What happens when you leave behind the nonstop energy of New York City for life in a 5,000-person town tucked into the Italian mountains? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Caroline Chirichella, founder of Chirichella Associates, to hear her story of trading chaos for community.

Caroline shares her unlikely path—from training as an opera singer, to running a private dining business in New York and southern Italy, to eventually launching her own PR agency. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of navigating Italian citizenship, integrating into a rural town where everyone knows your name, learning the language, and raising children abroad.

We talk about:

Caroline’s journey is a reminder that life abroad isn’t always easy—but it can be deeply rewarding when you lean into change, embrace discomfort, and stay open to community.

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Big news! Armchair Expat now has a sister brand: Move Abroad Now, offering resources for Americans ready for a new life abroad. As part of our soft launch, we’re offering a free gift: FROM STUCK TO READY: 3 Steps to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle Stopping You from Moving Abroad. Our 15-page workbook helps you identify what’s holding you back, reframe your doubts, and take action. Get it here: moveabroadnow.co/subscribe

ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

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If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal.

Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the creation of her thriving real estate business. From navigating cultural quirks and bureaucratic slowdowns to explaining Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program, Erin offers expert insight and candid advice for anyone dreaming of a slower, sunnier life abroad.

Whether you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, pursue European residency, or just want to understand the landscape, this episode is packed with value.

Topics We Cover:

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Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Christine Job, J.D.—an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and creator of the acclaimed podcast Flourish in the Foreign. Christine shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from Atlanta to Spain, detailing the burnout that led her to take a sabbatical, the unexpected magic of walking the Camino de Santiago, and how Spain became the place where she found clarity, community, and creative freedom.

We explore the cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain, especially around work, rest, and wellness—and how living abroad can be both a mirror and a catalyst for personal growth. Christine also talks about the power of storytelling, the evolution of her podcast, and her upcoming book exploring Blackness, womanhood, migration, and wellness.

If you’re navigating expat life, dreaming of moving abroad, or rethinking your relationship to work and wellness, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and grounded.

Topics We Cover:

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE

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EPISODE SPONSOR

Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Jeannette Ceja, an award-winning bilingual travel journalist, international speaker, and fierce advocate for women and Latinos in travel.

From her earliest passport stamp at 9 months old to speaking on stages around the world, Jeannette has built a career fueled by curiosity, courage, and connection. Now living in the south of France, she shares how she followed her intuition (and a few astrological nudges) to make the leap and relocate abroad.

This is a story of reinvention, purpose, and saying yes to the life that’s calling you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Whether you're dreaming of a move to France or just looking for inspiration to trust your own path, this episode is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and contagious joy.

CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE

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Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

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If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of Armchair Expat, I sit down with freelance writer and editor Nicole “Ziza” Bauer, who shares her journey of moving to Italy and building a new life abroad.

Ziza talks about the lifelong dream that led her to Italy, her experience navigating the dual citizenship process, and how she used manifestation, intuition, and practical planning to make her move happen. We dig into the logistics of moving abroad as well as the mindset shifts, identity changes, and moments of trust that unfold along the way.

Whether you're looking to move to Italy, become a freelancer abroad, or simply curious about how to live and work in Italy, this conversation covers it all.

Ziza’s story is both inspiring and grounding—a reminder that moving to Europe isn’t always quick or easy, but it is possible with clarity, persistence, and trust in your own timeline.

CONNECT WITH ZIZA

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LEARN MORE ABOUT TO BE MAGNETIC (TBM)

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The Expanded Podcast

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

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If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

Today’s guest brings both heartfelt wisdom and hard-won experience to one of life’s biggest transitions: moving abroad.

Dr. Colleen Crowley is a psychologist, expat, and global traveler who has spent the last 30 years living around the world—while also raising a family and supporting others through major life changes. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience, she now helps individuals and families navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of starting a new life overseas.

In this episode, Dr. Crowley shares her personal journey from California to Spain with her children, her mother, and the family dog, as well as the mindset shifts that made it possible. We talk about the realities of expat life beyond the Instagram highlights: the identity changes, the emotional toll, and the surprising growth that can come from doing something bold and unfamiliar.

We cover:

If you’ve been dreaming of life abroad but feel overwhelmed by the unknowns, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and inspired to take the next step.

