In this episode of The Armchair Expat Podcast, Shannon sits down with Jennifer Sontag — serial entrepreneur, expat, and founder of ViaMonde, a bespoke agency that simplifies relocations to Spain and Italy. Jennifer’s story is one of bold reinvention, deep resilience, and the transformative power of starting over in a new country.

Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis to living in China, and eventually rebuilding her life on the island of Sicily. After a major personal and professional crossroads, she spent five years redefining everything — her career, her purpose, and ultimately her sense of home. That path led her to found ViaMonde, where she now guides others through the complex, emotional, and deeply personal process of moving abroad.

Together, Shannon and Jennifer dive into:

Jennifer reminds listeners that reinvention is possible at any stage of life — and that building a new chapter overseas isn’t just a fantasy reserved for the brave few. It's a tangible, navigable path with the right support.

Connect with Jennifer

EPISODE SPONSOR: MONEYCORP

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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.

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

Ever thought about packing up your life and moving to another country you’ve never even been to?

That’s exactly what my guest today, Mary Alice Duff, did. She’s a fractional COO and business strategist living in Montpellier, France. After launching her own clothing brand and later shifting into business consulting, she now helps small businesses streamline operations and scale sustainably. She also runs a workshop called Solopreneurship for Global Mobility, helping others use self-employment as a pathway to living abroad.

Born and raised just outside Philadelphia, Mary Alice had never set foot in France when she and her husband sold their house, packed up their daughter, their dog, and their cat — and boarded a one-way flight to the South of France.

In this episode, she shares how a casual pandemic conversation turned into a full-blown relocation plan, what it was like navigating the French visa process, and how she built a brand-new life from scratch in a country where she didn’t speak the language.

We talk about adjusting to French culture — from Sunday closures to the famous three kisses — finding community, raising a multilingual child, and learning to slow down after years of the American hustle.

It’s an inspiring story about taking a leap, trusting yourself, and realizing that sometimes the best moves in life are the ones you can’t over-plan.

In This Episode

Connect with Mary Alice

LinkedIn

EPISODE SPONSOR:

Living abroad as an American? Your US taxes shouldn’t be a mystery. MyExpatPlanning helps Americans overseas organize their taxes, investments, and retirement goals with tools built for expat life. From understanding foreign income to optimizing for next year’s tax efficiency, plan smarter and stress less - all in one place.

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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.

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 Kelly Cutchin, U.S. Country Manager for MoneyCorp, to demystify the world of currency exchange and international money transfers.

They explore why using your bank for overseas transactions could cost you thousands, how forward contracts can protect your home-buying budget, and why personalized service still matters in a digital world. Kelly also shares insights into current property purchase trends among Americans moving abroad, and what makes MoneyCorp’s hands-on approach so unique.

Key Takeaways

Connect with Kelly Cutchin of Moneycorp

Email: [email protected]

Create your free Moneycorp account here

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.

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

Moving abroad sounds glamorous, but behind the Instagram reels and dream-home photos, there’s a very real side that often goes untold.

In this episode, I’m joined by Stacy Ennis, bestselling author, book coach, and host of the Beyond Better podcast, who has lived in four countries outside the U.S.—the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, and now Portugal.

Stacy gets brutally honest about international relocation: the visa headaches, unexpected cultural adjustments, health scares, and what it takes to build a thriving career and family life overseas. We also talk about how she built a location-independent business as a writer and book coach, the lessons learned from each move, and why it’s okay to change course when a country—or season of life—no longer fits.

If you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad but wondered whether you’re cut out for it, this conversation will give you both the inspiration and the reality check you need.

In This Episode:

Connect with Stacy:

Website: stacyennis.com

Episode Sponsor: Moneycorp

Moving abroad is exciting—but transferring your money internationally doesn’t have to be stressful.

