Relocurious Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Aryan, a young man from India who moved to Canada to pursue graduate studies. What began as a plan to stay close to family in Ottawa took an unexpected turn when the right academic program led him instead to rainy Vancouver—a detour filled with surprises, challenges, and unexpected growth.

Aryan shares what it was like to trade the familiarity of India for the newness of Canada, navigating everything from Vancouver’s ‘endless rain’ to the surprise of a tech-heavy classroom culture. Along the way, he reflects on identity, independence, and the experience of going from being “someone” in his home country to starting over in a new one.

We also explore how his early years in boarding school helped Aryan build the resilience and openness that shaped his relocation journey later in life. It’s a thoughtful and honest conversation about cultural adjustment, self-discovery, and the art of slowly building a life in a new country. Aryan shares plenty of insight, and a dash of humour.

Whether you’re preparing for a move abroad or simply are curious about the lived experience of relocation, Aryan’s story will resonate.

If listening to this podcast sparks new ideas, prompts useful reflections, or helps you refine your own relocation plans, why not subscribe?

In this episode, we sit down with Caleb, originally from Ghana, and Deniz, who is Turkish. They are a newly married couple who recently made Canada their new home. Their story began in a language class in Turkey, and what started as a fleeting connection eventually grew into a relationship that spanned years and continents.

With Deniz thriving in Spain and Caleb pursuing studies in Vancouver, their future together was anything but certain. In this lively and layered conversation, they reflect on what it took to bridge the distance, both emotionally and geographically, as they navigated an international move, loneliness, and their own contrasting personalities: Caleb the dreamer, and Deniz the planner. From setting up their first home to embracing a shared future in a new country, their story is full of warmth and optimism.

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Deeply understanding your personal values and who you are at your core is one thing. Finding a country where those values align, and where you’re free to explore your authentic self, is a rare and powerful gift.

This week, we speak with Hawwa, who moved from the Maldives to Vancouver, Canada, just two years ago, and describes the experience as a leap of faith. A scholar with a background in sociology and education, Hawwa brings a thoughtful perspective on the emotional and psychological journey of migration.

Her story is one of courage, clarity, and inner alignment. It’s about leaving behind the expectations of her previous environment, and finding a new sense of self in a country that feels like home.

We talk about how migration can offer a rare opportunity to reset: not just to start over, but to start more truthfully. Hawwa shares the importance of knowing your values, resisting the pressure to conform — whether back home or in a new place — and trusting yourself enough to begin again.

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What happens when your “dream move” abroad doesn’t feel so dreamy? In this episode of Relocurious, we talk with Cressida, who moved from a cottage in the English countryside to the fast-paced urban energy of Hong Kong with her husband, and a newborn in tow.

From the outside, it looked like an incredible opportunity: a new country, a new adventure, a fresh chapter. But inside, Cressida was struggling with exhaustion, isolation, culture shock, and the pressure to stay positive for everyone around her.

She opens up about what it really felt like to navigate steep city streets with a sleepless baby, and how it took time, and several small but meaningful changes to start feeling more grounded.

Together, we explore the hidden emotional costs of relocating, especially when big moves overlap with other major life transitions like new parenthood or retirement. We also talk about what happens when we only share the highlights, and why telling the whole story matters—for ourselves and for each other.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a move that was supposed to be exciting, this conversation will resonate.

Immerse in more stories and reflections on the emotional side of moving by becoming a free — or paid — subscriber to Relocurious.

What happens when a political earthquake nudges you halfway around the world? In this episode of Relocurious, we meet Sarah and Stu, an adventurous couple who turned a moment of shock into a new chapter. Originally from Malta and the UK, they now call British Columbia, Canada home.

Their relocation story is anything but straightforward. It’s spontaneous and strategic, emotional and analytical, highlighting how big moves are rarely just about geography. We talk about the emotional aftermath of Brexit, the myths we carry about new places, and the mental gymnastics required to make a life-changing leap feel both wild and wise.

Sarah and Stu offer candid reflections on homesickness, financial strain, rediscovering identity, and finding humour in the hard parts.

This episode offers real talk, gentle wisdom, and the reminder that big change doesn’t always start with a plan, it starts with a feeling.

Immerse in stories of moves and fresh starts as a free — or paid — subscriber to Relocurious.

In this episode Kathy speaks with Anushka, a young woman who grew up in India and now lives in British Columbia, Canada.

As a young girl Anushka fell in love with the city of Vancouver, Canada when she visited as a tourist with her family. Years later, she returned to Vancouver as a masters student, and now lives there as a newly graduated working professional. She thinks that the city is a wonderful place for people wanting to relocate for experience, beauty, or diversity. Although with her fair share of mountains to climb, she’s found the city to be welcoming and abundant in opportunity and kindness, and has spent the last three years since her relocation on a journey to make as many discoveries about herself and the world as she possibly can. On being asked of what she thinks her future in this journey holds, she replies with the spirit of embracing uncertainty, “Vancouver, I’m not going anywhere; but World, here I come!”.

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To find resources mentioned in this episode, please check out our Resources page.

In this episode of Relocurious, Michal sits down with Alex, who shares his deeply personal story of leaving Romania and building a new life in Canada. What started as an impulsive leap during a time of emotional burnout became a journey of transformation.

Alex opens up about the creative roots that shaped his identity, and the period of disillusionment that led to his decision to relocate. He reflects on the honeymoon phase of immigration, the loneliness that followed, and the unexpected moments of connection that helped him feel at home in a new land.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how moving abroad can not only change your surroundings—but also who you are at your core.

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In this episode of Relocurious, your hosts Michal and Kathy explore the emotional and psychological side of moving abroad—this time through the lens of a couple embracing relocation as an adventure rather than a permanent move.

Michal sits down with Georganne and Anne, a married couple who have spent the last 20 years in Canada. With dual citizenships spanning the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., they’ve recently made the leap to relocate to the U.K. Their move is open-ended, fueled by a desire to reconnect with roots, experience European living, and travel more deeply.

From navigating identity to dealing with unexpected events, this episode offers a candid look at the joys, surprises, and emotional layers of starting over in a new place.

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The Relocurious Podcast shares real stories from people who have recently relocated to a new country. Through open and honest conversations, we’ll explore the emotional journey behind moving abroad—what sparked the idea, what pushed it from dream to reality, and how life is unfolding in their new home.

Moving abroad isn’t just about visas, packing, and finding a place to live—it’s a human experience that challenges identity, expectations, and resilience. By sharing these stories, we hope to normalize the emotional ups and downs and provide a space for reflection and learning.

Whether you’re just starting to consider a move or already in the process, these stories will offer inspiration, insight, and practical advice for navigating the highs and lows of relocation.

As you ponder that big move in your life, enjoy the treat of a personal story or reflection once a week as a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode, join Kathy and Michal as they speak with guests Jim and Vickie Berkley. Jim and Vickie moved from Denver, Colorado, USA to Porto, Portugal in 2023 in their search for a culture that valued relationships ahead of wealth.

This episode inspired a further reflection on the power of planning. Check it out:

The Power of Planning. Check it out!

The Relocurious Podcast shares real stories from people who have recently relocated to a new country. Through open and honest conversations, we’ll explore the emotional journey behind moving abroad—what sparked the idea, what pushed it from dream to reality, and how life is unfolding in their new home.

Moving abroad isn’t just about visas, packing, and finding a place to live—it’s a human experience that challenges identity, expectations, and resilience. By sharing these stories, we hope to normalize the emotional ups and downs and provide a space for reflection and learning.

Whether you’re just starting to consider a move or already in the process, these stories will offer inspiration, insight, and practical advice for navigating the highs and lows of relocation.

In this episode, meet your hosts, Kathy and Michal, as they share their experiences with relocation, and why they started this podcast!

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