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.

Filing U.S. taxes from abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode of Armchair Expat, I sit down with Nathalie Goldstein, founder of MyExpatTaxes, to break down what every American overseas needs to know. We cover the October 15th deadline, how to avoid double taxation, FBAR and FATCA rules, common mistakes, and tips for freelancers and returnees. If you’re living abroad, this conversation will help you file smarter and stress less.

Thinking about moving abroad but worried about taxes and financial pitfalls? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon talks with global tax advisor Nicolas Castillo about life in Madrid, the realities of U.S. expat taxation, and why countries like France and Italy may be more business-friendly than you think.

Can you really afford to move abroad? In this episode of Armchair Expat, financial planner and expat Alex Ingrim breaks down the true costs of living in Europe, the tax surprises Americans don’t expect, and how early planning can make your dream of moving abroad a financial reality. From Italy to Spain, France to Portugal, Alex shares candid insights on budgeting, double taxation, and what it actually takes to thrive overseas.

What happens when you swap the nonstop pace of New York City for life in a 5,000-person Italian town? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Caroline Chirichella shares her expat journey—navigating Italian citizenship, raising kids abroad, and building a PR agency—while discovering the rewards of small-town life in Italy.

Thinking of moving to Portugal? In this episode, real estate agent Erin Charlotte shares expert tips on buying property, Portugal’s Golden Visa, and building a new life abroad.

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Christine Job shares her journey from burnout in Atlanta to building a fulfilling life in Spain. We explore cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain, the power of the Camino de Santiago, and how expat life can support personal growth, wellness, and creativity. Christine also discusses launching Flourish in the Foreign, a podcast amplifying the voices of Black women thriving abroad.

Home Exchange 101: How to Travel the World Without Paying for Accommodation. Everything you need to know about house swapping, free accommodation, and traveling like a local—on a budget that works for anyone.

If you’ve been eyeing a dream property in Europe, now more than ever, every penny really does count. Over the past nine months, the U.S. dollar has taken a noticeable dip against both the euro and the British pound. This shift—triggered in part by post-election economic uncertainty and changing interest rate expectations—has real implications for anyone hoping to stretch their dollars on European soil.

Meet Jeannette Ceja—award-winning bilingual travel journalist, international speaker, and fierce advocate for women and Latinos in travel. From her earliest passport stamp at 9 months old to speaking on stages around the world, Jeannette has built a career fueled by curiosity, courage, and connection. Now living in the south of France and pursuing a master’s in international relations, she shares how she followed her intuition (and a few astrological nudges) to make the leap

Looking for the best places to buy affordable property in France in 2025? France remains one of Europe’s most romanticized...

Ziza talks about the lifelong dream that led her to Italy, her experience navigating the dual citizenship process, and how she used manifestation, intuition, and practical planning to make her move happen. We dig into the logistics of moving abroad as well as the mindset shifts, identity changes, and moments of trust that unfold along the way.

Published July 4, 2025 Looking for the best places to buy cheap property in Italy in 2025?  Italy continues to offer some of the most...

Dr. Colleen Crowley is a psychologist, expat, and global traveler who has spent the last 30 years living around the world—while also raising a family and supporting others through major life changes. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience, she now helps individuals and families navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of starting a new life overseas.

Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from the U.S. to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's...

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan Kidson shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream...

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's...

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping...

In this episode, guest Andrew Guck  shares his remarkable journey from upstate New York to building a life in southern France, where he’s...

In this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Dawn — better known as The Unretirees  — who traded their big-city grind for a brand-new life on...

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores...

What if your next big move—whether it’s across the world or deep within—wasn’t about figuring it out , but about feeling it through ? In...