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*Support for this episode comes from author Reno Smith, whose books "Listen to Your Children" and "Smart Money Skills for Parents of Teens" offer practical tools for parents raising kids abroad. Find them by searching Amazon for author Reno Smith.* What are the conditions under which Black women flourish? In this Season 7 finale of Flourish in the Foreign, Christine reflects on how six years of interviews, writing, and research transformed her understanding of migration. Revisiting this season's themes of Migration as Relief, Migration as Wellness, and Migration as Liberation, she shares why those ideas ultimately led her toward a new area of inquiry she's actively exploring: Migration as Black Futurity. Drawing from Richard Wright, Octavia Butler, Black feminist thought, public health, Afropessimism, Afrofuturism, ecology, and the stories of women featured throughout the podcast, Christine invites listeners into the evolution of her thinking—not as a finished theory, but as a research journey. The episode also marks the beginning of a new chapter as Christine prepares to begin her PhD in Migration Studies, where she will continue investigating Black women's flourishing, migration, belonging, and the conditions that make different futures possible. This Episode CoversWhy Flourish in the Foreign has always been about flourishingRichard Wright and the question of "blooming"Migration as Relief, Wellness, and LiberationThe limits of existing migration narrativesAfropessimism and Afrofuturism in conversationWhy Christine is exploring Migration as Black FuturityEcology, belonging, and integrationBlack women's flourishing as a research agendaWhy Christine is pursuing a PhDWhat's next for Flourish in the Foreign Interested in Christine's doctoral research? Explore her research agenda: christinejob.com/research Continue the conversation by subscribing to Love Letters from Elsewhere, Christine's Substack exploring migration, diaspora, Black women's flourishing, and building a life well lived abroad. Interested in working with Christine? Migration Advisory • Strategic Consulting • Speaking christinejob.com Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Tania Beasley-Jolly, a Black American woman living in Düsseldorf, Germany. She has spent about 11 years living abroad across Belgium, Singapore, and Germany. Tania shares how art history and opera shaped her international path, how expat moves affected her career, identity, marriage, and motherhood, and how she built community through “cultural ambassadors.” This Episode Covers: Expat Move to BelgiumSingapore Expat BubbleDüsseldorf Lockdown RealityMarriage Lessons AbroadMotherhood and Raising a Third Culture KidCareer Pivot and Writing a BookAging AbroadMigration as Wellness To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes/tania To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Jordynn McKnight, a creative director living in Amsterdam, shares her path from growing up in Northern Virginia in a creative, curiosity-driven family to studying abroad in Milan and completing a master’s in interactive media that included work in the Dominican Republic. After working in New York design agencies and being laid off, she applied widely and moved to Geneva, ultimately leaving and moving to Amsterdam after a 2019 visit. She discusses wellness practices, reflections on aging abroad, and preserving African American culture while living abroad. This Episode Covers: New York to Geneva LeapChoosing Amsterdam NextEuropean Work Life BalanceAging AbroadWellness Through RitualsDating and Feeling SeenMigration as Wellness To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Zamzam Khalfani, a Bahamian educator now in Maputo, Mozambique, shares how leaving Nassau at 20 shaped her identity, faith, and wellbeing. Raised in one of the Bahamas’ first Muslim families, she sought a larger Muslim community and connection to African roots, moving to Senegal to study French and later earning a master’s degree. For professional development and financial freedom, she relocated to China. After COVID-era lockdowns that brought xenophobia and concerns for her children’s mental health, her family moved to Mozambique. This Episode Covers: Childhood in NassauChoosing SenegalTeaching in ChinaNew Start in MozambiqueMotherhood and DisciplineMigration As WellnessDefining Wellness Practices To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, historian and writer Dr. Richelle Clark describes living abroad for over 20 years and now residing in Oahu, Hawaii. She pursued journalism, landed a Stars and Stripes job in Germany, and deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo. She lived in Brazil, and later, Portugal became her “happy place” and home. This Episode Covers: First Overseas Reporting in GermanyLanding the Stars and Stripes JobCovering Kosovo as a Black WomanBrazil Move and Language SchoolMoving to PortugalIntegrating Family and Starting a PhDPortuguese Academic Culture LessonsPortugal as Home and Identity ResetBlackness Abroad vs AmericaMigration as Freedom Mindset To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Courtney Bowden shares her transformative journey from burnout and grief in the U.S. to finding peace and purpose in Mexico. After the tragic loss of a close friend and feeling disillusioned with the American Dream, Courtney takes a leap of faith to move abroad. She discusses her childhood in a sundown town in Michigan, and the various factors that led her to settle in Mexico’s Yucatan region. This Episode Covers: Growing Up in a Sundown TownPandemic and Decision to Move AbroadReflections on Life in MexicoThe Great Migration and Its ImpactAging AbroadPride in Black Identity and HistoryWellness and Decolonizing Life To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Meka Walters shares her extraordinary journey of living and working across various countries, from Japan to Burkina Faso to Bhutan. She discusses significant challenges such as losing her job and contracting malaria. She delves into her teaching experiences, spiritual growth through yoga, and her current work with the Bhutan Wine Company. This Episode Covers: Early Adventures Abroad: Japan and KoreaExploring Vietnam and AfricaSabbatical and Return to VietnamJourney to BhutanIdentity and Experiences as a Black Woman AbroadTrans-Siberian Railway AdventureLiving in BhutanWorking in the Wine Industry   To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Itiah Thomas returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Itiah delves into her life abroad in Brisbane, from obtaining Australian citizenship to navigating professional evolution. She also shares her thoughts on aging abroad, retirement, and the wellness practices that keep her healthy and happy abroad. This Episode Covers: Major Life Changes and Career UpdatesReflections on Aging AbroadFuture Plans and Retirement GoalsBecoming an Australian CitizenBlack Identity in AustraliaProfessional Evolution and EntrepreneurshipReflections on Migration as LiberationWellness Abroad To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Niana returns to share her thoughts on "Aging Abroad". Niana's first episode of the show was the very first episode of Flourish in the Foreign. This episode is being released on the 6th anniversary of the show. Celebrate and show your support through Buy Me A Coffee or by becoming a paid Substack subscriber. Niana has been living in the Netherlands for eight years (abroad 13 total). She shares what she has been up to since the last time she appeared on the show: buying a car and a house, moving to a rural village, and becoming a mother of two. She explains Dutch prenatal care centered on midwives, options like home birth, and a hospital-adjacent birth house. Niana reflects on raising tri-racial Dutch children while intentionally passing on Black American culture, navigating Dutch emotional norms, career growth, aging abroad, wellness benefits of living abroad, and ongoing pride and longing for Chicago. This Episode Covers: Catching Up on the Past 6 Years Aging Abroad Career Growth Pregnancy Abroad Raising Tri-Racial Kids Passing Down Culture Wellness Abroad Representing America Abroad   To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dr. Tiffany Lashelle Smith returns to share what she has been up to since our last conversation. She discusses the impact of pursuing her PhD and the evolution of her identity as a Black American woman living internationally. Tiffany reflects on aging, family relationships, and the concept of migration as a form of liberation. She delves into her personal experiences, highlighting how living abroad has transformed her perspective on life and wellness. This Episode Covers: Living Abroad: A Journey Through Different CountriesLife Changes and Pursuing a PhDReflections on Aging AbroadIdentity and Connection in a Foreign LandFamily and SacrificeThe Reality of Living AbroadDefining CommunityWellness and Self-AdvocacyUpdate on Life in Dubai To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Roxana Bangura shares her extensive experiences navigating Black identity through her life and travels. Growing up in the Bronx to West African immigrants, Roxana reflects on her family’s immigrant journey, her education in journalism and international relations, and her travels across Europe, West Africa, and Mexico. She explores the complexities of Blackness in different cultural contexts and the generational trauma of colonialism. This Episode Covers: Family Background and Immigrant JourneyExperiences in LondonChallenges in Ghana and Family DynamicsPlanning a New Life in MexicoDiscovering Afro-Mexican HistoryLiving Abroad and Preserving WellnessBlackness and Erasure in Latin AmericaAging Gracefully Abroad To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Keturah Kendrick shares her experiences of living abroad in Rwanda, China, and now Portugal. She discusses her upbringing in New Orleans, her education, and how those experiences foreshadowed her life of international living. Keturah details her thoughts on community building, the importance of having a support system, and offers advice for Black women considering living abroad. She also touches on topics like aging abroad, wellness, and how her views on identity and freedom have evolved through her travels. This Episode Covers: Deciding to Move Abroad Life in Rwanda and Moving to ChinaFinding Community in ShanghaiRepatriation to New YorkChoosing Portugal as a New HomeAging AbroadIdentity and Black WomanhoodBuilding and Integrating Community  To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Candace Smith returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Seeking a calmer environment, Candace strategically relocated from Istanbul to Málaga, where the favorable weather, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility to resources for her daughter provided the stability they needed. Candace reflects on the importance of self-care, community support, and adaptation in foreign environments, highlighting her experiences of world schooling her daughter, managing her own health conditions, and embracing her evolving identity as she ages. This Episode Covers: Moving to MálagaParenting and World SchoolingHealthcare AbroadCommunity SupportManaging Chronic IllnessComparing Healthcare Systems: Spain vs. TurkeyAging Abroad  To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Sienna J. Brown shares her 12-year journey of living abroad, recounting her transition from New York to Murcia and Jávea, Spain. She discusses her struggle with cultural identity, experiences of personal growth, founding a business, and overcoming the challenges of life abroad, including losing her hair to alopecia. She reflects on significant moments, including building a community, redefining success, and achieving a sense of freedom and well-being. This Episode Covers: Decision to Move to SpainSettling in MurciaMoving to JáveaCareer TransitionsCreating Generational Wealth AbroadBlackness and Womanhood AbroadAging AbroadWellness AbroadMigration as a Path to Liberation   To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Reva Watson shares her experiences of living abroad, from studying in China to settling in Trinidad. Reva discusses the unexpected obstacles she faced as a new mother in a new country, her academic journey, and how her professional and personal life evolved over 10 years. This Episode Covers: Living and Studying in ChinaTransition to Life in TrinidadFirst Year in Trinidad: Challenges and AdaptationsProfessional Evolution and Work-Life BalanceReflections on Relationships and Family DynamicsCultural Observations and IdentityPassport Privilege and Global Mobility  To learn more about today's guest, visit their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com Ready to go deeper? Subscribe to Love Letters from Elsewhere — Christine's Substack on migration, diaspora, and building a life well lived abroad: christinejob.substack.com Interested in working with Christine? One-on-one migration advisory, strategic consulting, and speaking: christinejob.com/work-with-me Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Episode Credits: Christine Job — Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs — Theme Music Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy