#74 - Why Changing Cities Doesn’t Fix What You’re Running From with Tracey Zhang

In this episode of Almost Local, Annet Ivchenko shares her journey from Ukraine to Spain, discussing the challenges and realities of living abroad, the pressures of content creation, and the importance of mental health. The conversation explores the balance between personal experiences and social media expectations, as well as the impact of online criticism on creators.TakeawaysAnnet shares how her move abroad began before the war in Ukraine, when she first moved from her hometown to Kyiv at 18 to live alone and study.She explains her path through Germany, the Netherlands, and finally Spain, including why weather, mental health, and documents all shaped her decisions.The conversation covers the contrast between the social-media version of expat life and the reality of loneliness, stress, shared housing, and uncertainty.Annet describes how content creation has been part of her life since childhood, and how she now works on influencer partnerships, content strategy, and AI-assisted content for brands.Marc and Annet discuss the pressure to present a “successful abroad” identity online and the emotional cost of comparing yourself to polished social feeds.Annet reflects on boundaries in public sharing, especially after receiving hate and realizing that vulnerability should not be mandatory for creators.She talks about how negative comments hit hardest when they connect to something she is already insecure about, like work, appearance, or career progression.The episode explores how she learned to see content creation as a legitimate job, especially after early brand deals and UGC opportunities confirmed the value of her work.Annet shares how social media has helped her build community, make friends, and get experiences like pottery classes and escape rooms in exchange for content.She explains that her focus is shifting toward longer-form YouTube videos about mindset, relationships, self-worth, and building the life you want.The guest: Annet IvchenkoAnnet Ivchenko is a Ukrainian content strategist and creator who has built a life across Germany, the Netherlands, and Mallorca, Spain. She shares an honest perspective on starting over abroad, creating content, and finding community beyond the polished image of social media.Guest linkshttps://www.youtube.com/@saint.annetthttps://www.instagram.com/saint.annetthttps://www.tiktok.com/@saint.annettSponsor🤑 5% discount code ALMOSTLOCAL 📑 Move to Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica or Panama easily: https://startabroad.com/aff/almostlocal/What we discuss00:00 Navigating Life Abroad: An Introduction01:47 Annet's Journey: From Ukraine to Spain08:25 Cultural Adjustments and Mental Health12:24 The Reality of Content Creation14:55 The Pressure of Social Media Expectations15:20 Finding Balance in Sharing Personal Experiences18:01 Dealing with Online Hate and Criticism23:10 The Journey to Becoming a Content Creator25:53 Building Community Through Content Creation28:54 The Daily Life of a Content Creator32:57 Culinary Connections: Food and Culture39:54 Future Projects and Closing ThoughtsCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letterhttps://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Laura Baringer shares her journey of career reinvention and international relocation, highlighting the emotional impact of leaving international development, the challenges of identity and imposter syndrome, and the importance of family values in the decision-making process.She discusses her purpose and business reinvention, focusing on supporting solopreneurs and the nuances of providing advice for business growth and development. And, also shares her role as a strategic generalist in business, helping individuals navigate career transitions, make trade-offs, and overcome challenges in entrepreneurship.At the end of the episode she emphasizes the importance of overcoming rejection, building networks, and transitioning to solopreneurship. Additionally, highlights the significance of purpose-driven business foundations.Key topicsCareer reinvention involves emotional and identity challenges.Family values play a significant role in relocation decisions.Supporting solopreneurs requires understanding individual needs and business growth nuances. Strategic generalist role in businessNavigating career transitionsOvercoming rejection and building networksTransitioning to solopreneurshipPurpose-driven business foundations🎙️ The guest: Laura BaringerLaura Baringer is a certified business coach who helps solopreneurs and entrepreneurs build sustainable, values-aligned businesses. In this episode, she also shares her own journey living across the US, Europe, and Rwanda, and how leaving international development led her to reinvent her career around purpose, flexibility, and doing hard things scared.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://www.purposebuiltbylaura.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabaringer/https://www.instagram.com/purposebuiltbylaura/What we discuss:00:00 Introducing Laura Baringer03:11 Career Reinvention and International Development06:02 Transitioning to a New Country08:59 Leaving International Development11:51 Identity and Imposter Syndrome14:58 Emotional Impact of Career Transition18:03 Family Values and Relocation21:04 Purpose and Business Reinvention23:58 Supporting Solopreneurs26:40 Strategic Generalist in Business28:14 Navigating Career Transitions29:24 Trade-offs and Decision Making30:15 Challenges in Entrepreneurship31:43 Overcoming Rejection and Building Networks35:51 Transitioning to Solopreneurship45:35 Purpose-Driven Business FoundationsCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

The conversation delves into the emotional side of moving abroad, exploring the impact of major life transitions, navigating emotional loneliness, and the use of somatic practices for emotional healing. It also addresses the myths and realities of loneliness, emphasizing the importance of self-love, belonging, and the power of softness.Key topicsLoneliness is a natural part of the human experienceBelonging is something you build, not something you findSoftness and self-love are sources of true power🎙️ The guest: Tracey ZhangTracey is a somatic coach and practitioner who helps people navigate the emotional challenges of relocation and major life transitions. Drawing on her own experience of living across multiple cities, she supports people through loneliness, grief, identity shifts, and the process of building an inner sense of home.🔗 Guest Linkswww.traceyzhang.comhttps://www.instagram.com/traceyz7501💼 Start Your Remote U.S Business:Register Your U.S. Business in 2 Days: https://tidd.ly/469FwfRCreate a Virtual Mailbox: https://tidd.ly/4iCOaenCheck the Complete Digital Nomad Kit: https://tidd.ly/4r0vg39Secure Your Employer Identification Number (EIN): https://tidd.ly/4ylxOeuWhat we discuss:00:00 The Emotional Side of Moving Abroad01:32 The Unplanned Journey03:13 The Impact of Major Life Transitions04:10 Navigating Emotional Loneliness08:45 The Relocation Loop11:47 Building an Inner Home21:44 Somatic Practices for Emotional Healing31:57 Myth vs. Reality: LonelinessCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Arnold Beekes shares how a global corporate career, a series of moves across Vietnam, Hungary, Romania, and Paraguay, and a deep family crisis shaped his work on brain fitness. This conversation is about more than living abroad - it’s about how people handle shock, identity shifts, and the invisible limits that keep them stuck. We explore why adaptability matters more than rigid resilience, how brain fitness differs from simple positive thinking, and why lasting change has to be personal rather than copied from someone else’s playbook.Key topicsYears of corporate travel across Europe and the US led him to want to actually live abroad, not just pass through it.Why Vietnam didn’t work for him, why Budapest felt right, and how Hungary’s startup energy and scene made it a strong fit for him.A sister’s depression and a failed therapy system pushed him to question mental health care and start thinking about prevention instead of treatment alone.Brain fitness as psychological and physiological well-being where a person uses their uniqueness, handles challenges, learns continuously, and contributes to the world.The “invisible strait jackets” that limit people, especially the feeling of “I’m not good enough,” which Arnold sees as a common barrier across many lives.🎙️ The guest: Arnold BeekesBrain Athletes founder and brain fitness advocate who helps people build mental and emotional resilience through self-awareness, adaptability, and practical training. He’s also a seasoned global traveler who has lived across multiple countries and turned his own life shocks into a framework for personal growth.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://twitter.com/ArnoldBeekeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldbeekeshttps://youtube.com/@ArnoldBeekeshttps://www.facebook.com/arnold.beekeshttps://braingym.fitness/https://www.brainathletes.club/What we discuss:00:00 - Introducing Arnold Beekes02:07 - How Arnold’s international career began05:42 - The financial crisis that pushed him out of the Netherlands09:06 - Why Vietnam did not work out but Budapest did10:25 - Caring for his mother for eight years11:06 - Why Romania felt like the next move, and then Paraguay14:19 - Where brain fitness entered the story15:25 - The family crisis that changed everything19:19 - Brain fitness as prevention, not just recovery22:34 - The “invisible strait jackets” people get trapped in24:50 - Why self-help formulas often fail27:31 - Why context matters more than generic advice38:32 - The three brains: head, heart, and gut44:24 - Where to find Arnold and Brain AthletesCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

The conversation covers a range of topics including changes in infrastructure, safety, and lifestyle in Poland, as well as the evolution of podcasting as a business. It also delves into the use of AI in podcast production and the challenges of maintaining multiple podcasts. The conversation with Roy Coughlan covers various aspects of podcasting, including the benefits of podcasting, strategies for success, public speaking tips, and podcasting equipment recommendations. Roy also shares insights on hosting multiple shows, the importance of preparation, and the value of short-form clips for marketing. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of systemizing the podcasting process and provides advice on engaging with listeners and guests.Key topicsInfrastructure improvements in Poland have led to better roads and city development.Safety and lifestyle in Poland are highlighted as positive aspects of living there.Podcasting has evolved from a hobby to a business, with a focus on engagement and monetization.The use of AI in podcast production has streamlined processes and improved efficiency. Commit to podcasting for at least a year to see the benefitsPreparation and systemization are key to successful podcastingShort-form clips and interactive content can enhance audience engagement🎙️ The guest: Roy CoughlanRoy is a seasoned podcaster and coach who has built a flexible, fully online media business around multiple shows, consistency, and smart systems. He comes across as practical, experienced, and candid, with a strong focus on simplicity, resilience, and helping creators avoid common podcasting mistakes.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://roycoughlan.com/https://va.world/https://brainupgrade.orghttps://www.facebook.com/roycoughlanhttps://www.instagram.com/roy_coughlan/https://www.youtube.com/@roycoughlanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/roycoughlan/What we discuss:00:00 Introduction03:13 Safety and Lifestyle in Poland05:22 Evolution of Podcasting as a Business22:28 Challenges and Automation in Podcast Production31:24 Benefits of Podcasting35:13 Strategies for Success35:28 Public Speaking Tips47:51 Podcasting Equipment Recommendations54:50 Hosting Multiple ShowsCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Marc Alcobé speaks with Anthony Muiruri, a Kenya-born author, speaker, and MC now based in Athens, Greece. The conversation explores what it really takes to adapt to life in Greece, from language and culture to work, healthcare, and the realities of bureaucracy.Key topicsHe shares what life was like growing up in Kenya, including walking 5 kilometers to school each way and helping on the farm with animals.Anthony explains how Greece became his first real move abroad, even though he had originally dreamed of going to the U.S.He describes the early culture shock in Athens, especially language barriers.Anthony talks about how his professional path started to take shape in Greece through personal development.He explains how TikTok during lockdown accelerated his visibility and pushed him toward writing.He describes the Kenyan community in Greece as small but highly supportive.He compares life in Kenya and Greece across cost of living, work culture, and healthcare and more.🎙️ The guest: Anthony MuiruriA Kenya-born author, speaker, and MC based in Athens, Greece, where he shares his journey of adapting to life abroad through personal development and community building. He is also the creator of Be Good for Good and the host of Abroad Experience, where he explores what it means to belong, grow, and thrive across cultures.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://www.anthonymuiruri.com/https://www.instagram.com/anthonymuiruri/https://www.tiktok.com/@anthony_muiruri/https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyMuirurihttps://www.facebook.com/anthonysmuiruri/What we discuss:00:00 — Intro02:13 — Growing up in central Kenya03:27 — Athens is the first place he lands in Greece05:50 — Europe vs expectation; Athens polished and rough07:18 — Learning Greek and the “head nod” confusion08:25 — How personal development led to speaking and MC work10:30 — The push to write and publish his first book12:54 — The Kenyan community in Athens15:32 — Biggest cultural adjustment: saying sorry18:03 — How he made friends and built community19:17 — Learning Greek through everyday life and cartoons21:21 — Cost of living in Kenya vs Greece23:30 — Finding housing with help from the community25:57 — Work culture and standard salaries27:20 — Getting around Athens28:07 — Healthcare in Greece30:17 — Bureaucracy and paperwork32:13 — Best and worst part of Greece: the weather34:28 — Advice for people moving to Greece36:26 — How to contact Anthony39:39 — Closing remarks and season finaleCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

In this episode, Thomas Patton shares his journey from industrial farming to regenerative land management in Panama, explaining how his approach aims to combine ecological sustainability with community living. Listen to discover how land, food security, and innovative community models like Lega Vera are transforming lifestyles and farming practices.Key topicsThomas Patton’s background: Growing up in Panama with US roots, and his transition from bodybuilding to regenerative farmingThe principles of regenerative land management: Moving away from industrial farming, focusing on soil health and ecosystem balanceThe evolution from traditional farming to a multi-species, soil-fed farm systemThe concept of farm-to-table and how farming integrates with community storytellingThe benefits and challenges of regenerative farming: Costs, learning curve, and the importance of holistic collaborationLifestyle trade-offs: The balance between city convenience and rural authenticity, and the hybrid living model in PanamaThe cultural and social aspects of life in Panama: Diversity, language, social life, and work cultureThe vision for Lega Vera: Supporting sustainable farmers, reducing reliance on external inputs, and building resilient communities🎙️ The guest: Thomas PattonA regenerative land manager and farmer in Panama who has transformed his family’s agricultural operation into a holistic, multi-species system focused on soil health, food security, and sustainability. He blends practical business thinking with a deep respect for nature, moving away from industrial farming toward a more resilient model that includes farm-to-table food, agrotourism, and the development of Lega Vera, a farm village designed to support like-minded people who want a closer relationship with land and food.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/thomaspatton_/https://www.instagram.com/legaverafarmvillage/https://www.instagram.com/coquirasoil/https://legavera.com/What we discuss:00:00 — Episode introduction2:15 — Introducing Thomas Patton “I am a regenerative land manager”6:05 — Coming back to the farm after university7:30 — Discovering the farm was doing everything wrong9:18 — Guests reacting to agrotourism and farm life12:45 — What “regenerative operation” actually means15:08 — Why nature and economics are not separate16:40 — Why Lega Vera was created18:37 — Turning the farm into a restaurant and story21:30 — What Lega Vera is as a private farm village26:50 — The learning curve and trade-offs of regeneration49:57 — How to contact Lega Vera and what it stands forCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

In this episode, Simo D shares his journey from a construction contractor in Canada to a digital nomad living in Belize. He offers a candid look at the realities of relocating, building new careers, and adapting to a new culture while providing practical frameworks for managing transitions abroad.Key topics:The motivations behind moving from Canada to Belize and the financial benefits of Belize's lower cost of livingThe cultural nuances of Belize, highlighting high vs. low context communication styles and the importance of cultural adaptationThe trade-offs of living a tourist-focused lifestyle versus integrating more deeply into local lifeThe significance of understanding property laws in Belize, especially concerning beachfront lands and foreign investmentThe impact of local infrastructure, power outages, and climate on daily lifePersonal insights on managing the honeymoon phase and the reality of long-term expatriate life in Belize🎙️ Guest: Simo DA former contractor with 20 years of construction experience in Canada who relocated to Belize with his family in 2022. He’s now an AI systems designer and writer, sharing practical, unfiltered insights about expat life, career pivots, and the tradeoffs of building a new life abroad.🔗 Guest Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/foreign.radio/https://simod.substack.com/https://bottbott.substack.com/https://www.youtube.com/@ForeignRadio/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-d-ai-systems-director-building-for-changehttps://movesmart.world/What we discuss:00:00 - Introduction: Who is Simo D and what drives his move to Belize02:21 - The decision to relocate: family, lifestyle, and early research02:49 - How the pandemic and medical emergencies shaped their timing03:14 - Adjusting to life in Belize: property, cost of living, and local culture03:26 - Cultural differences: high vs. low context communication05:30 - Navigating land ownership, land tensions, and community dynamics07:58 - The honeymoon phase versus real life: challenges of establishing roots09:40 - Transitioning careers: from construction to AI and content creation10:55 - Tools for discovering remote work opportunities and navigating legal requirements17:42 - Realities of tourism dependence and lifestyle trade-offs20:14 - Strategies for finding a home: using specialized tools and local knowledge40:54 - The best and worst parts of Belize: climate, cost, and lifestyle differences44:43 - Final thoughts: embracing change, managing expectations, and thriving abroadCheck and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletter

Discover what makes San Miguel de Allende one of the world’s most beloved expat destinations through Greg Gunther’s firsthand experience. From cultural adaptation to real estate insights, this episode charts a path for those considering a long-term move or investment in this vibrant Mexican town.In this episode:Greg’s journey from a US architect and developer to a full-time expat in MexicoHow San Miguel de Allende’s rich history preserves its architectural beauty and charmThe exponential growth of the expat community and the town’s transformation over 17 yearsPractical tips on integrating into local life, including language learning and social scenesThe affordability and cost of living advantages compared to the US and EuropeA deep dive into real estate opportunities, neighborhood gentrification, and finding the perfect homeNavigating healthcare in San Miguel de Allende: facilities, access, and qualityCultural nuances like the ‘mañana’ attitude and living the local lifestyleThe importance of research and choosing the right neighborhood for comfort and safetyHow digital tools and social networks simplify moving and settling in🎙️ Guest: Greg GunterAn American architect-turned-real-estate broker who has lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for more than 15 years. He helps other foreigners and prospective buyers understand the city, its neighbourhoods, and what it takes to settle into life there successfully.🔗 Guest LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamprohomes/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SanMiguelDreamProHomesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamprohomes/Website: https://dreamprohomesluxury.com/Email: [email protected]: +1 877-878-4141Check and subscribe to the The Almost Local Letter 🗞️:https://almostlocal.riverside.com/newsletterFollow us on social media 📲:https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstorieshttps://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstorieshttps://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstorieshttps://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories🌎 ✈️ Join Almost Local now and connect with a global community of like-minded people living abroad!

In this episode, Anthi Patrikios shares her rich journey from childhood in Greece to living and working across multiple countries, ultimately pivoting to parent coaching and community building abroad in Uzbekistan. Her insights reveal how embracing mobility, cultural curiosity, and personal growth shape a fulfilling global life.Main Topics:The transformative power of freedom in early life and choicesNavigating cultural shocks and building social connections abroadThe evolution from international career to parent coaching and personal well-being🎙️ Guest: Anthi PatrikiosA parent coach and educator who has spent nearly three decades living abroad, building a life across Greece, the UK, the Philippines, Kenya, and Uzbekistan. Her perspective is shaped by international moves, deep empathy for families, and a strong belief in freedom, adaptability, and supporting children through change.🔗 Guest LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthipatrikios/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthi-patrikios/Website: https://www.anthipatrikios.com/Check the episodes in video in Youtube 🎥:https://www.youtube.com/@almostlocalstoriesFollow us on social media 📲:https://www.instagram.com/almostlocalstories⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@almostlocalstories⁠https://www.facebook.com/almostlocalstories🌎✈️ Join our Almost Local Network now and connect with a global community of like-minded adventurers!