There are a few myths and misconceptions about America that we have found to be not true, and this week, we wanted to share our experiences with you.

Brian and Liz, husband and wife, are in Colorado, USA.

Join them today as they take you on a stroll through their (very American) neighbourhood to spill the beans on:

Being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a stranger.

A USA myth that turns out to be true, (and one we wish we had)

Liz's shock reaction after the release of her new book

The biggest American myth of all, and one that rocked these two (quite adventurous and brave) British New Zealanders.

This will be the last podcast episode of 2025.

May we take this chance to say how much we love and appreciate you, how your support means so very much to us and how we hope you will continue to join us in 2026.

Happy New Year, lovely people,

with all love and gentleness always,

Kia Kaha

Liz and Brian xx

Links mentioned in the show:

Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Reality of Grief

If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone.

I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart. The book is available to purchase at all major online bookstores. To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) via my website: www.elizabethdeacle.com

❤️Join Liz's inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

🇳🇿 Remember! If you LOVE NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand.

If you would like to see where we are, you can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

Suffering from loss? We see you. Liz's new book is here: https://elizabethdeacle.com/

Brian and Liz, husband and wife, are in Colorado, USA. Join them today as they share their first impressions of the USA and take you on a stroll through their (very American) neighbourhood to chat to you about :

Their young adult kids experiencing their first-ever "night out on the town" in America

Why Brian was pulled over and questioned at the airport by American customs

Liz's big mistake with the release of her new book

Scoring a big break with a hire car

First impressions that Americans find normal (but are blowing Liz's mind...)

This will be the last podcast episode until the New Year. May we take this chance to say how much we love and appreciate you, how your support means so very much to us and how we hope you will continue to join us in 2026.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,

with all love and gentleness always,

Kia Kaha

Liz and Brian xx

Links mentioned in the show:

Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Reality of Grief

If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone.

I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart. The book is available to purchase at all major online bookstores. To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) via my website: www.elizabethdeacle.com

❤️Join Liz's inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

🇳🇿 Remember! If you LOVE NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand.

If you would like to see where we are, you can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

Find out more about Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, loss and the heartbreaking reality of grief

This is one of those rare conversations between a husband and wife that feels too private and vulnerable to share publicly.

But share we will

because I know that there is someone out there who needs to hear these words. And so I dedicate this podcast episode to you.

Today, Brian interviews Liz about her newly released book: You Won't Just. Cry When They Die: Love, loss and the heartbreaking reality of grief.

If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone. I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart.

Just as mine did.

My heart beats with yours.

Always Kia Kaha

Liz and Brian xxxx

Links:

Liz's book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die is available to purchase at all major online bookstores.

To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) by going to my website Elizabeth Deacle

Thank you.

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

After 16 years of living abroad in New Zealand, husband and wife Liz and Brian returned to their home country, England, UK, for a four-month stay.

This week, the couple share a few more truths - the little things they'd forgotten about England. The things they know and love, and one thing in particular that took them by surprise in a huge way.

Liz and Brian also reveal where they are heading next on their year-long world trip, including how they are affording to pay for this mammoth trip...

If you are a regular watcher of the show, thank you so very much for being here with us. You are the best, you are who we do it for. Thank you. ❤️

If you are new to the podcast, welcome! If you enjoy the content and would like to support the show, please feel free to say hello in the comments (we love hearing from you!) and consider sharing this podcast with a friend, as well as subscribing to our channel.

Until then, thank you, as always, for being here with us.

Kia Kaha, Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, thousands of trusted confidants, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. Including details of my upcoming book. You can sign up for my FREE Front Row Newsletter HERE.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🇳🇿 Remember! If you are thinking of COMING TO NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP below for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand. https://itsadrama.com/ilovenz/

You can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsaDrama

Brian and I are able to travel the world (not because we are billionaires with famous footballers as parents) but because we HOUSE-SIT.

Housesitting has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around the world.

Read this post: How we save $$$ in Europe by housesitting to find out more. And then, if you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb!

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. Using WISE means you SAVE money and can relax. Check out WISE here for the best rates!

🚗 Looking for the best deals on car hire? We use love and trust Discover cars. Brian refuses to use anyone else. Check out the best CAR HIRE here: https://itsadrama.com/carhire

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

After 16 years away, husband and wife Liz and Brian have returned to old Blighty, England, for a three-month stay.

Today, the couple reveal a few home truths, including misconceptions about England, how Britain compares to New Zealand, an in-your-face struggle they encountered at a café, and what they think will happen if their young adult children decide not to come home to New Zealand.

We know you'll love this episode.

At the end of this week's podcast, Liz also shares another reading from her soon-to-be-released book on grief, loss and healing. If you are struggling with any kind of loss, this book will help you. I will let you know as soon as it is available.

Until then, know that our hearts beat with yours, and remember.

There is so much you know.

Kia Kaha,

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, thousands of trusted confidants, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. Including details of my upcoming book. You can sign up for my FREE Front Row Newsletter HERE.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🇳🇿 Remember! If you are thinking of COMING TO NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP below for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand. https://itsadrama.com/ilovenz/

You can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsaDrama

Brian and I are able to travel the world (not because we are billionaires with famous footballers as parents) but because we HOUSE-SIT.

Housesitting has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around the world.

Read this post: How we save $$$ in Europe by housesitting to find out more. And then, if you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb!

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. Using WISE means you SAVE money and can relax. Check out WISE here for the best rates!

🚗 Looking for the best deals on car hire? We use love and trust Discover cars. Brian refuses to use anyone else. Check out the best CAR HIRE here: https://itsadrama.com/carhire

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

Sometimes you just have to let it go. Even if it hurts your pride. Even if you're scared people will judge you. Even if it did cost over a grand.

This week, join husband-and-wife podcasters Liz and Brian as they take you on a stroll through the English countryside and share three tough decisions they've made during their nomadic year of travel; how the UK is presenting them with challenges, and why they love each other more than ever. At the end of the podcast.

Liz also shares another reading from her soon-to-be-released book on grief, loss and healing. If you are struggling with loss of any kind, my book will help you. I will let you know as soon as it is available. Until then, know that my heart beats with yours. You are not alone. You are loved

Thank you, as always, for being here with us. You are what makes this podcast so special.

Kia Kaha, beautiful you

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🇳🇿 Remember! If you are thinking of COMING TO NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP below for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand. https://itsadrama.com/ilovenz/

You can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsaDrama

Brian and I are able to travel the world (not because we are billionaires with famous footballers as parents) but because we HOUSE-SIT.

Housesitting has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around the world.

Read this post: How we save $$$ in Europe by housesitting to find out more. And then, if you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb!

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. Using WISE means you SAVE money and can relax. Check out WISE here for the best rates!

🚗 Looking for the best deals on car hire? We use love and trust Discover cars. Brian refuses to use anyone else. Check out the best CAR HIRE here: https://itsadrama.com/carhire

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

How ARE you? Answering the question that every struggling person dreads

This week, we discuss what happened at a recent family funeral. Whether you should tell the truth when someone asks how you are. And if not, WHY not?

At the end of the podcast, Liz also shares a reading from her soon-to-be-released book on grief, loss and healing. If you are struggling with loss of any kind, I think my book will help you ❤️

Thank you, as always, for being here with us.

You are what makes this podcast so special.

My heart beats with yours.

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

Has anyone REALLY got their life together? Got it all sorted? We've been married for twenty-five years, and I know we haven't.

This week, husband and wife Brian and Liz feel unsettled. As they walk the canals of Bath, they get real and honest about feeling uncertain about the future and share the times they've felt completely lost on their year-long nomadic family journey.

If you've ever felt like everyone else has their life together and you don't then you will love this epiosde.

Get ready to hear four vulnerable stories: the panic of being asked to attend a local social gathering (where they purposely lied and tied themselves in knots), the worry that ruins a beautiful trip, the fear of admitting "I don't know" to their own kids, and the small rituals they cling to when life feels uncertain.

Listen to this episode if you want to know:

• How to handle questions from strangers about your life when you haven't got a clue what you're even doing

• How to talk to your adult kids about financial struggles (AKA: NO. We can't afford it)

• Morning routine for when you feel anxious

• Us having abuse hurled at us by some random strangers on the Tow Path (see if you spot it...)

Thank you, as always, for being here with us. You are what makes this podcast so special.

My heart beats with yours.

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

it's what you do in that place that will...

Feeling a little lost and wondering where "home" is, husband and wife Brian and Liz are back to take you along on a walking podcast, and this time, they've landed in a three-month rental just outside Bath.

In this deeply personal conversation, Liz shares why the view of an ancient church from her window is helping her write the book on grief she was always meant to write, and Brian opens up about the simple things that make him happy.

This is for anyone who has ever felt a little lost, is redefining "home" after a loss, or is simply wondering how to find pockets of light and purpose right where they are.

We hope you enjoy this raw, real, and uplifting walk through the beautiful English countryside with us (and sorry in advance for needing a loo break and also the marriage spats as we go on our merry way...how embarrassing...??!!)

Thank you, as always, for being here with us.

You are what makes this podcast so special.

My heart beats with yours.

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

We recorded this week's marriage diary podcast on location under the famous Sycamore Tree in Bampton, the real village of Downton Abbey. But it was harder than we thought.

Downton Abbey has become our family's anchor, so when we found ourselves in the UK close to the location where many of the show's outdoor scenes were filmed, we packed our microphones and set off to record a podcast.

While we were talking about why this show has become a lifeline for both our marriage and our family, a coachload of tourists turned up. I've never felt so awkward and self-conscious in my life. But Brian refused to stop filming.

So you will hear my awkwardness in all its glory...

After a year of loss and leaving our home in New Zealand, Liz and Brian, husband and wife, have been living out of suitcases, feeling nomadic and uncertain.

In this very raw episode, we talk about how binge-watching Downton Abbey has given our family a surprising sense of routine, safety, and connection as we travel the world and heal after loss.

We also open up about the expat's identity crisis, what it's like to not know where "home" is, and pushing through the fear of being seen when you're grieving.

This is one of our most authentic and vulnerable conversations yet, and we hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for joining us, you are what make this happen.

Our hearts

Liz and Brian xx

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian xx

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android
• Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify