Jeff and Marisa dive deep into hustle culture, the infamous “996” work schedule, and why overwork isn’t just toxic, it’s literally taking years off our lives.

From Silicon Valley badge-of-honor busyness to nomads redefining success, this episode is a reality check on what really matters: health, freedom, and time.

🔑 Episode Highlights:

🧳 Nomad Life as a Wake-Up Call — How travel revealed there’s another way to live.

🏆 Titles vs. Time — Why chasing job titles is an identity trap.

🧠 Overwork = Smoking? — The shocking stats showing how workaholism slashes your lifespan.

Perfect for anyone questioning hustle culture, corporate conditioning, or craving a healthier definition of success.

Want daily remote job alerts sent to your inbox?

Sign up here: www.beachcommute.com/email

Want our support that can help you land a fully remote job faster? ⚡️

Apply to Remote Job Fast Track here: www.beachcommute.com/apply”

Every few months, another article comes out declaring that “digital nomad life is over.” Usually written by someone who hated it, moved back home, and now insists everyone else should too.

In this episode, we’re calling B.S. and breaking down the 10 most common reasons people actually give up on nomad life—from loneliness to burnout to money stress. Some are valid. Some are myths. All of them are worth talking about.

🕒 Episode Highlights:

🏢 The Latest “Nomad Life is Dead” Article
Why the media keeps pushing people back to the office.

👯 Loneliness & Shallow Friendships
Why some nomads can’t find real connection, and how to avoid it.

📶 Internet & Work Challenges
The practical hurdles of trying to stay productive anywhere.

🧠 Mental Health & Burnout
Why nomad life won’t “fix” deeper issues, and what helps instead.

🌞 Heat & Humidity

Yeah, some places are hot, and some are humid...it's not a reason to give up on the digital nomad lifestyle

🤯 Distractions happen

You wouldn't believe the "reason" this person gave as a hardship of traveling as a digital nomad...

🎧 Tune in for laughs, honesty, and practical tips to avoid the pitfalls that send nomads packing.

If you want expert career coaching help getting hired for a fully-remote role, write "Get Hired" to hello@beachcommute.com

Not all “remote jobs" mean the same thing. Some let you log in from anywhere in the world, others tie you to a city or region, and many have hidden expectations around hours, objectives, or even eligibility.

In this episode, we break down what remote really means, how to read between the lines in job postings, and which setups actually give you the freedom you’re looking for.

🔎 11 different kinds of remote jobs
What each model really implies for your day-to-day life.

📑 The fine print in job postings
Which details are negotiable—and which can lock you in.

🏢 Company examples we like
Real-world cases of remote done right.

🌍 Work from anywhere vs. Hire from anywhere
Why the difference matters more than you think.

🎧 Tune in to make sure your next “remote job” truly fits the lifestyle you want.

We’re back with Part Two of the Digital Nomad Location Awards...and this time we’re giving shoutouts to the places that stood out for food, vibes, community, and more.

If you’ve ever wondered where nomads go for the best meals, the most inspiring environments, or the strongest sense of belonging, this episode has you covered.

Grab a drink (we did 🍻) and get ready to add a few new spots to your must-visit list.

🍜 Best Food Scene
Which country stole our hearts (and stomachs) with its eats.

🎨 Most Inspiring Vibes
The cities that make you feel creative the second you land.

🤝 Strongest Community Feel
Where nomads actually connect beyond surface-level.

💸 [00:35] Best Bang for Your Buck
Top picks for affordable living without cutting corners.

🌿 [00:44] Chillest Places to Recharge
The locations where slowing down just feels right.

🤣 [00:52] Funniest Stories Along the Way
Unexpected moments that could only happen as a nomad.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, surprises, and maybe your next destination.

What happens when someone who’s been listening to the show for years finally takes the leap into digital nomad life?

In this episode, we talk with Jeremy, a longtime podcast listener and now a full-time nomad, about his path from discovering Beach Commute to working remotely in Italy. He shares his story of searching for the right resources, making bold moves, and finding his way into a lifestyle many only dream about.

If you’ve ever thought, “Could I actually do this?” Jeremy’s story is proof that the answer might just be yes.

🕒 Episode Highlights:

👋 Meet Jeremy
A longtime listener calling in from Italy shares how he first found the podcast.

🔎 Discovering Beach Commute
How searching for “digital nomad podcasts” changed his direction.

✈️ The Spark That Made Him Take ActionWhy hearing other people’s stories helped him believe this lifestyle was possible.

🇮🇹 Life in Italy
What day-to-day remote work looks like when your backyard is Europe.

💡 Biggest Lessons Learned
From fears to freedom—Jeremy shares what surprised him most about becoming a nomad.

❤️ Advice for Future Nomads
What he wishes more people knew before starting out.

You can find Jeremy on Instagram at @journeywithjeremy

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that shows how the nomad dream goes from podcast episodes… to real life.

Have you ever Googled tips on how to ace an interview? Some recommendations are dead-on, and some are absolutely insane. Jeff and Marisa break down the biggest "hacks" on the web.

🕒 Episode Highlights:

😂 [00:08] The Weirdest Job Interview Tips on the Internet
From chewing gum before you walk in, to “power stances” straight out of a superhero movie.

🤔 [00:27] Sorting the Ridiculous from the Useful
Believe it or not, a couple of these actually might help.

🙈 [00:37] Tips That Could Cost You the Job
Why some advice will leave the hiring manager more confused than impressed.

💡 [00:49] Our Take: What Really Matters in Interviews
Forget gimmicks—here’s what you should actually focus on if you want to stand out.

🎭 [01:10] Humor, Humanity & Being Yourself
Why authenticity (and a little personality) beats all the hacks every single time.

🎧 Listen for equal parts comedy and clarity—you’ll laugh at the wild hacks and leave knowing exactly what not to do.

What does it really look like to build a digital nomad lifestyle that lasts years, not just months?

In this episode, Marisa sat down with Blythe, a longtime listener of the show who’s been living the remote work dream across the globe.

She shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what she wishes every new digital nomad knew before getting started.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first trip or wondering how to make this lifestyle sustainable, you’ll find honest advice, funny stories, and surprising takeaways from someone who’s truly been there.

🕒 Episode Highlights:

🐢 Travel speed: The unexpected benefits of slow travel vs. fast travel

🤗 Community: Building friendships and community as a long-term nomad

She also talks about: How remote work has shaped her day-to-day freedom, dealing with fear, uncertainty, and burnout on the road, and lessons only years of nomad life can teach you and what she’d do differently if she started today

Get work-from-anywhere job alerts sent to your inbox today to land a job that will let you work from anywhere.

beachcommute.com/email

If you’ve been applying to remote jobs and hearing crickets, or don’t even know where to start, this episode is for you.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on why most people struggle to land a fully remote job, what’s actually working right now in the market, and how our Remote Job FastTrack program is designed to guide you through the process.

We also share real stories from our team, the behind-the-scenes mistakes that keep applicants stuck, and the strategies that have helped people land interviews for jobs they didn’t even think were possible.

Episode Highlights:

🎙 [00:00] Why This Episode Is Different
We set aside our normal storytelling to talk about something that could change your career path.

💡 [00:08] Why Finding a Remote Job Is So Hard Right Now
The market realities no one is talking about—and why it’s not just “apply more.”

🛑 [00:14] The Top 3 Mistakes Remote Job Seekers Make
From resume traps to missed networking opportunities.

🧭 [00:22] How the Remote Job FastTrack Works
Our step-by-step approach to getting you clear, visible, and competitive in the remote job market.

📖 [00:27] Ian’s Story
How he went from struggling to landing a role that lets him work from anywhere.

🔍 [00:34] Decoding the Hidden Job Market
Where the best remote jobs are hiding, and how to find them.

🎧 Whether you’re ready to join the Remote Job FastTrack or just want insider strategies for your job search, this episode will give you clarity and next steps.

If you'd like to apply to Remote Job Fast Track, you can submit your info here:

Beachcommute.com/apply

-----------------------------------------

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Your actual results—including job offers, salaries, and how long it takes to get hired—will vary depending on your experience, skills, effort, and the job market. We do not guarantee job placement, specific salaries, or timelines. Any success stories or examples mentioned are not typical and are shared to illustrate what's possible—not what’s promised.

In this episode, Jeff and Marisa dive deep into what it really takes to build meaningful friendships while traveling, and the biggest reasons people end up lonely while chasing the dream.

Episode Highlights:

🏡 Coliving Spaces: The Good, the Boutique, and the IsolatedNot all coliving is created equal. How to find the ones that actually build community (and which ones feel like glorified hostels).

🌍 WiFi Tribe: Built-In Friends or Emotional Crutch?Reflections on how structured nomad groups like WiFi Tribe help or hinder your ability to build your own community.

💻 Coworking Spaces: Connection Hub or Just a Desk?We unpack the myth of coworking as a social space—and what actually happens when you're head-down behind a laptop.

🏐 Sports Groups: The Friend-Making Hack You’re Probably IgnoringWhy pickup volleyball, spikeball, pickleball and casual leagues might be the most natural way to meet real friends without trying.

🕵️ [00:50] Debunking the Big Lies of Nomad FriendshipsWe challenge common advice we’ve seen online, from meetups to Facebook groups to coworking-based assumptions.

🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever felt lonely while living the dream, or just want to build deeper friendships wherever you are in the world.

To get a fully remote job so that you can start traveling the world, make sure to subscribe to our daily job alerts: beachcommute.com/email

Ever been somewhere and thought, “Why don’t we do this back home?”
That’s what this episode is all about.

From fika breaks in Sweden to barefoot freedom in Costa Rica, we’re sharing the cultural customs we fell in love with while traveling—and the ones we seriously wish we could steal.

Also: no llama fetus sacrifices this time. (Yes, that’s a real thing in Bolivia.)

🎉 [00:00] Why Cultural Customs Matter
A quick intro—and the surprising things we’re not bringing home.

☕ [00:05] A Coffee Break with Soul How slowing down and making space for conversation totally changed how we work.

🥾 [00:10] Barefoot Living in Costa Rica No shoes, no stress—how this simple lifestyle shift impacted our nervous systems.

🥟 [00:18] The Power of Shared Meals How food rituals—from Georgia to Guatemala—bond people better than meetings ever could.

🎒 [00:23] Outdoor Everything in Europe Parks, picnics, plaza culture—why being outside is treated so differently abroad.

🫶 [00:28] Hospitality Traditions That Stunned Us From tea in Morocco to open-door homes in South Africa—how generosity showed up around the world.

👣 [00:32] Grounding in Nature as a Daily Norm What cultures get right about walking barefoot, forest bathing, and reconnecting.

💡 [00:37] The One Custom We Each Wish Was Global Our personal top picks—and how they’ve shaped our values.

Get a remote job and live anywhere in the world: beachcommute.com/email

This week, we’re diving into the hot takes, hard truths, and hilariously uncomfortable questions that digital nomads are asking online, from Reddit rabbit holes to unfiltered social threads. No prep, no script, just real talk.

Some answers might surprise you. Some might offend you. All of them? Raw and real.

🔥 [00:00] The Rules: No Scripts, Just Spitfire Takes
Why we didn’t prep for this episode—and why that might be a mistake.

🤔 [00:06] “Are You Just Running Away from Life?”We tackle the most common (and annoying) criticism nomads face.

🏝️ [00:11] “Are Digital Nomads Even Contributing to Society?”This one gets heated. Spoiler: We have thoughts.

❤️ [00:18] “Can You Actually Have a Real Relationship While Traveling?”Long-distance. Short flings. Love in motion. Let’s talk about it.

💻 [00:24] “Is Anyone Actually Working on These Beaches?”A brutal (and honest) breakdown of work vs. vibes.

🌍 [00:29] “Where’s the Line Between Travel and Cultural Disrespect?”We dive into cultural sensitivity, cringe-worthy moments, and how to do better.

🧳 [00:35] “What If You’re Just... Lost?”The existential question no one wants to admit—but most nomads have asked.

👀 [00:42] “What’s the Most Unexpected Thing No One Told You?”Our biggest shocks, regrets, and unexpected wins from years on the road.

🎤 This one’s loose, loud, and very real. Tune in for laughs, cringe, and truth bombs—straight from the digital nomad frontlines.

How to Make $72K–$168K Remotely—Even Without Prior Experience

What if you could break into a fully remote career where on-target earnings often range from $72K to $168K per year—even if you don’t have direct experience in the field? And what if that path could give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world in just a few weeks?

In this episode, Marisa sits down with Beach Commuter, Ian, to unpack one of the most surprising and fast-growing remote career paths available today. It’s a role most people overlook—but it could be the perfect fit for your income goals and lifestyle.

 You’ll discover:

• What this remote role actually entails

• The two primary paths within the field

• Why it’s ideal for digital nomads (or anyone tired of the office)

• How some people are getting hired in as little as 2–4 weeks

• Why this is one of the fastest ways to land a remote job with high earning potential

If you’ve been spinning your wheels applying to remote roles on job boards…

 This episode will show you a new path—and the tools to pursue it.

Apply to see if Remote Job Fast Track is a fit for you: beachcommute.com/apply

 Want vetted remote job openings sent straight to your inbox? beachcommute.com/email

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. The on target earnings ranges, earnings figures, and hiring timelines discussed reflect averages publicly listed by hiring companies for these roles, and are not specific to our clients or program participants. We are sharing data as reported by employers in job postings and industry sources, not as guarantees or promises of individual outcomes.

Your actual results—including job offers, salaries, and how long it takes to get hired—will vary depending on your experience, skills, effort, and the job market. We do not guarantee job placement, specific salaries, or timelines. Any success stories or examples mentioned are not typical and are shared to illustrate what's possible—not what’s promised.

We break down a recent viral article titled "My Mind Was Shrieking: What Am I Doing?"—a dramatic takedown of the digital nomad dream.

But how accurate is it really? Let’s talk about the nuance, the truth, and what’s really going on beneath the surface.

📉 [00:00] Is Big Cubicle Coming for Us?Why the media suddenly hates digital nomads—and who benefits from that fear.

🧳 [00:05] When the Dream Starts to CrumbleA traveler’s story of freedom turned to confusion—how chasing “more” went sideways.

🚩 [00:08] Nomad Red Flags: Are You Escaping or Expanding?Party-hopping, country-counting, and the numbing spiral that looks a lot like growth.

⛔ [00:12] Travel Can’t Heal What You’re AvoidingThe illusion of constant motion—and the crash when it stops working.

🎭 [00:16] The “Fake Freedom” TrapWhat happens when your passport is full but your life feels empty.

🧘 [00:20] Self-Soothing or Self-Sabotage?The fine line between using travel to regulate… and using it to run.

✔️ [00:24] What the Article Actually Gets RightSpoiler: It’s not all wrong. Here’s where the critique hits home.

🌅 [00:27] Nomads Who Are Doing It RightReal-life stories of people who are thriving—and how they’ve built it intentionally.

🏗️ [00:30] How to Build a Life That Doesn’t Burn You OutBalance, community, routines, and all the good stuff that keeps you sane.

🧭 [00:34] The 5 Signs You’re Losing Your Nomad CompassWhat to watch for when your lifestyle stops aligning with your values.

💬 [00:38] Our Own Identity Crises (Yep, We’ve Been There)Personal stories of burnout, misalignment, and coming out the other side.

📝 [00:42] Rewriting the Nomad NarrativeA more honest—and more human—vision for what this life can really be.

🎧 Listen in to get past the headlines and into the heart of what it really means to live (and thrive) as a digital nomad.

Get daily fully-remote jobs sent to your inbox: beachcommute.com/email

Ever wondered why you feel so alive in some places—and so drained in others? In this episode, Jeff and Marisa peel back the layers of how travel, environment, and even the tiniest details of where you live can transform your mindset.

☀️ [00:03] Sunlight and Natural Light
Explore the science behind daylight exposure, serotonin boosts, and why you might feel better the moment you step into the sun.

🏠 [00:09] Big Windows & Bright Spaces
Learn how architecture and interior design—think massive windows vs. dark little caves—can make or break your mood.

❄️ [00:14] Seasonal Depression and Light Access
Hear how digital nomads escape the winter blues by chasing the sun when most people are stuck inside.

🌳 [00:18] Proximity to Green Spaces
Why trees, parks, and daily nature contact have a profound impact on stress, health, and happiness.

🌿 [00:23] Grounding & Barefoot Contact
Get the lowdown on grounding—what happens when you ditch your shoes and reconnect directly with the earth.

🌊 [00:28] Blue Spaces: The Healing Power of Water
Oceans, rivers, waterfalls—why moving water does wonders for calming your nervous system.

🗺️ [00:33] Specific Destinations for Nature Lovers
Travel inspiration for your next mood-boosting escape, from Costa Rica and Colombia to the mountains of Patagonia.

🏙️ [00:38] City Life vs. Natural Settings
A real talk on how urban environments drain us—and what happens when you finally step into wide-open spaces.

🔄 [00:43] The Role of Novelty and Change
How new places, fresh sights, and unexpected experiences can instantly reset your outlook.

🌱 [00:48] Creating Micro-Environments at Home
Simple ideas to bring a little of that outdoors magic into your daily space—wherever you are.

🌍 [00:52] Digital Nomad Life as a Mental Health Strategy
Why having the freedom to choose your environment might be the most underrated self-care move you can make.

If you want to get a remote job, make sure to follow Beach Commute's daily remote job newsletter with hot opportunities that will let you work from anywhere in the world.

beachcommute.com/email

What Actually Happens in a Year of Digital Nomad Life?

Ever wondered what a full year looks like when you're working remotely and bouncing between countries? We take you behind the Instagram filters and into the spreadsheets as we recount exactly where we lived, worked, and wandered over the past year.

2018 — The Experiment Begins
13:03 – Marisa shares how she "really started nomading" with a 6-week stint in Indonesia. Jeff starts dabbling in San Diego.
17:27 – Jeff finds his first nomad community via WiFi Tribe and gets the travel bug.

2019 — The Wild One
18:55 – Jeff and Marisa's paths cross. 2019 is packed with fast travel, wild detours, and a taste of “let’s go everywhere” energy.
22:09 – Jeff calls it: “2019 was f***ing wild.”

2020 — Pandemic Plot Twist
25:40 – The year starts in Mexico and ends with everyone being told to fly home.
30:38 – Marisa bookends her year in Playa del Carmen.

2021 — The Recovery Year
32:13 – Big group mansions, hernia surgeries, and "lessons learned" define this post-lockdown transition year.

2022 — The Reset Year
39:19 – Marisa calls it her least traveled year—here’s why.
45:00 – Jeff returns to a place that "called him back since 2018."

2023 — Burnout and Breaks
49:17 – Stateside living dominates as both reflect on burnout and slowing down.
51:40 – Jeff spends 6 months in the US feeling like he "didn’t want to go anywhere."

2024 — Healing and Stillness
54:00 – Marisa finds out about her mold toxicity; both reflect on how stillness brought clarity.

2025 — Back in Motion
56:32 – A busier year kicks off, but the future is still wide open.

🌍 For Aspiring Nomads and Curiosity-Seekers Alike…

This episode is your peek behind the curtain:

Do you ever feel like Instagram is lying to you about remote work? You're not alone—and in this episode, we’re calling out the bullsh*t.

Jeff and Marisa dive headfirst into the myths, misconceptions, and subtle societal messages that try to dissuade people from living the digital nomad lifestyle.

These aren’t just misunderstandings—they’re propaganda, and we’re setting the record straight.

🚫 Is it true that you'll never get promoted unless you're in the office?

🚫 Do you really have to work from Bali or Lisbon to be a 'real' digital nomad?

🚫 Is remote work just for people without “serious” careers?

Spoiler: All of that is nonsense.

In this refreshingly honest episode, you’ll learn:

• Why some outdated companies still confuse "showing up" with doing good work
• What kinds of remote workers actually do get promoted (and how to become one)
• The surprisingly harmful advice people post about remote work on social media
• How to think critically about the content you're fed in the digital nomad space

You’ll also hear some hilarious back-and-forths, personal stories from our own nomadic journeys, and hot takes you won’t find on your algorithmically-curated feed.

Whether you're just dreaming about working from anywhere or already living the laptop lifestyle, this episode will help you cut through the noise and build a remote career that’s actually right for you.

🎧 Hit play if you’re tired of remote work clichés and ready for the real talk.

📧 Want to get work-from-anywhere remote job alerts sent to your email each day? www.beachcommute.com/email

Jeff and Marisa unpack the clickbait-y claim making the rounds in the media: that digital nomadism is dying 😱

But wait... is it?

👉 Why is the media suddenly turning on the remote work lifestyle they once romanticized?
👉 What stats and stories are actually happening on the ground?
👉 Are fewer people working from abroad—or just doing it differently?
👉 What major shift is reshaping how nomads live, work, and travel in 2025?
👉 And what does it really mean to be a digital nomad now?

Whether you’re a remote work lifer or just digital-nomad curious, this one’s packed with truth bombs, predictions, and some hot takes on the future of work-from-anywhere life.

Press play to find out if digital nomads are really dying... or just being reborn. 🌍

Think you're applying to real remote jobs?

Think again. Up to 50% of remote job listings might be totally fake — no role, no team, just a phantom posting sucking your time into the job-hunt void.

In this episode, Jeff and Marisa uncover:

👻 Ghost Listings: Companies that look like they’re hiring... but aren’t. No real job exists.

🛠️ Pipeline Builders: Companies "always hiring" to stockpile resumes for later.

📉 Layoff Disguisers: A new listing might appear…because they may want to lay someone off and hire for cheaper.

🧠 PR Stunts: Fake jobs meant to make the company look like it's growing.

💼 Control Tactics : Employers post fake roles just to make current staff feel replaceable and work harder 😬.

💀 Actual Scams – Fake companies trying to steal your 💰 or identity. Red flags include vague descriptions, sketchy pay, and asking for your info upfront.

This is one of those “you’ll never job search the same way again” episodes.

Mentioned in the episode:

Browse fully vetted work-from-anywhere jobs: ⁠https://beachcommute.com/jobs⁠

Hit play. You might just save yourself months of wasted effort.

It’s time for the first-ever Digital Nomad Location Awards, where we (Marisa and Jeff) crown the best places around the world across 10 epic categories. From jaw-dropping beaches and foodie hotspots to insane adventure zones and the ultimate cities to work remotely from.

And the best part? We didn’t plan our answers ahead of time, so get ready for unfiltered reactions, some passionate debates, and a whole lot of unexpected picks (plus some hilariously terrible “dishonorable mentions”).

Inspired by a Beach Commute podcast listener, this episode dives into the places we’ve actually lived and worked—not just passed through—so you’re getting real, lived-in insights for your future travels.

What you can expect:

We’re tired, slightly unhinged, and coming in hot with stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes chaos from four years of showing up — every single week — to talk remote work, digital nomad life, and figuring it out in real time.

🎧 We reveal the real reason most podcasts don’t make it past 10 episodes (and how we survived 200)
🔥 Marisa shows up running on fumes, Jeff almost didn't show up at all — and somehow it’s still a banger
😂 Our “worst travel days” and chaotic work setups, finally exposed
🌴 What we secretly miss (and don't miss) about being on the road full time
🙃 Why the unhinged episodes — when we’re exhausted, rambling, and off-script — always hit the hardest
📈 How we accidentally built a brand, a business, and a global community from weekly Zoom calls
🧳 Would we do it all again from the start? Our surprising answers at the end
🥴 The mental chaos of showing up every week — and how we keep making it work
🎙️ The moment we almost quit the podcast… and what pulled us back

This one’s fun, scrappy, reflective, and very real. Thanks for being with us on the ride — whether you’ve been here since episode 1 or just found us last week. Let’s keep going. 💛

Join the email list: www.beachcommute.com/email