Leaving Los Angeles

In this episode of the GTFO Pod, hosts Tara Calihman and Caroline Donahue discuss with filmmaker and photographer Andrew Putschoegl his unique journey from Los Angeles to Berlin. Andrew shares his early passion for filmmaking, his transition into editing, and the significant changes the pandemic brought to his career.

The conversation delves into the inspiration behind his photography project 'Together Apart', the benefits and challenges of relocating to Berlin, and his new creative pursuits. Andrew also shares insights on his language learning experience and the process of adapting to life in Germany as an American.

Meet our Guest: Andrew Putschoegl

Andrew wants to live in a world where someone else writes his bio.

Episode Takeaways

* Embrace Change: Andrew's move to Berlin highlights the importance of adapting to new environments and opportunities.

* Creative Resilience: The pandemic shifted Andrew's focus from film production to editing, showcasing the need for flexibility in creative careers.

* Connection Through Art: Andrew's "Together Apart" project demonstrates how art can bridge gaps and foster community during challenging times.

* Cultural Exploration: Living in Berlin has opened new creative avenues for Andrew, emphasizing the value of cultural diversity in artistic expression.

Chapters

0:30 Early Filmmaking Journey01:52 Transition to Berlin06:32 Photography Projects During COVID08:04 Building a Creative Community in Berlin16:16 Language and Citizenship Challenges30:17 Career Impact and Future Plans

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

How we holiday in Europe

In this episode of the GTFO Pod, we, Tara and Caroline, discuss the differences between European holidays and American vacations. After we took some time off ourselves, we share about each of our recent holiday experiences and the ease of booking frequent getaways in Europe.

We explore the importance placed on taking holidays for those in Europe, contrasting this approach with the high-pressure, work-focused culture in the U.S. Our discussion covers everything from taking city breaks and extended holidays in places like Leipzig, Malta and Majorca, to the joys of sun trips in winter for the Irish. The episode provides insights into how these cultural differences impact the overall quality of life.

Episode Takeaways

* Travel within Europe is more budget-friendly than North Americans realize

* Taking holiday time is much more protected in Europe than in the US and UK

* Europeans expect to take multiple holidays per year, even just within their own country

* Jobs with paid leave provide much more time off from the point of hire in Europe: you don’t need to work at a company several years to get to several weeks’ paid leave per year

* People are required to take their leave in Europe, and rarely fear any repercussions for going away

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Holiday Background

00:16 European Holidays vs. American Vacations

01:17 City Breaks and Extended Holidays

07:39 Cost-Effective Travel Tips

09:33 Cultural Differences in Taking Time Off

17:29 Traditional German Holidays

19:35 Cycling Misadventures in Denmark

20:38 Relaxing in Majorca

21:17 Typical Irish Holidays22:00 Winter Sun Escapes

24:09 Exploring Malta

27:05 European Train Travel: Pros and Cons

33:27 The Baltic Sea Holiday

34:18 The Pressure of American Holidays

5:39 Encouragement for Restful Holidays

38:06 Conclusion and Invitation for Discussion

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

Around the world, corporate style

In this episode of GTFO Pod, hosts Caroline and Tara welcome special guest Laura Howe. Laura shares her extraordinary journey of leaving America and living abroad because of corporate relocation. Beginning with her move to Switzerland, initiated by a LinkedIn recruiter, Laura details the cultural and emotional challenges she faced while navigating a high-paying corporate job, transitioning from Switzerland to Tokyo, and eventually returning to Switzerland.

Laura provides an insightful look at the unique challenges of expatriate life, especially when managing personal upheavals, such as a separation. She discusses the emotional impact of moving abroad despite corporate support and delves into the differences in work cultures between Switzerland and Japan. Laura concludes by reflecting on her life post-corporate job, learning new languages, and building a support network. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted experience of corporate life abroad.

Meet our Guest: Laura Howe

Laura is the founder of Dispatched Divorcée, a global community to help women build, define, and thrive in their lives after divorce by providing the resources she wished she had when she went through it. She is fiercely motivated to make sure that no woman feels as lonely and lost as she did.

You can subscribe to The Diary of a Dispatched Divorcée, a newsletter about the people you meet while experiencing the world and building a business outside the US. Laura is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and can be found on Instagram at @cheekylamiki.

Episode Takeaways

* Laura moved to Switzerland during a separation, which added complexity.

* Cultural workplace dynamics differed hugely between Switzerland and Japan.

* A lack of personal support when moving abroad takes a huge toll.

* Corporate relocation provides logistical support but won’t address emotional challenges.

* In Japan, Laura found a supportive community that helped her navigate cultural differences.

* Returning to Switzerland presented new challenges, including adapting to a changing corporate environment.

* Laura's journey emphasizes the need for personal growth and community abroad.

Chapters

00:24 Meeting Laura: From Online Friends to Real Life01:33 Laura's Journey to Switzerland06:14 Adjusting to Life in Switzerland11:28 Transition to Tokyo12:52 Life as an Expat in Tokyo16:39 Drinking Culture in Japan18:05 Navigating Social Norms and Work Culture19:37 Experiencing Cultural Differences20:32 Integration and Personal Connections21:28 Challenges of Being a Foreigner23:39 Returning to Switzerland24:46 Adjusting Back and Career Reflections25:58 Finding Community and Personal Growth27:37 Corporate Life and Moving Forward

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

Wait, what’s happening here?

In this episode of GTFO pod, hosts Caroline Donahue and Tara Calliman discuss the complexities and challenges of living as immigrants in Germany and Ireland. Having lived abroad for over five years, they reflect on cultural shifts, political changes, and their experiences with the local political systems. They delve into topics such as voting rights, the rise of nationalist sentiments, and the impact of climate crises and immigration policies. The duo also shares their personal journeys of adapting to new cultural norms and becoming involved in their local communities. Despite acknowledging their imperfect understanding, they emphasize the importance of staying informed and engaged in political discourse, even in a foreign country.

Episode Takeaways

* Both hosts reflect on their experiences living abroad for over five years.

* Navigating cultural shifts can be challenging for long-term residents.

* Political engagement is complicated for residents without citizenship.

* Germany allows permanent residents to vote in local elections, unlike the US.

* Community engagement is crucial for immigrants to invest in their new home.

* Acceptance of local customs can lead to a more fulfilling life abroad.

* Conversations with locals can bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding.

* The hosts share the importance of being politically aware as immigrants.

* They acknowledge the complexities of discussing political issues in their adopted countries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Check-In00:09 Living Abroad: Initial Experiences and Challenges01:42 Voting Rights and Political Engagement04:38 Recent Elections and Political Climate10:29 Nationalism and Immigration Issues21:33 Adapting to a New Culture23:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

Pondering Portugal?

In this episode, Tara and Caroline welcome Genevieve Polk, who shares her experience moving to Portugal from the U.S. They discuss the allure of Portugal, the D7 visa process, cultural comparisons with Spain, and the challenges of language and community integration. Genevieve offers insights into finding work, building a new life, and the importance of embracing the local culture and language.

Meet our Guest: Genevieve Polk

Genevieve Polk is an avid traveler and communications expert living in Lisbon, Portugal. When not enjoying the plethora of delicious wines and pasteis de nata on offer, she is building her confidence coaching business (launching this Spring)!

Terrifying but true: Genevieve and Caroline first met in kindergarten, and have known each other over 40 years 😱. We knew she was the guest to call about Portugal, given her experience living in Spain before calling Portugal home.

Episode Takeaways

* Portugal is increasingly popular among those looking to move abroad.

* The D7 visa offers a pathway to residency in Portugal.

* Exploring Lisbon can help gauge if it's the right fit.

* Language learning is crucial for integration.

* Community and friendships take time to build in a new country.

* The D7 visa requires a signed lease before application.

* Cultural differences between Spain and Portugal are significant.

* Portugal is far more open to outsiders moving there than Spain is.

* Finding work can be challenging, but is possible with the right skills.

* Being invited into someone's home is a significant cultural gesture.

Chapters

01:28The Decision to Move to Portugal06:07Exploring Portugal: A Recon Mission10:45Understanding the D7 Visa Process17:08Navigating Work Opportunities in Portugal21:25Launching a New Venture: Confidence Coaching21:50Exploring Language and Culture in Spain and Portugal27:04Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences33:01Understanding the Immigration Landscape: Spain vs. Portugal37:41Building Connections: The Challenge of Making Friends Abroad

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

What’s the difference between an expat and an immigrant?

In this episode of GTFO Pod, Caroline Donahue and Tara Calihman explore the complexities of life abroad, discussing the differences between the terms ‘expat’ and ‘immigrant’, the challenges of cultural assimilation, and the implications of recent real estate taxation in Spain.

They also delve into the new UK visa requirements and the ongoing changes in citizenship policies, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics for anyone considering relocation.

Episode Takeaways

* The term 'expat' carries different connotations than 'immigrant'.

* Cultural assimilation is crucial for a fulfilling expat experience.

* Language barriers can be a significant challenge when relocating.

* Real estate taxation policies can impact foreign buyers significantly.

* Understanding visa requirements is essential for travel and relocation.

* Citizenship processes can change with political climates.

* Investing in local culture enhances the expat experience.

* Temporary living arrangements may affect your level of investment in a new country.

* Navigating bureaucracy is a common hurdle for expats.

* It's important to stay informed about immigration policies in your chosen country.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Expat Life01:50The Expat vs. Immigrant Debate09:19Cultural Assimilation and Language Challenges10:43Real Estate and Taxation in Spain15:48New Visa Requirements for the UK22:21Political Climate and Its Impact on Relocation

Links

* The Hard Reality American Expats Quickly Learn

* Spain to slap 100% tax on foreign home-buyers in blow to British expat hopefuls

* UK Government Update about the new UK entry visa requirements, starting January 2025

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

Dreaming of a life in France?

In this episode, Tara and Caroline engage in a rich conversation with Ginette Law about her experiences moving to France. They explore the motivations behind relocating for love, the complexities of navigating work visas, and the challenges of integrating into French culture. Ginette shares her insights on the bureaucratic hurdles, the importance of community, and the cultural nuances of living in Angers, France. The discussion highlights the significance of having clear expectations and understanding the realities of life abroad.

Meet our Guest: Ginette Law

Ginette Law is a Canadian who lives in France.

Fun fact: Caroline has known Ginette for years via online writing communities, but we haven’t YET met in person. Once, we each ended up at Charles de Gaule for flights at the same time in the same Terminal, and hoped to say hello at last, but that airport is so massive it would have required a bus ride between our gates. Foiled again.

Hopefully, there will be a real meeting in 2025.

Episode Takeaways

* Moving abroad often involves long-term planning and commitment.

* Language proficiency can ease the immigration process.

* Cultural differences can impact community integration.

* Understanding local bureaucracy is crucial for expats.

* Expectations should be managed to avoid disappointment.

* Food plays a central role in French social life.

* Community building can take time, especially in smaller cities.

* Choosing a location involves considering personal values and lifestyle.

* The pace of life in France is generally slower than in North America.

* Having a clear idea of what you want from the experience is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Moving Abroad02:38 Love and Relocation: Moving to France for Love05:25 Navigating Work and Visa Challenges in France08:07 Understanding French Bureaucracy and Paperwork10:58 Civics Lessons: Integrating into French Society13:26 Choosing the Right Location in France16:13 Building Community and Making Connections Abroad20:11 Navigating Social Dynamics Post-COVID and Post-Lockdown24:59 Cultural Adjustments in Smaller Cities28:38 Long-Term Settling and New Beginnings32:32 Understanding French Cultural Nuances

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

We’re so excited to be back

In this episode, Caroline and Tara reconnect after four years of living abroad, sharing their personal milestones and experiences of integrating into their new cultures. Tara discusses her journey to Irish citizenship, including obtaining her passport and driver's license, while Caroline shares her challenges in Germany, including navigating language barriers and the complexities of residency. They reflect on the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community, and the unique opportunities available to artists in their respective countries. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building a life abroad and the ongoing exploration of identity and belonging.

What we discussed

00:00 Reconnecting After Four Years Abroad06:05 Caroline's Experience in Germany12:00 Cultural Integration and Language Challenges18:12 Reviving the Podcast: New Directions24:28 Building Community and Identity Abroad

New episodes coming twice monthly on Mondays!

Have questions about life in another country? Topics you’d love to see us cover? Share your wishes for the show in the comments.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

Today we're tackling a tricky topic- transportation! Both Tara and Caroline went car free for their moves to Europe, so learn how we get around, and how relying on public transport has worked out. In addition, we discuss a list of questions you'll want to consider about transportation when evaluating potential new countries and cities to live in.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com

At last- we return with a back to school episode! What better theme for this time of year than learning to make new friends? Moving to a new country often means uprooting your social life, so this time on GTFO, Caroline and Tara share the challenges and successes they have had making friends abroad in their new home. Bonus: this is the first episode recorded live and in person, with just one microphone.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gtfo-pod.com