💕 In this Episode we get real about how our relationships have shifted since moving abroad.

From intimacy and gift-giving to figuring out who settled in first (and who’s still finding their groove), we talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between. It’s an honest convo about love, growth, and what it’s really like building a life together in a new place.

In this episode of the Hold To Talk podcast, we try something different, interviewing our family members, we welcome our niece Libby to introduce the episode.

We then welcome our older sister and mum onto the podcast, to discuss how they feel about being the ones we left behind.

The conversation flows from introductions to deeper discussions about maintaining relationships across distances, with lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout.

In this heartfelt episode of Hold to Talk, we open up about the often unspoken side of expat life—homesickness.

From the heartache of missing aging parents to the loss of a beloved family pet, we share honest stories about love, loss, and the bittersweet goodbyes that come with living far from home.

The conversation dives into cultural differences, the role of technology in staying connected, and how distance reshapes relationships over time.

With warmth and candor, we reflect on what it means to embrace change, honour family ties, and find strength in new chapters abroad.

Whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or simply someone who’s ever missed home, this episode will resonate.

#expats #homesickness #movingabroad #movingtoportugal

🌍 In this mini episode, we answer the big questions many expats and traveler's wrestle with: Would you move abroad again? And just as importantly, would you ever move back home?

We reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons learned from living overseas, and explore what really shapes the decision to stay, return, or start fresh in a new country.

In this episode of the Hold to Talk podcast, we delve into the complexities of making friends as adults, especially after relocating to a new country.

We discuss the emotional challenges, the importance of deep connections, and how technology, like friendship apps, can aid in finding new friends.

The conversation highlights personal experiences, cultural differences, and the evolving nature of friendships over time.

Our Takeaways

• Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially after moving to a new country.
• School and work environments provide natural opportunities for socialising that are often missing in adulthood.
• Maintaining long-distance friendships requires effort and prioritisation.
• Friendship dynamics change when you relocate, leading to a reevaluation of existing relationships.
• Using technology, such as friendship apps, can help in finding new connections.
• It's important to seek deep, meaningful friendships rather than superficial acquaintances.
• Cultural differences can impact how friendships are formed and maintained.
• Personal experiences of anxiety and vulnerability play a significant role in making new friends.
• Understanding one's own social needs is crucial in navigating friendships.
• Friendships can evolve, and it's okay to let go of connections that no longer serve you.

#adultfriendships #makingfriends #socialconnections #movingabroad #technologyinfriendships #emotionalconnections #friendshipchallenges #culturaldifferences #personalgrowth #socialanxiety

You asked. We listened. Introducing our brand-new mini-series—where we dive into real questions from YOU, the Hold to Talk family.

Our pilot? A standout from Stacy, who asked whether our initial impressions of life abroad were actually true.

Ready for our honest take on preconceptions versus reality?

Drop your burning questions in the comments—seriously, we can’t wait to answer them in upcoming episodes.

Catch the full mini-episode now—follow, rate, and share to help us keep this going. And don’t forget: the next full episode drops Tuesday 19th!

#BritsAbroad #YouAskedWeAnswer #ExpatLife #MoveMyths #HoldToTalk

NEW EPISODE OUT EVERY TUESDAY

In this episode, we dive into the quirks and surprises of life in the USA and Portugal.

From navigating driving rules and tipping customs to deciphering bureaucracy and social habits, we share our firsthand experiences.

Plus, in our "Voice Notes from the Week" segment, we recount the moments that truly made us say, start this Podcast.

Whether you're an expat, a dreamer, or just curious about life abroad, join us for a candid and humorous look at the highs and lows of cultural adaptation.

Takeaways

• Culture shock is a real experience for expats.
• The 4th of July is a significant celebration in the US.
• Patriotism in the US is much more visible than in the UK.
• Halloween and Thanksgiving are celebrated on a larger scale in the US.
• The mindset in the US tends to be more optimistic than in the UK.
• Portugal's culture promotes a slower pace of life.
• Service and tipping culture in the US is unique and often overwhelming.
• Bureaucracy can be challenging for expats in Portugal.
• Healthcare experiences can vary significantly between countries.
• Cultural differences can lead to surprising realizations and adaptations. Driving regulations vary significantly between countries.
• Healthcare experiences can differ greatly based on location and insurance plans.
• Cultural norms around childcare can be vastly different.
• School safety drills are a reality in the US that many find concerning.
• Embracing cultural differences can lead to a richer experience abroad.
• Bureaucratic processes can be frustrating for expatriates.
• Healthcare in the US can be exceptional if one has a good plan.
• Cultural adaptation requires openness and willingness to learn.
• The impact of gun culture on schools is a significant concern for parents.

NEW EPISODE OUT EVERY TUESDAY

Dive into the pilot of Hold to Talk—where sisters span geographies and cultures collide.

In this inaugural episode, we introduce ourselves, explain why each of us moved to the USA and Portugal, and set the tone with our trademark blend of sister banter, honesty, and big emotions.

From the initial culture shock and that one moment that had us gasping, to our first-week surprises and the “Would Mum & Dad Approve?” segment—where we laugh about early missteps that only family can forgive—this episode is all about grounding you in who we are and what to expect. T

hink of it as your emotional welcome to our world: heartfelt, raw, and filled with laughs. Whether you're an expat, a daydreamer, or just love honest stories, you're in the right seat. Stick around—we’re just getting started.

Takeaways -

• We are sisters, each one of four sisters.
• We decided to do an actual podcast to share our experiences.
• Juliette started her TikTok to document her move to Boston.
• There was a lack of information available for people moving abroad.
• Juliette was shocked at how much she loved living in Boston.
• Abbie felt a strong sense of community support during emergencies.
• Parental approval can weigh heavily on decisions to move abroad.
• Cultural adjustments can be both exciting and daunting.
• Building connections in a new country can be challenging.
• The journey of moving abroad is not always smooth sailing.

Follow their journey on TikTok: @julietteamie (Brit living in USA) and @potteringaroundportugal (Brit living in Algarve).