Shows
Holding the Fort Abroad#76 Breaking Stigma of Men's Emotions and How to Build Supportive Habits - with Chris MoyerSynopsis:Men and emotions, a topic that often goes unspoken. This conversation offers insights and practical advice for men struggling to navigate their feelings—especially against the backdrop of expat life and being away from family for work. We discuss loneliness, anger, anxiety, guilt. Whether you’re a man living abroad, a partner supporting one, or simply interested in emotional wellness across cultures, this episode brings actionable tips, and hopeful encouragement for the journey. Chris Moyer is a leader in Third Culture Kid care. He brings years of experience in coaching, counseling, and supporting expatriates. He currently live...2025-07-2136 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#75 How to: Frequent Business Travel, Parenting and Partnership – with Daniela DraugelisSynopsis:As the spouse of a World bank executive for over 30 years, Daniela Draugelis has experienced firsthand the unique challenges and growth that come with raising a family while navigating extended work travel, often more than 100 days a year. Daniela is an intercultural trainer, a certified professional coach and cultural intelligence facilitator with over 20 years of experience living and working across cultures. Today, she helps expats, diplomats and internationally mobile families thrive through coaching and training that blends cultural intelligence, energy, leadership, and deep personal insight.In the children’s early years, Daniela’s husband was abse...2025-07-0753 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#74 Work, Love, Distance: Real Strategies For Couples Living Apart – with PascaleSynopsis:Today my guest is Pascale. She and her husband are living in different countries and working in different countries and she's going to share a little bit what it's been like for her, what they've put in place and just how it works for them to encourage listeners, anyone who's living and working in different countries. We always decide together which assignment is best for the family. We don't have any children so it's easier but we need to mind our dual careers. 00:26:17 - 00:26:30Highlights from today’s episode: 1. **Mutuality Over...2025-06-2318 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#73 Expatriation, Repatriation and Commuting: Behind the Scenes of Expat Life – with Karlijn JacobsSynopsis:Karlijn Jacobs supports organisations to enhance the success of international relocations through a family centered approach. She is the world's first ombudsperson for international children and families.Today we're going to be speaking about what she does at Expat Valley, and we're also going to hear a bit of her story of a time when her husband was away for work. Highlights from today’s episode: Moving to Shanghai with the whole family - navigating change and maintaining both careers. Taking the decision together. The importance of supporting families for a successful expatriation Karlij...2025-06-0946 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#72 Long-Distance Love: Handling Porn, Apps, and Real Talk – with Karina LagarrigueSynopsis:This episode dives into the complexities of intimacy, fidelity, and connection for couples navigating life in different locations. In this candid conversation with Couples Therapist, High Sensitivity Specialist and Sex Therapist Karina Lagarrigue we bring to the forefront the tough and often unspoken realities faced by partners separated by distance.We unpack why issues like pornography and dating app use can arise. We discuss the loneliness and vulnerability that can lead couples to seek comfort online, and how seemingly simple actions can have deeper meanings and impacts on relationships.Host Rhoda Bangerter...2025-05-2642 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#71 Powerful Lessons from a Life of Constant Change – with Colleen HiggsSynopsis:Colleen Higgs shares her insights from many moves and times when her husband worked far from home. We discuss the hidden costs of change, the importance of recognising and naming transitions, and Coleen shares hard-won wisdom about making space for recuperation and letting go of impossible expectations. She offers practical strategies drawn from her upcoming book and her own journey - reminding us that it’s okay to prioritise, slow down, and ask, “What matters now?”If you are in the middle of a transition and feel you don’t have time to listen to more p...2025-05-1229 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#70 The Spaces In Between: Family Life in Constant TransitionSynopsis:"It seems to me that globally mobile people and people who live these geographical separations, we tend to have these ongoing non stop transitions and not only one at a time, we tend to have multiple transitions going on at the same time."Whether it’s a big move, a new role, the bittersweet send-off when a loved one leaves, or adjustments that come with globally mobile living, transitions are everywhere. Using William Bridges’ renowned model, this episode explores the three phases of transition-endings, the neutral zone, and new beginnings - and discusses how thes...2025-04-2823 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#69 Takeaways from 3 years of conversations on living geographically apart – with Rhoda BangerterSynopsis:In this anniversary episode, we celebrate the third anniversary of the Holding the Fort Abroad podcast! With 66+ episodes, the podcast carves a unique space in the global podcast landscape. The podcast explores the realities and nuances of split location family life and life when one of you is a frequent business traveller. The podcast episodes include deeply personal stories, honest conversations, and connect with experts to bring you real talk and impactful narratives. My mission is to provide not just insight, but also practical strategies and emotional support for families who live apart, ensuring...2025-04-1453 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#68 Anchor Yourself in Fitness: How to embrace Daily Exercise – with Mylene JalladeauSynopsis:Mylene Jalladeau specializes in fitness for busy people. Join us as Mylene shares her holistic approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of integrating physical activity into daily life as seamlessly as eating and drinking. Mylene candidly discusses her personal journey from exercising for aesthetics to finding a balanced, health-oriented approach. Together, Rhoda and Mylene explore how fitness can serve as an anchor in the demanding lifestyles of expatriates and those living with work travel, fostering both mental and physical well-being. Tune in to discover effective strategies and insights on commencing and maintaining a fitness journey, tailored...2025-03-3137 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#67 How to improve communication for families living apart – with Kathleen SmithSynopsisIn this episode, we explore how the C-Me Color profile can enhance communication and understanding for those living apart or frequently traveling.We have the pleasure of hearing from Kathleen Smith, the membership director of Families in Global Transitions and the founder of Global Grandmas. Kathleen brings a wealth of experience in assisting families in navigating international relocations and maintaining their core values across borders. Kathleen shares her fascinating journey, insights into building supportive family dynamics, and how anyone can find or become a "global grandma." Whether you're a family adjusting to a new country or...2025-03-1757 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#66 How to prepare for geographical separation: Tips for families with one parent about to live abroad – with Rhoda BangerterSynopsis:Living geographically apart can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and support, it can also be an opportunity for growth. I'm Rhoda Bangerter, host of Holding the Fort Abroad. In this episode, I share three essential ways to prepare for this unique lifestyle once the decision has been taken. This episode follows episode 42 about deciding whether to take on an assignment which would mean geographical separation. Tune in to learn more! You might want a pen and paper to jot down the questions to ask yourselves. Three Essential Ways to Prepare:2025-03-0311 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#65 How to create psychological safety – with Elizabeth Vahey SmithSynopsis:Elizabeth Vahey Smith is back to talk about trauma informed leadership. Find out practical tips for parents on how to engage with their children when witnessing heightened emotional responses, ensuring the child feels heard and understood. We give examples about how that could happen when a parent is away for work. Elizabeth gives insights from her new book on establishing psychological safety in the workplace, recognizing elevated responses, and fostering a culture of trust and resilience. You can also listen to her previous episode on HTFA podcast #49 where she gives strategies on how to process our...2025-02-1738 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#64 How to improve Sleep Health For The Traveller And The Stressed – with Funke Afolabi-BrownSynopsis: Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a distinguished medical doctor specialised in sleep medicine. We discuss the crucial impact of sleep on well-being and productivity, particularly for those leading high-intensity lifestyles and constant travel.In This Episode:Importance of Sleep and Its Consequences Negative Effects of Poor SleepCognitive impacts: focus, memory issues, increased risk of Alzheimer’sPhysical health impacts: blood pressure, heart issues, immune system functionality, metabolism, diabetes, obesityMental health impacts: burnout, anxiety, depression, suicidalitySleep and High-Intensity Lifestyle Jet La...2025-02-0339 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#63 How to respond when criticised for choosing split locations – with Rhoda BangerterSynopsis:Welcome to Holding the Fort Abroad, the podcast about frequent business travel and working away from home. My name is Rhoda Bangerter and I help parents manage the stress and disconnect from living this life so that they can enjoy the growth and intention this lifestyle can bring. What you will learn:1. What members of our family have said2. Listen to those who know you and have followed your choice process 3. Split locations is an unusual way of life, but you are not the only ones doing it.2025-01-2021 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#62 How to be a strong family when miles apart – with Rhoda BangerterSynopsis:How do families stay together when work takes them away from each other? Wellbeing, Partnership, Parenting Together, Smooth Transitions and Emergency Preparedness: strengthen these five pillars. After I describe the pillars, I go through how you can use this framework if you are the one travelling, you are the one with the children, you are deciding whether to take a posting that would mean time apart, you are preparing to live geographically apart.What you will learn:Pillar 1 Personal Wellbeing and DevelopmentPillar 2 Partnership as a Long-Distance Relationship...2025-01-0613 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#61 Super Commuter Couples and what keeps them together – with Megan BearceSynopsis:Megan Bearce is a therapist, a speaker and the author of the book ‘Super Commuter Couples, the subtitle sums it up ‘staying together when a job keeps you apart’. Something that she and her husband have personally experienced. The book is also full of stories of others who live it. In this episode, Megan and I talk about building resilience when we live this kind of lifestyle, silver linings and also her work with organisations and why organisations need to support their staff who are away from home a lot for work.You Will Learn...2024-12-2346 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#60 Coffee with an expat on split location – with Navine EldesoukiSynopsis:Navine Eldesouki shares with us what it is like living in split locations. She is the founder of Coffee with an expat, a community of women who lift each other up! At age 20, she left her home country of Australia and has lived in 8 countries, currently living in Dubai. Since 2020, her husband works and lives in another country.What you will learn:9 lessons from the podcast episode with concise titles and brief descriptions:1. Flexibility in ExpectationsBe adaptable, as life changes often affect plans, particularly in expatriate families...2024-12-0943 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#59 Prioritising Family: A Story of High Performance and Presence – with Christian Ray FloresSynopsis:Is a high performance life compatible with family life? Christian Ray Flores went from being a child refugee, a famous popstar, to the founder of Exponential Life, high performance coaching for purpose driven professionals with a lot of philanthropy, teaching, and speaking as well. In this episode, we speak about high performance, work demands, what it means for the family, and the changes he has made in his life. Key Takeaways:After hearing about Christian’s fascinating experience growing up across continents and his life as a famous popstar, we dive into wh...2024-11-2544 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#58 How to create your family story – with Lidia LaeSynopsis:Create a strong family narrative that embraces diverse cultures and values to bridge any disconnect. In this episode, my guest Dr Lidia Lae explains how to develop a unique family culture that blends elements from different backgrounds, recognizing the best of both worlds. Lidia is a seasoned psychologist specialising in self-narratives. She shares her extensive research on how these stories shape our identities and influence our emotional well-being. She also provides practical tips and personal anecdotes on maintaining family unity, even when a parent is frequently away, using tools like family journal apps and focusing on...2024-11-1139 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#57 How Companies Can Support Unaccompanied Staff – with Kathy Borys SiddiquiSynopsis:Today my guest is Kathy Borys Siddiqui, she is the founder of Active Action and she works with organisations, helping them support their staff, specifically with intercultural training and family support. She was a panelist speaker at the HR event held in March on how organisations can better support their staff on split family assignments and today we are going to be continuing our conversation. If you are listening and you are the spouse of a staff or a staff member yourself, this conversation may correspond to some of the concerns you have about t...2024-10-2836 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#56 Embracing Adventure: Raising a Family with a Travelling Partner – with Jenny ButterSynopsis:Listen to Jenny Butter’s story and learn how she and her husband navigate family life and his frequent work travel. She begins her married life leaving her job and accompanying her husband to Sri Lanka right after the Tsunami hits in 2004. He travels around the