For over 40 years, Moneycorp has been helping expats, property buyers, and retirees move their money across borders with ease and at better rates than most banks. What makes them stand out is the human touch—you get a dedicated representative who’ll walk you through the process, help you time your transfers smartly, and save you money along the way.

Opening an account is free, quick, and easy. Try it today: https://register.moneycorp.com/?rp=0021750309

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.

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

“Expat taxes made simple” — it might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what my guest today has set out to do.

I’m joined by Nathalie Goldstein, founder and CEO of MyExpatTaxes, the leading tax software built specifically for Americans living abroad. Originally from California, Nathalie moved to Austria a decade ago, where her own frustrations with filing U.S. taxes as an expat inspired her to create a solution that now serves thousands of Americans worldwide.

In this episode, we talk about:

Whether you’re just starting your move abroad or already living overseas, this conversation will help you understand your obligations, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident about your financial life as an expat.

CONNECT WITH NATHALIE

https://www.myexpattaxes.com/

Taxes don’t stop when you move abroad—but they can get a whole lot easier. E-file by October 15th with MyExpatTaxes, and use MyExpatPlanning to make smarter tax moves year-round. START NOW

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.

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.

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

What happens when you trade Miami traffic for Madrid tapas—and still have to keep the IRS happy?

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon Acton interviews Nicolas Castillo, founder of Rook International CPAs and Advisors, about the realities of building a life and business abroad. Nicolas shares his personal journey from Miami to Madrid, opening up about the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, the importance of community, and the very real complexities of cross-border tax planning.

As a global tax advisor, Nicolas sheds light on what Americans often get wrong about filing from overseas, the myths around expat taxes, and why countries like France and Italy can be surprisingly friendly to entrepreneurs and retirees. Whether you’re considering a move abroad, already living overseas, or just curious about how cross-border life works, this conversation blends personal experience with practical, must-know advice.

Nicolas moved to Spain three and a half years ago with his wife, choosing Madrid for its culture, language, and community feel. He contrasts the walkable lifestyle of Spain with the car-centered culture of Miami, and shares how building community abroad takes courage but pays off. From a professional perspective, Nicolas emphasizes that many Americans mistakenly believe they don’t need to file taxes once they leave the U.S.—a misconception that can lead to severe penalties. He explains citizenship-based taxation, highlights tax-friendly options in France and Italy, and stresses the importance of consulting a cross-border advisor before relocating.

CONNECT WITH NICOLAS

LinkedIn

Website

DISCLAIMER

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.

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

“Can I really afford to move abroad?” It’s the question at the heart of so many expat dreams — and today we’re digging into it with someone who knows the answer firsthand.

My guest is Alex Ingrim, financial advisor, expat, and CEO of Liberty Atlantic Advisors, a US-registered investment firm specializing in helping Americans navigate life and wealth planning in Europe. Originally from Alaska, Alex has lived across France, Canada, the UK, Malta, and now Italy, giving him a unique perspective on both the financial and emotional realities of life overseas.

In this episode, we talk about:

Whether you’re dreaming of retiring in France, working remotely in Portugal, or relocating your family to Spain or Italy, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction — and start planning with confidence.

CONNECT WITH ALEX

https://libertyatlantic.com/

Disclaimer: This is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Everyone’s circumstances are unique—listeners are encouraged to seek professional guidance from a qualified advisor before making decisions about taxes, finances, or relocation.

EPISODE SPONSOR

Moving abroad doesn’t have to break the bank. Kyero makes it easy to discover affordable homes in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. Our budget property listings are updated every month, with handpicked bargains ranging from countryside cottages to seaside apartments. Explore our latest list of budget homes for sale in Italy, and see what’s possible for your move abroad. https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/italy/best-properties-in-italy/our-favourite-budget-properties-in-italy

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.

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

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.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Instagram

Linked In

EPISODE SPONSOR

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.

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 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:

CONNECT WITH ERIN

Instagram

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.

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

Website

Substack

Podcast episode mentioned

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