Shows
traxculturesRisk FactorsIn this episode, Mike is joined by Stephen W. Jones, Kate Damon, and Joel Damon to take a closer look at the risk factors that shape cross-cultural transitions. Building on previous discussions of intensity factors, the team unpacks risk factors such as identity struggles, vulnerability, embarrassment, and the loss of familiar roles that arise during major moves like relocating to Berlin.
The conversation blends practical examples with candid reflection: Joel and Kate share their experiences navigating daily life in Berlin and wrestle with what it really means to be at peace. They also talk about the struggles...
2025-11-2148 mintraxculturesIntensity FactorsIn this episode, Mike Picconatto is joined by Joel Damon, Kate Damon, and Dr. Stephen W. Jones for an honest conversation about the early weeks of the Damon’s transition to Berlin. The group reflects on the practical and emotional challenges of cross-cultural moves—from lost pants and stressful travel with dogs, to the struggle of making a new apartment feel like home. Stories and moments of vulnerability highlight the uncertainty, excitement, and exhaustion that come with moving to a new country and navigating unfamiliar routines.
Drawing from Dr. Jones’s "Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook," the episode dives into t...
2025-11-0552 mintraxculturesLess than 3 weeks out!Notes
In this episode of traxcultures, host Mike Picconatto reconnects with returning guests Joel and Kate Damon as they prepare to move to Berlin in under three weeks. Instead of diving into their planned book discussion, the trio takes time to give listeners a heartfelt update on the whirlwind of emotions and logistical challenges that come with cross-cultural transitions. From securing an apartment in Berlin to the process of sorting and packing up their home, Joel and Kate share candid reflections on how faith, supportive community, and a bit of humor have helped them navigate unexpected changes.
2025-09-0329 mintraxculturesComing Home and Welcoming Back pt 2 of 2Notes
In this episode of traxcultures, recorded just before Mike and Elissa Picconatto's latest home assignment, the conversation dives deep into the raw realities of returning to your passport country after years abroad. Joined by Dr. Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones, the team draws from firsthand experience and the Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook to explore the emotional, relational, and logistical challenges faced in reentry—whether it’s leaving behind the dailiness of life overseas, coping with ambiguous losses, or grappling with the sense of being a visitor in what was once home.
Listeners will hear cand...
2025-08-2038 mintraxculturesComing Home and Welcoming Back pt 1 of 2Notes
In this episode, recorded almost a year ago on August 24, 2024, Mike is joined by his wife Elissa Picconatto, Dr. Stephen W. Jones, and Jennie Jones to explore the complexities of returning home after living abroad. Drawing on insights from the Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook, the team unpacks what it means to re-enter your passport or home country, whether for a brief home assignment or a permanent move. Stephen breaks down key concepts like reentry, reverse culture shock, and reintegration, noting the unique challenges and disorientation that arise when "home" no longer feels familiar.
The conversation...
2025-08-0630 mintraxculturesRed, Green, and White: Exploring Martyrdom and ChristmasNotes
In this special, never-before-released episode from December 2022, host Mike Picconatto is joined by Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones for an honest, heartfelt conversation about navigating holiday traditions and the deeper meaning of “martyrdom” while living abroad. In December of 2022, Stephen and Jennie were 18 months into their lives in Berlin, and in this episode they reflect on adjusting to new cultural rhythms, missing family back home, and the challenge process of forging new traditions amidst ongoing personnel transition on site.
Drawing from both ancient Celtic spirituality and their own lived experiences as expats and minis...
2025-07-2353 mintraxculturesAn Update!Notes
Mike is joined by guests Joel and Kate Damon for a candid update on their journey preparing to move to Berlin as international workers with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The episode centers around their experiences at the Alliance Council gathering and the support and sense of belonging they found within the Alliance community. Joel and Kate discuss how their appearance, including visible tattoos, helps them connect with people who might not feel represented in traditional church spaces, and how this has opened up meaningful conversations and opportunities for ministry.
The conversation also delves...
2025-07-0933 mintraxculturesDon't Just Be YourselfNotes
In this episode, Mike is joined by Kate and Joel Damon for a conversation around the provocative episode title: “Don’t Just Be Yourself.” Drawing inspiration from Dr. Stephen W. Jones’s Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook, the group delves into why the advice to "just be yourself" can be misguided—especially when moving between cultures. Together, they explore the tensions between authenticity and the need to flex or adjust in new cultural situations.
The discussion looks into what it means to hold onto a core identity while remaining open to change, highlighting moments when “being yourself” mi...
2025-06-2532 mintraxculturesS2 E7 - The Power of Naming ExpectationsNotes
In this episode, Mike is joined once again by Joel and Kate Damon as they dig into a key theme from Dr. Stephen W. Jones’ Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook: expectations. As Joel and Kate prepare for their upcoming move to Berlin, the conversation centers on the often unspoken hopes, assumptions, and uncertainties that come with any significant transition. Identifying and naming these expectations can help navigate the inevitable frustrations and surprises of adapting to a new culture.
Together, they explore practical examples of expectations—ranging from spiritual growth and professional identity to relationships with friends and...
2025-06-1135 mintraxculturesS2 E6 - What is Culture (part 2) and Disorientation!In today’s episode, Mike is joined again by Joel and Kate Damon, along with Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to continue unpacking the question: what is culture? Building off their previous conversation, the group explores the realities of moving between cultures and why such transitions are often deeply disorienting. Stephen walks through concepts four and five from his book, The Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook, highlighting how culture shock creeps in through countless small moments and why disorientation is both inevitable and, to some degree, predictable.
The conversation dives into personal stories of cross-cultural confusion, from picking the wrong co...
2025-05-2831 mintraxculturesWhat is Culture?Notes
In today’s episode, host Mike Picconatto is joined by Kate and Joel Damon and Dr. Stephen W. Jones to kick off a two-part conversation exploring the question, “What is culture?” Drawing on insights from Stephen’s book, the Cross Cultural Transitions Handbook, the team unpacks the complex and often hard-to-define nature of culture. Stephen offers both simple and nuanced definitions of culture and helps us understand why cultural transitions are more difficult than we imagine they might be.
Together, Mike, Kate, Joel, and Stephen dig into real-life examples from their own communities—ranging from the c...
2025-05-1429 mintraxculturesLanguage Learning part 2 of 2 - with Stephen and Jennie JonesOriginally Recorded: June 15, 2022
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In this episode, Mike is joined again by Dr. Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones for part two of their insightful conversation on language learning and its role in cross-cultural transitions. Picking up where their previous discussion left off, Jennie and Stephen share candidly about shifting from individualized language lessons to a traditional classroom setting, highlighting the anxieties, surprises, and vulnerabilities that come with adapting to new methods of language acquisition. They reflect on how testing and placement levels often feel disconnected from real-life language use, and how language learning can deep...
2025-05-0732 mintraxculturesRole Deprivation with the DamonsNotes
In this episode, Mike is joined by Joel and Kate Damon for a conversation about “role deprivation” during cross-cultural transitions. Role deprivation is a part of the transition zone in which a person’s former “status as a force for good has not been replaced by anything.” (Stephen W. Jones, Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook, p. 52). This role deprivation can be very disruptive. In this episode, Mike, Joel, and Kate talk about the challenge of of rebuilding your sense of self, and the sometimes surprising grief—and freedom—of starting over.
Mike and the guests also explore practica...
2025-04-3029 mintraxculturesThe Transition Zone - with the DamonsNotes
In this episode of "TraxCultures," host Mike Picconatto chats with season 3 guests Joel and Kate Damon about a tricky part of major life changes and cross-cultural transitions — the "transition zone." As they get ready to move from Omaha to Berlin, Joel and Kate share what it's like to leave one life behind while not quite settling into the next. Drawing from Dr. Steven W. Jones' "Cross-Cultural Transition Handbook," they discuss why this in-between phase, often called “the neutral zone,” can be so tough to navigate.
The discussion touches on Joel and Kate's past transitions, highli...
2025-04-1629 mintraxculturesLanguage Learning part 1 of 2Originally Recorded: June 1, 2022
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In today’s episode, Mike welcomes back guests Dr. Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones for part one of a two-part series focusing on language learning as part of cultural transitions. One year after starting our podcast, the Jones have now been in Berlin long enough to have gotten immersed in language learning. Today, they discuss the unique challenges and experiences they've faced while adapting to a new linguistic environment. The conversation delves into different language learning methods, highlighting how their approaches differ based on individual learning styles and past experiences.
2025-04-0230 mintraxculturesBeginning with the Endings - Damons EditionIn this episode of Trax Cultures, host Mike Picconatto is joined by Kate and Joel Damon as they explore the concept of "beginning with the endings" in the context of cultural transitions. Recorded originally on March 13, 2025, this conversation delves into the need to recognize and cope with endings as an essential part of new beginnings. Drawing insights from William Bridges' model and Stephen W. Jone’s books, Kate and Joel share personal anecdotes of wrestling with the emotional complexities of endings, including work changes, shifting friendships, and altered family dynamics.
This episode also touches on the unexpected way...
2025-04-0229 mintraxculturesCoping and New Beginnings - part 2 of 2Originally Recorded: February 9, 2022
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In this episode of traxcultures, host Michael Picconatto explores how Jennie and Stephen W. Jones are handling the challenges of transitioning to a new culture after six months. The discussion focuses on various coping mechanisms, balancing creating and consuming activities, as well as aggressive and withdrawing strategies. Jennie finds comfort in reading and knitting, while Stephen explores through photography and city walks. They emphasize the importance of communication, recognizing unhealthy patterns, and having supportive relationships that ask, "Are you doing well?"
The episode also touches on the spiritual challenges...
2025-03-2831 mintraxculturesIntroducing the DamonsJoin host Mike Picconatto as he welcomes Joel and Kate Damon to traxcultures for the kickoff of Season 2, Episode 1 - Introducing the Damons. Joel and Kate Damon are preparing to leave Omaha, Nebraska for Berlin, Germany in September. Listen to their transformative stories and insights as they transition into cross-cultural life, setting the stage for a traxcultures season filled with personal reflections, expectations, and preparations for an international move.
In this episode, Mike delves into the nuances of cross-cultural transitions with the Damons, who candidly share their concerns, initial apprehensions, and evolving excitement about relocating to Germany...
2025-03-1817 mintraxculturesCoping and New Beginnings - Part 1 of 2Originally Recorded: February 2, 2022
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In this episode of Trax Cultures, Mike Picconatto is joined by Dr. Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones to dive into the challenging process of cultural transitions. Drawing from their own recent relocation to Berlin, they explore the transitional phases and the adjustments required when moving across cultures.
As the Jones family celebrates 6 months of being in Berlin, Mike talks with Stephen and Jennie about two very important concepts in the Cultural Transition model: coping and new beginnings.
In today’s episode, we talk about the real len...
2024-08-2130 mintraxculturesImpacts of Cross Cultural Transitions on Kids - Part 2 of 2Originally Recorded: January 26, 2022
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In today's episode, Mike is joined once again by his children, Johannah and Caleb Picconatto, as well as Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to delve deeper into the impacts of cultural transitions on kids. They explore the intricate dynamics of maintaining friendships across continents, particularly how online gaming and technology have revolutionized long-distance connections after moving away. Both Johannah and Caleb share personal anecdotes from their early days in Berlin, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges of moving and adjusting to a new cultural landscape.
Dr. Stephen W. J...
2024-08-0231 mintraxculturesImpacts of Cross Cultural Transitions on Kids - Part 1 of 2Originally Recorded: January 19, 2022
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Today, Mike is joined by two of his children, Johannah and Caleb Picconatto, along with author Dr. Stephen W. Jones, to dive into the complex impacts of cross-cultural transitions on kids. Johannah and Caleb share their personal journey of moving to Berlin at a young age and navigating the challenges of integrating into German culture and schools. From initial struggles with language and cultural differences to eventually embracing their unique backgrounds as strengths, the siblings provide insight into the nuanced experiences of Third Culture Kids (TCKs).
Mike and Stephen...
2024-08-0130 mintraxculturesCultural Transitions - Holiday Edition - part 2 of 2Originally Recorded: December 22, 2021
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In this special Holiday Edition, Stephen and Jennie Jones, new staff at Envision Berlin, join Mike to revisit the themes of the Neutral Zone, Culture Stress, and Culture Shock through the lens of holidays - from Halloween to Christmas.
Holidays can be times when the transitions are felt more intensely. The combination of missing events from the US and experiencing familiar and unfamiliar holidays in a new location can trigger strong emotions - both positive and negative.
In this episode, we delve into the nuances of local...
2024-01-1830 mintraxculturesCultural Transitions - Holiday Edition - part 1 of 2Originally Recorded: December 15, 2021
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In this special Holiday Edition, Stephen and Jennie Jones, new staff at Envision Berlin, join Mike to revisit the themes of the Neutral Zone, Culture Stress, and Culture Shock through the lens of holidays - from Halloween to Christmas.
Holidays can be times when the transitions are felt more intensely. The combination of missing events from the US and experiencing familiar and unfamiliar holidays in a new location can trigger strong emotions - both positive and negative.
You also begin to appreciate the significance of certain holidays...
2024-01-0930 mintraxculturesCulture Shock - Part 3 of 3Originally Recorded: October 27, 2021
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In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the experiences of cross-cultural transitions with our special guests Stephen and Jennie Jones. The episode delves into the fluctuating feelings of capability, the impact of the Jones family's experiences on their emotional well-being, and the anticipation of missing significant events while feeling a sense of heaviness about the upcoming experiences.
Throughout this episode, the guests candidly express feelings of disorientation, struggle in communication, and waves of homesickness as they adapt to their new environment. Stephen W. Jones brings in insightful...
2024-01-0329 mintraxculturesCulture Shock - Part 2 of 3Originally Recorded: October 20, 2021
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In this episode, our host Mike Picconatto and guests Stephen and Jennie Jones take a closer look at the impact of cultural stress and culture shock on individuals. They share real-life examples of culturally stressful incidents, from grappling with language barriers at the grocery store to navigating public transportation schedule changes and dealing with technological mishaps. The conversation unpacks the distinction between culturally stressful incidents and culture shock, emphasizing how even an understanding of cultural norms can still lead to stress.
Join us as we explore the difference between c...
2024-01-0329 mintraxculturesCulture Shock - Part 1 of 3Originally Recorded: October 13, 2021
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In this episode, host Mike Picconatto is joined by guests Jennie Jones and Stephen W. Jones as they discuss culture shock and transition. Together, they talk about the emotional highs, disenchantment, discouragement, and depression that mark the stages of culture shock.
With a focus on the book "Transitions across Cultures" by Dr. Stephen W. Jones, Mike, Stephen, and Jennie delve into the cumulative disorientation experienced in a new culture, shedding light on the emotional toll and the predictable patterns associated with culture shock.
The...
2024-01-0327 mintraxculturesLooking Back - Part 2 of 2Originally Recorded: September 1, 2021
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This week’s episode concludes a 2 part-series recorded in Berlin, Germany. The Jones family moved to Berlin at the end of July 2021, and Stephen and Jennie sat down with host Mike Picconatto to discuss some of their early experiences in their massive family transition.
In this series, Stephen and Jennie look back at the themes covered in earlier episodes: Beginning with the Endings (Episodes 1-3), The Neutral Zone (Episodes 4-6), and What is Culture (Episodes 8-19). Stephen explains in this episode why it is such an important pra...
2023-12-2031 mintraxculturesLooking Back - Part 1 of 2After arriving in Berlin, Germany, at the end of July 2021 - Stephen and Jennie Jones sit down with host Mike Picconatto to discuss their experiences as they go through the life-changing transition to Berlin.
In this 2-part series, Stephen and Jennie look back at the themes covered in earlier episodes: Beginning with the Endings (Episodes 1-3), The Neutral Zone (Episodes 4-6), and What is Culture (Episodes 8-19). This practice of intentionally looking back during the transition process is an important part of healtihly navigating through the changes that cultural transitions bring, but more about that next week!
2023-12-2030 mintraxculturesWhat is Culture - Part 3 of 3Originally Recorded: 08/04/2021
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Welcome to another episode of Trax Cultures, where we delve deep into the intricacies of cultural transitions. In today's episode, the final episode of a three part series on “What is Culture,” we continue our exploration of culture we are joined again by Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones, as we dive into the topic of cultural disorientation and its impact on our lives.
In this episode, Stephen and Jennie reflect on their upcoming move to Berlin, Germany, and the disorienting factors they anticipate. Language is a major conce...
2023-11-0226 mintraxculturesWhat is Culture - Part 2 of 3Originally Recorded: July 28, 2021
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In this episode, part two of a three part series on “What is Culture?” we continue our exploration of the concept of culture and its nuances.
Join host Mike Picconatto as he engages in enlightening conversations with author and cross-cultural expert Dr. Stephen W. Jones, and his wife, Jennie Jones.
In this installment, we delve into the concept of tacit knowledge, which can often be a hurdle in cross-cultural interactions. Tacit knowledge refers to the things we know, but may not consciously realize we know. These unspoken cultura...
2023-11-0227 mintraxculturesWhat is Culture - Part 1 of 3Originally recorded: 07/22/2021
In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of culture. What exactly is culture, and how does it shape our interactions with others?
Join host Mike Picconatto and his guests, Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones, as begin a three part series exploring the complexities of culture and its impact on our lives. In this conversation, they start by discussing the elusive nature of culture and the various definitions that have been proposed over the years.
From "how people do their stuff together" to being a shared set of values, bel...
2023-11-0226 mintraxculturesThe Neutral Zone - Part 3 of 3Originally Recorded:07/07/2021
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In today's episode, titled "The Neutral Zone - Part 3 of 3," we conclude our conversation with Stephen and Jennie Jones about the unique challenges and experiences of navigating the transition zone.
As we delve into the discussion, we'll explore how this time in the neutral zone impacts their faith journey. They discuss the importance of having certain aspects of life settled, such as identity and commitment, even when feelings may fluctuate during the transition zone.
Later in the episode, we dive into the topic of expectations and their role i...
2023-09-2823 mintraxculturesThe Neutral Zone - Part 2 of 3Originally Recorded:06/30/2021
Brief Description:
Welcome back to traxcultures, the podcast where we explore the experiences and challenges of transitioning across cultures. In today's episode, "The Neutral Zone - Part 2 of 3", we delve deeper into the tumultuous period of transition known as the neutral zone. Joining us once again are our guests, Jennie and Stephen W. Jones, as they share their personal experiences navigating this challenging phase.
Host Mike Picconatto sets the stage by describing the neutral zone as a time between two circumstances, where one feels stuck and uncertain, much like a car i...
2023-09-2825 mintraxculturesThe Neutral Zone - Part 1 of 3Originally Recorded: 06/23/2021
Brief Description
On this episode of traxcultures, we start a 3-part series about the neutral zone. The neutral zone, or the transition zone, is that unique and sometimes uncomfortable place between the endings of something old and the beginnings of something new. Our guests are Jennie Jones and Stephen W. Jones, who share their personal experiences and perspectives on navigating the ambiguities and uncertainties that come with transitioning between cultures.
In this episode, we delve into the concept of the neutral zone, a lim...
2023-09-2726 mintraxculturesBeginning with the Endings part 3 of 3Originally Recorded: 06/16/2021
Welcome back to another episode of traxcultures, the podcast that explores the challenges and experiences of transitioning across cultures. In this episode we continue our discussion with Stephen W. Jones and Jennie Jones as they delve into the anticipated endings they face as they prepare to move to Berlin.
Stephen and Jennie follow an exercise from Stephen's book, "Transitions Across Cultures," which encourages individuals to list the things that will be left behind as they embark on a new cultural journey. As Mike leads the conversation, we glimpse the range of emotions and...
2023-09-2526 mintraxculturesBeginning with the Endings part 2 of 3Originally Recorded: 06/09/2021
Brief Description
Welcome back to traxcultures,"the podcast where we explore the intersection of faith, art, and culture in the context of transitioning from one culture to another. I'm your host, Mike Picconatto, and today we continue our three-part series on "Beginning with the Endings." In our last episode, we delved into the importance of endings as we navigate through life's transitions.
In today's episode, we'll hear from Jennie and Stephen as they share their experiences and insights on how their friends and family reacted to their upcoming transition. W...
2023-09-0629 mintraxculturesEpisode 001 - Beginning with the Endings - part 1 of 3In today's episode, we dive into a compelling conversation about the importance of "Beginning with the Endings." This episode is part one of a three-part series featuring guests Stephen and Jenny Jones, founders of Excegent Communication.
Originally recorded on May 31st, 2021, this episode is a legacy from our previous podcast, "Unterwegs, the En Route podcast," which we're now reorganizing for your convenience.
Stephen and Jenny share their personal experiences as they prepare to uproot their lives and move with their family to Berlin, Germany, to join the staff of Envision Berlin.
Their discussions...
2023-08-1621 min