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TitlePub. DateDuration
We Moved Our Family to CANADA for Winter. Our Honest Thoughts a Week in...22 Jan 202600:56:55

Brian and Liz, husband and wife, are in British Columbia, CANADA.

They have packed their bags and, along with their two young adult kids, have embarked on a huge adventure: Housesitting for 3 months in British Columbia, CANADA.

Join them today as they share their first impressions of returning to Canada with their kids and take you on a stroll through their very beautiful BC neighbourhood to spill the beans on:

The surprise of Calgary

Their kids spending the night with a homeless person

Being locked out in the cold

Driving in Canada and feeling out of control

The importance of TRUST

Fearing death constantly.

Why two Canadians are letting us stay in their million-dollar house for free

Tess feeling homesick for a home we don't have

Thank you so very much for joining us. We appreciate you more than you can imagine.

Please don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review on whichever platform you listen on. It helps us enormously, and we will love you forever. ❤️

With all love and gentleness always,

Kia Kaha

Liz and Brian xx

Links mentioned in the show:

Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Reality of Grief

If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone.

I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart. The book is available to purchase at all major online bookstores. To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) via my website: www.elizabethdeacle.com

❤️Join Liz's inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

🇳🇿 Remember! If you LOVE NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP  for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand.

If you would like to see where we are, you can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

 

We were wrong about America31 Dec 202500:48:01

There are a few myths and misconceptions about America that we have found to be not true, and this week, we wanted to share our experiences with you.

Brian and Liz, husband and wife, are in Colorado, USA.

Join them today as they take you on a stroll through their (very American) neighbourhood to spill the beans on:

Being stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a stranger.

A USA myth that turns out to be true, (and one we wish we had)

Liz's shock reaction after the release of her new book

The biggest American myth of all, and one that rocked these two (quite adventurous and brave) British New Zealanders.

This will be the last podcast episode of 2025.

May we take this chance to say how much we love and appreciate you, how your support means so very much to us and how we hope you will continue to join us in 2026.

Happy New Year, lovely people,

with all love and gentleness always,

Kia Kaha

Liz and Brian xx

Links mentioned in the show:

Liz's new book: You Won't Just Cry When They Die: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Reality of Grief

If you are struggling and hurting right now, please know you are not alone.

I wrote this little book to be a gentle companion, to help you survive, cope, and begin to heal when your whole world falls apart. The book is available to purchase at all major online bookstores. To support my work directly as an independent author, you can purchase all formats (hardback, e-book, audiobook) via my website: www.elizabethdeacle.com

❤️Join Liz's inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

🇳🇿 Remember! If you LOVE NEW ZEALAND and want to know more about the country, SIGN UP  for our FREE 5-DAY VIDEO GUIDE to Life in New Zealand.

If you would like to see where we are, you can watch the video version of this podcast HERE on YouTube

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

 

How Downton Abbey Saved Our Family (Our Hardest Location Podcast Yet)24 Sep 202501:04:59

We recorded this week's marriage diary podcast on location under the famous Sycamore Tree in Bampton, the real village of Downton Abbey. But it was harder than we thought.

Downton Abbey has become our family's anchor, so when we found ourselves in the UK close to the location where many of the show's outdoor scenes were filmed, we packed our microphones and set off to record a podcast.

While we were talking about why this show has become a lifeline for both our marriage and our family, a coachload of tourists turned up. I've never felt so awkward and self-conscious in my life. But Brian refused to stop filming.

So you will hear my awkwardness in all its glory...

After a year of loss and leaving our home in New Zealand, Liz and Brian, husband and wife, have been living out of suitcases, feeling nomadic and uncertain.

In this very raw episode, we talk about how binge-watching Downton Abbey has given our family a surprising sense of routine, safety, and connection as we travel the world and heal after loss.

We also open up about the expat's identity crisis, what it's like to not know where "home" is, and pushing through the fear of being seen when you're grieving.

This is one of our most authentic and vulnerable conversations yet, and we hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for joining us, you are what make this happen.

Our hearts

Liz and Brian xx

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian xx

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.  

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!  
The Ghost of Brian's Past...21 Dec 202200:40:27

For years, Brian and I have disagreed over what Christmas morning should look like. What traditions we should pass down to our young children. Presents wrapped or unwrapped? Gifts given or hidden? Tree artificial or real? Mummy sloshed or sober? 

Decisions, decisions...

In this week's Christmas special, we let three ghosts out of the bag...Take a skeleton out of the closet and treat you to a third reading of Liz's book. This is a snippet from Chapter one, where Liz introduces you to her kids and tells you why she threw everything in the air to backpack the world on a shoestring with the family.

Whatever you are doing this holiday season, know that we send you peace, love and happiness and wish nothing but the best for you in 2023.

Enjoy!

Links Mentioned in The Show: My Newsletter

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. All at the same time. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends

 

We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? 

If you have been following this podcast for a while, then you will know that we have just returned for six months in Europe and Asia. While we were there, we did a lot of housesitting. We are constantly asked how we did this and if we can share the website that we used. So here it is:

The initial 'looking part' is free. You can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (As I say, looking is completely free, so gander to your heart's content).

Then, if you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

Still not sure about paying for a Housesitting membership? Remember that the cost of a yearly membership (approx $80 using the discount code above) will be paid back (and more) on the first housesitting night. It really is that simple!

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world, then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

More Brilliant Podcast Episodes From It's a Drama:

A Ruthless Response 

The Harsh Realities of Returning Home

It's scary, but it's done 

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

A Ruthless Response06 Dec 202200:49:28

I'm still trying to figure out if telling someone that they'll never amount to anything makes them stronger and more determined, like a lioness on rollerskates or defeated and beaten. Like a tired old bow-wow.

This week Liz was picked to pieces by someone she respected. And it hurt. 

This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing, but we make a small commission. Please see our Disclaimer page for more details.

Doing Something That Scares The Pants Off You

I have been working on my book for almost two years. Last month I completed it. And so it was time. Time to let an editor take a look.

Gulp.

Handing it over to a "proper writer" (someone who has actually finished and published their work as opposed to someone who dilly-dallies around and spends most of her days fantasising about signing hardbacks in the foyer of WHSmiths) was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. 

But I did it. 

In this week's episode, not only will you be treated to a reading of the opening chapter of my book, but I will also share what happened when the editor responded. Stand by...

 

Links Mentioned in The Show: My Newsletter

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter. With the people that I care about the most. I would love to welcome you into that cherished space. 

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. All at the same time. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? 

If you have been following this podcast for a while, then you will know that we have just returned for six months in Europe and Asia. While we were there, we did a lot of housesitting. We are constantly asked how we did this and if we can share the website that we used. So here it is:

The initial 'looking part' is free. You can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (As I say, looking is completely free, so gander to your heart's content).

Then, if you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

Still not sure about paying for a Housesitting membership? Remember that the cost of a yearly membership (approx ($80 using the discount code above) will be paid back (and more) on the first housesitting night. It really is that simple!

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

Can't Shake it off25 Nov 202200:39:47

Typical.  All around the world without so much of a sniff, and then you come home and get Covid. And not only that, you're not coping with being home as well as you thought you would...

I'd never really given much thought to what is known as the vacation blues. Until now, that is.

We warn you. This isn't the most uplifting episode. But it's real. And that's all that matters.

Links Mentioned in The Show:

Liz's Quora profile, where she is currently finding an outlet to relax and be creative (Don't forget to follow!).

WITCH Theatre Company in Wellington (Where Tessa has just landed a role in their next show - Into The woods).

  We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? 

You can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free, so gander to your heart's content).

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

Still not sure about paying for a Housesitting membership? Remember that the cost of a yearly membership (approx ($80 using the discount code above) will be paid back (and more) on the first housesitting night. It really is that simple!

 

Join My Newsletter

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

The Harsh Realities of Returning Home14 Nov 202200:47:17

We're back. After six months of complete freedom; swanning around Europe and Asia doing exactly as we please, we are back home to New Zealand. And boy did we land with a bump.

In this week's show, we wanted to share the realities of long-term travel. Give you a glimpse into the nitty gritty truths of what returning home to normal life after being on the road for six months looks and feels like.

This show is dedicated to our beautiful girl Pandora. The best cat a family could ever ask for. RIP sweet girl.

Links Mentioned in The Show:

The book that you will hear me read is my own. I am yet to publish it. If you like what you hear and would like to read more (and get very private insights into my world and a ton of inspiration), then click this link and join my free private newsletter to share my book-writing journey. I would be honoured to have you with me. 

Total Cost to Travel Europe & Asia For 6 Months

We talk about this briefly on the show but I wanted you to know the exact cost of our 6 month trip.

Our total cost for the six months trip came in at $33,000 NZD. That's an average of $176 NZD a day (excluding flight). This included, accommodation, food, petrol and entertainment.

