In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Laura Baringer to explore a deeply thoughtful, non-linear international journey that spans Italy, Guatemala, Nigeria, Rwanda, the UK, and now the Netherlands. Laura shares how growing up between cultures shaped her identity, why moving abroad doesn’t magically solve everything, and how clarity, values, and long-term vision matter far more than picking the “perfect” country. This conversation goes beyond visas and logis

This expert episode breaks down the biggest tax and financial mistakes U.S. expats make—and how to avoid them. Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent Arielle Tucker shares her own journey through life abroad in Switzerland and Germany, plus essential strategies for managing taxes, residency, retirement planning, and building your expat “financial team.”

Jennifer Sontag didn’t follow a straight line to Italy. Her journey began in China, an unexpected first step that reshaped everything. In this episode, she shares how she rebuilt her life, found a path to Sicily, and now helps others relocate through her agency, ViaMonde. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” route abroad, this conversation may change your thinking.

What happens when you sell everything and move to a country you’ve never even visited? For Mary Alice, a fractional COO and business strategist from Philadelphia, that leap led her family to a new life in the South of France. In this episode, she shares how a casual pandemic conversation turned into a one-way flight to Montpellier — complete with a child, a dog, a cat, and zero French language skills. Mary Alice, a fractional COO and business strategist from Philadelphia, h

Most Americans don’t realize their bank may be quietly taking a 2–10% margin on international transfers. In this episode, Armchair Expat host Shannon Acton talks with Kelly Cutchin of Moneycorp about how to save thousands when buying property abroad, what forward contracts are, and why transparency in currency exchange can make all the difference when moving your money overseas.

Moving abroad looks dreamy online—but behind the scenic reels lies a real, messy, beautiful truth. In this episode, bestselling author and book coach Stacy Ennis shares what it’s really like to live abroad, from visa struggles and culture shocks to building a thriving career overseas. With homes in four countries and lessons from each, Stacy offers both inspiration and a grounded reality check for anyone dreaming of a life abroad.