Digital Nomad Nation - Inspiring Stories From the Location Independent Lifestyle

Digital Nomad Nation - Inspiring Stories From the Location Independent Lifestyle

By Ryan Mellon | Serial Entrepreneur/ Personal CoachSociety & CultureBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementPlaces & TravelCareers
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Digital Nomad Nation - Inspiring Stories From the Location Independent Lifestyle episodes

  • Why Some Digital Nomads Burn Out While Others Thrive with Becky Bottjer, Co-founder of Altspace Coworking in Bansko, Bulgaria | EP 24

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Ready to discover how the right community can transform your digital nomad experience?

    Ryan Mellon sits down with Becky Bottjer, owner of Altspace Coworking in Bansko, Bulgaria who has welcomed over 2,000 digital nomads since they open. They explore what makes digital nomads thrive.

    From the dangers of traveling too quickly to the life-changing impact of community, you'll discover what separates successful nomads from those who struggle. Becky brings a unique perspective as someone who completely transformed her life - moving from high-stress corporate tech in the UK to building a thriving three-location coworking space in Bulgaria.

    Chapters:
    00:05:00 – Why becky left the UK for Bulgaria
    00:11:00 – How 2,000+ nomads built a community
    00:12:32 – What it’s like raising a child abroad
    00:17:19 – Visas, loopholes, and living in europe long-term
    00:23:12 – What most coworking spaces get wrong

    Her journey includes everything from pandemic obstacles to raising a daughter abroad, providing practical wisdom for anyone considering a similar path. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or even with children, Becky offers tested strategies for creating meaningful connections while maintaining productivity.

    Listen and learn invaluable insights on finding your tribe, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating a sustainable remote lifestyle no matter where in the world you choose to call home.

    Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/altspacebansko/

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    40 min
  • Experiencing Bali's Hindu New Year, Life in Sanur and Dealing with Loneliness - Nomad Notes | EP 23

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Ryan Mellon shares his experiences staying in the quiet beach town of Sanur, to dealing with occasional loneliness as a digital nomad. 

    He Shares importance of balancing work and leisure, highlighting his visits to local cafes, a beachfront mall, and a unique water show. You also get a small peak of the course is creating so you too can join him and become a digital nomad. 

    Listen and learn about the the Hindu New Year celebrations and why he's not allowed to work during it.

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    7 min
  • HoneyTrek’s $50 a Day Travel Strategy That Funded a Life of Sustainable Adventure to 84 Countries and Counting with Mike & Anne Howard | EP 22

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    What skills from your previous career can you leverage to create a sustainable nomadic lifestyle?

    Ryan is joined by the founders of HoneyTrek https://www.honeytrek.com/, a travel brand founded by Mike and Anne Howard. They left their New York jobs for what was supposed to be a year-long adventure that turned into 13 years. Seven continents and 84 countries later, they've built a successful location-independent business without ever returning to a permanent home.

    Mike and Anne reveal how they've managed to sustain their nomadic lifestyle while building wealth and pursuing their passions. Honest advice about maintaining work-life balance on the road, fostering meaningful connections across cultures, and avoiding common mistakes new nomads make.

    Chapters:
    00:07:54 - The moment they almost quit nomad life
    00:22:56 - How they score luxury stays for free
    00:33:37 - A daily routine that keeps them going
    00:41:44 - Most unforgettable travel experience
    00:54:17 - The one travel tool everyone needs

    Discover practical strategies for long-term travel so you won’t go broke. From house sitting to avoid accommodation costs to scoring luxury experiences at bargain prices, Mike and Anne share their hard-earned wisdom on how to live rich on $50 a day.

    If you've been dreaming of breaking free from the conventional path but aren't sure where to start, this conversation will give you the inspiration and practical tools to take that first step toward location independence.

    Listen and learn how they've leveraged their skills as writers and photographers to build Honey Trek, write books for National Geographic, and consult with glamping businesses worldwide.

