The Nomadic Diaries Podcast

Nomadic Diaries tells the stories, shares the secrets and offers strategies for the challenges that happen when we choose a life lived overseas. Our guests are authors and experts who distill everything from launching to landing back home. Drop in for a listen

Recent Episodes

Nov. 29, 2025

Untitled Episode

Show Notes Welcome back to Nomadic Diaries for part two of our conversation with Ruth Van Reken, the influential voice behind "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds." Joined by Megan Norton-Newbanks and your host Doreen Cumberford, Ruth dives deep into cross-cultural identity, belonging, and …
Nov. 28, 2025

Belonging Between Two Worlds - Ruth Van Reken

Episode Overview In this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the of…
Nov. 27, 2025

A Belonging Bite: Celebrations & Holidays

Episode Overview In this enlightening episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome renowned author and expert Ruth Van Reken, whose work on third culture kids (TCKs) has impacted countless lives globally. The conversation centers on belonging, identity, and the of…
Nov. 25, 2025

Caz Stuart

In this engaging episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Caz Stuart, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, to discuss the art of storytelling, belonging, and community - both on and of...
Nov. 24, 2025

Life in the Camel Lane - A Reading

In this heartfelt episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen Cumberford opens up about the challenges and transformations of expat life, drawing from her own 15 years as an accompanying spouse in Saudi Arabia. She reads an excerpt fr...
Nov. 23, 2025

Belonging Across Your Multiple Selves

In this episode, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks sit down with Sa-Eun Park, also known as San Shine, a belonging coach and spiritual entrepreneur based in Incheon, Korea. San shares her powerful story of growing u...
Nov. 22, 2025

ABCs - Art, Belonging and Children

In this heartfelt episode, Doreen and Megan sit down with Dr. Jemina Watstein, an internationally experienced visual art educator who specializes in working with third culture kids (TCKs) and international families. Together,...
Nov. 21, 2025

TCKs Finding Belonging in School

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Stephen Toole for a rich conversation about the challenges and triumphs surrounding belonging and transition for Third Cultur...
Nov. 20, 2025

Letters Now Sent by Megan Norton-Newbanks

In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Norton-Newbanks pulls back the curtain on her new book, Letters Now Sent , a collection of letters from over 90 contributors who have experienced life as expats, nomads, and third culture...

Reviews

Wisdom and courage

"I am loving listening to the wise words of so many global souls. Condensed goodness for my reluctantly repatriated soul. I am nodding and smiling as so many diverse folks share deeply their learning …"

Oct. 1, 2023 · Expat in exile in Cumbria

Practical and Thoughtful Considerations

"The hosts interview true experts that have a wide perspective on expat nomadic travel of all types, work, kids, retirement, etc. Their information and quests provide practical and thoughtful consider…"

Oct. 25, 2023 · ErinAustinGo

Nomadic diaries podcast

"This series has insightful interviews with expats from around the world about their experiences and how their worlds have changed."

Oct. 7, 2023 · Gerardo Juan

Something lovely to listen to.

"I'm so glad to have discovered Nomadic Diaries! I don't have a lot of time to stop and listen but when I'm on a flight or a long distance bus ride I make a point to catch up on all the episodes. What…"

Jan. 3, 2024 · Sue Pearse

Nomadic Diairies opens new worlds

"Having lived most of my life in one country, it’s fascinating to learn about people who have spent their lives living in many different cultures around the world. Nomadic Diaries introduces you to a…"

Jan. 3, 2024 · Alice Verhoeven

Very Interesting

"I've listened/watched 4 or 5 of the podcasts, and invariably the guests are very interesting and from an extremely varied backgrounds. The series have held my interest much longer than most podcasts…"

Jan. 3, 2024 · Ron Stephens

You read my mind.

"Whenever I listen to your podcasts, I feel as though I'm part of the conversation. You ask the questions I'm thinking, almost as though you've read my mind. And the exchanges are so effortless and re…"

Jan. 3, 2024 · Danita Brisson

Insightful, interesting & Practical

"The Nomadic Diaries Podcast is a treasure trove of insightful global travelers who share their rich experiences and valuable advice, tips and lessons learned. Each interview is unique and interesting."

Jan. 3, 2024 · Jean Marie DiGiovanna

Review of Interview with Louise Wiles

"Fred York I tremendously enjoyed the interview with Louise Wiles and her experiences of travel to multiple cultures. Her insights about adapting to another culture by modifying and expanding one's e…"

Jan. 18, 2024 · Fred York

Compassionate, Inquisitive, Insightful

"joeldavidbond , Compassionate, Inquisitive, Insightful Doreen was exceptionally kind and compassionately inquisitive. A superb host and interview who really knew how to elicit some depth!"

June 20, 2002 · Joel Bond

Compassionate, Inquisitive, Insightful

"Doreen was exceptionally kind and compassionately inquisitive. A superb host and interview who really knew how to elicit some depth!"

June 24, 2002 · Joel Bond

Compassionate, Inquisitive, Insightful

"Doreen was exceptionally kind and compassionately inquisitive. A superb host and interview who really knew how to elicit some depth!"

Feb. 7, 2024 · joeldavidbond

Insights that are Not Just Useful to Ex Pats

"These podcasts run the gamut from where to start in considering a move to how to deal upon reentering one's home country, but with lots of other life-long learning insights in between. Doreen and Sha…"

March 11, 2024 · Jeanette Feuer

The pod for YOU!

"If you are into other peoples adventures, and experiences out in the world, this podcast is for you! Doreen asks pivotal questions, and is wise and compassionate! Check it out!"

April 5, 2024 · Bitsyboorud

Informative

"I've listened to-- and learned from a couple of episodes. Doreen asks questions of her guests that are informed by her own extensive travels and her guests end up providing useful information and ins…"

Aug. 7, 2024 · Ann B.

An intelligent and easy listen!

"Love the host with her insightful questions and commentary...and the guests? Delightful! I learn something every single time...and feel like I'm sitting there right with them-an easy show to love!"

Sept. 5, 2024 · Kirsten Rudberg

Great listening

"It’s always such a pleasure listening to the conversations between Doreen and her guests. Even while traveling it’s the best time to spend and listen. Very insightful and interesting and different to…"

April 10, 2024 · jack_747

Enlightening, Educational, and Entertaining - ¡Bien hecho!

"I stumbled across Nomadic Diaries and fell in love with it. Doreen is an amazing podcast host who provides invaluable insights into the world of living abroad, expatriation, repatriation, nomadic lif…"

Nov. 3, 2024 · Renata

Great Resource for Those Thinking of Relocating!

"I so enjoyed being part of Nomadic Diaries! Doreen is a terrific interviewer, eliciting personal and detailed information about the experience of living in a new country. What a great resource!"

Nov. 5, 2024 · Kelly Hayes-Raitt

Experience and Connection shines through

"I love listening to Doreen and her guests. She knows how to connect and get the conversation going and her extensive experience as a global nomad shines through. For anyone considering a global nom…"

Nov. 5, 2024 · Maria Garaitonandia

Spirit of Adventure in a Podcast

"I think this podcast is an allrounder in the field of global mobility and intercultural communication, joining the dots of global living and helping those living between cultures feel at home in thes…"

Nov. 7, 2024 · Vanessa Paisley

A comforting and enriching Podcast

"Each episode is rich with positive, encouring messages and insightfull knowledge. So many experts interviewed and always a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you so very much!"

Nov. 8, 2024 · Carmela

The latest insights on repatriation.

"These podcasts are so interesting and resonating for anyone who has gone through repatriation transition. Kudos to @Doreen Cumberford. She is the go-to gal on current repatriation trends."

Nov. 17, 2024 · Terri McGinnis

great questions & thought provoking answers

"Whether you are an expat, repat, avid traveler or simply globally minded, Nomadic Diaries will lift the curtain on experiences that you might relate to, entice you to go places, answer your questions…"

Nov. 21, 2024 · Iliana Genkova

A vast library of topics and insights!

"Nomadic Diaries has done a really impressive job of bringing in a broad variety of voices and insights covering so many aspects of the TCK/international/expat experience – there really is something f…"

Dec. 7, 2024 · Chris O'Shaughnessy

Recent Blog Posts

Sept. 6, 2025

Well, would you believe it? This Tuesday, September 9th, marks not one but TWO major anniversaries in my life. Three years ago to the day, my husband and I stepped off that plane in León, drove through the Mexican highlands, and arrived in Sa…

Read the Blog Post
Aug. 13, 2025

Originally featured on the Nomadic Diaries podcast - this post is a thorough analysis of the hidden struggles that are frequently not discussed by successful expats. Picture this: You've landed your dream job in an exciting new country. Your Linked…

Read the Blog Post

About the Host

Doreen Cumberford Profile Photo

Doreen Cumberford

Host/Author/Coach/CrossCulturalTrainer

Doreen Cumberford helps globally mobile expats, digital nomads and returnees to create happier, easier and more successful transitions while relocating overseas.

A Certified Coach, 30-year licensed Practitioner, Doreen speaks, writes, and teaches about the principles and practices necessary to navigate mobility from cradle to grave, or from launch to landing with a more ease and grace.

The author of Life in the Camel Lane, Embrace Your Adventure and Arriving Well, she is currently writing Sequel: How To Move Home After Living Overseas.

A native of Scotland, having lived in a wide variety of communities in 8 countries, over four decades and on 4 continents has enabled her to support people who live and travel overseas in creating more satisfying lives and build their dreams no matter where they land.