How can animated characters teach kids about kindness, inclusion, and climate change? What do a hard-of-hearing whale and a finger-spelling hermit crab have to do with ocean conservation and environmental conservation?

In this episode of The Expat Experience, host Robert DeForge welcomes author and sign language interpreter Marianne Ambrose, whose Acts of Kindness Book Series blends storytelling, deaf advocacy, and real-world issues like bullying, clean oceans, and climate change. Inspired by her experiences sailing in Hawaii and practicing meditation, Marianne’s work features animated characters, puppets, and music to educate children on pressing social issues. Through her focus on education, inclusion, and creativity, she demonstrates how everyday acts of kindness can empower young people and create a lasting global impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Intro: Meet Marianne
• (02:15)How guided meditation and ocean pollution near her sailboat in Hawaii inspired Underwater Acts of Kindness
• (06:06) Creating themed books: Rabbit Acts of Kindness, Righteous Acts of Kindness, and Cool Acts of Kindness for Climate Change
• (11:19) Marianne’s mission to spread kindness through storytelling, animation, and deaf advocacy
• (13:30) Tackling bullying, hearing loss, climate change, and clean water through sign language and quirky characters in her animated stories
• (16:30) How listeners can incorporate kindness into their daily lives, and a look ahead at the future of the book series

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Acts of Kindness book series uses animation, puppetry, and storytelling to educate readers about environmental and social issues. Marianne’s characters, like Noaah the hard-of-hearing whale and Dr. Fingers the finger-spelling hermit crab, teach children sign language while promoting inclusion, empathy, and ocean conservation.
• Inspired by her time as a sailor and sign language interpreter, Marianne raises awareness of issues like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, bullying, and hearing loss. Through creativity and compassion, her mission is to make acts of kindness a part of everyday life and inspire a global movement for change.
• Her educational tools—used in Hawaii’s schools and deaf communities—include coloring books, clean water units, and puppets, all supported by grants like one from the Awesome Foundation.

RESOURCES:

Expat Experience - Podcast

Robert DeForge - LinkedIn

DeForge Realty Group - Website

Marianne L. Ambrose - LinkedIn

Underwater Acts of Kindness (Acts of Kindness Book Series)

Rabbit Acts of Kindness - No Bully (Acts of Kindness Book...

Ready to escape to a sun-soaked paradise? Curious about a vibrant expat lifestyle? Would you love to live in a relaxed, welcoming community? Join host Robert DeForge on the Expat Experience as he chats with Tim Walker about thriving in San Carlos, Mexico! Discover a unique blend of desert, mountains, and sea that shapes a relaxed, community-driven lifestyle, from the festive, Mexican-friendly culture rich in celebration, food, and family, to the rapid growth fueling San Carlos’ popularity.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Introduction: Meet Tim Walker
• (01:12) Tim shares his journey from Venezuela to San Carlos
• (03:18) The friendly culture and landscape of San Carlos
• (05:55) The Mexican culture features family-friendly festivities
• (08:29) Tim comments on the population growth of San Carlos and the diverse entertainment options
• (11:40) It is easy to find a short or long-term rental , and Tim talks about how everyday life is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• San Carlos offers a harmonious blend of desert, mountains, and sea, creating a unique physical and cultural environment that fosters a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle distinct from more regulated North American settings.
• The Mexican community in San Carlos is characterized by a love for celebration, food, family, and friendship, with frequent festivities showcasing a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
• Rapid construction and population growth reflect San Carlos' increasing popularity. Diverse activities like boating, hiking, and sports, alongside a welcoming expat and local community, make it an attractive destination for relocation.

RESOURCES:

Expat Experience - Podcast

Robert DeForge - LinkedIn

DeForge Realty Group- Website

KEYWORDS: San Carlos, Mexico, Friendly Culture, Relaxed Welcoming Community, Mexico Living, Expat, Relocation, Community, Culture, Fiesta, Construction, Beach, Mountains, Desert, Freedom, Lifestyle, Food, Family, Friendship, Pickleball, Tennis, Economy, Happiness, Robert DeForge, Vive Real Estate, Paradise, desert, mountains, and sea, family-friendly festivities, rental properties, real estate, Move to Mexico, boating, hiking, sports, Traveling, Getaway, Vacation, real estate investing, moving to mexico, living in mexico

Today, real estate expert Robert DeForge explores the vibrant sailing lifestyle in San Carlos, Mexico, with sailors Peggy and Steve Leonard. Peggy and Steve share their sailing journey and what led them to settle in the tight-knit San Carlos Community. From navigating Mexico’s coasts to embracing the community’s charm, this episode dives into affordable living and the joys of expat life in San Carlos, Mexico. Tune in to this episode of the Expat Experience podcast for an inspiring look at sailing and the community in Mexico!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:13) Peggy and Steve discuss how they got involved with sailing, and onboard safety
• (11:35) The Leonards share the ports they have sailed to throughout Mexico and activities they’ve enjoyed
• (17:26) What ultimately led Steve and Peggy to purchase a home in San Carlos, Mexico
• (25:00) Peggy and Steve discuss renting their home and transitioning to a permanent residency from the sailing lifestyle
• (31:47) What changes have occurred since they moved to San Carlos

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• San Carlos, Mexico, offers unique opportunities for owning waterfront property in addition to the deep water port, making it a haven for sailing enthusiasts.
• The close-knit San Carlos Community fosters strong bonds through activities like pickleball and sailing. Living in Mexico is more affordable than living in the United States.
• The proximity to the U.S. border supports a sailing lifestyle in San Carlos, Mexico, with easy cross-border access for items unavailable in Mexico.

RESOURCES:

Expat Experience - Podcast

Robert DeForge - LinkedIn

Vive Real Estate - Website

Sailing, San Carlos, Mexico, Expat Life, Community, Waterfront Property, Real Estate, Travel Trailer, Storage Solutions, Pickleball, Community, Moving to Mexico, Affordability, Marina, Beach Activities, Cross-Border Commuting, Sailors, Sailboat Living, Affordable City, Cost of Living, Coastal Adventures, Coastal Exploration