GTFO Pod

<p>Leaving Los Angeles</p><p>In this episode of the GTFO Pod, hosts Tara Calihman and Caroline Donahue discuss with filmmaker and photographer Andrew Putschoegl his unique journey from Los Angeles to Berlin. Andrew shares his early passion for filmmaking, his transition into editing, and the significant changes the pandemic brought to his career. </p><p>The conversation delves into the inspiration behind his photography project 'Together Apart', the benefits and challenges of relocating to Berlin, and his new creative pursuits. Andrew also shares insights on his language learning experience and the process of adapting to life in Germany as an American.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Meet our Guest: Andrew Putschoegl</p><p>Andrew wants to live in a world where someone else writes his bio. </p><p>Episode Takeaways</p><p>* Embrace Change: Andrew's move to Berlin highlights the importance of adapting to new environments and opportunities. </p><p>* Creative Resilience: The pandemic shifted Andrew's focus from film production to editing, showcasing the need for flexibility in creative careers. </p><p>* Connection Through Art: Andrew's "Together Apart" project demonstrates how art can bridge gaps and foster community during challenging times. </p><p>* Cultural Exploration: Living in Berlin has opened new creative avenues for Andrew, emphasizing the value of cultural diversity in artistic expression.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>0:30 Early Filmmaking Journey01:52 Transition to Berlin06:32 Photography Projects During COVID08:04 Building a Creative Community in Berlin16:16 Language and Citizenship Challenges30:17 Career Impact and Future Plans</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.gtfo-pod.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.gtfo-pod.com</a>

<p>How we holiday in Europe</p><p>In this episode of the GTFO Pod, we, Tara and Caroline, discuss the differences between European holidays and American vacations. After we took some time off ourselves, we share about each of our recent holiday experiences and the ease of booking frequent getaways in Europe.</p><p>We explore the importance placed on taking holidays for those in Europe, contrasting this approach with the high-pressure, work-focused culture in the U.S. Our discussion covers everything from taking city breaks and extended holidays in places like Leipzig, Malta and Majorca, to the joys of sun trips in winter for the Irish. The episode provides insights into how these cultural differences impact the overall quality of life.</p><p>Episode Takeaways</p><p>* Travel within Europe is more budget-friendly than North Americans realize</p><p>* Taking holiday time is much more protected in Europe than in the US and UK</p><p>* Europeans expect to take multiple holidays per year, even just within their own country</p><p>* Jobs with paid leave provide much more time off from the point of hire in Europe: you don’t need to work at a company several years to get to several weeks’ paid leave per year</p><p>* People are required to take their leave in Europe, and rarely fear any repercussions for going away</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Holiday Background</p><p>00:16 European Holidays vs. American Vacations</p><p>01:17 City Breaks and Extended Holidays</p><p>07:39 Cost-Effective Travel Tips</p><p>09:33 Cultural Differences in Taking Time Off</p><p>17:29 Traditional German Holidays</p><p>19:35 Cycling Misadventures in Denmark</p><p>20:38 Relaxing in Majorca</p><p>21:17 Typical Irish Holidays22:00 Winter Sun Escapes</p><p>24:09 Exploring Malta</p><p>27:05 European Train Travel: Pros and Cons</p><p>33:27 The Baltic Sea Holiday</p><p>34:18 The Pressure of American Holidays</p><p>5:39 Encouragement for Restful Holidays</p><p>38:06 Conclusion and Invitation for Discussion</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.gtfo-pod.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.gtfo-pod.com</a>

<p>Around the world, corporate style</p><p>In this episode of GTFO Pod, hosts Caroline and Tara welcome special guest Laura Howe. Laura shares her extraordinary journey of leaving America and living abroad because of corporate relocation. Beginning with her move to Switzerland, initiated by a LinkedIn recruiter, Laura details the cultural and emotional challenges she faced while navigating a high-paying corporate job, transitioning from Switzerland to Tokyo, and eventually returning to Switzerland. </p><p>Laura provides an insightful look at the unique challenges of expatriate life, especially when managing personal upheavals, such as a separation. She discusses the emotional impact of moving abroad despite corporate support and delves into the differences in work cultures between Switzerland and Japan. Laura concludes by reflecting on her life post-corporate job, learning new languages, and building a support network. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted experience of corporate life abroad.</p><p></p><p>Meet our Guest: Laura Howe</p><p>Laura is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://dispatcheddivorcee.com/">Dispatched Divorcée</a>, a global community to help women build, define, and thrive in their lives after divorce by providing the resources she wished she had when she went through it. She is fiercely motivated to make sure that no woman feels as lonely and lost as she did.</p><p>You can subscribe to <a target="_blank" href="http://laurahowe.substack.com/">The Diary of a Dispatched Divorcée</a>, a newsletter about the people you meet while experiencing the world and building a business outside the US. Laura is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and can be found on Instagram at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cheekylamiki">@cheekylamiki</a>.</p><p>Episode Takeaways</p><p>* Laura moved to Switzerland during a separation, which added complexity.</p><p>* Cultural workplace dynamics differed hugely between Switzerland and Japan.</p><p>* A lack of personal support when moving abroad takes a huge toll.</p><p>* Corporate relocation provides logistical support but won’t address emotional challenges.</p><p>* In Japan, Laura found a supportive community that helped her navigate cultural differences.</p><p>* Returning to Switzerland presented new challenges, including adapting to a changing corporate environment.</p><p>* Laura's journey emphasizes the need for personal growth and community abroad.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:24 Meeting Laura: From Online Friends to Real Life01:33 Laura's Journey to Switzerland06:14 Adjusting to Life in Switzerland11:28 Transition to Tokyo12:52 Life as an Expat in Tokyo16:39 Drinking Culture in Japan18:05 Navigating Social Norms and Work Culture19:37 Experiencing Cultural Differences20:32 Integration and Personal Connections21:28 Challenges of Being a Foreigner23:39 Returning to Switzerland24:46 Adjusting Back and Career Reflections25:58 Finding Community and Personal Growth27:37 Corporate Life and Moving Forward</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.gtfo-pod.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.gtfo-pod.com</a>

<p>Wait, what’s happening here?</p><p>In this episode of GTFO pod, hosts Caroline Donahue and Tara Calliman discuss the complexities and challenges of living as immigrants in Germany and Ireland. Having lived abroad for over five years, they reflect on cultural shifts, political changes, and their experiences with the local political systems. They delve into topics such as voting rights, the rise of nationalist sentiments, and the impact of climate crises and immigration policies. The duo also shares their personal journeys of adapting to new cultural norms and becoming involved in their local communities. Despite acknowledging their imperfect understanding, they emphasize the importance of staying informed and engaged in political discourse, even in a foreign country.</p><p>Episode Takeaways</p><p>* Both hosts reflect on their experiences living abroad for over five years.</p><p>* Navigating cultural shifts can be challenging for long-term residents.</p><p>* Political engagement is complicated for residents without citizenship.</p><p>* Germany allows permanent residents to vote in local elections, unlike the US.</p><p>* Community engagement is crucial for immigrants to invest in their new home.</p><p>* Acceptance of local customs can lead to a more fulfilling life abroad.</p><p>* Conversations with locals can bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding.</p><p>* The hosts share the importance of being politically aware as immigrants.</p><p>* They acknowledge the complexities of discussing political issues in their adopted countries.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Check-In00:09 Living Abroad: Initial Experiences and Challenges01:42 Voting Rights and Political Engagement04:38 Recent Elections and Political Climate10:29 Nationalism and Immigration Issues21:33 Adapting to a New Culture23:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.gtfo-pod.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.gtfo-pod.com</a>

<p>Pondering Portugal?</p><p>In this episode, Tara and Caroline welcome Genevieve Polk, who shares her experience moving to Portugal from the U.S. They discuss the allure of Portugal, the D7 visa process, cultural comparisons with Spain, and the challenges of language and community integration. Genevieve offers insights into finding work, building a new life, and the importance of embracing the local culture and language.</p><p></p><p>Meet our Guest: Genevieve Polk</p><p>Genevieve Polk is an avid traveler and communications expert living in Lisbon, Portugal. When not enjoying the plethora of delicious wines and pasteis de nata on offer, she is building her confidence coaching business (launching this Spring)!</p><p>Terrifying but true: Genevieve and Caroline first met in kindergarten, and have known each other over 40 years 😱. We knew she was the guest to call about Portugal, given her experience living in Spain before calling Portugal home. </p><p>Episode Takeaways</p><p>* Portugal is increasingly popular among those looking to move abroad.</p><p>* The D7 visa offers a pathway to residency in Portugal.</p><p>* Exploring Lisbon can help gauge if it's the right fit.</p><p>* Language learning is crucial for integration.</p><p>* Community and friendships take time to build in a new country.</p><p>* The D7 visa requires a signed lease before application.</p><p>* Cultural differences between Spain and Portugal are significant.</p><p>* Portugal is far more open to outsiders moving there than Spain is.</p><p>* Finding work can be challenging, but is possible with the right skills.</p><p>* Being invited into someone's home is a significant cultural gesture.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p><strong>01:28</strong>The Decision to Move to Portugal<strong>06:07</strong>Exploring Portugal: A Recon Mission<strong>10:45</strong>Understanding the D7 Visa Process<strong>17:08</strong>Navigating Work Opportunities in Portugal<strong>21:25</strong>Launching a New Venture: Confidence Coaching<strong>21:50</strong>Exploring Language and Culture in Spain and Portugal<strong>27:04</strong>Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences<strong>33:01</strong>Understanding the Immigration Landscape: Spain vs. Portugal<strong>37:41</strong>Building Connections: The Challenge of Making Friends Abroad</p><p></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://www.gtfo-pod.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">www.gtfo-pod.com</a>