Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers
Communication & Mindset Coach Sarah Mikutel
Thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration. Host Sarah Mikutel is a communication coach and American expat in England who's here to help you make the most of your brief time on Earth. Memento mori. It’s time to make every moment matter.
The Truth about Mr. Darcy + Nonviolent Communication Tips for Conflict Resolution
Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysteriou
How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism: Stoicon 2024 Talk
Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism.Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the WorldThanks for listening ❤️sarahmikutel.com
Introducing Citizens of the World (formerly Live Without Borders)
Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉 This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode. Love, Sarahsarahmikutel.com
Roadtrip through Turkey: Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and More
Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin. Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through:BursaEphesusPamukkaleKonyaIstanbul Adana Mersin CappadociaAnd she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey. Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less crowded and less expensive. Have you been to Turkey? Share your favorite memo
Conflict: 4 Stoic Solutions for Managing Difficult Conversations
Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships.Become a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the conversation. Head on over to my blog on Substack for more on how to thrive through better communication, Stoicism,
Find the Good in this Very Moment
Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life.Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us.I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca, where he quotes Seneca in one of his lette
4 Best Tips to Communicate with Intent and Impact (Stoic style)
Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics.Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic. Introverts come to me to learn to speak confident
Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Stoic Psychology
Introvert Emergency Kit Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker.When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the world. How is an amor
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Insider Travel Tips on What to See, Do, and Savor
Want to come to Bulgaria with me? For real. My friend Zlatina (who's also today's guest) and I are bringing a small group here for an authentic Balkan experience in May. This is not some naff bus tour. We're inviting a max of 10 world travelers to join us to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems (as well as its most culturally significant sites).Get on the waitlist now so you get priority to come plus a special early-bird rate. How amazing does this sound: walking along the ancient
How to Stop (Negative) Self-Comparison and Increase Your Confidence
We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives? Great news, we can! Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific theory about why you’re actually more likable the less perfect you are. Hi, I&a
Self-Mastery: How to Transform Your Life by Taking Control
Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression? Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us.The cure to this man-made misery? Self-control. I know, I know. Your body might be rejecting this idea as too boring or hard. But stay with me.
When You're Interrupted, Do This
Ever been cut off mid-sentence and feel a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, anger, embarrassment? Why do we take interruptions so personally, and how can we handle them with grace?I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, and in this episode, I dive into effective communication and mindset strategies that will help you be seen and heard. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle interruptions confidently, communicate effectively, and enjoy life with less anxiety.https://sarahmikutel.com/
(Encore) Bridging the Past and Present: How WWII Values Inspire Purposeful Living
What do courage and resilience truly mean?As the anniversary of D-Day approaches, I reflect on the incredible bravery of the 'Greatest Generation' during World War II, drawing inspiration from my visits to historic locations such as Auschwitz and Churchill's War Rooms in London. From blackouts to rationing, the everyday experiences of European civilians during WWII serve as a testament to human resilience. In the film Saving Private Ryan, a dying Captain Miller says to Matt Damon&
Salzburg: Mozart, The Sound of Music, and Much More
In a few days I’m headed to Salzburg, Austria for my friend’s birthday (We need more of these kind of trips! Destination parties should go beyond weddings. Do you agree?)And that’s why today I’m speaking with Vivien Conacher, a trained opera singer from Sydney who now lives in Salzburg.From Mozart's birthplace and Sound of Music locations to the historic fortress and breweries, discover the magic of Salzburg and its hidden gems. Perfect for a solo or group trip or an adventure with your dog
When You Think People Are Judging You
Have you ever noticed how our thoughts and reactions can create unnecessary stress, or cultivate empathy and understanding for others?On a recent flight to Florida, I was reminded of the power of perception and emotional resiliency.I share the story of passengers clapping after a smooth landing, the reactions of those around me as a father rushed to exit the plane, and how the simple words of a child turned turbulence into an exciting adventure.Inspired by the wisdom of Epictetus, we'll dis
Choose a Life Philosophy
Do you have a philosophy that you live your life by?My guest today thinks you should — and so do all the Stoics who came before her.I’m speaking with Brittany Polat, author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged and Journal Like a Stoic: A 90-Day Stoicism Program to Live with Greater Acceptance, Less Judgment, and Deeper Intentionality. She’s also a steering committee member of Modern Stoicism, and co-founder, along with Eve Riches, of the nonprofit Stoicare, wh
Cambridge, England: Explore the Best of this University City from Punting to Pubs
Today, we’re exploring the picturesque city of Cambridge, England, home — or at least temporary home — of some of the world’s greatest minds across the centuries. Cambridge is known for its prestigious university, beautiful architecture, and punting — and if you’re not sure what that is, you’ll know by the end of this episode. I’m back with tour guide Sib Jackson, who’s here to share insider tips on the must-sees and hidden gems of this historic city with cobbled streets and breathtaking spires
How to Start Over
What happens when life upends you? Things seem to be running smoothly, then all of a sudden you lose your job, someone walks out on you, you graduate, you retire. Some big shift happens — now what?Do you ruminate about the past, or do you honor it and reflect on how to move forward?My guest today chose the latter. Sib Jackson is a German living in England as a Cambridge tour guide, amongst other fun things. But she didn’t start out that way. In this episode, we talk about how Sib’s story unfolde
Food of the Italian Islands: Sicily, Sardinia, and Beyond
Get ready to be transported to the sun-soaked beaches, charming coastal villages, and rolling hillsides of Sicily, Sardinia, and beyond. Katie Parla is back and just published her third book: Food of the Italian Islands. Katie’s an American who has been living in Rome for about 20 years as a food and beverage writer, culinary guide, and cookbook author.We will be diving deep into the cultural and historical significance of the island’s regional cuisine, and tell you where to find Katie’s favorit
Make More Meaningful Connections (Oikeiosis)
What would life be like if we felt more happy connections with people on a regular basis? How can we embrace the wider world and bring people closer to us, even if for a few moments at the seaside? OikeiosisStoics believe we are all citizens of the world, part of one global community. This is Stoic cosmopolitanism. The Stoic philosopher Seneca said: “Our relations with one another are like a stone arch, which would collapse if the stones did not mutually support each other, and which is upheld i
The Key to the Good Life: Who You’re With on the Journey
Harvard researchers have been studying what makes people happy for decades. Since 1938, they’ve been following the same people, and then their families, to learn more about what makes a good life. This is the longest-running study of its kind involving hundreds of people across different walks of life. JFK was even involved when he was a student. So what did they discover in this happiness survey? Money, fame, and awards don’t lead to long-term happiness. Here’s what does — good relationships.Th
Sign Up Now: Goal-Setting Workshop Jan 14
I’m hosting a 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop on Jan. 14. It’s free and a replay will be available for a few days after if you register in advance. This isn’t a lecture – it’s a very interactive session. You’ll:Create a vision for your year that aligns with your values and prioritiesBreak down your big goals into manageable tasks that don't overwhelm youDevelop a plan of action to stay on track and avoid procrastinationPrioritize your tasks and projects in a way that helps you stay focused and m
Keep Your Commitments: The Real Reason People Won’t Change
Around January 1, we set goals that we intend to keep. But most of us break these vows before the month is over – why? What’s the real reason people won’t change? And how can we use Stoicism and modern psychology to start?To truly be free and move forward, we need to cultivate helpful thoughts and let go of unhelpful ones. This is how we become resilient and learn to flow with life instead of fighting it. But what if you’re not even aware of your unhelpful thoughts? I’ve talked about different w
Auld Lang Syne: What It Means and Why It Matters
What does Auld Lang Syne mean and why is its message so important?Find out in this episode. Also, Happy New Year! What are your intentions for this year? https://sarahmikutel.com/
This Is Your Second Chance: Stay Present For It
It’s that time of year when we encourage each other to slow down, appreciate what we have, and be present with others. But how do we stay in the moment when our minds keep drifting to what’s happening next week, or what occurred 10 years ago? That’s what this episode is about. sarahmikutel.comBecome a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the conversation. Head on over to my blog on Substack for more on how to thrive through better communication, Stoicism, and global expl
Ghana: Must-Have Travel Experiences
Today I’m continuing my conversation with Dr. Chocolate Kristy Leissle. an American who now lives in South Africa.Kristy, author of Cocoa and co-founder of the Cocoapreneurship Institute of Ghana, spent four years living in that country. In this episode, she shares why this part of Africa is so special to her and what we should see and do when we visit Ghana on our travels. sarahmikutel.com❤️
Chocolate: The Politics, Economics, and Cultures of the Cocoa-Chocolate Trade
Chocolate. Lots of us love it. Where does it come from? Who makes it? And how can we be ethical consumers of chocolate? I want the answer to be easy — like, just by such-and-such chocolate bar. But the answer is more complicated than that. Today I’m speaking with cocoa and chocolate scholar (and lover of chocolate) Dr. Kristy Leissle, an American who now lives in South Africa.Kristy, aka Dr. Chocolate, wrote the book Cocoa and has spent her career studying the politics, economics, and cultures o
How to Talk to People Who Drive You Crazy: 5 Stoic Practices
Chances are this holiday season you'll have to talk to at least one person who drives you bananas. But what if this doesn't have to stress you out? What if you could have a good conversation? What if this could be your least angst-filled holiday yet? It can be! Here are five ancient Stoic techniques (backed up by modern psychology) to manage your anger and anxiety when talking to people you think are difficult. sarahmikutel.com
Stand for Something (When It’s Easier to Join the Mob)
On a recent trip, I learned that the last so-called witch to be executed in Scotland died in 1727.Of course, there are still people being tortured, killed, and scapegoated around the world today. But we’re more likely to be involved in hanging people on social media.sarahmikutel.comBecome a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the conversation. Head on over to my blog on Substack for more on how to thrive through better communication, Stoicism, and global exploration.&nb
