The Places We Call Home podcast

When you move abroad, especially to the USA, imposter syndrome can show up in ways you never expected.In this episode, I sit down with Zainab Ugokwe — scientist, mom, wife — a woman whose story will feel familiar if you’ve ever tried to rebuild your identity in a new country.Zainab talks about returning to the U.S. after spending her childhood in Palestine, navigating homesickness, cultural differences, and the quiet grief of absent relatives in Palestine, and in the USA. She shares what it was like to grow up as the only Black girl in a town that had never seen people who looked like her, and how those early experiences shaped her confidence as an adult.We explore:what imposter syndrome looks like for expat and immigrant womenthe identity shifts that happen when you move abroadthe loneliness of feeling “in‑between” cultureshow to rebuild confidence when you don’t feel like yourself anymorethe emotional work of belonging in a place that wasn’t part of your original storyIf you’re an expat or immigrant woman living in the USA or anywhere abroad — navigating loneliness, cultural differences, or that unsettling feeling of not belonging here or back home — this conversation will meet you right where you are.Zainab’s reflections offer gentle reminders and practical takeaways about finding your voice again, trusting who you’re becoming, and giving yourself permission to grow into this new version of you.If this episode resonates, follow The Places We Call Home on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share it with another woman who’s starting over in a new country.

Send us Fan MailWhen you’ve tried the meetups, the coffee chats, the parent groups, the playground conversations… and still feel unseenThis episode is for every expat and immigrant woman who has ever wondered, “Is it me?” It’s not you. It’s the journey. This episode will help you:Release assumptions about who your friends “should” beRecognize red flags and protect your emotional energyCast your net wider with intentionStay open to the people who can genuinely feed your spiritUnderstand that friendship is a mutual gift, not something to chaseIn this episode, I walk you through the process of redefining friendship on your own terms as an expat woman in America.You’ll hear how I cast my net wide — church for spiritual nourishment, pro bono work for intellectual stimulation, a post‑grad course for cultural diversity, shared workspaces for unexpected joy.Each space fed a different part of me. Each one lifted the loneliness a little more.And slowly, I found my people — beautifully varied in race, origin, language, and spirit. People who weren’t fascinated by my accent or my background, but who were simply interested in a fellow soul.Listen now if you’re navigating friendship as an expat or immigrant woman in the USA and feeling discouraged. https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod

Send us Fan MailWondering where to find the kind of female friendships that actually feed your soul?You’re not wrong for craving more than surface-level connection. We're talking about loneliness, cultural shifts, and the quiet ache of being unknown in a new country.Forming meaningful friendships can feel like a second full-time job. You’ll walk away with:Science-backed reasons why female friendships improve mental health, reduce stress, and protect your wellbeingA practical first step to identify the kind of friendship you actually need—so you stop wasting energy on groups that don’t nourish youActionable tips and rituals to start building mutual, vulnerable connections in the USA—based on what’s worked for other expat womenPress play for a mini-roadmap to finding and nurturing female friendships in the USA—so you can feel seen, supported, and less alone.Here is a podcast about courage—the courage to transform your life and to tell your own story. Here, we dive into the journeys of expat / immigrant women who've left their countries of origin for adventure or the American dream. Together, we explore the ache of homesickness, the challenge of cultural differences, and the search for identity—while sharing practical tips and inspiring success stories. This isn't just about living overseas. It's about finding resilience, purpose, and belonging. It's creating a home wherever you are. This is your space to learn, connect, and gather tools to navigate the emotional cost of building a life in the USA.https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod

Send us Fan MailAre you an expat woman starting over in the USA—and wondering why this transition feels harder than you expected? Relocating abroad isn’t just about visas, moving boxes, and learning English. It’s about navigating homesickness, unspoken cultural codes, rebuilding your career, and figuring out how to belong in a place that doesn’t yet feel like home.In this heartfelt episode, you’ll hear Karen Geva’s story of moving from Israel to California and discover:Why the hardest part of adapting abroad isn’t language—it’s behavior, mindset, and emotional rhythm because cultural difference goes beyond languageWhy home will no longer be the geographical location you left of memories and blood relationsHow Karen rebuilt her career and confidence in midlife, as a foreigner.Download now to uncover the unfiltered truth about forging a new identity as an expat or immigrant—and gain the insights you need to thrive emotionally and mentally in your journey to the U.S.To share your own migration story or feedback, email guest@Theplaceswecallhome.com This compelling podcast dives into Expat and immigrant women (and men) stories. Those who immigrate to the USA, tackling the struggles of homesickness, identity crisis, and culture shock in the USA while adjusting to expat life and navigating cultural differences. Through conversations on starting over, reinventing yourself, and finding purpose, it highlights success stories of women's tenacity, and the resilience of expats in the USA. It offers insights into bicultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of living overseas. The podcast emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and wellbeing for women in pursuit of the American dream.https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod

Send us Fan Mail Simple shifts to help you feel grounded and strong in a new country. In this episode, Yolanda Reshemah and clinical psychologist Dr. Veronique Ani unpack the hidden emotional challenges expat women face—from homesickness and self-doubt to the constant search for validation. Together, they reveal why true confidence doesn’t come from a new country or a new role, but from trusting yourself.You’ll learn:How to feel grounded, emotionally strong, and truly good in your own skin, no matter where you live.Why the need for validation often show up when relocating—and how to break free.Practical tools to move from frustration and self-sabotage toward calm and confidence.Press play to discover how to turn culture shock into confidence and start thriving in your expat journey today.To share your own migration story or feedback email guest@Theplaceswecallhome.com More from Dr. Veronique: https://psychologyexperts.online/Free guide: www.psychologyexperts.online/3dform This compelling podcast dives into Expat and immigrant women stories. Those who immigrate to the USA, tackling the struggles of homesickness, identity crisis, and culture shock in the USA while adjusting to expat life and navigating cultural differences. Through conversations on starting over, reinventing yourself, belonging and finding purpose, it highlights success stories of women's tenacity, and the resilience of expat and immigrant experiences in the USA. It offers insights into bicultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of living overseas. The podcast emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and mental health for personal growth and wellbeing for women in pursuit of the American dream.https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod

Send us Fan MailWhat would you sacrifice for love—your career, your culture, your entire community?Dive into the story of Cristiani, a successful Brazilian entrepreneur who left behind her thriving design business, family, and culture to move to the U.S. for love. Her journey reveals the emotional challenges of starting over in a new country, balancing homesickness, cultural identity, and learning how to merge two very different worlds.Just hit the play button, discover how to balance grief for what was left behind with the excitement of new opportunities, and why you’re not alone if you’re feeling divided between two worlds. This compelling podcast dives into Expat and immigrant women stories, people who immigrate to the USA, tackling the struggles of homesickness, identity crisis, and culture shock while adjusting to expat life and navigating cultural differences. Hear conversations on starting over, reinventing yourself, and finding purpose, it highlights success stories of women's tenacity, and the resilience of immigrants in the USA. It offers insights into bicultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of living overseas. The podcast emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and wellbeing for women in pursuit of the American dream.https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod

Send us Fan MailDo you need some practical insights on navigating cultural differences, social norms so you can thrive? Have you ever wondered if moving abroad means losing yourself—or finally finding who you really are? For many expat and immigrant women, relocation is more than a physical move—it’s an identity shift. This episode explores how navigating cultural differences, reinventing your career, and reshaping your sense of belonging might feel overwhelming yet deeply transformative.Find the mindset shifts that can help you, practical insights on navigating language, social norms, and cultural differences with confidence so you can thrive in your new home.To share your own migration story or feedback email guest@Theplaceswecallhome.com This compelling podcast dives into Expat and immigrant women (and men) stories. Those who immigrate to the USA, tackling the struggles of homesickness, identity crisis, and culture shock in the USA while adjusting to expat life and navigating cultural differences. Through conversations on starting over, reinventing yourself, and finding purpose, it highlights success stories of women's tenacity, and the resilience of expats in the USA. It offers insights into bicultural identity, language barriers, and the challenges of living overseas. The podcast emphasizes the importance of a strong support system and wellbeing for women in pursuit of the American dream.https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod