What happens when you turn 30 and your life looks nothing like the version you imagined in your twenties?
In this raw and honest solo episode, I reflect on the expectations I had for turning 30 — the career ladder, the house, the partner, the stability — and why none of that actually happened… and why that might be the best thing that ever happened to me.
Instead of following the traditional path, I found myself building a life around freedom, travel, creativity, and connection. From walking away from toxic stability, to starting over during a pandemic, to building community on a tiny island in Portugal — this is the story of how I’ve redefined success in my 30s.
If you're approaching 30, already there, or just feeling like your life isn't matching the timeline you expected — this episode is for you.
We talk about:
Letting go of the “perfect life” plan
Moving abroad and starting from scratch
Redefining what success means at 30
Celebrating the things we did figure out
Finding joy and alignment off the traditional path
💬 Let’s normalize not having it all figured out by 30 — and maybe even celebrate it.
🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to follow Poncha Talk for more honest conversations about remote life, personal growth, and choosing your own path.
🔗 Connect with me on social media:
📸 Instagram: @ponchatalk
🎥 TikTok: @ponchatalk
🌍 Website: madeirafriends.org
🎙️ Listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube (search Poncha Talk)
To celebrate my 30th birthday, I took a sunset hike with eight of my closest friends — and brought my mic along. In this special episode, we talk about everything from what we thought we’d have figured out by now (spoiler: not much) to what truly matters less as we grow older.
We laugh, we reflect, and we share stories.Whether you're turning 30 soon, already there, or just love a good mix of wisdom and chaos, this one’s for you. Recorded on the trail, raw and real — just the way I like it.
Don't forget to follow Poncha Talk on Social Media @ponchatalk for regular updates about living abroad, remote work, and personal growth!
This week on Poncha Talk, I hiked and talked with my good friend Brandon Harpold (@brandonharpold), who brings a refreshing and philosophical lens to the remote lifestyle.
After getting laid off from his job as a human factors engineer, Brandon chose to take a very different path—he’s now building a life as a speaker, coach, and online philosopher. We explore what it means to live intentionally, build meaningful friendships as a nomad, and experiment boldly with life (including that one time he became a stripper—for one night only).
We also dig into how social media has shaped our attention spans and how Brandon uses short-form content to make big ideas more accessible in today’s fast-scroll world.
This episode is thoughtful, unexpected, and full of reminders not to take life too seriously.
Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonharpold
Follow the podcast: @ponchatalk
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
0:55 – Brandon’s story: from engineer to coach to philosopher
12:05 – Nomad friendships through a philosophical lens
22:10 – How social media reshapes our attention span (and Brandon’s bite-size approach to big ideas)
27:45 – The one-night stripping story: curiosity, friends, and bold life experiments
41:04 – Embracing silliness and the role of play in adult life
In part two of my conversation with Kate, we shift focus to one of the most exciting parts of remote life: choosing your next destination. Kate shares how she started her podcast Hintern Horizont gibt’s WLAN, where she explores different nomad hotspots and remote work travel tips.
We dive into what makes a destination great for digital nomads, from community and Wi-Fi to lifestyle and affordability. Kate also shares her favorite places, beginner-friendly suggestions, and what’s currently on her travel bucket list.
If you're wondering where to go next (or first!) — this episode is for you.
🔗 Follow Poncha Talk:
📸 Instagram: @ponchatalk
🎵 TikTok: @ponchatalk
🎙️ Check out Kate’s podcast Hintern Horizont gibt’s WLAN:
https://www.instagram.com/hintermhorizontgibtswlan
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – How Kate launched her podcast Hintern Horizont gibt’s WLAN
06:05 – What makes a destination ideal for digital nomads
08:00 – Fuerteventura: Kate’s personal favorite and why it works so well
13:37 – Ericeira, Portugal: a great starting point for first-time nomads
16:40 – Buenos Aires, Argentina: perfect for a longer stay and city lovers
20:30 – Tips for balancing work and travel
23:30 – Long-term nomad life: choosing between new places and returning “home”
What happens when you get everything you thought you wanted — and still feel unfulfilled?
In this episode of Poncha Talk, we dive deep into what it really means to reinvent yourself. We explore the shift from climbing the corporate ladder to choosing a path that’s less traditional but far more aligned with your values.
