Meet Nancy: dealing with grief abroad

Meet Nancy: dealing with grief abroad

From Meet the Expats by Meet the Expats

November 5, 2025 · 39 min · Season 5 · Episode 15

About this episode

Nancy discusses her experiences with grief while living abroad and how she rebuilt her life after loss.

Meet Nancy, After two decades of living abroad in Switzerland and Denmark, Nancy opens up about navigating grief as an expat — balancing a global career in biotech with the heartbreak of losing loved ones from afar. She shares how returning to the U.S. reshaped her sense of home, what helped her cope with loss overseas, and how she found purpose again by building a new life (and business) back in Montana. We discuss: Managing grief and guilt while living abroad Staying connected to family from thousands of miles away Reverse culture shock and the pull of “coming home” Finding community and faith through life transitions The importance of slowing down and listening to your instincts Nancy’s Picks: 🇩🇰 Copenhagen — Zahida for vibrant dinners & Union Kitchen for a cozy brunch ☕ Montana — City Brew Coffee, where friendly faces make homecoming sweeter 🎵 The expat song: Great Is Thy Faithfulness — a reminder of strength, wherever you are Related article: Managing grief as an expat Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

People in this episode

Guest: Nancy

Topics covered

  • grief
  • expat life
  • community
  • reverse culture shock
  • finding purpose
  • balancing career and personal loss

Keywords

  • grief
  • expat
  • biotech
  • community
  • reverse culture shock
  • Montana
  • Copenhagen
  • loss
  • purpose

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zahida, Union Kitchen, City Brew Coffee

Books & works: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Places: Switzerland, Denmark, U.S., Montana, Copenhagen

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