In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph Huebner sits down with Bogdan Danchuk, whose journey spans Ukraine, Israel, and now Portugal. Bogdan shares his story of growing up stateless, discovering new identities, and building community in Madeira during the pandemic.

He also dives into his work helping people navigate residencies, taxes, and global living, while reflecting on the evolution of nomadism from early days in Berlin cafés to today’s thriving global hubs.

Key Takeaways

• How Bogdan went from being stateless to shaping his identity across multiple cultures.
• The story behind the Madeira digital nomad community and how it became a base for hundreds of travelers.
• Unique examples of nomads working in unexpected niches, from jewelry consultants to remote radiologists.
• Why many long-term nomads are now seeking bases while keeping their independence. Insights on taxes, residencies, and the business side of global citizenship.

Relevant Links

• Nomad Summit https:/nomadsummit.com
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph sits down with Sou Aras – winner of the Nomad Summit scholarship in Chiang Mai. Sou shares how her early life between Canada and Algeria shaped her nomadic spirit, how remote work unlocked her first steps into digital nomadism, and why tango dancing in Serbia became a turning point in her journey.

She opens up about balancing savings with freelance gigs, her experiments in UX design, and her new dreams of creating travel content and even group trips in Algeria. Sou’s story is both practical and inspiring – showing how curiosity, discipline, and community can fuel a life on the road.

Key Takeaways

• How Sou’s upbringing between cultures set the foundation for her nomadic lifestyle
• The role of remote employment in giving her the first taste of freedom
• Why Serbia – and tango dancing – became a milestone in her journey
• The financial strategies she uses to balance savings, gigs, and long-term plans
• How winning the Nomad Summit scholarship gave her the push to pursue full independence
• Sou’s future plans – from Algeria trips to building a creative career around photography and travel content

Relevant Links

• Follow Sou on:
  • Instagram: @NomadSou https://www.instagram.com/nomadsou/
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nomadsou
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomadsou
  • Photography: http://souaras.com
  • Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nomadsou/
  • Threads: https://www.threads.com/@nomadsou
• Nomad Summit: https://nomadsummit.com
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph sits down with long-time digital nomad Patrick Farrell. Patrick shares how his journey from engineering in New York led him into the nomad world, and how the Nomad Summit and other community events became pivotal in his transformation. He opens up about the emotional side of nomad life, the importance of music and environment, and the tools he used to shift from frustration and burnout into alignment and joy.

This episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast is brought to you by GigSky – the eSIM solution for travelers who want reliable mobile data without the hassle of SIM cards. Check them out at GigSky.com.

Key Takeaways

• How Patrick’s first steps into the nomad community completely changed the direction of his life.
• Why aligning your inner world with your outer lifestyle is key to lasting happiness.
• The role of music, festivals, and community in emotional transformation.
• Practical tools like meditation, breathwork, and emotional anchoring that Patrick uses daily.
• Insights on how to build a sustainable remote business while also taking care of your inner state.

Relevant Links

• Nomad Summit: https://nomadsummit.com
• Nomad Cruise: https://www.nomadcruise.com/
• Bansko Nomad Fest https://www.banskonomadfest.com/
• Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com
• Mindvalley: https://www.mindvalley.com
• Patrick Farrell – Blog: https://patrickfarrell.life/blog
• Patrick Farrell – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patrickfarrell.life/
• Patrick Farrell – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pfarrell85/
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph Huebner sits down with solo traveler Mia Kercher to talk about her extraordinary journey from Serbia to Vietnam by car – with her cat, Cleo, by her side. Along the way, Mia spent five weeks in Afghanistan, a place many consider too extreme or unsafe to visit.

She shares what it was really like to travel there as a foreign woman, the cultural nuances she experienced, her interactions with Afghan women, and even the underground workshops she hosted on online marketing. The conversation also dives into the ethical questions of traveling to countries under oppressive regimes, as well as the challenges and joys of sustaining a nomadic lifestyle while running a remote business.

Key Takeaways:

• What it’s like to travel solo through Afghanistan as a foreign woman
• The importance of distinguishing between a government and its people
• How underground initiatives empower Afghan women
• The role of curiosity, adaptability, and cultural respect in extreme travel
• Practical insights on balancing work and full-time overland travel with a pet
• How Mia funds her lifestyle through copywriting and marketing consulting
• A sneak peek at her podcast, Deep Marketing: Stories from Villages

Relevant Links:

• Mia Kercher on Instagram: @miakercher
• Mia Kercher on TikTok: @miakercher
• Mia Kercher’s podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MiaKercher
• Sponsor: Kinsta Managed Hosting for WordPress: https://go.nomadsummit.com/podcast/kinsta
• Nomad Summit: https://nomadsummit.com 
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk

In this special in-person recording from a sailboat in Croatia, Christoph Huebner sits down with Ukrainian traveller and NomadMania managing partner, Orest Zub.

They talk about chasing rare and remote places, the adventures of visiting one of the most secluded islands in the Adriatic, and the global community of “extreme travelers” who aim to explore far beyond the average tourist path.

Orest shares how NomadMania works – from its gamified system of tracking countries and regions to its list of over a thousand “DARE” locations (Distinct, Alternative, Remote, Extreme).

He also talks about the cultural and political dimensions of traveling to hard-to-reach destinations, the social impact of the community, and why he believes travel can change the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or just starting to explore the idea of seeing more of the world, this conversation is packed with stories, inspiration, and practical insight into a unique global network of travelers.

Key Takeaways:

• Who Orest Zub is and how he became a full-time traveler from Ukraine.
• What NomadMania is and how it connects extreme travelers around the globe.
• The meaning of “DARE” locations and why they are so rare.
• The story of sailing to Palagruža, one of the least-visited islands in Croatia.
• How NomadMania organizes events and trips to politically complex or geographically isolated places.
• The scholarship program helping first-time international travelers from developing countries.
• How NomadMania’s app fosters community through maps, lists, and real-time location sharing.
• Orest’s philosophy on living in the moment while traveling.

Relevant Links:

• NomadMania: https://nomadmania.com
• Blog from Orest Zub: https://orestzub.com
• Follow Orest Zub on:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orest.zub
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orestzub/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OrestZub
• Nomad Summit https:/nomadsummit.com  
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

Feuza Reis – also known as Fuse – is on the edge of a whole new chapter. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, she shares her journey from childhood immigration to remote work, from grief-filled goodbyes at the airport to finding joy in travel once again.

Now a remote worker at a travel tech company and the creator behind Fuse Travels, Feuza opens up about the emotional transformation that brought her to this pivotal moment: preparing to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa and working toward a location-independent lifestyle.

We talk about identity, motherhood, guilt, and growth – and what it means to follow your joy, even if you're not sure where it will lead.

Key Takeaways

• Why travel was once tied to sorrow, and how that changed
• The impact of growing up between two cultures and feeling caught between identities
• What it's like to redefine yourself in your 40s
• How COVID played a role in accelerating the desire for change
• Her thoughts on becoming a digital nomad while raising older kids
• The importance of "getting glimpses" of the life you want
• Why her “soul place” is Italy – and how she's preparing for the visa
• Her dream of “retiring” her husband through shared creative projects
• A reminder that you don’t have to go all-in to start shifting toward nomadism

Relevant Links

• Feuza’s blog, Fuse Travels: https://fusetravels.com
• Follow Fuse on Instagram: @fusetravels
• Brazil Italy Bites – YouTube cooking channel with her husband: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrazilItalyBites 
• Nomad Summit https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

In this special in-person episode recorded beneath the Motherland Monument in Kyiv, we sit down with Johnny FD – the original founder of the Nomad Summit. Johnny has lived the full digital nomad dream: 50+ countries, financial freedom, multiple successful businesses. But now, he’s chosen a very different life.

Why would someone who can live anywhere choose to stay in a war zone? What does real happiness look like after success? And what can you learn from a man who’s gone from luxury to simplicity – and says he’s never been happier?

This episode dives deep into freedom, fulfillment, and the power of choosing a life that makes sense to you – not your Instagram feed.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Johnny FD stayed in Ukraine despite having total location freedom
• The surprising lessons about happiness and regret from a successful digital nomad
• How minimalism, slowing down, and giving back redefined his sense of purpose
• Advice for aspiring nomads on finding freedom, not just income
• How Johnny built (and let go of) multiple income streams
• Reflections on identity, community, and rebuilding from the inside out

Relevant Links:

• Help99 Ukraine Convoy https://www.help99.co
• Johnny FD on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@johnnyfd
• Invest Like a Boss Podcast https://www.investlikeaboss.com
• Nomad Summit https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

This episode was recorded right after a panel discussion in Bansko – and it’s unlike anything we’ve done before. Christoph sits down with three thoughtful voices from the nomad community for a raw, roundtable conversation on identity, relationships, mobility, and what it means to belong.

You’ll hear from:

• Mariam (Armenia) on the harsh realities of traveling with a weak passport
• Milda (Lithuania) on questioning the digital nomad lifestyle and seeking balance
• Jojo (Taiwan) on breaking cultural norms and building a community back home

From visa struggles to emotional crossroads, this episode dives deep into the human side of nomad life.

Key Takeaways

• The visa process for travelers with weak passports is often expensive, uncertain, and demoralizing.
• Many nomads experience a “mid-nomad crisis” after years on the road, questioning whether they still want a fully mobile lifestyle.
• Parenting as a nomad is possible, but it requires intentional planning – world schooling, public systems abroad, and community are all part of the mix.
• Cultural upbringing shapes how we approach touch, conversation, and connection – and joining a global community can shift those patterns.
• Commitment, whether to a location, a person, or even a tattoo, often reflects deeper values around freedom and identity.

Relevant Links

• Nomad Summit https://nomadsummit.com
• Mariam Navasardyan https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-navasardyan-36780b18a/ https://www.instagram.com/perripateticc
• Milda Dapkevičiūtė https://www.linkedin.com/in/milda-dapkeviciute-27ba50aa
• Jojo https://www.instagram.com/lol34220
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

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How many digial nomads are there and who really qualifies as a digital nomad?

In this episode, Christoph Huebner sits down with researchers Aldijana Bunjak (University of Stavanger, Norway) and Viktoriya Voloshyna (Thompson Rivers University, Canada) to explore what the data says about nomad identity, motivation, and lifestyle.

From fieldwork at Bansko Nomad Fest to global surveys with over 100 researchers involved, this conversation dives deep into the psychological and management perspectives on digital nomadism. They unpack the blurry boundaries of self-identification, surprising early findings about work-life balance, and why the question “Where’s home?” is trickier than it sounds.

Key Takeaways:

• There’s still no single definition of a digital nomad – researchers, nomads, and governments all interpret it differently.
• Viktoriya and Aldijana are studying the intersection of identity, values, and work freedom within nomadic lifestyles.
• The biggest motivator for many digital nomads? Not money or career – freedom.
• Their data (from 500+ nomads so far) shows unexpected insights into work-life balance, with Vietnam and North Macedonia topping that list.
• Nomads may work from cafés or co-working spaces, but many also value comfort and routine more than stereotypes suggest.
• The community isn’t growing as explosively as once thought, but it is evolving – and attracting deeper academic interest.
• Viktoriya and Aldijana are still looking for participants for their in-depth interviews – so get involved if you’d like your story heard.

Relevant Links:

• Viktoriya Voloshyna on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoriya-voloshyna-18bb6195/
• Aldijana Bunjak https://no.linkedin.com/in/abunjak
• Bansko Nomad Fest https://banskonomadfest.com/
• Nomad Summit https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk
•  

How do you build strong remote teams when your colleagues come from completely different cultural backgrounds? In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we unpack the realities of cross-cultural communication in distributed teams – and why good intentions often go wrong.

Christoph Huebner and Palle Bo are joined by two seasoned experts:

• Renita Kasper, a global talent acquisition leader and remote team builder from Estonia.
• Miguel Piñas, COO and co-founder of Companio, who leads a remote-first team spanning 10+ countries.

Together, they share candid stories from their experience – from awkward email misunderstandings to successful strategies for building cultural intelligence inside companies. Whether you're managing a team or looking to land your next remote job, this episode will help you navigate the hidden cultural dynamics that shape remote work.

Key Takeaways

• Direct vs. indirect communication can make or break remote collaboration.
• Cultural awareness isn't intuitive – it requires structure, training, and ongoing feedback.
• Miscommunications often stem from differing workplace norms, not bad intentions.
• The book The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is a highly recommended resource for teams.
• Hiring for diversity means more than skills – it also requires systems that support inclusion.
• Companies should stop pushing “headquarter culture” onto international teams and co-create values instead.
• Candidates applying for remote roles should research the communication style of the company beforehand.

Relevant Links

• Miguel Piñas on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelpinas
• Renita Kasper on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/renitakasper
• Companio https://companio.co
• Book: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer https://go.nomadsummit.com/book-culture-map
• Global Nomad Pass https://globalnomadpass.com
• Unlock a free month of Global Nomad Pass https://go.nomadsummit.com/gnp-podcast
• Nomad Summit https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru https://radioguru.co.uk

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