How to Love Doing the Hard Thing: Stoic Discipline and Eudaimonia
On a recent trip to Scotland, I ate well, I drank well -- didn’t so much sleep well. But I enjoyed just the right amount of indulgence for me on a trip. This kind of happiness is hedonia. Hedonic pleasure is about, well, pleasure. Comfort. Satisfaction. What feels good in the moment. Pleasure coming from external things. A massage after a long day. A bite of flourless chocolate cake. Sprawling out on your beach towel and doing nothing. These pleasures are fun and worthwhile and should be savore
Calm the Chaos
Fundraiser for UkraineLife feels pretty chaotic right now for many people. It's not just the war in Ukraine or Covid. The world these days seems too fast-paced and full of rage. You might feel...afraid to say anything online (or IRL)so overwhelmed by all you want to do, you don't do anythingparalyzed and frustrated by your perfectionist procrastinationThese are all totally normal thoughts and feelings. And you don't have to stay stuck here.In the Calm the Chaos audio course I created for you,
Starting a Business Abroad: The First Question You Need to Ask Yourself
We’re back with Christine Job, an American business strategist in Spain and host of “Flourish in the Foreign,” a podcast that celebrates and elevates the voices Black women who are thriving abroad.In this mini-episode, Christine shares the first steps to consider if you want to build a business abroad.We’re jumping right into the conversation, where Christine is discussing how her own business has evolved and how entrepreneurship is a form of self-actualization. Enjoy!Hello! I'm your host,
Walking Spain's Camino de Santiago
Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a brick wall in life? Burned out. Not sure what to do next. This happened to our guest today and she’s here to share how walking the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek across Spain, helped her rediscover her spark. I’m talking to Christine Job, a business strategist and host of “Flourish in the Foreign,” a podcast that celebrates and elevates the voices Black women who are thriving abroad. Christine’s an American who’s been living in Spain for the last five ye
It Doesn’t Have to Upset You
You know when you’re traveling and you see families fuming in the airport or no longer speaking to each other at dinner? Chances are, one of them, or multiple people, blew something out of proportion and are still reacting to it. Why does this happen? How can we be more emotionally resilient, that is, more Stoic, and enjoy a more smoothly flowing life? Let’s dive into why things don’t have to upset us with an AirBnB story…Become a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the
The Best of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Don’t cry for me, Argentina…Sorry, the Evita soundtrack loops in my head when thinking about this South American favorite.Today we are headed to Buenos Aires and friend of the show, Becky Gillespie, is here to share her city favorites.Becky, a digital nomad and host of The School of Travels podcast, has been returning to Argentina for log stretches of time since 2008. In this episode, you’ll learn:why Buenos Aires is considered the Paris of South Americawhere to find vegetarian food in this city
Best of Santiago, Chile
The best of Santiago, Chile! I’m continuing my conversation with Steph Dyson, author of the travel book Moon Chile. Today we’re focussing on her favorite travel recommendations for Santiago, Chile, including where to go to:listen to jazzenjoy fine dining without the fine dining priceslearn more about Chilean history and indigenous culturesand more…including how much it costs and the residency situation Enjoy!sarahmikutel.comHello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who
Chile Guide: Wine, Patagonia, and Restorative Tourism
We're traveling to Chile today!You may know that part of Patagonia is in Chile, but did you know you can also find 7,000-year-old mummies here? This country is filled with surprises, and there is something for everyone, from surfing and skiing to beaches and hot springs. There are more than 40 national parks, six UNESCO sites, and plenty of award-winning wine. I’m joined by Steph Dyson, a travel writer and author of the Moon Chile travel guidebook. Steph spent a year exploring this long and
Sicily Food Tour: Scoglitti, Palermo, and More
Imagine this: It’s summer and you’re relaxing on a white sandy beach in Sicily surrounded by culinary delights. Let’s make this dream come true! I’m joined by Carmel Ruggeri, the Italian-Australian who founded Sicilian Food Tours. Her family comes from Scoglitti, a hidden gem of a seaside town that I definitely want to visit the next time I’m on the island. In this episode, Carmel will tell us about the Sicilian foods we need to try and where to go to find the best. Plus, she’ll give us a fantas
How to Move to Rome for a Few Months
In 2008, I quit my job and moved to Rome. There was no AirBnB or Instagram. My apartment didn't even have internet! In this episode, I'm sharing a diary of sorts from my time back then. I'm also sharing what I'd do now if I moved to Italy. You'll learn about how to find an apartment in Rome, why language schools aren't the best place to actually learn a language, plus loads of travel tips. Enjoy!sarahmikutel.comHello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real
Travel in 2022
Now is the time to book your summer travel (or winter if you live somewhere like Australia).So where are you headed?My friend and travel buddy Michelle Warner Martin joins me today to talk about what travel has been like for us over the last two years during covid; what the travel scene is like now; and which trips we're excited about in 2022. Michelle is a fantastic photographer whom I traveled with to Athens, Greece right before the global pandemic shut things down. Can't wait to tra
May Your Heart Grow Three Sizes Today
How to cultivate loving kindness during the holiday season (and all year!)❤️Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there?Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Goals! How to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions
“Putting things off is the biggest waste of life,” Seneca says, “it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today.” Seneca, On the Shortness of Life.Most of us don’t follow through on our New Year’s Resolutions because we treat them like wishes and not goals. Ideally, if we want to achieve a goal, we map out a plan to achieve it and follow through. Today’s episode is
How to Live More Courageously Part 2
Quick reminder in case you need it…Even if you don’t feel like a particularly courageous person, you’ve acted bravely at some point in your life. Maybe you stood up for someone. Traveled solo. Moved abroad. Said no. Admitted when you were wrong. Jumped out of a plane. Cried in front of someone. You have what it takes to show up courageously every day, but that doesn’t just magically happen. Here are four daily practices you can do to build your courage (a core Stoic virtue) and resiliency.❤️Hel
How to Live More Courageously Part 1
We live in an age of cowards. Of people going along with the crowd because it’s the easy thing to do. It feels safer to throw stones at the other side than it does to stand for something positive and hopeful. There’s risk in questioning things and seeking other perspectives, whereas joining in the mob costs us nothing (except perhaps our character).But maybe things have always been this way. It’s still difficult for most people to wrap their minds around the Holocaust, how so many people just we
The History of Thanksgiving (Encore)
Back by popular demand...Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoi
How Long Will You Wait Before You Demand the Best for Yourself?
Janus is the Roman god of beginnings and endings, transitions and passageways, doorways and duality, amongst several other things. And he was one of my favorite sculptures in my town’s art Triennial this year, formally known as the Creative Folkestone Triennial 2021. High up on the East Cliff, in a little park overlooking the ocean, stood this massive head of Janus, who’s typically portrayed with two faces, one facing toward the future and the other face looking toward the past. That's what
Montevideo, Uruguay: South American Style with a European Flair
Ever thought about visiting Uruguay? This small nation between Argentina and Brazil isn’t well known to people outside the region, and Karen Higgs is trying to change that.Home to the world’s longest carnival — it lasts 40 days each year — Uruguay is a laid back country with a European flair. You’ll walk around plenty of colonial and art deco buildings as candombe music drums in the streets. You’ll also find beaches, wineries, and a burgeoning culinary scene in Uruguay, one of the most progressi
Emotions: How They’re Made & How to Master Them
Where do these emotions come from? What are emotions? How can we cultivate healthy emotions that improve our own wellbeing, and thereby our positive impact on the world? That’s what I want to talk about today.Here's a little taste...Most people think emotions run their lives, but, in her popular Ted Talk, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, says that, “Emotions are not what we think they are...They are not hardwired brain reactions that are uncontrollable...emotions are guesses...Your brain is predic
How to Manage Your Mind
Most of our suffering comes from thoughts that we let run wild in our brains. We spend a lot of time each day rehashing different conversations and situations in our mind, and we think that we’re just reviewing facts. But we’re not. We’re reflecting on our own points of view, assuming what others think, worrying about the future, and ruminating about the past.The ancient Stoics understood that our thoughts are nothing more than stories we tell ourselves. And modern mental health professionals ag
Tbilisi, Georgia: What to Eat, Drink, & Do as a Traveler, Expat, or Nomad
Lately, I have been obsessed with the country of Georgia, and if you like beaches, mountains, charming old towns, wine regions, and off-the-beaten path places, then you might become obsessed with this former communist state, as well.Emily Lush certainly did. She’s an Australian writer and photographer who moved to Georgia after falling in love with its history, culture, textiles, and architecture, like Armenian merchant houses, opulent mansions, mosques, and Orthodox churches.Emily joins me on t
Summer Break + Special Announcement
It’s my 10-year anniversary in England, and I want to give you a gift. But first, a story. In ancient Rome, when generals rode in on chariots during military processions -- triumphant, everyone cheering -- someone stood behind the general to whisper, 'Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori,' which translates as 'Remember, you are mortal. Remember you will die.' It was a recurring wake up call to LIVE. Then and now.I started this podcast to inspire people to take action on thei
Summer Break + Special Announcement
It’s my 10-year anniversary in England, and I want to give you a gift. But first, a story. In ancient Rome, when generals rode in on chariots during military processions -- triumphant, everyone cheering -- someone stood behind the general to whisper, 'Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori,' which translates as 'Remember, you are mortal. Remember you will die.' It was a recurring wake up call to LIVE. Then and now.I started this podcast to inspire people to take action on thei
Are You a Citizen of the World? (Plus Pompeii History!)
In this episode, I am back with my friend Kai Whiting, co-author of the book Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. Kai is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal.If you’re into ancient ruins, you will love the beginning of our interview, where Kai talks about the research he conducted in Pompeii. And then we spend a lot of the conversation talking about what it means to be a citizen of the world, a concept that was very importa
Cancel Culture, or Conversation Culture: What Really Helps Society?
As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive. But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of society. “No one is an island,” says today’s guest. That’s actually the title of chapter five of the
Wild Camping: What to Know Before You Go
Do you enjoy camping? I was a campground manager in a state forest for two years when I was in college, and I never slept there. I like sleeping in beds.But…occasionally someone convinces me to go camping and when that happens, I always have a good time. In the last episode, my guest Kathi and I talked about the Scottish Isles you need to visit. Today Kathi is back to talk about Wild Camping. What’s that?Listen to find out…Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who a
Island Hopping In Scotland: Tiree, Islay, Treshnish, and More!
