What happens when you stop building the life everyone expects...and start creating the life you actually need?

In this deeply personal episode of the Blaxit Global Podcast, Gene and Andrea Hayden share the remarkable journey that led them from Texas to Coimbra, Portugal—and why this move was about so much more than changing countries.

Long before Portugal was even on their radar, a family member quietly planted a seed that would span more than four decades. That unexpected connection would eventually come full circle in a way neither of them could have imagined.

Andrea also opens up about a lifetime of resilience—from losing her mother as an infant to navigating multiple autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves' disease. Rather than allowing her health to define her future, she and Gene made intentional decisions about where—and how—they wanted to live, carefully designing a life that would support healing, peace, and longevity.

Together, they discuss the realities of planning an international move when health is a major consideration, redefining success after decades of entrepreneurship and military service, and embracing a slower pace of life that has transformed their daily experience.

This isn't just another story about moving abroad. It's a conversation about choosing yourself, honoring your wellbeing, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn't found in a new passport—it's found in finally creating a life that feels like your own.

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to reinvent your life, this episode may change the way you think about what's possible.

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

Six years ago, a question changed everything:

What would happen if I left?

In this Season 8 Premiere, Chrishan reflects on the evolution of Blaxit Global, the power of community, and the lessons learned from watching people build lives across the globe.

This isn't a conversation about escape.

It's a conversation about expansion.

Because freedom isn't something you wait to be given.

It doesn't need permission.

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

Meet Courtney Bowden, the dynamic creator of Black Expat Stories, a multimedia platform chronicling the real-life journeys of Black expats around the world. Courtney shares what led her from Michigan to the sun-soaked shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and how a desire for ease, freedom, and authenticity shaped her relocation journey.

With a rich background in marketing, media, and storytelling, Courtney brings a unique lens to life abroad. She opens up about building a creative life in Mexico, cultivating a meaningful community, and using her platform to elevate voices that often go unheard. This episode is a powerful reflection on what it means to live with purpose and to tell stories that matter.

Connect with Courtney: 

Instagram & TikTok: @BlackExpatStories 

Website: https://blackexpatstories.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackExpatStories

Courtney on the Blaxit Global YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/v1PNvBDVUZo

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

I'm excited to introduce you to the Zero To Travel Podcast, a show I've previously been a guest on. It's your passport to traveling the world on your own terms. Check it out!

Meet Marissa Price, Co-Founder of the Job Liberation Virtual Summit for Black Women. Together, we dive into what it truly means to liberate ourselves from toxic work environments and reclaim our joy, power, and purpose. 

As a Social Worker, Workshop Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, and Business Coach dedicated to helping Black women heal and build aligned businesses, Marissa knows that liberation isn't just about leaving a job — it's about stepping fully into a life rooted in authenticity, freedom, and unapologetic joy. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to listen to your inner voice, honor your healing, and boldly chart your next chapter.

Get your ticket to the Job Liberation Virtual Summit for Black Women!

Connect with Marissa:

Website: https://mpricemsw.com 

IG: https://instagram.com/mpricemsw 

YT: https://youtube.com/@mpricemsw 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-price-msw-a0b61a6b/

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

What happens when a high-powered executive recruiter decides he's had enough of America’s grind—and makes a bold move abroad?

In this episode of the Blaxit Global Podcast, I sit down with Rory Verrett, founder of Protégé Search and the Protégé Leadership Academy, to explore his powerful journey from corporate boardrooms to a more peaceful life in Lisbon, Portugal.

We talk about:

• The school violence that became the final tipping point for his Blaxit
• Why traditional success no longer felt fulfilling
• How he redefined purpose and peace outside of the U.S.
• His advice for Black professionals navigating Trump 2.0, layoffs, and the rollback of DEI
• How to position yourself for global opportunities in this shifting landscape

Whether you’re dreaming of living abroad, thinking about your next career move, or just looking for inspiration to reclaim your peace—this conversation is for you.

🌍 Tap in and be inspired to write your own global chapter.

Connect with Rory:

Follow Rory on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@roryverrett

Rory Verrett Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-verrett

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

Meet Shirley Johnson, an entrepreneur and mother who made the bold move from the U.S. to Firenze (Florence), Italy, four years ago. Shirley shares her journey of starting a new life in Tuscany, building a business abroad, and raising her son in a new culture. From navigating the Italian lifestyle to embracing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, Shirley offers valuable insights for anyone dreaming of making their own international move. Tune in to hear her journey of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy under the Tuscan sun.

Connect with Shirley:

stage1pr.com

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

What does it take to move abroad and thrive? And what happens when you decide to return? Traneka René, founder of Melanin Madrid, talks about her journey from South Korea to Spain and back to the U.S. We dive into the realities of global mobility—how to make an international move successful, the financial side of living abroad, and why repatriating isn’t a failure but another chapter in the journey. 

Traneka shares invaluable insights from her work helping others relocate to Madrid, her experience creating Melanin in Madrid, and how embracing change has shaped her path. Whether you're considering a move or navigating life after living abroad, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration!

Connect with Traneka:

https://instagram.com/melaninmadrid

https://melaninmadrid.com 

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

In this episode of Blaxit Global podcast, I’m catching up with Zach and Ana, the dynamic duo behind Start Abroad—the company that helped project manage my move to Portugal! Start Abroad offers personalized relocation services for professionals, retirees, families, and digital nomads.

We dive into the ins and outs of international relocation, the common challenges expats face, and how Start Abroad supports clients in making smooth transitions to new countries. Zach and Ana also share insights on emerging expat destinations, the latest trends in global migration, and what you need to know if you're considering a move abroad. 

Whether you're planning your next big move or just curious about the process, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and real-world experiences. 

Connect with Start Abroad 

Start Abroad Services - Special Discount for Blaxit Global Listeners 

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal

In this heartfelt reunion episode of the Blaxit Global podcast, I sit down with Nicole Barrett, owner of The Saudade Life and one of the original members of the Blaxit Global Passport community. Nicole shares her incredible journey, beginning in Jamaica, where her story was shaped, to the U.S., where she spent 30 years, and finally to Seixal, Portugal, where she’s building her dream life.

Nicole opens up about navigating profound loss, including the passing of both her parents and her own courageous battle with breast cancer. We also delve into her ambitious project: a gut renovation of a building she purchased in Seixal that reflects her passion and resilience.

Join us as we reminisce about our shared move to Portugal in 2023 and explore Nicole's inspiring story of transformation, loss, and the beauty of creating a life abroad. Whether you’re considering making a global move or seeking stories of perseverance, this episode will leave you deeply moved and motivated.

Connect with Nicole:
The Saudade Life (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/thesaudadelife

Send us Fan Mail

A powerful conversation about freedom, expansion, possibility, and the quiet awakening happening among Black women around the world.

Building a life overseas is about more than choosing a country.

It's about choosing yourself.

Download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Black Woman Should Ask Herself Before Building a Life Overseas, through the link in this episode or at BlaxitGlobal.com.

At some point, the question stops being, "Can I move abroad?"

And becomes, "What's possible for my life?"

Passport is where Black women from around the world come together to explore new possibilities, navigate life abroad, and create lives that feel bigger than the ones they were told to settle for.

Because the goal was never just to move.

The goal is to expand what feels possible.

Support the show

Join Blaxit Global Passport
Subscribe to Blaxit Global on YouTube
Blaxit Global Website: www.blaxitglobal.com

Support the show - www.ko-fi.com/blaxitglobal