We talk about the emotional weight of quitting a job others admire, how to deal with societal pressure when you live life differently, and what it takes to start over — from going back to school to taking a job that pays less but brings more meaning. You'll also hear about letting go of everything that ties you to your home base (job, apartment, relationship) and the moment when years of nomading lead to a desire for a semi-permanent home again.
🎧 Kate also hosts the podcast Hintern Horizont gibt's WLAN, where she shares her experiences and favorite nomad destinations:
https://www.instagram.com/hintermhorizontgibtswlan
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:43 Kate’s background in the corporate world
4:40 Quitting a perfectly “good” job
12:36 How to get into a remote career
15:40 Letting go of things to start a new life
18:40 Challenges of reinventing yourself
24:05 Friendships, relationships, and a home base as a nomad
🔗 Follow Poncha Talk:
📸 Instagram: @ponchatalk
🎵 TikTok: @ponchatalk
In this episode of Poncha Talk, I chat with Manon, cofounder of Viomatico Business Retreats and an expat who’s called Madeira home for the past 3.5 years. Manon opens up about the early challenges of her entrepreneurial journey and how those struggles eventually led her to create something deeply fulfilling: retreats that bring entrepreneurs together to connect, grow, and support one another.
We talk about how her retreats work—from attracting the right people to creating space for masterminds, skill-sharing sessions, and collaborative workshops. After a successful retreat in Morocco, she’s now preparing for the next one in Madeira this June.
Manon also shares honest insights about the emotional side of business: why sales can feel hard, how patience pays off, and why clarity often comes through trying, adjusting, and growing over time. If you’re an entrepreneur or remote worker craving deeper community and purpose, this one’s for you.
🔗 Links & Resources
🌐 Website: www.theviomati.co
📸 Instagram – Viomatico: https://www.instagram.com/theviomati.co/
📸 Instagram – Manon: https://www.instagram.com/travelwithmelon/
💼 LinkedIn – Manon Jongejan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manon-jongejan/
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🎙️ Follow Poncha Talk for more stories on remote life, entrepreneurship, and finding your path abroad:
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ponchatalk
📱 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ponchatalk
Curious about visiting Madeira? Check out my travel blog:
🌐 Website: www.your-madeira.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/your_madeira
In this episode, I’m joined by Anna, who’s been living the digital nomad life for the past five years while working full-time for a fully remote company. 🌍💻
She shares how she found her job at WorkFlex by taking a leap of faith—reaching out on LinkedIn even though no position was posted—and what it’s really like to work asynchronously across time zones while traveling the world.
We talk about everything from remote job tips to nomad routines and travel fails, all the way to the decision to slow down and build a home base in Portugal.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Intro
1:02 – How Anna got started in her remote job
7:04 – Working in a fully remote company
13:04 – Finding your travel style as a digital nomad
24:54 – Digital nomad fails
32:20 – Work setup when working from anywhere
34:15 – Having a base as a nomad
🔗 Connect with Anna
🎧 Podcast: Hinterm Horizont gibt’s Plan
📸 Instagram: @travelbuddyanna
💼 LinkedIn: Anna Dung
🧳 WorkFlex Job Openings: careers.getworkflex.com
✨ Poncha Talk is the podcast where we talk about remote work, life abroad, and finding freedom in unexpected places.
📲 Follow along on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
Mahdi's New Release: Desert Waves on Soundcloud
This week’s episode of Poncha Talk is a rooftop brunch special with my good friend Mahdi—a DJ and musician from Tunisia who now calls Madeira home. We recorded this episode while he cooked an incredible brunch and served it with a view from his terrace.
Mahdi’s creative process is as free-flowing as his conversation. He shares how improvisation shapes not only his music but also his life philosophy. We talked about dreaming big while staying grounded, the tension between creating art for passion versus profit, and his journey toward finding his own unique sound.
Although Mahdi hasn’t released any tracks yet due to perfectionism, he made a promise on this very episode: his first track will drop with this podcast.
This is an honest conversation, made for every creative out there trying to find their way. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your voice, or caught between vision and reality—this one’s for you. Expect real talk, relatable struggles, and valuable insights from someone still in the midst of the journey.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - Mahdi’ story
7:00 - The struggle with perfection & finding your own style of music
16:50 - Dreaming big vs. being realistic
20:55 - Challenges in monetising music & art
28:05 - Finding inspiration in Madeira
30:20 - The mission of a DJ
34:35 - Planning vs. improvising
41:40 - Mahdi’s new Music Release
Follow Mahdi and his music journey here: @mahdi.hlewi
And don’t forget to check out Poncha Talk on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
Are you thinking about leaving your stable 9–5 to pursue something more meaningful — like starting your own business or making a major career shift? Or maybe you're already in the messy middle of that transition, wondering why no one talks about how hard it actually is?
