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.
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.
Wanna Move Abroad? Your Exit Strategy Starts Here with Jen Barnett
Season 1 · Episode 1
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 34:36
Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi.
Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, the surprises and challenges of settling into a new country, and the reality of building a business abroad. From housing headaches to hugs at Costco, this episode is packed with both inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering life beyond U.S. borders.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the decision to move abroad often starts with values and lifestyle
What it takes to relocate
The surprising struggles (and wins) of finding housing abroad
How Expatsi is helping people find & explore their best-fit countries
The stages of moving abroad—and why the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com
Enjoy this episode? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming your way.
Until next time… remember: the adventure starts right from your armchair.
How to Move Abroad At Any Age with Cepee Tabibian
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 • Duration 47:09
In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a successful transition. Plus, Cepee shares inspiring refresh stories from women in her network and practical advice for anyone dreaming of a bold new chapter abroad.
Key Takeaways
Cepee's background as a child of immigrants shaped her desire for freedom.
Her early career was marked by job hopping and a quest for meaningful work.
The importance of community in the process of moving abroad.
Remote work opportunities have changed the landscape for expats.
Scouting trips are essential for making informed decisions about moving.
Albania is an emerging destination for Americans looking to move abroad.
Women over 30 often feel it's too late to make a big life change.
Success stories from the She Hit Refresh community inspire others to take the leap.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
Astrocartography 101: Finding the Best Place to Live, Love & Thrive with Helena Woods
Season 1 · Episode 3
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 01:01:52
What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive?
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”.
They dive into why where you are matters, and how planetary lines can influence everything from career clarity to finding “the one.”
Helena shares how trusting her gut (and the stars) led her to a life-changing move abroad—and how you can use your unique astro-map to make bold, aligned decisions.
From relocation timing tips to the surprising magic of remote activation, this convo covers what most people get wrong about astrology, what not to do on your Mars line, and how moving abroad can crack you wide open in all the right ways.
Whether you're craving a fresh start, seeking your soul city, or just tired of forcing it where you are—this episode will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about moving.
Takeaways
Astro cartography reveals the energy and stories of different locations.
Trusting your intuition is key to personal growth.
Jupiter and Venus lines are the most beneficial for relocation.
Uranus lines can bring chaos and instability.
Timing is crucial when planning travel or relocation.
Your birth chart influences your experiences in different places.
Small daily habits can strengthen your intuition.
Astro cartography can help find love and career opportunities.
You can still benefit from astro cartography even if you live far from a line.
How to Move Abroad (Without Forcing It): The Power of Intuition & Divine Timing with Nicolle
Season 1 · Episode 4
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • Duration 01:01:21
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 this episode, Shannon sits down with Nicolle Merrilyne, a Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, and Meditation Teacher who recently left California to follow her intuition—and her spirit guides—all the way to Spain.
Together, they explore how grounding, energy healing, and intuitive guidance can shape a life abroad and support personal growth along the way. Nicolle shares her own spiritual awakening, her unexpected path into intuitive healing during the pandemic, and what it really felt like to move abroad with no backup plan—just trust.
You’ll hear how to:
Use meditation to sharpen your intuition
Protect your energy while adjusting to expat life
Recognize when a past life might be influencing your present
Build community with intention, wherever you are
This one is part spiritual toolkit, part expat story, and full of insights for anyone feeling that soul-nudge to leap—whether it’s across oceans or into the unknown.
TimeStamps:
00:00 – Grounding for Clarity
04:59 – Nicolle's Journey to Intuition
09:57 – The Leap to Spain
14:57 – Navigating New Beginnings
19:51 – Understanding Intuition
24:58 – Meditation and Intuition Development
29:52 – Energy Healing Explained
34:55 – Protecting Your Energy
35:09 – Communicating with Spirit Guides
39:32 – Building a Spiritual Community
43:33 – Exploring Past Lives and Ancestral Connections
48:00 – Navigating Community in New Places
52:18 – Taking the Leap to Move Abroad
57:42 – Trusting Your Intuition in Big Decisions
Connect with Nicolle
Instagram:
Doing Italy: Life Lessons from a Female Founder with Thea Duncan
Season 1 · Episode 5
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 • Duration 01:03:45
In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advice for those looking to relocate to Italy, including visa options and common mistakes to avoid. The discussion also highlights the importance of building community and integrating into Italian society. In this conversation, Thea shares her experiences of living in Italy, discussing cultural identity, parenting, and the nuances of the Italian real estate market. She reflects on her journey as a Black woman in Italy, the joys and challenges of raising a child in a different culture, and the complexities of buying property as an expatriate. Thea emphasizes the importance of curiosity, community, and taking small steps towards change, encouraging listeners to embrace their fears and pursue their dreams of living abroad.
Takeaways
Intuition is a powerful compass.
Thea followed inner nudges—not a master plan—and built a life in Italy because of it.
You do need a visa to move to Italy.
From student to digital nomad, understanding your options is essential.
Speaking Italian matters.
Language skills aren’t just helpful—they’re often necessary for work and connection.
The job market isn’t like the U.S.
Lower salaries, but higher stability—know what you’re walking into.
Buying property won’t get you residency.
Italy isn’t a “buy to stay” country. Don’t fall for the myth.
Community is everything.
From expat groups to local cafés, showing up with curiosity opens doors.
Raising kids in Italy is beautifully communal.
From pregnancy perks to pesto made by Nona—Italy moms differently.
Fear fades when you take the next right step.
Thea’s advice? Don’t wait for certainty. Start with action.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thea's Journey
01:19 Discovering Italy: A Love Story
06:03 Intuition and Life Decisions
How NOT to Retire Abroad: One Couple’s Story of Moving to Portugal
Season 1 · Episode 6
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 • Duration 49:26
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 Portugal’s Silver Coast. We talk about how they sold almost everything they owned, why the pandemic was a turning point, and what made Portugal the obvious choice (spoiler: fast-track citizenship and serious beach vibes helped).
We get into the real talk about integration challenges, why expat groups are a double-edged sword, and what you must know about taxes and healthcare before considering moving abroad. Plus, Matt and Dawn share how they’re helping other midlife adventurers turn career expertise into online income — and why starting small could be your ticket to freedom.
Takeaways:
They downsized their entire life to chase a long-held dream of living abroad.
Portugal stood out for its fast-track citizenship, lower cost of living, and overall safety.
Language barriers and cultural differences are real — but kindness and persistence make all the difference.
Expat groups can offer support but aren't a substitute for truly integrating.
Turning midlife expertise into online income is possible — even if you don't feel like an "expert."
Moving abroad is about running toward the life you want, not away from the one you had.
Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson
Season 1 · Episode 10
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 59:18
In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community.
Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles he faced while purchasing a property and the ongoing renovation challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of community connection in his new life abroad.
In this conversation, Dan shares his experiences of living and renovating a property in Italy, emphasizing the importance of hiring an architect, understanding the true costs of property acquisition, and the unique lifestyle in a small Italian town. He discusses healthcare, the cost of living, tax incentives for residents, and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy. Dan also reflects on cultural adjustments and the joys of traveling across Europe, offering advice for those considering a move abroad.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 From Corporate Life to Italian Dreams
03:05 The Journey to Finding Home
06:12 Cultural Immersion and Community Connection
09:00 Navigating the Visa Process
12:06 The Search for a Home in Italy
15:09 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
17:47 Renovation Challenges and Community Life
30:01 The Role of Architects in Italian Renovations
33:28 Cost Considerations in Property Acquisition
37:27 Living in a Small Italian Town
40:02 Healthcare in Italy: A Personal Experience
44:02 Climate and Daily Life in Basilicata
Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal
Season 1 · Episode 9
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 50:11
In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language learning, the pursuit of citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of expat life, particularly for families, and offers valuable insights for those considering a similar move. In this conversation, Allison shares her experiences and insights about moving to Portugal, including navigating healthcare, creating resources for newcomers, and the importance of personal growth. She discusses her projects aimed at helping others settle in Portugal, the challenges of finding housing, and the emotional journey of relocating abroad. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, reliable resources, and the transformative power of embracing change.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Allison's Journey
01:11 The Decision to Move Abroad
03:09 Researching the Move to Portugal
05:01 Planning the Move and Choosing a Location
08:29 Moving with Children: Challenges and Advice
11:45 Choosing the Right School for Kids
13:38 Building Community in a New Country
16:47 Personal Challenges of Living Abroad
19:08 Pursuing Citizenship in Portugal
21:03 Navigating American Identity Abroad
22:41 Daily Life in Portugal: A New Routine
27:25 Navigating Trust in Healthcare and Services
28:41 Creating Resources for Moving to Portugal
Move Overseas Now: Real Talk on Visas, Mindset & Building a Life Abroad with Shawna Lum
Season 1 · Episode 8
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 52:28
In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping others move abroad. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her love for the European lifestyle, and the creation of her business, Move Overseas Now, which assists Americans in relocating to Europe. Shawna provides valuable insights into visa options, healthcare in Europe, and practical tips for those considering a move abroad. She emphasizes the importance of community and mindset in pursuing one's dreams.
🚨 Don’t Miss Shawna’s Free Abroad in a Year Masterclass
Happening June 7th, this live session walks you through the exact steps to start planning your move to Europe. Sign up here for free
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:50 The Journey to Spain and Corporate Life
07:11 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
09:57 Creating Move Overseas Now
13:11 Advice for Aspiring Expats
15:57 Visa Options for Moving to Europe
18:55 Exploring Other Countries and Their Visa Options
28:23 Exploring Residency Options in Latin America
This episode is brought to you by International Living — trusted since 1979 to help people like you live better, spend less, and move smartly overseas. Big thanks to International Living for supporting Armchair Expat, and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!
ABOUT US
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
PSST! You Could Win a $100 (USD) Amazon Gift Card
Love The Armchair Expat podcast? Tell the world—and you could win big!
We’re on a mission to reach 100 reviews on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To celebrate, we’re giving away a $100 (USD) Amazon gift card to one lucky listener when we hit the milestone.
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
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
45:04 Cost of Living Comparison: Italy vs. the US
47:22 Tax Incentives for Residents in Southern Italy
49:00 Navigating Bureaucracy: Driving and Residency
This episode is brought to you by International Living—trusted since 1979 to help people like you live better, spend less, and move smartly overseas. Their guidance has helped thousands find their perfect corner of the world—from coastal Portugal to mountain villages in Mexico.
Right now, they’re offering listeners a special freebie: when you sign up for their daily postcard e-letter, you’ll get a sneak peek in their brand-new book European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55
Check out your free chapter: The Loophole That Allows You to Live in Europe 360 Days a Year Without a Visa
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
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
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
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