Unpacked- with Anna & Emma

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

Ep 22: Navigating Pregnancy Overseas Starting Your Parenting Journey in Diplomatic Life

We are beginning a new series on pregnancy and parenting in diplomatic life and in this first episode we start at the very beginning of the journey. Pregnancy can feel vulnerable and life-changing wherever you are in the world. Experiencing it overseas adds another layer of complexity as you navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems, distance from family, and the emotional realities of growing a family far from what feels known. In this episode, Emma shares her personal story of navigating pregnancy both overseas and in her home country and reflects on the differences between the two experiences. In this episode, we explore: * What it is like to move through pregnancy in two different healthcare systems * How to manage travel, medical appointments, and practical logistics while overseas * The physical and emotional needs that can feel amplified when you are far from your usual support network This episode is an honest conversation about beginning your parenting journey in diplomatic life, honouring your needs, and recognising that there is no one right way to navigate pregnancy across borders. 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 21: Making Your Career Work Overseas Practical Tools for Diplomatic Partners

Once the decision to move overseas has been made, a new question often follows quickly: how do I make this life work for me too? Wanting to support your partner does not mean you have to abandon your own professional identity or sense of direction. In this episode, we move from reflection into action and share practical tools to help you feel prepared, empowered, and less lost when navigating career decisions abroad. In this episode, we explore: * The difference between portable skills, portable jobs, and portable careers and why this distinction matters * Common barriers to working overseas including visas, qualification recognition, and local pay structures * How to realistically assess your options before you arrive at post * How to bridge the gap when you first arrive so you do not feel untethered or directionless This episode is about taking ownership of your professional life within diplomatic constraints, setting yourself up for possibility rather than pressure, and remembering that preparation is not about control but confidence. 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