In this episode of The Rest is Just Geography, a podcast from Liberty University, Chesed sits down with Janelle, a graduate student studying counseling, to explore the emotional and psychological journey of transition and culture shock. Together, they unpack the general pattern of how culture shock unfolds, common responses people experience, and the internal shifts that often accompany cross-cultural movement.

This is the first of a two-part conversation. In this episode, the focus is on understanding the process—what it tends to look like and why it matters. In the next episode, Chesed and Janelle will dive deeper into healthy ways to respond to culture shock and transition.

At the end of this episode, Janelle shares how Galatians 5:25 encouraged her during her own cross-cultural experiences, offering a meaningful reflection on how faith can anchor us in seasons of change.

This episode was produced by Chesed Anne Dent Fitzsimons.
Podcast editing: Cohen Kern, Peyton Rice, & Chesed Anne Dent Fitzsimons.
Podcast music: Endless Bliss — written by Sander Kalmeijer, performed and produced by Sounds Like Sander.
Podcast cover image created by Chesed Anne Dent Fitzsimons using AI-generated artwork.

Fisher's Transition Curve: https://www.scribd.com/document/768106536/fisher-transition-curve-2012-1