Armchair Expat

How NOT to Retire Abroad: One Couple’s Story of Moving to Portugal

In this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Dawn — better known as The Unretirees — who traded their big-city grind for a brand-new life on Portugal’s Silver Coast. We talk about how they sold almost everything they owned, why the pandemic was a turning point, and what made Portugal the obvious choice (spoiler: fast-track citizenship and serious beach vibes helped).
We get into the real talk about integration challenges, why expat groups are a double-edged sword, and what you must know about taxes and healthcare before considering moving abroad. Plus, Matt and Dawn share how they’re helping other midlife adventurers turn career expertise into online income — and why starting small could be your ticket to freedom.
Takeaways:
They downsized their entire life to chase a long-held dream of living abroad.
Portugal stood out for its fast-track citizenship, lower cost of living, and overall safety.
Language barriers and cultural differences are real — but kindness and persistence make all the difference.
Expat groups can offer support but aren't a substitute for truly integrating.
Turning midlife expertise into online income is possible — even if you don't feel like an "expert."
Moving abroad is about running toward the life you want, not away from the one you had.
Connect with Dawn & Matt
YouTube Channel
Moving to Portugal Course (Affiliate link)
 
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
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If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
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If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

Doing Italy: Life Lessons from a Female Founder with Thea Duncan

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advice for those looking to relocate to Italy, including visa options and common mistakes to avoid. The discussion also highlights the importance of building community and integrating into Italian society. In this conversation, Thea shares her experiences of living in Italy, discussing cultural identity, parenting, and the nuances of the Italian real estate market. She reflects on her journey as a Black woman in Italy, the joys and challenges of raising a child in a different culture, and the complexities of buying property as an expatriate. Thea emphasizes the importance of curiosity, community, and taking small steps towards change, encouraging listeners to embrace their fears and pursue their dreams of living abroad.
Takeaways
Intuition is a powerful compass.Thea followed inner nudges—not a master plan—and built a life in Italy because of it.
You do need a visa to move to Italy.From student to digital nomad, understanding your options is essential.
Speaking Italian matters.Language skills aren’t just helpful—they’re often necessary for work and connection.
The job market isn’t like the U.S.Lower salaries, but higher stability—know what you’re walking into.
Buying property won’t get you residency.Italy isn’t a “buy to stay” country. Don’t fall for the myth.
Community is everything.From expat groups to local cafés, showing up with curiosity opens doors.
Raising kids in Italy is beautifully communal.From pregnancy perks to pesto made by Nona—Italy moms differently.
Fear fades when you take the next right step.Thea’s advice? Don’t wait for certainty. Start with action.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thea's Journey
01:19 Discovering Italy: A Love Story
06:03 Intuition and Life Decisions
11:44 Starting 'Doing Italy' During COVID
15:08 Navigating the Path to Italy
16:13 Visa Options for Moving to Italy
23:42 Common Mistakes When Moving to Italy
29:40 Building Community in Italy
34:39 Cultural Curiosity and Identity in Italy
37:15 Raising a Child in Italy: A Personal Journey
44:01 Navigating the Italian Real Estate Market
56:28 Embracing Change: Moving to Italy and Overcoming Fear
 
Connect with Thea
Website: https://www.doingitaly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitaly/
 
Books Referenced:
Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline Myss
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
 
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
ENTER REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews
 
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

How to Move Abroad (Without Forcing It): The Power of Intuition & Divine Timing with Nicolle

What if your next big move—whether it’s across the world or deep within—wasn’t about figuring it out, but about feeling it through?
In this episode, Shannon sits down with Nicolle Merrilyne, a Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, and Meditation Teacher who recently left California to follow her intuition—and her spirit guides—all the way to Spain.
Together, they explore how grounding, energy healing, and intuitive guidance can shape a life abroad and support personal growth along the way. Nicolle shares her own spiritual awakening, her unexpected path into intuitive healing during the pandemic, and what it really felt like to move abroad with no backup plan—just trust.
You’ll hear how to:
Use meditation to sharpen your intuition
Protect your energy while adjusting to expat life
Recognize when a past life might be influencing your present
Build community with intention, wherever you are
This one is part spiritual toolkit, part expat story, and full of insights for anyone feeling that soul-nudge to leap—whether it’s across oceans or into the unknown.
TimeStamps:
00:00 – Grounding for Clarity
04:59 – Nicolle's Journey to Intuition
09:57 – The Leap to Spain
14:57 – Navigating New Beginnings
19:51 – Understanding Intuition
24:58 – Meditation and Intuition Development
29:52 – Energy Healing Explained
34:55 – Protecting Your Energy
35:09 – Communicating with Spirit Guides
39:32 – Building a Spiritual Community
43:33 – Exploring Past Lives and Ancestral Connections
48:00 – Navigating Community in New Places
52:18 – Taking the Leap to Move Abroad
57:42 – Trusting Your Intuition in Big Decisions
Connect with Nicolle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicollemerrilyne/
Rise Membership:  https://risebynicollemerrilyne.my.canva.site/join-rise
 
EPISODE SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by International Living — trusted since 1979 to help people like you live better, spend less, and move smartly overseas. Big thanks to International Living for supporting Armchair Expat, and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!
 
ABOUT US
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
 
PSST! You Could Win a $100 (USD) Amazon Gift Card 
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We’re on a mission to reach 100 reviews on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To celebrate, we’re giving away a $100 (USD) Amazon gift card to one lucky listener when we hit the milestone.
How to enter:
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts &/or Spotify.
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Fill out this quick form so we know how to reach you.
Once we hit 100 reviews on both platforms, we’ll draw one winner to receive a $100 (USD) Amazon gift card.
 
Call for Sponsors
If you're interested in partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

Astrocartography 101: Finding the Best Place to Live, Love & Thrive with Helena Woods

What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive?
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”.
 
They dive into why where you are matters, and how planetary lines can influence everything from career clarity to finding “the one.”
 
Helena shares how trusting her gut (and the stars) led her to a life-changing move abroad—and how you can use your unique astro-map to make bold, aligned decisions.
 
From relocation timing tips to the surprising magic of remote activation, this convo covers what most people get wrong about astrology, what not to do on your Mars line, and how moving abroad can crack you wide open in all the right ways.
 
Whether you're craving a fresh start, seeking your soul city, or just tired of forcing it where you are—this episode will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about moving.
 
Takeaways
Astro cartography reveals the energy and stories of different locations.
Trusting your intuition is key to personal growth.
Jupiter and Venus lines are the most beneficial for relocation.
Uranus lines can bring chaos and instability.
Timing is crucial when planning travel or relocation.
Your birth chart influences your experiences in different places.
Small daily habits can strengthen your intuition.
Astro cartography can help find love and career opportunities.
You can still benefit from astro cartography even if you live far from a line.
Listening to your inner voice can lead to fulfilling life choices. Solar Fire is recommended for astro photography software.
Venus and Jupiter descendant lines are ideal for partnerships.
Sun Ascendant lines provide clarity on purpose.
IC lines are important for home and family considerations.
Remote activation allows energy connection from a distance.
Hiring decisions should consider astro compatibility.
Pluto lines can have positive experiences contrary to popular belief.
Family dynamics should be assessed through astro mapping.
Travel experiences can reveal personal growth and challenges.
Eclipse season brings significant global shifts and personal reflections.
Connect with Helena
Instagram
Website: https://helenawoods.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenawoods
 
Resource Links
Free Astrocartography Cheat Sheet: https://helenawoods.com/cheatsheet
GTFO Workshop: https://helenawoods.com/gtfo
Other Courses: helenawoods.com/courses
Book a Reading with Helena: https://helenawoods.com/readings
Reader Directory: helenawoods.com/directory
 
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our free E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

How to Move Abroad At Any Age with Cepee Tabibian

In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a successful transition. Plus, Cepee shares inspiring refresh stories from women in her network and practical advice for anyone dreaming of a bold new chapter abroad.
Key Takeaways
Cepee's background as a child of immigrants shaped her desire for freedom.
Her early career was marked by job hopping and a quest for meaningful work.
The importance of community in the process of moving abroad.
Remote work opportunities have changed the landscape for expats.
Scouting trips are essential for making informed decisions about moving.
Albania is an emerging destination for Americans looking to move abroad.
Women over 30 often feel it's too late to make a big life change.
Success stories from the She Hit Refresh community inspire others to take the leap.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming. 
Where to Find Cepee:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehitrefresh
Move Abroad Masterclass affiliate link:
https://shehitrefresh.kartra.com/affiliates/411713
Refresher’s Lounge Waitlist: https://www.shehitrefreshacademy.com/loungewaitlist
She Hit Refresh Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh
She Hit Refresh Podcast: https://shehitrefresh.com/category/podcast/
She Hit Refresh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHitRefresh
Resources/Links
Home Exchange (affiliate): https://spn.so/digk6ev9
Trusted Housesitters affiliate link (Use our code BHA25 for 25% off membership): trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/POzVMY
Host a Sister Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hostasister
Sabbatical Homes: https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com
About the Podcast
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Huntress of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

Wanna Move Abroad? Your Exit Strategy Starts Here with Jen Barnett

Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi.
Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, the surprises and challenges of settling into a new country, and the reality of building a business abroad. From housing headaches to hugs at Costco, this episode is packed with both inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering life beyond U.S. borders.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the decision to move abroad often starts with values and lifestyle
What it takes to relocate
The surprising struggles (and wins) of finding housing abroad
How Expatsi is helping people find & explore their best-fit countries
The stages of moving abroad—and why the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming
Resources & Links:
Wondering where should you move? Take the Expatsi test: https://www.expatsi.com
Learn more about Move Abroad Con taking place in May 2025 in San Antonio, TX. And save 10% off convention tickets with code ARMCHAIR
Join the Expatsi Membership - Apply discount code ARMCHAIR to save 35% off the first month of membership)
Connect with Jen Barnett:
Website: https://expatsi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expatsi
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, Founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com
Enjoy this episode? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming your way.
Until next time… remember: the adventure starts right from your armchair.

Armchair Expat Promo

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