Navigating Multicultural Partnerships on Neutral Territory with Angela Vitiello - MBA, MS Ed and founder of "The Expat Parenting Collective"

Incredible TCK Lives, Identity, and the Courage to Belong with Dr. Rachel Cason

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468013/fan_mail/new] In this deeply moving episode of Quiero un Panino con Cheese, I sit down with therapist, researcher, and author Dr. Rachel Cason to explore the complex emotional landscape of Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Rachel’s book, Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them: Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid Therapist, offers a compassionate and powerful reflection on identity, belonging, grief, adaptability, and what it means to grow up between cultures. Together, Rachel and I dive into: * What it was like for Rachel to grow up in Niger, West Africa, as the daughter of white missionary parents * The emotional impact of repatriating to England as a teenager * Losing her first language (Hausa) and the grief tied to cultural disconnection * Why so many TCKs struggle with the question: “Where are you from?” * The hidden emotional cost of adaptability and people-pleasing * The difference between “fitting in” and truly belonging * Identity props: the objects, languages, memories, and symbols that help us hold onto our stories * Cultural appropriation, privilege, and navigating multicultural identity thoughtfully * Why storytelling can be profoundly healing for TCKs * What “home” really means for globally mobile people This conversation is gentle, honest, emotional, and validating for anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds. Rachel Cason is a therapist, researcher, and Third Culture Kid whose work focuses on identity, belonging, life stories, and the emotional experiences of globally mobile people. Her PhD research explored TCKs’ relationship to place, identity, and belonging. Her book, Incredible Lives and the Courage to Live Them, combines professional insight with lived experience to create a compassionate guide for TCKs and anyone navigating questions of identity and belonging. You can find out more about Rachel by checking out her website, Life Story Therapies [https://explorelifestory.com/] Her book (paperback and Kindle) is available here on Amazon UK [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Incredible-Lives-Courage-Live-Them-ebook/dp/B0C2XTWKQX?ref_=ast_author_dp] and Amazon US [https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Lives-Courage-Live-Them-ebook/dp/B0C2XTWKQX?ref_=ast_author_dp]  and on Audible [https://www.audible.es/pd/Incredible-Lives-and-the-Courage-to-Live-Them-Audiolibro/B0D5FPXTBF?eac_link=JenKmeeGZGF3&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B0D5FPXTBF&qid=TbVgE7T9Oy&eac_id=259-2243459-3713504_TbVgE7T9Oy&sr=1-1]. You can also find Rachel on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rachel.cason.lifestory/]as well as on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-cason-ph-d-787a2727/] Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/]

Building a Family Identity Beyond Borders - with Jovana from Real Moms Talking podcast

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468013/fan_mail/new] What happens when Serbian, Cuban, and German cultures collide under one roof—and four languages are spoken daily? In this episode, I sit down with Jovana, a speech processing engineer, mom of three, multilingual parenting advocate, and host of Real Moms Talking podcast.  Together, we explore the realities of raising children across cultures, the beauty (and chaos) of managing multiple languages at home, and why emotional connection matters more than perfection and consistency. From “multilingual dogs” to navigating cultural traditions like Christmas and the Three Kings, this conversation is full of humor, honesty, and practical insight for any family raising kids between worlds. 🌍 What you’ll learn: *  The difference between growing up multicultural vs. becoming one as an adult  *  How to raise kids with 4 languages without confusion  *  Why “one parent, one language” isn’t the only approach  *  How to blend traditions from multiple cultures into one unique family identity  *  Why emotional safety is more important than language consistency  *  How to handle criticism or misconceptions about multilingual parenting  *  Practical strategies to encourage kids to use multiple languages naturally  Jovana shares how living in a “neutral country” like Germany allowed her family to build their own hybrid culture, combining the best of Serbian, Cuban, and German traditions.  Raising multilingual kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, identity, and creating a space where all parts of your family’s story belong. You can follow Jovana at Real Moms Talking on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/realmomstalking/] Also follow her podcast, Real Moms Talking on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5DOChXqZIvHmK4QZwBfFol?si=98622a9025134f1c], Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/real-moms-talking/id1799506159?l=en-GB], or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/]

The Long Road of Endurance, Connection, and Cultural Crossing with David Green

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468013/fan_mail/new] Ready to be inspired by a journey that goes far beyond physical limits? In this episode, entrepreneur and endurance athlete, David Green, shares the extraordinary story of running across 12 European countries in just 99 days—an experience that became as much about human connection as it was about endurance. From navigating borders on foot to forming unexpected bonds with strangers, David’s journey reveals powerful lessons about curiosity, humility, and what it truly means to connect across cultures. 🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode *  What it takes—physically and mentally—to run across Europe  *  How endurance challenges can deepen cultural understanding  *  Why curiosity, humility, and respect are essential when crossing borders  *  The surprising kindness of strangers and moments that restore faith in humanity  *  How travel and extreme challenges reshape identity and worldview  *  The realities of logistics, visas, and navigating different national systems  *  How multicultural family experiences influence openness and perspective  *  The heartwarming story of Lucky, a rescue dog who inspired a movement  *  Practical advice for expanding your worldview through travel This episode is a powerful reminder that the longest journeys aren’t just measured in miles—they’re measured in growth, connection, and perspective. Whether you're a runner, traveler, or simply curious about the world, David’s story will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. David Green is a retired entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and writer who has completed numerous ultra events, including solo runs across the United States, Brazil, and Spain, and most recently set an FKT for running across Europe. His love of movement, adventure, and open roads is matched only by his bond with dogs. In 2022, he and his wife, Mônica, founded Friends of Lucky Caminho [https://www.luckycaminho.org/], a nonprofit that helps stray dogs along Brazil’s Caminho da Fé trail, where he first met Lucky. David lives in Florida and Portugal with Mônica and their three rescue dogs. A portion of this book’s proceeds supports the charity. You can find the book on Amazon here. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJK543BL?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1] For more about David, check out his website here  [https://www.davidgreen.run/running-the-world]and read about all his amazing adventures. Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/]

From Connecticut to Madrid: Everything is "figure-outable" with Rebecca Cretella

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468013/fan_mail/new] What does it really take to leave everything behind and start a new life abroad—with kids? In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Cretella, an American mom who made the bold and intentional decision to move her family from the U.S. to Spain in search of a slower, more connected lifestyle. From navigating visas and selling everything they owned to raising “third culture kids” in a new country, Rebecca shares the real, unfiltered journey behind their move. This conversation dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural layers of building a life abroad—and what “home” truly means when you redefine it from scratch. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode *  What sparked Rebecca’s decision to leave the U.S.  *  How to move abroad as a family (without a job relocation)  *  The biggest logistical challenges (and how to handle them)  *  Different visa options for moving to Spain  *  The emotional reality of starting over in a new country  *  What it’s like raising third culture kids (TCKs)  *  How children adapt to new languages and cultures  *  Balancing your home culture with a new one  *  Why “home” becomes a feeling—not a place  🌍 Key Topics Discussed *  Work-life balance differences between the U.S. and Spain  *  Letting go of possessions and starting fresh  *  Navigating uncertainty and fear  *  Building community abroad  *  Supporting children through major life transitions  Rebecca Cretella is the creator behind the Instagram page, Heart and Home Abroad, [https://www.instagram.com/heartandhomeabroad/] where she shares with her over 11K followers her family’s unfiltered journey of relocating to Spain. She also offers tools and coaching to help those families actually make the move. You can also find Rebecca on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaccretella/] Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/]

Navigating Multicultural Partnerships on Neutral Territory with Angela Vitiello - MBA, MS Ed and founder of "The Expat Parenting Collective"

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468013/fan_mail/new] In this engaging conversation, Angela and I explore the joys and complexities of multicultural partnerships, particularly focusing on parenting and cultural identity. We discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the unique experiences of raising children in a neutral territory. The dialogue emphasizes the need for intentionality in relationships and the beauty of creating a family culture that blends different traditions. A highlight of the topics discussed includes: * Multicultural partnerships require grace, compassion, and patience. * Parenting styles can differ significantly based on cultural backgrounds. * Establishing a strong foundation of values and boundaries is crucial. * Living in a neutral territory can offer couples a unique opportunity. * Children in multicultural families may identify differently based on their experiences. * Communication is key to navigating challenges in multicultural relationships. * Trailing partners often face identity and career challenges. * Finding joy in shared activities can strengthen family bonds. * Intentionality in family traditions helps children feel connected to their cultures. * Regular check-ins between partners can prevent resentment and foster support. Angela always shares such great advice and tips for couples and families as they embark on what can be the most complex yet rewarding journey of their lives. With 20 years of experience, Angela Vitiello is a senior international consultant and social entrepreneur with a multicultural perspective (has lived in 4 countries on 3 different continents). Her areas of focus are coaching (individuals, teams, and groups), facilitating, and consulting on Leadership, Group Dynamics, Transitions, Intercultural Communication, and Expatriate Life. Since 2014, she has worked with public and private clients (from SMEs to universities) in a variety of sectors (Banking, Luxury Goods, Public Service, Law, Education/Academia, Consulting, and more).   You can find Angela on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/expatparentingcollective/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-vitiello-mba-ms-ed/]  You can also reach out to her through the Expat Parenting Collective [https://www.expatparentingcollective.com/] Website Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/] Please hit the follow button and enter this crazy, multilingual, international world and explore these questions and so much more as I open up about my personal experiences over a cup of coffee, Americano, espresso, cafe con leche, or whatever gets you moving! For more, please follow me also on Instagram at Quiero un Panino con Cheese [https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/]