:50 — Europe vs expectation; Athens polished and rough
• 07:18 — Learning Greek and the “head nod” confusion
• 08:25 — How personal development led to speaking and MC work
• 10:30 — The push to write and publish his first book
• 12:54 — The Kenyan community in Athens
• 15:32 — Biggest cultural adjustment: saying sorry
• 18:03 — How he made friends and built community
• 19:17 — Learning Greek through everyday life and cartoons
• 21:21 — Cost of living in Kenya vs Greece
• 23:30 — Finding housing with help from the community
• 25:57 — Work culture and standard salaries
• 27:20 — Getting around Athens
• 28:07 — Healthcare in Greece
• 30:17 — Bureaucracy and paperwork
• 32:13 — Best and worst part of Greece: the weather
• 34:28 — Advice for people moving to Greece
• 36:26 — How to contact Anthony
• 39:39 — Closing remarks and season finale

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

In this episode, Thomas Patton shares his journey from industrial farming to regenerative land management in Panama, explaining how his approach aims to combine ecological sustainability with community living. Listen to discover how land, food security, and innovative community models like Lega Vera are transforming lifestyles and farming practices.

Key topics

• Thomas Patton’s background: Growing up in Panama with US roots, and his transition from bodybuilding to regenerative farming
• The principles of regenerative land management: Moving away from industrial farming, focusing on soil health and ecosystem balance
• The evolution from traditional farming to a multi-species, soil-fed farm system
• The concept of farm-to-table and how farming integrates with community storytelling
• The benefits and challenges of regenerative farming: Costs, learning curve, and the importance of holistic collaboration
• Lifestyle trade-offs: The balance between city convenience and rural authenticity, and the hybrid living model in Panama
• The cultural and social aspects of life in Panama: Diversity, language, social life, and work culture
• The vision for Lega Vera: Supporting sustainable farmers, reducing reliance on external inputs, and building resilient communities

🎙️ The guest: Thomas Patton

A regenerative land manager and farmer in Panama who has transformed his family’s agricultural operation into a holistic, multi-species system focused on soil health, food security, and sustainability. He blends practical business thinking with a deep respect for nature, moving away from industrial farming toward a more resilient model that includes farm-to-table food, agrotourism, and the development of Lega Vera, a farm village designed to support like-minded people who want a closer relationship with land and food.

🔗 Guest Links

• https://www.instagram.com/thomaspatton_/
• https://www.instagram.com/legaverafarmvillage/
• https://www.instagram.com/coquirasoil/
• https://legavera.com/

What we discuss:

• 00:00 — Episode introduction
• 2:15 — Introducing Thomas Patton “I am a regenerative land manager”
• 6:05 — Coming back to the farm after university
• 7:30 — Discovering the farm was doing everything wrong
• 9:18 — Guests reacting to agrotourism and farm life
• 12:45 — What “regenerative operation” actually means
• 15:08 — Why nature and economics are not separate
• 16:40 — Why Lega Vera was created
• 18:37 — Turning the farm into a restaurant and story
• 21:30 — What Lega Vera is as a private farm village
• 26:50 — The learning curve and trade-offs of regeneration
• 49:57 — How to contact Lega Vera and what it stands for

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

In this episode, Simo D shares his journey from a construction contractor in Canada to a digital nomad living in Belize. He offers a candid look at the realities of relocating, building new careers, and adapting to a new culture while providing practical frameworks for managing transitions abroad.

Key topics:

• The motivations behind moving from Canada to Belize and the financial benefits of Belize's lower cost of living
• The cultural nuances of Belize, highlighting high vs. low context communication styles and the importance of cultural adaptation
• The trade-offs of living a tourist-focused lifestyle versus integrating more deeply into local life
• The significance of understanding property laws in Belize, especially concerning beachfront lands and foreign investment
• The impact of local infrastructure, power outages, and climate on daily life
• Personal insights on managing the honeymoon phase and the reality of long-term expatriate life in Belize

🎙️ Guest: Simo D
A former contractor with 20 years of construction experience in Canada who relocated to Belize with his family in 2022. He’s now an AI systems designer and writer, sharing practical, unfiltered insights about expat life, career pivots, and the tradeoffs of building a new life abroad.

🔗 Guest Links

• https://www.instagram.com/foreign.radio/
• https://simod.substack.com/
• https://bottbott.substack.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@ForeignRadio/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-d-ai-systems-director-building-for-change
• https://movesmart.world/

What we discuss:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Who is Simo D and what drives his move to Belize
• 02:21 - The decision to relocate: family, lifestyle, and early research
• 02:49 - How the pandemic and medical emergencies shaped their timing
• 03:14 - Adjusting to life in Belize: property, cost of living, and local culture
• 03:26 - Cultural differences: high vs. low context communication
• 05:30 - Navigating land ownership, land tensions, and community dynamics
• 07:58 - The honeymoon phase versus real life: challenges of establishing roots
• 09:40 - Transitioning careers: from construction to AI and content creation
• 10:55 - Tools for discovering remote work opportunities and navigating legal requirements
• 17:42 - Realities of tourism dependence and lifestyle trade-offs
• 20:14 - Strategies for finding a home: using specialized tools and local knowledge
• 40:54 - The best and worst parts of Belize: climate, cost, and lifestyle differences
• 44:43 - Final thoughts: embracing change, managing expectations, and thriving abroad

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Discover what makes San Miguel de Allende one of the world’s most beloved expat destinations through Greg Gunther’s firsthand experience. From cultural adaptation to real estate insights, this episode charts a path for those considering a long-term move or investment in this vibrant Mexican town.

In this episode:

• Greg’s journey from a US architect and developer to a full-time expat in Mexico
• How San Miguel de Allende’s rich history preserves its architectural beauty and charm
• The exponential growth of the expat community and the town’s transformation over 17 years
• Practical tips on integrating into local life, including language learning and social scenes
• The affordability and cost of living advantages compared to the US and Europe
• A deep dive into real estate opportunities, neighborhood gentrification, and finding the perfect home
• Navigating healthcare in San Miguel de Allende: facilities, access, and quality
• Cultural nuances like the ‘mañana’ attitude and living the local lifestyle
• The importance of research and choosing the right neighborhood for comfort and safety
• How digital tools and social networks simplify moving and settling in

🎙️ Guest: Greg Gunter
An American architect-turned-real-estate broker who has lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for more than 15 years. He helps other foreigners and prospective buyers understand the city, its neighbourhoods, and what it takes to settle into life there successfully.

🔗 Guest Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamprohomes/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SanMiguelDreamProHomes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamprohomes/
Website: https://dreamprohomesluxury.com/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 877-878-4141

Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:

• https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

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• https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories
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• https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories

🌎 ✈️ Join Almost Local now and connect with a global community of like-minded people living abroad!

In this episode, Anthi Patrikios shares her rich journey from childhood in Greece to living and working across multiple countries, ultimately pivoting to parent coaching and community building abroad in Uzbekistan. Her insights reveal how embracing mobility, cultural curiosity, and personal growth shape a fulfilling global life.

Main Topics:

• The transformative power of freedom in early life and choices
• Navigating cultural shocks and building social connections abroad
• The evolution from international career to parent coaching and personal well-being

🎙️ Guest: Anthi Patrikios
A parent coach and educator who has spent nearly three decades living abroad, building a life across Greece, the UK, the Philippines, Kenya, and Uzbekistan. Her perspective is shaped by international moves, deep empathy for families, and a strong belief in freedom, adaptability, and supporting children through change.

🔗 Guest Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthipatrikios/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthi-patrikios/
Website: https://www.anthipatrikios.com/

Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥:
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🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

This episode delves into the real insides of living, adapting, and thriving abroad. Scott Kirk shares his unconventional journey from a tech background to helping others with their international moves—highlighting the psychological and cultural aspects of settling in Portugal and beyond.

In this episode:

• How moving abroad is about more than geography—it's about identity and safety
• The mindset shifts involved in becoming a digital nomad before the term existed
• The importance of community and cultural integration when relocating
• Practical insights on navigating Portugal's bureaucracy and cost of living
• The evolving definition of "home" through a life of constant change
• How sports, local customs, and language shape integration
• The strategic approach to choosing where and how to live based on lifestyle needs
• Scott’s transformation from a tech entrepreneur to a relocation facilitator
• Key tips for a smooth transition and avoiding common pitfalls

🎙️ Guest: Scott Kirk
A relocation expert and Portugal integration guide, and a former digital nomad turned community-builder.

🔗 Guest Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/movingtoportugal2.0
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74495967/
Website: https://www.visas.pt/

Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥:
https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstories

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⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories
⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories

🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!

This episode explores the transformative journey of Willa Goodfellow as she navigates life across Costa Rica and Ireland, revealing how culture, community, and identity intertwine in foreign lands. Her story offers valuable insights into adapting to new environments, building community, and embracing change with curiosity and humour.

Key topics:

• Willa's background, from Colorado to Costa Rica to Ireland, and what drove her travels
• How living in diverse environments influences creativity and writing
• The role of community, local customs, and the bar life in Costa Rica in shaping her experience
• Practical insights on integrating into small towns and rural communities abroad
• The impact of cultural and language differences on social life and forming local relationships
• Managing identity shifts, cultural adjustments, and the routines of living between two worlds
• The significance of faith and religion in forming community and local engagement
• Experiences as a lesbian couple abroad: acceptance, challenges, and the evolving landscape
• Practical tips for newcomers: finding housing, participating in local life, and navigating bureaucracy
• Reflections on the best and worst aspects of life in Costa Rica and Ireland
• Willa's co-authored books, blending humour, personal stories, and cultural insights

🎙️ Guest: Willa Goodfellow
An Episcopal priest and author who has lived across Colorado, Costa Rica, and Ireland. She’s a curious storyteller who writes about community, identity, and the humour of living abroad.

🔗 Guest Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willagoodfellow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillaGoodfellowAuthor
Substack: https://willagoodfellow.substack.com/
Website: https://willagoodfellow.com/

Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥:
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🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!