In this candid one-on-one, journalist and political analyst Zerlina Maxwell shares why she pressed pause on the chaos of U.S. headlines and chose a new life in Sicily. Just days after the 2025 Inauguration, with her Italian visa freshly approved, she relocated to Palermo to prioritize peace, healing, and a different way of working.

You may know Zerlina as host of Mornings with Zerlina on SiriusXM and author of The End of White Politics. In this rich discussion with Courtney, she opens up about therapy, loss, reinvention—and what distance from America is clarifying about media, power, and joy.

Also in this episode:

• Why Palermo—not Rome—and what daily life looks like (yes to seaside runs, no to $11 eggs)
• How she miraculously exited the U.S. just days after the 2025 Inauguration.
• The shrinking space for Black women in mainstream media—and how she’s reshaping her role
• Media diet vs. outrage machine: protecting your mind in a volatile news cycle
• “Peace protocols” for the Trump 2.0 era: the simple habits keeping her grounded
• The Inner Work Dispatch: her mental-health–focused Substack and community
• Her take on the Blaxit movement—and advice if you’re contemplating a move

Join our global community and get every new episode sent directly to your inbox: https://blackexpatstories.myflodesk.com/

Ready to start charting your own journey abroad? Download our FREE Blaxit Soundtrack & Soul Work Journal—a curated blend of music and guided prompts to help you reflect, dream, and move with intention: https://blackexpatstories.com/soundtrack

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Resources mentioned:

• Zerlina’s Substack, The Inner Work Dispatch:https://zerlinamaxwell.substack.com/

Zerlina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerlinamaxwell

• Courtney’s essays:

— Don’t Save Her. She Don’t Wanna Be Saved: A Love Letter to the 92%: https://courtneybowden.substack.com/p/dont-save-her-she-dont-wanna-be-saved?utm_source=publication-search

— Just Gimme a (Mexican) Minute: https://courtneybowden.substack.com/p/just-gimme-a-mexican-minute-moving

— The Mainstream Media Is Playing In the American Public’s Face: https://courtneybowden.substack.com/p/the-mainstream-media-is-playing-in

Support the work: We’re evolving from a podcast into a docuseries documenting America’s Next Great Migration: the Blaxit. And we need your help!

• Monthly support: https://www.patreon.com/c/blackexpatstories

• One-time gift: https://ko-fi.com/blackexpatstories

Special thanks to Bianca C., and our community of monthly supporters for making this episode possible.

Thank you for listening! Remember, you can also watch every episode on our YouTube channel.

In this powerful panel episode, meet four dynamic moms—Crystal, Rachel, Kissha, and Candice— who left behind the grind and fear of American life to reimagine motherhood abroad. 

From Mexico to Spain, they share what it means to raise free Black children, navigate long-distance parenting, and prioritize their own well-being—even when it goes against everything society tells them they should be.

Also in this episode:

• What drove each mom to make the life-altering decision to leave the U.S.
• How their children are adjusting — from language immersion to navigating new school systems
• The realities of long-distance motherhood and co-parenting across borders
• How they’re rebuilding community, accessing medical care, and securing support systems abroad
• And why choosing yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary, even when it defies every expectation placed on Black mothers

Ready to start charting your own journey abroad?

Download our FREE Blaxit Soundtrack & Soul Work Journal — a curated blend of music and guided prompts to help you reflect, dream, and move from decision to departure: https://blackexpatstories.com/soundtrack

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Meet Diva Green — a Brooklyn-born Afro-Latina of Panamanian descent, destination storyteller, and founder of I Got Your Black, a platform connecting travelers to Afro-Indigenous communities around the world through culturally immersive experiences.

After a personal reckoning with systemic racism, grief, and disillusionment with life in the United States, Diva set out on a global journey that transformed her purpose — and her platform. Through I Got Your Black, she’s helping Black travelers move with reverence, not entitlement, and amplifying the stories of communities often erased from the mainstream travel narrative.

Also in this episode:

• How witnessing state violence pushed Diva to use travel as activism
• The six transformative months she spent living in an Afro-Mexican town
• What she learned, unlearned, and the powerful lessons she's applying to her life today
• How I Got Your Black evolved into an award-winning platform
• The emotional complexity of returning to the U.S. after years abroad
• Why she believes the Blaxit movement is powerful — but not without challenges
• How to travel and migrate mindfully without replicating patterns of gentrification or extraction
• …and so much more!

Connect with Diva Green:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igotyourblack_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@igotyourblack 

Ready to start charting your own journey abroad?

