In this powerful and heart-opening episode we sit down with Moira Khan: grief coach, educator, and founder of Griefspan Education. Moira shares how her international journey took a devastating turn when she experienced the tragic loss of her family while living abroad.
Instead of shutting down, she transformed her pain into purpose, creating a compassionate global community for others navigating grief far from home.
In this episode, we explore:
Moira’s life abroad and the story behind her international roots
How profound loss inspired her to create Griefspan Education and support others in grief
Real, honest tips for coping with grief while living in a foreign country
What to do when you’re facing anticipatory grief or deciding whether to move home
How to begin again. Rebuilding identity, purpose, and joy in a new country
This conversation is tender, raw, and full of hope. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever lost someone while living far from “home,” or loves someone who has.
Check out Moira's grief coaching community and services here:
https://www.griefspan.com/about
@greifspaneducation
Can you have a full-time career, a marriage, a mortgage, and still see the world? In this episode, Morgan and Brianna sit down with Morgan’s childhood friend, Nikki, a nurse anesthetist who’s proving that “normal” doesn’t have to mean ordinary.
On paper, Nikki’s life checks every conventional box: a successful career in healthcare, a stable marriage, and roots planted at home. But behind the scenes? In the last year alone she has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, wandered through Bali and Australia, and is gearing up to hike Patagonia, all while holding down a demanding job in medicine.
Together, we explore:
How Nikki designed a life that blends responsibility with freedom
The mindset shifts and planning that make travel possible
What it’s like to balance marriage, shift work, and a passport full of stamps
Practical tips for anyone who feels “stuck” in routine but craves adventure
This episode is for the dreamers with day jobs, the ones who want to keep their roots and grow their wings.
To follow Nikki's incredible adventures, follow her on instagram: @nikki.shadwick
Connect with The Global Girlfriend here:
Insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
This week on The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with Sofia, a Portuguese event producer whose leap of faith took her from the sunshine of Lisbon to the hustle of London. We talk about what it really means to start over in a new city: the loneliness, the late nights, and the unexpected joys that come with carving out a life abroad. From volunteering at a festival in Albania to building a thriving freelance career in one of the world’s busiest cities, Sofia shares how courage, community, and a little chaos shaped her journey.Whether you’ve ever dreamed of moving to a new country or just love stories of women chasing bold adventures, this episode will remind you that home isn’t always where you start, it’s where you grow.
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
www.sofiamariz.com
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we share the travel stories that still stick with us, like the strangers who spotted us money in Madrid, offered us beds when we had nowhere to stay, or insisted we join them for lamb in Greece. These small acts of kindness turned into big memories and lifelong lessons.We also talk about the ways we try to spread kindness when we travel, whether it’s a smile, learning a few words in the local language, or even carrying each other’s bags when life (and stitches!) gets in the way.Tune in with us for laughs, stories, and a reminder that the best souvenirs aren’t bought, they’re the kindnesses we carry home.We want to hear about the moments of kindness you've experienced while travelling! Find us on insta/tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend or at www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
There’s something unforgettable about the first time you do something while traveling, it changes how you see the world and yourself. In this episode we’re diving into our most memorable “firsts”: backpacking across Argentina, gazing at an untouched night sky, standing on top of our first mountain summit, and the solo trip that taught us why being single is better than settling. These milestone moments shaped who we are today, and they might just inspire your own.We’ll also share practical tips for anyone feeling stuck or craving change. Sometimes, all it takes is saying “yes” to something new to set your life on a different path. We want to hear about your firsts. Find us here: insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
What’s up, girlfriends? This week we’re spilling all our secrets on how to have the most epic road trips. We’ve packed cars full of girlfriends and cruised across the Balkans, Southern Europe, and North America, and now we’re here to share our best tips for making your next adventure completely unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of road-tripping through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, Greece, or North America, we’ve got you covered. We can’t wait for you to dive into our travel stories and (hopefully!) feel inspired to pack your bags, grab your girls, and hit the open road.www.theglobalgirlfriend.com insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders tiktok: @the globalgirlfriend
This week, we’re talking food. Why is it that we sometimes forget the names of places we’ve visited, but never the meals we ate there? In this episode, we share the best dishes we’ve ever had, how travel has shaped the way we cook, our favorite markets, and a few memorable food mishaps along the way. If food is one of your favorite parts of travel, this episode is for you.
Connect with us online!
Insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders
Tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
It's never too late to create your annual travel goals, and this year we are doing it in August. In this episode we share our big and small travel goals. Ranging from hiking in Pakistan to scooting through Bali we can't wait for the year ahead. We also share our best tips for how to set travel goals and actually make them happen. We hope this convo leaves you feeling inspired to book some flights!
We want to know where you're going this year. Connect with us on insta/tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend or theglobalgirlfriend.com.
We'd love to hear your travel plans!
We're not 23 anymore. Let's talk about it.
This week's episode is all about gracefully letting of the "young cool travel girl" aesthetic and lifestyle when you get to your 30s.
We reminisce on nights spent on airport floors and good times in 16 bed mixed dorms. We also get into to how travel has changed for us slightly as time has gone on. We are still adventurous, we still feel young, but we can also afford to take ubers to the airport now.
This is a fun one if you are in the midst of your "young, cool travel girl era" or if things are shifting and you're taking different kids of trips now.
We want to connect with you! Find us on insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
Welcome to the Global Girlfriend! In this episode we continue to explore what it's like missing out on big and small things at home when you live abroad. This week, we talk about all the weddings we've missed, the harder moments of missing deaths and funerals and we offer tips on how to work through those experiences when you are all alone on the other side of the world. If you've ever missed something or if you have a loved one abroad, we're sure you'll be able to resonate with this episode. Let us know how you cope with missing out and connect with us here: insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
In this spontaneous and heartwarming episode, we’re joined by a surprise guest—Brianna’s sister Ciara! Together, we dive into the realities of having siblings who live abroad, from missed milestones to the joy and chaos of reunions. Ciara opens up about what it’s really like to be the one holding down the fort at home while both her sisters live overseas. We laugh, we get real, and we unpack the emotional push-pull of global sisterhood. If you live abroad or have family scattered around the world, this one’s for you.
Follow us on insta and tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we dive deep into one of the biggest gifts of living abroad: open-mindedness. From culture shock at the Albanian post office and redefining beauty standards in Kenya and Jamaica, to embracing siestas in Spain and daily offerings in Bali - we share real, funny, and sometimes eye-opening stories about how travel has forced us to question what we thought we knew.We also explore how working internationally has reshaped the way we communicate, give feedback, and find common ground with colleagues from different cultures. And we reflect on how open-mindedness has evolved into a core value in our lives, keeping us curious, humble, and always learning.Join us for an honest, reflective, and sometimes hilarious conversation that might inspire you to see the world (and yourself) a little differently.We want to hear from you too! Follow us on insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @brianna.wanders @makinitwithmomo www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we open up about what it really takes to build confidence while living, traveling, and working around the world. From awkward first days at new jobs in unfamiliar countries to strutting through stylish cities with our best “main character energy,” we share candid stories of the times we felt bold, and the times we had to fake it.We reflect on how confidence looks different across cultures, how it changes as we grow, and why it’s perfectly normal to doubt yourself, even years into expat life. We also chat about the small but powerful things that help us feel braver abroad: solo adventures, fierce playlists, journaling, and watching local women live fully in their own unique ways.Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, new to life abroad, or just looking to feel a bit braver day-to-day, we hope this conversation leaves you inspired, reassured, and ready to step confidently into your next adventure.We’d love to hear your own confidence lessons too! Find us on Instagram and TikTok @theglobalgirlfriend or visit us at theglobalgirlfriend.com.
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we get candid about what it means to live an unconventional life. From choosing to live abroad and delaying traditional milestones to navigating subtle pressures from friends, family, and social media, we share how stepping outside the norm can feel both isolating and empowering.
Through our own stories and reflections, we explore the beauty, challenges, and strength that come with being different. Whether you’re child-free by choice, prioritizing travel over a set career path, or simply carving out your own version of success, we hope this conversation reminds you that there’s no single “right” way to live.
It isn’t about fitting in, it’s about showing up for your own life with intention and joy. Join us to feel seen, understood, and inspired to embrace what makes you unique.
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
Instagram: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders
Tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend.
Think travel is only for remote workers and digital nomads? Think again. In this empowering episode, we get real about how we’ve built adventurous, globe-trotting lifestyles, all while working non-remote jobs. From micro-travel hacks and mindset shifts to seasonal work and strategic career moves we break down practical, inspiring ways to see the world without needing to clock in from a beach.Whether you’re a teacher, office worker, freelancer, or in between gigs, this episode is full of actionable tips and personal stories that prove you don’t need a MacBook on a beach to live your travel dreams.www.theglobalgirlfriend.cominstagram: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we dive into the unique mental health challenges that come with living and traveling abroad. From total life changes and loneliness to anxiety and burnout, we open up about the emotional highs and lows of the expat and travel lifestyle. We share our own stories, explore strategies for staying grounded, and offer honest advice on managing the mental health struggles that often go unspoken. Whether you're on a long-term adventure or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to stay balanced while far from home.
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
instagram: @theglobalgirlfriend
tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend
email: theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com
This week, we’re taking you on a personal journey through some of our absolute favorite places we’ve called home. From rooftop bars in Madrid to sea turtle swims in Curacao, cozy cafes in Albania, and sunset views in Toronto. We’re sharing the places, foods, moments, and memories that made these cities unforgettable for us. We each chose two cities (or islands!) to spotlight in this episode: Madrid, Curacao, Durrës, and Toronto. You’ll hear our favorite local spots, funny culture shocks, meaningful moments, and the little things we still think about today. This episode is also a teaser for a new city spotlight series we’ll be launching soon!In this episode, we talk about:* Our morning tortilla rituals and favorite rooftop in Madrid * Swimming with sea turtles and trying peanut sauce fries in Curacao * Our go-to meals, coffee obsession, and beachside living in Durrës * Toronto’s unmatched diversity, green spaces, and iconic skyline We hope this inspires your next trip, or at least gives you that warm “I want to book a flight” feeling. You can find us on Instagram and TikTok @theglobalgirlfriend or email us anytime at theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com . Check out our new website: www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast!
In this inspiring episode of The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with Alli Denson, marathoner, ultra marathoner, triathlete, and trail runner, whose passport is nearly as full as her race calendar.
Alli has lived and run across America, Ecuador, China, the UK, Japan, Cambodia and Indonesia, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. With a goal to complete the 7 World Major Marathons before her 50th birthday, Alli shares how sport has shaped her global lifestyle, built community across continents, and pushed her and those around her to dream bigger. From starting running clubs in new cities to traveling the world in pursuit of finish lines, Alli’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and the power of movement.
Whether you're a runner or just looking for motivation to chase your own passion, this episode will leave you lacing up your shoes, literally or figuratively, ready to go the distance.Follow us on instagram: @theglobalgirlfriend @brianna.wanders @makinitwithmomo
Check out our new website: www.theglobalgirlfriend.comDo you have a story to share or want to be featured on our podcast? Email us: theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com
This week on The Global Girlfriend, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most unexpected challenges of international life: going to the doctor abroad. From decoding foreign healthcare systems to deciphering prescriptions in a new language, we get real (and real funny) about our own medical misadventures.We share stories that will make you laugh, like getting diagnosed in a waiting room full of eavesdropping patients and stripping down in front of an audience of hospital staff. But we also go deep, offering honest conversations about battling tropical illnesses, advocating for your health in unfamiliar systems, and navigating the confusing (and often maddening) world of international insurance.Whether you're living abroad, planning a move, or just curious about what it's like to face a fever in a foreign country, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal tales, and a healthy blend of humor and heart.Hit play, share with a friend who’s got their passport ready, and don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures from women living international lives. Follow us on instagram: @theglobalgirlfriend , @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders
Share your stories with us: theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com
www.theglobalgirlfriend.com
In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we're diving into the hilarious, heartfelt, and occasionally awkward world of international dating with our guest, Izzy—an American expat who’s called Madrid home for the last decade.
Izzy shares how her dating life has evolved alongside her Spanish fluency and how navigating love across cultures can be both magical and mystifying.
We explore how language and cultural values shape connection—and disconnection—in romantic relationships abroad.
Tune in for honest reflections, surprising insights, and laugh-out-loud stories from dates around the world. Whether you've dated across borders or you're just curious about what it’s like to love in a language that isn’t your own, this episode is for you.
Follow Izzy on instagram: @isabellaskovira
Subscribe to her substack: https://izzyskovira.substack.com/
Follow The Global Girlfriend on Instagram and Tiktok: @theglobalgirlfirend
Do you have a travel story for us, or would you like to come on the podcast? Shoot us an email: theglobalgirlfriend@gmail.com