This is $20,000 USD and £17,000. 

I think that you'll agree that this is pretty incredible. 

We were able to make massive savings by housesitting. When we evaluated our costs we discovered that housesitting (in the UK and Europe) saved us approximately $16,000 USD.

To hear more about how we saved this money by housesitting ( and how you can too!) check out this podcast:

How We Managed to Stay in  Tuscany, Italy For 6 weeks For FREE

We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? 

You can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free, so gander to your heart's content).

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

Still not sure about paying for a Housesitting membership? Remember that the cost of a yearly membership (approx ($80 using the discount code above) will be paid back (and more) on the first housesitting night. It really is that simple!

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple ·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android ·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

It's Scary But it's Done31 Oct 202200:47:05

This week's episode is brought to you from Chiang Mai in Thailand. As this will be the last episode that we do while on this six-month trip, we thought that we'd make it an extra special episode for you.

We have decided to do/say/talk about/share a few things that make us both feel rather uncomfortable. Especially me. But. You will love it. We know you will. And that makes the uncomfortableness all ok.

So sit back, enjoy the show and let us wow you with what we are about to share!

PS: Can we just say a HUGE thank you! thank you for being here with us for the past six months, for sharing our highs and lows and for supporting us along the way. You are wonderful. Thank you x

Remember that you can email us at any time. We love it when people reach out. Why not say hi and let us know what you thought of this week's show? - I'll wait for you!  liz@itsadrama.com 

 

This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing, but we make a small commission. Please see our Disclaimer page for more details.

 

Links Mentioned in The Show:

The book that you will hear me read is my own. I am yet to publish it. If you like what you hear and would like to read more (and get very private insights into my world and a ton of inspiration), then click this link and join my free private newsletter to share my book-writing journey. I would be honoured to have you with me. 

The condo that we are renting in Chiang Mai is called the Astra. Check it out on Agoda here.

Want to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? You can buy tickets here.

 

We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? Here's a Discount Code:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free, so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

 Looking for the BEST Travel Credit Card?

 If you are off on your travels and need to transfer money internationally or are just looking for a great travel debit card to pay for things, Transfer wise is the BEST!

It's the only card Bri will use (and believe me when I say...he has done his research!)👇

Click HERE To receive a FREE FEE transfer on your first $900 

The Wise Card is amazing for travel and as a budgeting card when at home. The app is great as it knows what type of purchases you are making: Fuel, food etc.. so you can view at the end of the month how much you have spent. The exchange rates are good as money is sent from your own bank account. There are NO hidden charges that banks tend to charge when you transfer money while abroad. The Wise Card really has been our best friend, and we highly recommend setting up a Wise account for travelling overseas. It's fabulous! 👍

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Apple ·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Android ·       Subscribe to this PODCAST on Spotify

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

Thai, Teeth & Threesomes19 Oct 202200:50:54

Bit of a cheeky one this. Bri gets a bit frisky.

It must be all that dental work he's had done. Or the fear of going to the hospital on Friday...

 

This post may contain affiliate links. They cost you nothing, but we make a small commission. Please see our Disclaimer. 

  Links Mentioned in The Show:

 

The condo that we are renting in Chiang Mai is called the Astra. Check it out on Agoda here.

Want to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? You can buy tickets here.

  We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? Here's a Discount Code:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

 Looking for the BEST Travel Credit Card?

 If you are off on your travels and need to transfer money internationally or are just looking for a great travel debit card to pay for things Transfer wise is the BEST!

It's the only card Bri will use (and believe me when I say...he has done his research!)👇

Click HERE To receive a FREE FEE transfer on your first $900 

The Wise Card is amazing for travel and as a budgeting card when at home. The app is great as it knows what type of purchases you are making: Fuel, food etc.. so you can view at the end of the month how much you have spent. The exchange rates are good as money is sent from your own bank account. There are NO hidden charges that banks tend to charge when you transfer money while abroad. The Wise Card really has been our best friend, and we highly recommend setting up a Wise account for travelling overseas. It's fabulous! 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Click HERE To receive a FREE FEE transfer on your first $900 

The Wise Card is amazing for travel and as a budgeting card when at home. The app is great as it knows what type of purchases you are making: Fuel, food etc.. so you can view at the end of the month how much you have spent. The exchange rates are good as money is sent from your own bank account. There are NO hidden charges that banks tend to charge when you transfer money while abroad. The Wise Card really has been our best friend, and we highly recommend setting up a Wise account for travelling overseas. It's fabulous! 👍

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Not YOU Again...The Pitfalls of Being Together 24/713 Oct 202200:55:38

Imagine travelling with your spouse for six whole months.

Living together, working together, sleeping together. Skipping along the seashore holding hands. Discussing what brilliant ideas you can implement into your online businesses to generate even more cash. 

What joy.

Laughing together. Planning together. Smooching below the stars...Never once saying "Why are you wearing THAT disgusting T-shirt again? I hate it. It's hideous." Or: "Oh, do me a favour will you and button it. Who do you think you are? My 'effing Mother?"  

No. Never saying that. Uh-uh.

How To Stay Married

Brian and I are used to being together. We've owned and run a handful of businesses, moved to the other side of the world, and built our own home. We even took our teenager's backpacking around the world for a year and never spent a day apart. 

But that was different. Each of those experiences involved someone else. The kids. My mum. A friend, The builder. The dog. Anyone.

 

Travelling, Living, Working With Your Spouse. How To Stay Married

 

For the past five months, we have been travelling Europe. Me and Brian driving around the continent like Noddy and Big ears in our little red car. Just us. And now we are in Thailand. Just us. Spending five weeks in a swanky apartment. And it's very romantic. 

Mostly.

I share this post because the last couple of days has been tense. Taut. Not taut as in perky and pert and attractive. But taut as in strangling and suffocating and rigid.

(Let's just say that we've exhausted Thailand's supply of Hong Thong Whisky).

So we thought we thought that we'd record a podcast. Sharing some of our excellent tips. On how we stay married.

Because after thirty-three years we are still going strong. Madly in love.  And here's how we manage to do it...

Links Mentioned in The Show:

 

The condo that we are renting in Chiang Mai is called the Astra. Check it out on Agoda here.

Want to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? You can buy tickets here.

  We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? Here's a Discount Code:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

Looking for the BEST travel insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other fabulous Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Tossing and Turning in Thailand

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

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Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

Tossing And Turning In Thailand07 Oct 202200:47:27

f you have ever dreamed of visiting Thailand but have been put off because you've heard stories about how hard it is to travel in Asia (and let's face it we've all heard those stories), then you will love this podcast! Because taking a trip to Thailand is easy. Easy peasy. If we can do it, you certainly can.

Just know that you might have to prepare for a few teeny dramas...

Ready To Spend 5 weeks in Chiang Mai, Thailand?

Liz and Brian are finally in Thailand. Living it up in the city of Chiang Mai.

Phew. They made it.

But not without a few hiccups. Such as being captured in the checkout line by two old biddy drug smugglers disguised as harmless grandparents for example. Bri suddenly developing Insomnia. Or causing the security guard's mouth to fall open when we showed up at the posh condo gate in a cattle truck...

Sit back, enjoy the show and please don't forget to spread the love. This can be done in a number of ways: Leave us a really nice review on your favourite podcasting app and say how flippin' brill we are. Share this podcast with someone who needs a little adventure in their life or email me at liz@itsadrama.com and let us know what value the show brings to you. OR...if you're really super duper why not do all three?!!

Whatever you choose, please know that we love and appreciate you immensely.

 

That sleep app that I promised you? Here it is. If you have problems going to or staying asleep, then this little meditation will be your friend for life.

The condo that we are renting in Chiang Mai is called the Astra. Check it out on Agoda here.

Want to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? You can buy tickets here.

We LOVE Housesitting. Want to Try it too? Here's a Discount Code:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them. Take a sneak peek here! (Looking is completely free so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do)  then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

🟩 Looking for the BEST travel insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

  Want To Know More About Thailand Travel? Check out:

Taking the Train From Bangkok to Chiang Mai (I wrote this post 4 years ago after we did the trip with the kids. Pure hell. Very honest post.)

 

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

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Instagram 

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Facebook

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

She's Gone. was it a SECRET or a LIE?

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step.

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

She's Gone. Was it a Secret or a Lie?29 Sep 202200:51:27

Five months ago we picked up the little red car from England and drove it around Europe and the UK. And it was bliss. Pure heaven. Brian and I had the time of our lives. Just like Baby and Johnny black vest on the wet log.

But I won't lie. It's been a bit stressful. The car thing I mean.

As you might know, this little hatchback wasn't cheap (nineteen thousand pounds to be exact). She's a classic, you see. A little red vintage Peugeot 205 GTi that Bri bought for my birthday (let's not mention the fact that I've never even sat behind the effing steering wheel) and those things fetch big bucks. So every time we drove down a bumpy lane, and something went clunk or click or tick or tock, my initial thought was "Oh sh*t. There goes another grand".

I'm positive like that. I like to look on the bright side.

But I don't have to worry about that. Not anymore. Because as of yesterday...

 

In this week's show, Liz and Bri share what happened to the little red car (and whether they feel flush or broke).
They also talk about Brian's dirty little secret, their next move to Thailand, the heartache of saying goodbye to loved ones and why when although they may trick people into thinking they things together, they constantly feel like a couple of old incontinent biddies with brains like goldfish.


Enjoy!

 

Use This Link For The BEST Housesitting Discount:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them by clicking here. (Looking is completely free so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do), then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

Looking for the BEST travel insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

  Listen To Our Most Popular Podcast Episodes!

 

Why I'm AFRAID To Travel (and am dreading this trip).

How We Afford to Stay in Tuscany, Italy For Six weeks for FREE (and YOU can do the same!)

Housesitting in Europe. How To Save $$$$

It's Not Always Perfect. The Ups and Downs of Housesitting

England We Love You. Sort of.

 

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HEREand I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Follow us on:

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Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast – NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

Feeling Emotional. The Next Step22 Sep 202200:52:35

I can't quite believe it. For two years Brian has been secretly planning this mega trip to Europe. And now it's almost over.

Europe has been every bit as wonderful as we hoped it would be. Just gorgeous.

In case you're new to the show, let me give you a quick recap of what the past five months have looked like. The things you might have missed.

We picked up a vintage car from the UK in May (that Brian purchased off the internet while he was still in New Zealand) We drove through Belgium, France, and Italy and then got a ferry to Greece where we picked our kids up from Athens and sailed to the Greek Island of Paros for a month. The car had lots of niggly problems, but we won't go into that now. Bri feels fragile enough as it is.

The kids flew from Greece back to the UK, and we drove back through Europe to England. The car had some troubles. It blew up. I know that Brian will say that it didn't, but he's lying. It did.

We waited for the car to be fixed, visited lots of family members and then drove back to Tuscany to housesit for six weeks. We looked after a sweet little cat in a wonderful house overlooking the Mediterranean in the town of Porto Santo Stefano. It was divine. If you haven't yet signed up to be a housesitter, then you want your head reading. It's brill.

We drove back from Italy, over the French Alpes and are now sitting in our car outside an Airbnb in Calais making this podcast for you.

Tomorrow we will cross the border of France and return to England. The Queen has died, a close family member is not well, and if we can't sell the car in the next two weeks, then we stand to lose twenty grand. Oh, and it looks as though we will have to enter Thailand illegally.

Other than that everything is hunky dory.

Sit back, enjoy the show and please don't forget to spread the love and share this podcast with someone who needs a little adventure in their life! 

Use This Link For The BEST Housesitting Discount:

Don't forget, you can oggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them by clicking here. (Looking is completely free so gander to your heart's content!)

If you are serious about using Housesitting as a tool to travel the world for free (as we do)  then sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

🟩 Looking for the BEST travel insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

  Want To Know More About Housesitting? Check out:

How We Afford to Stay in Tuscany, Italy For Six weeks for FREE (and YOU can do the same!)

Housesitting in Europe. How To Save $$$$

It's Not Always Perfect. The Ups and Downs of Housesitting

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Where is Home? The Price You Pay For Living Nomadically (The Marriage Diaries)15 Sep 202501:21:44

Feeling fragile and searching for an anchor, husband and wife, Brian and Liz, are back in England, trying to find a short-term rental in Bath.

They tackle the scary financial reality of their married nomadic life and why they believe spending savings on making memories with their young adult kids is worth every penny.

This is (once again) a deeply vulnerable episode, where Liz shares how a hurtful YouTube comment landed on the very day she was driving to see her brother for the first time since their dad's funeral, and in turn, sparks a crucial conversation about the real-world impact of our words online.

We hope you enjoy this raw, real, and uplifting look at the cost of living without a fixed address and where to find home when you need it most. We also give you our individual and private husband and wife diaries at the end of the podcast.

Thank you, as always, for being here with us. You are what makes this podcast so special.

My heart beats with yours.

Kia Kaha.

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.  

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!  
When Housesitting SUCKS05 Sep 202200:38:04

Nothing is perfect. Without fault,  peachy keen, hunky dory.

Not even housesitting. 

As much as Brian and I harp on about how wonderful our housesitting experience has been here in Tuscany, Italy  (we have been housesitting in Porto Santo Stefano for the summer), there have to be some downsides. Right?

Right.

In this week's show, Brian and I will give you four reasons why Housesitting might NOT be for you. Four reasons why you might be better off in a hotel or at a campsite. (Don't forget what I said about the line of people in the hallway, that stuff is very real...)

Don't forget, you can goggle all of the beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them by signing up for FREE here.
If it seems like a good fit and you too would like to join us, and thousands of other savvy travellers who get to travel the world without paying for accommodation then buy a year's membership (for less than the cost of a night's accommodation in Europe) and be sure to use the SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE "SITTERLIZ" to get an extra 20% off! 

Use This Link For The BEST Housesitting Discount: 

Sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

 

Want To Know More About Housesitting? Check out:

How We Afford to Stay in Tuscany, Italy For Six weeks for FREE (and YOU can do the same!)

Housesitting in Europe. How To Save $$$$

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

Italy. Were We Wrong?05 Sep 202200:48:18

Liz and Brian are still in Italy, but this week they decide to stop being so boring and predictable and instead go out and explore. Like proper tourists.  After all, this is obviously the best thing to do when you're spending six weeks in Italy.

Or is it??

In this week's show find out all about:

Was San Gimignano worth the two-hour drive?

Feeling a bit ripped off

Americans abroad vs Brits abroad

Why this restaurant in a housing estate almost made Liz cry...

As you may know, we are currently HOUSESITTING in Italy for six weeks. If this is something that interests you and you'd like to take a look at the thousands of beautiful houses around the world that are waiting for YOU to look after them then sign up for FREE here.
If Housesitting seems like it would be a good fit and you too would like to join us and thousands of other savvy travellers who get to travel the world without paying for accommodation then buy a year's membership (for less than the cost of a night's accommodation in Europe) and be sure to use the SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE "SITTERLIZ" to get an extra 20% off! Whoop Whoop!! 

 

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

Sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

San Gimignano where we went for our day trip! 

Galeone Bar where we get the brilliant coffee and Aperitivo 

Plaza Bistro in Obrbatello that we raved about

 

🟩 Looking for The BEST Travel Insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

 

Join My Newsletter!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Follow us on:

YouTube

Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

 

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Italian Men Pigs, And Pigeons

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered

Travel The World For FREE. All About Housesitting 

We're Leaving New Zealand.

Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 How We Afford To Travel the World

Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

 

Drenched, Bothered And Bewildered27 Aug 202200:35:46

Ciao, Bella and welcome once again to Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany, Italy where Liz and Brian are (still) currently housesitting for Six. Whole. Weeks.

I know. You don't have to tell them. They feel like that couple, Calvin and Zatera Spencer who won the lottery three times in one month.

In this week's soggy Italian podcast episode you will discover:

Why Italy came to a standstill for at least ten and a half hours.

Why some women look SO cool in cow boots while Liz on the other hand looks like a farmer in drag.

What Brian thinks about boats and why he nearly bit Liz's head off when she infers that he's really rubbish at...

Don't forget - if YOU want to give housesitting a go (it's fabulous why wouldn't;t you??) then sign up for Trusted Housesitters here and see all of the gorgeous houses that are available around the world for you (it's free to sign up). Then, if you would like to become a member and start applying for those housesits then use the DISCOUNT Link below to get 20% off! 

Links Mentioned In The Show: 

Sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

The Pizza restaurant in Porto Santo Stefano. Pizz and Core

 

Want to be friends?

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

Liz x

 

Follow us on:

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Instagram 

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Brilliant Podcast Episodes Like This?

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

Episode #9: How We Afford To Travel the World

Episode #10: Greece?? For a Month?? How Much Does THAT Cost??

Episode #11: Up, Down And BUST

England We Love You...Sort Of

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

 

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

How We Are Staying in Italy for FREE. All About Housesitting...22 Aug 202200:37:49

Today, Liz and Brian lift the lid on the one thing that (apart from wine) they love more than anything in the world.

Housesitting.

As some of you know, we left New Zealand three months ago to travel around Europe in our little red car. We are currently in Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany, Italy. Where we are staying for six weeks. And guess what?? It isn't costing us a penny. Not a cent. Not even a Euro. Nothing. Why? Because we are housesitting.

So far on this trip, we have housesat a cat in a beautiful old mill in Normandy. A dog in an ancient Chateaux in the Loire Valley and now here we are...looking after a very laid back and friendly pussy cat in Tuscany. In a home with million-dollar views of the Mediterranean.

Would you like to do the same? Would you like to know the inside secrets of Housesitting? Find out exactly how to travel all over the world and stay in fabulous houses for free? Right then, let's dive into the episode and let us reveal everything we know about our favourite topic of conversation - Housesitting!

Use This Link For Housesitting Discount: ⬇️

Sign up to Trusted Housesitters HERE and use Code: SITTERLIZ to get your 20% discount!

  Looking for The BEST Travel Insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!

Italian Men, Pigs and Pigeons15 Aug 202200:39:51

This week's show is brought to you from Tuscany in Italy. Brian and Liz's home for the next six weeks while they housesit a superb home with a friendly little cat. I know. Quids in or what?

The thing with Italy is everyone thinks it is perfect. And it is. Of course, it is. I mean what's not to love about Italia?

The buildings are beautiful, the weather is lovely, the people are gorgeous, and the food is divine...

But what about those bloody pigeons? (why have the flying rats chosen THAT house?) And all those steps? And the fact that because the Italian restaurant owners are so strong and handsome and persuasive, you end up with an 80 euro bill when all you went in for was a bowl of olives??

Sit back and let Liz and Brian share a few things about Italy that might just surprise you...

 

Links mentioned in the show: 

 

Housesitting in Italy

We are currently Housesitting in Italy for 6 weeks (I know! Get us!). The company we use to do this is Trusted Housesitters. If you would like to know more about how YOU can stay in Italy and other beautiful places around the world for FREE, then check out these fabulous houses that are available right now - waiting for YOU to look after them!

 

Best Travel Insurance For Italy

There's only one travel insurance company that we will promote, and that is the one we use for every trip overseas. World Nomads is the best company out there. We've made three claims (sorry guys!), and every time the service has been faultless. Check them out here.

 

Join Me!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here, and we will be lifelong friends.

 

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes Like This?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

England We Love You...Sort Of09 Aug 202200:57:29

A trait of being English is that one is very patriotic. One does not slag off one's country. Absolutely not. That's very un-English. So it was hard making this week's episode. Because we had to say how we felt about returning to England. And not all of it was pretty...

In this week's episode,  we discuss exactly how it felt to return home to England (even though it's not home anymore). The things we (really) miss and the things that, for one reason and another, got right up our conks. 

Links mentioned in the show:  Housesitting

We are currently Housesitting in Italy for 6 weeks (I know! Get us!). The company we use to do this is Trusted Housesitters. If you would like to know more about how YOU can stay in Italy and other beautiful places around the world for FREE, then check out these fabulous houses that are available right now - waiting for YOU to look after them!

Join Me!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Follow us on:

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Instagram 

Pinterest

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes Like This?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 

Up, Down & BUST...01 Aug 202201:28:52

It was all going so well. We had just driven from England to Greece in our little red car, had the time of our lives in Greece, and were now ready to turn around and have more adventures in Europe.

And then it happened. The car broke down. Blew up. Bang. Kaput. Two miles outside of Calais.

Of course, we were devastated. Gutted. Panicked. 

How would we continue our trip? How would we get back to Italy in time for our six-week housesit that we had committed to in Tuscany?

And more importantly...HOW MUCH would the repairs on our little red love bug investment cost us??

Join Me!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing, then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

WONDERING ABOUT HOUSESITTING? Click HERE to see a range of houses around the world that are available and waiting for people like YOU to look after them! Take it from us..Housesitting is the best!!

 

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes Like This?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

Greece. All It's Cracked Up To Be??04 Jul 202200:36:52

To an outsider, it all looks so idyllic. A husband and wife swanning off to a Greek island to be with their darling kid cherubs.
But what's it really like in Greece?  What is happening behind the closed doors in Greece? Behind the half-open crack?

In this week's podcast, Liz and Brian discuss cats, criminals and being left to starve because they weren't quite Greek enough...

If this doesn't make you laugh and want to visit Greece I don't know what will...

Join Me!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

Follow us on:

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Instagram 

Pinterest

Facebook

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our other Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes Like This?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

Greece? For a Month? How Much Does THAT Cost?20 Jun 202201:08:04

Would I be wrong in guessing that at some time in your life you've dreamed of spending a few glorious weeks in Greece with your family? An idyllic Greek Island vacation.

Have you spent time (sometimes hours) drooling at pictures on the internet of golden sand beaches and flat-roofed white houses that can only be found on an island in Greece somewhere in the middle of the Agean Sea?

You and me both.

I can't tell you how many times I have typed into Goggle 'what does it cost to spend a month on the Greek Island of Paros', only to be forced towards twenty million ads that never give me a straightforward answer.

Taking a Greek Island Vacation

As it happens, I am currently on holiday in Greece. I'm here with my husband and two young adult kids (notice how I called them 'young adults''? I have to do that. It's the law in our house. They don't talk to me for a week if they find out I've been calling them kids on the interweb).  

And as I've been paying for things I've been clocking the price so that I can report back to you with prices.

So here we are. Brian and I. Your knights in Greek togas. Able and willing to share with you the exact cost of what a month in Greece will set you back.

How we came to be in Greece for a month.

Brian (my husband) and I have left our life in New Zealand and are currently travelling around Europe for three months. We bought a classic Peugeot 205 and we have driven it from England to Greece (where we have been for the last three weeks).

This was all planned by Brian in Lockdown. While I was busy bleaching the cups. 

In this podcast episode, we share with you the exact cost of things in Greece. Including what a nice jug of wine will set you back.

I always remember the important things.

In This Week's Show Brian and I Discuss:

  1. Cost of accommodation in Paros, Greece
  2. Cost of a nice breakfast
  3. Cost of a budget breakfast
  4. Cost of wine in Greece
  5. Cost of mobile data (very important if you have a location-independent job like us)
  6. Cost of dinner for two
  7. Cost of public transport


    Things to note:

    All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing this post 1 Euro = $1.05. 1.66 NZD.  .86 pence

    Flights from New Zealand to Greece cost us  $1900 NZD per person return. This was with Emirates.

    The prices mentioned in the podcast are what we found throughout the month of June 2022. June is shoulder season in Greece. Obviously, allow higher prices for accommodation if you are visiting in the peak season (July/Aug).

Join Me and my circle of friends!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

Links in This Week's It's a Drama Podcast episode:

(Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you use their services).

Athina Blue Studios (The place where we are staying)

Skyscanner (who we used to get the best prices for our flights to Greece)

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How We Afford To Travel The World28 May 202201:10:42

If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times: How do you afford to travel the world? Are you rich? How do you afford to keep taking so much time off to travel? Why haven't you got a proper job? 

Ohhh...I cannot wait to share this episode with you!

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that we would be a couple who could say that we have location independent jobs and get paid while travelling the world.

Yet it seems that's exactly what we're doing.

It took five years to get to this point. From quitting our job, selling our business and renting our house out for a year to take our kids around the world, to now. Travelling Europe for six months in a classic car.

In this episode, Brian and I share the journey of how we did it. how we afford to travel and everything that this incredible adventure has given us (so far!).

Enjoy!

How We Afford To Travel The World

Becoming Location Independent

 

Being location-independent is a term that you usually hear thrown around by young hip travellers who know how to do flash things like providing cheap website design to companies in Silicon Valley.

Location Independence is not the kind of thing you tend to hear a married couple in their fifties bragging about.

Yet here we are. Me and Bri. Living the dream...

1: How, in 2017, we sat by our tent on a campsite in New Zealand, and read a book that changed our life.

2: Brian seeking his business (our only source of income). How much he made and how we spent the money.

3: Traveling the world with our kids for a year. How much it cost and what it was like.

4: Liz starting a travel blog (that she dreamed would one day help pay the mortgage).

5: Starting multiple businesses, including drop-shipping businesses.

Working will travelling. The realities.

7: How much money we earn on Youtube.

8: What we feel our future holds.

8: Our advice to anyone else wanting to do the same as we are doing and become location independent. 

8: Our advice to anyone else wanting to do the same as we are doing and become location independent.

Join Me!

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

Links in This Week's It's a Drama Podcast episode:

(Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you use their services).

The 4 Hour Work Week (By Tim Ferris)

Trusted Housesitters (The company that we use for housesitting around the world)

Odd Noodle. (The first course I invested in for building a business)

 

🟩 Looking for The BEST Travel Insurance?

There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years we've made three claims (sorry guys), and each time the service has been superb. Get your Instant FREE quote now!



 

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Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our brand NEW Podcast - NZ AHEAD

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

World Travel. What Nobody Ever Warns You About

Travelling With kids. How to Stay Sane (ish) Until Wine O'Clock

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes Like This?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

Back in England 48 Hours. Ripped Off Twice | Marriage Diaries01 Sep 202501:25:07

This week, husband and wife, Brian and Liz, share their recent married life podcast shenanigans. Recently returned from their two-month summer in Greece, they have been in their beloved birthplace, Blighty, for 48 hours and have somehow managed to get ripped off. Twice.

Not that Liz is bitter. No. As she reminds Brian many times, marriage isn't just about love and laughter and making podcasts about pigeons. It's about carrying the weight together.

Honest...

Thank you, as always, for being here with us. You are what makes this podcast so special.

Yours, ripped off but still together and laughing,


Liz and Brian. Husband and wife. x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.  

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!  
Tears at 17. Tessa. Our Daughter. Behind-The-Scenes #917 Apr 202200:51:49

Last week, in behind-the-scenes podcast #8, I shared with you some of the very real fears that I have about leaving New Zealand to travel Europe for six months.

One of those fears is leaving my kids behind. In particular my 17 years old daughter, Tessa. As any parent knows, a lot happens in the life of a teenager. Multiple dramas arise. Drama's that, as a parent, one likes to be around to help navigate. Calm the waters. Guide them through.

For the first time ever in Tessa's life (and mine as a parent) I won't be here for her. And the thought of that (still) scares me.  

In this week's behind-the-scenes podcast you will get a glimpse into the life of my daughter. You will see what goes through the head of this extraordinary seventeen-year-old girl as she grows up in New Zealand.

I hope that you love listening to her as much as I do. Enjoy.

 

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

 

Being 17 in New Zealand. In This Week's Show Tessa and I Discuss:

 

1: Working as a waitress in the local diner and dealing with hostile people in New Zealand

2: Tessa feeling overwhelmed and why.  

3: Travel. The fears she has.

4: Taking drama classes in New Zealand.

5: How a New Zealand dance teacher makes the whole class cry.

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our brand NEW Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: When Your Daughter Quits School. Now What? With Tessa

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

Episode #7. We're Leaving New Zealand.

Episode #8: Why I'm Terrified to Travel.

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

Why I'm (Really) AFRAID To Travel. Behind-the-Scenes #817 Apr 202200:43:23

Last week, in behind-the-scenes podcast #7, I shared some big news. Brian and I are leaving New Zealand to travel Europe for six months.

l also promised to share the reasons why the thought of doing this trip brings me out in a cold sweat.

Here goes.

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

Afraid to Travel. In This Week's Show we Discuss:

 

1: The war

2: Working while travelling

3: The dreaded c-word. The pandemic

4: Leaving kids behind to travel

5: Money. Having the means to support long term travel.

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our brand NEW Podcast - NZ AHEAD

 

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Subscribe to us on Apple

Subscribe on Android

Subscribe on Spotify

We're Leaving New Zealand. Behind-The-Scenes #714 Apr 202200:36:03

It's true. We're leaving New Zealand and we're off to travel Europe for 6 months. 

For ages, I've been dying to share this news with you—this big news.

But I've been putting it off.

In this very frank and open behind-the-scenes podcast we reveal why.

My most thought-provoking writing is shared in my weekly newsletter with my circle of friends. I would love to include you in that group. Sign up below.

Sign up HERE and I will send you my free weekly newsletter. It is filled with nothing but goodness and thought-provoking stuff. You will love it. But be warned. Sometimes I cry and drink wine while I'm writing. If that sounds like your sort of thing then sign up here and we will be lifelong friends.

Moving To NEW ZEALAND?

If you are moving to New Zealand and are in search of the BEST New Zealand content in the world then check out our brand NEW Podcast - NZ AHEAD

Want More Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes?

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
Swapping America for New Zealand. But was it all worth it?07 Apr 202200:52:03
Turning your back on the American dream for a new life in New Zealand.

Is it possible, for a couple in their late fifties to leave everything behind, move to the other side of the world and create a new life in New Zealand?  

It certainly is. Not only is it possible but, according to some, it is what keeps you young and life exciting!

In this week's show, I talked with Sheri. Sheri was the director of a hospital in the USA. She and her husband Dan spent the past thirty years building a comfortable life together for themselves and their family. 

And then two of her children moved to New Zealand and took the grandchildren with them.

So what did Dan and Sheri do? They stepped out of the American dream and they followed their hearts. They opted for an adventure. They started all over again.

This is their story.

Starting a New Life in New Zealand. The Details

In this week's show, Sheri talks about:

  • How she and her husband came to the decision to move to New Zealand
  • Leaving her son and his children back in the USA
  • Returning to being a bedside nurse in NZ after spending years as a director of a hospital
  • Renting a home after years of being a homeowner
  • How the move has affected her and her husband, Dan
  • Working in a New Zealand hospital
  • The positives and negatives of moving to New Zealand.

If you are moving to New Zealand then you will love this show. It will also serve as a reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with like-minded people whenever you are about to tackle something as huge as moving to the other side of the world. You don't have to do it alone.

Sheri and Dan are valuable and treasured members of our private community (that we affectionately call the NZ Slackers!). The input that they offer to those going through this same journey is priceless.

 

Connect with Sheri & other like-minded adventurers by becoming a member of our NZ Ahead Community!

Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? 

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become a member of our inspiring and growing private NZ Ahead community.

SIGN UP NOW!

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Moving to New Zealand from the USA. The Truth About The First Six Months.

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Canada or New Zealand? Why We Chose New Zealand

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Quitting Canada to Retire in New Zealand. WHY??31 Mar 202201:19:11

I have heard it said many times that Canada is New Zealand on steroids. The mountains, the lakes, the beaches, the space. Canada has exactly what New Zealand has only it's...Canadian. So where should you live? Canada or New Zealand?

In this week's show, we are excited to introduce Randy and Suzanne, a couple who have lived together in Ontario Canada, for the past thirty years. Randy is Canadian and Suzanne is a kiwi. She was born in New Zealand, moved to Canada when she was seventeen years old. She met Randy, fell in love,  and the rest is history!

But. The story doesn't end there. 

Later this year, Randy and Suzanne are going to leave Canada for good and retire in New Zealand

You are about to find out why...

Connect with Randy, Suzanne & other like-minded adventurers by Joining our Private NZ Ahead Membership! 

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series!

At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private NZ Ahead community.

SIGN UP NOW!

 

Leaving Canada To Retire in New Zealand. The Motives.

In this week's show, I ask randy and Suzanne:

  • Why did you choose Canada or NZ?
  • Was Canada ever home to Suzanne?
  • What is so wonderful about Canada?
  • Why did you choose to retire in New Zealand?
  • Did you need a visa to come to New Zealand?
  • What excites you most about living in New Zealand?
  • For someone considering moving to Canada, what is something that they should know?

 

If you are moving to New Zealand then you will love this show. It will also serve as a reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with like-minded people whenever you are about to tackle something as huge as moving to the other side of the world!

Randy and Suzanne are valuable and very treasured members of our private community (that we affectionately call the NZ Slackers!). The input that they offer to those going through this same journey is priceless.

Connect with Randy, Suzanne & other like-minded adventurers by joining our NZ Ahead Membership!

 

Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? 

 

 

 

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Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

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Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

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BIG News For Those Moving To New Zealand29 Mar 202200:27:03

There's a quote that I love: 'Incredible things can be done simply if we are committed to making them happen.'

This week, Brian and I are excited to share the details of something that we have been working on for weeks. Something that we know is going to benefit all of our moving to New Zealand community immensely.

Wherever you are on your moving to New Zealand adventure, whatever stage of the game you're in, the news we are about to share will make you feel very special - because this involves you!

Find the NZ Ahead Podcast HERE 

I don't want to give too much away so off you go and listen to the show. We'd love it if you emailed us at liz@itsadrama.com and let us know your thoughts and reaction to this announcement. It's been a long time in the planning but, like you, we decided that if you want something to change then you have to go out there and make it happen! Yipppeeee!

Thank you to each one of you for being such loyal listeners. We love you immensely and without you, this dream would never have become a reality for us. x

To reach your NZ Ahead Podcast Click here!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand?

Are you desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like?

Do You LOVE New Zealand and spend your days dreaming (and scheming) as to how you can make it happen?

Would you like to be surrounded by like-minded people who are determined to make living in New Zealand a reality?

Do you want to receive up to date information and advice from people who have already made the move to New Zealand and who are happy to help you succeed with your adventure?

Yes?

Then sign up for our FREE 5-day video guide and at the end of the series, you will be told more about how you can join the private New Zealand community and take the first step towards making NZ your new home.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

 

You Know You're A Kiwi When...7 Unmistakable Habits of NZers17 Mar 202200:27:22

Do you dream of moving to New Zealand? Were you born in NZ and now live elsewhere? Or maybe you already live in Aotearoa. Whichever you are you are going to love this week's show as we dive in and share: You know you're a kiwi when...

Enjoy!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

In this week's podcast episode, Brian and I discuss:
  1. Moody boots
  2. Disagreeing with Brits
  3. Maori words
  4. Food
  5. Roadkill
  6. Footwear
  7. Being hard az
Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Americans Living in New Zealand. What The First 6 Months Are REALLY Like03 Mar 202200:52:14

Living in New Zealand. What The First 6 Months Were REALLY Like.

In this week's show, we are happy to welcome back Maile and Brian! 

This American couple left the US almost six months ago to start a new life in Dunedin, New Zealand. They are happy with their decision (in fact, I have never met two people so in love with a country) but their journey certainly wasn't all plain sailing.

Enjoy!

Americans Living in New Zealand. The Highs (& The Lows).

If you are moving to New Zealand from the USA then you will love this show.

No one can predict how they will feel when they move to another country. Maile and Brian certainly never expected to experience the flood of emotions that came within the first few months of arriving in New Zealand.

The thing that I love about this couple is their ability to talk things through. They are so very transparent. This openness is a gift to everyone out there thinking of making the same move to New Zealand.

How We Met Brian and Maile

Last year, Maile had emailed me to say that she was thinking of moving to New Zealand and could I put her in touch with any other nurses who were doing the same.

Back then, we hadn't started the private New Zealand community that we now have, but I emailed Maile back and told her that I was about to do a podcast interview with Katie, a nurse who was in the process of moving to Dunedin. 

A month or so later, when Brian and I created our NZ Ahead Membership Package (Formerly Moving to and Living in New Zealand Package), I contacted Maile and Brian and asked them if they'd like to join. They did and the rest is history!

A few months later Maile and Brian moved to Dunedin and in December 2021 Brian and I flew down to spend a few days with them.

The Importance of surrounding Yourself With like-minded People.

 

Maile is a valuable and very treasured member of our private community (that we affectionately call the NZ Slackers!). The help that she offers to new arrivals and those thinking of moving to the country is priceless.

Maile goes that extra mile to help people (she has just helped Emil, a nurse from the Netherlands, land a job in the same hospital as her, he and his family will move here in a few months!). It is so very exciting to watch as people come together and help each other realise their common dream of moving to New Zealand.

Connect with Maile, Brian & many other wannabe kiwis by joining our NZ Ahead Membership! 

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

FOLLOW Maile & Brian on their Youtube Channel Zoomies Abroad!

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
Will I Be Poor in New Zealand? 4 Reassuring Perks24 Feb 202200:53:57

With housing prices rising rapidly no wonder that those thinking of moving to NZ ask: 'will I be poor in New Zealand'.

In this podcast, I am joined by my good friend Ryan.

Ryan is an American who has been living in New Zealand for almost five years and he gives us super insightful savings (that Americans, in particular,) will experience when they come to live in Aotearoa!

Enjoy!

Moving To New Zealand?

If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand and would like to be part of our private community then sign up for our FREE 5-day video guide and at the end of the series, you will be told more about the group

 

Will I Be Poor in New Zealand? Topics Covered:

If you are moving to New Zealand from the USA one of your primary concerns will be money.

How much you can earn and how much you have to spend. In this week's show we dive into 4 unforeseeable things that will save you a ton of money when moving to NZ from the US, including:

Clothes. Both formal and social.

What people wear to work in New Zealand.

What people wear to restaurants in New Zealand.

Travel in New Zealand.

Holidays that don't happen so much in New Zealand.

Health costs in New Zealand

Health insurance in New Zealand.

Connect with Ryan by Joining our New Zealand Calling Membership! 

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

The FEARS Around Moving to New Zealand18 Feb 202200:41:23

There's a quote that I love: 'If it were easy then everyone would do it'. 

This week, we are excited to share with you an extra special show. What you are about to hear is a podcast that was put together by the members of our private New Zealand Calling community. The subject is about their fears about moving to New Zealand.

This show is fabulous.

Wherever you are on your New Zealand adventure, whatever stage of the game you're in, this episode will put to rest those niggling fears and doubts and help you to understand that the thoughts that you are having are all part of the package. Completely normal. And usually unjustified.

Remember. If it were easy then everyone would do it.

A little back story...

Last week I received an email from a guy. It said: 'I want to make the move to NZ but to be honest, there are so many fears that hold me back from pursuing my adventure, I can't ever see me making it.' 

I am very grateful to that man for sending me that email as it gave me the idea for this week's show. And hopefully, he will go on to listen to this show and realise that he is not alone.

I reached out to our NZ private community and asked our members to share their biggest fears when it came to moving to NZ.

Here's what they came up with.

Moving to New Zealand Fears. The Biggest Ones.
  • Leaving family and friends behind. Not having the support system for our children.
  • Never getting any alone time as a couple as we won't have grandparents or other family members to look after the kids.
  • Packing up my house and getting it ready to sell/rent.
  • Not 'making it'. Losing my job when I get to NZ and having no support.
  • Our children growing up and resenting us for taking them away to the other side of the world and away from their families.
  • Making the wrong choice. Knowing that the 'doubters' were right.

 

Thank you to each one of you for being so honest and open about fears. This episode will help a lot of people. Thanks guys x 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand?

Are you desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like?

Do You LOVE New Zealand and spend your days dreaming (and scheming) as to how you can make it happen?

Would you like to be surrounded by like-minded people who are determined to make living in New Zealand a reality?

Do you want to receive up to date information and advice from people who have already made the move to New Zealand and who are happy to help you succeed with your adventure?

Yes?

Then sign up for our FREE 5-day video guide and at the end of the series, you will be told more about how you can join the private New Zealand Calling community and take the first step towards making NZ your new home.

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Greece Changed Us — Here's Why We Don't Want to Leave18 Aug 202500:40:13

We've been MARRIED for thirty-odd years. This year, after a huge family loss, we took our young adult kids and spent the summer in Greece. Here's how it went.

Our summer in Greece has come to an end, and we don't want to leave.

Greece has done wonders for our family, our marriage, my healing, Sonny's income, and our waistline. All have grown. 

Here's what we have loved, what we'll miss and what we are nervous about facing in England. 

Thank you so very much for being here with us. 

Yours, forever grateful

Liz and Brian, husband and wife. x

 

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.  

❤️Join my inner circle. Liz's free newsletter is here: https://itsadrama.com/frontrow/

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!

🏡 We are staying in an Airbnb in Greece, but nine times out of ten, Brian and I house-sit.

It has saved us approximately $30k in accommodation around Europe.

If you want to join us in using TrustedHousesitters to travel the world, use our exclusive discount code to get a WHOPPING 25% off HOUSESITTING yearly membership. It's cheaper than one night's stay in an Airbnb.

⛑️Safety wing Nomad Travel insurance. If, like us, you are travelling for more than a couple of weeks, then we recommend getting a "rolling pay-as-you-go insurance". We use Safety Wing. They have been brilliant and offer us everything we need at a great price.

💰 ✈️ Travelling overseas and don't want to pay hefty credit card charges? We love the brilliant all-in-one Wise Card. The one card allows you to spend and receive money worldwide. No more annoying charges and the need to face credit cards when you return home. Check out WISE here for ease, availability and the best rates!

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and review the It's a Drama Podcast here, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue!  

 

Being a Teacher in New Zealand. What Your Child Can Expect From Primary School.10 Feb 202201:18:07

There is a distinct difference between teaching in New Zealand schools and teaching in the USA.

In this week's show, we talk about being a teacher in New Zealand with Jo. Jo moved to New Zealand with her family from the US and for the past four years has been working as a primary school teacher at a school near Auckland.

If you are moving to New Zealand as a teacher or if you have kids in New Zealand and have ever wondered what life is like for the teacher you are going to LOVE this show!

Teaching in New Zealand

In this week's podcast episode, Jo offers a wealth of information about working as a teacher in New Zealand. She also answers lots of juicy questions that have been put to her by the members of our private New Zealand Calling Community who are both teachers and parents.

If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand and would like to be part of our private community then sign up for our FREE 5-day video guide and at the end of the series, you will be told more about the group!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

 

 Being a Teacher in New Zealand. Questions Covered:
  1. What's the difference between private and public schools. Why would anyone pay for a private school in NZ?
  2. I'm only a trainee teacher in the UK so I won't have my credentials by the time we move. I do however have a learning and teaching foundation degree (equivalent to level 6 on the NZQA). What are the chances of me getting work within the education system while I hopefully finish off my teacher training in New Zealand. 
  3. From a parent standpoint- do kids get homework at primary level, how often and when are they assessed?
  4. How structured is the school day/classroom, how much freedom do the kids have?
  5. Do they learn about wellbeing, mental health, citizenship, sex and relationship education and when? 
  6. What support is there for pupils who are struggling, what stretch is there for able pupils? 
  7.  How (and how often) do schools communicate with parents?
  8.  From a teacher standpoint - can you reasonably do your job within the working week or is it expected you will do many hours more?
  9.  Is CPD (continuous professional development) encouraged/supported, are NZ schools collaborative places to work?
  10.  Are teachers trusted and respected as professionals?
  11. What's the relationship like with parents?
  12. What are the frustrations and what are the best bits?
  13. How similar are schools - are they all variations on a theme, or do they all have their own "personality" so to speak?
  14. What's the resource situation - do schools provide all the resources, or are the staff expected to?
  15.  Are NZ schools (I guess I'm thinking of high schools here really) cliquey for the pupils, or are they integrated and accepting? 
  16.  What do teachers do to help settle immigrant children?
  17.  What are the typical differences between low and high decile schools in New Zealand?

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

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New Zealand Borders to Open?! A Behind The Scenes Podcast06 Feb 202200:47:00

This week, Jacinda announced the news that so many of us have been waiting for. The New Zealand border will begin to open from February 2022.

The re-opening scheme is to be phased out over the coming year. Here is what the 5 step plan will look like:

  • The border will reopen to vaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents travelling from Australia at 11.59pm 27 February
  • Reopens to New Zealand citizens and residents in the rest of the world on 13 March
  • MIQ removed for most travellers in the phased reconnection, replaced by self-isolation and tests on-arrival
  • Unvaccinated travellers, and those who do not meet New Zealand's vaccination requirements, who are eligible to enter New Zealand will continue to enter MIQ.
  • The five-step plan prioritises returning New Zealanders and brings forward the reopening of key visa categories from 13 March in order to address worker shortages. 
  • Further visa categories reopen throughout the year to help accelerate economic recovery

 

I don't know about anyone else, but this news brought a flood of tears. Many emotions came to the top. Some of which I wasn't aware even existed. And today, we'd like to share those emotions with you in this behind the scenes podcast.

I hope that you love this episode as much as we loved making it. Let me know how this week's announcement made you feel by sending me a quick email at liz@itsadrama.com

I read and reply to every single email. Because I adore you.

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

  Links Mentioned in This Week's Show:

New Zealand Government Website  With everything you need to know about the opening of the border).

NZ Shores Immigration Specialists that we recommend. Take their FREE eligibility test to see if you qualify for New Zealand. 

Re-Open EU The app that we are loving to give us up to date info on travelling in Europe.

 

Would You Like to Hear More Behind The Scenes Podcasts?

We would love it if, after listening to this podcast, you took the time to let us know your thoughts? Leave a comment below or send me an email.  I answer every single email.

liz@itsadrama.com

 

Have you listened to our other Behind The Scenes Episodes?

Episode 1; Meeting our teenage daughter, Tessa

Episode 2: Our boy, Sonny at 20. Homeschooled. No college education. Three (very different) careers.

Episode 3: We met online. 

Episode 4: Why we REALLY left the UK

Episode 5: She's Quitting School. Now What?

Episode 6: Felling FEAR and Moving Forward with Courage.

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The Best Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
When a New Zealand Day Hike Turns Dangerous03 Feb 202200:34:28

In this week's show, we talk with Bryan Vickery.

Bryan is a journalist and radio presenter here in Taranaki New Zealand and this week he had quite the shock when, what he thought would be a quick walk in the National Park, turned into a fight for survival. 

Bryan Vickery. Taranaki's Most Wonderful Journalist.

You won't meet a nicer man than Bryan. He somehow manages to spread himself around the community of Taranaki, helping to promote all in his reach. Budding young actors, musicians, new local businesses, charity fundraisers, Bryan brings the attention of Taranaki 

If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand and would like to be part of our private community then sign up for our FREE 5-day video guide and at the end of the series, you will be told more about the group!

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Proper New Zealand Slang. So You'll Fit Right In With The Bro's.

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
8 Strange Laws in New Zealand (That make PERFECT sense) To Us.26 Jan 202200:32:10

It's true. There are some strange laws in New Zealand.

But not nearly as strange as some of those found in other countries. Take Mexico for example, it is illegal to kiss on the street in Guanajuato, while in the USA it is against the law to sell Kinder Eggs at the grocery store!

If you are moving to New Zealand or plan to travel to New Zealand when the borders open, then you are going to LOVE this show. You will discover three weird laws that have been passed in New Zealand and then learn about five more laws that Brian and I are considering taking to Jacinda for consideration.

To make Aotearoa much more fun...

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing private New Zealand Calling community.

SIGN UP NOW!

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
7 Things You WON'T Miss When You Move To New Zealand19 Jan 202200:34:01

If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand from the UK (or elsewhere for that matter) and are concerned about a few things you may miss, you are going to really LOVE this show!

Last week, Brian and went on holiday.  We stayed in a suburb of Dunedin called Port Chalmers. We loved it. Not only were we are away from the kids that never stop eating and the lawn that never stops growing, but we were able to explore one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand.

It was during this time in the South Island, that we realised there were some things, things that we'd been longing for these past twelve years, were right here under our noses. Imagine that.

Ready to find out what they are? Let's go!

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

 

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
2021 What a Year... Behind The Scenes With Liz & Brian23 Dec 202100:25:19

This is the last podcast of the year and we wanted to make it personal. So here we are! Behind the Scenes. In the bedroom. 

To be honest, we could have made this podcast very easy. We could have just sat there and said thank you over and over again. That would have summed up our feelings for you right now. But because we like to natter over cherries we also go into the things that scared us the most this year, how we tackled them and where we are now.

Wherever you are in the world Brian and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. So very, very much. Without you, we wouldn't keep going. You are a star. You are amazing. 

All love 

Liz and Bri xx

 

Want to Homeschool? Here's More Content For You.

Our Homeschooling Journey

Brain Needed For Homeschooler?

STOP Worrying About Your Teenagers...I Dare You.

When Your Teenager Leaves Home (And You Fall Apart Like me...)

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Is Christmas in New Zealand Better? (Or Will it Always Feel Weird.)09 Dec 202100:41:36

If you live in the US or the UK I am guessing that at some time in your life you will have dreamed of spending Christmas down under. But is Christmas in New Zealand better or will you spend the holiday season pining for the snow like a pig in a blanket?

Let's explore six major differences between a New Zealand Christmas and those in the US.

Enjoy!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

 

Honestly. Is Christmas in New Zealand Better?

 

Are you a Christmas fan living in the US hoping to move to New Zealand? Check out one of my most popular posts Christmas on the beach or in the snow. 

 

In this week's Christmas in New Zealand episode, Brian and I talk about:
  1. Christmas food
  2. Christmas trees
  3. Boxing Day
  4. Father Christmas/Santa
  5. Time off work
  6. The aftermath of Christmas
Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Taranaki. Why We Consider It One Of The BEST Places In NZ To Live.

WARNING!! Do Not Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Living in Taranaki, New Zealand. 8 (Brutally Honest) Pros & Cons22 Nov 202100:50:14

In 2017, Taranaki, New Zealand was voted by The Lonely Planet as being the 2nd best region in the world to visit.

Wow. That's a pretty big label—a lot to live up to. 

My family and I have lived in this region for twelve years and now consider ourselves Naki locals. As you can imagine,  New Zealand has a lot of pros and cons and Taranaki is no different.

Join Brian and I talk as we talk about what Taranaki is REALLY like,

Enjoy!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

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Living in Taranaki, New Zealand 

You may be thinking of moving to New Zealand and you are currently trying to decide which is best, the North Island or South Island. I'll always be a North island fan. But only one place on the North Island. Taranaki.

 I love Taranaki so much that I dedicated an entire post to it. In that blog post, I give 16 reasons why we consider Taranaki to be the best place in New Zealand.

But today we are here to talk about the downsides of living on the far western tip of New Zealand's North Island. The pros and the cons. 

In this week's podcast episode, Brian and I talk about:
  1. Sun
  2. Rain
  3. Living remotely
  4. Tourism
  5. Sports
  6. Being too old to join in
  7. Festivals
  8. Being too mean to pay for them
  9. Black sand beaches
  10. Dangerous waters
  11. Café culture in Taranaki
Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

WARNING!! Do NOT Say This in New Zealand!!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My...Scary Things in New Zealand

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

Lame or Lush? The Truth About New Zealand Food15 Nov 202100:45:07

New Zealand food. Not exactly the most talked about cuisine in the world.

Why? Is it because the kiwis are ashamed of their national nosh or are they hiding something from the rest of the world? 