In this solo episode of Poncha Talk, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my own career pivot in my late 20s — the financial sacrifices, the internal struggles, and the quiet wins that keep me going.
A few years ago, I had a stable job, a comfortable income, and the freedom to book flights or order food whenever I wanted. Now, I’m self-employed, navigating a completely new path, earning far less (for now), and learning how to rebuild both my career and my sense of self-worth from the ground up.
This episode is for anyone who’s:
switching careers in their late 20s or early 30s
starting their first business or creative project
leaving behind financial security to pursue a passion
struggling to stay motivated in the early stages of entrepreneurship
wondering if it’s normal to feel lost, broke, or behind
You’ll hear honest insights into what it’s really like to start over — from major mindset shifts to invisible progress — and why learning to celebrate the smallest wins matters more than ever when building something new.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: Why this episode is so personal
03:25 Lesson 1: Your relationship with money will change
06:36 Lesson 2: You’ll need to rebuild your self-worth
09:50 Lesson 3: Progress often feels invisible
13:19 Lesson 4: Structure is something you have to create
16:09 Lesson 5: Support is nice, but understanding is rare
18:13 Final thoughts
🎙️ Listen to this related episode:
👉 Finding Balance in Chaos – Creating Routines That Support You
Let’s connect:
📸 Podcast: @ponchatalk
📍 Travel Blog: @your_madeira
🌐 Website: www.your-madeira.com
In this episode of Poncha Talk, I sit down with Paul Lungu, general manager of Storytailors—a global video production company operating in over 150 countries. Paul shares how he scaled a creative business internationally while living between Bucharest and Madeira, and what it really takes to lead a remote team across continents.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or team leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. You'll learn:
How to hire the right people to grow your team
How to maintain company culture and communication across borders
What it takes to scale an international business sustainably
The real-life impact of AI on creative industries
Why balancing passion with the right support system is essential for long-term growth
Paul also opens up about the challenges and unexpected lessons from running a global team, building a hybrid work structure, and choosing Madeira as a second base for both lifestyle and creativity.
✨ Huge thank you to Paul Lungu and Storytailors for organizing the recording studio, helping with the studio setup, and supporting the editing of this episode. And big thanks to the beautiful @katedral_studio for hosting us!
⏱️ Timestamps:
(0:00) Intro
(1:22) Paul’s story
(7:19) How to hire the right people
(15:27) Culture clashes when working around the world
(22:00) Madeira as a second base
(26:50) Scaling a business internationally
(34:34) Growth in 2025
(38:40) Impact of AI in video production
(41:27) Building your business with passion and the right support
(48:18) Romania as a nomad base
🔗 Links & Socials:
Storytailors Website: https://storytailors.tv
Storytailors Instagram: @storytailors.tv
Paul Lungu Instagram: @domnupaul
Studio Space: @katedral_studio
Follow Poncha Talk on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
How do you build meaningful friendships and relationships as a digital nomad? Constantly moving from place to place brings incredible opportunities for meeting new people—but also unique challenges in forming deeper connections.In this episode of Poncha Talk, I sit down with Nicky Vonk—a freelancer and relationship coach based on Madeira—to explore the realities of friendships, long-distance relationships, and dating as a digital nomad.We discuss:✅ The benefits of short-term friendships—how meeting diverse people broadens your perspective and fuels personal growth✅ The importance of stable relationships—why long-term friendships (local or remote) provide emotional grounding✅ The challenges of dating as a digital nomad—why many nomads hesitate to open up when connections seem temporary✅ Tips for navigating social life while traveling and making meaningful connections on the moveIf you've ever struggled with loneliness as a remote worker, felt the sting of short-lived connections, or wondered how to build lasting relationships while traveling, this episode is for you!🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with Nikki on Instagram @Nicky_Vonk and follow Poncha Talk @ponchatalk on Instagram and TikTok for more discussions on the digital nomad lifestyle, remote work, and personal growth.
Are you a digital nomad navigating the complexities of taxes while living location-independently? In this episode of Poncha Talk, I sit down with Marchela Georgieva, a tax expert and location independent business owner specializing in helping nomads optimize their tax setup.
We discuss her transition from a corporate career to running her own location-independent business and how she discovered her passion for helping digital nomads avoid common tax pitfalls. From waiting too long to address taxes (and overpaying in their home country) to unintentionally living without a tax residence—Marchela shares insights on structuring your taxes in a way that minimizes tax while aligning with your lifestyle.
You'll learn:
✅ The biggest tax mistakes digital nomads make and how to avoid them
✅ How to choose the right tax residency based on your travel habits
✅ Why even nomads benefit from having a place to belong
If you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker living abroad, this episode is packed with personal stories and practical insights to help you stay compliant and keep more of your hard-earned money!
📌 Connect with Marchela:
📩 DM her on IG: @marchela_georgieva_
🎥 Get FREE training on how to start paying significantly less taxes: wealthynomad.co/lt
📘 Take the Low Tax Business Blueprint course: wealthynomad.co/course
📢 Follow Poncha Talk for more digital nomad insights:
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
Leaving your home country is one thing—actually settling into a new place is another. In this solo episode of Poncha Talk, I dive into what it takes to go from just living somewhere to truly feeling at home. Whether you're a digital nomad, remote worker, or entrepreneur navigating life abroad, I share my personal journey of building routines, making friends, and embracing cultural differences while settling in Madeira.
I’ll talk about:
✅ The shift from travel mode to everyday life
✅ Finding community and meaningful friendships abroad
✅ Navigating culture shock & language barriers
✅ Creating routines that make a place feel like home
✅ The mindset shift that turns a new location into your place
If you’ve ever wondered when (or if) a new place will ever feel like home, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s talk about the reality of settling down abroad!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!
📲 Connect with me on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
Starting a business isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset, support, and knowing your why. In this episode of Poncha Talk, I sit down with Alia, a sales and marketing consultant who has been successfully running her business for four years while traveling the world full-time as a digital nomad.
But her journey wasn’t always smooth. Her first business attempt failed because of limiting beliefs, a lack of strategy, and trying to do everything alone. The second time, she did things differently—investing in a business coach from the start, which gave her the accountability, feedback, and guidance she needed to build a profitable and sustainable business.
We discuss:
✅ Why her first business failed—and the key lessons she learned
✅ How limiting beliefs hold entrepreneurs back and how to overcome them
✅ Why knowing your why is crucial for staying consistent and showing up for your business
✅ The power of investing in mentorship and delegating to focus on your zone of genius
✅ How she built a successful business that allows her to travel full-time while working remotely
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, coach, or business owner struggling with self-doubt, this episode is packed with real talk, mindset shifts, and practical advice on what it takes to build a business that actually works.
👉 Connect with Alia on Instagram: @marketingconsultant_alia
👉 Follow Poncha Talk on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
In this special Poncha Walk episode of Poncha Talk, I take a hike with Tadeu, a digital nomad from Portugal who has traveled the world and now calls Madeira home. As we explore the stunning coastal trails of Santana, we chat about solo travel, culture shock, and what it truly takes to feel at home in a new place.
Tadeu shares how he eased into solo travel, stepping out of his comfort zone little by little, and the challenges he faced adjusting to new cultures. We also dive into the biggest cultural differences between Europe and Asia, the role of family and community in the nomadic lifestyle, and the personal growth that comes with constantly adapting to new environments.
Along the way, we even had a surprise encounter with friendly locals who invited us in for a drink—just one of those unexpected travel moments that make Madeira so special!
🎧 Tune in for a unique mix of travel insights, cultural adaptation, and the beauty of Madeira’s landscapes—all captured on this Poncha Walk.
Follow Tadeu's journey on Instagram @whereistad.
And as always, don't forget to subscribe to Poncha Talk for weekly episodes and connect on Instagram & TikTok @ponchatalk!
Starting your own business can feel overwhelming—especially when you're young and just figuring things out. In this episode, I sit down with Job Baltes, a 22-year-old entrepreneur from the Netherlands, who shares his journey from struggling with side hustles and commission-based gigs to running his own marketing agency and launching a second business.
Originally trained in theatre school, Job has always been fascinated by people, which led him to a career in sales and marketing from the age of 16. Now, he’s also a YouTube creator and a brand-new podcast host, documenting his experiences as a digital nomad since embarking on full-time travel at the end of last year.
We dive into:
🔹 The reality of entrepreneurship in your early 20s – what works, what doesn’t, and what you actually need to succeed
🔹 The power of taking action – why learning by doing beats waiting for the "perfect" time
🔹 Building a strong network – surrounding yourself with the right people to propel your career forward
🔹 Playing to your strengths – focusing on what you're good at and outsourcing the rest
🔹 The importance of consistency – why putting in the reps leads to real opportunities
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your skills into a business, how to break free from the cycle of dead-end gigs, or how to build a sustainable digital nomad lifestyle—this episode is packed with insights for you!
🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about the real steps to creating a successful, flexible career.
Follow Job onYouTube,Instagram, andLinkedIn!
Check out theDigital Nomad Podcast!
And don't forget to follow Poncha Talk on Instagram and TikTok @ponchatalk 😊
Most digital nomads are freelancers or business owners—but what if you could keep a full-time job and still travel the world? In this episode of Poncha Talk, I sit down with my long-time digital nomad friend, Susanna, who spent over two years working remotely while traveling across multiple countries and continents.We first met at a coliving space in Spain three years ago, and since then, we’ve explored different destinations together. But what makes her story unique is that she wasn’t self-employed—she held a full-time position at a North American company while navigating the challenges of time zone differences, remote collaboration, and digital nomad life.We dive into:✅ How she managed to balance full-time remote work with global travel✅ The biggest struggles of working across time zones (North America vs. Europe vs. Africa)✅ Opportunities that came from remote work, including networking & career growth✅ Her transition back to Denver: How remote work feels different in a stable home baseWhether you're considering becoming a full-time remote employee while traveling or curious about the realities of digital nomad life, this episode is packed with insights on remote work, work-life balance, and career growth on the move.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!
Connect with Susanna onLinkedIn.📲 Follow Poncha Talk on Instagram & TikTok: @ponchatalk
Have you ever thought about leaving everything behind to start fresh in a new country? In this episode of Poncha Talk, I share my personal experience of changing residency, leaving Germany, and starting a new chapter abroad in Portugal.
We’ll explore the emotional highs and lows of uprooting your life, from navigating doubts and uncertainty to embracing new opportunities and a fresh identity. I’ll also dive into practical challenges like adapting to a new culture, handling logistics like taxes and insurance, and staying connected to your roots while building a life you love in a new place.
Whether you’re dreaming of moving abroad or simply looking for inspiration to embrace change, this episode is packed with relatable stories and life lessons, including:
Tune in to hear my story and tips for anyone considering a fresh start, whether across the globe or in a new chapter of life closer to home.
🎙 Follow Poncha Talk for more episodes on remote work, travel, and personal growth!
📲 Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok: @ponchatalk
This week on Poncha Talk, I’m joined by my best friend Isa, who is not a remote worker like me but a psychotherapist with a wealth of professional knowledge about mental health. We had such a meaningful conversation about the intersection of mental health and remote work, blending her expertise with my personal experiences as a digital nomad.We tackled some of the big challenges that come with this lifestyle—like dealing with isolation, finding community, and maintaining self-esteem while constantly adapting to new environments. We also explored how basic human needs like connection, stability, and self-worth can be impacted by the remote work and digital nomad lifestyle, and what we can do to address those challenges.If you’ve ever struggled to feel grounded or connected while working remotely, this episode is for you. Isa shares professional insights that can help anyone prioritize their well-being, whether you’re a digital nomad, a remote worker, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges. I also open up about my own experiences, and we both share tips and strategies for fostering a sense of community and supporting mental health in this unique lifestyle.Tune in for an honest, heartfelt discussion on how we can all take better care of our mental health while embracing the freedom of remote work!
In this episode of Poncha Talk, we dive into the world of networking with Uroš, a digital nomad based in Sweden and currently on Madeira. Known as a super connector, Uroš shares how he turned his podcast, Network Like a Pro, into a creative outlet and a platform for fostering meaningful connections.
We explore his journey of building a networking career, the impact of his workshops in connecting high-level professionals, and how the digital nomad lifestyle inspired his open-minded approach to living and working across borders. Uroš also reveals his top networking tips and strategies, designed to help digital nomads and remote workers create authentic and lasting relationships.
Whether you're looking to build your own network, thrive as a digital nomad, or simply learn the art of making connections, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Tune in and discover how to elevate your networking game today!
Connect with Uroš:
LinkedIn: Uroš Mićić Podcast: Network Like a ProFollow Poncha Talk:
Instagram: @ponchatalk TikTok: @ponchatalk