    Connect with the Anne and Mike: https://linktr.ee/honeytrek

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    59 min
  • An Epic ATV Jungle Adventure, My First Co-living Experience, and Surviving Bali's Monkeys - Nomad Notes | Ep 21

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Hear about my exhilarating journey through the Balinese jungles on ATVs, a must-try experience for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. I enjoyed a day full of scenic beauty and challenging trails. 

    Ubud, with its stunning rice fields and culture, a place where you see monkeys swinging freely. It’s also the home of my co-living, where I meet folks from across the world in shared spaces that offer co-working areas and a lively community.

    As I prepare to leave Ubud for my next destination, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of group coaching and Q&A sessions, for those looking to transition into a location-independent lifestyle.

    Listen and learn more about my adventures, insights, and cost breakdowns of my recent experiences. 

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    10 min
  • How Freediving Launched Her Digital Nomad Journey with Sarah Ifurung | EP 20

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    What if losing your dream job was actually the doorway to a more extraordinary life than you ever imagined?

    Ryan is joined by Sarah Ifurung who was climbing the corporate ladder in hotel management when she suddenly lost her job. Instead of giving up, she discovered a whole new world of remote work possibilities that eventually led her to become both a digital nomad and professional mermaid performer.

    Sarah shares her inspiring journey from non-swimmer to freediving instructor while building a location-independent income. Sarah's story demonstrates that you don't need advanced tech skills to work remotely.

    Chapters:
    00:07:12 - What is freediving and how to get started
    00:011:44 - Losing a job and finding a remote career
    00:20:49 - Slow travel for digital nomads
    00:25:27 - Finding community while traveling solo
    00:28:27 - Sarah’s most memorable travel experience

    Learn how she transformed customer service experience into marketable skills, created a flexible work arrangement that allows for adventure, and even performed as a professional mermaid in a tank in India—all while managing client work remotely.

    Sarah explains how she finds community while traveling solo, and maintains a sustainable lifestyle that balances work and exploration. Her approach to slow travel offers valuable insights for managing your finances abroad.

    From finding community in co-living spaces to confronting travel fears, this episode provides a realistic look at the challenges and rewards of location independence.

    Listen and learn why getting lost is often the beginning of finding yourself as a digital nomad.

    Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/finsandbikinis/

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    34 min
  • An Invite I Wasn't Prepared For, Having to Leave Amed Early, and The Kecak Ritual in Uluwatu - Nomad Notes | EP 19

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    What happens when a dream location can't support your work? 

    Journey with Ryan to the stunning beaches of Amed. He reveals the tough decision-making process that every digital nomad eventually faces when beauty and functionality collide.

    Discover the cultural surprises that await in Bali, from unexpected invitations to navigating temple visits with family.  Ryan's experiences show how balancing cultural immersion with work responsibilities shapes your nomad experience. 

    Listen and learn how to prepare for both the challenges and rewards of working from paradise.

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    7 min
  • How She Went From Corporate Burnout to Traveling the World Solo with Ali from @alisrealities | EP 18

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Feeling trapped in a successful life that looks perfect on paper, but leaves you empty inside?

    Ryan sits down with Ali, a former corporate accountant who traded her six-figure salary and downtown Toronto apartment for a life of adventure in Southeast Asia. They show you how to start listening to your inner voice and build the courage to make a change.

    Ali shares her raw and honest journey of overcoming the guilt, fear, and anxiety that kept her stuck in a life that looked successful on the outside but felt hollow within. She breaks down how she navigated leaving her corporate job, testing the waters of international travel, and eventually building a location-independent life that brings her genuine joy and fulfillment.

    Chapters:
    05:38 - Leaving a stable job behind
    11:51 - How travel helped conquer fear
    27:03 - Building a business while traveling
    36:45 - Affording the digital nomad lifestyle
    47:33 - Best ways to make friends abroad

    You'll discover practical insights about managing your finances while traveling, strategies for overcoming the fear of solo travel, and how to deal with the judgment and expectations of others when choosing an unconventional path.

    Whether you're considering a major life change or just curious about what's possible beyond the corporate path, this conversation will give you the inspiration and practical tools to start building a life that excites you.

    Listen and learn how one woman transformed her relationship with herself, her career, and her definition of success by having the courage to choose authenticity over expectations.

    Connect with guest, Ali: https://www.instagram.com/alisrealities/

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    52 min
  • Inside Bali Real Estate, Savaya Beach Club, and a Unique Barbershop Experience - Nomad Notes | EP 17

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Host Ryan visits Asia's #1 rated beach club, and discusses the breathtaking views and high-end atmosphere.

    Learn about the unique real estate market in Bali as he looks at condos and villas for sale, including a beautifully furnished one-bedroom unit near Thomas Beach. 

    Ryan also shares a unique experience at a boutique barbershop in Nusa Dua.

    Listen and learn how little it could cost you to invest in Bali Real Estate. 

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    7 min
  • The Truth About Digital Nomad Life: Challenges, Rewards, and How You Can Start with Dat Tai, Remote Sales Professional | EP 16

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    How do you turn nomad life into a sustainable long-term lifestyle?

    Ryan is joined by Dat Tai, an Australian sales professional who turned his traditional corporate role into a remote career spanning Southeast Asia. After experiencing one of the world's longest COVID lockdowns in Melbourne, Dat discovered how to keep his full-time job while working from places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka - without sacrificing his career or savings.

    You'll learn the exact system Dat uses to maintain peak job performance while working remotely across time zones. Whether you're worried about managing client relationships from abroad, concerned about living costs, or unsure how to convince your company to let you work remotely, Dat shares practical insights from his two and a half years of experience that you can implement today.

    Chapters:
    05:20 - Dat’s first digital nomad experience
    06:56 - 250 days of lockdown in Melbourne
    09:55 - The reality of working across time zones
    18:12 - Are co-livings worth it?
    30:20 - Biggest lessons

    If you are dreaming of making Thailand your home base, Dat shares details about the country's new Digital Nomad Visa, officially called the LTR (Long Term Resident) Digital Talent Visa. This visa allows you to legally stay and work remotely in Thailand for up to 180 days and is renewable for five years.

    Listen and learn how much you could be saving if you were to live in Southeast Asia.

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    43 min
  • How to Get the Digital Nomad Visa for Indonesia with Young from Bali Travel Solutions [KITAS E33G] - Nomad Notes - EP 15

    Get Your Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad
    https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    Tired of visa runs and the stress of short-term tourist visas in Bali?

    If you've dreamed of making Bali your home base while working remotely, this episode is your golden ticket. Ryan sits down with Young from Bali Travel Solutions to unpack everything you need to know about Indonesia's digital nomad visa. 

    No more guesswork or frustrating website crashes when trying to apply on your own. Young breaks down the entire process, sharing insider knowledge that could save you weeks of headaches and confusion. 

    You'll learn who qualifies, what documentation you need, and the clever ways to avoid common pitfalls that get many applications rejected.

    If you've been waiting for the right moment to make your move to Bali, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to take action. 

    Listen and get valuable tips about which passports work best with the new system and what to expect when you arrive.

    Get your Digital Visa Now: https://www.balitravelsolutions.com/

    Grab Your FREE Guide - 7 Steps To Launch Your Digital Nomad Journey - https://www.thedigitalnomadcoach.com/

    MORE FROM RYAN MELLON : 

    Join the Work From Anywhere Challenge : https://www.digitalnomadnation.com/3daychallenge


    Connect with Ryan: https://allmylinks.com/thedigitalnomadcoach

    Share this episode with a friend or family member

    • Give a Review on Spotify  
    • Give a Review on Apple 


    DISCLAIMER:
    Listening to stories of beachside zoom calls, mountainside work views, and island-hopping entrepreneurs may cause severe wanderlust and an irresistible urge to turn your laptop into a passport to freedom. Side effects include daydreaming about tropical co-working spaces, working with Ryan to learn how you can start working and traveling and buying a one-way ticket to Bali. Get ready to start living your dream life today!

    12 min

About Digital Nomad Nation - Inspiring Stories From the Location Independent Lifestyle

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Digital Nomad Nation, the podcast that brings you extraordinary stories of those who dared to redefine work and life.

Host Ryan Mellon, a seasoned Digital Nomad and serial…