Available Worldwide

<p>Are you ready to share your nostalgias and “missing outs” with us? In our next few episodes we’d love to hear what you “Value More Now that it’s Gone.” You can sign up for an interview time at the “Be A Guest on our Show” tab at <a target="_blank" href="https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/">availableworldwide.net</a> </p><p>In this episode, you’ll hear from Steph and Lauren about some of the things they value now that they don’t have them in their lives. I’m pretty sure you won’t guess the first one Lauren shares. </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://availableworldwide.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">availableworldwide.substack.com</a>

<p>After years of living apart, Tracy Huang joined her partner at a post where she was able to keep her job. Now at a micro-post where she’s not allowed to work, Tracy is discovering life as a “real” EFM for the first time and is thankful for the community she’s found during the journey. </p><p>GUEST BIO</p><p>Tracy Huang is currently based in Samoa, where she’s exploring painting, online facilitation, and aerial yoga while on extended parental leave from her communications and strat ops job in tech. When not figuring out life and chauffeuring her two boys to fire knife classes (without fire...so far), she enjoys snorkeling, accidental gardening, and editing YouTube videos to convince friends to visit her Polynesian home.</p><p>Check out Tracy’s videos at <a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/@islander_travels">https://youtube.com/@islander_travels</a> </p><p>Connect with Tracy at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracythuang">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracythuang</a></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://availableworldwide.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">availableworldwide.substack.com</a>

<p>With 22 years an Eligible Family Member (EFM) Carla Gray has a lot of people to be grateful for. One thing they all have in common? They've recognized her strengths and boosted her confidence to try new things. In this episode, she shares a few of those stories. She has paid their support forward by helping others recognize their own strengths and skills, even if they have a "patchy work history." </p><p><strong>Carla's Bio</strong>Carla Gray is originally from Oklahoma and has stayed true to her roots, pioneering her way through seven tours across four continents to live to tell the tales of medical evacuations, unaccompanied tours, and political unrest. She is a resume writer, career care coach, poet, graphic designer, florist, and amateur painter. She believes there is no greater adventure than learning a new skill.</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://availableworldwide.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">availableworldwide.substack.com</a>

<p>As a first-time Foreign Service accompanying partner, Sim Khandaker was surprised and saddened when all his new friends PCSed and left post. But he’s since found community through chili cook-offs and game nights. And he’s made connections across continents, including with our very own Lauren Steed. </p><p>Sim is offering his coaching services to community colleagues through a <em>free</em> workshop on how to bounce back strategically from layoffs. <strong>Register today: https://balancedatlast.com/workshop/</strong></p><p><em>Guest Bio:</em></p><p>Sim Khandaker is a relationship counselor turned executive & career coach with 15+ years of experience and a background in corporate Fortune 100, education, and global 100 companies. His work focuses on building a balanced life for individuals, repairing relationships (couples, teams, family), and supporting career development from college students to the C-suite. </p><p>Sim is the owner of Balanced at Last, where he provides FREE monthly workshops and 1:1 coaching to help clients gain professional clarity, build strategies, and create action plans to start living a more balanced life. </p><p>In Oct 2025, Sim <a target="_blank" href="https://balancedatlast.com/podcast/">launched a podcast</a> to address the psychology behind professional development, including the mental and emotional barriers to professional success. </p><p>* Learn more at <a target="_blank" href="https://balancedatlast.com/">https://balancedatlast.com/</a></p><p>* Connect with Sim at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker">https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker</a></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://availableworldwide.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">availableworldwide.substack.com</a>

<p>Perhaps predictably for November, we’d like to show a little gratitude for some of the <em>many</em> kind things EFMs have done for us. 🙏 </p><p>In this episode, Lauren and Steph share a few personal anecdotes to kick off the conversation. </p><p><strong>We want to hear from you!</strong></p><p>Share a short story about a time another EFM has done something great for you. Schedule a short interview on our calendar: <a target="_blank" href="https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/">https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/</a></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://availableworldwide.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">availableworldwide.substack.com</a>