Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

What happens when life pushes you toward a completely new beginning? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Patrice Wynne-Pérez, who made the courageous decision to leave Berkeley, California and start over in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico at age 50 after a series of major life changes. Patrice shares the emotional realities of reinventing yourself abroad, building community from scratch, and adapting to a new culture while navigating practical challenges like banking, real estate, and daily life in Mexico. Her story is an honest look at resilience, personal growth, and why so many Americans are choosing Mexico not just for retirement, but for a more meaningful and connected lifestyle. Whether you’re considering retiring in Mexico, exploring living in San Miguel de Allende, or wondering if it’s too late to begin again, this episode offers real-life insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you confidently design your next chapter under the Mexican sun.   Key Moments:  03:48 Closing the bookstore experience 10:16 Buying first house decisions 12:50 Using Facebook groups for advice 15:33 Friendliness among foreign immigrants 18:32 Comparing travel costs in Mexico vs. US 22:22 Living in Mexico: Safety concerns 24:07 Dealing with measurement challenges   How to contact Patrice Wynne-Pérez :  FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Lq5Tq3na8/?mibextid=wwXIfr Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3Pi2gWPL/?mibextid=wwXIfr Patrice's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanmiguelpatrice?igsh=MXFsbThmeGRwYnFjMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Abrazos Boutique y Librería SMA: https://www.instagram.com/abrazossma?igsh=MWExNWwybWZ5ODc5NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrWEBSITE: https://sanmigueldesigns.com/ 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 does it really feel like to build a meaningful and welcoming life in Mexico as an LGBTQ+ expat? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian continues his conversation with Craig and KJ, creators of Truly Remarkable Life, as they share their experience finding friendship, purpose, and belonging in Lake Chapala, Mexico. From adjusting to Mexican culture and navigating language barriers to discovering supportive LGBTQ+ and allied communities, Craig and KJ open up about the realities of creating a new life abroad. They discuss why community matters so deeply when relocating, how kindness and connection shaped their experience, and why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for a more fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re considering retiring in Mexico, exploring Lake Chapala expat life, or searching for a place where you can truly feel accepted and connected, this episode offers honest stories, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement for designing a life filled with freedom, adventure, and belonging under the Mexican sun. Key Moments:  09:21 Shifting lifestyle and mindset changes 12:54 Supportive queer community bonds 14:20 Introducing Truly Remarkable Life Channel 17:00 Considering moving to Mexico 20:04 Adjusting to a more accepting environment 23:46 Morning coffee and digital detox   How to connect Craig & KJ :  Website: https://trulyremarkablelife.wordpress.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrulyRemarkableLife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrulyRemarkableLife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyremarkablelife?igshid=NTA5ZTk1NTc%3D Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/remarkablelifers.bsky.social Store: https://trulyremarkablelife.myspreadshop.com/   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 does it really look like to retire in Mexico and start over from scratch? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Craig and KJ, a couple who left behind busy careers in the U.S. to build a new life in Lake Chapala, Mexico - one of the most popular expat communities in the country. They share how downsizing, letting go of old routines, and taking a leap of faith led them to Ajijic, where they found a strong sense of community, a lower cost of living, and unexpected new opportunities - including launching a successful YouTube channel. The conversation explores the realities of living in Mexico as an American, adjusting to a new culture, and redefining retirement beyond just relaxation. If you’re considering retiring in Mexico, researching Lake Chapala expat life, or looking for a lifestyle that offers more freedom, connection, and purpose, this episode delivers real stories, practical insights, and inspiration to help you design your next chapter with confidence. Key Moments:  01:17 Introduction to Live by Design 03:41 Pen pals and learning Spanish 07:47 Early retirement plans interrupted 12:45 Finding a place to live online 14:05 Challenges of car-free lifestyle 19:21 Flipping houses after the crash 22:38 Turning a hobby into a career 23:27 Finding work-life balance How to connect Craig & KJ :  Website: https://trulyremarkablelife.wordpress.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrulyRemarkableLife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrulyRemarkableLife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyremarkablelife?igshid=NTA5ZTk1NTc%3D Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/remarkablelifers.bsky.social Store: https://trulyremarkablelife.myspreadshop.com/   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 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