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]
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal.
Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the creation of her thriving real estate business. From navigating cultural quirks and bureaucratic slowdowns to explaining Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program, Erin offers expert insight and candid advice for anyone dreaming of a slower, sunnier life abroad.
Whether you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, pursue European residency, or just want to understand the landscape, this episode is packed with value.
Topics We Cover:
- Erin’s path from Minnesota to Lisbon — and the lemon tree that started it all
- The realities of buying real estate in Portugal (and how it differs from the U.S.)
- What Americans need to know about property taxes, financing, and open listings
- Portugal’s 2025 Golden Visa: what’s changed and how it works now
- Why the North of Portugal and Costa da Caparica are emerging hotspots
- Cultural quirks: rule-following, relaxed customer service, and learning to slow down
- Starting a business in Portugal — and the services expats are craving
- Advice for building a location-independent business or personal brand abroad
- How to roll over your 401(k) into a qualifying Golden Visa investment
- Tips for anyone “on the fence” about making the move
CONNECT WITH ERIN
EPISODE SPONSOR
Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com
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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