Julia left Germany at 18 for an internship in Ireland. Today, she's a student and entrepreneur living in Prague. Hear her raw, funny, and insightful reflections on life as an expat, language identity, and adjusting to new cultures — all while building her future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 Experiences in Ireland

05:51 Cultural Insights from Dublin

08:57 Transition to Prague

11:58 Language and Communication Challenges

14:52 Cultural Differences: Czech vs. Irish

18:10 Adjusting to Daily Life in Prague

21:02 Education System Comparison

24:05 Navigating Bureaucracy and Identity

27:11 Final Thoughts on Cultural Integration

39:33 Navigating Perceptions of Education

42:22 Challenges in Networking and Building Connections

47:20 Experiences of Moving and Settling in a New City

50:28 Balancing Academic Pressure and Personal Well-being

55:15 Advice for Future Students

01:01:57 Lessons in Safety and Awareness

01:05:50 Managing Time and Work-Life Balance

01:10:44 Finding Passion and Purpose in Work

01:14:14 Future Aspirations and Family Connections

01:16:32 Navigating Change and Friendships

01:18:52 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

01:22:03 Language and Identity

01:28:11 Music and Movie Recommendations

01:36:15 Books and Life Lessons

01:40:07 Defining Home and Belonging

Australian filmmaker Michael Papaeleftheriou shares his journey from Sydney to Spain, discussing indie filmmaking, creative control, and finding community abroad. Discover how simplifying his process led to greater artistic freedom with his film "Crossroads," and hear honest insights about film festivals, marketing, and the challenges of the industry. A thoughtful conversation about creativity, expat life, and what it means to find home.

Dr. Leah Zitter shares her extraordinary journey from spending over two decades in an extremist religious cult to becoming a neuroscientist who developed the "as-is method" for rewiring the brain. Learn how our minds are programmed by our environments and how we can break free from harmful conditioning to reclaim our authentic selves. A powerful story of transformation, resilience, and understanding cultural differences.

🌍 Join us for a heartfelt conversation with poet and adventurer Anne-Marie Wells as she shares her transformative solo journey through Iceland, where she hitchhiked across the country asking locals about their happiest memories."What I realized was none of these stories were extravagant. Nobody said, when I got this big raise at my job or when I bought this really fancy car, I was so happy. None of the stories were like that. They were simple moments of joy."Anne-Marie opens up about her writing journey, from children's books to deeply personal poetry collections dealing with grief and motherhood. Learn how her Iceland adventure shaped her perspective on happiness and inspired her upcoming travel memoir "Happy Iceland Still."📚 BOOK GIVEAWAY! 📚 Comment below with what brings you simple joy to enter for a chance to win one of Anne-Marie's books! Follow Anne Marie:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annemariewellswriter/Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@annemariewellswriterFacebook https://www.facebook.com/AnneMarieWellsWriter/Youtube. @annemariewellswriter 🎙️ Whereabouts Tales explores expat experiences, personal growth, and inspiring life stories from around the world.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Friday at 17:09!🌐 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Enjoyed this story? Hit that subscribe button - it's free, and it means you won't miss any of our future Whereabouts Tales. We've got some amazing stories coming up!▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Want to start your own podcast? We record our interviews using Riverside.fm - the best platform for high-quality remote recordings. Get 15% off your first three months by using our link: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=whereaboutstales. What we love about Riverside is their local recording feature that ensures crystal-clear audio quality even with unstable internet connections, perfect for international interviews like this one. Plus, their separate audio and video tracks make editing a breeze.▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️if you are interested in sharing your story in our show please go to https://www.whereaboutstales.com/appointments and book a 15 min slot to discuss the details▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:54 The Influence of Place on Writing05:48 The Power of Storytelling and Poetry08:42 Navigating Rejection in Writing11:40 The Journey to Becoming a Writer14:31 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing17:48 Teaching and Writing for Children20:36 Reflections on Education and Living Abroad23:27 The Process of Writing and Publishing Poetry26:48 Emotional Vulnerability in Writing29:46 Conclusion and Future Aspirations37:46 Navigating Grief and Writing Through Pain42:48 Exploring Motherhood and the Journey of Loss47:49 The Adventure of a Lifetime: Journey to Iceland59:02 Finding Happiness in Simplicity01:08:01 Acts of Kindness and the Human Connection01:18:50 The Journey to Publishing Success01:25:33 Navigating the Self-Publishing Landscape01:32:40 Finding Community and Overcoming Writer's Block01:40:17 Embracing Individuality in Writing01:43:28 Focusing on the Little Joys in Life01:45:26 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects

In this episode of Whereabouts Tales, we sit down with Leo, frontman of the rising London indie rock band Emergency Break. Leo shares his journey from growing up surrounded by his parents' music tastes to founding a band determined to give their generation a unique voice in rock music.Discover how Emergency Break went from their first sold-out show at Camden Assembly to headlining festivals, and learn about their raw, energetic, and unapologetic approach to music. Leo opens up about the challenges of being a grassroots musician, the creative process behind songs like "Hometown" and "Pyro," and why they decided to start their own music festival "On The Meadow."From the hilarious story of their worst gig ever to the emotional high of their O2 Academy performance, this conversation captures the authentic spirit of a young band carving their own path in the industry. Whether you're a music lover, an aspiring artist, or just enjoy stories of creative passion, Leo's infectious enthusiasm and candid insights make this an episode not to miss.Listen as Leo explains why Emergency Break is more than just a band name – it's a mission to give listeners a break from everyday life through the power of music.Follow Emergency Break on Instagram instagram.com/@emergencybreak_ and check out their music on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rtP2Fwk2PcWWsvNfzmb3G?si=9GpWIKO1RGqtRiudafhrUw ). If you're in the UK, don't miss their upcoming festival "On The Meadow" (https://www.onthemeadowfestival.com) on July 19th or their biggest headline show at London O'Meara on September 5th. 🎙️ Whereabouts Tales explores expat experiences, personal growth, and inspiring life stories from around the world.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Friday at 17:09!🌐 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Enjoyed this story? Hit that subscribe button - it's free, and it means you won't miss any of our future Whereabouts Tales. We've got some amazing stories coming up!▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Want to start your own podcast? We record our interviews using Riverside.fm - the best platform for high-quality remote recordings. Get 15% off your first three months by using our link: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=whereaboutstales. What we love about Riverside is their local recording feature that ensures crystal-clear audio quality even with unstable internet connections, perfect for international interviews like this one. Plus, their separate audio and video tracks make editing a breeze.▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️if you are interested in sharing your story in our show please go to https://www.whereaboutstales.com/appointments and book a 15 min slot to discuss the details▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Chapters00:00 Introduction to Emergency Break and Leo03:05 Leo's Musical Background and Influences06:07 The Formation of Emergency Break09:08 First Gig Experience and Early Songs12:03 Songwriting Process and Musical Style15:02 Navigating Trends and Authenticity in Music18:13 The Future of Rock Music and Generational Influence32:46 The Changing Landscape of Music Distribution34:13 The Impact of Social Media on Music Careers36:16 The Challenges of Running a Music Festival37:04 Creating Opportunities for Emerging Artists41:39 The Significance of Iconic Performances52:56 Reflecting on Past Performances and Growth01:03:35 The Journey of Emergency Break01:08:46 Upcoming Festivals and New Music Releases01:10:19 The Evolution of Events and Festivals01:12:03 Finding the Courage to Start01:14:08 The Passion Behind Music01:16:17 What Makes an Artist Stand Out01:18:13 Creativity and Perseverance in the Music Industry01:19:21 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights01:25:32 Misconceptions About Being in a Band01:26:33 Theme Songs and Stage Presence01:29:09 The Source of Creativity01:30:16 Defining Happiness in Music01:32:30 Connecting with Fans and Final Thoughts

🌍🎙️ "I was sleeping and working, basically is how it felt" – After nearly 14 years working two jobs just to survive in America, Renee made a life-changing decision to teach English in South Korea. In this episode, she shares her journey from North Carolina to becoming an established ESL teacher in a foreign land. From her first culture shock moments to building a thriving social life, Renee offers a candid look at expat life in Korea. We explore the striking differences in work culture, societal expectations, and how distance has changed her perspective on American life. Discover how trading material possessions for experiences transformed her definition of happiness and why, after 14 years abroad, the question "Where is home?" has no simple answer.🎙️ Whereabouts Tales explores expat experiences, personal growth, and inspiring life stories from around the world.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Friday at 17:09!🌐 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon PodcastsConnect with Renee:Instagram: https://instagram.com/delirium2323▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Enjoyed this story? Hit that subscribe button - it's free, and it means you won't miss any of our future Whereabouts Tales. We've got some amazing stories coming up!▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Want to start your own podcast? We record our interviews using Riverside.fm - the best platform for high-quality remote recordings. Get 15% off your first three months by using our link: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=whereaboutstales. What we love about Riverside is their local recording feature that ensures crystal-clear audio quality even with unstable internet connections, perfect for international interviews like this one. Plus, their separate audio and video tracks make editing a breeze.▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️if you are interested in sharing your story in our show please drop us a mail at whereaboutstales@gmail.com▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️ChaptersChapters00:00 Highlights01:07 Intro01:22 Introduction an background02:53 Life in the US: Struggles and Decisions05:50 The Move to South Korea: Initial Thoughts08:58 Family Reactions and Support12:03 Job Search and Cultural Adjustments15:04 Teaching Experience and Work Culture in Korea17:56 Cultural Differences and Arrival Experience20:59 Settling In and First Impressions24:03 Work-Life Balance and Challenges26:56 Reflections on Life Abroad40:10 Cultural Perspectives on Beauty and Appearance42:57 Adapting to Local Customs and Community Life46:51 Language Barriers and Educational Insights48:54 Work Culture and Educational System in Korea51:53 Generational Shifts in Work Ethic and Values55:43 Political Climate and Social Issues01:00:59 Food Culture and Personal Preferences01:07:52 Understanding North Korea and Its Impact01:16:17 Personal Growth Through Living Abroad01:18:25 Cultural Appreciation and Connection01:19:58 The Art of Photography01:29:47 Advice for Moving Abroad01:31:47 Coping with Homesickness01:34:46 Navigating Family Relationships Abroad01:37:50 Why Choose South Korea?01:39:35 Finding Home in a Fragmented Life01:41:49 Defining Happiness01:43:39 Experiences Over Materialism01:46:16 Music and Movie Recommendations01:51:44 Literary Insights and Recommendations

In today's Whereabouts Tales as we interview voice acting veteran Mike Paine, who shares his remarkable 38-year journey from teenage radio DJ to international voice actor. Mike takes us behind the scenes of his interview with Ozzy Osbourne, his work narrating the D-Day Tour in Normandy, and how voice acting has evolved from analog tapes to digital studios.In this episode, you'll discover:- How Mike landed his first radio gig as a teenager- The story behind his unexpected Ozzy Osbourne interview- His transition from radio to global voice acting- The emotional journey of narrating the D-Day Tour in Normandy- Voice acting techniques and vocal health secrets- How to succeed in today's competitive voice industry- Mike's 75% confidence/25% technique formula for success🎙️ Whereabouts Tales explores expat experiences, personal growth, and inspiring life stories from around the world.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Friday at 17:09!🌐 Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon PodcastsConnect with Mike:Website: https://mikepayneshow.carrd.co/YouTube: @MikePayne6287Upcoming podcast: MotivatingRadio.com#VoiceActing #RadioDJ #CareerJourney #MikePaine #OzzyOsbourne #DDayTour #whereaboutstales ▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Enjoyed this story? Hit that subscribe button - it's free, and it means you won't miss any of our future Whereabouts Tales. We've got some amazing stories coming up!▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Want to start your own podcast? We record our interviews using Riverside.fm - the best platform for high-quality remote recordings. Get 15% off your first three months by using our link: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=whereaboutstales. What we love about Riverside is their local recording feature that ensures crystal-clear audio quality even with unstable internet connections, perfect for international interviews like this one. Plus, their separate audio and video tracks make editing a breeze.▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️if you are interested in sharing your story in our show please drop us a mail at whereaboutstales@gmail.com▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene02:47 Mike's Journey in Voice Acting06:56 The Early Days of Radio and Voice Work12:36 Family Support and Career Decisions17:08 Memorable Interviews and Experiences28:42 Transitioning to Program Director and Voice Acting32:27 Maintaining Voice Health and Recording Environment37:15 Voice Acting Techniques and Styles44:42 The D-Day Project: A Personal Journey59:17 Coaching and Future Projects01:05:47 Confidence in Public Speaking

In this captivating episode of Whereabouts Tales, meet Priyanka - the first person in her family to ever cross continents. Against powerful resistance from her protective South Asian family, she fought through tears until 2AM to pursue her dream of experiencing life beyond India.Discover:The midnight confrontation that changed everythingHer shocking first day abroad: "I'm no longer in my bubble"The hidden truth about passport privilege most people never realizeWhy she says Indian women are seeking freedom abroad while men want to returnHow she transformed from a "pampered princess" to a resilient independent woman"I did not come this far only to come this far" - Priyanka reveals the raw, unfiltered reality of belonging everywhere and nowhere at once. Her journey from Hyderabad to Manchester goes beyond geography to explore identity, freedom, and what "home" truly means.🎙️ New episodes every Friday at 17:09. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple & Amazon Podcasts!#ExpatStories #IndiaToUK #WhereaboutsTales #PassportPrivilege #CulturalIdentity▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Enjoyed this story? Hit that subscribe button - it's free, and it means you won't miss any of our future Whereabouts Tales. We've got some amazing stories coming up!▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️Want to start your own podcast? We record our interviews using Riverside.fm - the best platform for high-quality remote recordings. Get 15% off your first three months by using our link: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=whereaboutstales. What we love about Riverside is their local recording feature that ensures crystal-clear audio quality even with unstable internet connections, perfect for international interviews like this one. Plus, their separate audio and video tracks make editing a breeze.▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️if you are interested in sharing your story in our show please drop us a mail at whereaboutstales@gmail.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:17 The Journey of Moving Abroad05:12 Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations08:15 Navigating New Environments11:14 Expectations vs. Reality of Life Abroad14:26 Personal Growth and Resilience17:13 Coping with Loneliness and Community20:28 Reflections on Identity and Belonging23:11 Challenges of Immigrant Life26:01 Conclusion and Future Aspirations37:38 Navigating Personal Growth and Cultural Control38:26 Visa Realities: Privileges and Challenges41:19 Passport Privilege: A Cultural Divide45:33 Understanding Cultural Differences and Mindfulness48:32 Food as a Cultural Bridge51:22 The Complexity of Culinary Experiences57:04 Curiosity and Cultural Exploration01:00:26 Cost of Living: Adjusting to a New Currency01:07:12 Finding Joy in Art and New Experiences01:15:07 Culinary Comparisons: Scones vs. Peanut Butter and Jelly01:16:03 Navigating Social Life as an Expat01:19:14 The Challenge of Making Local Connections01:22:00 Curiosity and Cultural Exchange01:25:33 Surface-Level Socializing in the UK01:28:00 Complex Relationships with Home Country01:30:22 Gender Dynamics: Women in India vs. the West01:36:20 Evolving Family Relationships01:40:57 Advice for Aspiring Expats01:43:12 Defining Home and Happiness01:45:15 Cultural Recommendations: Films, Music, and Books