We're Moving To Europe

How to Find Your Community and Practice Gratitude in a New Country

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

www.skool.com/were-moving-to-europe
Abigail (Abbie) Somma
Gratitude Buddies

What does it really take to build a fulfilling life in a new country?

In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Abigail Somma, who has lived and worked across several countries. They explore how mindfulness, gratitude, and strong community connections can help people navigate the emotional and practical challenges of relocating abroad.

Abigail shares her personal journey of creating Gratitude Buddies, a community built around skill-sharing, meaningful connections, and mindful networking. Together, they discuss managing expectations when settling into a new place, coping with the emotional ups and downs of international life, and finding practical ways to build resilience and belonging.

This conversation offers thoughtful insights for anyone moving abroad, adapting to life overseas, or looking to build deeper connections in a new environment.

00:00 Rethinking the Meaning of Home
00:22 Podcast Introduction – Moving from the US to Europe
00:52 Meet Abigail Somma – Living in Spain, Italy, and Austria
01:48 Abigail’s Journey Living Abroad
03:10 From International Relations to Mindfulness and Community
04:22 The Origins of Gratitude Buddies
05:02 Why Gratitude and Community Matter After a Move
06:09 Belonging, Mindfulness, and Building Connection
07:30 Finding Community Through Shared Values
08:09 Managing Expectations When Moving Abroad
09:50 Culture Shock and Everyday Challenges in a New Country
11:29 Emotional Resilience – Humor, Crying, and Self-Compassion
13:33 Resources for Americans Planning a Move to Europe
14:57 The Hidden Mental Load of Living in Another Language
16:12 Beginner’s Mind – Staying Open to New Experiences
19:20 Guided Gratitude Meditation with Abigail Somma
23:44 Resetting Your Mindset with Mindfulness
25:00 Practical Advice for Building Community Abroad
26:07 Accepting Mixed Emotions When Moving Countries
27:02 Redefining Home and Cultivating Belonging
27:48 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Buddies Community
28:28 Outro – Thanks for Listening

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.
Medication background music - The Orienvibes (https://pixabay.com/users/43208736/)

Extra visuals
Meditation visual - Nathan Cowley, Pexel
Images on title slides - Photos by Pierre Blaché and Alejandra Cifre González on Unsplash

How to Build a Successful Freelance Business in Germany as an American

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://www.eleanormayrhofer.com/entreprenuership-in-germany
https://thegermanylist.de/the-germany-expat-business-show-podcast/

What does it really take to start over in a new country and build a business from scratch in Germany?

In this episode, host Casey Kelly sits down with Eleanor Mayrhofer, who moved from the US to Germany on a whim after a friend invited her to start a business. What followed was a crash course in entrepreneurship, networking, visas, language barriers, and cultural integration.

Eleanor shares the realities of navigating German work permits, understanding local business regulations, and building a professional network without speaking fluent German. She explains how a government support program helped her transition into freelancing, breaks down the German public and private healthcare systems, and highlights the power of the vibrant expat community.

Whether you're dreaming of launching a business abroad or simply curious about life as an entrepreneur in Germany, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest lessons from the front lines.