country and the region but she is surrounded by other spouses in the same situation. A little while later, they move to New York and have two children born a few months apart. Although culturally New York is closer to her home culture, and Jenny is a go-getter, her husband is...2024-10-1425 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#55 Sharing my father with the world – with Michael PollockSynopsis:Growing up as the child of a minister and a father who was also actively involved in cross-cultural work, had a profound impact on Michael. His father's frequent travels for youth ministry, pastoral duties, and later, more global roles in raising awareness about Third Culture Kids, created a complex dynamic in their family life. While there was a sense of pride and recognition in the meaningful work his father did, it also brought challenges. Michael reflects on the mixed emotions of having to "share" his father with others, often feeling that it wasn't a choice but...2024-09-3040 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#54 How to be a father and frequent business traveller – with Rhoda BangerterSynopsis:The ICAN Model helps you stay in touch with what is going on with your family’s life. If you are a father who travels, you may find it tricky to be emotionally present when you are away from home for work. The risk is that you feel like a stranger when you come home, especially if you’ve been away a long time, or that you stop being involved in raising your children. The ICAN model gives you a framework to stay connected. Your partner at home can use this framework to support your...2024-09-1623 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#53 Whose career? Yours, mine or ours? – with Yvonne QuaheSynopsis:In dual career relationships, couples must navigate the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities. Rhoda and Yvonne discuss the impact of frequent business travel on the stay-at-home partner and navigating the complexities and challenges of spending prolonged periods of time apart. The podcasts shines a light on the need for clear boundaries and constructive dialogue to make informed decisions because split location living does impact both careers and relationships.Key Takeaways:Have the conversationsEmbrace the unknownBe mindful of the impact on the stay-at-home partnerIntentionality and re negotiation are important to staying on...2024-09-0238 min
Holding the Fort AbroadS’épanouir en expatriation: Un épisode en Français avec Florence ReischSynopsis:There are usually no episodes in August but this month I have a bonus episode in French for you. Florence Reisch has been an expat for many years, she is specialised as an expat coach and she has written ‘Expat Wife, Happy Life’ which is available in 6 languages. To celebrate her book being published in French, we share our conversation about expatriation, resources in French and the power of connection between women. Bienvenue dans cet épisode extraordinaire et en français pour la première fois de mon podcast Holding the Fort Abroad qui en franç...2024-08-1954 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#51 The Impact of Parental Absence on Childhood – with Katia VlachosSynopsis:Katia Vlachos’ father was away during her childhood. During this episode, she graciously shares her story of realising later on in life the impact her father’s absence had on her. Katia has lived internationally for many years. She's the author of the book A Great Move and a soon-to-be-released memoir. She coaches people going through major life transitions and reinventions. Join us in this intimate conversation about family, love and hope. Resources Mentioned in the Show:The core emotional needs are grouped across 5 areas:A secure attachment to othersFreedom to expr...2024-07-2233 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#50 – Solo Parenting Survival Guide for Summer: Keeping It Stress-Free and FunSynopsis:In this short episode of Holding the Fort Abroad, I give you four tips for your consideration if you are solo parenting during the holidays and your partner is working. Key Takeaways:Make it work for you Create memoriesInclude the other parentDon’t pack in too many activities and visitsWhat do you do to make it enjoyable and restful?Let me know on IG @amulticulturallife Enjoyed This Episode?Please Leave A ReviewPlease leave a review or...2024-07-0810 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#49 Know what to do with your emotions – with Elizabeth Vahey SmithSynopsis:You feel anger, fear, sadness, resentment, disappointment? These can be intense emotions when living with someone who frequently travels for work. Elizabeth Vahey Smith and I discuss the principles from her book the ‘Practice of Processing’ and how . Elizabeth is an author, a speaker and the COO of TCK Training.What this episode is about:Elizabeth Vahey Smith takes us on an essential journey of: Understanding emotions: there are no negative emotionsDeveloping an emotional vocabulary The consequences of ignoring emotionsThe globally mobile life that can amplify emotionsDeveloping the habit of intentionally proces...2024-06-2436 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#48 What makes you think I had an absent father? – with LucasSynopsis:Continuing the series of Growing up with a Travelling Father, Lucas talks about his experience. Despite the financial constraints and the challenges brought on by his father's international career, Lucas expresses gratitude for a supportive family environment and discusses how travel and cultural exposure have shaped his worldview.What This Episode is About:A few things stood out for me in this interview with Lucas. He is now is now in his thirties and although during his teen years, he sometimes got annoyed at this father’s absences, he is convinced that it...2024-06-1035 min
Nomadic Diaries: Mastering Global TransitionsConversations with EXPAT WritersConversations with EXPAT WritersWhile taking time off for a few days to enjoy a family wedding, Doreen recorded a review episode. Over the last two months, Nomadic Diaries has interviewed and recorded the following authors. - Camilla Quintana: Author of "The Empowered Expat Woman: Your A to Z Guide to Thriving Wherever You Are"https://www.camillaquintana.comhttps://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Expat-Woman-Z-Thriving-ebook/dp/B0CZ184X9J/Camilla talked about expat fatigue, what it is, how insidious it is, how to recognise it and create some strategies to co...2024-06-0419 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#47 He takes a break to check in with the kids – with SaadiaSynopsis:Saadia’s husband has travelled throughout their 14 year marriage. They have also moved countries during multiple times during that time. In this episode she shares her wisdom gained from experience over the years. You’re not going to want to miss this one! Saadia’ husband had explained to her before they got married that his work would involve a lot of travel. She explains that she only really understood what he meant after a few years of marriage and their firstborn was a couple of years old. She reinforces that even though a person never...2024-05-2723 minNomadic Diaries: Mastering Global TransitionsExpat Families - Surviving Apart Abroad!In this episode of Nomadic Diaries, titled Expat Families - Surviving Alone Overseas, Rhoda Bangerter and Doreen Cumberford delve into the emotional and logistical complexities faced by expats and split families living abroad. Rhoda shares her firsthand experiences tackling the challenges of maintaining stability and coherence in family life while being separated from her husband by vast distances because of work commitments. Here are three of the top strategies for managing such situations:Self-Inclusion in Decision-Making:Rhoda emphasizes the importance of including oneself in the family decision-making process. By including oneself in t...2024-05-1442 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#46 “You have to behave while I’m away” – with IreneSynopsis:In this compelling episode, Irene reflects on her childhood in Jakarta, living with her grandparents while her mother made a bold move to Greenland for financial stability. She opens up about the intricacies of cultural differences within her family, the support she had despite her mother's absence, and how she sees it as part of her story now as an adult.What you will learn:In this episode, Irene recounts her mother’s move, the people around them who cared, the responsibility she felt to step up and also have a part in...2024-05-1337 min