CONNECT WITH DR COLLEEN CROWLEY

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Grab her workbook here

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from the U.S. to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's move abroad, the extensive research and planning involved, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture. She discusses the importance of safety, quality of life, and education for her children, as well as the unique aspects of living in the Netherlands, including the housing market, cost of living, and community integration. Lauren also discusses her long-distance relationship with her wife and offers advice for others considering a similar path.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN

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Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community.

Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles he faced while purchasing a property and the ongoing renovation challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of community connection in his new life abroad.

In this conversation, Dan shares his experiences of living and renovating a property in Italy, emphasizing the importance of hiring an architect, understanding the true costs of property acquisition, and the unique lifestyle in a small Italian town. He discusses healthcare, the cost of living, tax incentives for residents, and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy. Dan also reflects on cultural adjustments and the joys of traveling across Europe, offering advice for those considering a move abroad.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 From Corporate Life to Italian Dreams

03:05 The Journey to Finding Home

06:12 Cultural Immersion and Community Connection

09:00 Navigating the Visa Process

12:06 The Search for a Home in Italy

15:09 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles

17:47 Renovation Challenges and Community Life

30:01 The Role of Architects in Italian Renovations

33:28 Cost Considerations in Property Acquisition

37:27 Living in a Small Italian Town

40:02 Healthcare in Italy: A Personal Experience

44:02 Climate and Daily Life in Basilicata

45:04 Cost of Living Comparison: Italy vs. the US

47:22 Tax Incentives for Residents in Southern Italy

49:00 Navigating Bureaucracy: Driving and Residency

51:03 Cultural Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes

55:03 Traveling Across Europe from Italy

56:37 Advice for Those Considering Moving Abroad

CONNECT WITH DAN

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***

This episode is brought to you by International Living—trusted since 1979 to help people like you live better, spend less, and move smartly overseas. Their guidance has helped thousands find their perfect corner of the world—from coastal Portugal to mountain villages in Mexico.

Right now, they’re offering listeners a special freebie: when you sign up for their daily postcard e-letter, you’ll get a sneak peek in their brand-new book European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55

Check out your free chapter: The Loophole That Allows You to Live in Europe 360 Days a Year Without a Visa

Sign up here to grab your free chapter: https://intliving.com/eu360 

Big thanks to International Living for supporting the show—and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!

***

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language learning, the pursuit of citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of expat life, particularly for families, and offers valuable insights for those considering a similar move. In this conversation, Allison shares her experiences and insights about moving to Portugal, including navigating healthcare, creating resources for newcomers, and the importance of personal growth. She discusses her projects aimed at helping others settle in Portugal, the challenges of finding housing, and the emotional journey of relocating abroad. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, reliable resources, and the transformative power of embracing change.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Allison's Journey

01:11 The Decision to Move Abroad

03:09 Researching the Move to Portugal

05:01 Planning the Move and Choosing a Location

08:29 Moving with Children: Challenges and Advice

11:45 Choosing the Right School for Kids

13:38 Building Community in a New Country

16:47 Personal Challenges of Living Abroad

19:08 Pursuing Citizenship in Portugal

21:03 Navigating American Identity Abroad

22:41 Daily Life in Portugal: A New Routine

27:25 Navigating Trust in Healthcare and Services

28:41 Creating Resources for Moving to Portugal

32:10 Connecting People with Reliable Resources

33:29 Hands-On Support for New Arrivals

35:02 Understanding Visa Requirements and Housing

37:22 Tips for Finding a Place to Live

42:10 Personal Growth and Renovating Life

50:11 Embracing Change and Moving Abroad

CONNECT WITH ALLISON

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Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping others move abroad. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her love for the European lifestyle, and the creation of her business, Move Overseas Now, which assists Americans in relocating to Europe. Shawna provides valuable insights into visa options, healthcare in Europe, and practical tips for those considering a move abroad. She emphasizes the importance of community and mindset in pursuing one's dreams.

🚨 Don’t Miss Shawna’s Free Abroad in a Year Masterclass

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:50 The Journey to Spain and Corporate Life

07:11 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

09:57 Creating Move Overseas Now

13:11 Advice for Aspiring Expats

15:57 Visa Options for Moving to Europe

18:55 Exploring Other Countries and Their Visa Options

28:23 Exploring Residency Options in Latin America

33:08 Navigating Residency in France

38:30 Understanding Digital Nomad Visas in Europe

40:27 Healthcare Insights for Expats

47:02 Resources for Moving Abroad

49:18 Mindset Shifts for Relocation

CONNECT WITH SHAWNA

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Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com