00:00 Joining expat groups vs integrating long term
01:03 Welcome + show intro (Casey’s move to Portugal)
01:34 Meet Eleanor Mayrhofer (US-born marketer in Germany since 1999)
01:59 How Eleanor ended up in Germany (a “big accident”)
03:14 The beer garden moment: “Let’s start a business”
04:24 Reality check: no network, no German, no plan
05:26 First job lead through networking (and visa stress)
06:08 Getting paid under the table while waiting on permits
06:43 Munich’s early web boom and the hiring wave
07:08 Landing at Sapient and finally getting the paperwork sorted
08:11 How timing and luck played a role (tourist visa extensions)
08:45 From corporate stability to going independent
09:15 Why “network is everything” when you start freelancing
10:29 Government support for founders: Gründerzuschuss explained
11:35 Germany’s healthcare: public vs private (what expats should know)
14:36 Being covered in the US: the $100k hospital story
16:11 Sponsor break: We’re Moving to Europe membership community
17:05 Does Germany really support entrepreneurs? Yes and no
17:19 KSK (artists’ social insurance) + freelancer reality math
18:26 Taxes, cash flow, and admin: the bureaucracy challenge
20:12 Choosing English vs German as your business language
20:32 Scaling, niches, and early business mistakes (printables)
21:46 Avoiding extra complexity: why a US LLC backfired
22:18 German business structures (GmbH/UG) + today’s tools/resources
23:30 Biggest upsides of self-employment: autonomy and flexibility
24:31 Advice for newcomers: side hustles, compliance, and pipeline
26:41 Networking culture in Germany (English-friendly ecosystems)
27:51 Startup scenes, meetups, and where connections happen
29:38 Expat community in Munich: evolving beyond the “bubble”
31:38 There’s never been a better time: creators, groups, accelerators
33:27 Eleanor’s podcast + where to find her (Germany List)
34:31 Wrap-up + credits (Producer/Editor: Magdalena Laas)

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Portugal Taxes for Americans: Digital Nomads, Pensions & Avoiding Double Tax

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Portugal Taxes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

Moving to Portugal as a US citizen? Your biggest surprise might not be the visa, it’s the taxes.
From double taxation myths to retirement income traps, this episode explains what Americans really need to know.

In this episode, Casey Kelly speaks with Pedro Gaudêncio, a chartered accountant and CEO of Portugal Taxes, to break down how the Portuguese tax system works for US expats living in Portugal.

They unpack common misconceptions that often circulate online, explain how the Portugal–US double taxation agreement actually works in practice, and why many Americans misunderstand their tax obligations after moving abroad. Pedro also explains how different types of income are treated, including US retirement income, and what digital nomads and remote workers need to be aware of when becoming tax resident in Portugal.

The conversation also explores tax benefits and incentives for younger expats, why early planning matters, and why working with qualified tax professionals is essential for staying compliant with both US and Portuguese tax authorities.

Whether you are planning a move to Portugal, already living there, or researching US expat tax planning, this episode offers clear, practical insight to help you avoid costly mistakes.

00:00 – The tax mistake that shocks most Americans in Portugal
01:13 – The tax expert Americans wish they’d talked to sooner
04:26 – Why the US makes expat taxes so much harder
05:52 – The biggest tax myths Americans believe about Portugal
06:45 – Selling a US home? Here’s the Portugal tax trap
09:04 – Will you really be taxed twice?
13:56 – Two tax strategies every US expat should understand
15:58 – Why Google gives terrible tax advice for expats
19:38 – How Portugal taxes Social Security and 401(k)s
23:16 – Digital nomads: where your income is really taxed
26:24 – “They won’t know I’m abroad” is a risky bet
28:39 – Hidden tax perks for younger expats (NHR 2.0)

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Healthcare in the Netherlands: Understanding the Dutch Healthcare System

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Cornerstone Health

RJ Pesigan on LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=@WMTEurope

American physician Dr. RJ Pesigan joins We’re Moving to Europe to explain how the Dutch healthcare system really works. From finding a GP and getting insurance to understanding cultural differences, medications, and trans-inclusive care, this episode helps expats navigate healthcare in the Netherlands with confidence.

00:00 Dutch directness and healthcare culture
01:00 Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe
01:30 Meet Dr. RJ Pesigan, founder of Cornerstone Health
01:55 Moving to the Netherlands during COVID
03:00 From medicine to MBA to entrepreneurship
04:00 Understanding Dutch vs US healthcare systems
06:20 Cultural differences in doctor-patient communication
07:20 How to prepare for a GP visit in the Netherlands
08:47 Appeals and patient rights
09:50 Self-care and ownership in Dutch healthcare
11:20 Preventive healthcare and checkups
12:30 How to register with a Dutch GP and pharmacy
14:40 Health insurance requirements for expats
15:10 Membership community: We’re Moving to Europe
16:03 Medication availability (e.g., Adderall) and records
18:02 Access to transgender healthcare in the Netherlands
20:47 Managing chronic conditions as an expat
22:00 Bringing and digitizing your medical records
22:40 Budgeting for medications and transition period
23:30 Finding expat-friendly healthcare professionals
24:10 Vision, dental, and alternative care coverage
25:06 Closing and credits

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

Getting Healthcare in Portugal as an American

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

https://serenity-portugal.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-averbukh-md-mha-7b935a44/

Episode Description

Thinking about moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? In this episode of We’re Moving to Europe, host Casey Kelly talks with Dr. Michael Averbukh, CEO and Managing Partner at Serenity, a healthcare concierge service for expats and immigrants in Portugal. They discuss how Portugal’s public and private systems compare to the US, what Americans should prepare for, managing medications, navigating bureaucracy, and access to care for trans people.

Whether you’re planning a relocation or already settling in, this conversation will help you understand how to prepare for your medical needs and make the most of Portugal’s healthcare system.

0:00 Introduction & guest intro

1:30 Dr. Averbukh’s journey to Portugal

2:55 Founding Serenity and its mission

4:24 Comparing US and Portuguese healthcare

6:19 Public vs private systems explained

9:20 Insurance and access differences

12:07 Medication availability & preparation

14:10 Navigating Portugal’s healthcare bureaucracy

19:15 Healthcare access for trans people

22:03 Tips for preparing medical care before moving

27:10 How to manage care after arrival

35:24 Final advice: Be prepared

Production team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

B-Roll
Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and Pexels

Understanding Dutch Taxes for Americans Living in the Netherlands - with Christie Duchateau

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Useful Resources:

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

BNC Tax & Accounting

Christie DuChateau - LinkedIn

Episode Description
Thinking about moving to Europe? Dutch tax expert Christie DuChateau joins host Casey Kelly to explain what Americans really need to know about international taxes, salaries, and retirement planning abroad. Learn how double taxation actually works, what benefits your Dutch taxes cover, and how to prepare your finances before relocating.

[00:00] Casey opens the episode and introduces today’s topic on expat taxes
[01:00] Christie shares her background and how BNC Tax & Accounting began
[03:30] Breaking down misconceptions about double taxation for Americans overseas
[05:30] Comparing European and U.S. income levels and effective tax rates
[07:45] Understanding what European taxes cover, from healthcare to family leave
[10:00] How pensions, 401(k)s, and Social Security are treated across borders
[13:00] How expats can e-file, use software, or work with a tax professional
[15:30] The “three pillars” of retirement and smart cross-border investment options
[21:45] Why U.S. business entities are treated differently in Europe
[26:30] How far in advance to prepare for visas, housing, and finances
[28:45] Cost-of-living differences, culture shifts, and spending habits
[31:30] Christie’s final advice, plus where to find more information

Sound library

B-Roll

Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pixabay and FreePik

Moving Internationally with Pets: Expert Tips from Paws Abroad Founder Marisa Hoskins

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100

PROMOTION

Because you're a We're Moving to Europe listener, you can get 15% off Marisa's pet travel planner or concierge services at Paws Abroad. Enter the code WMTE when you check out at https://www.pawsabroad.co/. (I'll receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase with this code.)

Episode Description

Bringing your pets along when you move abroad can feel overwhelming. Between airline rules, health certificates, and crate training, it’s easy to feel stressed about international pet relocation. On this episode of the We’re Moving to Europe podcast, Paws Abroad founder Marisa Hoskins shares her recommendations for planning your move with pets, how to make the journey easier for both you and them, and why you may have more – and better – options than you think.

Quote

“Don’t wait till the bitter end. Sign up three to six months in advance, so we can help you plan. That’s how you avoid quarantine, paperwork issues, and stress for both you and your pet.”

Useful Resources
We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community

Paws Abroad

(00:00) - Meet Annie, the Portuguese Podengo

(00:48) - Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe

(00:21) - Guest intro: Marisa Hoskins, founder of Paws Abroad

(00:56) - Marisa’s first experience with international pet travel

(00:14) - Launching her first pet company

(00:32) - Why she built Paws Abroad

(00:18) - The Pet Travel Planner explained

(00:05) - Growing community & concierge services

(00:20) - Myths about pet quarantine and cargo travel

(00:01) - Paperwork, health certificates, and safe cargo travel

(00:32) - Why planning 3–6 months ahead matters

(00:29) - Common mistakes: carriers, bookings, breed restrictions

(00:08) - Personalized support & peace of mind

(00:46) - Other travel options: charters, cruises, new airline rules

(00:18) - About the We’re Moving to Europe community

(00:37) - Food & medication planning for pets

(00:28) - Traveling with multiple pets & airline restrictions

(00:15) - Best timing: why 6 months is ideal

(00:26) - Advice for people worried it’s “too stressful”

(00:36) - Free guide & final tips

(00:41) - Community discount & contact info

(00:28) - Wrap up & credits

[00:00] Meet Annie, the Portuguese Podengo

[00:48] Welcome to We’re Moving to Europe

[01:21] Guest intro: Marisa Hoskins, founder of Paws Abroad

[01:56] Marisa’s first experience with international pet travel

[03:14] Launching her first pet company

[04:32] Why she built Paws Abroad

[05:18] The Pet Travel Planner explained
[06:05] Growing community & concierge services

[07:20] Myths about pet quarantine and cargo travel

[09:01] Paperwork, health certificates, and safe cargo travel
[10:32] Why planning 3–6 months ahead matters

[11:29] Common mistakes: carriers, bookings, breed restrictions

[13:08] Personalized support & peace of mind

[14:46] Other travel options: charters, cruises, new airline rules

[16:18] About the We’re Moving to Europe community

[17:37] Food & medication planning for pets

[20:28] Traveling with multiple pets & airline restrictions

[22:15] Best timing: why 6 months is ideal

[25:26] Advice for people worried it’s “too stressful”

[26:36] Free guide & final tips

[27:41] Community discount & contact info

[28:28] Wrap up & credits

Production Team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Sound library

B-Roll

Additional royalty-free footage curated via Pexels

Americans Going to College In Europe: Expert Tips from a Consultant

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100

For people in the US who are really passionate about intellectual freedom, the options of college abroad are appealing to a lot of different groups of people for a lot of really motivating reasons. – Karen Shopoff Rooff, Independent College Consultant

Useful Resources

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

[0:03] Feeling overwhelmed about moving to Europe?
[0:10] Introducing the We're Moving to Europe community
[0:23] Learn at your own pace with expert support
[0:29] Monthly classes, tools, and resources
[0:37] Reliable, up-to-date information
[0:43] Practical guidance and early podcast access
[0:58] Helping you make your own decisions
[1:08] Find us at skool.com
[1:48] Welcome and intro to the episode
[2:19] Meet Karen Shopoff Rooff
[2:52] How Karen got into college coaching
[3:29] Addressing educational inequity
[4:18] Pandemic-era inspiration and early work
[5:07] Finding the right fit for students
[5:33] Dispelling college consultant myths
[6:05] Karen's international education story
[7:01] Life-changing London experiences
[8:18] Study abroad as a valuable experience
[9:05] Specialized training for international options
[10:14] Rise in interest for college abroad
[11:10] Factors driving interest in EU colleges
[12:19] Safety and intellectual freedom
[12:53] Why European college might be a better fit
[13:22] When it's *not* a good fit
[13:59] Maturity and independence required
[15:00] Financial considerations of EU degrees
[15:53] Housing challenges in the Netherlands
[16:42] Knowing your kid’s resilience
[17:39] Academic differences in EU colleges
[18:08] Transparent EU admissions process
[19:00] Application pre-reads and reduced guesswork
[20:05] Grading systems and assessment style
[21:16] High stakes grading vs busywork
[21:45] Program rigidity and flexibility differences
[22:21] Mini-courses and short modules
[23:13] Importance of time management skills
[24:05] FAFSA and financial aid in Europe
[25:14] Merit scholarships for international students
[26:03] Risks of switching programs
[26:51] A costly time zone mistake
[27:34] Tracking deadlines for scholarships
[28:28] Disability accommodations in EU colleges
[29:24] When to start planning for college abroad
[30:32] APs, IBs, and test prep importance
[31:41] Visiting EU schools and virtual tours
[32:45] Better virtual tours than in the US
[33:43] International student resources
[34:46] The emotional impact on families
[35:20] Family transitions and multiple moves
[36:14] When transition is harder than expected
[37:07] Supporting your child emotionally
[38:01] Normalize the fear of a big move
[38:26] Where to find Karen Shopoff Rooff
[39:16] Show credits and closing

