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

Aug. 26, 2025

Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Mental Health for Expat Families

Doreen Cumberford welcomes Patrick Kadian - an expat, hypnotherapist, and expert on mental health for global nomads. With over 30 years of expat experience spanning 16 countries, Patrick offers a unique perspective on raising...
Aug. 21, 2025

The High-Achieving Expat Paradox

In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Lucyna Bolin, a seasoned expat coach, marathon runner, and mother of two, to discuss the realities behind the polished exterior of expatriat...
Aug. 13, 2025

Forging Bonds Abroad - Repost

Welcome to Nomadic Diaries, where we delve deep into the journey and insights of global explorers. This episode, hosted by Doreen Cumberford, shines a spotlight on Melissa Hahn, an intercultural specialist and author of the b...
Aug. 5, 2025

When Expat Life Suddenly Speeds Up: Navigating Rapid Change and Unexpected Returns

On this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sat down with Chris O’Shaughnessy to explore the latest trends, challenges, and insights from the expat and globally nomadic community. From the impact of geopolitics...
July 8, 2025

Living Well Where You Don't Belong - or - Living Where You Light Up?

Hopefully you will find this episode with Marilyn Gardner soul-nourishing! Host Doreen Cumberford welcomes Marilyn Gardner for a deep dive into the rhythms, challenges, and beauty of leading a global, nomadic life. Marilyn shares her experiences of moving through 36 homes across continents, the les…
June 10, 2025

Living Between Worlds: The Privileges and Losses of Global Childhoods

In this episode, Doreen Cumberford welcomes welcomes Mathieu Gagnon, an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK) and Professor of Psychology at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario specializing in the emotional experiences o...
June 5, 2025

Thirty Before Thirty: A Passport to Adventure

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Nomadic Diaries, Doreen sits down with Autumn Carolyn—world traveler, writer, and author of Traveling in Wonder —to talk about the realities of moving abroad, the impact of trave...
May 20, 2025

Unpacking Transitions: Coaching for Expats & the Globally Mobile

I sat down with Linda Mueller, who was a previous Co-Host for the Re-Entry Series. Linda is an experienced ExpatPartnerCoach and we dived into the benefits of coaching for people who live in the international and global comm...
May 13, 2025

Between Worlds: Navigating the Modern TCK Experience

In this episode, we sat down again with Tanya Crossman, a leading expert on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to catch up on recent research findings. Understanding Third Culture Kids Defining the TCK Journey: Tanya clarifies what ma...

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

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…

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Dec. 29, 2024

The Science Behind Vision Boards: Why They Actually Work Have you ever wondered why vision boards have become such a popular tool for personal development? Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these powerful visual tools actually work with your brain's n…

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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.