In this vulnerable and truth-telling episode, Nic (belonging researcher) and Natalia (psychotherapist) talk about the unique texture of expat friendship: urgent, sometimes deep, often short-lived — and always shaped by the invisible emotional labor of starting over. This episode is a must for anyone living abroad, working in HR, or supporting globally mobile talent. We unpack why expat friendship feels different, what grief hides behind even a “good relocation,” and how connection can be made more sustainable across cultures.
Shownotes:
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[00:03:21] – Why expat friendships start fast — and often end just as fast
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[00:09:21] – “You’re not depressed — you’re grieving the life you chose not to live.”
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[00:17:10] – The cultural ‘codes’ of friendship and how they vary country to country
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[00:23:45] – Why loneliness persists, even with a social life
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[00:28:02] – What HR and leadership usually miss in onboarding international talent
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[00:35:27] – How to offer empathy without pity or overstepping
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[00:41:50] – What rituals, habits, and ‘sameness’ can do for stability abroad
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[00:49:03] – Identity loss, partner dynamics, and emotional exhaustion in new countries
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[00:58:33] – Hopeful ways to reframe disconnection, without rushing the process
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