Sound Library

Moving from the US to the Netherlands with Jana Sanchez and Bethany Quinn

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100

The Netherlands feels familiar to people because so many people speak English, and there are a lot of things from American culture that come from Dutch culture – Jana

The real question that everyone needs to ask themselves is, what do you want your life to look like? What kind of a country do you want to live in, and what kind of a country do you want your kids to live in? – Bethany

Useful Resources

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

[0:03] Introduction to the We’re Moving to Europe Community
[1:47] Welcome to the Episode
[2:18] Meet Bethany and Jana of GTFO Tours
[2:40] Their Backgrounds and How They Met
[3:52] Why They Chose to Move to the Netherlands
[4:52] Starting GTFO Tours and What It Offers
[6:20] Early Success and Tour Launch
[6:38] Why Americans Are Attracted to the Netherlands
[7:37] What Is the DAFT Visa and How It Works
[10:27] Income, Freelancing, and Family Considerations
[12:13] Entrepreneur Visas vs. DAFT
[14:06] Dual Strategy for Spouses and Work Options
[15:09] The Housing Challenge in the Netherlands
[16:32] Schooling, Taxes, and Administrative Hurdles
[17:54] 30% Tax Ruling and Planning Ahead
[18:56] The Bureaucracy of Moving and Starting Over
[19:25] Keeping US Jobs and Managing Time Zones
[21:08] The Reality of the Dutch Housing Market
[22:56] Misconceptions About Rent and Pitching Yourself
[23:44] Budgeting and the Role of a Makelaar
[25:07] How Bethany Found Her Apartment
[26:02] Alternatives to Living in Amsterdam
[27:35] Picking Cities Based on Lifestyle and Needs
[28:53] The Housing Crisis vs. the US Context
[30:15] Reasonable Timelines for Moving
[31:57] How Complexity Affects Your Timeline
[33:07] Downsizing and the Cost of Moving Furniture
[34:12] Don't Wait Too Long to Move
[35:24] Life Vision and Family Considerations
[36:01] Debt, Financial Mindsets, and Cultural Differences
[37:23] Building Community in the Netherlands
[38:02] How to Make Connections as an Expat
[40:24] Surprising Benefits of Living in the Netherlands
[41:51] Bethany on Dating and Emotional Balance
[42:58] Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Info
[43:34] Outro and Credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Living in the Balkans as an American and Navigating Unexpected Loss Abroad – with Chanoa Inez

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0100

What’s it like starting a new life in the Balkans as an American, and then dealing with sudden tragedy in an unfamiliar place? In this episode, author Chanoa Inez shares her experiences living in Montenegro and Serbia, why she still loves Montenegro, and how she rebuilt her life.

"You can come back from any tragedy. There's always another dream to be had."

Useful Resources
Dream on: How to Create the New Life of Your Dreams after Upheaval or Loss (Book)
Chanoa Inez (LinkedIn)
We’re Moving to Europe (Substack)
European-wide emergency number: 112
Where are U app (identifies caller's exact location in an emergency)
US Department of State issues travel alerts and warnings if you enroll into its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

[00:26] Introduction to the podcast and host Casey Kelly

[00:57] Guest introduction: Chanoa Inez, author and marketing strategist

[01:21] Chanoa’s move to Montenegro and how it came about

[04:22] A tragic turning point: sudden loss of her partner

[06:17] Why Chanoa chose to stay in Europe and her dual life in Serbia and Montenegro

[07:52] Learning Serbo-Croat and choosing Serbia vs Montenegro

[10:46] Returning to the U.S. and the pull of Los Angeles

[12:24] Realizing the long-term impact of grief and trauma
[15:58] The deliberate journey of healing and personal transformation

