Armchair Expat - a Bargain Homes Abroad Production

MOVING TO PORTUGAL: Real Estate, Residency & the Golden Visa with Erin Charlotte

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal.
Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the creation of her thriving real estate business. From navigating cultural quirks and bureaucratic slowdowns to explaining Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program, Erin offers expert insight and candid advice for anyone dreaming of a slower, sunnier life abroad.
Whether you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, pursue European residency, or just want to understand the landscape, this episode is packed with value.
Topics We Cover:
Erin’s path from Minnesota to Lisbon — and the lemon tree that started it all
The realities of buying real estate in Portugal (and how it differs from the U.S.)
What Americans need to know about property taxes, financing, and open listings
Portugal’s 2025 Golden Visa: what’s changed and how it works now
Why the North of Portugal and Costa da Caparica are emerging hotspots
Cultural quirks: rule-following, relaxed customer service, and learning to slow down
Starting a business in Portugal — and the services expats are craving
Advice for building a location-independent business or personal brand abroad
How to roll over your 401(k) into a qualifying Golden Visa investment
Tips for anyone “on the fence” about making the move
CONNECT WITH ERIN
Instagram
EPISODE SPONSOR
Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com
 
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.
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

FLOURISHING IN SPAIN: Christine Job on Finding Home, Purpose & Herself Abroad

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Christine Job, J.D.—an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and creator of the acclaimed podcast Flourish in the Foreign. Christine shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from Atlanta to Spain, detailing the burnout that led her to take a sabbatical, the unexpected magic of walking the Camino de Santiago, and how Spain became the place where she found clarity, community, and creative freedom.
We explore the cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain, especially around work, rest, and wellness—and how living abroad can be both a mirror and a catalyst for personal growth. Christine also talks about the power of storytelling, the evolution of her podcast, and her upcoming book exploring Blackness, womanhood, migration, and wellness.
If you’re navigating expat life, dreaming of moving abroad, or rethinking your relationship to work and wellness, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and grounded.
Topics We Cover:
Burnout, sabbaticals, and starting over abroad
The Camino de Santiago and its impact on personal clarity
Spain’s culture of intentional living and community
Rethinking work, money, and wellness outside the U.S.
Creating Flourish in the Foreign as a platform for Black women’s expat stories
Migration as a form of identity expansion and self-discovery
How to know if you’re ready for life abroad
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE
Website
Substack
Podcast episode mentioned
 
EPISODE SPONSOR
Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com
 
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
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 THE REVIEW CONTEST
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

FRANCE CHOSE HER: Moving to France with Purpose and Passion with Jeannette Ceja

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Jeannette Ceja, an award-winning bilingual travel journalist, international speaker, and fierce advocate for women and Latinos in travel.
From her earliest passport stamp at 9 months old to speaking on stages around the world, Jeannette has built a career fueled by curiosity, courage, and connection. Now living in the south of France, she shares how she followed her intuition (and a few astrological nudges) to make the leap and relocate abroad.
This is a story of reinvention, purpose, and saying yes to the life that’s calling you.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Jeannette’s childhood trips to Mexico sparked a lifelong love of travel
Why a pivotal trip to Europe at age 15 lit the flame for her future in France
Her move from California to Provence—and the moment she knew France was home
How pursuing a Master's in International Relations was her ticket to move to France
How she’s navigated people-pleasing, fear of success, and stepping fully into her worth
Her take on the power of representation in travel and media
Favorite tools and practices for inner healing, intuition, and staying aligned while abroad
Whether you're dreaming of a move to France or just looking for inspiration to trust your own path, this episode is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and contagious joy.
CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE
Instagram
Website
 
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
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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
 

MANIFESTING A MOVE ABROAD: How Ziza Manifested Her Move to Italy

In this episode of Armchair Expat, I sit down with freelance writer and editor Nicole “Ziza” Bauer, who shares her journey of moving to Italy and building a new life abroad.
Ziza talks about the lifelong dream that led her to Italy, her experience navigating the dual citizenship process, and how she used manifestation, intuition, and practical planning to make her move happen. We dig into the logistics of moving abroad as well as the mindset shifts, identity changes, and moments of trust that unfold along the way.
Whether you're looking to move to Italy, become a freelancer abroad, or simply curious about how to live and work in Italy, this conversation covers it all.
Ziza’s story is both inspiring and grounding—a reminder that moving to Europe isn’t always quick or easy, but it is possible with clarity, persistence, and trust in your own timeline.
CONNECT WITH ZIZA
Instagram
Substack
LEARN MORE ABOUT TO BE MAGNETIC (TBM)
Website
The Expanded Podcast
 
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
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 THE REVIEW CONTEST
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 Prepare for a Successful Move Abroad: A psychologist’s take on navigating fear, family dynamics, and the unknown with Dr. Colleen Crowley

Today’s guest brings both heartfelt wisdom and hard-won experience to one of life’s biggest transitions: moving abroad.
Dr. Colleen Crowley is a psychologist, expat, and global traveler who has spent the last 30 years living around the world—while also raising a family and supporting others through major life changes. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience, she now helps individuals and families navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of starting a new life overseas.
In this episode, Dr. Crowley shares her personal journey from California to Spain with her children, her mother, and the family dog, as well as the mindset shifts that made it possible. We talk about the realities of expat life beyond the Instagram highlights: the identity changes, the emotional toll, and the surprising growth that can come from doing something bold and unfamiliar.
We cover:
What it takes to emotionally prepare for an international move
How to manage fear, uncertainty, and big emotions
Tips for moving as a family
The power of community, communication, and mindset
Why living abroad can be both transformative and healing
If you’ve been dreaming of life abroad but feel overwhelmed by the unknowns, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and inspired to take the next step.
CONNECT WITH DR COLLEEN CROWLEY
Website
Grab her workbook here
 
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
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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.
ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST
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

She Thrives Abroad: From Fear to Freedom Abroad with Lauren McDonnell

Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from the U.S. to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's move abroad, the extensive research and planning involved, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture. She discusses the importance of safety, quality of life, and education for her children, as well as the unique aspects of living in the Netherlands, including the housing market, cost of living, and community integration. Lauren also discusses her long-distance relationship with her wife and offers advice for others considering a similar path.
 
CONNECT WITH LAUREN
Instagram
Website
 
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 THE REVIEW CONTEST
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

Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community.
Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurdles he faced while purchasing a property and the ongoing renovation challenges, all while emphasizing the importance of community connection in his new life abroad.
In this conversation, Dan shares his experiences of living and renovating a property in Italy, emphasizing the importance of hiring an architect, understanding the true costs of property acquisition, and the unique lifestyle in a small Italian town. He discusses healthcare, the cost of living, tax incentives for residents, and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy. Dan also reflects on cultural adjustments and the joys of traveling across Europe, offering advice for those considering a move abroad.
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 From Corporate Life to Italian Dreams
03:05 The Journey to Finding Home
06:12 Cultural Immersion and Community Connection
09:00 Navigating the Visa Process
12:06 The Search for a Home in Italy
15:09 Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
17:47 Renovation Challenges and Community Life
30:01 The Role of Architects in Italian Renovations
33:28 Cost Considerations in Property Acquisition
37:27 Living in a Small Italian Town
40:02 Healthcare in Italy: A Personal Experience
44:02 Climate and Daily Life in Basilicata
45:04 Cost of Living Comparison: Italy vs. the US
47:22 Tax Incentives for Residents in Southern Italy
49:00 Navigating Bureaucracy: Driving and Residency
51:03 Cultural Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
55:03 Traveling Across Europe from Italy
56:37 Advice for Those Considering Moving Abroad
CONNECT WITH DAN
Instagram
***
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. Their guidance has helped thousands find their perfect corner of the world—from coastal Portugal to mountain villages in Mexico.
Right now, they’re offering listeners a special freebie: when you sign up for their daily postcard e-letter, you’ll get a sneak peek in their brand-new book European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55
Check out your free chapter: The Loophole That Allows You to Live in Europe 360 Days a Year Without a Visa
Sign up here to grab your free chapter: https://intliving.com/eu360 
Big thanks to International Living for supporting the show—and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!
***
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 THE 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

Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language learning, the pursuit of citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of expat life, particularly for families, and offers valuable insights for those considering a similar move. In this conversation, Allison shares her experiences and insights about moving to Portugal, including navigating healthcare, creating resources for newcomers, and the importance of personal growth. She discusses her projects aimed at helping others settle in Portugal, the challenges of finding housing, and the emotional journey of relocating abroad. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, reliable resources, and the transformative power of embracing change.
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Allison's Journey
01:11 The Decision to Move Abroad
03:09 Researching the Move to Portugal
05:01 Planning the Move and Choosing a Location
08:29 Moving with Children: Challenges and Advice
11:45 Choosing the Right School for Kids
13:38 Building Community in a New Country
16:47 Personal Challenges of Living Abroad
19:08 Pursuing Citizenship in Portugal
21:03 Navigating American Identity Abroad
22:41 Daily Life in Portugal: A New Routine
27:25 Navigating Trust in Healthcare and Services
28:41 Creating Resources for Moving to Portugal
32:10 Connecting People with Reliable Resources
33:29 Hands-On Support for New Arrivals
35:02 Understanding Visa Requirements and Housing
37:22 Tips for Finding a Place to Live
42:10 Personal Growth and Renovating Life
50:11 Embracing Change and Moving Abroad
 
CONNECT WITH ALLISON
Instagram
Website
 
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 THE REVIEW CONTEST
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

Move Overseas Now: Real Talk on Visas, Mindset & Building a Life Abroad with Shawna Lum

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping others move abroad. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her love for the European lifestyle, and the creation of her business, Move Overseas Now, which assists Americans in relocating to Europe. Shawna provides valuable insights into visa options, healthcare in Europe, and practical tips for those considering a move abroad. She emphasizes the importance of community and mindset in pursuing one's dreams.
 
🚨 Don’t Miss Shawna’s Free Abroad in a Year MasterclassHappening June 7th, this live session walks you through the exact steps to start planning your move to Europe. Sign up here for free
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:50 The Journey to Spain and Corporate Life
07:11 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship
09:57 Creating Move Overseas Now
13:11 Advice for Aspiring Expats
15:57 Visa Options for Moving to Europe
18:55 Exploring Other Countries and Their Visa Options
28:23 Exploring Residency Options in Latin America
33:08 Navigating Residency in France
38:30 Understanding Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
40:27 Healthcare Insights for Expats
47:02 Resources for Moving Abroad
49:18 Mindset Shifts for Relocation
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWNA
Instagram
 
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 THE REVIEW CONTEST
 
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

Reinventing Life and Work in France with Andrew Guck

In this episode, guest Andrew Guck shares his remarkable journey from upstate New York to building a life in southern France, where he’s lived for over a decade. What began with a casual interest in French class—and a long-lost crush—eventually led to a love story, a spontaneous elopement, and a bold move abroad.
Andrew opens up about the cultural differences he encountered, especially the French approach to communication, debate, and saying “non.” He reflects on how these challenges reshaped his worldview and taught him to slow down, set boundaries, and trust his intuition.
We talk about the foods he still misses from America, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and how he went from odd jobs to a successful career in real estate. Along the way, Andrew offers candid, heartfelt advice for anyone dreaming of making a big leap—emphasizing the power of passion, flexibility, and following the signs (even when they don’t make sense at first).
Whether you're curious about expat life, craving a career pivot, or just love a good origin story—this conversation will inspire you to trust your gut and chase the life that’s calling.
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Background
11:32 Journey to France and Love Story
18:06 Life in France: Reality vs. Expectations
28:48 Cultural Differences and Adaptation
33:35 Navigating No: Understanding Rejection and Opportunity
34:52 Cultural Differences: The Pace of Life in France vs. America
36:05 Missing Home: Food and Traditions from America
38:35 Career Challenges: Finding Work as a Foreigner in France
44:22 The Evolution of Remote Work: A Personal Journey
46:03 Embracing Change: From Yoga to Real Estate
57:51 Advice for Expats: Following Your Heart in New Adventures
 
CONNECT WITH ANDREW
YouTube
Facebook
******
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. Their guidance has helped thousands find their perfect corner of the world—from coastal Portugal to mountain villages in Mexico.
Right now, they’re offering listeners a special freebie: when you sign up for their daily postcard e-letter, you’ll get a sneak peek in their brand-new book European Living: The Complete Manual for Americans Over 55— check out your free chapter: The Loophole That Allows You to Live in Europe 360 Days a Year Without a Visa
Sign up here to grab your free chapter: https://intliving.com/eulive
Big thanks to International Living for supporting the show—and for inspiring so many of us to think beyond borders!
******
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 THE 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