Welcome to the introductory episode of Nomadic Diaries, The Belonging Project hosted by Doreen Cumberford. Doreen reflects on two years of conversations with guests e.g. cross-cultural trainers, writers, therapists, and ordinary people who have lived abroad and returned or moved elsewhere. No matter the topic, discussions lead back to one fundamental question:
Where do I belong?
Key Topics & Themes
- The Belonging Project:
Doreen launches a series exploring belonging, inspired by recurring themes from previous episodes. - Belonging as an Active Process:
It's not passive. True belonging means making life welcome—actively participating, saying yes to new experiences, staying curious, and stepping outside familiar bubbles. - Global Perspectives:
Perspectives from international teachers, third culture kids (TCKs), academics, and artists will appear in future episodes. There is a focus on how belonging varies depending on passport, heart, and lived experience, not just geographical location. - Home vs. Belonging:
Doreen raises thought-provoking questions: Are home and belonging the same? Can you have one without the other? What does belonging look like for you personally? - Personal Journeys:
Both Doreen and her co-host, Megan Norton Newbanks (author of Belonging Beyond Borders), bring personal experience to the subject.
Notable Quotes
- “Belonging doesn’t always look the way we think it will. Sometimes it’s not just about finding your tribe - it’s about shared activity, space, or connection.”
- “Making life welcome helps us belong. It’s not passive, it’s an active topic.”
- “Home can be everywhere and nowhere at the same time and just learning to be okay with that paradox is important"
Takeaways
- Belonging is a deeply human need, crossing borders and cultures.
- Creating belonging requires stepping out of comfort zones and proactively engaging with new environments.
- The podcast series will feature a diverse range of stories, perspectives, and insights from global citizens.
- Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journey toward belonging.
What’s Next?
The next episode will introduce Megan Norton Newbanks, who will share what belonging means to her - from a TCK perspective - and the hopes she and Doreen have for the series.
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