Welcome back to ESA MAN, the podcast for expats, travelers, and anyone navigating the wild ride of life in a new country.

In this episode, Kat takes you back to the very first time she met her Ecuadorian partner’s extended family—and let’s just say, it involved 30+ relatives, a surprise cake smash, salsa dancing, and giving a speech in Spanish when she barely spoke the language. 😳

Whether you’re dating someone from another culture, living abroad, or just trying not to embarrass yourself at family gatherings, you’re going to love this hilarious, raw, and super relatable story. In this episode, we talk:

• The nerves of meeting your in-laws (especially in another language)
• Latino family culture + the art of “dar palabras” (yes, you will give a speech)
• The struggle of small talk in Spanish
• Feeling like an adult but also like a total baby abroad
• Why these awkward, humbling moments are actually the best parts of expat life

🎂 From getting your face shoved in birthday cake to being forced into the salsa spotlight, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and cultural chaos—in the best way.

Hit play for a feel-good, sweaty-palmed, laugh-out-loud memory that anyone living abroad can relate to.

Vámonos, baby. 💃

Welcome to ESA MAN, the podcast for expats, travelers, and anyone trying to survive (and thrive) in a new country.

In Episode 4, host Kat—an American living in Ecuador—opens up about one of the biggest challenges of expat life: how to make friends abroad, especially as an adult.

Whether you’ve just moved abroad or you’ve been living overseas for a while, friendship can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. In this episode, Kat gets real about:

• Making friends when you’re not in your 20s anymore
• Why adult friendships abroad can feel extra hard (and fragile)
• Her favorite tips for building community overseas
• The emotional toll of saying goodbye when friends leave
• Why being a long-term expat can feel isolating—and what to do about it

If you’re living abroad and struggling with loneliness or wondering how to find your people, this episode is here to help you feel seen and supported.

🎧 Hit play and let’s get into the honest, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking reality of finding friends while living abroad.

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Related episodes:

• 1. How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life
• 2. From English Teacher to Local Celebrity a.k.a. My Life in Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the most underrated countries in the world, and I'm here to tell you why! Join me as I share my personal journey of discovering the true essence of Ecuador, a place that has captured my heart despite its challenges. And it's not just about the landscapes; it's about the people, the culture, and the everyday experiences that make living here so unique.

In this episode, I'll open up about my initial struggles and misconceptions about Ecuador, and how my perspective shifted over time. I'll take you through the highs and lows of life abroad, the impact of misinformation on tourism, and why I believe Ecuador deserves a spot on your travel list.

So if you want to discover the real Ecuador and are looking for a fresh travel destination, you're in the right place. Now let's dive in and explore the real Ecuador together!

Topics covered on Ecuador Is One of the Most Underrated Countries in the World:

1. Why do I believe that Ecuador is one of the most underrated countries in the world?
2. How did my perspective on Ecuador change over time?
3. What are the highs and lows of living in Ecuador?
4. How does misinformation impact tourism in Ecuador?
5. What makes Ecuador a hidden gem in the world of travel?

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Related episodes:

• 1. How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life
• 2. From English Teacher to Local Celebrity a.k.a. My Life in Ecuador

Have you ever wondered how a simple decision could change your entire life? That's the story of my life in Ecuador! From teaching English to becoming a local celebrity (what?!), my journey has been filled with moments of doubt, discovery, and lots of determination!

Today, I'll take you through my early days of exploring dropshipping and mystery shopping (yes, you read that right!), to the challenges and joys of living in Ecuador. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that led me to where I am today, and I'll share the highs and lows, including a misdiagnosis that turned out to be a blessing in disguise!

Whether you're navigating your own uncertainties abroad or you're simply curious about my story, this episode will give you a real look into the twists and turns of my journey. Let's dive in together and explore what it truly means to find purpose and passion in the most unexpected places.

Topics covered on Life in Ecuador:

1. What led me from teaching English to becoming a local celebrity in Ecuador?
2. How did my early ventures in dropshipping and mystery shopping shape my journey?
3. What challenges did I face while living in Ecuador and how did I overcome them?
4. How did a misdiagnosis change the course of my life in Ecuador and my career?
5. What role did social media play in redefining my purpose and identity?

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Resources from this episode:

• DearAlyne Retreats: https://www.instagram.com/dearalyneretreats/

Related episodes:

• 1. How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life

Welcome to the very first episode of Esa Man! I'm so excited to have you here, and I can't wait to share with you all the stories from my life in Ecuador! Do you want to know what it is like to just pack your bags and start a new life in a foreign country? Well, I did that, and Ecuador became my unexpected home!

I'm going to share the wild ride that brought me here because from the moment I booked that one-way ticket, my life took a turn I never saw coming. Join me as I recount the hilarious mishaps, the heartwarming connections, and the life-changing decisions that shaped my journey. Whether it was navigating the bustling streets of Quito or finding love in the most unexpected place, every step was an adventure. I’ll take you through the ups and downs of living abroad, the cultural surprises, and the moments that made me question everything.

Let’s laugh, cry, and maybe cringe a little together as I tell you the real, messy truth about my life in Ecuador. Ready to explore with me? Let’s dive in!

Topics covered on How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life:

1. What sparked my decision to move to Ecuador?
2. How did a one-way ticket lead me to a completely new life in Ecuador?
3. What challenges did I face as a solo female traveler?
4. How did I navigate cultural differences and language barriers?
5. Unexpected turns that led me to find love abroad.

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Welcome to Esa Man, the go-to podcast for expats living abroad! I'm your host, Kat, a foreigner living in Ecuador for the past 7 years, keeping it real as a gringa trying to navigate life in Latin America. You know, living abroad is not always rainbows and butterflies so come with me as we make our way through the ups and downs and crazy in-betweens of living abroad.

Every other week, you'll hear me sharing hilarious and heartwarming stories about life in Ecuador—from the quirks of daily life, the fun cultural differences, the beauty of having two homes in the world, and the mindset shifts it takes to build friendships, find your purpose, and live your best life abroad.

I love hearing from all of you, so come say hi on Instagram. You can find me under @katmcgreevs. Now let's laugh our way through the chaos of living abroad. Chao chao!