Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global Transitions

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 generational perspectives.

Key Topics Discussed

• Navigating the "Where Are You From?" Question
  • Ruth shares practi...

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 often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures.

What You'll Hear

1. Ruth’s Origin Story and Journey

• Ruth’s pe...

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 often-complex emotional terrain of those who grow up between cultures.

What You'll Hear

1. Ruth’s Origin Story and Journey

• Ruth’s pe...

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 off camera. Caz explores her nomadic journey from Europe to San Miguel, Mexico, weaving in her extensive career experiences, particularly in making hard-hitting documentaries on social issues for UK television.

Th...

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 from her book, "Life in the Camel Lane," diving into the core themes of home, identity, and the elusive sense of belonging for global nomads. Listeners are invited to reflect on adaptation, cultural tra...

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 up cross-culturally—moving from Korea to Saudi Arabia, then Austria, and later, the U.S.—and how these experiences shaped her journey with belonging, identity, and self-acceptance.

Key Topics & Takeaways

• T...

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, they explore the deep connection between art, identity, healing, and belonging - especially for people who’ve lived globally mobile lives.

What You’ll Hear:

• Jemina’s Background:
  Jamina shares her journey...

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 Culture Kids (TCKs) and their families. Stephen draws from his decades of teaching and counseling experience across the globe, sharing practical advice and personal anecdotes about fostering community, supporting chi...

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 kids (TCKs). Inspired by Ruth Van Ryken's memoir, Letters Never Sent, the project explores themes of belonging, vulnerability, and the emotional tapestry of cross-cultural living.

Key Themes & Highlight...

In this episode, Doreen and Megan dive into the theme of Belonging with Tayo Rockson, whose life as a global citizen, diplomat’s son, writer, and basketball lover has uniquely shaped his perspective on identity, inclusion, and community. Together, they explore how moving across cultures influences our understanding of self, the growing crisis of belonging in a polarized, fast-paced world, and practical tools for cultivating more in...

In this delightful “Belonging Bite” mini-episode, hosts Doreen and Megan dive into the profound connection between food and belonging. From childhood comfort foods to international culinary adventures, they explore how what we eat is never just about taste, but deeply tied to our sense of home, community, and personal story.

Key Topics Covered:

• Personal Food Memories:
  Megan shares her love for afternoon tea—a ritual that grou...

In this insightful episode, Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks chat with Dr. Helen Fagan about the nomadic spirit, the challenging journey of belonging, and the importance of self-awareness for meaningful inclusion. Dr. Fagan shares her childhood experiences in Iran, her identity as a descendant of Persian Bakhtiari nomads, and how moving across countries and cultures shaped her worldview.

The group discusses the internal a...

This episode explores the deep connections between movement, body awareness, identity, and belonging, especially as experienced by people who navigate multiple cultures. The conversation dives into Marcia Bonato Warren's unique approach to Embodied Code-Switching® and the role of somatic awareness in feeling at home within our bodies across shifting cultural contexts.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is Somatic Awareness?
  • Origi...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Megan Norton are joined by Erin Meyer-Cherneux —author, cultural anthropologist, and visual artist —for  a rich discussion about belonging, transnational identities, and the beauty of multicultural living.

Erin shares her journey from a small town in Texas to making a home in vibrant Brussels, raising four bilingual and multicultural children, and finding i...

Today's Belonging Project bite is a reading from Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace Your Adventure which relates to the topic of experiencing a clear sense of belonging.

We hope you are enjoying the Belonging Project.  

https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Camel-Lane-Embrace-Adventure/dp/0578607352

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Home is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!

We aim to inspire expat solutions, by he...

In this heartwarming episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks welcome Hiroko Bell, a Japanese adult third culture kid (ATCK) and passionate advocate for cross-cultural families. Hiroko shares her remarkable geographical journey, from Japan to the US, England, and back again, before settling in New York City and embracing her multi-layered identity.

Key Topics & Highlights

Belonging to New York...

In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, hosts Doreen Cumberford and Megan Norton-Newbanks are joined by Camie Fenton, a long-time resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Camie shares her extraordinary journey of belonging, community, and creativity after making San Miguel her home for the past 25 years.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• Camie’s San Miguel Story:
  Camie reflects on her ties to the city, first forged through her uncle’s...

In this heartfelt conversation on Nomadic Diaries: The Belonging Project, host Doreen Cumberford and co-host Megan Norton-Newbanks, interview Melki Siddiq, a communication coach, English teacher, counselor, and avid traveler.

 Melki reflects on his cross-cultural journey spanning India and Colombia, delving into the paradoxes of belonging, identity, and self. The conversation explores how constant movement can fragment - and also en...