Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories
Almost Local is a podcast about the honest, human side of building a life somewhere new. Hosted by Marc Alcobé, the show goes beyond visas, moving checklists, and picture-perfect foreigner stories to explore what it really means to live abroad. Through thoughtful conversations with people around the world, Almost Local looks at belonging, identity, culture shock, loneliness, community, and the slow process of turning an unfamiliar place into something that feels like home. These are stories of living between cultures, redefining where you’re from, and discovering who you become when life takes you elsewhere. Whether you’re already living abroad, planning a move, or simply curious about life in another country, Almost Local is a space for reflection, connection, and real experiences beyond borders. New episodes every two weeks on Mondays, featuring personal stories from around the world, shared with honesty, depth, and nuance.
Episodes
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 topics
- He 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 G...
#70 - From City to Farm Life: Benefits of a Community Focused on Food Sovereignty with Thomas Patton
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 topics
- Thomas Patton’s background: Growing up in Panama with US roots, ...
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 living
- The...
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 Mexico
- How San Migue...
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 choices
- Navigating cultural ...
This episode delves into the real insides of living, adapting, and thriving abroad. Scott Kirk shares his unconventional journey from a tech background to helping others with their international moves—highlighting the psychological and cultural aspects of settling in Portugal and beyond.
In this episode:
- How moving abroad is about more than geography—it's about identity and safety
- The mindset shifts involved in...
This episode explores the transformative journey of Willa Goodfellow as she navigates life across Costa Rica and Ireland, revealing how culture, community, and identity intertwine in foreign lands. Her story offers valuable insights into adapting to new environments, building community, and embracing change with curiosity and humour.
Key topics:
- Willa's background, from Colorado to Costa Rica to Ireland, and what drove he...
In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical realities of living abroad and returning home. Annegret Bertsch, a coach specializing in expats and repatriation, shares her insights on navigating identity shifts, cultural differences, and the unexpected challenges of reintegration.
Key topics:
- The emotional side of returning home after years abroad, including grief and identity shifts
- How living in differen...
This episode offers a deep dive into the unseen forces shaping expatriates' experiences, with Lisa La Valle sharing her journey across countries, cultures, and careers. Discover how cultural awareness influences not just adaptation but personal growth, and learn practical strategies to thrive abroad.
Key Topics:
- The invisible forces of culture and their influence on behavior
- The evolution of Lisa’s expatriate identit...
In this episode, Bobby Casey shares his journey of living in multiple countries, building online businesses, and managing a remote team — all while traveling the world. His experience offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and digital nomads aiming to incorporate location independence into their lives.
Key topics:
- Bobby’s early influences and shift from a traditional upbringing to a travel-oriented lifestyl...
In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Chanoa Inez, a fearless American who transitioned from New York to the Balkans, lived in Montenegro, and built a life rich with cultural exploration and personal growth. She shares the emotional journey behind her relocations, the challenges of language learning, and her work bridging personal development with professional branding. If you're curious about embracing change or movin...
In this episode, Marcelo Mercuri shares his journey from a professional football goalkeeper spanning four continents to becoming an investor and real estate expert in Dubai. His story provides a unique perspective on adapting to new cultures, planning for life after sports, and thriving in a dynamic city like Dubai.
Key Topics:
- The cultural and logistical differences of football in Greece, Spain, Australia, and the US
- How ...
In this episode, Nina Aziz Justin shares her inspiring story of moving across borders, building resilience, and redefining belonging amidst cultural shifts. Her journey from Malaysia to Europe, her professional evolution, and her experiences with family challenges offer powerful insights into adapting and thriving in change.
We discuss:
- Her decision to study abroad at 17 and the courage required for such a leap
- How her dau...
In this episode, Belinda shares her inspiring journey from corporate life and extensive travel to embracing the outdoor life in Scotland. Discover how hiking and slow travel have transformed her perspective and enriched her life, offering practical insights for anyone looking to explore beyond conventional tourism.
Belinda’s story exemplifies how embracing outdoor adventures and thoughtful travel can invigorate retirem...
Unlock the secrets of embracing life abroad and learn how mastering language and culture can transform your experience — all from someone who did it firsthand. Cathy shares her incredible journey moving from France to Canada, launching a French bakery in Vancouver, and shifting to a successful language coaching career — showing that with the right mindset and approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities.
...
Peter Kolat, known as Polish Peter, left communist Poland at 14 and landed in Detroit — expecting palm trees and sports cars from the movies, but finding identical brick houses and a language he couldn't speak.
What followed was a decades-long journey from confused immigrant teenager to "human architect" — a coach who now helps others rebuild their identity and find their authentic selves.
In this episode ...
People think living abroad is about places—but it isn’t. It’s about what you leave behind: a routine, a language, even a version of yourself.
Almost Local: Living Abroad Stories explores the real life abroad—not the highlights, but the everyday moments in between: the excitement, the frustration, and that strange feeling of belonging… while not quite belonging.
Through honest conversations, ...
What happens when you move abroad with absolutely zero plan? In this episode of Almost Local, I sit down with James Hammond (host of the Winginit Travel Podcast) to talk about his 10-year journey of long term travel, surviving on working holiday visas, and the unfiltered reality of expat life.
From running out of money and finding work via payphones before smartphones existed, to getting "stuck" in Canada during COVID and na...
In this episode, Franz Sidney shares her fascinating journey through multiple countries and cultures, revealing insights about adaptation, mindset, and the emotional nuances of living abroad. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about how to blend seamlessly into new environments, Franz's experience offers valuable lessons on resilience, cultural understanding, and personal growth.
Main Topics Covered:
- Franz&...
Thinking about moving to Latin America? In this episode, we sit down with Mike, who has spent 14 years living in Nicaragua and over 30 years building communities across the region. We dig into the truth about safety, the real cost of living, and why the media narrative gets it wrong.
If you are looking to retire abroad or invest in overseas real estate, this conversation covers essential topics like cultural adjustment, buyi...
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