Did you know that Scotland has around 790 islands? One has been compared to Hawaii; another is famous for its whisky; another is the perfect place to take photos of puffins.And we’ll be talking about all of them today!One of my favorite previous guests is back to take us on a Scottish island hopping adventure.I’m joined by Kathi Kamleitner, whom you heard on the Glasgow episode. Kathi hosts the podcast Wild for Scotland. If you like whiskey, castle, art, animals, beaches, you’re going to love th
Cheap Flights! Get the Best Airfare Through Serendipitous Travel
What’s the cheapest flight you ever got? It felt kind of thrilling to get that deal, didn’t it? Set your trip off on the right foot?Today I’m joined by Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights. He’s got a new book out called Take More Vacations, which discusses his travel philosophy and also all his best tips on how to find the cheapest airfare, best accommodation prices, and more. But this isn’t just about saving a buck, it’s about traveling better.Scott’s Cheap Flights is a service that sends you
Flying: What You Need to Know about Travel in 2021
All right, travel is back! Or we’re getting there.As more people get vaccinated against covid-19, more countries are opening up — and the rules for flying are frequently changing.My guest today is Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights, and he’s got his finger on the pulse of everything airfare. He’s here to tell us what we need to know before booking or boarding our next flight.Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want
Czechoslovakia: Post-Communist Expat Adventures
Czechoslovakia doesn’t exist anymore. But it did when my American friend moved there in the early 1990s. Today, we tend to think of Europe as being one of the most free regions of the world. Pro-human rights. It can be difficult to imagine how many Central and Eastern Europeans lived under Communism until the revolutions of 1989.The Communist regime in Czechoslovakia was brutal until the people kicked them out in what is known as the Velvet Revolution for how smoothly it seemed to go. Fun fact,
How Much Does Character Matter to You? Find a Mentor Worthy of the Name
** Before we get into this episode, special offer for you! For the next 48 hours, get 50% off my course Podcast Pitch Perfection. You don’t have to have your own show. This is about getting on other podcasts to share your message. Not only will you learn how to craft irresistible pitches and how to find the right audience, you’ll also learn how to tell your own story, how to interview, how to build relationships, and so much more. Visit http://sarahmikutel.com/maypitch and use code MAY2021 at ch
Design Your Ideal Day
Today I am back with my friend Stephen Warley to continue our conversation on life skills that matter. In this episode we get more into the specifics about how to live a good life. A simple life. One that will give you more energy and inner peace. Stephen shares what his days look like, and hopefully this will inspire you to consider what your ideal day would look like, and how to start living it.Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now a
Life Skills That Matter for Aspiring Solopreneurs
Have you been working from home this year? The pandemic made many people realize that they could log on to their computer from anywhere to get the job done. Even before Covid-19 hit, my guest today has been talking about how work as we know it is changing.Stephen Warley hosts the Life Skills That Matter podcast and he believes that self-employment is the future of work.And in this episode, we talk about what that future looks like, how it can benefit you, and the life skills that matter to give
Traveling to Veria and Thessaloniki Greece
Everyone’s heard of Athens and you’ve most likely seen the sparkling white facades of Santorini’s cube-like buildings. But there’s a lot more to Greece than gyros and the Parthenon.Today’s guest is taking us off the beaten path. I’m speaking with Ivy Summer, an American nomad/expat living in Veria, Greece, an ancient city famously important to the family of Alexander the Great, and home to the best peach pie in Greece. So if you love pie and ancient history, Veria is for you. We’ll also be talki
How to Enjoy More Euphoric Days & Make Better Decisions by Listening to the Wisdom of Your Body
A few months ago, I downloaded the Waking Up meditation app. Founder Sam Harris compares the average mind with a sky clouded with light pollution. He says that meditation is like building a telescope that can cut through that fogginess so you can access “the sky of the mind.” And that’s what the Enneagram and Stoicism help us do, as well. Cut through the clouds to get more clarity and set us free from our patterns.But we can’t change who we are by simply thinking about it, or passively reading a
The Best of Lisbon: Exploring Portugal's Capital City as an Expat
Today we are traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, and Becky Gillespie is our guide. I’ve known of Becky for awhile now. She’s known in expat circles as Tokyo Becky and we’ll get to why that is in this episode. But now, after years of living in Asia and digitally nomad-ing around the world, Becky's creating a base for herself in Lisbon. And you might want to, as well, if you love the sun and sea and are looking for a beautiful, relatively affordable place in Europe to call home.In this episode, B
Referral Partnerships: How to Grow Your Location Independent Business with English Expat Zoe Linda Pollard
A few episodes ago, you heard me talk about location independence for beginners. My guest Jeremy and I discussed how starting a service-based business was one of the best ways to get started.Jeremy mentioned that he grew his business through referral partners. In this episode, I’m diving deeper into that topic with my guest Zoe Linda Pollard. Zoe is an English expat living in Sweden and she specializes in teaching others how to grow their online businesses through referral partnerships. She’s ac
How to Calm Your Anger Using the Enneagram & Stoicism
It does not take much to make some people angry. We live in a society where people are quick to take offense. To feel victimized. To be enraged at people with opposing views. Political leaders and certain media outlets stir the pot for their own benefit. In my episode on Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, Donald Robertson offered some techniques we can use to manage our anger toward people who hold views that we strongly disagree with.Today I want to talk to you about becoming more aware of your
All in Moderation: How to Eat Well and Feel Amazing with Simple Green Smoothies Founder Jen Hansard
Growing up, what were your family’s eating habits? Fruits and vegetables? Canned spaghetti and doughnuts? At our house, once in a while we’d have pizza, and maybe once a year for a crazy treat we could pick out a sugary cereal -- Booberry was my fav. But for the most part, we were a junk food-free house.Fast forward quite a few years, and now when I go home to visit, it’s like I’m entering Candy Land. Brownies, cookies, pies staring me in the face. Even though I don’t have much of a sweet tooth,
Madrid: What to Eat and Experience in Spain's Capital City
We're back with American expat Khephra White to talk about everything you need to experience when visiting Madrid, Spain. Interested in living abroad as an expat in Spain? Check out the last episode where we share how you can live and work in Spain via the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program.Enjoy the episode.***I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a certified clarity coach trained in the Enneagram who first moved abroad on my own at age 18. I’ve been permanently enjoying life
How to Move to Spain as a Language and Culture Assistant
My guest today is a New Orleans gal who has been living and working in Madrid for the last seven years. I’m talking to Khephra White, a teacher and comedian who kind of fell into expat life after a series of unfortunate events. But today she’s living her best life in Spain and has zero regrets.In today’s episode, Khephra will talk about how you can live and work in Spain via the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program, which is for Canadians and U.S. citizens.Khephra also shares s
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor with Donald Robertson
For several years I've been interviewing women like myself who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. One of the core values that I talk about is that we will never have this day again -- make it matter. It's my softer way of saying 'If you died tomorrow, would you be satisfied with how you lived this day?' I knew I didn't invent this way of thinking but I didn't realize that Stoics have been talking about this for thousands of y
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness with Donald Robertson
Even though I haven't lived in the U.S. for 10 years, I've been in Italy and England for most of this time, I still pay close attention to my home country.At the time of this recording, it's 2020. The U.S. just ended the most contentious and vitriolic political campaign season I've seen in my lifetime.I see the divisiveness and bitter partisanship. People are becoming more tribal. Canceling out opposing views. At the same time people seem desperate for connection and to be pa
Edinburgh: What to Eat Drink and Do in Scotland’s Capital City
Digital nomad Jeremy Enns is Canadian. His girlfriend is American. Due to visa situations, to stay together they have to travel (which they love anyway). But traveling and living the nomadic life isn’t as easy during a global pandemic. Jeremy and his partner have made it work by slowing down how often they move. Over the last year, they spent the largest amount of time in Edinburgh.On the Part of Something Greater Podcast, Jeremy shares his top tips for what you need to eat, drink, and do in Sco
Location Independence for Beginners
I had so much fun talking to today’s guest, a true kindred spirit because he not only loves traveling and living abroad, but he loves podcast creation as much as I do.Jeremy Enns is the CEO & Storyteller In Chief of Counterweight Creative, a podcast strategy and marketing agency that he manages while living a digital nomad / location independent life.In this episode, Jeremy shares the steps he took to become location independent, and offers some really good advice on how you can, too. Both J
The Postcard Academy is Now Called LIVE Without Borders
Rebrand! The Postcard Academy is now called LIVE Without Borders (and for a hot second it was called Part of Something Greater -- what can I say, it's a creative evolution). If you’re a global citizen seeking a more meaningful, freedom-fueled life, you’re in the right place.I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, a transformation coach who first moved abroad on her own at age 18 and who has been permanently enjoying life in Europe since 2010. My guests and I will share with you how we made our travel
Italy Top 10 Anniversary Special (Part 2)
Welcome to part 2 of my anniversary special. That is, my 10-year anniversary of being an Italian citizen.In the last episode, my friend Toni and I shared our favorite:PizzaPastaItalian customsToursMuseumsToday, you’ll hear about the best BeachesWinePastryMore hidden gemsAnd less-touristy Italian citiesAt least, this is the best according to us :) You are welcome to chime in with your own recommendations on Instagram. You can find me @sarahmikutelEnjoy the episode! 🇮🇹Visit sarahmikutel.com to g
Italy Top 10 Anniversary Special (Part 1)
Hello, hello. I’m celebrating something very special in this episode — my 10-year anniversary of being an Italian citizen. If you haven’t heard this story, 10 years ago, I packed up my New York apartment and bought a one-way ticket to Italy to pursue my dream of being an Italian citizen and living in Europe — I’ve been here ever since.In a previous episode, I walk through the exact steps I took to become a duel citizen via Italian ancestry.In this two-part episode, I’ll be sharing my top 10 favo
Enneagram 101: An Introduction to the 9 Personality Types
Well hello there. I will be back with some new travel episodes soon but first I wanted to share something special with you.I just launched a new podcast called Part of Something Greater, a show for peacefully ambitious people seeking personal transformation so they can better themselves, their communities, and the world at large.If you’ve been listening to this podcast for awhile, you’ll know that personal development is something that really interests me. True freedom in our lives is not just l
Panama: Ultimate Travel Guide
In the last episode of the Postcard Academy, you learned how to become an expat in Panama. In this episode, you’ll learn why.David Gold is back to share what’s kept him in Panama City for more than a decade. Coffee, chocolate, and beach lover’s…this one’s for you. You’ll also learn about Panama’s history, including the infamous canal.You’ve heard of the Panama Canal, but do you know why it matters? You will after this episode. You'll also hear about everything you need to eat, drink, and do
Move to Panama: Expat Guide on Visas, Healthcare, and Learning Spanish
You know those screensavers that look like paradise? Almost too beautiful to be real?That’s how my guest today describes the beaches of Panama, the Central American country he’s called home for the last 11 years.Like me, David Gold is a native of Connecticut, but left to join the Peace Corps in Bolivia and eventually made his way to Panama City, where he opened Casco Antiguo Spanish School.In this episode, David shares advice on how we can become expats ourselves in Panama.If you value year-roun
Making Travel a Financial Priority with Guest Danielle Desir
Do you make travel a financial priority? My guest today takes this idea so seriously that she treats saving for travel like paying a bill. A portion of every paycheck automatically gets put into a special savings account exclusively for travel. Danielle Desir is the author of several travel books, including Affording Travel and Traveling with a Full-Time Job, and she hosts the Thought Card, a podcast and blog about affordable travel and personal finance. Danielle’s incredibly financially savvy a
Best of Boston Ultimate Travel Guide
We are back with Vanessa Bouvry, a sophisticated Parisian living in Boston, and she is spilling the Boston baked beans on all the cultural and culinary experiences you should have in the U.S.’s most historic city. We discuss:celebrating Marathon Mondayexploring the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museumshopping in Boston Markettouring Fenway Parkeating at Top Chef restaurants quacking on Duck Tourstouring MIT (and using their bathrooms)and moreYou’ll learn about cannoli rivalries, secret restaurants, a
Historic Boston: America’s European City
Bean Town. Boston. Home of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. And also my home for awhile, both times as a student. But this was years ago. That’s OK, some things in Boston haven’t changed in centuries.Today we are talking with Vanessa Bouvry, a Parisian who’s made her home in Massachusetts. Vanessa is Associate Director of Program Development at my alma matter, Emerson College, where I got my MFA in creative writing. Boston is known as America’s European City, and it’s a city of firsts in the United S
Sofia: What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Bulgaria’s Capital City
Today I am back with THE History Fangirl, Stephanie Craig, a travel writer and an American expat/nomad based in Sofia.In the last episode, we talked a lot about cultural Bulgaria and its history.Today is a deep dive travel guide on everything you need to eat, drink, and do when traveling to Sofia, as well as day trips you can take.You’ll discover:* The best view in Sofia* Where to hang out at night* The best walking tour to go on* The best cafe to get work done* The beaches you should visit* And
Bulgaria Travel for History Lovers and Digital Nomads
Bulgaria — is it on your travel list? It’s on mine, especially its capital, Sofia, a city rich in Roman ruins and Byzantine architecture.If you’re a history lover who enjoys affordable travel and getting off the beaten path, then Bulgaria might be the place for you.Joining me today is Stephanie Craig, a travel writer and an American expat/nomad based in Sofia.She’s also one half of the Rick Steves Over Brunch podcast and former host of The History Fangirl podcast.In this episode of the Postcard
Happy 4th of July! Or Is It?
I'm hearing people on the left and right grumble that the U.S. is going to hell in a handbasket. In this episode, I give my two cents on what patriotism really is and why we should stop letting the worst of us define who we are.Become a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the conversation. Head on over to my blog on Substack for more on how to thrive through better communication, Stoicism, and global exploration. We can chat together in the comments and I hav
Extreme Study Abroad: When One Semester is Not Enough
Did you study abroad? I spent a semester in London and it was one of the best times of my life. That experience definitely played a role in me moving to England permanently.But did you know that you can spend your entire university experience in another country?That’s what today’s guest did.I’m talking to my friend Candace Salter, a Florida gal who knew from the beginning that one semester abroad would not be enough. She wanted to graduate from a university in Europe, and in this episode you’ll
Upgrade Your Weekend
Let’s talk about upgrading your weekends. I learned about this concept from Laura Vanderkam, the time management expert you heard on the episode on how to Stretch Time so You Can be More Productive and Pursue What You Love.Laura says that having a great weekend requires some planning, even for free spirits who are up for anything. Because a little structure can actually allow us to be more free, and avoid that disappointment that can come on Sunday night when we think, “There was so much I wante
Find Your Focus
Most of us still can't travel right now thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. So this should be the perfect time to plan for future travel and adventures abroad. For some, this means creating an online business that allows them to work from anywhere. But...a lot of us are having a hard time focussing. There's a lot happening in the world right now. Plus, many of us are natural dreamers and/or are a little too research obsessed (rather than action-oriented).The goal of today's episode i
You're Invited to Join the Postcard Academy Community
Are you feeling the need for some community right now? Some levity? Some fun? I have created a Facebook Group for us called Live Abroad and Love It (our first party is in a few days — details below).I have made some incredible friendships through this podcast and I want to meet more of you.This group is for serious travelers. The kind who would pack up and move to a new country for a few months or maybe forever.Whether you are a current or aspiring expat, nomad, and/or location independent entre
The High Income Secret to Funding Your Location Independent Lifestyle
Today I’m speaking with Crystal Davis, the Borderless Coach and founder of High Income Digital Nomad. Crystal’s mission is to help people build thriving and enjoyable businesses that let them travel and work remotely. We get into the nuts and bolts of how to get up and running with a profitable online business right now. We discuss: why conventional wisdom regarding online business keeps people in a long slog, and what you should do instead to earn the income you want; what kind of offer you sho
How to Live Your Best Expat Life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Let’s move to Mexico, shall we? Specifically Playa del Carmen. Great restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and easy access to nature and ancient UNESCO sites. But the best part, is we’ll get to hang out with my friend Cristal, Dyer, also known as the Tofu Traveler, and one of my all-time favorite travel partners.On today’s episode, Cristal shares everything we need to know to have an epic holiday in Playa del Carmen. We might like it so much, we decide to move there, and she gives us great tips for th
Are You Choosing Alive Time or Dead Time?
We’re living through a global pandemic. It's okay to have down days and to be upset about the way things are. None of us want to be locked up in our house or to lose our job.But if we wallow in that negativity for too long, that doesn't mean we're going to get extra days in our life, right? We're not going to get bonus months at the end of our life because we survived lock down. Author Ryan Holiday has a podcast called the Daily Stoic. Lately, he’s been talking about Alive Ti
9 Magical Ways to Stretch Time so You Can be More Productive with Laura Vanderkam
Most of us dream about all the great things we could achieve if only there were more hours in the day. Well, what if I told you time was more abundant than you think, and that we can actually stretch it? My guest today is going to tell us how. Laura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books, including Juliet’s School of Possibilities, I Know How She Does It, and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Laura also speaks at conferences, including a
Athens City Guide: A Weekend in Greece’s Vegan Paradise
When you think of Ancient Greece, what do you think of? Maybe philosophers wandering around ruins. But they weren’t ruins in 450 BC — nearly 2,500 years ago. The temples were marble masterpieces painted vibrant colors. But the rest of the city was small, and even squalid. Athens was never the richest or the strongest city, and yet it is the birthplace of theatre and philosophy and democracy. Schools and science. Imagine a world without these things. We think of the ancient Greeks ruling
Do You Know Your True Personality? How to Use Myers Briggs to Go After Your Dreams
Chances are, at some point in your life you’ve traveled with someone for so long you start to drive each other a little crazy, and you don’t really know why. Spending every moment together can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Assessments like Myers Briggs can make you a more compassionate person because you learn how we all see the world through a different lens. You start taking things less personally because you realize that people have diverse ways of learning and working, differe
Coronavirus Ruined Your Travel Plans. Here’s What to Do Next
The COVID-19 coronavirus has upended most travel plans, at least in the short term. So what should you do? On this episode, I’m bringing back Phil Sylvester from World Nomads, where I always buy my travel insurance, to talk about how to recoup your travel costs, why ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance might not be worth it, and other travel insurance queries. And, I speak with my friend Toni Mazzaglia, whom you heard on my Florence episode and several others, about what it’s like living in l
Productivity for a Peaceful Mind: How to Plan a Life that Matters
How wonderful would it feel if you actually got stuff done? If you could make real progress on your eternally long to-do list? If you’re feeling forever busy but aren’t achieving the goals you’re setting for yourself, stay tuned as I walk you through your 10-step productivity plan for overcoming overwhelm so you can live a life you love. Visit postcardacademy.co for show notes. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step? Check it out
Where to Travel in 2020
This year, while planning out my goals, I first blocked out time on my calendar for travel, and the happy anticipation of these trips feels great! (postcardacademy.co for show notes) But I’m in trouble because I just attended London’s Holiday and Travel Show, and now my travel list is twice as long! In this episode, you’ll hear where you should head this year if you love nature and aren’t so big into crowds: Zambia Guadalupe Islands Massachusetts, U.S.A. Trans-Siberian Railway Guernsey Isl
How to Create an Online Course to Support Your Location Independent Lifestyle
Postcard Academy listeners ask me how they can live abroad if they don’t have Italian blood, a foreign partner to marry, or a global corporation sponsoring them. I believe the easiest way to make a life abroad and/or a location independent life happen for you is to create your own job that you can do from anywhere, and I especially love online courses as a business. Natalie Sisson, who you heard on the ‘How to Design Your Ideal Life’ episode is back to talk about how to create an online co
How to Design Your Ideal Life with Guest Natalie Sisson (Encore)
The other day someone told me that New Year’s depresses them. Another year gone by. That’s one way to look at it. But, a happier, more satisfying way to approach the New Year is to plan how we want to enjoy the rest of the years we have left. This year on the Postcard Academy, I will be sharing more episodes on how we can live our best lives, and more specifics on how we can make living abroad and living a location independent life a reality for us. But we don’t want to live just any life.
Christmas Around the World
Happy holidays! How are you celebrating? I’m visiting my family in the States but always love hearing how people are enjoying the holidays in other parts of the globe. What are the traditions? What are the foods they’re eating? So, I invited some of my favorite guests on this show to call in and tell me about Christmas in their adopted cities. So tuck in, pour yourself some hot chocolate — or maybe something cold and fizzy if you’re somewhere warm — and enjoy the show. *** I’m your host,
Sarajevo: Ultimate Travel Guide to Bosnia’s Cosmopolitan Capital
If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve heard me mention Sarajevo before and how it completely transfixed me. I had the same feeling as when I saw the Roman forum for the first time. There was just something about the vibe of this place that transported me. I became obsessed with Sarajevo and its history and felt so embarrassed that I knew so little about the war in the ‘90s before I traveled to Bosnia. I had a flicker of a memory of seeing an article about it when I was a kid and being outrag
Gran Canaria: Exploring the Canary Island’s Best Spot for Digital Nomads and Location-Independent Entrepreneurs
At this time of year, a lot of Europeans like to fly to Spain's Canary Islands to catch a bit of sun. But they’re not the only ones. Beach-loving digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs love Gran Canaria, the main island, especially the island’s capital city Las Palmas for its amazing weather, affordable living, and co-working spots. Today I’m speaking with Thorunn Jonsdottir, an Icelandic serial entrepreneur, who now calls the Canary Islands home. Listen in for everything
Nosara: Costa Rica’s Expat Surfer Paradise
“The monkeys wake me up every morning. There are parrots outside my window,” says Julie Sarver, an expat who moved from Portland to Nosara, Costa Rica. “that is so magical and wonderful.” When you think of Costa Rica, do you usually think of a tropical rainforest with a cute toucan flying around? While you’ll definitely get the wildlife, Nosara’s vibe is more expat beach community. On this episode, you’ll learn about... the cultural differences between the U.S. and Costa Rica; what Julia loves a
Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience (Encore)
Back by popular demand... Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. (Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts). Don’t worry, this epi
Expat Diary: Getting Over Perfectionism to Make Dreams Happen
The Postcard Academy has gone bi-weekly this season as I prepare to launch The Podcast Launch Academy, the ultimate online podcasting course that has been my dream for awhile. But setting this up took a lot longer than I thought it would! I realize now this is mostly because I have been approaching starting this business with a ‘maximizer mindset.’ I’m reading 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam in it she talks about the difference between maximizers and satisficers. Maximizers want the best of eve
Talk to Strangers (Science Says It Will Make You Happier)
When you’re traveling, do you open yourself up to new experiences, including talking to new people? Do you do the same at home, or does talking to strangers suddenly feel a little crazy? According to science, we’d be living healthier, happier lives if we maintained the sense of openness and adventure we experience while traveling to other places. On the Postcard Academy podcast, I share what happened when a researcher forced strangers to talk on a train, and play you an audio diary I recor
Niagara Falls: Must-Have Experiences that Go Beyond the Boat Ride
Believe it or not, Niagara Falls is wine country. “We’re on the same parallel as Northern California, so it's perfect weather conditions for wine,” says American expat Andrea Jones. “We have a lot of wineries just 28 minutes north of Niagara Falls in Niagara-on-the-Lake.” Andrea started out life in Miami, then moved up to Atlanta, and now she finds herself living in a small Canadian 15 minutes away from Niagara Falls. She ended up in Fort Erie after meeting her Canadian husband on YouTub
Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for Foodies and Art Lovers (Part 2)
When tourists visit England, most miss the beautiful coastal towns south of the London, and almost none of them have heard of Folkestone, the magical town in which my guest Tony Quarrington and I live. But we’re letting you in on the secret! (visit postcard academy.co for our list of recommendations.) In the last episode, you heard about the history of Folkestone — it’s Victorian splendor and the important role the town played in World Wars I and II. Tony and I also talked about the two famil
Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for History Lovers (Part 1)
When tourists visit England, they usually stay in London. Maybe they’ll do a daytrip to Stonehenge or, if they’re feeling extra glam, take the Eurostar to Paris. If they wanted to experience something extra special, they’d take the train south to visit the beautiful coastal town of Folkestone. You’ve probably heard of the White Cliffs of Dover. Next door you’ll find Folkestone, which no one in modern times remembers. It’s England’s best kept secret. But the Postcard Academy podcast is spilling
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
My mother and I are sitting at a red light then BAM! A truck hits us from behind. The driver claims he sneezed and lost control of his vehicle 🙄 Aside from some soreness, we are OK, but what if the accident had been a lot more serious? The thought of hospital bills bankrupting me makes me panic more than broken bones. I’m American, but I don’t live in the U.S. and so I’m not part of the healthcare system. When I’m visiting my family in the States, World Nomads is my go-to company for insuran
Summer Break
I hope you are enjoying these final days of summer, if it is summer in your part of the world. I’m currently visiting my family in the United States and so the Postcard Academy will be on a brief two-week break. I will be back in September with new episodes of adventurous people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll continue to get their insider food and culture tips, and I’m going to share more ways on how you can make living abroad happen
Southern Italy: Food You Must Try in Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Molise
Author Katie Parla not only knows her Italian food, she knows her Italian history. Her deep culinary knowledge takes cookbook writing to the next level, with stories beautifully woven between recipes and lush photos. (show notes at postcardacademy.co ) In a previous episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, I interviewed Katie, an American expat living in Rome, about the rich history of Roman cuisine. She recently came back on the podcast to discuss her new cookbook, Food of the Italian South
U.S. National Parks: How to Plan Your Trip
Like many expats I know, most of the travel I’ve done has been outside of my home country, the U.S. In fact, my European friends have seen more of the States than I have, and their wistful descriptions of the U.S. national parks have inspired me to plan a trip. (show notes at postcardacademy.co) Danielle Jacobs-Erwin, host of the podcast Everybody’s National Parks, joined me on the Postcard Academy to discuss the history of the National Park System; what we need to do to prepare for a trip the
Budapest Best: Your Local Guide to the Best Bathhouses, Beverages, and Beautiful Photo Ops
Willie Gevertz is a visual storyteller from the U.S. who fell in love with Budapest while visiting a friend. The city captivated him so much that he moved to Hungary, which is fortunate for us because he’s the best tour guide we could ask for. Willie is the type of guy who lives every day to its fullest, and I asked him to join me on the Postcard Academy to share how we can make the most of our time traveling in Budapest and beyond. We will get into the best food in Budapest, the best nigh
You’ll Never Have This Day Again. Make it Matter.
Summer’s in the air…at least in my part of the world, and so I’m sharing a mini-episode on my deep summer thoughts. Summer has always been my favorite season. It meant no school. Swimming. No cold weather. My birthday. Vacations. Barbecues. Now as an adult, I also appreciate the joy that I see in other people at this time of year. People are happier. They’re out and about doing communal activities like open air cinema or hanging out at an outdoor bar or cafe. They are going places. They are l
How to Get Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry
“How do I apply for Italian citizenship?” That’s the no. 1 question I get from listeners of the Postcard Academy. On the show, I’ve spoken about how I became an Italian citizen through my heritage, and how I applied in Italy. But this was almost 10 years ago and I wanted to refresh my memory on the process so I could share it with you. On this episode, Italian citizenship expert Audra De Falco breaks down how we can apply for dual citizenship with Italy via jus sanguinis, the ‘right of blood.
Happy World Emoji Day! Emojipedia's Founder Explains What This Is All About
Happy World Emoji Day! Why today of all days? Because the calendar emoji (📅) features the date July 17. Some hotheads get really worked up about emojis having their own day, but it’s all in good fun, like Pizza Day (February 9 in the U.S.). To celebrate, I’m re-sharing my podcast interview with Jeremy Burge, founder of Emojipedia, and an Australian expat living in London. Jeremy is the ‘smiling face with smiling eyes’ personified and a delight to talk to 😊 On this episode of the Postcard A
Visiting Tirana: Your Local Guide to Albania's Capital City
Rachel Berryman owns Tirana Yoga, one of the most successful yoga studios in Albania. But she didn’t move here to become a business owner; Rachel, who is American, first came to this former Communist country with the Peace Corps. On this episode, Rachel and I talk about the kind of volunteer work Rachel was doing and why she fell in love with Albania and its people. We also talk about the legacy of Albania’s Communist past, and, of course, about her favorite places to eat and the experiences
Roadtrip! Part 2: How to Spend a Week in Albania, from City to Seaside
My friend Cristal and I traveled down Croatia’s coastline then made our way to Albania. While getting here wasn’t easy and involved a bus detour in Montenegro, exploring Albania is definitely worth it if you enjoy good food, cheap prices, and fewer tourists than Europe’s more popular destinations. Sounds pretty good, right? Cristal and I visited many UNESCO sites, you know I love a good UNESCO site, and on the Postcard Academy podcast, we share what we saw in Tirana, Durres, Berat, Gjirokastra
Roadtrip! Part 1: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
A few months ago, I did a podcast episode on the best places history lovers should visit to avoid the crowds. I’m making my way through those cities and countries, and, of course, had to podcast about it. On a two-part episode of the Postcard Academy — Roadtrip! Croatia + Albania — I chat with my travel friend Cristal Dyer to reminisce about our trip, talk about what we enjoyed the most, and also what we’d do differently next time. In Part 1, we share our travel itinerary down Croatia’s Dalm
Bonus: Win a Copy of Lost in Florence
Did you listen to the Artisan Florence episode yet? Nardia Plumridge shared some of her favorite boutiques and other hidden gems that she featured in her gorgeous book Lost in Florence — and this could be yours for free! I’m raffling off a copy of Lost in Florence to one lucky listener. For your chance to win, sign up for Postcard Academy email updates at postcardacademy.co/lostinflorence. If you are already on the Postcard Academy email list, you are already entered to win. You must s
Artisan Florence: Insider Guide to the Best Local Shopping Experiences
During the Renaissance, money flowed into Florence’s growing banking sector and the elite, including the Medici family, showed off their new wealth with art, palaces, and luxury goods. “They started commissioning local artists to do gorgeous pieces of art that would adorn their walls to showcase at their latest dinner party,” says Nardia Plumridge, author of Lost in Florence. “In terms of the artisan culture, that’s been stemming from Florence for hundreds of years. You have these amazing work
How the Selfie Generation Can Honor the Greatest Generation
I used to think dying in a fire would be the worst way to go. I now believe selfie-related deaths top that. You’ve probably heard the stories: people falling from cliffs; slipping over waterfalls; getting smacked by trains, even electrocuted. For a photo that captures the perfect angle of their face. This culture has weighed on my mind over the last week as the world recognized the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest air, sea, and land operation in the history of war. On D-Day alone, Nazis
Why Do You Travel? The World Wanderers Interview Me
A few episodes ago, I interviewed the World Wanderers Amanda and Ryan — my favorite podcasting nomad couple — on the amazing experiences you should have in Mexico City. They had previously interviewed me on their podcast — World Wanderers — and they are kindly letting me share that with you today. We talk about how I became an expat and found my first job abroad; the beauty and stresses of life as a foreigner; how these challenges change us for the better; and other travel-related topics, in
Brisbane Travel Guide: How to Enjoy Australia’s Most Relaxed City
I’ve always been a little afraid of Australia because of all its slithery and sharp-toothed creatures, but British expat James Cridland has me wanting to sip coffee and cuddle with koalas Down Under. On the Postcard Academy’s Brisbane episode of the podcast, James and I talk about the best things to see, eat, and experience in Brisbane, Australia. Also, I learn the proper way to eat Vegemite; Australia’s tipping situation; and the proper way to ride in a taxi in this super-laidback country. Li
Santo Domingo: The Perfect Travel Destination for Beaches, Chocolate, and Culture
Lily Girma is a lawyer turned travel writer who’s spent a significant amount of time in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, including Belize and Jamaica. In the Santo Domingo episode of the Postcard Academy travel podcast, Lily explains why she now calls the Dominican Republic home. We talk about the cultural events you can’t miss, the best beaches to go to, which chocolate plantations to visit — that’s right, this holiday can combine beach and chocolate. Does it get any bet
Exploring Mexico City with the World Wanderers
Amanda Kingsmith and Ryan Ferguson are a Canadian couple who travel full time, but they do it slowly, often staying in one place for weeks or months at a time. Over the last year, they fell in love with Mexico City and its incredible food and culture scene. Did you know that Mexico City has more than 40,000 restaurants and the second-highest number of museums after Paris? Amanda and Ryan, who co-host the World Wanderers podcast, joined me on the Postcard Academy to talk about their location i
A Perfect Day in Manhattan with Travel Expert Mark Ellwood
British-born Mark Ellwood is a fellow expat and travel podcaster who I’ve been listening to for a few years, first on Conde Nast Traveler’s Travelogue and now on Travel Genius. Whenever I hear him, I think, “This guy sounds like so much fun.” I knew he’d be the perfect guest to talk about the local experiences we should have in New York City. Find links to what we talked about on postcardacademy.co Mark is a contributing editor to Conde Nast Traveler, and also writes for Bloomberg Luxury, the
Zagreb City Guide: The Best of Croatia’s Capital
“Zagreb is where you’ll feel the life of Croatia,” says Ashley Colburn, an American expat living in Istria. She’ss a TV producer who won an Emmy for her in-depth travel coverage of Croatia. On this episode, Ashley shares her favorite things to see, do, and eat in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Visit postcardacademy.co for show notes. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every wee
Croatia’s Coast: Traveling to Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, and More
Croatia is more than Dubrovnik, which Game of Thrones fans and cruiseships have been flocking to for years. On this episode, Ashley Colburn, an American now living in Istria, helps us explore more of Croatia’s coastline. (show notes at postcardacademy.co) Ashley is a two-time Emmy award-winning TV producer who has traveled to more than 50 countries. She earned one of those Emmys for her first TV travel show WOW Croatia. She then produced seven, one-hour episodes of a documentary called WONDER
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Italian Experiences You Must Have
Yay! I’m so psyched to share this episode with Kathy McCabe, host of the travel TV series Dream of Italy. This season, Kathy interviewed several people, including Francis Ford Coppola, who did something that both Kathy and I have done — return to our ancestral homeland to reconnect with the villages our relatives left behind. Kathy and I talk about our personal experiences with this, and of course, I ask her all about her favorite must-do experiences throughout Italy. Kathy started her websit
I Launched a New Show! Podcasting Step by Step
Hello! The Postcard Academy is on a little break this week. I’ll be back on Friday with a really fun conversation with Kathy McCabe from the TV show Dream of Italy. This week, however, I wanted to let you know about a new podcast I just launched called Podcasting Step by Step. This show is very close to my heart and I’m excited to share it with you. I love podcasting so much and I know there are other people out there who are almost ready to start their own shows but something is holding th
Brexit: Where Is All This Headed? (Part 2)
I’m bringing back my Brexit buddy and former colleague, Mark Robson, to explain in easy-to understand terms how Brexit is affecting life today, and how we might be able to get out of this 2.5 year quagmire. In this episode, you’ll also get another lesson in British history, and who doesn’t love that? You’ll find show notes, including a funny and useful Brexit explainer video, on postcardacademy.co Even though I live in England, have a lot at stake regarding Brexit, and listen to news about it
Brexit: How Did We Get Here? (Part 1)
On March 29, 2019, the U.K. is scheduled to exit the European Union (Brexit). But no one has any idea what is actually going to happen. My fellow expats and immigrants are worried about our future legal status in the U.K., which we have made our home. Business owners, especially farmers, are losing business contracts due to economic uncertainty. Mental health issues are on the rise. People are stockpiling food. In recent days, people have been comparing the U.K. to Venezuela! A lot of the n
Italy vs. America: 12 Cultural Differences
Happy International Women’s Day! I never even heard of International Women’s Day until I move to Italy in 2010, and La Festa delle Donne is a pretty big deal over there. So it got me thinking about the cultural differences between Americans. and Italians, and I thought it would be fun to share some of these today. I picked 12, but there are many more. This episode is not about one country being better than the other — they both have pluses and minuses. I’m just sharing what I’ve experienced as
How to Become an E-Resident of Estonia
Little Estonia, with less than 1.5 million people, has been running itself like a tech company for about two decades now, giving everyone a digital ID and letting them access almost all government services online. Now they’re letting foreigners become e-Residents of their digital nation, and this week, I'll teach you how you can become one (find links to what we talk about on postcardacademy.co) Last week, you heard some great travel advice from Julia Barrett, an American who moved to Ta
Tallinn, Estonia: Old Fashioned Charm in the Most Digital Nation on Earth
Wired magazine has called Estonia “the most advanced digital society in the world.” The President of Estonia (a woman — yay!) just published an article about how “Estonia is running its country like a tech company” and that “governments must learn to provide public services as efficiently as Amazon sells books: no physical presence, no cost of application, no opening hours.” Sounds pretty great to me. And to Julia Barrett, an American who was so excited by what’s going on in Estonia that she
How to Tell Travel Stories that Actually Interest People: Advice from 5-Time Moth GrandSLAM Champion Matthew Dicks
Have you ever returned from a trip and a friend says, “How was it? Tell me everything!” And then you start saying things like, “The food was great. Nice people. Incredible sunset.” Pretty soon you’re both bored and move on. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are storytelling techniques that we can all learn to better connect with people, not just about our travels, of course, but about everything. In this episode, Matthew Dicks — a five-time Moth GrandSLAM storytelling winner and th
10 Pro-Tips to Save Money and Fulfill Your Travel Dreams (Plus bonus tips)
Anna Mazurek recently published the book Good with Money, in which she shares how she “maximizes her savings to travel the world with no debt, all on an average income of $30,000.” Not only do we talk about actions we can take to make better financial decisions, Anna also shares the best credit card for travelers; her favorite bank, which refunds any ATM fee you incur on your travels; the vagabond’s guide to hacking the U.S. Healthcare system, and more. (find links at postcardacademy.co) Ann
How to be a Travel Writer with Nardia Plumridge
Ever dream of being a travel writer? Who hasn’t?! My guest Nardia Plumridge actually made it happen. In addition to writing for global publications, including Lonely Planet, Nardia also penned a book — Lost in Florence — that is due out this spring. In this episode, Nardia shares how she broke into the travel writing biz and offers tips on how to get your own work published. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare. T
Bangkok Travel: Where to Find the Best Rooftop Bars, Buddhist Temples, Street Food, and More
Bangkok can feel frenetic and overwhelming to newcomers who imagined Thailand to be all gorgeous temples and beaches. In Bangkok, you’re more likely to see luxury buildings going up next to shacks and people sitting in traffic for hours. But don’t give up on it just yet — once you get off the main streets, chances are you’ll love this vibrant city. Today’s guest, travel writer Nardia Plumridge, is here to share her best insider travel recommendations for Thailand’s capital city. (find links to e
Travel 2019: Where History Lovers Should Go to Avoid the Crowds
Last week’s episode was all about setting goals and designing more freedom into your life. I’m happy to say, that I have actually taken action and filled out the business plan template that Natalie shared with us — you can find that at postcardacadey.co/freedomplan Even if you have no plans to start a business this year, it’s still a handy tool for putting any kind of goals on paper and and mapping out your steps to get there. In the spirit of tidying up and getting organized, I’m thinking th
How to Design Your Ideal Life: Freedom Planning with Natalie Sisson
New year, new you? Hopefully, yes! But forget New Year’s resolutions that feel like a punishment. How about designing a life in which you have the freedom to do what you love? (get started on postcardacademy.co) I am definitely focusing on this personally, and in 2019, in addition to world travelers and expats, I’ll be interviewing lifestyle experts, authors, and others who can help us live our best lives. To start us off, I’m incredibly happy to share my conversation with this week’s guest, N
London Best: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pubs, Gigs, Restaurants, and More
Best of London episode! I realized recently that even though I’ve been an American expat in London for nearly eight years, I hardly ever talk about my favorite city. My website — postcardacademy.co — is filled with photos and travel guides for other places I've visited around the world. I want to share more about London with you, starting with this episode. Today I’m the interviewee. My friend Cristal Dyer, who you’ve heard on other Postcard Academy episodes, including the ones on Travel
The World Is Getting Better
Thank you so much for listening and subscribing to the Postcard Academy this year. If you’re a fan of this podcast and are feeling generous this year, leaving a review of this show on Apple Podcasts would be a wonderful Christmas present to me. Here’s how to leave a review. Or, you could become a patron of this podcast, which I produce voluntarily as a labor of love for you. Supporting the Postcard Academy via the Patreon site for creators and artists gives you access to members-only content and
Best of Iceland: Traveling Beyond the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle
My guest today is Kaelene Spence, who writes the blog Unlocking Kiki, a very useful resource for anyone thinking of moving or traveling to Iceland — and she puts together travel itineraries, too. Kaelene is an American who now lives in Iceland with her husband and baby boy. On this episode, she shares how she ended up in the northernmost capital in the world; her tips on how to land the job you want in a new country; the best and worst things about living in Iceland, and more. Of course, you
What’s an Expat? My Travel Story
What is an expat, anyway? On this episode, we define what an expat is and how to become one. I hand over the mic to Gemma Thompson, who interviews me on my travel journey to moving abroad. This interview first aired on Gemma’s podcast: A Girl’s Guide to Travelling Alone. I featured Gemma on the Postcard Academy’s Solo Travel episode. She is absolutely lovely and I had a great time chatting with her again here. If you are interested in living abroad, you can find resources on postcardacad
Lucca, Pisa, and Other Towns in Tuscany You Must Visit
Enough with Florence and Siena already. You should be walking the medieval walls of Lucca; eating aperitivo in Pisa; sipping Chianti at Castello di Brolio; or lounging by the sea in San Vicenzo. On this episode, Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence, and I recap our recent road trip through Tuscany. After interviewing Toni for the Florence episode of this podcast, we became fast friends (which you’ll hear on this podcast because we’re gigging our heads off). Find
Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience
Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. (Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts). Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing do
Glasgow, Scotland: the Best Pubs, Restaurants, and Places to See in This European City of Culture
Glasgow had a reputation for being a down-on-its-luck former industrial hub for decades. But the Glaswegians worked hard to turn their city into a world-class tourist destination with museums, opera, ballet, and more. In 1990, Glasgow was named the European City of Culture and since then travelers from around the world have visited to enjoy its cozy pubs, great restaurants — which include a lot of veg-friendly options, delicious food markets, designer shops, and, of course, cultural offerings.
Workaway:How to Live Like a Local and Travel the World Through Work Exchanges
My friends Daniel Bakken and Alinne Fernanda have been traveling the world together for nearly two years. They saved up their money before hitting the road, but its volunteering through a hospitality service called Workaway that’s financially enabled them to keep traveling as long as they have. If you listened to my episode on house-sitting your way around the world and other free accommodation tips, you heard a little about Workaway. In exchange for a few hours of work a day, the hosts you f
New Orleans: A Local’s Guide to the Best Restaurants, Bars, & Quirky Fun
New Orleans celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, and since it’s almost Halloween, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about one of America’s most haunted Southern cities. I’m joined by Hope Kodman, a tour guide with French Quarter Phantoms, which offers tours such as Saints & Sinners, True Crime, Cemetery, Ghost and Vampire, among others. Hope and I talk about the history of the Big Easy; the origins of Mardi Gras; the difference between cajon and creole; what voodoo is real
Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Alone
Whether you are single or a student, married, retired or a parent, you deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want and explore the world. On this week’s episode, fellow podcaster and traveler Gemma Thompson and I discuss why solo travel is such a transformational experience and why everyone should do it at least once. We’ll talk about how to conquer your nerves and book that solo trip; what to do when you feel lonely and how to avoid it,; destinations that are perfect for first time solo
Munich Must-Sees Travel Guide (Plus Day Trips)
Today is all about Munich, Germany, often ranked among the world’s most livable cities. I’m continuing my conversation with independent tour guide Maxine Ryder, who you heard on our Oktoberfest episode. She is a British Australian who’s made Munich her home. You may know that Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi movement and that 80-90% of Munich was bombed in World War II. Maxine and I talk about the beer hall where Hitler honed his oratory skills; about the sad King who came before him and
Oktoberfest: Your Guide to Enjoying Munich’s Main Event (Even if You Hate Beer and Crowds)
As a vegetarian who doesn’t like beer, I never thought Oktoberfest would be an event for me. But, independent tour guide Maxine Ryder has convinced me otherwise! To start, did you know that at Munich’s massive event you’ll also find a Prosecco tent?? On the Postcard Academy podcast, Maxine, an British/Australian expat and Munich resident, and I talk about the history of Oktoberfest, the type of food and drink you’ll find there, strategies to have an amazing time, and more. Visit postcardacad
How a South Carolina Slave Became the Most Celebrated Chef in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, consistently tops the lists of ‘world’s best cities to visit.’ It’s also a city that was built on the sweat and blood of slaves, and learning about this history should be part of your travels to this region. Before slavery was abolished in 1865, Charleston was the slavery capital of the United States. Four million slaves lived in America – 10% of them in South Carolina — and about 40% of the slaves brought to the U.S. came through Charleston Harbor. This episode
LGBT Travel: Resources, Trends, and the Hottest Destinations (Special Focus on Lesbian Travel)
LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications at IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, joins me to talk about the history of LGBT travel, current trends, the best resources for planning a trip, for checking the safety of a destination, the hottest places to visit right now, and more. (See photos and links at postcardacademy.co) Later in the show, I chat with travel bloggers and Instagram influencers Roxanne Weijer and Maartje Hensen about what it’s like traveling the
Barcelona: Your Ultimate Guide on What to Do and Where to Eat in the Capital of Catalonia
Barcelona has eight UNESCO sites, beaches, mountains, a beautiful historic center, tons of restaurants and boutiques, and art everywhere you look. In this episode, Polish expat Paulina Grzeszczyk, of Devour tours, shares her insider tips on the best this city has to offer. We’ll discuss where to find the best tapas, spectacular sunsets, shopping, museums, and more. Visit postcardacademy.co for photos and links. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get yo
How to Survive Long-Haul Flights When You’re Stuck in Economy
Flying messes with our mind, body, and spirit in all sorts of crazy ways. And if you’re stuck in economy for hours, it feels downright painful. On this episode, my friend, Kelly, and I talk through some of our top tips that made our recent 25-hour journey to Bali more comfortable. We'll also share what we've been up to in Bali so far (it involves good food, lots of massage, and working through our phobias). Visit postcardacademy.co for more on what we discuss. I’m your host, Sarah M
How to Find Cheap Flights & Travel Deals (Summer Replay)
On this encore episode, my friend and favorite full-time traveler, Cristal Dyer, shares her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and best travel deals. You’ll learn how to find and take advantage of error fares (and what this means); the best sites to find cheap airfare; where to book accommodation to rack up free nights; ideas to find local activities wherever you visit, and more. Cristal also shares some fantastic advice on what to look out for if you want to save money on traveling whil
Growth Mindset: How to Change How You Think to Achieve Your Dreams
Did you ever really want to try something, but then not because you worried you’d look dumb? Most of us think like this! We’re plagued by what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘fixed mindset.’ The great news is, we can change how we think, and, with a ‘growth mindset,’ get over our fears and finally start pursuing what we want in life. On this episode, I’m sharing Carol Dweck’s 2014 Ted Talk: The Power of Believing that You Can Improve. Carol’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, h
Amsterdam Travel Guide: What to Eat, Drink, See, and Smoke
Amsterdam is more than hookers and weed. In fact, only 10 percent of Dutch people say they smoke marijuana. Want a more authentic Netherlands experience? Follow the advice of Audrey Sykes, author of the Amsterdam edition of the Moon Travel Guides (Don’t worry, we’ll still tell you the best places to smoke weed). On this episode, we talk to Audrey about her life in Amsterdam and get all her best insider travel tips on where to eat and have fun, from coffee shops to cozy brown cafes. You'll a
Working Abroad: 6 Countries that are Great for Freelancers Who Want to Live the Expat / Nomad Life
Born in Bermuda, Lené Hypolite has lived in Venezuela, Canada, the U.S., Amsterdam, and is soon headed to Singapore and Tokyo. She loves the excitement of expat life, and also how its benefiting her career. On this episode, we talk about six countries where it’s a little bit easier visa-wise to live abroad, and how to find work there.Visit sarahmikutel.com for photos and a list of the countries. Become a member of the Live Without Borders Community ❤️Let’s continue the conversation. Head on over
Tuscan Wines, Cocktails, and Communist Bars
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy wine but are fairly uneducated about it and usually forget everything you learn at wine tastings. That’s OK. Today I’m talking with my friend Toni from Taste Florence and we are giving you a great wine list that has everything you need, whether you like red, white, or dessert wines. We explain what Super Tuscans are, I learn what barrique is. And we also share where to drink high-end cocktails at hipster places, as well as cheap gin and tonics at communis
Is Expensive Olive Oil Worth It? How to Find the Best in Italy
“That olive oil costs how MUCH? Why would I spend $15 when I can spend $4?” You’ve likely said this to yourself at some point. So what’s the difference between expensive olive oil versus the cheap stuff? Does it really matter? Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence came on the Postcard Academy podcast to explain how to find the best olive oil, when you should use it, and when you definitely should not. (visit postcardacademy.co for your check list on how to identify qual
Taste Florence: Where to Find the Best Food in the Heart of Tuscany
Toni Mazzaglia is an American expat who moved to Florence years ago. After seeing too many visitors fall prey to tourist traps, she started the food tour company Taste Florence to help us discover the city’s very best food, from fresh pasta to pecorino to wine…It’s seriously one of the best food tours I’ve ever been on. Traveling to Florence? You should really experience this for yourself, and Postcard Academy listeners can get 5% off with the code POSTCARD18. Visit postcardacademy.co for photos
Skopje, Macedonia: What to See and Where to Eat in the Land of Coffee & Kitsch
Hi, from Macedonia! Today I’m chatting with my Airbnb host, Sofia Grozdanova, who’s become my Macedonian sister. I’m sharing her apartment in Skopje’s bohemian district and I feel so at home in her place and in this neighborhood. And her room is $12 a night. What?! If you’re new to Airbnb, take advantage of my friends and family discount. Sofia is from Skopje but she lived in New York for a few years, going to school and working. When she decided to come back to the Balkans, she was able to ke
Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Meeting People on the Road
One of the best parts of solo travel is the people you meet on the road. Lannie Su saw via Instagram that we were both in Slovenia and asked if I wanted to meet up — of course! Last week, we talked about how she’s border surfing the Schengen zone and how you can, too. This week, we’re focused more on Ljubljana’s history and great food, and the delightful day trips you can take to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Piran. Visit postcardacademy.co to learn more about Slovenia. I’m your host, Sarah Miku
How to Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days Without a Visa: Navigating the Schengen Area
Americans, Canadians, Australians, and citizens from quite a few other countries can legally stay in Europe as long as they want without needing a visa. How? By jumping in and out of the Schengen zone, which is made up of 26 member countries. In this episode, we dive deep into how to calculate your days so you’re never breaking any rules or are overstaying your 90 out of 180 continuous days anywhere. You’ll also find a break down of this info on postcardacademy.co This isn’t legal advice, so p
Animal Sanctuary Volunteering in Belize and Other Travel Updates Swapped Between Nomadic Friends
My nomadic friend Cristal Dyer and I called each other to catch up on where we are in the world, and thought we’d let you listen in. You remember Cristal from the Oaxaca, Mexico, and Travel Deal episodes of the Postcard Academy. She shares her VERY hands-on experience volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Belize and will tell you how you can get involved in the program at the Belize Zoo. We also talk about her new expat life in Mexico. I’ll be talking about where I am now (Slovenia); my new f
Queenstown, New Zealand: What to Eat, Do, and Drink in This Stunning Wine Region
Today we are talking to my friend Ting Zhang, a New Yorker who now lives in Queenstown, New Zealand — birthplace of bungee jumping and fantastic pinot noir. In a previous life, Ting had an awesome job as a global product lead at Google in New York City. On paper she had everything, but when she took a step back a few years ago, she realized what she really wanted to do was travel. So, she packed up everything and embarked on a world tour. She originally only planned on visiting Queenstown for
World War II & Cold War History: What to Know Before You Visit Berlin
For decades, Germany has been reckoning with and atoning for its dark past. Museums, monuments, and educational programs teach tourists and locals about World War II and the nazis, and the Cold War and Berlin Wall. In last week’s ‘What to Eat and Where to Go’ Berlin episode, we touched on how important historical tourism is in Berlin, and, today, Chloe Dalrymple, a British expat and tour guide for Insider Tour, and I are diving deeper into World War II and the Cold War (visit postcardacademy.co
Berlin Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Europe’s ‘Poor but Sexy’ City
Photographer, potter, and globe maker Chloe Dalrymple fits right in with Berlin’s creative scene. A native Brit, Chloe has lived in Berlin for three years and spends her days guiding visitors around her adopted city as a freelance tour guide, primarily with Insider Tour. There’s so much to talk about, so I’m breaking this episode up into two parts. Today, you’ll learn more about Chloe and get her insider trips on the best places to eat and hang out in the city. In part 2, we’ll dive more into
A Quick Hello, Plus Free Audio Tours Until May 31
Hi. I’m trapped in no-wifi land at the moment. Just wanted to say a quick hello and let you know that my favorite audio walking tour app — Detour — is offering free audio tours until May 31. I wrote a review of Detour a few months ago, which you can read here. Unfortunately, Detour has been purchased by Bose and the future of this great walking tour app is unclear. After May 31, the Detour app will stop working. Until then, have an awesome time exploring the world’s best cities with Detour.
Volunteering Abroad: Should You Do It? And Other Ways to be a Responsible Traveler
Shannon O’Donnell, an American who’s been traveling the world since 2008, literally wrote The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook. Over the years, her website A Little Adrift has become one of the best resources for responsible tourism. NPR, National Geographic, the BBC, and other news outlets have covered Shannon, and her own writing and photography have appeared in BBC Travel, USA Today, Lonely Planet, and other places. Shannon launched A Little Adrift’s sister website Grassroots Volunteering to
#vanlife Where to Go to the Bathroom and Other Van Life Tips and Essentials
Last year, The New Yorker ran an article titled #vanlife, the Bohemian Social-Media Movement: What began as an attempt at a simpler life quickly became a life-style brand. And it's true, if you look up #vanlife on Instagram, you’ll find nearly 3 million photos of perfect couples driving through the desert or drinking beer on top of their vehicle. But there are also tons of people choosing to live in vans or RVs or old bread trucks because they want a simpler life. Fewer things. More expe
Epic Group Travel Experiences for Those Who Hate Group Travel
Have you ever wanted to try solo travel, but you’re not quite ready? But the idea of group travel sounds too crowded and rushed? Dan Pierson founded the Bolt Collective, a travel community that could be just right for you. Dan’s bringing together kind-hearted, curiosity-filled people to help them access travel experiences that might be too expensive if they did them on their own. Think of the Bolt Collective as group travel for people who hate group travel. He’s already taken a diverse group
Stockholm Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Sweden’s Capital City
This year’s World Happiness Report just came out and once again, all the Scandinavian countries are at the top of the list. The one I haven’t been to yet is Sweden, so today I am speaking with Eric Wall, an American artist living in Stockholm, to get his advice on the best things to see and do in Sweden’s capital city. Stockholm is actually made up of 14 islands, and Gamla Stan, its old town, is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval historic centers. Eric and I talk all about the delicious b
How to House-Sit Your Way Around the World and Other Free Accommodation Travel Tips
Travel expert Jema Patterson from the site 'Half the Clothes' discusses how to house-sit around the world and other free accommodation travel tips on this week’s episode of the Postcard Academy (visit postcardacademy.co for detailed show notes). We break down the best and worst house-sitting sites, how to write a profile that will get homeowners to choose you, and other important information you need to get into house-sitting. Even if you find the idea of living in someone else’s hou
Mexican Food Lovers’ Paradise: Oaxaca
Mole, memelas, and mezcal — oh my! If you enjoy Mexican food, you will fall madly in love with Oaxaca, Mexico. In this episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, my favorite travel expert, Cristal Dyer, and I eat our way through one of the world’s best gastronomic regions. You’ll learn where to find the best food and drink in Oaxaca’s capital city, and how to entertain yourself during a four- or five-day stay in this gloriously sunny and colorful UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also talk about our
Colombia Guide: Traveling to Bogota, Cartagena, and Beyond
There’s a reason Colombia is at the top of so many ‘must-see’ travel lists this year. Forget about Pablo Escobar. This beautiful — and affordable — Latin American country has moved on. Get ready for some beautiful colonial villages, Caribbean coast, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this episode, American expat Andrew Dier, who’s also author of some of the most popular books on visiting Colombia, chats to us about the villages we should see, the empanadas we should eat…everything we need to
Living Abroad: How to Have a Better Life for Half the Price
There’s one question that American listeners of this show keep asking: How can I live abroad? It often feels like you’re stuck at home if you’re not from the EU or a Commonwealth country. But there’s hope! You have options to live abroad that don’t involve marrying some random. In this episode, I talk to Tim Leffel, a travel writer and author of A Better Life for Half the Price. We get into specific options that are open to you, how to test out a country before committing, the questions
Romania Guide: Traveling to Bucharest, Transylvania, and Beyond
How much do you know about Romania? If you’re like most people, the answer is almost nothing. On this episode, Debbie Stowe enlightens us about this former Communist country filled with castles, cobblestones, and Dracula impersonators. Debbie is a native Londoner who’s been living in Romania since 2002. She wrote the Culture Smart Essential Guide to Romania and several other books, and pens expat articles and reviews for Bucharest’s Business Review. We talk about where to find the best food,
New Month, New City: Why Bridesmaid for Hire Jen Glantz and BF Adam Kossoff Call a New Place Home Every 30 Days
Author Jen Glantz — you may know her as the world’s first Bridesmaid for Hire — and her boyfriend Adam Kossoff don’t always know where they’re headed, but they know it will be a different city every 30 days. A few months ago, they gave up their New York City apartments to become digital nomads who would spend every month experiencing life in a different American city. We pack a lot into this episode, including dealing with getting laid off, starting over, building a location independent lif
New York Guide: Advice for Women in the 1930s Versus Today
In the last episode, we talked about how the Great Depression had positives for many women. Because of the financial crisis, people were putting off marriage and single women were going to work, and living and traveling independently for the first time. They needed advice, and 1930s author Marjorie Hillis became their celebrated guru to the single girl. In this episode, I continue my conversation with Joanna Scutts, who just published a book on Marjorie’s life titled: “The Extra Woman: Ho
New York’s First Celebrity Single Girl (Hint: It’s Not Carrie Bradshaw)
Before the TV series Girls or Sex and the City, Marjorie Hillis was America’s favorite bachelorette. But she wasn’t fretting about finding ‘the one.’ She was teaching women how to stand on their own two feet and enjoy their independence — and this was in the 1930s. An editor at Vogue, Marjorie enjoyed living by herself, living by her own rules, and she wrote several guidebooks, including How to Live Alone and Like It, for women joining the workforce during the Depression. Present-day autho
From Grape Picker to Vineyard Owner: An Interview with Amelia Ceja
When flames were scorching the Napa and Sonoma Valley wine regions in October, vineyard owner Amelia Ceja was speaking up for the California farm workers she saw picking grapes in the smoke. Amelia is the first Mexican-American woman ever elected president of a winery, and she was once a farm worker herself. Amelia immigrated to America in 1967. Her father had come a few years earlier as part of an agreement between the United States and Mexico, which sent millions of laborers north of the bor
Slovenia Guide: Traveling to Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Beyond
Have you ever seen a photo so beautiful, you thought, “I’m going here.” I feel that way about Lake Bled in Slovenia, which is one of the six former socialist republics of Yugoslavia. This summer I traveled through a few of those other countries: Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Montegro, but I ran out of time to see Slovenia. Now I’m kicking myself because, increasingly, stunning photos of this hidden gem are cropping up everywhere. That’s it. In 2018, I’m making a trip happen! So I called up Slov
What to Eat in Istanbul and Beyond
After last week’s conversation with Artful Baker author Cenk Sönmezsoy, I wanted to dive a little deeper into Turkish food, so I contacted Robyn Eckhart, author of the new book: Istanbul and Beyond, named one of this fall’s top 10 cookbooks by Publisher’s Weekly. Robyn writes about food and travel in Asia and Europe for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Lonely Planet, and other publications. She also publishes the award-winning food blog EatingAsia with her husband, photographer David
Turkish Delight: An Interview with Artful Baker Author Cenk Sönmezsoy
Happy Thanksgiving to all the American listeners! If you haven’t made dessert yet, check out The Artful Baker, the most luscious baking book you’ll ever feast your eyes on. In today’s episode, I talk to its author, Cenk Sönmezsoy, an award-winning blogger, photographer, and food stylist based in İstanbul. We chat about the success of his 11-year-old food blog, Cafe Fernando; why he’s obsessed with the Golden Girls; Dolce & Gabbana requesting a brownie recipe; travel inspirations; foods yo
Hipster London: An Interview with Emoji Expert Jeremy Burge
We’re exploring hipster London with Jeremy Burge. Since moving to London from Australia a few years ago, Jeremy has turned a side-project creating an emoji dictionary into a full-time career. Today, Emojipedia gets about 25 million visits a month 🎉 Jeremy’s part of the secret squad that makes the rules about which emojis are available to us. We have a fun conversation about the evolution of emojis, and World Emoji Day 📅, which he invented (this year the Empire State Building’s lights turned
Paris Travel: Insider Advice on the Best Dining, Drinks, and Shopping
Bestselling author and Paris resident Lindsey Tramuta says that for a time, Paris had become prisoner to its own grand history. While chefs and artists in other countries innovated, Paris rested on its laurels, serving up mediocre food and experiences to tourists seeking a cliche. In this episode of the Postcard Academy, I talk to Lindsey about her book, ‘The New Paris.’ 🇫🇷 Lindsey’s book champions the creative class that’s rejecting complacency. Inspired by the creativity they see in other c
What to Eat in Rome: A Fascinating History of Italian Cuisine
When in Rome, of course you need to order pasta and pizza. But there’s also street food and a blossoming cocktail culture to try. Food and drink expert Katie Parla, a Jersey girl based in Rome, provides a fascinating crash course on the history of Roman cuisine in her cookbook Tasting Rome. On this episode, Katie explains Rome’s rich culinary history, and shares insider advice on what to eat in Rome, as well as where to find the best dishes. Links to everything we discussed can be found on po
How to Find the Cheapest Flights and Travel Deals
At 18, Cristal Dyer left Australia on her first solo trip, venturing to South America where she volunteered for a year. Since then, she's become a full-time traveler. She shared her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and other travel deals with the Postcard Academy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to find and take advantage of error fares (and what these mistake fares actually are); the best sites to find cheap airfare; where to book accommodation to rack up free nights; ideas to
Traveling to Dublin: What to Do, Eat, Buy (and Drink!)
For years, Dublin’s Irish charm kept tempting back Italian freelance food journalist Veruska Anconitano. First she stayed for a few days, then a week, a month. Finally, in 2007 she and her husband left Rome permanently to live in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. In this episode of the Postcard Academy, we hear Veruska's top insider recommendations on what to do in Dublin, as well as where to eat, shop, and go out at night when you travel to Dublin. Links to all of Veruska’s Irish favorit
Introducing the Postcard Academy Travel & Culture Podcast
Welcome to the Postcard Academy Each week, I feature people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world 🌎 You'll learn how they did it, and get insider access to the best food, culture, and travel recommendations from expats, authors, and other adventurous souls around the globe 🍴 💃 You'll also discover travel hacks to find cheap flights and travel deals, and hear personal expat stories that offer guidance on how to live, work, volunteer, and trav