Download our FREE Blaxit Soundtrack & Soul Work Journal — a curated blend of music and guided prompts to help you reflect, dream, and move from decision to departure: https://blackexpatstories.com/soundtrack

Rate, Review & Share!

If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review, and share this episode with your community.

Join the convo on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackexpatstories/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@blackexpatstories

And make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel so you can watch every new episode: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories

Meet B Roberson (Playa del Carmen, Mexico), owner of B's Frito Pollo, one of Playa del Carmen's most beloved food trucks. She's created a gathering place that feels like home for expats and locals through Southern-style fried chicken and other nostalgic menu items.

A former first-grade teacher turned food truck owner, B left the U.S. during COVID to celebrate her 40th birthday with what was meant to be a short stay in Mexico. That temporary escape evolved into a permanent move as she found the freedom, peace, and purpose she'd been seeking.

Also in this episode:

• How the Sandra Bland case became a catalyst for B's exodus from America
• Why B chose Mexico and the hidden history of the country as a sanctuary for Black Americans
• The magical moment when she realized she'd manifested her dream of retiring at 40
• How B's food truck evolved from filling a culinary void to becoming a hub for connection among the expat and local community alike.
• B shares her recipe for success.
• B's take on the growing Blaxit movement and why more Black folks are choosing to leave the U.S.
• The unexpected challenges and triumphs of starting a business in a new country

...and so much more!

Connect with B's Frito Pollo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealfritopollo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/therealfritopollo

Rate, Review & Share! If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review and share this episode!

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Meet Stephanie Perry (San Jose, Costa Rica) & Roshida Dowe (Mexico City), the dynamic duo behind the ExodUS Summit: THE annual sabbatical summit for Black women travelers who are ready to get their sabbatical plan or their move abroad plan in place.

Stephanie traded in her career as a pharmacy tech to travel the world as a house-sitter and mentor for other women desiring a career break. Roshida is a former lawyer who retired at 40, left the US, and now supports other women with their sabbaticals as well.

Also in this episode:

• Stephanie's sabbatical and why more Black women should take career breaks
• How Roshida's layoff became a catalyst for her new life abroad
• How they created the ExodUS Summit without even meeting initially!
• This year's ExodUS Summit: who it's for and why they believe Black women can press fast forward on their exodus from the U.S.
• Roshida's take on why more Black women should be "selfish"
• Stephanie's & Roshida’s reasons for rejecting Black Excellence (THIS IS JUICY!)
• Whether a Kamala Harris presidency will create a more positive outlook for Black folks (THEIR THOUGHTS MAY SURPRISE YOU)
• Stephanie's message to those conflicted about leaving the USA
• Advice on moving abroad and finding "Possibility Models"

…and so much more!

Purchase your ticket for the 2024 ExodUS Summit: https://blackexpatstories.com/exodussummit 

Follow the ExodUS Summit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exodussummit/ 

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaycarious/ 

Connect with Roshida on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shidad/ 

Rate, Review & Share!: If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review and share this episode!

Join our email list to receive other Black Expat Stories-related news, insights and special announcements: https://blackexpatstories.com/newsletter

Upgrade your access by becoming a FRIEND OF THE SHOW and unlock bonus content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more: https://blackexpatstories.com/support

Follow us and join the convo on social: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackexpatstories/ 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@blackexpatstories

Make sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories), so you can watch every Black Expat Story!

Meet Desiree Parkman, the Former Radio City Rockette & Broadway Performer Redefining Wellness Travel for Black Expats

Desiree traded the bright lights of Broadway for a nomadic life of world travel. Now, she's the founder of Route & Align, curating transformative wellness experiences that blend movement, culture, and personal growth for women travelers.

Also In This Episode:

• How she transitioned from a Broadway performer to wellness entrepreneur abroad
• The unique aspects of her Route & Align retreats and travel experiences
• How she incorporates local cultural practices into her wellness programs
• The impact of Mexican culture on her approach to self-care and healing
• Her thoughts on the Blaxit movement and its significance

...and so much more.

Connect with Desiree on Instagram & Learn More About Route & Align’s Experiences: https://www.instagram.com/routeandalign 

Rate, Review & Share!: If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review and share this episode!

Join our email list to receive other Black Expat Stories-related news, insights and special announcements: https://blackexpatstories.com/newsletter

Upgrade your access by becoming a FRIEND OF THE SHOW and unlock bonus content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more: https://blackexpatstories.com/support

Follow us and join the convo on social: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackexpatstories/ 

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@blackexpatstories

Make sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories), so you won't miss another Black Expat Story!

Meet Sandra Morno, the US Tax Strategist Helping Take the Stress Out of Tax Time for Expats

Sandra started her expat journey in 2018 from Miami and has since lived between Central and South America. Today, she's a globe-trotting US tax strategist helping expat entrepreneurs take the anxiety out of tax time while optimizing their finances so they can continue living their best lives abroad.

Also In This Episode:

• How she was able to structure her life to make an international move
• Why she chose to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• The #1 tax myth she has to debunk among her US expat clients
• The tax breaks US expats should be looking out for
• Why she believes so many people don’t file their taxes
• The major piece of advice she has for expat entrepreneurs who want to manage their money better.
• Her thoughts on the Blaxit movement
• Where she’s headed next on her nomadic expat journey.

...and so much more.

Connect with Sandra: https://www.ssbmconsulting.com/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramorno-taxexpert/ 

Rate, Review & Share!: If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review and share this episode!

Join our email list to receive other expat-related news, insights and special announcements: https://blackexpatstories.com/newsletter 

Upgrade your access by becoming a FRIEND OF THE SHOW and unlock bonus content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more: https://blackexpatstories.com/support

Follow us and join the convo on social:

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Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories), so you won't miss another Black Expat Story!

Meet Adalia Aborisade, The Financial Educator and Solo Travel Expert in Mexico City

Adalia (originally from Houston, TX) talks shares why she chose the leave the USA, and why she's on a mission to empower women with the confidence to finance their move abroad and become financially free, all while living life on their own terms.

Also In This Episode:

• How she landed a job abroad (and why she decided to take a 60% pay cut initially to Blaxit).
• The initial response from her 15-year daughter when Adalia informed her of her decision to move abroad.
• Her perspective on financial freedom, and the approach she took to achieve it.

...and so much more!

Connect with Adalia: https://pickygirltravelstheworld.com/

Rate, Review & Share!  

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Unlock An Exclusive Extended Interview With Adalia:

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Meet Zoe Smith, a Grenadian Brit Building Community in the Caribbean

In this episode, Zoe takes us through her journey of returning to her ancestral home in Grenada to start afresh after feeling unfulfilled in the London rat race. 

Today she leads the Exodus Collective - an eco-conscious village inspiring othersin the Diaspora to reclaim the Caribbean. 

In This Episode:

Zoe shares:

• What life was like as a Black Brit and her experiences with discrimination.
• When she realized the UK would never allow her or her children to truly thrive
• How she moved across continents as a single mom of 3 minor children. 
• The responses she received from her extended family when she informed them of her decision to move from London to Grenada
• How she and her children are adjusting to island life.
• The responsibility she feels to her ancestral lands in Grenada
• Her vision for the Exodus Collective as a model of sustainable, decolonized living in community

Zoe also offers sage advice for those still considering their own exodus to the Caribbean.

Connect with Zoe & The Exodus Collective: https://www.theexodus.co/

Read Zoe's Article in the Guardian referenced in this conversation: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/22/children-caribbean-british-racism-grenada-parents-collective

Rate, Review & Share!  

If this conversation resonated, please be sure to rate, review and share this episode!

Unlock An Exclusive Extended Interview With Zoe:

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We're taking you on a Virtual Voyage to Portugal, and in this episode, Courtney talks to the incredibly insightful Chrishan Wright.

Originally from the Bronx, Chrishan is now based in Lisbon, Portugal, and is the founder of Blaxit Global, a podcast and digital community that empowers other expats, aspiring expats and re-pats with the resources they need to make their own bold moves abroad.

Connect with Chrishan & Blaxit Global: https://www.blaxitglobal.com/

In This Episode:

00:00 Meet Chrishan

05:26 How she decided to make her own travel dreams come true by taking a trip to New Zealand, which re-ignited her lifelong desire to live abroad.

15:18 The socio-political issues in the USA that catalyzed her move abroad..

33:19 How Blaxit Global supports aspiring expats with relocating and building a like-minded community.

43:19 Her cultural immersion and how she finds a sense of belonging in Portugal.

47:57: How she has embraced self-care and healthier lifestyle changes.

51:51: #AskAnExpat with Chrishan + Opportunity to become a FRIEND OF THE SHOW to unlock the full extended interview

55:36: How she has grown personally as a result of her expat experience..

01:03:35: What she thinks of the Blaxit movement and its evolution.

01:14:00: The sacrifices she’s made to secure her own freedom.

01:18:04: What she’s most proud of.

Upgrade your access by becoming a FRIEND OF THE SHOW and unlock bonus content, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more: https://blackexpatstories.com/support

Follow us and join the convo on social:

Follow us and join the convo on social:

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Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel, so you won't miss another Black Expat Story!