[17:00] Childhood-rooted limiting beliefs and perfectionism

[19:05] Core message of the book Dream On and who it's for

[22:00] Language learning advice for prospective expats

[24:28] Why integrating with locals matters abroad
[25:16] How to prepare for emergencies while living overseas

[26:53] U.S. State Department travel alerts and embassy support
[29:03] Life in Montenegro: natural beauty, lifestyle, and international appeal

[32:52] Final message for those facing grief, anxiety, or transition

[34:50] Thank you and where to find Chanoa’s book

[35:27] Closing credits and Substack mention

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

How to Use Social Media to Research Your Move Without Losing Your Mind – with Dr. Jennifer Weber

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Social media and the web are full of useful information for Americans who are considering a move to Europe. But they’re also full of outdated, incomplete, and outright bad information that can steer you wrong on a life-changing decision.

Behavioral analyst and educator Dr. Jennifer Weber shares her recommendations on how we can examine the information we find online and figure out if we can trust it.

"Anecdotes prompts us to ask questions, data answers these questions."

Useful Resources
We’re Moving to Europe (Substack)

Dr. Jennifer Weber (Substack)

KIT Educational Consulting

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

[00:00] Intro & Community Announcement

[01:14] Welcome to the Podcast

[01:46] Introducing Dr. Jennifer Weber

[02:20] Dr. Webber’s Background in Behavior Analysis

[03:11] Systems Thinking in Education

[04:06] Why She Started Writing on Substack

[04:29] Social Media's Impact on Thinking

[05:29] The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

[06:35] How Social Media Shapes Engagement

[07:18] How to Check Ourselves Online

[08:12] Why Slowing Down Matters

[09:07] Media Silos & Losing Context

[10:16] Portugal Example & Public Reaction

[10:49] Breaking Out of the Silo Mentality

[12:09] Repetition vs. Evidence

[13:12] Three Critical Questions to Ask

[14:20] Critical Thinking & Mental Comfort

[15:13] Interrupting the Behavior Loop

[16:11] Algorithmic Influence and Personal Responsibility

[17:14] Learning How to Think in a Digital World

[18:28] Decoupling Emotion from Information

[19:05] Understanding the Function of Information

[19:45] Evaluating Data vs. Anecdotes

[21:24] How to Use Anecdotes Constructively

[22:59] Starting with Two Sources

[23:55] Misconceptions Around Sourcing

[24:49] Why Google or ChatGPT Aren’t Enough

[26:00] Teaching Better Research Habits

[27:11] Top Search Results vs. Quality

[28:09] Applying These Skills Across Life

[28:35] Dr. Weber’s Upcoming Course

[30:07] Summary of Key Takeaways

[31:11] Start Small, Build Better Habits

[32:13] Empowerment Through Verification

[32:54] Final Thanks & Closing

[33:27] Outro & Credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Raising a child and running a business in France

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Summary
Moving to another country is a big challenge, especially if you’re bringing your child and your business to a new culture. Our guest, open source consultant and expert Emily Omier, did both when she moved from Oregon to Paris. She shares her experiences with getting her daughter ready for the move, learning what French public schools provide, and operating her consultancy business in a new bureaucracy.

If you are thinking about leaving the US because you hate the politics in the US, you want to make sure that you actually pay attention to politics in Europe because it's not always better than whatever you don't like about politics in the US. So I think that level of naïveté is sort of frustrating to me sometimes because some people think that Europe is a socialist utopia where everything is wonderful and then they discover that some things are wonderful and some things maybe are not nearly as wonderful as they expected.

Useful Resources
Emily’s website: https://www.emilyomier.com/

Emily on LinkedIn
We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We're Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps
0:26 – Introduction to the podcast and host

0:54 – Today’s topic: moving abroad solo or with a child

1:10 – Guest introduction: Emily Omier, consultant & parent

1:44 – Emily's international living history

2:55 – Moving to Nicaragua with a toddler

3:41 – Moving to France with a 7-year-old

4:19 – Talking to her daughter about the move

5:26 – Language learning in French schools
6:24 – The social benefits of French integration classes

7:31 – Public vs. private school and enrollment logistics
8:36 – Grade placement & school culture differences

9:01 – Parent-teacher communication norms in France
10:30 – College prep and standardized testing in French schools
11:18 – Evaluation expectations and a hands-off approach
12:11 – Homework in French elementary schools
12:25 – Parenting culture and social integration in France
13:38 – Healthcare logistics for children in France
14:28 – Healthcare system costs & cultural adjustment
16:10 – Visa logistics and dependent rules for minors
17:22 – Visa process and timeline for moving to France
18:43 – The biggest upsides of moving to Paris for her daughter
20:27 – Social and structural support for parents in France
22:59 – Emily’s business background & being self-employed in France
24:18 – Adapting an established business to a new country
25:22 – Cultural nuances in doing business in France
27:29 – Industry vs. national culture: knowing the difference
28:19 – Advice for anyone considering an international move
29:27 – Don’t idealize Europe: do your research
30:44 – Why Emily chose Paris specifically
31:25 – Outro and credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Going to College in the Netherlands: An American Perspective

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Summary
Leiden University undergraduate Fletcher Barton shares how and why he left Texas for college in Europe. He also offers tips on deciding if it fits your goals well, what to expect, and how to get ready.

First, there's the independence, which feels amazing. And this, this depends on, on the personality, of course, but I find the, the independence really exciting. And you get to explore a new country. At my university, there's people from all over the world.
That's, you know, I, I get to learn so much more about the world and I get so many more opportunities to, to try new things like like new cuisines or practicing a lot of different languages.

Useful Resources
Search By Country - Beyond The States

Admission and application - Leiden University
We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps
00:34 – Introduction to the episode: Topic overview – college in Europe

00:53 – Meet the guest: Fletcher Barton, archaeology student at Leiden University

01:26 – Fletcher shares his study path and plans

02:24 – Regional limitations of certain degrees (e.g., law, medicine)

03:18 – How studying abroad impacts long-term career goals

04:33 – When to evaluate the transferability of a European degree to the U.S.

05:12 – Challenges of changing majors in European universities

06:36 – Fields that transfer well between countries vs. those that don’t

07:06 – Comparing educational quality: Leiden vs. top U.S. schools

08:15 – Breakdown of tuition costs at Leiden University

08:38 – Scholarships and financial aid considerations

09:25 – Differences in the admissions process (U.S. vs. Europe)

10:52 – Conditional acceptance and financial proof requirements

13:02 – How Fletcher found Leiden and selected his program

14:00 – Using the “Beyond the States” tool to find English-taught programs

15:29 – What it was like settling into life and school in the Netherlands

16:53 – Bureaucracy, housing, banking, and other logistics

18:50 – Fletcher's experience as an American student abroad

20:07 – The social scene and student life in Europe

21:07 – European universities and the lack of traditional campuses

22:58 – Travel opportunities and transportation around Europe

25:11 – Practical advice for students and families considering this path

27:08 – Researching the right program and country fit

28:19 – Planning academic requirements early (e.g., AP classes)

29:25 – How to prepare between acceptance and arrival

30:03 – Learning the language and getting involved in campus life

31:12 – Working while studying and work permit limitations

32:26 – Cultural adjustment and food differences

34:22 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

Sound library

Scouting Trip Success: Planning to Find a Location You’ll Love

Host: Casey Kelly-Barton, Producer: Magdalena Laas (Unscripted Creatives) — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Our guest, Anita Ahiadormey, is an international travel professional who’s lived in and visited many countries around the world. In this episode, she shares her expert recommendations for scouting a location—and explains why treating your scouting trip like a vacation can steer you wrong.

Quote

“When we move, there are real consequences to our actions and our decisions. So take your time and flesh it out as much as you can. You're not gonna know everything, but make sure the major things are covered.”

Useful Resources (links)

Anita Ahiadormey @ Fora Travel

La Casa Baatsona, Accra, Ghana

We’re Moving to Europe Substack

We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team

Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps