Unpacked- with Anna & Emma

Ep 27: The Invisible Realities of Being Childfree or Parenting at a Distance in Diplomatic Life

As we close our parenting series, we turn to the experiences that are often less visible but just as important to acknowledge within diplomatic life. Not all parenting or personal responsibilities can be seen at post. In this episode, we explore the often overlooked experiences of those who are childfree, parenting from a distance, or supporting adult children while living overseas. In this episode, we explore: * Why inclusion matters when social life at post often centres around families and children * What it means to parent from afar when children are at boarding school or university * The emotional and practical load of supporting children across time zones, even when they are not physically at post * How adult children may still rely on parents This episode brings our parenting series to a close with a reflection on the many different ways care, responsibility, and family show up in diplomatic life, and a reminder that every experience deserves to be seen, valued, and supported. ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5 [https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5] 🎧 Connect with your hosts: Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Ep 26: Growing Up Globally A Teen’s Perspective on Diplomatic Life with Elina

In this special episode, we are joined by Elina, Anna’s daughter, who shares her perspective of growing up in a globally mobile diplomatic life. Through her experiences of moving between countries, schools, and communities, she offers an honest and thoughtful insight into what this lifestyle really feels like from a young person’s point of view. This conversation gives space to both the beauty and the challenges of growing up across cultures and constant change. In this episode, we explore: * What it feels like to grow up moving between countries and starting over in new environments * The best parts of a globally mobile life and the opportunities it brings * The harder moments including goodbyes, change, and navigating uncertainty * How this lifestyle has shaped Elina’s perspective, identity, and outlook on the world * The realities of building and maintaining friendships across countries * Practical things Elina does to support herself through transitions and new beginnings ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5 [https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5] 🎧 Connect with your hosts: Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Ep 25: Raising Teenagers Overseas Supporting Identity, Education and Belonging in Diplomatic Life

Raising teenagers comes with its own complexities wherever you are in the world. Doing so overseas adds another layer as young people navigate identity, friendships, education, and belonging across cultures and constant change. In this episode, we explore what it means to support teenagers through the diplomatic lifestyle and how to balance their growing independence with the realities of a globally mobile life. Anna shares her personal experiences of raising teenagers overseas and reflects on the challenges, decisions, and emotional that shape this stage of parenting. In this episode, we explore: -How much to involve teenagers in decisions about moves and postings -The impact of relocation on identity, friendships, and sense of belonging -How diplomatic life can shape a teenager’s worldview in both positive and challenging ways -Supporting teenagers emotionally through transitions, loss, and change -Navigating education choices, continuity, and long-term planning -Ways to create stability, trust, and open communication during this stage of life - ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5 [https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5] 🎧 Connect with your hosts: Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Ep 24: From Diplomat Child to Diplomat Spouse A Conversation with Shaden and the Story Behind Adam the Tiny Diplomat

In this special episode we are joined by Shaden, who has experienced diplomatic life from three unique perspectives. She grew up as a diplomat child, later became a diplomat spouse, and is now raising her own children within this globally mobile life. Drawing on her personal journey across countries, cultures, and life stages, Shaden shares how those experiences eventually inspired her to write a children’s book, Adam the Tiny Diplomat, a story created to help children understand movement, belonging, and what it means to call many places home. In this episode we talk about: * How Shaden turned her family’s lived experience into a story that could support other children navigating diplomatic life * The courage it takes to reinvent yourself creatively and step into authorship If you would like to get in touch with Shaden her instagram is @Shaden_Kraishan ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5 [https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5] 🎧 Connect with your hosts: Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Ep 23: Raising Babies Overseas Building Support and Community in Diplomatic Life

Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience wherever you are in the world. Doing so overseas can bring both beauty and challenge as you navigate early parenthood while being far from familiar support systems. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to care for and raise babies abroad and the role that community, or the absence of it, plays in that experience. Anna shares her personal journey of having her three children in three different cities, with and without family support. In this episode, we explore: - The importance of familial support and what happens when it is not available - How to build your own community and support network from scratch - Ways to ask for help, receive support, and create a sense of connection during this stage of life Even when family is far away, support and connection can still be built around you. ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5 [https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5] 🎧 Connect with your hosts: Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co