Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

What is it really like to retire in Mexico from Canada? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Darryle and Jennifer Pockett, a Canadian couple who sold everything in Edmonton and built a new life in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. They share their journey of exploring different regions, adjusting to Mexican culture, and ultimately choosing a peaceful beach town that offers both affordability and community. From renting versus buying, managing finances, and understanding the cost of living in Mexico for Canadians, to navigating healthcare, safety, and everyday life, this conversation provides a realistic look at what to expect. If you’re considering living in Mexico as a Canadian, planning your retirement abroad, or searching for an affordable beach lifestyle with a strong expat community, this episode delivers honest insights, practical advice, and real-life experience to help you design your next chapter with confidence. Key Moments:  05:47 Selling everything and moving south 08:11 Living in Merida, Mexico 12:51 Finding a temporary home in Mexico 15:00 Living in Puerto Morelos 18:23 Buying and fixing cars in Merida 22:57 Feeling uncomfortable in Mexico once 23:51 Discovering study abroad options 29:52 Comparing life in different countries 32:20 Getting accurate relocation info How to connect Darryle and Jennifer Pockett :  Website : https://2-gringos-on-the-gulf.webnode.page/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/2gringosonthegulf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twogringos.onthegulf/ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@2GringosOnTheGulf   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What’s really holding you back from creating the life you want in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design -  Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with transformational coach Bonnie Muenz to explore how overcoming fear and gaining clarity can help you design a more meaningful and fulfilling life abroad. Bonnie shares practical tools like the Passion Test, vision boards, and the “triangle” of love, abundance, and wellness to help you identify what truly matters. They discuss how retirees and future expats can break free from comfort zones, shift their mindset, and take intentional steps toward living in Mexico with purpose and confidence. Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring a lifestyle change, or simply searching for more clarity and direction, this episode offers actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and real-life guidance to help you move forward and design a life you truly love under the Mexican sun. Key Moments:  04:59 Embracing Change and New Passions 09:01 Finding your top passions 12:57 Discussing passion and relationships 15:35 Rediscovering passions after heartbreak 19:18 Finding personal time daily 20:42 Creating a vision board 24:10 Importance of staying focused 26:57 Designing your future with clarity How to connect Bonnie Muenz:  Website: https://www.startingoverwithbonnie.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniemuenz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniemuenz/   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What if retirement in Mexico wasn’t just about saving money - but about creating a life filled with purpose, wellness, and connection? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Bonnie Muenz, a wellness and life coach who transformed her life by leaving Canadian winters behind and embracing new beginnings in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Bonnie shares how having a clear vision helped her navigate the emotional and practical challenges of starting over abroad, and why building a supportive community - what she calls a “circle of six” - is essential for long-term happiness. They explore how retirees and expats can stay focused on their passions, avoid distractions, and design a balanced lifestyle rooted in love, abundance, and personal growth. Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring living in Mexico as a Canadian, or simply searching for a more meaningful and fulfilling next chapter, this episode offers practical insights, emotional clarity, and real-life guidance to help you create a life you truly love under the Mexican sun. Key Moments:  05:10 Staying focused with a vision board 06:38 Reflecting on wellness and healthcare 12:55 Finding clarity through passion testing 15:49 Sharing dreams with close circle 19:57 Avoiding distractions and reacting thoughtfully 20:47 Discovering true passions and purpose 24:58 Finding balance in daily life How to connect Bonnie Muenz:  Website: https://www.startingoverwithbonnie.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonniemuenz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniemuenz/   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What is it really like living in Mexico beyond the vacation experience? In this episode of Live by Design -  Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alex Krotkov, a long-time expat in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, to share honest insights on adapting to a new culture and building a meaningful life abroad. Alex explains what surprises most foreigners when they move to Mexico - from adjusting to a slower pace and different infrastructure to understanding healthcare options and daily life realities. They discuss the importance of open-mindedness, flexibility, and choosing the right community when relocating, whether you’re considering a beach town like Puerto Escondido or a cultural hub like Oaxaca. If you’re planning on moving to Mexico, researching Mexico expat life, or wondering how to successfully adjust and thrive long term, this episode offers practical advice, real stories, and grounded expectations to help you design a fulfilling life under the Mexican sun. Key Moments:  05:31 Adjusting to a slower lifestyle 08:19 Adjusting to different environments 11:21 Choosing the right neighborhood 16:38 Exploring hobbies and big decisions 18:03 Embracing curiosity and life changes 20:44 Connecting with others and gratitude How to contact Alex Krotkov :    Website Alex Krotkov.com Email:  [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.krotkov.photographer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.krotkov/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krotkov.weddings/   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What happens when life forces you to start over - with almost nothing? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alex Krotkov, a Russian expat who arrived in southern Mexico with just $300 and built a completely new life in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Alex shares how he navigated uncertainty, adapted to a new culture, learned Spanish, and found opportunity in unexpected places - from the small beach town of Zipolite to the growing expat community in Puerto Escondido. His story highlights the realities of living in Mexico as an expat, including integration, community support, and the mindset required to rebuild from scratch. This episode goes beyond typical retirement conversations - it’s about resilience, adaptability, and designing a life on your own terms. Whether you’re exploring Mexico expat life, considering a move for adventure, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation offers real stories, honest perspective, and powerful lessons on creating a new beginning in Mexico. Key Moments:  04:34 Oaxaca: Mexico’s Cultural Treasure 08:18 "Embracing Change and New Paths" 10:05 "Finding Clay, Kilns, Community" 13:51 "Turning Life Around: Perseverance" 17:13 "Growing Town, Limited Infrastructure" 19:59 "Puerto Vallarta's New Highway" How to contact Alex Krotkov :    Website Alex Krotkov.com Email:  [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.krotkov.photographer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.krotkov/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krotkov.weddings/   Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex   Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence - download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...   Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/   Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian   Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5... Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032... YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition   Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/ Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893