Armchair Expat

In this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Dawn — better known as The Unretirees — who traded their big-city grind for a brand-new life on Portugal’s Silver Coast. We talk about how they sold almost everything they owned, why the pandemic was a turning point, and what made Portugal the obvious choice (spoiler: fast-track citizenship and serious beach vibes helped). We get into the real talk about integration challenges, why expat groups are a double-edged sword, and what you must know about taxes and healthcare before considering moving abroad. Plus, Matt and Dawn share how they’re helping other midlife adventurers turn career expertise into online income — and why starting small could be your ticket to freedom. Takeaways: They downsized their entire life to chase a long-held dream of living abroad. Portugal stood out for its fast-track citizenship, lower cost of living, and overall safety. Language barriers and cultural differences are real — but kindness and persistence make all the difference. Expat groups c

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advice for those looking to relocate to Italy, including visa options and common mistakes to avoid. The discussion also highlights the importance of building community and integrating into Italian society. In this conversation, Thea shares her experiences of living in Italy, discussing cultural identity, parenting, and the nuances of the Italian real estate market. She reflects on her journey as a Black woman in Italy, the joys and challenges of raising a child in a different culture, and the complexities of buying property as an expatriate. Thea emphasizes the importance of curiosity, community, and taking small steps towards change, encouraging listeners to embrace th

What if your next big move—whether it’s across the world or deep within—wasn’t about figuring it out, but about feeling it through? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Nicolle Merrilyne, a Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, and Meditation Teacher who recently left California to follow her intuition—and her spirit guides—all the way to Spain. Together, they explore how grounding, energy healing, and intuitive guidance can shape a life abroad and support personal growth along the way. Nicolle shares her own spiritual awakening, her unexpected path into intuitive healing during the pandemic, and what it really felt like to move abroad with no backup plan—just trust. You’ll hear how to: Use meditation to sharpen your intuition Protect your energy while adjusting to expat life Recognize when a past life might be influencing your present Build community with intention, wherever you are This one is part spiritual toolkit, part expat story, and full of insights for anyone feeling that soul-nudge to leap

What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”.   They dive into why where you are matters, and how planetary lines can influence everything from career clarity to finding “the one.”   Helena shares how trusting her gut (and the stars) led her to a life-changing move abroad—and how you can use your unique astro-map to make bold, aligned decisions.   From relocation timing tips to the surprising magic of remote activation, this convo covers what most people get wrong about astrology, what not to do on your Mars line, and how moving abroad can crack you wide open in all the right ways.   Whether you're craving a fresh start, seeking your soul city, or just tired of forcing it where you are—this episode will have you rethi

In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a successful transition. Plus, Cepee shares inspiring refresh stories from women in her network and practical advice for anyone dreaming of a bold new chapter abroad. Key Takeaways Cepee's background as a child of immigrants shaped her desire for freedom. Her early career was marked by job hopping and a quest for meaningful work. The importance of community in the process of moving abroad. Remote work opportunities have changed the landscape for expats. Scouting trips are essential for making informed decisions about moving. Albania is an emerging destination for Americans looking to move abroad. Women over 30 often feel it's too late to make a big life change. Success st

Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi. Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, the surprises and challenges of settling into a new country, and the reality of building a business abroad. From housing headaches to hugs at Costco, this episode is packed with both inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering life beyond U.S. borders. What You’ll Learn: Why the decision to move abroad often starts with values and lifestyle What it takes to relocate The surprising struggles (and wins) of finding housing abroad How Expatsi is helping people find & explore their best-fit countries The stages of moving abroad—and why the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming Resources & Links: Wondering where should you move? Take the Expatsi te

What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country? Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love. Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical advice, and personal reflections on what it really takes to move abroad and thrive. But this show isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the inner journey, too. From identity shifts and culture shock to healing, intuition, and transformation, Armchair Expat explores how living abroad can change you in ways you never expected. If you’re dreaming of moving to another country or curious about expat life, this podcast will inspire, inform, and guide your journey—no passport required.