Coaching and Mentoring Best Practice - Both Sides of the CoinHow to best coach expats living in a different location to their partnerDo you have clients whose partners are often away with work? Many couples experience short periods apart, however, there are a lot of professions that mean partners are away for longer periods, often months and years at a time. In this podcast, as coaches, we get some top tips about how to work with couples and families who live in split locations. Joining podcast host, Jenny Butter, are Rhoda Bangerter and Florence Reisch. Rhoda is an expat coach who works with people whose partners are often away from home, helping them navigate the stress and use the distance to...2024-05-0628 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#45 Embracing the World Through a Travelling Father – with OpheliaSynopsis:In this episode, Ophelia opens up about the nuances of growing up with a globe-trotting father, an experience that came with its blend of adventure and uncertainty. She reminisces about a youth punctuated by her dad's inconsistent presence and the creative ways her family maintained connections across continents in an era before the omnipresence of today's communication technology. Today she travels extensively herself for her job in editorial and styling for international publications and e-commerce platforms.What you will learn:The impact of her father's travels on the family.Coping with a transient...2024-04-2938 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#44 Learnings From My Life Story – with Rhoda BangerterWhat you will learn:Dating long distance: UK/Congo. The first years of marriage, being a lovepat and not realising the travel involved in my husband’s workExpat life is multi-layered and unpredictable! Dealing with a genetic eye condition and my husband’s unknown illness, a husband who commutes and two unexpected moves back to back. Learning to include myself in our family’s story! How many cultures in my life? How to start building a future lifeThe decision for my husband to work in KabulBeginning to investing in mentors. Developing a career faster than I thoughtMore inf...2024-04-1534 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#43 How to calm intense emotions with tapping – with Eleni VardakiSynopsis:How can tapping help you with loneliness when your partner is gone, taking big decisions (do we do the split assignment?), exhaustion or fear. Tapping is all over social media these days. Eleni Vardaki is an EFT practitioner and in this episode she walks us through what tapping can and can’t do, we do a live exercise you can join in with. Learn a few tips on helping children manage their big emotions too, with sadness when your partner leaves for their trip for example. What you will learn:Benefits of tapping in...2024-04-0140 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#42 Does one of you go? Tips for considering geographical separationSynopsis:In this episode of Holding the Fort Abroad, I dive deep into the decision-making process for split location assignments. We explore practical considerations, maintaining healthy relationships, and the importance of understanding your reasons for pursuing this path. Hear real-life experiences and gain valuable insights from those who have navigated this challenging terrain. Whether it's for a year or several, the decision is yours to make.Key Takeaways:Practical ConsiderationsTime differences and impact on communicationFlight costs and logisticsFlexibility in return timingsVisiting the working locationConsideration of duration, whether open-ended or fixed term2024-03-1818 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#41 The Ties that Bind: People, Places and Purpose – with Megan NortonSynopsis:Join me in this conversation with Megan Norton on how fostering a sense of belonging can strengthen family ties. Megan is an intercultural trainer and author of Belonging Beyond Borders. As the daughter of a US Foreign Service employee, she moved many times during her childhood. As far back as Megan can remember, her father was often on short-term assignments during their times abroad. Her mum was even about to give birth as her dad was working away! Megan dubs herself, her brother and her parents the Norton Core Four, a testimony to their strong relationships.2024-03-0437 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#40 How Well Do You Know Exhaustion, Feeling Stuck And Resentment?Synopsis:In this episode, I delve into the common challenges faced by parents whose partners travel frequently for work. I discuss the dangers of exhaustion, feeling stuck, and harboring resentment while managing the home front solo. Drawing from my own experiences and insights, I share practical strategies for addressing these issues, from managing exhaustion to finding new passions and combating resentment. You Will Learn:What the parent who is at home with the kids may be going through! And if that’s you, how are doing doing around exhaustion levels, feeling stuck and re...2024-02-1923 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#39 The Long-Distance Family Dynamic – with Michael SullivanSynopsis:Find out how the Sullivan family makes their split location arrangement work, what they prioritise, how Michael stays present as a father for his children even though he lives thousands of miles away. They are not new at this and Michael shares his hard earned wisdom. Michael Sullivan currently teaches in Turkey while his wife works and lives in the Philippines with their children. He is finalising his soon-to-be published book and hosts a TCK Podcast.You will learn:Impact of separation on family lifeChallenges with prioritiesThe necessity of strong communication and working...2024-02-0742 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#38 Embracing Work Travel And Family LifeSynopsis:Today's episode is a special solo edition where I dive into the challenges and triumphs of families living this unique lifestyle. I explore the possibility of balancing work passion with a happy family life, and I share a few inspirational stories of families who are successfully doing just that. From strategies for self-care and parenting together, to maintaining long-distance relationships and managing transitions, I cover the essential pillars for making this lifestyle work. Plus, I touch on the good reasons families choose this path.. So, join me as we delve into navigating the world of work...2024-01-2210 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#37 Love Knows No Borders: Connection and Intimacy in long-distance relationships – with Phillips HwangSynopsis:Does time geographically apart mean a sexless marriage? Whether under one roof or across continents, Phillips Hwang unpacks for us what healthy sexuality looks like and how to grow in connection and intimacy in our relationships. Phillips is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Indiana), Certified Sex Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor who specializes in couples counseling, individual counseling, and sex therapy.You will learn:05:25 - What is healthy sexuality?13:45 - Life is hard, carrying past hurts affects us.24:22 - Establishing healthy sexuality and intimacy in relationships.2024-01-081h 10
Holding the Fort Abroad#36 I don’t resent my globetrotting father – with AnajuSynopsis:HTFA Episode #036, titled “Bonding across Distance: Anaju’s Tales of a Globetrotting Father”, explores how her family coped with her father's absence through ritual, reading, and intentional time together. Anaju reflects on her dad's efforts to stay connected despite the distance and how this unique upbringing led her to pursue a master's in sociology. She’s now focusing on the integration of Venezuelan immigrants through language—an inspiration drawn from her own multicultural experiences.You Will Learn:Anaju’s family's strategies to maintain connection, continuity and to foster relationshipsThe career decisions Anaju’s mother madeHer...2023-12-2538 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#35 How to be actively engaged as a parent – with Tanya CrossmanSynopsis:In this episode, I talk with Tanya Crossman about Negative and Childhood Experiences, feeling safe, and having a travelling dad. You will learn:00:00 - Large survey of adult TCKs compared to CDC Kaiser study for Adverse Childhood Experiences07:27 - TCK training educates and supports global families.10:25 - Childhood trauma includes abuse and household dysfunction.13:39 - Our brain flags unfamiliar stimuli, prompting concern.19:03 - New Survey on Positive Childhood Experiences22:27 - Excitedly waiting, then being angry when dad returns.25:42 - Busy schedule, frequent business calls, family adjustments.27:21 - Parental separation impacts attachment.30:44 - Importance...2023-12-1144 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#34 Expat Hero and Transitions – with Nanna HauchSynopsis:Nanna Hauch and I talk about transitions and how the Hero’s journey can help geographically split families with multiple changes at the same time. Nanna is a licensed couple and family psychotherapist, now based in Denmark. She's the founder of Expat Hero. In This Episode: The Hero’s journey 01:31 Staying connected 08:56“Transition Triggers Trauma” and an overwhelmed nervous system 17:01 “Honour that expat life is an adventure” 27:49 Putting your mask on first versus sacrificing yourself in a crisis 35:12 Living your story with courage 42:46Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Joseph Campbell Hero’s...2023-11-2746 min
Where Are You From? A TCK PodcastEpisode 27: 'Holding the Fort' in a Multicultural Life w/ Rhoda BangerterRhoda Bangerter is a life coach, author, and podcast host. Her work specializes in working with couples with a traveling partner. She first attempts to answer the ridiculous question (5:00), and gives us a great overlay of the trials and differences of having bicultural parents (6:50). Mike then discusses with her the discoveries Rhoda has made and how this impacts her crosscultural marriage (9:30). This resonates with Mike (14:00), as he too is in a cross-cultural relationship. She further breaks down what positives she will take from her parents, and the negatives she will leave behind (19:00). Rhoda then asks Mike about examples in...2023-11-2543 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#33 Primary Care Giver: A Dad Speaks Out – with Patrick KadianSynopsis:Today, my guest is Patrick Kadian, an expat for 30 years, and also Mr. Mom (in his words). We talk about how he navigates being a dad with a wife who's away a lot, how he has used his professional skills within his family life and how he has become more emotionally aware.In This Episode:Patrick’s message to dads 01:45Becoming the primary carer: an evolving situation 03:08Defying gender roles 09:43Managing the travel 19:49When she comes home from a trip…. 24:45Keeping the family cohesive and using professional tools 28:45Download:Patr...2023-11-1343 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#32 Seven years of split location – with Florence ReischSynopsis:Florence Reisch, her husband and children have lived geographically apart for 7 years. We talk about the difference it made for her to prepare, what it was like for them. Living this life comes with expected and unexpected challenges and silver linings and we cover those too. Florence Reisch is also known as ‘coachingwiththeflo’. She is a fellow Swiss who has lived around the world for 25 years. She is the author of the book ‘Expat Wife, Happy Life’, a book about expatriation, which is now in multiple languages, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and French is in the mak...2023-10-3037 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#31 From adversity to a great adventure in Germany - with Carlos BakerSynopsis:Today my guest is Carlos Baker. We talk about his music, his new book, the challenges he went through in his childhood, surviving adult depression and being the primary parent in a new country. In this Episode: A challenging childhood illness: how parents and children can experience difficulties differently 01:00Not being equipped for adult adversity 18:50Dealing with adult depression 21:40“The beginning of an amazing adventure in Germany” 24:00 Parenting choices and being the primary caregiver 26:00Living geographically apart for a time 33:20Living out a passion. Music and Writing 38:30Contact Carlos BakerEma...2023-10-0946 min
Real World ParentingNavigating Life While One Parent Is Frequently Out Of The Home with Rhoda BangerterIn this episode, Dr. Laura Anderson and Rhoda Bangerter tackle how to thrive as a family when one partner is away a lot. They explore how to maintain strong parent-child relationships, teaching children to manage big emotions, and ways to reduce overwhelm.Rhoda Bangerter is a certified coach, a Speaker and the Author of “Holding the Fort Abroad”. Her husband has travelled for work their whole marriage and along the way, she realised the huge number of moms and dads around the world who experience the same challenges but with no resources to guide them through this journey. This led...2023-09-2945 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#30 It’s important for kids to be kids – with Kate BergerSynopsis:Today, my guest is Kate Berger. With Kate, we talk about the main message parents need to give to children, what to do when an older child steps into the role of a physically absent parent and the importance of learning to cope with change. Kate is a child psychologist and the founder of the Expat Kids Club. Her main aim is to support emotional well-being of expatriate children, and she does that through individual, family and corporate consultations. In this Episode:Why it’s important for children, parents and corporations to “learn and...2023-09-2524 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#29 How to be a family in split locations – with Dr Laura AndersonSynopsis:Dr Laura Anderson is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Common Chord Psychologist Services. She provides consultation services for multi-racial families, adoptive families, and families with gender expansive members, as they overcome barriers, derive strength from their differences and thrive. Additionally, she has a particular area of interest in supporting third culture children and families who may need support with the stresses associated with living out of their countries of origin. Today with Dr. Laura, we're going to be talking about how intercultural dynamics play out when distance is involved, how to be a family...2023-09-1855 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#28 How to conquer stress with a holistic approach – Kirsten PontiusSynopsis:Today my guest is Kirsten Pontius. Kirsten is an expat, she is a wellness specialist. She works with individuals on their personal wellbeing but she also works with staff in international schools who are often forgotten! Kirsten and I met a few years ago in a workshop and we have recently reconnected. She gives us her insights and shares tools we can use when we are overwhelmed, which can definitely happen when our partner’s are away and we are the only adult at home. In This Episode:We're meant to have that ki...2023-09-0445 minHolding the Fort Abroad#27 Intuitive Eating – with Franziska Bauer LuxhøjSynopsis:Franziska is the founder of Be Happy Abroad. She's a coach, passionate about supporting internationals. She has experience of frequent business travel, and after an initial conversation about what she does now and her experience, we're going to talk about nutrition, intuitive eating more specifically, which is a key element for anyone, but especially important to pay attention to when there is a lot going out. In This Episode:Franziska’s journey as an expat and the effect that has on identityFranziska tells a bit about the Happy Abroad summit, how and why sh...2023-07-1736 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#26 When a Mother Travels For Work – with Elizabeth VerweySynopsis:Elizabeth has founded many businesses, she is a mentor, an author. She founded growatyourpace.com where you can find transformational courses. She is also the founder of Spoken Lives, where women share. She will tell us a little more about what she is doing now and Elizabeth has kindly agreed to share with us what it is like to travel for business when you are a mum and what she did that worked.In This Episode:About Elizabeth and the different projects she is involved inElizabeth’s first business trips as a young mu...2023-07-0335 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#25 Being a Mother and a Frequent Traveller – with Karina LagarrigueSynopsis:Karina is an adult third culture kid, a psychologist, a sex therapist, and a mother. She helps expatriated cross-cultural and frequent traveling couples and families to thrive. We will talk first about her research that she's doing on becoming mothers abroad, and then she's going to give us her insights into frequent business travel. When you are a mom, this is a topic that hasn’t yet been addressed on this podcast, and one that comes up a lot in questions about frequent business travel.In this Episode:About Karina’s background and rese...2023-06-2157 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#24 Myths That Threaten Split-location Marriages – with Jennie LintonSynopsis:Jennie Linton is a certified life coach, about to complete a clinical mental health counselling program, she is a mom to 4 daughters and married to a US diplomat. She’s lived on 4 continents and in 7 countries. She is part of the team on the Big Purple Blob, an online platform for US Diplomatic community and she is also the host of her own podcast, The Expat Mom. She is passionate about helping moms feel emotionally healthy so they can be the kind of mom they want to be.In This Episode:Jennie’s jour...2023-05-3044 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#23 I love you, see you on Friday – with Kate GondouinSynopsis:Kate is British, married to a Frenchman and they currently live in France. She is a Facilitator, Certified Coach and Mentor. Her husband has been travelling Monday-Friday for about a year now. We talk about her family’s experience with this lifestyle, and what she has put in place.In This Episode:How Kate came to end up in France and the kind of coaching work Kate doesHow learning to navigating change is a vital skill for all humans, especially expatsWhat Kate and her family put in place to enable business travel for he...2023-05-1832 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#22 Women Thrive - with Angelic IngramSynopsis:Angelic is a Holistic Health Practitioner, Mindfulness Coach and author from San Diego, CA. She is also a volunteer with the Myositis Support and Understanding organization where she moderates mindfulness conversations on clubhouse and advocates for myositis, a rare auto immune disease that has affected her own life. She also knows what it is to live as an expat. In this interview, she talks about her expat journey and her new book ‘Women Thrive’. We discuss how we can live wellness with a partner who works away from home.In This Episode:Angelic tell...2023-05-0338 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#21 Ten countries and a world of experience – with Mariam OttimofioreSynopsis:Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore is a Pakistani expat author, writer, researcher and economist. She has lived in ten countries as both a TCK and an expat adult: The Kingdom of Bahrain, the United States, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana and Portugal. She is the author of the expat guidebook This Messy Mobile Life: How a MOLA can help globally mobile families create a life by design (Summertime Publishing 2019) which equips international families to navigate a life abroad. She is also the blogger behind the expat blog And Then We Moved To ...2023-04-2737 min
The Expat Mom PodcastHow to "Hold the Fort" in Split-Location Marriages with Rhoda BangerterIt's really common for families in the expatriate community to be separated sometimes--either because one partner travels frequently, or one partner has an assignment and the rest of the family doesn't go. These situations can be challenging for everyone in the family. It can be especially hard on the spouse who is at home "holding the fort" as Rhoda, my podcast guest, describes it. However, there are lots of tools that can help make this situation easier and help improve emotional health and the connections between family members not only despite the distance but even because of it...2023-04-1051 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#20: Choosing split location – with Carole Hallett MobbsSynopsis:Carole Hallett is an expat expert and host of the Expat Ability Chat podcast and founder of Expat child. After having lived as an expat, she is now living in her home country while her husband moves on assignment. In her coaching practice she has often seen that frequent business travel is a part of the expat experience.In This Episode:Carole explains about her various moves as an expat in Japan, Germany and South Africa. She tells of how she met her husband and came to live the expat l...2023-03-0638 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#19: Solo Parent, Be Strategic! – with Colleen HiggsSynopsis:Today my guest is Colleen Higgs. She and her husband have five children. As a professional turned mum, she knows what it is like to be frustrating when parenting is efficient! In her blog Unpacking Parenting, she challenges us to stop using measures used for efficiency and look at parenting in a completely different way. Colleen also knows what it is like to live abroad and have a travelling partner. She is just about to finish a solo-parenting stint of two years. She shares with us some of her insights on this life and what has...2023-02-2132 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#18: 5 strategies to make business travel workSynopsis:In this episode I share my acronym GREAT which helps to remember the five strategies to make business travel work for you and your family. Whether your partner is gone Monday to Friday, or months at a time. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Workbook - How to ask for help and get the help you need. Take the time out to figure out:what stops you from asking for helpwhat help you needwho to ask Contact Rhodawww.amulticulturallife.com2023-01-3113 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#17: Living the Distance: Lessons Learnt – with Arlette ChatleinSynopsis:Today my guest is Arlette Chatlein. She is no stranger to living far from her partner. Born in Curaçao, Arlette moved to The Netherlands when she was 19 years old to study Economics at the University of Rotterdam. Little did she know that it would only be her first move. Her and her husband have lived apart at three different times. Listen to her share what they have learned.In This Episode:Her three different experiencesWhat they have learnedWhat have you put in place, maybe even subconsciously that makes it work? Do you t...2023-01-1136 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#16: Relationship Care Giving – with Wiebke AntonSynopsis:Wiebke Anton is a relationship coach for people living abroad. In this episode, we talk about being a couple who moves and how we can prioritise our relationship.In This Episode:Typical scenarios that Wiebke sees in her work with couples who move abroadWhat Wiebke focuses on during relationship care sessions, exercises that she uses, and how these apply to couples who are geographically separatedSome advice and fun ideas for keeping romance alive even when geographically separated, and how to have stress reducing conversations with your partner.How to navigate...2022-12-2643 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#15: Band Together! – with Becky GrappoSynopsis:Becky Grappo is an educational consultant. She works with families throughout the United States and around the world on planning their children's education. Her husband was a career foreign service officer for 27 years in the US Diplomatic Service. During that time and with three young children at home, she went back to school and got her graduate degree in education. She taught in several international schools before going back to the US and working in a US public school. Then she worked at the State department helping to guide foreign service families as they were planning...2022-12-1244 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#14: A Military Spouse’s Perspective: Is a Military Spouse Stealing Respect? - with Richelle FutchSynopsis:Today my guest is Richelle Futch. Richelle has built and scaled multiple ventures across technology, education, nonprofit and service based industries. She is a sponsorship specialist, an author, a public speaker and a trainer. Richelle is a former Marine, current military spouse and advocate for military employment, preventative mental health care and reform. She has worked with congress members on policy reform and has been invited to the White House on behalf of her work and advocacy efforts.Together we explore some of the similarities between a military family and a family...2022-12-0144 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#13: A powerful visualisation method for living apart - With Bruna ToubiaSynopsis:Today my guest is Bruna Toubia. She is multicultural, multilingual. She has lived in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. And she is trained in impressive array of holistic, process-orientated and goal-orientated methods. First she is going introduce systemic constellations and then she will help us see how they can be a powerful tool in situations where you are geographically separated from your spouse. In this Episode: Bruna explains constellations. How can constellations help for someone who has a partner who is often absent with some examples of scenarios. How c...2022-11-1427 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#12: An invitation to deeper inner work – with Dr Neeta RamkumarSynopsis:Dr Neeta is a US licensed psychologist living, practicing, and consulting internationally. Her online private practice includes therapy and coaching services for expats, first gens, interculturalists, digital nomads, diplomats, humanitarian workers, military veterans, third culture kids, and globally mobile folx. Her approach is integrative and humanistic, with a focus on solutions for growth and holistic wellness. In This Episode:Emotional numbing and the wall between the partner who was away and the rest of the family. No place for stoicism!An invitation to doing deeper inner workThe flip side of being strongHonoring the...2022-10-3141 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#11: Personal Reflections: Two Years After a BurnoutSynopsisIn this episode, I share a little about my burnout in January 2021, the panic attacks I experienced and the exhaustion that set in after a series of difficult situations accumulated. I share how I recovered and the lessons learned from that incredibly difficult time. If you feel that you have been stressed for a long time, this might be worth a listen. If you are experiencing panic attacks, stop listening if it is triggering for you. In these shownotes are the techniques and tools that helped me. I am so grateful that during that time I...2022-10-1014 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#10: Insights from an experienced solo parent – with Florence Chabert d’HieresSynopsis:International adoptee, born in Sri Lanka and holder of a French passport, Florence Chabert d’Hieres specialises in cross-cultural training and coaching from 6 years old kids to top management.In 2009, she created Coach4expat. She is the author of “I'm a citizen of the world” for parents and children to help them succeed in their expat adventure. During the pandemic, she created Expat Village an online village, allowing a one stop shop for the personal and professional needs for expats and their families.In This Episode:More about Expat Village and Floren...2022-09-1948 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#9: Solo-parenting Teens – with Shellee BurroughsSynopsisShellee Burroughs is a UK Registered Art Therapist. She has 10+ years’ experience counselling within the education sector, specialising in trauma and sexual abuse therapy.She is an experienced child and adolescent counsellor using a range of approaches from Creative Arts and Play/Sand Tray Therapy, Child Accelerated Trauma Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Strengths Based Psychology. She also knows all about Third Culture Kids! In this EpisodeShellee’s personal and professional story. Her main takeaways of living split location during Covid with teens I ask Shellee if she sees any benefits to thi...2022-09-0643 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#8: Creating an environment where children can thrive – with Matthijs de RaveSynopsisFor many years, Matthijs de Rave worked as Sales Director for well known, worldwide insurance companies and was also an author of children’s books. One day, he had an airplane epiphany and founded Expat Valley. I talk to him about being the first Ombudsman for International Children, and what it was like being an travelling dad.In this EpisodeWhat is an Ombudsman for International Children, what Matthijs does and who are international children. (1:19)His personal experience of travelling a lot for work and being a dad. (5:59)The impact on his children. (6:51)Hi...2022-07-1841 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#7: Staying Connected – with Kerry ByrneSynopsisKerry is a researcher, collaborator and entrepreneur in aging, care and connection. She is the Founder of The Long Distance Grandparent, a mission driven business, helping grandparents build strong bonds with their grandchildren – no matter the distance between.In this Episode The Long Distance Grandparent Society (1:10)Nurturing the relationship: similarities in maintaining connection between grandparents and grandkids and maintaining connection with travelling parents & their children (6:30)The Five Pillars to Connection (11:40)The importance of having a vision for the relationship (11:50)The Connection Loop (30:37)Starting early (39:11)Grief (40:20)Spontaneity(42:09)Two of Kerry’s favourite resources for pare...2022-07-0444 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#6: Parenting together long distance – with Sharoya HamSynopsisSharoya Ham is a behaviour change specialist and founder of Embrace Behavior Change. She is also a licensed teacher with over 25 years of experience working with at-risk students and their families. Her favourite career, however, was as a stay-at-home mom. She attributes her three amazing sons who are now 18, 20, and 23 for teaching her endless lessons about parenting. Sharoya is an American who hails from the state of New Jersey. Over the past 15 years, she and her husband and their three sons have lived in six African countries. Sharoya’s husband travelled a lot over the years so...2022-06-2053 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#5: Facing the challenges of expat life, together – with Vivian ChionaSynopsisVivian is the founder of Expat Nest, an online counselling service for internationals. She is a registered psychologist with Master’s degrees in both Child & Adolescent Psychology and Health Psychology. She was recognised in 2020 as one of the 100 most influential women in the world by Women appreciating Women. She is bicultural with family all over the world, Vivian is familiar with the international community and inspired by its diversity. In this episodeVivian’s goal - providing an empathetic and comforting environment in which expats feel heard and understood and help...2022-05-2736 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#4: Life as Holding the Fort Dad – with Robert HSynopsis:Robert has many different skills, he’s been in the military, he’s been a teacher, he is trained as an engineer and he is the dad of two wonderful girls. He gives us his perspective as a Holding the Fort Dad and gives some fantastic tips on parenting too !In This Episode: Robert’s life before becoming a Holding the Fort DadBeing the only dad in Mother & Toddler groupsStagging on & Staffing off: the importance of getting rest. The value of retrainingTop tips on having a female au pair when mum is the on...2022-05-2643 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#3: He Was Gone 85% of The Time – with Claire HauxwellSynopsis:Claire Hauxwell is a professional badass (accompanying supportive spouse), writer, and coach. A trained Supply Chain professional and ex-spreadsheet lover, she now puts her Type A personality to work by deconstructing the nuances of expat life. With more than a decade of global living experience, Claire shares her wisdom on the blog – My Theory On Blooming, and coaches female expat accompanying spouses to create fulfilling and intentional lives abroad. If she’s not roaming the aisles of the grocery store or meandering the forest with her dogs, you’ll find her sweating it out at CrossFit or having...2022-05-2539 min
Holding the Fort Abroad#2: An episode to share with your Parents & In Laws – with Helen EllisSynopsis:Helen is NOT an expat, she is the mother of expats, a long distance grandparent and the author of a series of books on distance relationships between grandparents, distance sons and daughters and distance grandchildren. One of Helen’s children was an expat with a travelling partner. This episode is a conversation being a distance grandparent when your expat child is solo parenting.In This Episode:The importance of generations understanding each other in distance familiesBeing available but keeping boundariesDistance Parents/in Laws are all different ! Advice for Distance Parents How...2022-05-2433 min
Holding the Fort AbroadCreating a Life for Yourself - with Margaret GhielmettiSynopsis:Margaret Ghielmetti knows what it is like to be home alone when she thought she was moving abroad with her husband and not moving abroad waiting for her husband to come home. She talks about her journey from thinking she would be fine to the reality she encountered to finally being open about needing help and creating a life for herself on her own terms.In this Episode: The metaphorical life handbook we receive from our families.Why Margaret was surprised by the effect of her husband’s travelling although she (thought she) knew w...2022-04-2036 minHolding the Fort Abroad#0: Holding the Fort Abroad: What's it all about?SynopsisIn this episode I talk about what you can expect from this podcast and why I am doing it. Extract from the book Holding the Fort Abroad: “Holding the fort, or, in American English, holding down the fort, is an expression that means taking care of things during someone’s absence. In March 2019, as my husband prepared to live in Afghanistan for two years while I stayed in Switzerland, I realised that he has travelled for work throughout our 15-year marriage, albeit not eight weeks at a time, as we were...2022-04-2006 min
The Empowered Expat WomanHow to Thrive as a Solo-Parenting Expat Mom - with Rhoda BangerterDid you know that 12% of all expat couples do not live in the same country? Others spend prolonged period of times separated, while again others have one spouse working long hours away from home or traveling. What these families have in common is that the stay-at-home spouse needs to 'hold the fort' and parent on their own. Today's Podcast guest, Rhoda Bangerter, knows about this all too well and shares her comforting, uplifting and practical advice to thrive in this situation with us! You'll find out: What the upsides of solo-parenting are How to navigate the most common difficulties How...2021-06-1746 min
The Time Is NowCommitting to your dreams when you don’t have the time – With Rhoda BangerterWith today’s fast paced lifestyle, particularly if we are globally mobile, it can be so difficult to make the time to commit to our dreams and our goals.
This challenge is even greater for parents in general, so imagine how complex it would be if you were a solo parenting mom. If a solo-parenting mom can do it, so can you!
"I decided to be my own career manager and do it just like I would have if I was working for a company"
In this week’s episode you will hear the inspiring story of Rhoda Bangerter and her...2021-06-1446 min
kirsty@shamozal.com -How to stay together when you're miles apartOur anonymous question this week is all about staying together when you’re physically miles apart. How do you turn those “admin” phone calls into conversations that will brighten your day rather than leave you feeling flat and discombobulated. Our anonymous Fatterati member feels like her phone calls with her partner have become more like reporting in.
We call in the experts and offer our own tips. Kirsty’s husband G has booked his flight meaning they are working on their “Communication doc” in preparation to living apart.
We also spoke to Rhoda Bangerter who has written...2021-03-141h 03