Building Home: An Expat Podcast by Nneya Richards

On Belonging Solo Episode Life Updates and Listener Questions on Life Here in Italy!

This solo episode I'm diving into two listener questions that come up A LOT. One woman has been dreaming of living in Europe since she was nine years old. She had Sicily and Malta booked for next month. Then the current immigration climate made her pull back — not because the dream died, but because she's a naturalized citizen trying to protect herself while the world feels unpredictable. The other is moving to Milan in December. Her question: is there a Black community there? Will I find my people? They don't know each other. But they're asking the same thing from different distances: will there be a place for me there? In this solo episode, I'm answering both of them — honestly, specifically, and without skipping the parts that most expat content pretends don't exist. We talk about the invisible homework Black women do before every international trip, what community actually looks like in Northern Italy, and what I've learned about belonging from living it in Bergamo. The world is uncertain. The dream is still valid. Both things are true. Let me know what you think! Like, comment and subscribe! Follow me on Instagram @nneya  [https://www.instagram.com/nneya]and on my Substack Ny's Dolce Vita [https://nysdolcevita.substack.com/]

All Sliding Doors Lead to Rome: Alison Sager’s Journey from the U.S. to a Sunny Life Growing into her own in Rome

Most people don't realize that building a life abroad is about more than just where you live—it's about who you become in the process. Allison Sager, a true citizen of the world, shares how her journey from the U.S. to Siena to Rome transformed her understanding of community, authenticity, and the soul of a place. Her story proves that stepping out of your comfort zone can unlock a lifetime of connection, purpose, and surprisingly, a bit of the Italian 'Viva!' spirit. In this episode, Allison opens up about her unexpected leap into Italy's travel scene—how a love for language and culture led her to stay in Siena for seven years, and ultimately, to founding Viva Lifestyle PR in Rome. We explore what it takes to thrive in a city that isn't your birthplace, from navigating gentrification and preserving local culture to living authentically despite the influx of tourism. She shares tangible tips for travelers: how to experience Rome responsibly, with respect for its neighborhoods, traditions, and hidden gems. Timing is everything in her story—and in yours. Whether you're contemplating a move abroad, planning your next trip, or simply seeking a deeper way to relate to the world, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance on building a home away from home that’s rooted in respect, authenticity, and heart.Perfect for travelers, expatriates, community builders, and anyone dreaming of turning a foreign city into their own haven, this conversation encourages you to embrace the adventure of becoming part of a place—and letting it become part of you. 00:00 Living the Dream in Rome 02:35 Journey to Italy: A New Beginning 05:04 Building a Career in PR 08:04 The Essence of Viva Lifestyle 10:54 Cultural Reciprocity in Travel 13:21 Finding Community in Rome 16:00 Navigating Cultural Differences 18:29 The Impact of Gentrification in Rome 27:43 Gentrification and Its Impact on Rome 33:52 The Balance of Tourism and Local Culture 40:14 Conscious Travel Choices in Rome 45:55 Perceptions of American Politics in Rome Check out Alison PR company, Viva Lifestyle [https://vivalifestylepr.com/] Let me know what you think! Like, comment and subscribe! Follow me on Instagram @nneya [https://www.instagram.com/nneya] and on my Substack Ny's Dolce Vita [https://nysdolcevita.substack.com/]

Building Family and Building Home -- A Mother's Day Episode

Most moms swear by the chaos — but what if motherhood in a new place actually unlocks a deeper sense of home? In this heartfelt Mother's Day special, I'm going to give you an intimate glimpse into my life as a Black American mother thriving in Bergamo, Italy. And we're going around the world, chatting with mothers that I've had on the pod from Milan to Mexico City and hearing some of their thoughts on motherhood, how they're navigating and getting some sage advice. Blue also makes a cameo. Because of course. Curlers in my hair and Blue by my side, I'm discussing balancing the beauty and chaos of motherhood abroad, revealing how community, culture, and love redefine what home truly means. In a society where community can be fleeting, missing moments. Celebrating all the incredible mothers—near or far—who are shaping their families and their worlds, this special episode is a tribute to resilience, love, and the powerful role women play in creating a home wherever they are. Like, Comment and subscribe! It Makes a difference and to hear more from these amazing women, here are the links to their episodes. Good Craic in Dublin with Molly Mulshine [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FLQT2qCkSioXhdv7TcksM?si=783aacaef49b48af] The Real Life Under the Tuscan Sun: Renovating in Italy with @RootlessinItaly [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gQ2xbzRbu3QAIt4eq60SI?si=9d874876802a4a61] From Santa Monica to Lima - The Pushy Americana Fighting for Workplace Gender Equality in LATAM While Raising a Global Family with Courtney McColgan [https://open.spotify.com/episode/75LBP0dzNZkBkxONHprCOB?si=ee07fb4f41034d08] From NYC to Paris - Making Good on a Quarter Life Crisis with Ryan Norville [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0TIbhLH2uGDfDCI3qeokBn?si=4d3f680528ed4721] Across the Atlantic and Back Again - The Third Culture Kid Experience with Caterina Monda [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YSs0cpHJbPK45H6n2PASJ?si=b57ea2102bd040ff] The Gold Star Kids Guide to International Community Building with Allie Canton [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OE9r7oymN2Ton0NFPqc6s?si=dcc44aa5762741b1] From Paraguay to Italy: Pearls of Wisdom and Community with Sofia Zanotti [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Bf5mEJ1wfiMwgWcs0gGUL?si=4f176ee04b314591]

From The Dominican Republic to Lyon, France by way of Summer House with Ana Victoria Ana Victoria Torres Guzmán

Today I’m chatting with fabulous journalist and multi-hyphenate Ana Victoria Torres Guzmán, a Dominican fellow bravoholic living in the gastronomy capital, Lyon, France! Today’s convo is a wild ride as we’re reeling from the Summer House Scandal. Ana shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to France, her insights on reality TV culture, and her experiences living abroad. Discover how her Caribbean roots influence her perspective on life, work, and identity, and get insider tips on Lyon's best spots! Check out Ana and her co-host Jhonayce on the Glossip Girls Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/5qL5Df2onn0QcIsI8Gj1JK⁠] And follow them on Instagram @glossipgirlspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/glossipgirlspodcast] Let me know what you think! Like, comment and subscribe! Follow me on Instagram @nneya [https://www.instagram.com/nneya] and on Tik Tok @nneyarichards [https://tiktok.com/@nneyarichards] Chapters 00:00 Kismet Connections: Meeting in the Digital Age 02:00 Reality TV: A Cultural Phenomenon 04:41 The Evolution of Reality TV: From Guilty Pleasure to Mainstream 07:41 Reality TV and Public Perception: A Sociological Study 10:31 The Impact of Reality TV on Politics 13:16 Life in Lyon: A Journey from the Dominican Republic to France 17:48 Cultural Adjustments in France 19:52 Mindset Shifts: Embracing New Perspectives 21:24 Work-Life Balance: A New Approach 22:33 Political Landscape: Comparing Experiences 25:03 Diversity and Integration Challenges 27:03 Navigating Social Spaces: A Cultural Contrast 29:52 Pop Culture and Personal Identity 33:37 Translating Identity: The Dominican Experience 38:13 Resilience and Adaptability in Life's Challenges 41:02 The Hustle Behind Reality TV Stars 43:36 Building Brands and Personalities 46:50 Exploring Personal Growth and Opportunities 49:05 Culinary Connections to Home 51:29 Family-Friendly Lyon: A Hidden Gem 54:34 Traveling Through Lyon: A Gateway to Adventure

From Mumbai (Bombastic Bombay!) to New York City's Island of Misfit Toys with Kabir Awatramani

Join me today with my dear friend Kabir Awatramani as he takes me through his journey of his chic childhood growing up in Bombay to being lured by the magical pull of the island of misfit toys, NYC. We reminisce about the old days of fashion, our Blackberries, gender studies and politics and how we  found each other across careers, continents and timelines. Such an open, thoughtful conversation and for reminding us how much identity, culture, and connection shape the way we move through the world.  We even get into GLP-1s! And of course Kabir is sharing his favorite NYC and Mumbai haunts for you to add to your saved places! Like, comment and let me know what you think! You can follow me on Instagram @nneya [https://www.instagram.com/nneya] and on TikTok @nneyarichards [https://tiktok.com/@nneyarichards]