Some people seem to glow in this lifestyle, no matter the posting, the upheaval, or the uncertainty. Giulia is one of those people. With multiple relocations, drawdowns, representational roles, motherhood across continents, and an evolving career, she has not only navigated diplomatic life… she has thrived in it.

In this episode, we explore the “magic formula” behind how she does it:

- How Giulia maintained her sense of identity while supporting a partner’s career

- How she navigates raising children across borders.

- The boundaries and daily practices, rituals, and choices that keep her grounded, confident, and connected

-AND most importantly what her one magic ingredient is to thrive in this lifestyle

This episode is a warm, honest look into what it really takes to flourish as a diplomatic spouse.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Moving to a new country can make you feel like you’ve been dropped into someone else’s life overnight. In those early months, everything is unfamiliar and yet, one of the biggest determinants of your wellbeing is also the hardest to prioritise: friendship.

As adults, making friends isn’t effortless anymore. It takes energy, vulnerability and timing. And when you’re settling into a new posting, it can feel both essential and overwhelming.

In this episode, we explore:

-Why adult friendships feel harder to build — especially when your identity is in transition

-The role of community in grounding you emotionally during those first few months abroad

-Why finding “your people” matters for your sense of belonging, confidence, and stability

-What stops us from prioritising friendships even when we’re craving connection

-How to build friendships that feel genuine, supportive, and long-lasting.

This episode is an honest look at the emotional reality of starting over and a guide to finding the people who make your new country feel like a life, not just a location.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

In diplomatic life, this question can bubble under the surface for a long time and pops up every now and again. How much longer can we keep doing this? Whether it’s the desire to stay in one place, return home, or finally prioritise stability, knowing when “enough is enough” can feel impossibly complex.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why deciding to stay, move, or go home is such an emotional and layered choice
• The internal conflicts between loyalty, love, identity, and personal wellbeing
• Reflection prompts to help you explore what you actually want
• Practical tools to help you find confidence and peace in your decision - whatever it may be

This is about tuning in. It’s about finding the courage to ask honest questions, trust your intuition, and define what a sustainable and fulfilling life looks like for you and your family.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co