When we made our move to New Zealand from the UK twelve years ago, I wasn't expecting much in the way of food. Maybe a few lamb chops and a packet of butter. A glass of milk at a push.

How wrong I was...

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

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 What Makes New Zealand Food So Special?

Like everything else in New Zealand, the food is rather underrated.

Which is a shame as it leads people to believe that the New Zealand food is either boring and not worth mentioning, or is so weird that it must only be eaten by people who reside in mud huts and cook dinosaur eggs. (One of the many misconceptions about New Zealand).

People in our private New Zealand community will often ask, is the food in New Zealand better?

That's a tricky one. It depends where you come from and what you class as better. I am from England and although this doesn't apply to all food, I'll stick my neck out and say that the majority of New Zealand food is waaay better than the UK.

In this week's podcast episode, we talk about 13 Foods in  New Zealand, including:
  1. Mince on toast
  2. Vogel bread
  3. Cheese
  4. Kumera
  5. Hāngī
  6. Paua
  7. Kina
  8. Kiwi burger
  9. Mussels
  10. Chocolate
  11. Pavlova
  12. Asparagus sarnies
  13. Pies
Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

Revealed. What Are New Zealand Teenagers (Really) Like?29 Oct 202100:40:16

If you have ever wondered what New Zealand Teenagers are like then you will love this show.

Today I had the pleasure of talking with Tyrese. Tyrese is seventeen years old high school student who went from feeling angry and frustrated with school to managing his own curriculum and running his own successful radio station.

If you are after an inspiring story or a sneak peek into what living in New Zealand is like for a teenager then sit back and enjoy!

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

 

What Are New Zealand Teenagers Like? 
This is What Happens When You Give Yourself Time11 Aug 202501:00:21

What would you do with a million dollars?
Brian would buy a car. Liz would build a writing retreat. Welcome to marriage.

In this episode, Brian and I chat about money, marriage tiffs, and why giving yourself time — real, uninterrupted, guilt-free time — can change everything.

We talk about our last precious days in Greece (and why we never want this spell to end), the joy of being unapologetically self-indulgent, supporting adult kids while still carving out a life of your own, and what "being time-rich" really means.

Thank you for subscribing and taking the time to leave us a review. Your support means the world to us and is what keeps us going.

Kia kaha,

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. I'd love to have you. Go here to join us.  

And...if you're feeling really, really generous and have a few minutes to spare, it would be wonderful if you'd leave us a review. Your support means the world to us. Thank you. ❤️

 

Liz and Brian x

PS: If you haven't yet joined my inner circle of friends, my life-letter readers, my gorgeous, trusted confidants, please do. You will be the first person I share everything with. You can sign up for my FREE Front Row Newsletter HERE.

 

Get Liz's book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠THE TRAVEL BOG DIARIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📕 (now available on AUDIO) A hilarious memoir of how Liz and her family travelled the world for a year (with very little money and far too many hormones!)

 

❤️ Like what you heard? Please rate and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠review the It's a Drama Podcast here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or if you are on Spotify, please review us over there. Your short review helps us massively and encourages us to continue

 

🟩 looking for the BEST Travel Insurance? There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years, we've made three claims (sorry, guys), and each time the service has been superb. Check ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠World Nomads out here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Warning. Do NOT Say This in New Zealand!29 Oct 202100:30:44

Regardless of whether you are moving to New Zealand or planning to visit when the borders open, there are a few crucial things you should know. Like what NOT to say in New Zealand.

Brian and I thought it would be fun to share seven kiwi BIG no-no's in this week's show. That way, when you eventually get off the plane in Aotearoa, you can get on with the good stuff. Like making friends with hobbits and climbing snow-peaked mountains.

Enjoy!

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

 

What NOT To say in New Zealand. 

 

It's such fun researching new countries, especially such wondrous places like New Zealand.

Before you arrive in the land of the long white cloud, there are a few essentials that'll make your experience easier—learning a bit of the New Zealand slang, for example—knowing your chooks from your chocks. Getting a sneak-peek into typical New Zealand people; finding out what makes them tick. All that kind of stuff.

But what about the things that you SHOULDN'T do?? What if you ask a question in a busy kiwi bar and suddenly hear a pin drop?

Gulp.

 

In this week's podcast episode, Brian and I talk about:
  1. Saying New Zealand is owned by the Brits
  2. Football not rugby
  3. Complaining about saussies
  4. Bagging Auckland
  5. Assuming everyone knows everyone (Quick spoiler alert. They do).
  6. Australia
  7. Christmas
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Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

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Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

 

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How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

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France, UK or New Zealand? How To Choose.27 Oct 202100:38:57

If you had to choose between raising your family in France, UK or New Zealand, which would you choose?

Today you are about to meet Benjamin. We met Benjamin when he joined our private New Zealand community. We have had the pleasure of watching and helping for almost a year as he and his young family made the big move to New Zealand.

But was it easy?

And how on earth do you decide between three countries that all offer you equally wonderful things?

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE, and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our inspiring and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

 

France, UK Or New Zealand. How Did You Decide? In this week's podcast episode, Benjamin and I talk about:
  1. Living in France
  2. Raising kids in the UK
  3. Jobs in New Zealand
  4. What was New Zealand's winning factor?
  5. Living in Auckland
  6. Spending 3 months (and counting) in a strict New Zealand lockdown.
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7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

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Typical New Zealand People. Are These 7 Stereotypes Really True?

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

Episode #6. Dealing With The Mistakes, You Make Online

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

Let's find out...

 

Typical New Zealand People. 4 Stereotypes (That May Be Getting Old)19 Oct 202100:36:15

If I were asked to describe what typical New Zealand people are like, the last word that would come to mind would be 'rugged'. Yet, apparently, according to the people on the washing line, this is a label that goes hand in hand with the folks down under.

In this weeks show, Brian and I thought it would be fun to take four of New Zealand's national stereotypes and discuss whether we found them to be true...

 

Would You Like To Join Our Private New Zealand Community?

Are you Considering Moving To New Zealand and are desperate to know what life in New Zealand is (really) like? Do You LOVE New Zealand & dream of moving here one day?

Sign up HERE and I will send you my FREE Moving to and Living in New Zealand Guide. A 5 Part Video Series! At the end of the series, you will be offered details of how to become part of our very exciting and growing community of New Zealand loving members!

SIGN UP NOW!

Typical New Zealand People. Just WHAT Are They Up To Down There?

I can just picture it.

A bearded bushman with a wild pig slung over his shoulder. Returning home to his wife (who is making scones with one hand and shearing sheep with the other). 'Throw that on the Barbie love and while it's cooking I'll neck a few tinnies with the boys...'

Did I ever mention to you that, twelve years ago, I got cold feet about moving to New Zealand? It's true. I had visions of turning up to the country and finding men who spent hours drinking and polishing their fishing rods and women who wore blue overalls.

Luckily I put my big girl pants on and went ahead with our plans. And while some things (like learning the New Zealand slang) took some getting used to, I am happy to say that I am yet to meet any troglodytes.

 

 

In this week's podcast episode Brian and I talk about:
  1. The Typical Kiwi Male.
  2. Kiwi Ingenuity and whether it still exists.
  3. Rugby, racing and beer.
  4. The Typical Kiwi Female.

 

Moving to New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Life in New Zealand Compared to the UK. From a Kiwi Who's Tried Both

Leaving America to live in New Zealand

7 Things That Scared us About Moving To New Zealand

Living in New Zealand. Why 30% Of Immigrants Go Back Home

Moving to New Zealand. The How's, the Whys and the Hoops.

Moving to New Zealand. 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid Making

Americans in New Zealand. Will They Ever Feel at Home?

 

Interested in Life in New Zealand? Here's More Content For You!

Is New Zealand NEGLECTING These Essential Life Skills?

7 Weird Things About New Zealand

You Know You're in New Zealand When...

Where To Live in New Zealand? North or South Island?

Christmas Down Under? Wonderful or Weird?

 

Behind The Scenes Podcast Episodes

(Where we share the things that are happening in our lives right now).

Episode #1: Meeting Our Teenage Daughter. Life at 17.

Episode #2: Our Son at 20. Homeschooled. No College. Three Jobs.

Episode #3: We Met Online. The Māori Subscribers Who Changed Our Lives.

Episode #4: The REAL Reason We Left the UK.

Episode #5: Quitting School. Now What?

 

Can't Wait To Travel Again? Here's Some Inspiring Content For You!

7 Most Beautiful Places on Earth (And Why You Need To Visit Them SOON! 

Japanese Culture. 7 Things You Should (Really) Know BEFORE You Go

How to Travel The World For Free. Or at Least Very, Very Cheap.

Italy Travel (Like You've Never Seen Before. In Your Life.)

 

Follow us on:

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

TikTok

 

 
© My Podcast Data