Armchair Expat
Armchair Expat
Podcast Description
What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country?
Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love.
Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical advice, and personal reflections on what it really takes to move abroad and thrive. But this show isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the inner journey, too. From identity shifts and culture shock to healing, intuition, and transformation, Armchair Expat explores how living abroad can change you in ways you never expected.
If you’re dreaming of moving to another country or curious about expat life, this podcast will inspire, inform, and guide your journey—no passport required.
Website: www.armchairexpat.com
Contact Us: [email protected]
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as relocation logistics, cultural adaptation, personal transformation, and identity shifts. For example, episodes cover topics like the political motivations behind moving abroad, navigating housing challenges in a new country, and the emotional journey involved in leaving everything familiar behind.
What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country?
Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of Bargain Homes Abroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love.
Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical advice, and personal reflections on what it really takes to move abroad and thrive. But this show isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the inner journey, too. From identity shifts and culture shock to healing, intuition, and transformation, Armchair Expat explores how living abroad can change you in ways you never expected.
If you’re dreaming of moving to another country or curious about expat life, this podcast will inspire, inform, and guide your journey—no passport required.
Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/armchair-expat
Contact Us: [email protected]
What does it mean to build a life abroad — not just once, but again and again, through different seasons of life?
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 logistics to explore the emotional and practical trade-offs of expat life — rebuilding community, managing dual careers, raising kids internationally, and permitting yourself to evolve along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming about a move abroad, already living internationally, or navigating a midlife pivot, this episode offers a grounding perspective and real-world wisdom.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Growing up between cultures and how early international experiences shape identity
- Why moving abroad won’t fix everything — but can still change everything
- The hidden trade-offs of expat life: community, career momentum, and distance from family
- How moving abroad changes when kids enter the picture
- Why giving yourself at least a year in a new country is essential
- Choosing a country based on values, not fantasy
- Designing a long-term life abroad using a “10-year vision”
- Leaving a 20-year career to build purpose-led work
- Building a business that supports the life you actually want
- Why you’re allowed to change — and why that matters abroad
Connect with Laura
Website: https://purposebuiltbylaura.com
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
- Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad
- Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
- Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
- VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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