What kind of business should you build when you want to be free from any one location?

In this first episode of our 12-part series on starting a location-independent business, host Michelle Himden sits down with serial entrepreneur Robert K. to explore what it really takes to launch a business that aligns with your skills, passions, and lifestyle goals.

💡 In this episode:

- Why freelancing and remote jobs aren't the same as building a business

- How to identify your core strengths (and turn them into income).

- Real stories of starting from scratch — including food stamps, couches, and betting on yourself.

- Should you have a co-founder? Robert’s blunt take.

- How your mindset (and second thought) will make or break your journey.

- Why your network is your net worth — and how to use it.

This conversation is real, raw, and full of actionable advice — with zero fluff and plenty of truth.

👉 If you’ve been wondering where to start, this is your launchpad.

🔗 Follow us for the full series. New episodes every week.

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Michelle's social networks:

@nomadichotelier

@thelocationindependencepodcast

@sojournserai

@cityamihosts

Robert's social networks:

@robertkoenekamp

@pocketlisting.io

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Websites:

🌐 https://https://the-location-independence-podcast.captivate.fm

🌐 https://sojournserai.com/

🌐 https://www.cityami.com/

🌐 https://www.pocketlisting.io/

In this episode, Michelle Himden and Robert Koenekamp dive into how globalization has reshaped economies worldwide 🌎💼. We discuss the rising cost of living in emerging markets, the shift in global labor dynamics, and how remote work is evolving in unexpected ways.

📈 Key topics covered:

🌍 How globalization is redistributing wealth across the world

💰 The rising costs in countries like Thailand and its impact on local workers

🔧 Why hands-on jobs like plumbing and electrical work now pay more than many remote jobs

🏡 Where the best real estate investment opportunities are in emerging markets

🚀 How you can leverage globalization to scale your business

💡 Want to live a location-independent lifestyle and take advantage of globalization? This episode is for you!

📩 Share your thoughts in the comments: How has globalization impacted your career or business? Have you noticed cost-of-living changes in any country you've lived in or traveled to? ✈️🏠

🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more episodes on business, investment, and the nomadic lifestyle.

In this episode of The Location Independence Podcast, Michelle and Robert dive into the power of diversification and how it can be the key to financing a location-independent lifestyle. From real estate investments to launching businesses and unexpected income-generating strategies, they share practical insights and real-life experiences for those looking to achieve financial and geographic freedom.

They also discuss how expanding your mindset and opportunities through diversifying not just your assets, but also your education, social circles, and life experiences can make all the difference. Want to start building a life without limits? This episode is for you!

🎙️ Subscribe for more content on financial independence, business, and borderless living.

In this episode of The Location Independence Podcast, Michelle Himden sits down with Paul Bernier, a former airline pilot with 35 years of experience who has turned his love for travel into a strategic real estate investment journey. From his first spontaneous purchase in Costa Rica to his unique approach of owning properties around the world without emotional attachment, Paul shares his insights on creating a lifestyle that blends stability with freedom.

They discuss the pros and cons of managing multiple properties, the importance of trust in remote property management, and how investing in the right locations can lead to financial independence. If you've ever dreamed of living in different places while building wealth through real estate, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Welcome back to The Location Independence Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into real estate investing across multiple time zones and strategic locations to maximize passive income.

Topics Covered:

• Why investing in multiple locations can secure your financial future
• The best markets for short-term rentals and Airbnb properties
• How to choose cities based on economic resilience and tourism
• Real estate investing in Dubai, Miami, New York, and more
• How to mitigate risks and navigate legal frameworks

Guest Speaker: Robert K shares his insights on choosing insulated markets, investing wisely, and the power of passive income in real estate.

Listen Now and Subscribe!

Don’t miss out on expert insights into building a diverse, profitable, and location-independent investment portfolio.

What’s your dream investment location? Drop a comment below.

In this episode of the Location Independence Podcast, Michelle Himden and real estate expert Robert Koenekamp explore the nuances of short-term and long-term property investments in the Middle East. From high-yield returns to market stability, they break down the pros and cons of each approach, focusing on key regions like the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Discover:

• 🌟 How to choose between short-term (Airbnb, vacation rentals) and long-term leases.
• 🏙️ The importance of location and developer reputation in maximizing ROI.
• 💡 Insider tips for navigating markets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and beyond.
• 🔧 Why professional property management is key to reducing risks and maximizing returns.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of real estate in one of the world's fastest-growing regions. 🏘️✨

📩 Questions about investing or property management? Reach out to Michelle and Robert for expert advice! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on living and investing globally. 🌎

In this episode, Michelle and Robert dive deep into the opportunities for high-yield investments across the Middle East, highlighting key markets such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. From real estate to emerging tech hubs, learn why this region is becoming a hotspot for global investors. 🌍

Discover:

• Why the Middle East offers unparalleled investment opportunities.
• Insights into Dubai’s thriving real estate market and Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia.
• Cultural considerations and practical tips for navigating these markets.
• How the Middle East is blending tradition with innovation to attract global investors.

Whether you’re curious about real estate, technology, or lifestyle in the region, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

Don’t miss this essential guide for anyone exploring investment opportunities in the Middle East!

In this episode, Michelle and Robert dive into the advantages of establishing tax residency in Dubai and why this world-class city continues to attract investors and entrepreneurs globally.

Discover:

• How Dubai’s tax system works (0% personal income tax and capital gains tax).
• The benefits of the Golden Visa, offering flexibility and unique perks for families and businesses.
• Why Dubai is leading as a destination for digital nomads and global companies.
• Comparisons between Dubai and other emerging markets in terms of infrastructure and opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your investments, start a business, or simply understand the benefits of this thriving market, this episode has all the insights you need.

Hit play and explore what Dubai has to offer!

In this episode of the Location Independence Podcast, Michelle chats with Carla and Dani Rotstein, a family living a unique location-independent lifestyle. They share their inspiring journey of balancing work, family, and travel, including their transformative nine-month adventure across Latin America and the U.S. Discover how they turned Mallorca into their home base while exploring the world, their innovative approach to work-life balance, and the cultural immersion their young son experienced during their travels. Tune in to hear about their passion for community, their creative endeavors in documentary filmmaking, and their thoughtful perspective on creating meaningful family experiences on the road.

"Why Dubai is the Top Choice for Digital Nomads and Investors "

In this episode, Michelle Himden talks with Robert K about the tax benefits and requirements for establishing residency in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Discover why Dubai attracts millionaires, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads worldwide with its tax-free environment, perfect weather, luxurious lifestyle, and thriving tech scene. Robert shares his experience helping U.S. investors enter this market and take advantage of its numerous legal benefits.

✅ Learn how to achieve an effective 0% or 9% tax rate in Dubai.

✅ Find out the steps to establish tax residency in the UAE.

✅ Explore investment opportunities in Dubai's real estate market.