Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers
Thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration. Host Sarah Mikutel is a communication coach and American expat in England who's here to help you make the most of your brief time on Earth. Memento mori. It’s time to make every moment matter.
Sun, December 08, 2024
The Truth about Mr. Darcy + Nonviolent Communication Tips for Conflict Resolution
Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice , and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysterious hero. But that’s not who he starts out as in the book. Reading Pride and Prejudice reveals so much more about him, and about what it takes to change and grow. In this episode, I’ll share what Mr. Darcy’s transformation can teach us about: how honest conversations can lead to personal transformation – for you and the person you’re speaking with. why hard conversations are worth having, even when they feel risky or uncomfortable. what Stoic principles and practical communication tools can help us handle conflict gracefully. By the way – hello! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American writer, communication coach, and practicing Stoic based in England. sarahmikutel.com Nonviolent communication tips
Fri, October 25, 2024
How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism: Stoicon 2024 Talk
Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism. Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World Thanks for listening ❤️ sarahmikutel.com
Sun, October 13, 2024
Introducing Citizens of the World (formerly Live Without Borders)
Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉 This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode. Love, Sarah sarahmikutel.com
Fri, February 16, 2024
Roadtrip through Turkey: Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and More
Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin. Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through: Bursa Ephesus Pamukkale Konya Istanbul Adana Mersin Cappadocia And she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey. Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less crowded and less expensive. Have you been to Turkey? Share your favorite memories with me! I’d love to hear from you on Instagram, or you can email me :) *** Hi 👋 I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, an American expat in England. I love meeting fellow citizens of the world. Things I’m into: Stoicism, travel, and helping introverts communicate with confidence. Want to be friends? https://sarahmikutel.com/ @sarahmikutel
Fri, February 02, 2024
Conflict: 4 Stoic Solutions for Managing Difficult Conversations
Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships.
Sat, November 25, 2023
Find the Good in this Very Moment
Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life. Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us. I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca , where he quotes Seneca in one of his letters: “If you want to escape your troubles, you don't need to be somewhere else: you need to be someone else.” Those searching for meaning or purpose in life might think a new place will provide answers. But a new location, a new job, a new partner doesn’t guarantee a better life or a fresh start. Finding purpose involves understanding your values, interests, and goals. It’s internal work that can be done anywhere. sarahmikutel.com Looking to live a more Stoic life? Let's chat.
Sun, November 05, 2023
4 Best Tips to Communicate with Intent and Impact (Stoic style)
Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics. Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic. Introverts come to me to learn to speak confidently in front of a room, online, and in social situations without becoming a sweaty, blushing mess with a stress headache .
Sat, October 14, 2023
Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Stoic Psychology
Introvert Emergency Kit Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker . When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the world. How is an amorphous ‘fear of fear’ holding you back and keeping you quiet? I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach. By the end of this episode, you will know: what you’re really afraid of when you say you don’t like public speaking – no more amorphous clouds of discomfort, how anxiety manifests in our mind and body and why not managing it is so harmful, the beliefs underlying the four different flavors of public speaking anxiety, and Stoic practices you can do to let go of anxiety so you can more eloquently express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. So no more holding in what you want to say and then internally screaming when someone else voices what you’d been thinking. It’s time to start feeling more calm and confident when you speak. Let’s dive in. sarahmikutel.com
Fri, September 29, 2023
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Insider Travel Tips on What to See, Do, and Savor
Want to come to Bulgaria with me? For real. My friend Zlatina (who's also today's guest) and I are bringing a small group here for an authentic Balkan experience in May. This is not some naff bus tour. We're inviting a max of 10 world travelers to join us to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems (as well as its most culturally significant sites). Get on the waitlist now so you get priority to come plus a special early-bird rate . How amazing does this sound: walking along the ancient Roman amphitheater; sipping award-winning wine in the Thracian Valley; inhaling the floral fragrance of roses in the fields; soaking in the waters of a life-giving spa; dining with new friends in excellent restaurants – if that sounds like your idea of a good time, come with us May 15-21, 2024 . Back to today's episode... Plovdiv, Bulgaria is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Walking through the Old Town is like walking through an open museum, with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old houses, and ancient masterpieces — including the Roman amphitheater, where you can still watch shows. But this isn’t a city frozen in time. Named a European Capital of Culture, it's a city of festivals and creative energy, especially in districts like Kapana (“the Trap”). Today I’m speaking with my friend Zlatina Ervenlieva, a world traveler, tour guide, Bulgarian native, and all around fantastic spirit. In this episode, you’ll hear insider travel tips on what to see, do, and savor in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and beyond. Get on the waitlist to join Zlatina and I in Bulgaria for a trip of a lifetime in May .
Mon, July 31, 2023
How to Stop (Negative) Self-Comparison and Increase Your Confidence
We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives? Great news, we can! Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific theory about why you’re actually more likable the less perfect you are. Hi, I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. Ready to take this work deeper and radically transform your life? Let's talk. Book your call here . sarahmikutel.com
Fri, July 14, 2023
Self-Mastery: How to Transform Your Life by Taking Control
Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression? Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us. The cure to this man-made misery? Self-control. I know, I know. Your body might be rejecting this idea as too boring or hard. But stay with me. In this episode, you’ll learn how hyper-access to indulgence is physiologically changing your brain, and I’ll coach you on what to do so you can calm your mind and start experiencing more vitality and true joy on a permanent basis.
Sat, June 24, 2023
When You're Interrupted, Do This
Ever been cut off mid-sentence and feel a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, anger, embarrassment? Why do we take interruptions so personally, and how can we handle them with grace? I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, and in this episode, I dive into effective communication and mindset strategies that will help you be seen and heard. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle interruptions confidently, communicate effectively, and enjoy life with less anxiety. https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, June 02, 2023
(Encore) Bridging the Past and Present: How WWII Values Inspire Purposeful Living
What do courage and resilience truly mean? As the anniversary of D-Day approaches, I reflect on the incredible bravery of the 'Greatest Generation' during World War II, drawing inspiration from my visits to historic locations such as Auschwitz and Churchill's War Rooms in London. From blackouts to rationing, the everyday experiences of European civilians during WWII serve as a testament to human resilience. In the film Saving Private Ryan, a dying Captain Miller says to Matt Damon's character: "Earn this." He was also speaking to us. We have a responsibility to earn the lives that other people died for. In this episode, I talk about how we can do this by showing up as Stoic leaders and embodying courage, wisdom, moderation, and justice in our own lives. By giving ourselves space to think and show up as our best selves, we can strive to live a life of meaning that honors the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, May 26, 2023
Salzburg: Mozart, The Sound of Music, and Much More
In a few days I’m headed to Salzburg, Austria for my friend’s birthday (We need more of these kind of trips! Destination parties should go beyond weddings. Do you agree?) And that’s why today I’m speaking with Vivien Conacher, a trained opera singer from Sydney who now lives in Salzburg. From Mozart's birthplace and Sound of Music locations to the historic fortress and breweries, discover the magic of Salzburg and its hidden gems. Perfect for a solo or group trip or an adventure with your dog (this is a very animal-friendly place). Before moving to Austria, Vivien founded Songhaven, a not-for-profit that organizes free concerts by top classically-trained artists for people with dementia. How wonderful is that? Clearly, Vivien has a passion for helping people and the performing arts. And today she’s helping us by sharing her favorite must-have experiences in Salzburg, Austria. Enjoy! If you have a dream like moving abroad but you’re feeling stuck, let’s chat. Book a consult with me — https://sarahmikutel.com/chat — and let’s talk about what we can do together to move you forward. Perhaps literally! How long will you wait before you start demanding the best for yourself?
Fri, April 21, 2023
When You Think People Are Judging You
Have you ever noticed how our thoughts and reactions can create unnecessary stress, or cultivate empathy and understanding for others? On a recent flight to Florida, I was reminded of the power of perception and emotional resiliency. I share the story of passengers clapping after a smooth landing, the reactions of those around me as a father rushed to exit the plane, and how the simple words of a child turned turbulence into an exciting adventure. Inspired by the wisdom of Epictetus, we'll discuss how to be more emotionally resilient by challenging our first impressions and choosing more rational thoughts. sarahmikutel.com
Fri, April 07, 2023
Choose a Life Philosophy
Do you have a philosophy that you live your life by? My guest today thinks you should — and so do all the Stoics who came before her. I’m speaking with Brittany Polat, author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged and Journal Like a Stoic: A 90-Day Stoicism Program to Live with Greater Acceptance, Less Judgment, and Deeper Intentionality . She’s also a steering committee member of Modern Stoicism , and co-founder, along with Eve Riches, of the nonprofit Stoicare , which “aims to share Stoicism with everyone who cares about people and the planet.” We discuss the importance of having a life philosophy for yourself before you can hope to influence other people — especially kids. We also talk about how to cultivate more positive emotions in your life; how to be more mindful; how to fit reflection into your day, and more. As you’re listening to this conversation, think of one thing you want to start implementing to live a more harmonious life. https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, March 24, 2023
Cambridge, England: Explore the Best of this University City from Punting to Pubs
Today, we’re exploring the picturesque city of Cambridge, England, home — or at least temporary home — of some of the world’s greatest minds across the centuries. Cambridge is known for its prestigious university, beautiful architecture, and punting — and if you’re not sure what that is, you’ll know by the end of this episode. I’m back with tour guide Sib Jackson, who’s here to share insider tips on the must-sees and hidden gems of this historic city with cobbled streets and breathtaking spires of the colleges. Sit back, relax, and soak in some travel inspiration for this charming city. Are you living the life you want to live, or are you ready for something braver and bolder? 👉 https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, March 17, 2023
How to Start Over
What happens when life upends you? Things seem to be running smoothly, then all of a sudden you lose your job, someone walks out on you, you graduate, you retire. Some big shift happens — now what? Do you ruminate about the past, or do you honor it and reflect on how to move forward? My guest today chose the latter. Sib Jackson is a German living in England as a Cambridge tour guide, amongst other fun things. But she didn’t start out that way. In this episode, we talk about how Sib’s story unfolded like a literary novel. Seriously, I think her life is a beautiful time capsule of our age. You’ll see what I mean on this episode. In the next episode, Sib and I will talk about all the experiences you should have in Cambridge. Today is more about rolling with life and being present with it. Enjoy. *** I’m passionate about helping as many people as possible avoid the Top Five Regrets of the Dying, a list put together by palliative carer Bronnie Ware: 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish I had let myself be happier. Every day could be our last, no matter what we have planned. Someday is today. Take action on the dreams that scare you. Today. Give voice to what you believe in. Today. Bring joy to someone. Today and every day. Want to talk through what a braver life could look like for you? I’m here for you .
Fri, March 03, 2023
Food of the Italian Islands: Sicily, Sardinia, and Beyond
Get ready to be transported to the sun-soaked beaches, charming coastal villages, and rolling hillsides of Sicily, Sardinia, and beyond. Katie Parla is back and just published her third book: Food of the Italian Islands . Katie’s an American who has been living in Rome for about 20 years as a food and beverage writer, culinary guide, and cookbook author. We will be diving deep into the cultural and historical significance of the island’s regional cuisine, and tell you where to find Katie’s favorite food. Get ready to be inspired and hungry! Katie's other cookbooks: Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City: A Cookbook Food of the Italian South: Recipes for Classic, Disappearing, and Lost Dishes: A Cookbook sarahmikutel.com
Fri, February 24, 2023
Make More Meaningful Connections (Oikeiosis)
What would life be like if we felt more happy connections with people on a regular basis? How can we embrace the wider world and bring people closer to us, even if for a few moments at the seaside? Oikeiosis Stoics believe we are all citizens of the world, part of one global community. This is Stoic cosmopolitanism. The Stoic philosopher Seneca said: “ Our relations with one another are like a stone arch, which would collapse if the stones did not mutually support each other, and which is upheld in this very way .” Seneca, Letter 95, Tao of Seneca Just like each stone in an arch depends on the strength of the others to maintain its stability, we human beings are part of a harmonious system meant to support one another. Stoics believe meaningful connection is important to our wellbeing, and for society as a whole. We’re here on this Earth to take care of one another, and this starts with taking care of ourselves. I’ve talked previously about the Stoic concept of the circles of concern, which describes our relationships to everyone, including ourselves. https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, February 03, 2023
The Key to the Good Life: Who You’re With on the Journey
Harvard researchers have been studying what makes people happy for decades. Since 1938, they’ve been following the same people, and then their families, to learn more about what makes a good life. This is the longest-running study of its kind involving hundreds of people across different walks of life. JFK was even involved when he was a student. So what did they discover in this happiness survey? Money, fame, and awards don’t lead to long-term happiness. Here’s what does — good relationships. Think about a trip you took a few years ago. A vacation or time abroad or in a new city that you really loved. What do you remember? When you first got home and a friend asked, “Oh, how was your time away?” chances are you recited the things you did. But years later, when you think of that trip, you remember your interactions with people, those you were traveling with and also complete strangers. The key to the good life is developing good relationships and being open to encounters with everyone. And there’s both science and magic behind why. https://sarahmikutel.com/
Thu, January 12, 2023
Sign Up Now: Goal-Setting Workshop Jan 14
I’m hosting a 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop on Jan. 14. It’s free and a replay will be available for a few days after if you register in advance . This isn’t a lecture – it’s a very interactive session. You’ll: Create a vision for your year that aligns with your values and priorities Break down your big goals into manageable tasks that don't overwhelm you Develop a plan of action to stay on track and avoid procrastination Prioritize your tasks and projects in a way that helps you stay focused and motivated Overcome obstacles and setbacks in a way that allows you to stay true to your values and goals You'll leave this workshop with a clear and actionable plan for the year ahead. And you'll have the tools and strategies you need to stay focused and motivated, no matter what life throws your way. What: 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop When: 10 a.m. EST, Jan. 14 How long: 60-90 minutes Where: Online – you’ll receive a link closer to the date How: Book your space here This workshop will be especially beneficial for you if you’re great at meeting other people’s needs, but become easily distracted when it comes to prioritizing your own dreams.
Fri, January 06, 2023
Keep Your Commitments: The Real Reason People Won’t Change
Around January 1, we set goals that we intend to keep. But most of us break these vows before the month is over – why? What’s the real reason people won’t change? And how can we use Stoicism and modern psychology to start? To truly be free and move forward, we need to cultivate helpful thoughts and let go of unhelpful ones. This is how we become resilient and learn to flow with life instead of fighting it. But what if you’re not even aware of your unhelpful thoughts? I’ve talked about different ways to uncover your blind spots on this podcast, and today you’ll learn about a new one from Harvard’s Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, authors of the book Immunity to Change . sarahmikutel.com
Fri, December 30, 2022
Auld Lang Syne: What It Means and Why It Matters
What does Auld Lang Syne mean and why is its message so important? Find out in this episode. Also, Happy New Year! What are your intentions for this year? https://sarahmikutel.com/
Fri, December 23, 2022
This Is Your Second Chance: Stay Present For It
It’s that time of year when we encourage each other to slow down, appreciate what we have, and be present with others. But how do we stay in the moment when our minds keep drifting to what’s happening next week, or what occurred 10 years ago? That’s what this episode is about. sarahmikutel.com
Fri, December 16, 2022
Ghana: Must-Have Travel Experiences
Today I’m continuing my conversation with Dr. Chocolate Kristy Leissle. an American who now lives in South Africa. Kristy, author of Cocoa and co-founder of the Cocoapreneurship Institute of Ghana , spent four years living in that country. In this episode, she shares why this part of Africa is so special to her and what we should see and do when we visit Ghana on our travels. sarahmikutel.com ❤️
Fri, December 09, 2022
Chocolate: The Politics, Economics, and Cultures of the Cocoa-Chocolate Trade
Chocolate. Lots of us love it. Where does it come from? Who makes it? And how can we be ethical consumers of chocolate? I want the answer to be easy — like, just by such-and-such chocolate bar. But the answer is more complicated than that. Today I’m speaking with cocoa and chocolate scholar (and lover of chocolate) Dr. Kristy Leissle, an American who now lives in South Africa. Kristy, aka Dr. Chocolate, wrote the book Cocoa and has spent her career studying the politics, economics, and cultures of the cocoa-chocolate trade in Africa, Europe, and North America. She also co-founded the Cocoapreneurship Institute of Ghana , which supports entrepreneurs working at any stage of the cocoa value chain in West Africa. I absolutely love the stories Kristy shares in this episode about how travel and learning from and befriending people from other nations and cultures led her to becoming Dr. Chocolate. So, can we be virtuous consumers of chocolate? What does that even mean? Kristy and I get into it. P.S. If you’re in an English-speaking country, it’s pronounced co-co, not ca-cow. So the next time you’re in a snobby artisanal shop and they start talking about ca-cow, you can correct them and say, “Actually, Dr. Chocolate says it’s cocoa and she has a PhD in the matter.”
Fri, December 02, 2022
How to Talk to People Who Drive You Crazy: 5 Stoic Practices
Chances are this holiday season you'll have to talk to at least one person who drives you bananas. But what if this doesn't have to stress you out? What if you could have a good conversation? What if this could be your least angst-filled holiday yet? It can be! Here are five ancient Stoic techniques (backed up by modern psychology) to manage your anger and anxiety when talking to people you think are difficult. sarahmikutel.com
Fri, November 25, 2022
Stand for Something (When It’s Easier to Join the Mob)
On a recent trip, I learned that the last so-called witch to be executed in Scotland died in 1727. Of course, there are still people being tortured, killed, and scapegoated around the world today. But we’re more likely to be involved in hanging people on social media. sarahmikutel.com
Fri, November 11, 2022
How to Love Doing the Hard Thing: Stoic Discipline and Eudaimonia
On a recent trip to Scotland, I ate well, I drank well -- didn’t so much sleep well. But I enjoyed just the right amount of indulgence for me on a trip. This kind of happiness is hedonia. Hedonic pleasure is about, well, pleasure. Comfort. Satisfaction. What feels good in the moment. Pleasure coming from external things. A massage after a long day. A bite of flourless chocolate cake. Sprawling out on your beach towel and doing nothing. These pleasures are fun and worthwhile and should be savored in the moment. Hedonic pleasures are also temporary. You may have heard of the hedonic treadmill. This is the idea that we chase hedonic pleasures, we get them, and then that becomes our new baseline. You get the promotion you want, but that’s no longer enough money. You want more. You move into a ‘starter’ home that you love, but one month in you’re wishing you’re already in your ‘forever’ home, one that will be much bigger and perfect and you’ll finally be satisfied then. This kind of happiness is tied to external pleasure. Moving toward pleasure and away from pain. There are two ways we can extend hedonic happiness: 1) by expressing gratitude for and savoring these moments and 2) by abstaining from these pleasures for awhile. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and reminds you to appreciate what you have. There’s a second kind of happiness that’s long lasting: eudaimonia. We achieve this by living as our highest selves. By being people of good character and being good to ourselves. This includes being disciplined enough to do what's best for us and those around us. Enjoy this episode on how to learn to love doing the hard thing through Stoic discipline. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Sun, May 15, 2022
Calm the Chaos
Fundraiser for Ukraine Life feels pretty chaotic right now for many people. It's not just the war in Ukraine or Covid. The world these days seems too fast-paced and full of rage. You might feel... afraid to say anything online (or IRL) so overwhelmed by all you want to do, you don't do anything paralyzed and frustrated by your perfectionist procrastination These are all totally normal thoughts and feelings. And you don't have to stay stuck here. In the Calm the Chaos audio course I created for you, I blend Stoic wisdom with modern psychology to help you: feel less anxious in your mind and body be more present for friends and family – and yourself live with more intention and less regret stop worrying what others think All course profits made between now and May 28 will go to Nova Ukraine, an organization providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees. Go to sarahmikutel.com/calmthechaos to access the audio course via donation today. Once again, donations must be made by May 28. Thank you 🙏 🇺🇦
Fri, April 15, 2022
Starting a Business Abroad: The First Question You Need to Ask Yourself
We’re back with Christine Job, an American business strategist in Spain and host of “Flourish in the Foreign,” a podcast that celebrates and elevates the voices Black women who are thriving abroad. In this mini-episode, Christine shares the first steps to consider if you want to build a business abroad. We’re jumping right into the conversation, where Christine is discussing how her own business has evolved and how entrepreneurship is a form of self-actualization. Enjoy! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Fri, April 08, 2022
Walking Spain's Camino de Santiago
Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a brick wall in life? Burned out. Not sure what to do next. This happened to our guest today and she’s here to share how walking the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trek across Spain, helped her rediscover her spark. I’m talking to Christine Job, a business strategist and host of “Flourish in the Foreign,” a podcast that celebrates and elevates the voices Black women who are thriving abroad. Christine’s an American who’s been living in Spain for the last five years. I really loved what she has to say about how the Camino de Santiago transformed her life and what made it such a powerful experience. She also gives us advice on how to make this Spanish pilgrimage ourselves. We started chatting like old friends as soon as we got on the mics, so I don’t do a formal ‘welcome to the show…’ We just jump right into a conversation about Valencia, where Christine recently moved. Enjoy! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Fri, April 01, 2022
It Doesn’t Have to Upset You
You know when you’re traveling and you see families fuming in the airport or no longer speaking to each other at dinner? Chances are, one of them, or multiple people, blew something out of proportion and are still reacting to it. Why does this happen? How can we be more emotionally resilient, that is, more Stoic, and enjoy a more smoothly flowing life? Let’s dive into why things don’t have to upset us with an AirBnB story…
Fri, March 18, 2022
The Best of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Don’t cry for me, Argentina … Sorry, the Evita soundtrack loops in my head when thinking about this South American favorite. Today we are headed to Buenos Aires and friend of the show, Becky Gillespie, is here to share her city favorites. Becky, a digital nomad and host of The School of Travels podcast, has been returning to Argentina for log stretches of time since 2008. In this episode, you’ll learn: why Buenos Aires is considered the Paris of South America where to find vegetarian food in this city of steak how to get started with tango dancing what you need to do to make your money stretch (shhh…it’s a secret) and so much more! Becky is one of my favorite people to talk to about all things travel and expat/nomad. Not only does she give great advice on what to see in Argentina, she offers great tips on how to live here — it’s easier than you think! Enjoy! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Fri, March 11, 2022
Best of Santiago, Chile
The best of Santiago, Chile! I’m continuing my conversation with Steph Dyson, author of the travel book Moon Chile. Today we’re focussing on her favorite travel recommendations for Santiago, Chile, including where to go to: listen to jazz enjoy fine dining without the fine dining prices learn more about Chilean history and indigenous cultures and more…including how much it costs and the residency situation Enjoy! sarahmikutel.com Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Fri, March 04, 2022
Chile Guide: Wine, Patagonia, and Restorative Tourism
We're traveling to Chile today! You may know that part of Patagonia is in Chile, but did you know you can also find 7,000-year-old mummies here? This country is filled with surprises, and there is something for everyone, from surfing and skiing to beaches and hot springs. There are more than 40 national parks, six UNESCO sites, and plenty of award-winning wine. I’m joined by Steph Dyson, a travel writer and author of the Moon Chile travel guidebook. Steph spent a year exploring this long and skinny stretch of South America, and she’s here today to share her favorite experiences. Steph also talks about her passion for supporting restorative tourism, in which indigenous communities invite visitors to learn about their culture, and why we should be calling ‘Easter Island’ Rapa Nui. Enjoy! sarahmikutel.com Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Sat, January 29, 2022
Sicily Food Tour: Scoglitti, Palermo, and More
Imagine this: It’s summer and you’re relaxing on a white sandy beach in Sicily surrounded by culinary delights. Let’s make this dream come true! I’m joined by Carmel Ruggeri, the Italian-Australian who founded Sicilian Food Tours. Her family comes from Scoglitti, a hidden gem of a seaside town that I definitely want to visit the next time I’m on the island. In this episode, Carmel will tell us about the Sicilian foods we need to try and where to go to find the best. Plus, she’ll give us a fantastic itinerary for Sicily if you’re the type of traveler who likes to get off the beaten path — and I know you are. Enjoy! sarahmikutel.com Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Sat, January 22, 2022
How to Move to Rome for a Few Months
In 2008, I quit my job and moved to Rome. There was no AirBnB or Instagram. My apartment didn't even have internet! In this episode, I'm sharing a diary of sorts from my time back then. I'm also sharing what I'd do now if I moved to Italy. You'll learn about how to find an apartment in Rome, why language schools aren't the best place to actually learn a language, plus loads of travel tips. Enjoy! sarahmikutel.com Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Sun, January 09, 2022
Travel in 2022
Now is the time to book your summer travel (or winter if you live somewhere like Australia). So where are you headed? My friend and travel buddy Michelle Warner Martin joins me today to talk about what travel has been like for us over the last two years during covid; what the travel scene is like now; and which trips we're excited about in 2022. Michelle is a fantastic photographer whom I traveled with to Athens, Greece right before the global pandemic shut things down. Can't wait to travel with her again! http://www.michellemartinphotography.com/ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, December 24, 2021
May Your Heart Grow Three Sizes Today
How to cultivate loving kindness during the holiday season (and all year!) ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Sat, December 18, 2021
Goals! How to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions
“Putting things off is the biggest waste of life,” Seneca says, “it snatches away each day as it comes, and denies us the present by promising the future. The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today.” Seneca, On the Shortness of Life . Most of us don’t follow through on our New Year’s Resolutions because we treat them like wishes and not goals. Ideally, if we want to achieve a goal, we map out a plan to achieve it and follow through. Today’s episode is about setting yourself up for success by focusing on your goals. ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, December 03, 2021
How to Live More Courageously Part 2
Quick reminder in case you need it…Even if you don’t feel like a particularly courageous person, you’ve acted bravely at some point in your life. Maybe you stood up for someone. Traveled solo. Moved abroad. Said no. Admitted when you were wrong. Jumped out of a plane. Cried in front of someone. You have what it takes to show up courageously every day, but that doesn’t just magically happen. Here are four daily practices you can do to build your courage (a core Stoic virtue) and resiliency. ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Sun, November 28, 2021
How to Live More Courageously Part 1
We live in an age of cowards. Of people going along with the crowd because it’s the easy thing to do. It feels safer to throw stones at the other side than it does to stand for something positive and hopeful. There’s risk in questioning things and seeking other perspectives, whereas joining in the mob costs us nothing (except perhaps our character). But maybe things have always been this way. It’s still difficult for most people to wrap their minds around the Holocaust, how so many people just went along with it. The more I learn about psychology, the more I understand how it happened, but it doesn’t make the lack of courage any more appalling. As a kid learning about WWII, I had no doubt in my mind that I would have done the right thing had I been in Germany at that time. I’m less sure now that I’m older but I hope I would have acted like a man I learned about when visiting Berlin’s Topography of Terror. In a black and white photo at this museum, I saw a crowd of mostly men raising their arms in the nazi salute but one man did not join them. Wow. Can you imagine yourself doing the same? Courage doesn’t have to be as grand as being part of the nazi resistance. It can be as small as offering to help a stranger on the sidewalk. In your mind, you might debate, “Well, do they really need my help? Would I offend them if I offered to open the door for them?” And you might really worry about offending them, but you’re likely also worried, maybe more so, that they would make you feel bad if they took offense to your offer. Courage is about stretching out of your comfort zone and doing the right thing. You won’t always get congratulated for that, but, when it comes to helping people out, they are almost always appreciative of kind gestures. This episode discusses what courage is and how Stoicism and the Enneagram can help us cultivate more of it. Part 2 will dive into specific practices you can do to boost your bravery and good human cred. https://sarahmikutel.com/freedom/live-courage-stoicism ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, November 19, 2021
The History of Thanksgiving (Encore)
Back by popular demand... Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoiler: Thanksgiving really is a tradition rooted in gratitude and peace. But it’s also a holiday full of surprises that most people don’t know about, which is why I’m happy to share today’s interview with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience . We discuss the history of this very American tradition, including why the Pilgrims really came to the New World (it wasn’t to flee religious persecution, if that’s what you’re thinking). Wherever you’re from, this week I hope you enjoy good food in great company. ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Wed, November 10, 2021
How Long Will You Wait Before You Demand the Best for Yourself?
Janus is the Roman god of beginnings and endings, transitions and passageways, doorways and duality, amongst several other things. And he was one of my favorite sculptures in my town’s art Triennial this year, formally known as the Creative Folkestone Triennial 2021. High up on the East Cliff, in a little park overlooking the ocean, stood this massive head of Janus, who’s typically portrayed with two faces, one facing toward the future and the other face looking toward the past. That's what this artwork looked like: a gleaming white, massive head of Janus with one face looking toward the harbour and the other face looking back toward the houses on the street. The sign next to Janus said, “It looks out to sea towards Europe and inland to England, contemplating what connects us as well as what divides us. It is made of plaster and chalk and will gradually degrade and disintegrate, reflecting the gradual erosion of the coastline as well as Folkestone’s history as a fort of England.” And he did melt away, helped along by vandals, by the time the Triennial ended this month. A pile of white dust and plaster on the green grass. Memento mori, as the Stoics would say. We will all end up like Janus. And most of us live with that same duality: One part of us pondering the future, another replaying the past. And we’re missing this moment. The present moment. Let's change that . ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, October 29, 2021
Montevideo, Uruguay: South American Style with a European Flair
Ever thought about visiting Uruguay? This small nation between Argentina and Brazil isn’t well known to people outside the region, and Karen Higgs is trying to change that. Home to the world’s longest carnival — it lasts 40 days each year — Uruguay is a laid back country with a European flair. You’ll walk around plenty of colonial and art deco buildings as candombe music drums in the streets. You’ll also find beaches, wineries, and a burgeoning culinary scene in Uruguay, one of the most progressive countries in the world. And, if you can work remotely or are retired or have your own money, you don’t even need a visa to live and work there. So why aren’t we there already?? In today’s episode, Karen is going to tell us how to become an expat in Uruguay, as well as give us her best tips on what to eat, drink, and do in her adopted hometown of Montevideo, a place, she says, that has become quite vegan-friendly. Karen, originally from Wales, has lived in Uruguay since 2000 and is the unofficial tourism ambassador for the country. In fact, her website is a mashup of the words guru and Uruguay: Guru'Guay and is a great resource for anyone thinking of traveling or moving to the country. She also wrote The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay and The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo . Show notes at sarahmikutel.com Enjoy! ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, October 22, 2021
Emotions: How They’re Made & How to Master Them
Where do these emotions come from? What are emotions? How can we cultivate healthy emotions that improve our own wellbeing, and thereby our positive impact on the world? That’s what I want to talk about today. Here's a little taste... Most people think emotions run their lives, but, in her popular Ted Talk, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, says that, “Emotions are not what we think they are...They are not hardwired brain reactions that are uncontrollable...emotions are guesses...Your brain is predicting. It's using past experience based on similar situations to try to make meaning.” When you’re confronted with a situation, your mind and body will try to make sense of it by reading your body’s automatic physical response, and running through past thoughts/feelings. This happens instantly and automatically to give you an initial understanding of the situation. The Stoics called this initial impression phantasia . They believed that your emotions are a result of value judgements you’re making about what’s happening, and it seems that they were right. As Epictetus said, “It’s not things that upset us but our judgments about things.” Visit sarahmikutel.com for full show notes . Enjoy the episode! P.S. You'll hear me talking about a traveling arts festival that stirred my emotions. If you'd like to contribute to The Walk or related charities go here 👉 https://www.walkwithamal.org ❤️ Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Sat, October 09, 2021
How to Manage Your Mind
Most of our suffering comes from thoughts that we let run wild in our brains. We spend a lot of time each day rehashing different conversations and situations in our mind, and we think that we’re just reviewing facts. But we’re not. We’re reflecting on our own points of view, assuming what others think, worrying about the future, and ruminating about the past. The ancient Stoics understood that our thoughts are nothing more than stories we tell ourselves. And modern mental health professionals agree with them that we should challenge the thoughts that pop into our heads and not automatically accept them as reality. You might be thinking, “That’s impossible. I have a million thoughts running through my mind. It’s not in my control. I’m anxious. I’m overwhelmed.” In today’s episode, I’ll coach you on how to use a thought record to manage your mind so you can live a more resilient, calm, joyful, and compassionate life. I can’t overstate how essential this work is to your wellbeing. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or frustrated that the changes you’re trying to make aren’t sticking, listen to this twice. I've also created a thought record worksheet for you . Full show notes can be found at sarahmikutel.com Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, September 17, 2021
Tbilisi, Georgia: What to Eat, Drink, & Do as a Traveler, Expat, or Nomad
Lately, I have been obsessed with the country of Georgia, and if you like beaches, mountains, charming old towns, wine regions, and off-the-beaten path places, then you might become obsessed with this former communist state, as well. Emily Lush certainly did. She’s an Australian writer and photographer who moved to Georgia after falling in love with its history, culture, textiles, and architecture, like Armenian merchant houses, opulent mansions, mosques, and Orthodox churches. Emily joins me on the LIVE Without Borders podcast to discuss how to explore and eat your way through Georgia, including the capital Tbilisi and road trips. Enjoy! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession 🎉To celebrate my 10-year anniversary of living in England, I want to help other women achieve their dreams 🎉 I'm giving away 60 free coaching sessions to 60 women in 60 days. Book your session by going to sarahmikutel.com/2021clarity and using promo code 2021CLARITY at checkout.
Tue, July 13, 2021
Summer Break + Special Announcement
It’s my 10-year anniversary in England, and I want to give you a gift. But first, a story. In ancient Rome, when generals rode in on chariots during military processions -- triumphant, everyone cheering -- someone stood behind the general to whisper, ' Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori ,' which translates as 'Remember, you are mortal. Remember you will die.' It was a recurring wake up call to LIVE. Then and now. I started this podcast to inspire people to take action on their dreams before it was too late. To make every moment matter. I’ve interviewed many women who, like me, packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. I’ve been living abroad for more than a decade now. First in Italy and then in England. That was my dream. It's my mission to help other women get clarity on what they want in life, whether that's to live abroad or something else, and to take action on those dreams. So in honor of my England Anniversary, I’ve given myself the challenge of offering 60 free coaching sessions to 60 women in 60 days. Book your free session by going to sarahmikutel.com/2021clarity and using code 2021CLARITY at checkout *** Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Tue, July 13, 2021
Summer Break + Special Announcement
It’s my 10-year anniversary in England, and I want to give you a gift. But first, a story. In ancient Rome, when generals rode in on chariots during military processions -- triumphant, everyone cheering -- someone stood behind the general to whisper, ' Hominem te esse memento. Memento mori ,' which translates as 'Remember, you are mortal. Remember you will die.' It was a recurring wake up call to LIVE. Then and now. I started this podcast to inspire people to take action on their dreams before it was too late. To make every moment matter. I’ve interviewed many women who, like me, packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. I’ve been living abroad for more than a decade now. First in Italy and then in England. That was my dream. It's my mission to help other women get clarity on what they want in life, whether that's to live abroad or something else, and to take action on those dreams. So in honor of my England Anniversary, I’ve given myself the challenge of offering 60 free coaching sessions to 60 women in 60 days. Book your free session by going to sarahmikutel.com/2021clarity and using code 2021CLARITY at checkout *** Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.
Sat, July 03, 2021
Are You a Citizen of the World? (Plus Pompeii History!)
In this episode, I am back with my friend Kai Whiting, co-author of the book Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. Kai is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal. If you’re into ancient ruins, you will love the beginning of our interview, where Kai talks about the research he conducted in Pompeii. And then we spend a lot of the conversation talking about what it means to be a citizen of the world, a concept that was very important to the ancient Stoics. Should we be traveling more or less? Should we adapt to local customs or stick to our guns? There aren’t any rigid rules in Stoicism. It’s more about living according to principles. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, June 25, 2021
Cancel Culture, or Conversation Culture: What Really Helps Society?
As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive. But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of society. “No one is an island,” says today’s guest. That’s actually the title of chapter five of the book he co-authored: Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In . I am speaking to Kai Whiting, an English researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal. Kai and I spoke for several hours — he’s a new bff whom I definitely plan on visiting in real life. I loved our conversation and am splitting it up in a few parts. This week we’re focussed on why Kai decided to focus his book on Stoicism for the common good, and we get into a fascinating discussion on how contemporary cancel culture is a version of exile from ancient times, and how Stoicism offers an antidote to this. Enjoy. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, June 18, 2021
Wild Camping: What to Know Before You Go
Do you enjoy camping? I was a campground manager in a state forest for two years when I was in college, and I never slept there. I like sleeping in beds. But…occasionally someone convinces me to go camping and when that happens, I always have a good time. In the last episode, my guest Kathi and I talked about the Scottish Isles you need to visit. Today Kathi is back to talk about Wild Camping. What’s that? Listen to find out… Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Sat, June 12, 2021
Island Hopping In Scotland: Tiree, Islay, Treshnish, and More!
Did you know that Scotland has around 790 islands? One has been compared to Hawaii; another is famous for its whisky; another is the perfect place to take photos of puffins. And we’ll be talking about all of them today! One of my favorite previous guests is back to take us on a Scottish island hopping adventure. I’m joined by Kathi Kamleitner, whom you heard on the Glasgow episode. Kathi hosts the podcast Wild for Scotland. If you like whiskey, castle, art, animals, beaches, you’re going to love this. Something for everyone in this episode! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Do you love camping? I want to feature you on this podcast! I’m looking for camping aficionados who want to share their best camping tip. What’s made your experience so much better? Or, share the best camping spot you’ve found in the world and why you love it. Leave me an audio message on Instagram under 2-3 minutes. Say your name, where you live, and your best camping tip or camping spot you’d recommend.
Sat, June 05, 2021
Cheap Flights! Get the Best Airfare Through Serendipitous Travel
What’s the cheapest flight you ever got? It felt kind of thrilling to get that deal, didn’t it? Set your trip off on the right foot? Today I’m joined by Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights. He’s got a new book out called Take More Vacations , which discusses his travel philosophy and also all his best tips on how to find the cheapest airfare, best accommodation prices, and more. But this isn’t just about saving a buck, it’s about traveling better. Scott’s Cheap Flights is a service that sends you email alerts when deals pop up for the airports you’re interested. You may have noticed that flight prices are all over the map. You check online and see one price, check an hour later and see it’s gone up. Scott says this isn’t because of cookies on your computer, which is a popular myth. In this episode, you’ll learn why airfare is so volatile and what you can do to make sure you don’t overpay . Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, May 28, 2021
Flying: What You Need to Know about Travel in 2021
All right, travel is back! Or we’re getting there. As more people get vaccinated against covid-19, more countries are opening up — and the rules for flying are frequently changing. My guest today is Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights, and he’s got his finger on the pulse of everything airfare. He’s here to tell us what we need to know before booking or boarding our next flight. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession
Fri, May 21, 2021
Czechoslovakia: Post-Communist Expat Adventures
Czechoslovakia doesn’t exist anymore. But it did when my American friend moved there in the early 1990s. Today, we tend to think of Europe as being one of the most free regions of the world. Pro-human rights. It can be difficult to imagine how many Central and Eastern Europeans lived under Communism until the revolutions of 1989. The Communist regime in Czechoslovakia was brutal until the people kicked them out in what is known as the Velvet Revolution for how smoothly it seemed to go. Fun fact, Shirley Temple Black, yes, the actress Shirley Temple, was U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia at the time and was involved in all this. Back then, my friend Jim Lukach a creative writing grad student, but the buzz of post-Communist Europe called. He packed up everything and moved to the Slovak side of Czechoslovakia to teach. He joins me today to talk about his expat experience in the early 90s and whether we can ever truly go native in our adopted countries. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here For the next two days, get 50% off my course Podcast Pitch Perfection. You don’t have to have your own show. This is about getting on other podcasts to share your message. Not only will you learn how to craft irresistible pitches, you’ll learn how to tell your own story, how to interview, and so much more. Visit https://sarahmikutel.com/maypitch and use code MAY2021 at checkout for 50% off. Valid for the next two days.
Sun, May 16, 2021
How Much Does Character Matter to You? Find a Mentor Worthy of the Name
** Before we get into this episode, special offer for you! For the next 48 hours, get 50% off my course Podcast Pitch Perfection. You don’t have to have your own show. This is about getting on other podcasts to share your message. Not only will you learn how to craft irresistible pitches and how to find the right audience, you’ll also learn how to tell your own story, how to interview, how to build relationships, and so much more. Visit http://sarahmikutel.com/maypitch and use code MAY2021 at checkout for 50% off.** In 2015, Donald Trump said that the only reason people say Senator John McCain was a war hero was because he was captured. And he doesn't like people who are captured. In this episode, I’m going to tell you why the late Senator McCain earned the title of war hero. But why am I bringing this up now? This episode isn't about politics. It's about character. Living a life of good character and finding mentors who live up to those standards. This week I read, “Courage Under Fire,” an essay by Admiral James Stockdale, another war hero who was captured and tortured for years during the Vietnam War. He credits Stoicism with helping him survive, and the words of Epictetus in particular. The Stoics believed that it was very important to have mentors, who can be people you know, or ancient philosophers. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Galen, the doctor of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, was writing about this. As I’ve mentioned before on this podcast, modern therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, has its roots in Stoicism. Galen talked about the importance of finding mentors who are living the life that you want to live from a moral perspective. People you admire who can help guide your life. For the next two days, get 50% off my course Podcast Pitch Perfection. You don’t have to have your own show. This is about getting on other podcasts to share your message. Not only will you learn how to craft irresistible pitches, you’ll learn how to tell your own story, how to interview, and so much more. Visit https://sarahmikutel.com/maypitch and use code MAY2021 at checkout for 50% off. Valid for the next two days.
Fri, May 07, 2021
Design Your Ideal Day
Today I am back with my friend Stephen Warley to continue our conversation on life skills that matter. In this episode we get more into the specifics about how to live a good life. A simple life. One that will give you more energy and inner peace. Stephen shares what his days look like, and hopefully this will inspire you to consider what your ideal day would look like, and how to start living it. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, April 30, 2021
Life Skills That Matter for Aspiring Solopreneurs
Have you been working from home this year? The pandemic made many people realize that they could log on to their computer from anywhere to get the job done. Even before Covid-19 hit, my guest today has been talking about how work as we know it is changing. Stephen Warley hosts the Life Skills That Matter podcast and he believes that self-employment is the future of work. And in this episode, we talk about what that future looks like, how it can benefit you, and the life skills that matter to give your life meaning and enable you to live a more freedom-filled, location independent life. This was such a fun interview. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, April 23, 2021
Traveling to Veria and Thessaloniki Greece
Everyone’s heard of Athens and you’ve most likely seen the sparkling white facades of Santorini’s cube-like buildings. But there’s a lot more to Greece than gyros and the Parthenon. Today’s guest is taking us off the beaten path. I’m speaking with Ivy Summer, an American nomad/expat living in Veria, Greece, an ancient city famously important to the family of Alexander the Great, and home to the best peach pie in Greece. So if you love pie and ancient history, Veria is for you. We’ll also be talking about the best things to eat drink and do in the nearest big city, Thessaloniki, the best way to island hop, and the most romantic part of Greece that you probably haven’t heard of. Ivy is a certified wedding planner, so she knows all the beautiful places. She’s also a diversity consultant. I had a great time talking to her and our conversation filled me with wanderlust. So let’s just sit back and imagine we’re sailing around the coast of Greece together. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, April 16, 2021
How to Enjoy More Euphoric Days & Make Better Decisions by Listening to the Wisdom of Your Body
A few months ago, I downloaded the Waking Up meditation app. Founder Sam Harris compares the average mind with a sky clouded with light pollution. He says that meditation is like building a telescope that can cut through that fogginess so you can access “the sky of the mind.” And that’s what the Enneagram and Stoicism help us do, as well. Cut through the clouds to get more clarity and set us free from our patterns. But we can’t change who we are by simply thinking about it, or passively reading a book on getting over anxiety or silencing your inner critic, or whatever patterns you’re stuck in. You have to involve both the body and the mind to create new neural pathways and if you want to make change stick. Learn how in today's episode :) Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, April 09, 2021
The Best of Lisbon: Exploring Portugal's Capital City as an Expat
Today we are traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, and Becky Gillespie is our guide. I’ve known of Becky for awhile now. She’s known in expat circles as Tokyo Becky and we’ll get to why that is in this episode. But now, after years of living in Asia and digitally nomad-ing around the world, Becky's creating a base for herself in Lisbon. And you might want to, as well, if you love the sun and sea and are looking for a beautiful, relatively affordable place in Europe to call home. In this episode, Becky is sharing everything we should eat, drink, and see in Lisbon, Portugal. Plus the side trips to cities and beaches we should explore. Becky has traveled to more than 70 countries and when she’s not doing that, you’ll find her playing her ukulele or singing karaoke. And she has a podcast, as well, called The School of Travels. Enjoy the show! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, April 02, 2021
Referral Partnerships: How to Grow Your Location Independent Business with English Expat Zoe Linda Pollard
A few episodes ago, you heard me talk about location independence for beginners . My guest Jeremy and I discussed how starting a service-based business was one of the best ways to get started. Jeremy mentioned that he grew his business through referral partners. In this episode, I’m diving deeper into that topic with my guest Zoe Linda Pollard. Zoe is an English expat living in Sweden and she specializes in teaching others how to grow their online businesses through referral partnerships. She’s actually hosting a free event called the Magical Meetup on April 7th and you can find out more about that by going to sarahmikutel.com/zoe . If you hear this podcast after that, I’ll link to another useful resource of Zoe’s. The Magical Meetup is a one-hour event created to help you connect with other service-based business owners around the world who can help you spread the word about your business. It's also a great place to find guests for your podcast, and to find people for whom you'd want to be a referral partner. If you’re still wondering what this referral partner business is all about, stay tuned. You will learn all about it in this episode. Plus you’ll learn how Zoe met her Swedish boyfriend. I thought my friend Andrea’s story about meeting her now-husband on YouTube was wild, but this is next level. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, March 26, 2021
How to Calm Your Anger Using the Enneagram & Stoicism
It does not take much to make some people angry. We live in a society where people are quick to take offense. To feel victimized. To be enraged at people with opposing views. Political leaders and certain media outlets stir the pot for their own benefit. In my episode on Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, Donald Robertson offered some techniques we can use to manage our anger toward people who hold views that we strongly disagree with. Today I want to talk to you about becoming more aware of your anger style based on your Enneagram type, and to share more practices you can use to conquer your anger and also to learn from it. And you might learn about your partner or parent’s anger style, as well. Because we don’t all experience anger in the same way. Some rage while others think they never get angry. But anger is a human emotion that we all experience, and how we experience it depends on several factors, including our Enneagram type, level of mental and emotional wellbeing, and our personal development work. You'll learn... what the anger triad is what makes each Enneagram type mad and how they express this Stoic techniques any Enneagram type can use to conquer their anger Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, March 19, 2021
All in Moderation: How to Eat Well and Feel Amazing with Simple Green Smoothies Founder Jen Hansard
Growing up, what were your family’s eating habits? Fruits and vegetables? Canned spaghetti and doughnuts? At our house, once in a while we’d have pizza, and maybe once a year for a crazy treat we could pick out a sugary cereal -- Booberry was my fav. But for the most part, we were a junk food-free house. Fast forward quite a few years, and now when I go home to visit, it’s like I’m entering Candy Land. Brownies, cookies, pies staring me in the face. Even though I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, I find these treats hard to resist, and I usually don’t, which is why my clothes felt a little too close for comfort after my last visit. So, I decided to try the Fresh Start: 21-Day Cleanse created by Simple Green Smoothies co-founder Jen Hansard . This was exactly the reset my body needed. I lost weight, gained a ton of energy, and my mind felt clearer. As we begin a new year, I thought you might be interested in a fresh start, as well, so I invited Jen onto the Part of Something Greater podcast to talk about how to improve your quality of life through clean eating. I also talk about what the Stoics think about eating well to improve your character, mind, body, and spirit. I liked Jen's cleanse so much that I became an affiliate partner for her. This means that if you purchase her Fresh Start plan through my link, I could get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support the podcast. Of course, I only recommend products and services I love. Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work one-on-one together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, March 12, 2021
Madrid: What to Eat and Experience in Spain's Capital City
We're back with American expat Khephra White to talk about everything you need to experience when visiting Madrid, Spain. Interested in living abroad as an expat in Spain? Check out the last episode where we share how you can live and work in Spain via the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program . Enjoy the episode. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a certified clarity coach trained in the Enneagram who first moved abroad on my own at age 18. I’ve been permanently enjoying life in Europe since 2010. My mission is to help my clients gain the clarity, focus, and skills they need to create a life that sets their soul on fir e. Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work together one-on-one to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, March 05, 2021
How to Move to Spain as a Language and Culture Assistant
My guest today is a New Orleans gal who has been living and working in Madrid for the last seven years. I’m talking to Khephra White, a teacher and comedian who kind of fell into expat life after a series of unfortunate events. But today she’s living her best life in Spain and has zero regrets. In today’s episode, Khephra will talk about how you can live and work in Spain via the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program, which is for Canadians and U.S. citizens. Khephra also shares some fascinating insight on what the covid lockdown has been like in Spain. At the time of this recording, many countries still have strict measures in place to manage the pandemic. I find it so interesting to hear what life has been like for people in different parts of the world. Quick warning that there is some swearing in this episode. I also start singing at some point because sometimes I burst out into song for no reason. Enjoy the episode. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a certified clarity coach trained in the Enneagram who first moved abroad on my own at age 18. I’ve been permanently enjoying life in Europe since 2010. My mission is to help my clients gain the clarity, focus, and skills they need to create a life that sets their soul on fir e. Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work together one-on-one to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, February 26, 2021
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor with Donald Robertson
For several years I've been interviewing women like myself who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. One of the core values that I talk about is that we will never have this day again -- make it matter. It's my softer way of saying 'If you died tomorrow, would you be satisfied with how you lived this day?' I knew I didn't invent this way of thinking but I didn't realize that Stoics have been talking about this for thousands of years until I learned about the greatest philosopher king, Marcus Aurelius, who ruled until 180 A.D. He said, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” (Greg Hays translation). Marcus wrote down many words of wisdom, and I want to share his story today because he's an ideal example of how we can all live a good life, no matter what obstacles come our way. I'm joined again by Stoic expert Donald Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, which explains the Stoic philosophy via Marcus' fascinating story. It's my favorite book on Stoicism! Get the audiobook for free if you're new to Audible by signing up for a trial at audibletrial.com/postcard Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work one-on-one together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, February 19, 2021
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness with Donald Robertson
Even though I haven't lived in the U.S. for 10 years, I've been in Italy and England for most of this time , I still pay close attention to my home country. At the time of this recording, it's 2020. The U.S. just ended the most contentious and vitriolic political campaign season I've seen in my lifetime. I see the divisiveness and bitter partisanship. People are becoming more tribal. Canceling out opposing views. At the same time people seem desperate for connection and to be part of something greater than themselves. And then I look around and see what they're gravitating toward. If they're not religious, it seems social media and YouTube are sucking them into extremist groups, gangs, and conspiracy theories. I wondered what it would it look like if we could offer them a peaceful, compassionate, hopeful alternative idea to believe in. Then I realized this idea already exists in Stoicism, a 2,300-year old philosophy that essentially says: Live your values. Don’t worry about things that are beyond your control. Be a person of good character who looks out for other people. It's a practical philosophy on how to live a good life and will be one of the primary ideas I'll discuss on this show. Because like the Enneagram, Stoicism gives us the tools we need to increase our self awareness, be more present, and to respond to life in a mindful way and not out of emotion or habit. Consider this episode Stoicism 101. I couldn't think of a better person to talk to about this than Donald Robertson, a Stoic expert and a cognitive behavioral therapist. He's written my favorite books on modern Stoicism, including Stoicism and the Art of Happiness and How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. AND, he's an expat/world wanderer: a Scotsman who moved in Canada but has been appropriately hanging out in Athens for a good part of this year. Enjoy the show! Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work one-on-one together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Wed, February 17, 2021
Edinburgh: What to Eat Drink and Do in Scotland’s Capital City
Digital nomad Jeremy Enns is Canadian. His girlfriend is American. Due to visa situations, to stay together they have to travel (which they love anyway). But traveling and living the nomadic life isn’t as easy during a global pandemic. Jeremy and his partner have made it work by slowing down how often they move. Over the last year, they spent the largest amount of time in Edinburgh. On the Part of Something Greater Podcast, Jeremy shares his top tips for what you need to eat, drink, and do in Scotland’s capital city. Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, a transformation coach and an American expat based in England. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, February 12, 2021
Location Independence for Beginners
I had so much fun talking to today’s guest, a true kindred spirit because he not only loves traveling and living abroad, but he loves podcast creation as much as I do. Jeremy Enns is the CEO & Storyteller In Chief of Counterweight Creative, a podcast strategy and marketing agency that he manages while living a digital nomad / location independent life. In this episode, Jeremy shares the steps he took to become location independent, and offers some really good advice on how you can, too. Both Jeremy and I made similar mistakes when location independence came on our radars. Namely, that we thought blogging and online courses were the best way to go. Wrong. We talk about a much better alternative to begin your location independent career in this episode. Enjoy! Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, a transformation coach and an American expat based in England. But the real question is, who are you ? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Fri, February 12, 2021
The Postcard Academy is Now Called LIVE Without Borders
Rebrand! The Postcard Academy is now called LIVE Without Borders (and for a hot second it was called Part of Something Greater -- what can I say, it's a creative evolution). If you’re a global citizen seeking a more meaningful, freedom-fueled life, you’re in the right place. I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, a transformation coach who first moved abroad on her own at age 18 and who has been permanently enjoying life in Europe since 2010. My guests and I will share with you how we made our travel and living abroad dreams come true, and how you can, too. But freedom is about more than getting on a plane. It’s about self exploration and personal transformation, so you can live a calmer, kinder, more connected life. So I’ll cover this, too -- and I especially love sharing how the Enneagram and Stoicism can help you become more present, curious, and open hearted. It you’d like my help achieving more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life, visit sarahmikutel.com
Sat, January 09, 2021
Italy Top 10 Anniversary Special (Part 2)
Welcome to part 2 of my anniversary special. That is, my 10-year anniversary of being an Italian citizen. In the last episode, my friend Toni and I shared our favorite: Pizza Pasta Italian customs Tours Museums Today, you’ll hear about the best Beaches Wine Pastry More hidden gems And less-touristy Italian cities At least, this is the best according to us :) You are welcome to chime in with your own recommendations on Instagram. You can find me @sarahmikutel Enjoy the episode! 🇮🇹 Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work one-on-one together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Sun, January 03, 2021
Italy Top 10 Anniversary Special (Part 1)
Hello, hello. I’m celebrating something very special in this episode — my 10-year anniversary of being an Italian citizen. If you haven’t heard this story, 10 years ago, I packed up my New York apartment and bought a one-way ticket to Italy to pursue my dream of being an Italian citizen and living in Europe — I’ve been here ever since. In a previous episode, I walk through the exact steps I took to become a duel citizen via Italian ancestry . In this two-part episode, I’ll be sharing my top 10 favorite things to eat, drink, and do in Italy. I didn’t want to take this trip down memory lane alone, so I called up my friend Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence — you’ve heard her on a few Postcard Academy episodes. In part 1, we talk about our favorite: Pizza Pasta Italian customs Tours Museums Get ready for some mouth-watering hidden gems! Visit sarahmikutel.com to get in touch about how we can work one-on-one together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life. Looking for a guide to help you discover your Enneagram personality type? Book your Enneagram typing session by going to sarahmikutel.com/typingsession Want to connect on Insta? Find me here
Wed, December 09, 2020
Enneagram 101: An Introduction to the 9 Personality Types
Well hello there. I will be back with some new travel episodes soon but first I wanted to share something special with you. I just launched a new podcast called Part of Something Greater , a show for peacefully ambitious people seeking personal transformation so they can better themselves, their communities, and the world at large. If you’ve been listening to this podcast for awhile, you’ll know that personal development is something that really interests me. True freedom in our lives is not just literal location independence and travel, but freedom from overwhelm and anxiety and from unhelpful patterns and beliefs. I’m sharing the first episode of Part of Something Greater with you here. If you think this is the kind of show you’ll get a lot of value out of, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to your podcasts . GIVEAWAY I'm giving away three of my favorite books on the Enneagram (Road Back to You, Complete Enneagram, and The Essential Enneagram) PLUS your choice one of my online podcasting courses . Here’s how to win: Leave a rating and review of Part of Something Greater on Apple Podcasts. Here's how to do it Screenshot your review and share on Instagram, tagging me @sarahmikutel You'll be entered to win :) And that’s all you have to do! I’ll pick a winner on December 17, 2020. Deadline to enter is December 16, 2020 noon (EST) . If you plan on entering, you should do it now so you don't forget 😊 Book an Enneagram typing session . Learn more about me .
Sat, October 10, 2020
Panama: Ultimate Travel Guide
In the last episode of the Postcard Academy, you learned how to become an expat in Panama. In this episode, you’ll learn why. David Gold is back to share what’s kept him in Panama City for more than a decade. Coffee, chocolate, and beach lover’s…this one’s for you. You’ll also learn about Panama’s history, including the infamous canal. You’ve heard of the Panama Canal, but do you know why it matters? You will after this episode. You'll also hear about everything you need to eat, drink, and do in Panama City and beyond. OK, time for our tour of Panama. postcardacademy.co *** Hi, I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American expat based in England. Fancy starting your own podcast? Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how I can help you. I'm on Insta if you want to say hi.
Sun, October 04, 2020
Move to Panama: Expat Guide on Visas, Healthcare, and Learning Spanish
You know those screensavers that look like paradise? Almost too beautiful to be real? That’s how my guest today describes the beaches of Panama, the Central American country he’s called home for the last 11 years. Like me, David Gold is a native of Connecticut, but left to join the Peace Corps in Bolivia and eventually made his way to Panama City, where he opened Casco Antiguo Spanish School. In this episode, David shares advice on how we can become expats ourselves in Panama. If you value year-round great weather, quality of life, and affordable healthcare, you’re in luck — Panama is a very visa-friendly country, with tons of extra benefits for people who retire there. postcardacademy.co *** Hey, there! I'm your host Sarah Mikutel, an American who's been living abroad since 2010. Right now I live in a beach town in England and I love helping fellow expats and online entrepreneurs launch their own podcasts. Interested? Find out more here 👉 sarahmikutel.com
Sun, September 13, 2020
Making Travel a Financial Priority with Guest Danielle Desir
Do you make travel a financial priority ? My guest today takes this idea so seriously that she treats saving for travel like paying a bill. A portion of every paycheck automatically gets put into a special savings account exclusively for travel. Danielle Desir is the author of several travel books, including Affording Travel and Traveling with a Full-Time Job , and she hosts the Thought Card, a podcast and blog about affordable travel and personal finance. Danielle’s incredibly financially savvy and managed to pay off $63,000 of student loan debt in just four years while still managing to travel. We recorded this this a few months ago and are still living in the pandemic of 2020. People are taking smaller trips, if they’re traveling at all. There’s uncertainty about jobs and the economy. What I especially like about my interview with Danielle is that she gives really sound financial tips that got her through the Great Recession without being extreme and robbing her of all the pleasures in life. We can make smart financial decisions and still invest in experiences, like travel, that give our lives meaning. I mentioned that Danielle gives some great financial tips, but I will note that we are obviously not financial advisors, so talk with one of them if you want to seriously plan your money :) postcardacademy.co sarahmikutel.com 🎤🎤🎤 Create an irresistible, brand-building podcast of your own With more than 1 million shows in Apple Podcasts, it’s easy to feel like there’s no room left for you at the mic. But after we work together, you’ll cut through the noise with a standout show that lights you up, attracts your dream clients, and transforms your business. Find out more .
Sun, August 30, 2020
Best of Boston Ultimate Travel Guide
We are back with Vanessa Bouvry, a sophisticated Parisian living in Boston, and she is spilling the Boston baked beans on all the cultural and culinary experiences you should have in the U.S.’s most historic city. We discuss: celebrating Marathon Monday exploring the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum shopping in Boston Market touring Fenway Park eating at Top Chef restaurants quacking on Duck Tours touring MIT (and using their bathrooms) and more You’ll learn about cannoli rivalries, secret restaurants, art theft, and off-the-beaten path hidden gems. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . postcardacademy.co
Sun, August 16, 2020
Historic Boston: America’s European City
Bean Town. Boston. Home of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. And also my home for awhile, both times as a student. But this was years ago. That’s OK, some things in Boston haven’t changed in centuries. Today we are talking with Vanessa Bouvry, a Parisian who’s made her home in Massachusetts. Vanessa is Associate Director of Program Development at my alma matter, Emerson College, where I got my MFA in creative writing. Boston is known as America’s European City, and it’s a city of firsts in the United States: First public park First subway First public library First newspaper First telephone First post office And it’s home to the oldest pub and continuously running restaurant in the U.S. In this episode you will learn where to go to experience this history for yourself. We’re talking Freedom Trail, State House, and where to find the best treasure trove of Halloween candy in the entire city. You’ll also hear Vanessa’s unique story of how she, as someone born in France, can live and work in the United States, and the differences Vanessa sees in French and American culture. Enjoy the episode. Start your own podcast postcardacademy.co sarahmikutel.com say hi on Instagram
Mon, August 03, 2020
Sofia: What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Bulgaria’s Capital City
Today I am back with THE History Fangirl, Stephanie Craig, a travel writer and an American expat/nomad based in Sofia. In the last episode, we talked a lot about cultural Bulgaria and its history. Today is a deep dive travel guide on everything you need to eat, drink, and do when traveling to Sofia, as well as day trips you can take. You’ll discover: * The best view in Sofia * Where to hang out at night * The best walking tour to go on * The best cafe to get work done * The beaches you should visit * And more. You’ll also get a real flavor of what it’s like to live in Bulgaria, and learn about: * How the pandemic is affecting Stephanie and her expat family; * What it’s like to give birth in a country that’s not your own and how much it costs; * Bulgarian bureaucracy; * And a culture tip that you need to know to avoid awkward situations with the locals. You will definitely hear a baby in this episode and one f-bomb that I had to leave in because it was just too funny. Enjoy the episode The cheerful musical interlude in this episode is called Calimba by artist E’s Jammy Jams. ************* I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel . Thank you for spending some time with me today. Have you ever thought of starting a podcast yourself? Find out how I can help you .
Sun, July 19, 2020
Bulgaria Travel for History Lovers and Digital Nomads
Bulgaria — is it on your travel list ? It’s on mine, especially its capital, Sofia, a city rich in Roman ruins and Byzantine architecture. If you’re a history lover who enjoys affordable travel and getting off the beaten path, then Bulgaria might be the place for you. Joining me today is Stephanie Craig, a travel writer and an American expat/nomad based in Sofia. She’s also one half of the Rick Steves Over Brunch podcast and former host of The History Fangirl podcast. In this episode of the Postcard Academy, Stephanie shares how she ended up in Sofia and why it’s better suited toward digital nomads surfing the Schengen Zone than expats (if you don’t know what the Schengen Zone is, you can go back and listen to the deep dive I did). Then Stephanie is going to take us on a whistle stop tour of Bulgarian history, which is filled with one occupation after another. We also talk about some must-see historical sites in Sofia, including: St. George Rotunda Boyana Church Park Vrana Central Mineral Baths You might hear a baby squeak or two in this episode as Stephanie is holding her little one throughout our discussion. He’s very cute. Enjoy the show. ************* I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel . Thank you for spending some time with me today. Have you ever thought of starting a podcast yourself? Find out how I can help you .
Sat, July 04, 2020
Happy 4th of July! Or Is It?
I'm hearing people on the left and right grumble that the U.S. is going to hell in a handbasket. In this episode, I give my two cents on what patriotism really is and why we should stop letting the worst of us define who we are.
Sat, June 27, 2020
Extreme Study Abroad: When One Semester is Not Enough
Did you study abroad? I spent a semester in London and it was one of the best times of my life. That experience definitely played a role in me moving to England permanently. But did you know that you can spend your entire university experience in another country? That’s what today’s guest did. I’m talking to my friend Candace Salter, a Florida gal who knew from the beginning that one semester abroad would not be enough. She wanted to graduate from a university in Europe, and in this episode you’ll learn how she did it, and how you can, too — or your kids or nieces/nephews. Candace is a fellow podcaster and a travel blogger and you can learn more about her and her adventures at her blog Candace Abroad. She’s got a very interesting story that’s taken her from the US to the UK to China to Thailand. Let’s dive in.
Sun, June 21, 2020
Upgrade Your Weekend
Let’s talk about upgrading your weekends. I learned about this concept from Laura Vanderkam, the time management expert you heard on the episode on how to Stretch Time so You Can be More Productive and Pursue What You Love. Laura says that having a great weekend requires some planning, even for free spirits who are up for anything. Because a little structure can actually allow us to be more free, and avoid that disappointment that can come on Sunday night when we think, “There was so much I wanted to do and I didn't do any of it.” In this mini-episode, Laura shares how we can make more of our weekends in a few simple steps. We recorded this pre-covid, so you might get wistful when you hear us talk about restaurants and festivals. But surely there are fun things that you can be enjoying while we’re still in the pandemic. And if you’re listening to this in the future, then I hope you enjoy your dinner out this weekend and savor your freedom and good company. postcardacademy.co sarahmikutel.com
Sat, June 13, 2020
Find Your Focus
Most of us still can't travel right now thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. So this should be the perfect time to plan for future travel and adventures abroad. For some, this means creating an online business that allows them to work from anywhere. But...a lot of us are having a hard time focussing. There's a lot happening in the world right now. Plus, many of us are natural dreamers and/or are a little too research obsessed (rather than action-oriented). The goal of today's episode is to help you find your focus so you can do work now and spend more time enjoying your life later. I’m speaking with my friend Emily Prokop, podcast editor, host of the Story Behind, and co-host of the Hate to Weight podcast. Emily and I have a lot in common, including being recovering research-obsessed perfectionists. That doesn’t mean we’re natural planners. We definitely fall in the daydreamer category. But we have big goals we want to accomplish, and we want to help you achieve yours, too. Today, Emily and I are sharing our favorite routines and resources to make you a more productive podcaster. We recorded this a few months ago, but the tools and tips we share are timeless. Enjoy. Show notes
Thu, June 04, 2020
You're Invited to Join the Postcard Academy Community
Are you feeling the need for some community right now? Some levity? Some fun? I have created a Facebook Group for us called Live Abroad and Love It (our first party is in a few days — details below). I have made some incredible friendships through this podcast and I want to meet more of you. This group is for serious travelers. The kind who would pack up and move to a new country for a few months or maybe forever. Whether you are a current or aspiring expat, nomad, and/or location independent entrepreneur, the Live Abroad and Love It Facebook Group is a place for us to connect and inspire each other to live our location independent travel dreams. We can share stories of the new cities in which we’re living. Share online business advice to help other location independent entrepreneurs. Ask logistical questions on how to make a move abroad happen. I’d really love this to be an inclusive place where we can lift each other up and help each other live a more freedom-filled life. I know social media can be annoying and a lot of us are trying to get away from it. But as many of us are still locked down during the pandemic, and a number of you have said your craving some human connection, so I’m going to host some online events — and perhaps even in-person retreats when we can travel again. Join the first online party The first online event is this Sunday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, which is 7 p.m. London Time. We will be doing online vision boards, also known as dream boards. I’ve never done one myself, but they are supposed to be fun and visual ways to set goals for yourself. If you would like to join this virtual party, go to postcardacademy.co/party and I’ll send you the information.
Sat, May 23, 2020
The High Income Secret to Funding Your Location Independent Lifestyle
Today I’m speaking with Crystal Davis, the Borderless Coach and founder of High Income Digital Nomad . Crystal’s mission is to help people build thriving and enjoyable businesses that let them travel and work remotely. We get into the nuts and bolts of how to get up and running with a profitable online business right now. We discuss: why conventional wisdom regarding online business keeps people in a long slog, and what you should do instead to earn the income you want; what kind of offer you should create; how to find clients; who you should sell to and who you shouldn’t target; the three daily activities you need to do to make money; and more. This isn’t the usual business advice you hear, and I think you’re going to love Crystal’s fresh, and effective, perspective. I’m such a fan of Crystal’s work that I joined her group program, High Income Digital Nomad, which teaches you how to build a business and sell without feeling totally cringe. If you want to have a business, you need to master selling. Check out HIDN if you're ready to start building your dream location independent life .
Sun, May 17, 2020
How to Live Your Best Expat Life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Let’s move to Mexico, shall we? Specifically Playa del Carmen. Great restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and easy access to nature and ancient UNESCO sites. But the best part, is we’ll get to hang out with my friend Cristal, Dyer, also known as the Tofu Traveler, and one of my all-time favorite travel partners. On today’s episode, Cristal shares everything we need to know to have an epic holiday in Playa del Carmen. We might like it so much, we decide to move there, and she gives us great tips for that, too. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, April 25, 2020
Are You Choosing Alive Time or Dead Time?
We’re living through a global pandemic. It's okay to have down days and to be upset about the way things are. None of us want to be locked up in our house or to lose our job. But if we wallow in that negativity for too long, that doesn't mean we're going to get extra days in our life, right? We're not going to get bonus months at the end of our life because we survived lock down. Author Ryan Holiday has a podcast called the Daily Stoic. Lately, he’s been talking about Alive Time versus Dead Time, something writer Robert Greene told him about. According to him, we can spend our time in one of two ways, passively (Dead Time), where we’re just zoning out and letting life happen to us, and actively (Alive Time), where we’re learning, trying new things, and consciously choosing how to spend our time. As the Stoics taught us, we can't control what's going on in the world, but we can control how we react to it. You’ll never get today again -- will you make it matter? * I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Mon, April 13, 2020
9 Magical Ways to Stretch Time so You Can be More Productive with Laura Vanderkam
Most of us dream about all the great things we could achieve if only there were more hours in the day. Well, what if I told you time was more abundant than you think, and that we can actually stretch it? My guest today is going to tell us how. Laura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books, including Juliet’s School of Possibilities, I Know How She Does It , and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think . Laura also speaks at conferences, including at TED; writes for publications like the New York Times ; hosts the podcast Before Breakfast and co-hosts the podcast Best of Both Worlds. Plus, she has five kids and blogs almost every day. So if Laura can find time to do all that and hang out with friends and get eight hours of sleep, then there is hope for us all. Historically, I have not been the best at time management, but Laura’s work has had a tremendously positive effect on my productivity and I’m honored that she made time for this interview. Get ready to have your mind blown as Laura talks us through different strategies we can use to take back our time so we can enjoy more freedom in our life to pursue what we love. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . <span style='
Sun, April 05, 2020
Athens City Guide: A Weekend in Greece’s Vegan Paradise
When you think of Ancient Greece, what do you think of? Maybe philosophers wandering around ruins. But they weren’t ruins in 450 BC — nearly 2,500 years ago. The temples were marble masterpieces painted vibrant colors. But the rest of the city was small, and even squalid. Athens was never the richest or the strongest city, and yet it is the birthplace of theatre and philosophy and democracy. Schools and science. Imagine a world without these things. We think of the ancient Greeks ruling for centuries, but really the golden age lasted for a few decades, a quiet period between wars. Today it’s less quiet 4 million people live in Athens — about 40% of Greece’s population. My friend Michelle and I recently took a trip to Athens to explore the new and the ancient, and in this episode, we’re sharing our favorite Athenian places and experiences. This is one of the last trips I took before the COVID-19 coronavirus put us all in lock down. Michelle and I recorded this conversation right after our trip about a month ago, when we were still free to travel.
Sat, March 28, 2020
Do You Know Your True Personality? How to Use Myers Briggs to Go After Your Dreams
Chances are, at some point in your life you’ve traveled with someone for so long you start to drive each other a little crazy, and you don’t really know why. Spending every moment together can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Assessments like Myers Briggs can make you a more compassionate person because you learn how we all see the world through a different lens. You start taking things less personally because you realize that people have diverse ways of learning and working, different ranges of how much alone time we need, different ways of organizing ourselves (or not). On this episode of the Postcard Academy, I’m very happy to be speaking with Caitlin Hawekotte, who is an MBTI® Certified Practitioner, which means that she administers and interprets the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® assessment to help people discover more about their personality types and preferences. Understanding your psychological type, and those of others, will make you a better communicator, something that’s very helpful in keeping your sanity while traveling with someone, and also while locked up in quarantine with them due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. And on that glorious day when we can travel again, you can then take what you learn on today’s podcast about Myers Briggs to make traveling with a friend or partner more enjoyable and stress-free. Visit postcardacademy.co for show notes . *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . Ready
Fri, March 20, 2020
Coronavirus Ruined Your Travel Plans. Here’s What to Do Next
The COVID-19 coronavirus has upended most travel plans, at least in the short term. So what should you do ? On this episode, I’m bringing back Phil Sylvester from World Nomads, where I always buy my travel insurance, to talk about how to recoup your travel costs, why ‘cancel for any reason’ insurance might not be worth it, and other travel insurance queries. And, I speak with my friend Toni Mazzaglia, whom you heard on my Florence episode and several others, about what it’s like living in lock down in Italy right now. I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. Thanks for listening!
Sun, February 16, 2020
Productivity for a Peaceful Mind: How to Plan a Life that Matters
How wonderful would it feel if you actually got stuff done? If you could make real progress on your eternally long to-do list? If you’re feeling forever busy but aren’t achieving the goals you’re setting for yourself, stay tuned as I walk you through your 10-step productivity plan for overcoming overwhelm so you can live a life you love. Visit postcardacademy.co for show notes . *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy . Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sun, February 02, 2020
Where to Travel in 2020
This year, while planning out my goals, I first blocked out time on my calendar for travel, and the happy anticipation of these trips feels great! (postcardacademy.co for show notes) But I’m in trouble because I just attended London’s Holiday and Travel Show, and now my travel list is twice as long! In this episode, you’ll hear where you should head this year if you love nature and aren’t so big into crowds: Zambia Guadalupe Islands Massachusetts, U.S.A. Trans-Siberian Railway Guernsey Islands, U.K. South Africa Papua New Guinea eSwatini Nevada, U.S.A. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy .
Sat, January 25, 2020
How to Create an Online Course to Support Your Location Independent Lifestyle
Postcard Academy listeners ask me how they can live abroad if they don’t have Italian blood, a foreign partner to marry, or a global corporation sponsoring them. I believe the easiest way to make a life abroad and/or a location independent life happen for you is to create your own job that you can do from anywhere, and I especially love online courses as a business. Natalie Sisson, who you heard on the ‘How to Design Your Ideal Life’ episode is back to talk about how to create an online course . Natalie is the author of the bestselling book The Suitcase Entrepreneur and The Freedom Plan . She’s also founder of the live training program: Launch Your Damn Course Accelerator , which begins it’s next round Jan. 27, 2020. So sign up now if you want in. Show notes at sarahmikutel.com . *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to start your podcast right now? Check out Podcast Launch Academy .
Tue, January 07, 2020
How to Design Your Ideal Life with Guest Natalie Sisson (Encore)
The other day someone told me that New Year’s depresses them. Another year gone by. That’s one way to look at it. But, a happier, more satisfying way to approach the New Year is to plan how we want to enjoy the rest of the years we have left. This year on the Postcard Academy, I will be sharing more episodes on how we can live our best lives, and more specifics on how we can make living abroad and living a location independent life a reality for us. But we don’t want to live just any life. We want to live our ideal lives, which is why I think it’s important to re-listen to my episode with Natalie Sisson: How to Design Your Ideal Life . Natalie will be back on the show very soon to share even more specifics on how to make your dream life happen. Until then, listen to this episode and devote some time this week to planning out what you want out of this year . Let’s make it happen in 2020 :) *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also
Tue, December 24, 2019
Christmas Around the World
Happy holidays! How are you celebrating? I’m visiting my family in the States but always love hearing how people are enjoying the holidays in other parts of the globe. What are the traditions? What are the foods they’re eating? So, I invited some of my favorite guests on this show to call in and tell me about Christmas in their adopted cities. So tuck in, pour yourself some hot chocolate — or maybe something cold and fizzy if you’re somewhere warm — and enjoy the show. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, December 20, 2019
Sarajevo: Ultimate Travel Guide to Bosnia’s Cosmopolitan Capital
If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve heard me mention Sarajevo before and how it completely transfixed me. I had the same feeling as when I saw the Roman forum for the first time. There was just something about the vibe of this place that transported me. I became obsessed with Sarajevo and its history and felt so embarrassed that I knew so little about the war in the ‘90s before I traveled to Bosnia. I had a flicker of a memory of seeing an article about it when I was a kid and being outraged no one was helping the Bosnian people…but then that memory faded. Replaced by other atrocities in the world. The main reason I put off doing a Sarajevo episode for so long is that there’s so much I wanted to get right, so many stories to tell. I wanted to share the whole history of the ‘90s. And someday when I have more time and resources, I’d love to do that. But for now, I can share the BBC documentary Death of Yugoslavia . Today, I’ll be focusing more on the wonderful things you can see and do in present-day Sarajevo. My friend, Cat Norman Tahirović, a photographer who has made Bosnia her home, shares all her best travel recommendations. Enjoy the show! *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via <a href='http://audib
Fri, December 06, 2019
Gran Canaria: Exploring the Canary Island’s Best Spot for Digital Nomads and Location-Independent Entrepreneurs
At this time of year, a lot of Europeans like to fly to Spain's Canary Islands to catch a bit of sun. But they’re not the only ones. Beach-loving digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs love Gran Canaria, the main island, especially the island’s capital city Las Palmas for its amazing weather, affordable living, and co-working spots. Today I’m speaking with Thorunn Jonsdottir, an Icelandic serial entrepreneur, who now calls the Canary Islands home. Listen in for everything you need to explore while visiting Gran Canaria. https://postcardacademy.co
Fri, November 29, 2019
Nosara: Costa Rica’s Expat Surfer Paradise
“The monkeys wake me up every morning. There are parrots outside my window,” says Julie Sarver, an expat who moved from Portland to Nosara, Costa Rica. “that is so magical and wonderful.” When you think of Costa Rica, do you usually think of a tropical rainforest with a cute toucan flying around? While you’ll definitely get the wildlife, Nosara’s vibe is more expat beach community. On this episode, you’ll learn about... the cultural differences between the U.S. and Costa Rica; what Julia loves about her new home, and how you can make a life in Costa Rica happen for you; all of Julia’s best advice on what to see, do, and eat when you’re visiting Nosara, Costa Rica. If you love beaches, baby turtles, and secret supper clubs, Nosara might be your dream place. ( show notes at postcardacademy.co ) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams.
Fri, November 22, 2019
Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience (Encore)
Back by popular demand... Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. ( Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts ). Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoiler: Thanksgiving really is a tradition rooted in gratitude and peace. But it’s also a holiday full of surprises that most people don’t know about, which is why I’m happy to share today’s interview with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience . We discuss the history of this very American tradition, including why the Pilgrims really came to the New World (it wasn’t to flee religious persecution, if that’s what you’re thinking). Wherever you’re from, this week I hope you enjoy good food in great company. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel , and you can find travel guides and inspiration at postcardacademy.co Ready to book your trip? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, November 15, 2019
Expat Diary: Getting Over Perfectionism to Make Dreams Happen
The Postcard Academy has gone bi-weekly this season as I prepare to launch The Podcast Launch Academy, the ultimate online podcasting course that has been my dream for awhile. But setting this up took a lot longer than I thought it would! I realize now this is mostly because I have been approaching starting this business with a ‘maximizer mindset.’ I’m reading 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam in it she talks about the difference between maximizers and satisficers. Maximizers want the best of everything. Satisficers make decisions. They give themselves a few minutes to make a choice and then they go with it. While maximizers will spend weeks trying to decide things like, “What’s the best email service provider? What’s the best website host?” And even when we know our stuff, we’ll go research it again for hours because we want everything to be perfect. But striving for perfection is never satisfying because it doesn’t lead us anywhere. We just spin our wheels instead of moving. So, in life I aim to get better at making quick decisions instead of over-analyzing things. Another realization I’ve had is that we’ll never be 100% ready to start something big. Anything worth doing is going to make you nervous, and you just need to jump in and start when you’re scared. I kept setting launch dates for my course — and then I’d let them slip. I didn’t feel ready. There was so much more to do. I almost did it this time, too, but I stopped myself and made a public announcement that I was launching Podcast Launch Academy on November 19, 2019. I said it out loud to other people and that accountability has made this my most productive week of the year. Having a hard deadline means certain things need to get done everyday to make it happen. And they’re happening. When we don’t give ourselves real time limits for projects — big or small — we let time expand and add in all these extra tasks and research that we don’t actually need. Maximizers are so guilty of this. That’s what leads to those gross feelings at the end of a Saturday when we feel like we’ve spent all day working hard on a personal project, but we’ve got nothing to show for it. Because we fell into Maximizer perfectionist spin, and instead of taking action, we go back into research mode. I did the same thing when I started podcasting, and that’s the primary reason I created a podcasting course — to give others the roadmap I didn’t have to make easy decisions that will help them create a show that listeners love. To kick off Podcast Launch Academy, I’m hosting a free podcast masterclass. Sign up at <span c
Fri, November 01, 2019
Talk to Strangers (Science Says It Will Make You Happier)
When you’re traveling, do you open yourself up to new experiences, including talking to new people? Do you do the same at home, or does talking to strangers suddenly feel a little crazy? According to science, we’d be living healthier, happier lives if we maintained the sense of openness and adventure we experience while traveling to other places. On the Postcard Academy podcast, I share what happened when a researcher forced strangers to talk on a train, and play you an audio diary I recorded this summer after a chance encounter on a bus in Croatia changed my life. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, October 19, 2019
Niagara Falls: Must-Have Experiences that Go Beyond the Boat Ride
Believe it or not, Niagara Falls is wine country. “We’re on the same parallel as Northern California, so it's perfect weather conditions for wine,” says American expat Andrea Jones. “We have a lot of wineries just 28 minutes north of Niagara Falls in Niagara-on-the-Lake.” Andrea started out life in Miami, then moved up to Atlanta, and now she finds herself living in a small Canadian 15 minutes away from Niagara Falls. She ended up in Fort Erie after meeting her Canadian husband on YouTube! On this episode of the Postcard Academy, learn more about Andrea’s modern romance and hear her favorite things to drink, see, and do in Niagara Falls ( visit postcardacademy.co for show notes ). I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance </
Fri, October 11, 2019
Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for Foodies and Art Lovers (Part 2)
When tourists visit England, most miss the beautiful coastal towns south of the London, and almost none of them have heard of Folkestone, the magical town in which my guest Tony Quarrington and I live. But we’re letting you in on the secret! (visit postcard academy.co for our list of recommendations .) In the last episode, you heard about the history of Folkestone — it’s Victorian splendor and the important role the town played in World Wars I and II. Tony and I also talked about the two families that have had the greatest impact on the town over the last few centuries: the Radnors and the de Haans. Tony left off speaking about Roger de Hann, who’s father was a prisoner of war during WWII and then went on to become a billionaire by founding the travel company Saga right here in Folkestone. Roger has spent millions revitalizing the town where his father earned his fortune. I’m actually living in one of the refurbished buildings in the Creative Quarter. In this episode, I jump back into my conversation with Tony, who will talk more about Roger de Hann’s influence on Folkestone and how the town has changed in the last few decades. Then Tony and I will share our favorite places to eat, drink, and do fun things in Folkestone. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, September 27, 2019
Folkestone, England: A Seaside Town for History Lovers (Part 1)
When tourists visit England, they usually stay in London. Maybe they’ll do a daytrip to Stonehenge or, if they’re feeling extra glam, take the Eurostar to Paris. If they wanted to experience something extra special, they’d take the train south to visit the beautiful coastal town of Folkestone. You’ve probably heard of the White Cliffs of Dover. Next door you’ll find Folkestone, which no one in modern times remembers. It’s England’s best kept secret. But the Postcard Academy podcast is spilling the beans! My guest Tony Quarrington is the local tour guide and on a two-part episode of the podcast, we share what we love about our seaside town. In Part 1 , Tony and I share fascinating stories to prove that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme (take a listen if you like British history and royal family gossip). In Part 2 , we give you all our favorite food and culture recommendations for Folkestone. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at <a href='http://postcardacademy.co
Fri, September 13, 2019
Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
My mother and I are sitting at a red light then BAM! A truck hits us from behind. The driver claims he sneezed and lost control of his vehicle 🙄 Aside from some soreness, we are OK, but what if the accident had been a lot more serious? The thought of hospital bills bankrupting me makes me panic more than broken bones. I’m American, but I don’t live in the U.S. and so I’m not part of the healthcare system. When I’m visiting my family in the States, World Nomads is my go-to company for insurance . With them, hopefully I won’t end up financially devastated if something bad happens to me in my home country. Today on the podcast I am talking to Phil Sylvester, Head of PR and Media Communications at World Nomads. A former broadcast journalist, today Phil creates great content for World Nomads, including their podcast of the same name, which he co-hosts with Kim Napier (I make a guest appearance on the World Nomad’s Bangladesh episode). I love what they’re doing over there at World Nomads because not only do they protect me while I’m traveling, but they also share my values, which can be summed up by Phil’s favorite travel quote, which is by Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I love Mark Twain and think we can all agree with him there. I had a great time speaking with Phil. We get a little graphic in this episode with some of the stories. Hopefully you can handle it. Did you know you can support this podcast by purchasing your travel insurance from World Nomads through the Postcard Academy? How does that work? Well, I’m such a fan of World Nomads that I joined their partner program. If go to postcardacademy.co/insurance and click on one of the World Nomads’ links to buy your insurance, they’ll give a little monetary bonus to the show. You’ll also find a handy little travel insurance cost estimate calculator at postcardacademy.co . *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called <a href='https://sarahmikutel.com/podcast
Sat, August 24, 2019
Summer Break
I hope you are enjoying these final days of summer, if it is summer in your part of the world. I’m currently visiting my family in the United States and so the Postcard Academy will be on a brief two-week break. I will be back in September with new episodes of adventurous people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. You’ll continue to get their insider food and culture tips, and I’m going to share more ways on how you can make living abroad happen for you if that is something you’re interested in. I’ve got some other fun plans in the works, so stay tuned. If you’ve already taken the time to give the Postcard Academy a positive rating or review on Apple Podcasts -- thank you! This means the world to me. Here’s a recent one: “I love this podcast and have used it numerous times to help plan trip itineraries or be inspired to go new places. The tips, recommendations, and backstory feel like it’s coming from a good friend. I especially love the interviews with locals. My one request: do the Sarajevo episode(s) already, please!!! I’m going in September and know I’ll have a better trip with Sarah’s advice!” Thank you for that review and feedback, dear listener, and thanks for the gentle nudge. I’ve talked about my love of Sarajevo for long enough on this show. It’s time for some action. I will make a Sarajevo episode happen for September. Meanwhile, I’ve already written a very in-depth ‘Ultimate Sarajevo Guide.’ You can find that at postcardacademy.co/sarajevo If you’re in a generous spirit, why not take a moment to rate and/or review the Postcard Academy in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every
Fri, August 16, 2019
Southern Italy: Food You Must Try in Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Molise
Author Katie Parla not only knows her Italian food, she knows her Italian history. Her deep culinary knowledge takes cookbook writing to the next level, with stories beautifully woven between recipes and lush photos. ( show notes at postcardacademy.co ) In a previous episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, I interviewed Katie, an American expat living in Rome, about the rich history of Roman cuisine . She recently came back on the podcast to discuss her new cookbook, Food of the Italian South . If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard Thi
Fri, August 09, 2019
U.S. National Parks: How to Plan Your Trip
Like many expats I know, most of the travel I’ve done has been outside of my home country, the U.S. In fact, my European friends have seen more of the States than I have, and their wistful descriptions of the U.S. national parks have inspired me to plan a trip. ( show notes at postcardacademy.co ) Danielle Jacobs-Erwin, host of the podcast Everybody’s National Parks , joined me on the Postcard Academy to discuss the history of the National Park System; what we need to do to prepare for a trip the national parks; where to stay; what to eat; and more. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, August 02, 2019
Budapest Best: Your Local Guide to the Best Bathhouses, Beverages, and Beautiful Photo Ops
Willie Gevertz is a visual storyteller from the U.S. who fell in love with Budapest while visiting a friend. The city captivated him so much that he moved to Hungary, which is fortunate for us because he’s the best tour guide we could ask for. Willie is the type of guy who lives every day to its fullest, and I asked him to join me on the Postcard Academy to share how we can make the most of our time traveling in Budapest and beyond. We will get into the best food in Budapest, the best nightlife, the bathhouses. Willie’s also a history buff and talks us through Hungary’s past, from the Romans to post-Communist times. I love his positive energy and curiosity, and, while I don’t spend a ton of time on social media, I do follow him — he’s at willie.tv — on Instagram because he’s always smiling, dancing, and exploring. He puts a tremendous amount of work into his videos, most of which feature his adventures in Budapest so definitely check him out.
Sat, July 27, 2019
You’ll Never Have This Day Again. Make it Matter.
Summer’s in the air…at least in my part of the world, and so I’m sharing a mini-episode on my deep summer thoughts . Summer has always been my favorite season. It meant no school. Swimming. No cold weather. My birthday. Vacations. Barbecues. Now as an adult, I also appreciate the joy that I see in other people at this time of year. People are happier. They’re out and about doing communal activities like open air cinema or hanging out at an outdoor bar or cafe. They are going places. They are living life. I wish that we could maintain this vibrancy all year. As I’m recording this, we’re heading into August, which is kind of like the ‘Sunday Night Blues’ month of the calendar year. September is right around the corner. Back to the real world. For a lot of people, this means heading to work and heading home. But what if it wasn’t like that? What if we keep living our best lives all year long? This doesn’t have to mean globetrotting nonstop or packing our days full of activities. What if we prioritized simple pleasures and stopped wasting time stewing in anger, regretting things we can’t change, canceling plans with people we care about, and — this big one — not going after what we really want in life, because we’ll get to it someday, right? What if we remembered to have fun and actually prioritized and planned for this. What would your days look like if you woke up feeling in your bones that you will never have this day again? If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a
Fri, July 19, 2019
How to Get Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry
“How do I apply for Italian citizenship?” That’s the no. 1 question I get from listeners of the Postcard Academy. On the show, I’ve spoken about how I became an Italian citizen through my heritage, and how I applied in Italy. But this was almost 10 years ago and I wanted to refresh my memory on the process so I could share it with you. On this episode, Italian citizenship expert Audra De Falco breaks down how we can apply for dual citizenship with Italy via jus sanguinis , the ‘right of blood.’ I’ve broken down all the steps at postcardacademy.co If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. <span style='f
Wed, July 17, 2019
Happy World Emoji Day! Emojipedia's Founder Explains What This Is All About
Happy World Emoji Day! Why today of all days? Because the calendar emoji (📅) features the date July 17. Some hotheads get really worked up about emojis having their own day, but it’s all in good fun, like Pizza Day (February 9 in the U.S.). To celebrate, I’m re-sharing my podcast interview with Jeremy Burge , founder of Emojipedia, and an Australian expat living in London. Jeremy is the ‘smiling face with smiling eyes’ personified and a delight to talk to 😊 On this episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, Jeremy and I talk about his job as Chief Emoji Officer, which he invented for himself after moving to the U.K. He explains the history of emojis and how new ones are decided on. He also shares his favorite food and culture recommendations for London, his adopted home. This is one of my first episodes 😊 Please forgive the microphone rustling 🙏🙏🙏 I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcard
Sun, July 14, 2019
Visiting Tirana: Your Local Guide to Albania's Capital City
Rachel Berryman owns Tirana Yoga, one of the most successful yoga studios in Albania. But she didn’t move here to become a business owner; Rachel, who is American, first came to this former Communist country with the Peace Corps. On this episode, Rachel and I talk about the kind of volunteer work Rachel was doing and why she fell in love with Albania and its people. We also talk about the legacy of Albania’s Communist past, and, of course, about her favorite places to eat and the experiences you must have in Tirana , Albania. Plus, you’ll learn about day trips to the best nearby beaches and more. If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? G
Sun, July 07, 2019
Roadtrip! Part 2: How to Spend a Week in Albania, from City to Seaside
My friend Cristal and I traveled down Croatia’s coastline then made our way to Albania. While getting here wasn’t easy and involved a bus detour in Montenegro, exploring Albania is definitely worth it if you enjoy good food, cheap prices, and fewer tourists than Europe’s more popular destinations. Sounds pretty good, right? Cristal and I visited many UNESCO sites, you know I love a good UNESCO site, and on the Postcard Academy podcast, we share what we saw in Tirana, Durres, Berat, Gjirokastra, and Sarande. You’ll hear all the highlights from the trip — and some things that we thought were overrated — and hopefully you can use this info to plan your own trip to Albania . If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. <span style='font-w
Sun, June 30, 2019
Roadtrip! Part 1: Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
A few months ago, I did a podcast episode on the best places history lovers should visit to avoid the crowds . I’m making my way through those cities and countries, and, of course, had to podcast about it. On a two-part episode of the Postcard Academy — Roadtrip! Croatia + Albania — I chat with my travel friend Cristal Dyer to reminisce about our trip, talk about what we enjoyed the most, and also what we’d do differently next time. In Part 1, we share our travel itinerary down Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast . If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. <span style='font-weight
Sun, June 30, 2019
Bonus: Win a Copy of Lost in Florence
Did you listen to the Artisan Florence episode yet? Nardia Plumridge shared some of her favorite boutiques and other hidden gems that she featured in her gorgeous book Lost in Florence — and this could be yours for free! I’m raffling off a copy of Lost in Florence to one lucky listener. For your chance to win, sign up for Postcard Academy email updates at postcardacademy.co/lostinflorence . If you are already on the Postcard Academy email list, you are already entered to win. You must sign up by July 6, 2019. I will announce the winner on Instagram. *** If you’re a regular listener of the Postcard Academy, it would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to rate and/or review the show in Apple Podcasts . This helps other potential listeners know if the show is worth listening to :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, June 21, 2019
Artisan Florence: Insider Guide to the Best Local Shopping Experiences
During the Renaissance, money flowed into Florence’s growing banking sector and the elite, including the Medici family, showed off their new wealth with art, palaces, and luxury goods. “They started commissioning local artists to do gorgeous pieces of art that would adorn their walls to showcase at their latest dinner party,” says Nardia Plumridge, author of Lost in Florence . “In terms of the artisan culture, that’s been stemming from Florence for hundreds of years. You have these amazing workshops where people would make beautiful leather or jewelry in silversmith workshops. It still remains today...it’s something that’s very magical about Florence.” Lost in Florence is a beautiful book that highlights the best of independent Florence, from food and wine, to hotels and shopping. As the Postcard Academy podcast has covered food and wine on previous episodes, I dedicated my conversation with Nardia, an Australian expat who spent years in Florence before moving to Bangkok, on Florence’s artisans. Learn where to find the best jewelry, clothes, perfume, stationery and more . I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard <p
Fri, June 14, 2019
How the Selfie Generation Can Honor the Greatest Generation
I used to think dying in a fire would be the worst way to go. I now believe selfie-related deaths top that. You’ve probably heard the stories: people falling from cliffs; slipping over waterfalls; getting smacked by trains, even electrocuted. For a photo that captures the perfect angle of their face. This culture has weighed on my mind over the last week as the world recognized the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest air, sea, and land operation in the history of war. On D-Day alone, Nazis killed nearly 4,500 Allied troops and injured many more. In one day. And I keep asking myself: Are we living lives that honor that sacrifice? I think we can do better. To live with more meaning, even in small ways. We owe the Greatest Generation more than presidents and prime ministers reading letters of remembrance. On the Postcard Academy podcast, I share some thoughts on how we can live lives worth dying for. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, June 07, 2019
Why Do You Travel? The World Wanderers Interview Me
A few episodes ago, I interviewed the World Wanderers Amanda and Ryan — my favorite podcasting nomad couple — on the amazing experiences you should have in Mexico City. They had previously interviewed me on their podcast — World Wanderers — and they are kindly letting me share that with you today. We talk about how I became an expat and found my first job abroad; the beauty and stresses of life as a foreigner; how these challenges change us for the better; and other travel-related topics, including why we travel — a question people ask us all the time. I think it’s just in our blood :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, May 31, 2019
Brisbane Travel Guide: How to Enjoy Australia’s Most Relaxed City
I’ve always been a little afraid of Australia because of all its slithery and sharp-toothed creatures, but British expat James Cridland has me wanting to sip coffee and cuddle with koalas Down Under. On the Postcard Academy’s Brisbane episode of the podcast , James and I talk about the best things to see, eat, and experience in Brisbane, Australia. Also, I learn the proper way to eat Vegemite; Australia’s tipping situation; and the proper way to ride in a taxi in this super-laidback country. Links to all we talk about can be found on postcardacademy.co James is a radio futurologist and creator of Podnews, a daily newsletter and podcast. In other words, he’s a thought leader on all things audio, and I first interviewed him on my show Podcasting Step by Step . Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to the Postcard Academy travel podcast. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, May 24, 2019
Santo Domingo: The Perfect Travel Destination for Beaches, Chocolate, and Culture
Lily Girma is a lawyer turned travel writer who’s spent a significant amount of time in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world, including Belize and Jamaica. In the Santo Domingo episode of the Postcard Academy travel podcast, Lily explains why she now calls the Dominican Republic home. We talk about the cultural events you can’t miss, the best beaches to go to, which chocolate plantations to visit — that’s right, this holiday can combine beach and chocolate. Does it get any better? Lily also talks about the history of slavery and dictatorship in the DR, and the cultural reawakening that’s happening in the country. Visit postcard academy.co for links to everything we talk about . I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to the Postcard Academy travel podcast. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, May 17, 2019
Exploring Mexico City with the World Wanderers
Amanda Kingsmith and Ryan Ferguson are a Canadian couple who travel full time, but they do it slowly, often staying in one place for weeks or months at a time. Over the last year, they fell in love with Mexico City and its incredible food and culture scene. Did you know that Mexico City has more than 40,000 restaurants and the second-highest number of museums after Paris? Amanda and Ryan, who co-host the World Wanderers podcast, joined me on the Postcard Academy to talk about their location independent life and all their best travel recommendations for Mexico City. Links to all the best places to eat, drink, see, and do in Mexico City and beyond can be found at postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to the Postcard Academy travel podcast. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, April 26, 2019
A Perfect Day in Manhattan with Travel Expert Mark Ellwood
British-born Mark Ellwood is a fellow expat and travel podcaster who I’ve been listening to for a few years, first on Conde Nast Traveler’s Travelogue and now on Travel Genius. Whenever I hear him, I think, “This guy sounds like so much fun.” I knew he’d be the perfect guest to talk about the local experiences we should have in New York City. Find links to what we talked about on postcardacademy.co Mark is a contributing editor to Conde Nast Traveler , and also writes for Bloomberg Luxury , the Wall Street Journal , the New York Times . and other publications. If you’re in the States and watch the TODAY show, you may have seen Mark, as he is their go-to travel expert. He’s been on many other TV shows — too many for me to name here. Mark and I are pretty much living opposite lives. He’s an Englishman turned New Yorker living a very glam life in Manhattan. I’m an American who left New York and am now slumming it on the coast of England. But we’re both enjoying life in our adopted homes, and of course we like to talk travel, which we do on this episode. We also talk about expat life, and Mark shares his favorite New York City recommendations, including some cocktail bars that sound amazing, and other hidden gems I think you’ll enjoy. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to the Postcard Academy travel podcast. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance <
Fri, April 19, 2019
Zagreb City Guide: The Best of Croatia’s Capital
“Zagreb is where you’ll feel the life of Croatia,” says Ashley Colburn, an American expat living in Istria. She’ss a TV producer who won an Emmy for her in-depth travel coverage of Croatia. On this episode, Ashley shares her favorite things to see, do, and eat in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city. Visit postcardacademy.co for show notes. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step ? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams. Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to the Postcard Academy travel podcast. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, April 12, 2019
Croatia’s Coast: Traveling to Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, and More
Croatia is more than Dubrovnik, which Game of Thrones fans and cruiseships have been flocking to for years. On this episode, Ashley Colburn, an American now living in Istria, helps us explore more of Croatia’s coastline. (show notes at postcardacademy.co ) Ashley is a two-time Emmy award-winning TV producer who has traveled to more than 50 countries. She earned one of those Emmys for her first TV travel show WOW Croatia . She then produced seven, one-hour episodes of a documentary called WONDERS OF CROATIA . This work has endeared Ashley to the Croatian people, and turned her into a national celebrity — she’s even competing in the TV series Singing with the Stars ! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, April 05, 2019
8 Off-the-Beaten-Path Italian Experiences You Must Have
Yay! I’m so psyched to share this episode with Kathy McCabe, host of the travel TV series Dream of Italy. This season, Kathy interviewed several people, including Francis Ford Coppola, who did something that both Kathy and I have done — return to our ancestral homeland to reconnect with the villages our relatives left behind. Kathy and I talk about our personal experiences with this, and of course, I ask her all about her favorite must-do experiences throughout Italy. Kathy started her website and newsletter Dream of Italy 16 years ago and has been sharing insider tips with Italy lovers ever since. For links to the must-do experiences we talk about today, head on over to postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Mon, April 01, 2019
I Launched a New Show! Podcasting Step by Step
Hello! The Postcard Academy is on a little break this week. I’ll be back on Friday with a really fun conversation with Kathy McCabe from the TV show Dream of Italy. This week, however, I wanted to let you know about a new podcast I just launched called Podcasting Step by Step . This show is very close to my heart and I’m excited to share it with you. I love podcasting so much and I know there are other people out there who are almost ready to start their own shows but something is holding them back. Maybe it’s fear of putting themselves out there, or confusion about the tech. If this sounds like you, I am here for you. I really want to help people feel more comfortable with sharing their voices with the world, and to help them go from feeling like overwhelmed podcasting amateurs to confident creators. Every week on Podcasting Step by Step, I will break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to help you finally launch that podcast of your dreams. So if that sounds of interest to you, please subscribe to Podcasting Step by Step wherever you listen to podcasts. And please tell your aspiring podcast friends about it. :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sun, March 17, 2019
Brexit: Where Is All This Headed? (Part 2)
I’m bringing back my Brexit buddy and former colleague, Mark Robson, to explain in easy-to understand terms how Brexit is affecting life today, and how we might be able to get out of this 2.5 year quagmire. In this episode, you’ll also get another lesson in British history, and who doesn’t love that? You’ll find show notes, including a funny and useful Brexit explainer video, on postcardacademy.co Even though I live in England, have a lot at stake regarding Brexit, and listen to news about it all the time, I’ve found the situation to be quite confusing until Mark and I had this chat. I have such a better understanding of Brexit and its historical context. Hopefully you’ll feel the same way after listening and come away with all sorts of facts you can impress your friends with. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, March 15, 2019
Brexit: How Did We Get Here? (Part 1)
On March 29, 2019, the U.K. is scheduled to exit the European Union (Brexit). But no one has any idea what is actually going to happen. My fellow expats and immigrants are worried about our future legal status in the U.K., which we have made our home. Business owners, especially farmers, are losing business contracts due to economic uncertainty. Mental health issues are on the rise. People are stockpiling food. In recent days, people have been comparing the U.K. to Venezuela! A lot of the news stories about Brexit are wonky and confusing, so I invited my British friend, Mark Robson, to come on the Postcard Academy podcast to explain what Brexit means in language everyone can understand. (head to postcardacademy.co for show notes). In part one, Mark and I dive into some European history to explain how Brexit came to be. In part 2, we talk about how it feels to be living in England during this crazy time, which has been described as serious as WWII, and we share our predictions and dreams for the U.K. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, March 08, 2019
Italy vs. America: 12 Cultural Differences
Happy International Women’s Day! I never even heard of International Women’s Day until I move to Italy in 2010, and La Festa delle Donne is a pretty big deal over there. So it got me thinking about the cultural differences between Americans. and Italians, and I thought it would be fun to share some of these today. I picked 12, but there are many more. This episode is not about one country being better than the other — they both have pluses and minuses. I’m just sharing what I’ve experienced as a person who’s lived in both Italy and the United States. Interested in Italy? I’ve done several Italy episodes, including ones on Rome and Florence . I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, March 02, 2019
How to Become an E-Resident of Estonia
Little Estonia, with less than 1.5 million people, has been running itself like a tech company for about two decades now, giving everyone a digital ID and letting them access almost all government services online. Now they’re letting foreigners become e-Residents of their digital nation, and this week, I'll teach you how you can become one (find links to what we talk about on postcardacademy.co ) Last week, you heard some great travel advice from Julia Barrett, an American who moved to Tallinn to help develop e-Residency 2.0. This week, we’re doing a deep dive on how you can become an e-Resident of Estonia, or even a resident in real life. Even if you’re not interested in becoming an e-Resident, you might be fascinated to learn how Estonia, a former communist state until the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, became the most digital country in the world. I’ll be talking to Julia again, and to her colleague, Alex Wellman, an American, born and raised in Michigan, and who now heads up marketing for e-Residency. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, February 22, 2019
Tallinn, Estonia: Old Fashioned Charm in the Most Digital Nation on Earth
Wired magazine has called Estonia “the most advanced digital society in the world.” The President of Estonia (a woman — yay!) just published an article about how “Estonia is running its country like a tech company” and that “governments must learn to provide public services as efficiently as Amazon sells books: no physical presence, no cost of application, no opening hours.” Sounds pretty great to me. And to Julia Barrett, an American who was so excited by what’s going on in Estonia that she moved there to help develop e-Residency 2.0. E-Residency is a government program that bestows e-Residency to non-Estonians around the world. Julia also represents e-Residency in its partnership with the United Nations. In this episode, Julia talks about what’s like to live in the world’s most digital society. And how despite all the tech, Estonians still cherish nature and traditions like jam making and baking black bread. Find links to the places we discuss on postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Fri, February 15, 2019
How to Tell Travel Stories that Actually Interest People: Advice from 5-Time Moth GrandSLAM Champion Matthew Dicks
Have you ever returned from a trip and a friend says, “How was it? Tell me everything!” And then you start saying things like, “The food was great. Nice people. Incredible sunset.” Pretty soon you’re both bored and move on. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are storytelling techniques that we can all learn to better connect with people, not just about our travels, of course, but about everything. In this episode, Matthew Dicks — a five-time Moth GrandSLAM storytelling winner and the author of Storyworthy — coaches us on the craft of storytelling. And at the end of the show, he weaves all of the advice he shares into a travel story of his own. I’ve summarized his top tips on postcardacademy.co for your reference. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Thu, February 07, 2019
10 Pro-Tips to Save Money and Fulfill Your Travel Dreams (Plus bonus tips)
Anna Mazurek recently published the book Good with Money , in which she shares how she “maximizes her savings to travel the world with no debt, all on an average income of $30,000.” Not only do we talk about actions we can take to make better financial decisions, Anna also shares the best credit card for travelers; her favorite bank, which refunds any ATM fee you incur on your travels; the vagabond’s guide to hacking the U.S. Healthcare system, and more. (find links at postcardacademy.co ) Anna is also a professional photographer who’s been globetrotting for all sorts of magazines, including Travel + Leisure and Rolling Stone and she runs photo trips for National Geographic’s Student Expeditions. Special shout out to listener Mickiezada, who left the following iTunes review recently: “Sarah has an inviting and calming voice as she discusses facts and personal considerations and interviews people from around the world. I’m a new listener, and a podcaster myself. I have subscribed to this one! Love, love, love the interviews and information. “ Mickiezada, you little peach! Here’s how to leave a review on iTunes , if you’re in a generous spirit :) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best (I made you a Spotify playlist) https://open.spotify.com/user/r5nnb86agxqox07vhx8bcz4gy/playlist/67KtZnALpBwUZmB0Gi6o6l?si=OAxgDI8iS4mNMIIbhJlWFg This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Wed, January 30, 2019
How to be a Travel Writer with Nardia Plumridge
Ever dream of being a travel writer? Who hasn’t?! My guest Nardia Plumridge actually made it happen. In addition to writing for global publications, including Lonely Planet, Nardia also penned a book — Lost in Florence — that is due out this spring. In this episode, Nardia shares how she broke into the travel writing biz and offers tips on how to get your own work published. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Wed, January 23, 2019
Bangkok Travel: Where to Find the Best Rooftop Bars, Buddhist Temples, Street Food, and More
Bangkok can feel frenetic and overwhelming to newcomers who imagined Thailand to be all gorgeous temples and beaches. In Bangkok, you’re more likely to see luxury buildings going up next to shacks and people sitting in traffic for hours. But don’t give up on it just yet — once you get off the main streets, chances are you’ll love this vibrant city. Today’s guest, travel writer Nardia Plumridge, is here to share her best insider travel recommendations for Thailand’s capital city. ( find links to everything we discuss on postcard academy.co ) An Australian expat, Nardia has lived around the world and writes for different travel publications, including Lonely Planet. Before moving to Bangkok, where she currently lives, she spent years living in Florence, where she and I met, and later this year she has a gorgeous book coming out called Lost in Florence , which celebrates the city’s unique and independent places. Nardia loves uncovering the true essence of what a city has to offer, and today we will be sharing Bangkok’s best with you. We talk about everything from Buddhism and meditation to the best street food and rooftop bars. I also share the story of when my sister and I were trucked off to a Thai jail, and why we’d go back to the country despite that very surreal and scary experience. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Tue, January 15, 2019
Travel 2019: Where History Lovers Should Go to Avoid the Crowds
Last week’s episode was all about setting goals and designing more freedom into your life. I’m happy to say, that I have actually taken action and filled out the business plan template that Natalie shared with us — you can find that at postcardacadey.co/freedomplan Even if you have no plans to start a business this year, it’s still a handy tool for putting any kind of goals on paper and and mapping out your steps to get there. In the spirit of tidying up and getting organized, I’m thinking through where I want to travel in 2019. As a history lover, I’ve spent my fair share of time in cities like Paris, Rome, Berlin, and London. But I’m in the phase of my life where I like visiting the not-so-popular but still incredible destinations . If you’ve ever flipped through the magazine, Eat This, Not That! , my travel recommendations for 2019 are a little like that. ‘Visit this charming village, not that over-crowded metropolis!’ Spoiler alert: Here’s where I’m headed : Folkestone, England; Sarajevo, Bosnia; Izmir, Turkey; Tirana, Albania; Warsaw, Poland; Matera, Italy; and Providence and Newport, Rhode, Island. I also want to travel around Japan, but that’s hardly off-the-beaten path these days. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sun, January 06, 2019
How to Design Your Ideal Life: Freedom Planning with Natalie Sisson
New year, new you? Hopefully, yes! But forget New Year’s resolutions that feel like a punishment. How about designing a life in which you have the freedom to do what you love? ( get started on postcardacademy.co ) I am definitely focusing on this personally, and in 2019, in addition to world travelers and expats, I’ll be interviewing lifestyle experts, authors, and others who can help us live our best lives. To start us off, I’m incredibly happy to share my conversation with this week’s guest, Natalie Sisson. Natalie is Chief Freedomist of her own company and author of the bestselling books “The Suitcase Entrepreneur,” and “The Freedom Plan.” On this episode, we’ll talk about her ‘perfect day’ exercise (have you given much thought to what your perfect day would look like? are you trying to live this? most people are not!); discuss jobs that are great for people who want to live a freedomist lifestyle; and break down the steps you need to take to start living a more intentional life, and even create your own business. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, December 29, 2018
London Best: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pubs, Gigs, Restaurants, and More
Best of London episode! I realized recently that even though I’ve been an American expat in London for nearly eight years, I hardly ever talk about my favorite city. My website — postcardacademy.co — is filled with photos and travel guides for other places I've visited around the world. I want to share more about London with you, starting with this episode. Today I’m the interviewee. My friend Cristal Dyer, who you’ve heard on other Postcard Academy episodes, including the ones on Travel Deals; Oaxaca, Mexico; and Volunteering at an Animal Sanctuary; kindly volunteered to play host. I’ll share my very best insider London tips, from restaurants to theatre to live music. Enjoy! *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, December 22, 2018
The World Is Getting Better
Thank you so much for listening and subscribing to the Postcard Academy this year. If you’re a fan of this podcast and are feeling generous this year, leaving a review of this show on Apple Podcasts would be a wonderful Christmas present to me. Here’s how to leave a review . Or, you could become a patron of this podcast , which I produce voluntarily as a labor of love for you. Supporting the Postcard Academy via the Patreon site for creators and artists gives you access to members-only content and helps sustain the production of the show, which involves many hours of work and monthly fees. I really enjoy creating this show for you, and I’m very excited for some things I have planned for 2019. This will include more actionable advice to help you travel more, live abroad — if that is something you’re interested in — and to have more freedom, and free time, in your life wherever you choose to spend it. Less work and stress and overwhelm, and more time to enjoy our very brief time on this Earth. I cannot wait to share this with you! This week, I’m sharing a Ted Talk that I think is perfect for this time of year. Right now, the media is full of summaries of this year’s news — most of it bad news because that’s what they’ve been covering all year. But guess what? The world is actually getting better. When it comes to homicide, war, poverty, and even pollution, we're actually doing better now than we were 30 years ago, according to Harvard professor and author Steven Pinker . This progress is a fact, not an opinion, and he has the statistics to prove it. Do we still have life-threatening problems like inequality, war, and climate change? Of course. But these are “problems to be solved, not the apocalypse in waiting.” I hope Steven Pinker’s Ted Talk gives you some peace of mind. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.
Sat, December 15, 2018
Best of Iceland: Traveling Beyond the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle
My guest today is Kaelene Spence, who writes the blog Unlocking Kiki, a very useful resource for anyone thinking of moving or traveling to Iceland — and she puts together travel itineraries, too. Kaelene is an American who now lives in Iceland with her husband and baby boy. On this episode, she shares how she ended up in the northernmost capital in the world; her tips on how to land the job you want in a new country; the best and worst things about living in Iceland, and more. Of course, you will learn all about the sites you need to see in Reykjavik and beyond ; the foods you need to try (fyi, this is a carnivore’s paradise — but there are veg-friendly options); where the locals — including Bjork — go to unwind in the geothermal water; and other off-the-beaten path travel recommendations. If you are like most people in the world, you do not speak Icelandic and will have no idea how to spell some of the things we talk about here. Thankfully, Kaelene has shared the names and I’ve posted them all on postcardacademy.co as a resource for you. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, December 07, 2018
What’s an Expat? My Travel Story
What is an expat, anyway? On this episode, we define what an expat is and how to become one. I hand over the mic to Gemma Thompson, who interviews me on my travel journey to moving abroad. This interview first aired on Gemma’s podcast: A Girl’s Guide to Travelling Alone. I featured Gemma on the Postcard Academy’s Solo Travel episode. She is absolutely lovely and I had a great time chatting with her again here. If you are interested in living abroad, you can find resources on postcardacademy.co including: Live Abroad: Where and How to Live a Better Life at Half the Price of the U.S. How to House-Sit Around the World and Live Rent-Free While Traveling Working Abroad: 6 Countries that are Great for Freelancers Workaway: 9 Tips to Live Like a Local and Travel the World Through Work Exchanges I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, November 30, 2018
Lucca, Pisa, and Other Towns in Tuscany You Must Visit
Enough with Florence and Siena already. You should be walking the medieval walls of Lucca; eating aperitivo in Pisa; sipping Chianti at Castello di Brolio; or lounging by the sea in San Vicenzo. On this episode, Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence, and I recap our recent road trip through Tuscany. After interviewing Toni for the Florence episode of this podcast, we became fast friends (which you’ll hear on this podcast because we’re gigging our heads off). Find travel guides containing names, links, and photos of the places we visited at postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Wed, November 21, 2018
Thanksgiving: The True Story Behind The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience
Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. ( Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts ). Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoiler: Thanksgiving really is a tradition rooted in gratitude and peace. But it’s also a holiday full of surprises that most people don’t know about, which is why I’m happy to share today’s interview with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience . We discuss the history of this very American tradition, including why the Pilgrims really came to the New World (it wasn’t to flee religious persecution, if that’s what you’re thinking). Wherever you’re from, this week I hope you enjoy good food in great company. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel , and you can find travel guides and inspiration at postcardacademy.co Ready to book your trip? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, November 10, 2018
Glasgow, Scotland: the Best Pubs, Restaurants, and Places to See in This European City of Culture
Glasgow had a reputation for being a down-on-its-luck former industrial hub for decades. But the Glaswegians worked hard to turn their city into a world-class tourist destination with museums, opera, ballet, and more. In 1990, Glasgow was named the European City of Culture and since then travelers from around the world have visited to enjoy its cozy pubs, great restaurants — which include a lot of veg-friendly options, delicious food markets, designer shops, and, of course, cultural offerings. On this episode, my guest Kathi Kamleitner and I share the best of Glasgow, plus some great off-the-beaten path places for you to discover in Scotland. Kathi is an Austrian expat who moved to Glasgow for grad school. She loved it so much she stayed and now gives private tours of her adopted home. She also blogs about Scotland at Watch Me See. Find photos and links to the places we discuss on postcardacademy.co
Sat, November 03, 2018
Workaway:How to Live Like a Local and Travel the World Through Work Exchanges
My friends Daniel Bakken and Alinne Fernanda have been traveling the world together for nearly two years. They saved up their money before hitting the road, but its volunteering through a hospitality service called Workaway that’s financially enabled them to keep traveling as long as they have. If you listened to my episode on house-sitting your way around the world and other free accommodation tips , you heard a little about Workaway. In exchange for a few hours of work a day, the hosts you find through Workaway will give you free room and board. But this experience is not just about scoring free accommodation or providing free labor. This is a cultural exchange in which the hosts and the guest workers get to learn from each other. On this episode, Daniel, Alinne, and I talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to work exchanges. But it’s mostly good. Fantastic, in fact, according to Daniel and Alinne. By the end of the show, you will know how to travel the world via Workaway. And I’ll share Daniel and Alinne’s top tips for making Workaway a great experience on postcardacademy.co I’ll also share photos of them literally working their way through Europe, and they’ve been to some pretty unforgettable places. Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, October 27, 2018
New Orleans: A Local’s Guide to the Best Restaurants, Bars, & Quirky Fun
New Orleans celebrates its 300th anniversary this year, and since it’s almost Halloween, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about one of America’s most haunted Southern cities. I’m joined by Hope Kodman, a tour guide with French Quarter Phantoms, which offers tours such as Saints & Sinners, True Crime, Cemetery, Ghost and Vampire, among others. Hope and I talk about the history of the Big Easy; the origins of Mardi Gras; the difference between cajon and creole; what voodoo is really all about and other fun stories. Of course, we’ll tell you where to find the best: food and drinks, quirky shops and museums, burlesque, jazz, ‘female-owned romantic boutique,’ and more ( visit postcardacademy.co for links and photos ). I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, October 20, 2018
Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Alone
Whether you are single or a student, married, retired or a parent, you deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want and explore the world. On this week’s episode, fellow podcaster and traveler Gemma Thompson and I discuss why solo travel is such a transformational experience and why everyone should do it at least once. We’ll talk about how to conquer your nerves and book that solo trip; what to do when you feel lonely and how to avoid it,; destinations that are perfect for first time solo travelers; where you should probably NOT go on your first solo trip; and more. For a round up of everything we talk about, visit postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, October 12, 2018
Munich Must-Sees Travel Guide (Plus Day Trips)
Today is all about Munich, Germany, often ranked among the world’s most livable cities. I’m continuing my conversation with independent tour guide Maxine Ryder, who you heard on our Oktoberfest episode . She is a British Australian who’s made Munich her home. You may know that Munich was the birthplace of the Nazi movement and that 80-90% of Munich was bombed in World War II. Maxine and I talk about the beer hall where Hitler honed his oratory skills; about the sad King who came before him and built castles to escape reality; and more. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Munich is packed with great museums and restaurants and is an easy train ride to fantastic destinations for hikers and castle lovers, and we cover that, too. Visit postcardacademy.co for spellings and links to what we talk about. But back to Germany’s dark history: if you’re visiting Munich you should visit the Dachau Concentration Camp to pay respect to the victims, survivors, and liberators of the camp. It’s not hard to get to from Munich, and Maxine takes tours there. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Thu, October 04, 2018
Oktoberfest: Your Guide to Enjoying Munich’s Main Event (Even if You Hate Beer and Crowds)
As a vegetarian who doesn’t like beer, I never thought Oktoberfest would be an event for me. But, independent tour guide Maxine Ryder has convinced me otherwise! To start, did you know that at Munich’s massive event you’ll also find a Prosecco tent?? On the Postcard Academy podcast, Maxine, an British/Australian expat and Munich resident, and I talk about the history of Oktoberfest, the type of food and drink you’ll find there, strategies to have an amazing time, and more. Visit postcardacademy.co for a roundup with links. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, September 29, 2018
How a South Carolina Slave Became the Most Celebrated Chef in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, consistently tops the lists of ‘world’s best cities to visit.’ It’s also a city that was built on the sweat and blood of slaves, and learning about this history should be part of your travels to this region. Before slavery was abolished in 1865, Charleston was the slavery capital of the United States. Four million slaves lived in America – 10% of them in South Carolina — and about 40% of the slaves brought to the U.S. came through Charleston Harbor. This episode is dedicated to the incredible story of Nat Fuller, a Charleston slave who somehow managed to start his own catering and restaurant business, and then went on to become the most celebrated chef in the city. But that’s not all. When Charleston was in confused ruins after the Civil War, Nat hosted a Reconciliation Feast, which brought together black and white diners for the city’s first integrated meal in its history. I talk to with David Shields, a University of South Carolina professor and author of The Culinarians: Lives and Careers from the First Age of American Fine Dining. I also interview chef Kevin Mitchell, who helped organize and participated in the 150th anniversary celebration of Nat Fuller’s Reconciliation Feast. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. Visit postcardacademy.co for more travel stories, guides, and inspiration . This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, September 22, 2018
LGBT Travel: Resources, Trends, and the Hottest Destinations (Special Focus on Lesbian Travel)
LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications at IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, joins me to talk about the history of LGBT travel, current trends, the best resources for planning a trip, for checking the safety of a destination, the hottest places to visit right now, and more. ( See photos and links at postcardacademy.co ) Later in the show, I chat with travel bloggers and Instagram influencers Roxanne Weijer and Maartje Hensen about what it’s like traveling the world full time as a lesbian couple. By listener request, I’m putting a special emphasis on lesbian travel because that community hasn’t had nearly as much attention or travel resources dedicated to it compared to what gay travelers have access to. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, September 15, 2018
Barcelona: Your Ultimate Guide on What to Do and Where to Eat in the Capital of Catalonia
Barcelona has eight UNESCO sites, beaches, mountains, a beautiful historic center, tons of restaurants and boutiques, and art everywhere you look. In this episode, Polish expat Paulina Grzeszczyk, of Devour tours, shares her insider tips on the best this city has to offer. We’ll discuss where to find the best tapas, spectacular sunsets, shopping, museums, and more. Visit postcardacademy.co for photos and links. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, September 08, 2018
How to Survive Long-Haul Flights When You’re Stuck in Economy
Flying messes with our mind, body, and spirit in all sorts of crazy ways. And if you’re stuck in economy for hours, it feels downright painful. On this episode, my friend, Kelly, and I talk through some of our top tips that made our recent 25-hour journey to Bali more comfortable. We'll also share what we've been up to in Bali so far (it involves good food, lots of massage, and working through our phobias). Visit postcardacademy.co for more on what we discuss. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Sat, September 01, 2018
How to Find Cheap Flights & Travel Deals (Summer Replay)
On this encore episode, my friend and favorite full-time traveler, Cristal Dyer, shares her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and best travel deals. You’ll learn how to find and take advantage of error fares (and what this means); the best sites to find cheap airfare; where to book accommodation to rack up free nights; ideas to find local activities wherever you visit, and more. Cristal also shares some fantastic advice on what to look out for if you want to save money on traveling while giving back through global volunteering. Links to everything we discuss can be found on postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, August 24, 2018
Growth Mindset: How to Change How You Think to Achieve Your Dreams
Did you ever really want to try something, but then not because you worried you’d look dumb? Most of us think like this! We’re plagued by what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a ‘fixed mindset.’ The great news is, we can change how we think, and, with a ‘growth mindset,’ get over our fears and finally start pursuing what we want in life. On this episode, I’m sharing Carol Dweck’s 2014 Ted Talk: The Power of Believing that You Can Improve. Carol’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success , has transformed lives — including my own. Visit postcardacademy.co for the video of Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk and to test which mindset you have . Also on this episode, I mention a travel packing check list I created for you. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance
Fri, August 17, 2018
Amsterdam Travel Guide: What to Eat, Drink, See, and Smoke
Amsterdam is more than hookers and weed. In fact, only 10 percent of Dutch people say they smoke marijuana. Want a more authentic Netherlands experience? Follow the advice of Audrey Sykes, author of the Amsterdam edition of the Moon Travel Guides (Don’t worry, we’ll still tell you the best places to smoke weed). On this episode, we talk to Audrey about her life in Amsterdam and get all her best insider travel tips on where to eat and have fun, from coffee shops to cozy brown cafes. You'll also learn the difference between Holland and the Netherlands, plus lots more. For photos and links to the places we discuss, go to https://sarahmikutel.com/freedom/amsterdam-best-insider-travel-tips-expats-nomads
Fri, August 10, 2018
Working Abroad: 6 Countries that are Great for Freelancers Who Want to Live the Expat / Nomad Life
Born in Bermuda, Lené Hypolite has lived in Venezuela, Canada, the U.S., Amsterdam, and is soon headed to Singapore and Tokyo. She loves the excitement of expat life, and also how its benefiting her career. On this episode, we talk about six countries where it’s a little bit easier visa-wise to live abroad, and how to find work there. Visit sarahmikutel.com for photos and a list of the countries.
Fri, August 03, 2018
Tuscan Wines, Cocktails, and Communist Bars
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy wine but are fairly uneducated about it and usually forget everything you learn at wine tastings. That’s OK. Today I’m talking with my friend Toni from Taste Florence and we are giving you a great wine list that has everything you need, whether you like red, white, or dessert wines. We explain what Super Tuscans are, I learn what barrique is. And we also share where to drink high-end cocktails at hipster places, as well as cheap gin and tonics at communist bars. Visit postcardacademy.co for the full wine list. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Fri, July 27, 2018
Is Expensive Olive Oil Worth It? How to Find the Best in Italy
“That olive oil costs how MUCH? Why would I spend $15 when I can spend $4?” You’ve likely said this to yourself at some point. So what’s the difference between expensive olive oil versus the cheap stuff? Does it really matter? Toni Mazzaglia, founder of the food tour company Taste Florence came on the Postcard Academy podcast to explain how to find the best olive oil, when you should use it, and when you definitely should not. (visit postcardacademy.co for your check list on how to identify quality olive oil ) Like this podcast? Please vote for Postcard Academy for a Podcast Award Voting is open for the Annual Podcast Awards. The Postcard Academy is nominated in the Society and People’s Choice categories. It would mean the world to me if you’d go to podcastawards.com and vote for Postcard Academy. Thank you so much for taking a moment to do this! And thank you for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Wed, July 18, 2018
Taste Florence: Where to Find the Best Food in the Heart of Tuscany
Toni Mazzaglia is an American expat who moved to Florence years ago. After seeing too many visitors fall prey to tourist traps, she started the food tour company Taste Florence to help us discover the city’s very best food, from fresh pasta to pecorino to wine…It’s seriously one of the best food tours I’ve ever been on. Traveling to Florence? You should really experience this for yourself, and Postcard Academy listeners can get 5% off with the code POSTCARD18. Visit postcardacademy.co for photos and more. Thank you for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Tue, July 03, 2018
Skopje, Macedonia: What to See and Where to Eat in the Land of Coffee & Kitsch
Hi, from Macedonia! Today I’m chatting with my Airbnb host, Sofia Grozdanova , who’s become my Macedonian sister. I’m sharing her apartment in Skopje’s bohemian district and I feel so at home in her place and in this neighborhood. And her room is $12 a night. What?! If you’re new to Airbnb, take advantage of my friends and family discount . Sofia is from Skopje but she lived in New York for a few years, going to school and working. When she decided to come back to the Balkans, she was able to keep her job in NYC and now works remotely. So, she could work from anywhere but she chooses Skopje and in this episode we will discuss why, including all of her favorite places to eat and drink in Macedonia’s capital city, plus day trips such as the UNESCO town Ohrid. We’ll also talk about the crazy and corrupt Skopje 2014 redevelopment project, which has turned downtown into Vegas on steroids, and explain Macedonia’s (very controversial) potential name change. Check out postcardacademy.co for links and photos. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard Airbnb will be matching donations to the International Refugee Assistance Project up to a total of $150,000 through September 30, 2018. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here .
Thu, June 21, 2018
Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Meeting People on the Road
One of the best parts of solo travel is the people you meet on the road. Lannie Su saw via Instagram that we were both in Slovenia and asked if I wanted to meet up — of course! Last week, we talked about how she’s border surfing the Schengen zone and how you can, too. This week, we’re focused more on Ljubljana’s history and great food, and the delightful day trips you can take to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and Piran. Visit postcardacademy.co to learn more about Slovenia. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Sun, June 17, 2018
How to Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days Without a Visa: Navigating the Schengen Area
Americans, Canadians, Australians, and citizens from quite a few other countries can legally stay in Europe as long as they want without needing a visa. How? By jumping in and out of the Schengen zone, which is made up of 26 member countries. In this episode, we dive deep into how to calculate your days so you’re never breaking any rules or are overstaying your 90 out of 180 continuous days anywhere. You’ll also find a break down of this info on postcardacademy.co This isn’t legal advice, so please contact the embassy of where you want to go if you have specific questions. Top take-aways from this episode: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from when you begin traveling. Always make sure immigration officials stamp your passport when you go in and out of the Schengen area. At the borders, you could be questioned about your travel plans, and border agents have the power to limit your time in a particular country based on their whims. So be nice to them and you might want to have proof of sufficient funds on you, like bank statements, cash, and credit cards. Don’t overstay 90 days in a continuous 180 day period in the Schengen Zone. You could be fined, deported, and banned from re-entering a country you love. Oh, and one more thing, if you’re border-surfing without a visa like Lannie talks about in this episode, you’re not eligible to apply for work. You’re most likely either earning a living remotely, living off your savings, or retired. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial at audibletrial.com/postcard
Sun, June 03, 2018
Animal Sanctuary Volunteering in Belize and Other Travel Updates Swapped Between Nomadic Friends
My nomadic friend Cristal Dyer and I called each other to catch up on where we are in the world, and thought we’d let you listen in. You remember Cristal from the Oaxaca, Mexico, and Travel Deal episodes of the Postcard Academy. She shares her VERY hands-on experience volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Belize and will tell you how you can get involved in the program at the Belize Zoo. We also talk about her new expat life in Mexico. I’ll be talking about where I am now (Slovenia); my new favorite beach destination to avoid the crazy crowds of Venice; and the place I visited last year that I cannot stop thinking about, and that I really think you should go to. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. Find more travel stories and guides a t postcardacademy.co This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial at audibletrial.com/postcard
Fri, May 25, 2018
Queenstown, New Zealand: What to Eat, Do, and Drink in This Stunning Wine Region
Today we are talking to my friend Ting Zhang, a New Yorker who now lives in Queenstown, New Zealand — birthplace of bungee jumping and fantastic pinot noir. In a previous life, Ting had an awesome job as a global product lead at Google in New York City. On paper she had everything, but when she took a step back a few years ago, she realized what she really wanted to do was travel. So, she packed up everything and embarked on a world tour. She originally only planned on visiting Queenstown for a few days, but now she lives there permanently and you will love hearing the story about what kept her there. Of course, she also shares her insider tips on where to find the best dining, hiking, and drinking options in this boutique wine region of the world. The Postcard Academy podcast is hosted by me, Sarah Mikutel . You can sign up for my newsletter here , if you so please. And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. Find more travel stories and guides at postcardacademy.co
Sat, May 19, 2018
World War II & Cold War History: What to Know Before You Visit Berlin
For decades, Germany has been reckoning with and atoning for its dark past. Museums, monuments, and educational programs teach tourists and locals about World War II and the nazis, and the Cold War and Berlin Wall. In last week’s ‘What to Eat and Where to Go’ Berlin episode , we touched on how important historical tourism is in Berlin, and, today, Chloe Dalrymple, a British expat and tour guide for Insider Tour, and I are diving deeper into World War II and the Cold War (visit postcardacademy.co for show notes). Obviously, these are huge topics. I’m currently listening to The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich on Audible and that alone is 57 hours long, so we’re only scratching the surface here. But hopefully this quick and dirty primer will help you get your historical bearings before you travel to Berlin. You might not want to listen with little kids, as we will be talking about one of the worst human atrocities of all time, but I will spare you the most horrific details. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
Sun, May 06, 2018
Berlin Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Europe’s ‘Poor but Sexy’ City
Photographer, potter, and globe maker Chloe Dalrymple fits right in with Berlin’s creative scene. A native Brit, Chloe has lived in Berlin for three years and spends her days guiding visitors around her adopted city as a freelance tour guide, primarily with Insider Tour. There’s so much to talk about, so I’m breaking this episode up into two parts. Today, you’ll learn more about Chloe and get her insider trips on the best places to eat and hang out in the city. In part 2, we’ll dive more into Berlin’s Nazi and Cold War past, which is a big part of tourism here. Visit postcardacademy.co for a list of Chloe's great Berlin travel recommendations . If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
Sat, April 28, 2018
A Quick Hello, Plus Free Audio Tours Until May 31
Hi. I’m trapped in no-wifi land at the moment. Just wanted to say a quick hello and let you know that my favorite audio walking tour app — Detour — is offering free audio tours until May 31 . I wrote a review of Detour a few months ago, which you can read here . Unfortunately, Detour has been purchased by Bose and the future of this great walking tour app is unclear. After May 31, the Detour app will stop working. Until then, have an awesome time exploring the world’s best cities with Detour. Even if you don’t live near one of the cities offered, you can still listen remotely and soak in some great storytelling. Have a great week and talk to you in a few days. Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Visit postcardacademy.co for more travel guides and stories.
Fri, April 20, 2018
Volunteering Abroad: Should You Do It? And Other Ways to be a Responsible Traveler
Shannon O’Donnell, an American who’s been traveling the world since 2008, literally wrote The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook. Over the years, her website A Little Adrift has become one of the best resources for responsible tourism. NPR, National Geographic, the BBC, and other news outlets have covered Shannon, and her own writing and photography have appeared in BBC Travel, USA Today, Lonely Planet, and other places. Shannon launched A Little Adrift’s sister website Grassroots Volunteering to connect travelers to local causes and communities. In recognition of her incredible work, in 2013 National Geographic named her “Traveler of the Year.” In this episode, you’ll learn volunteer dos and don’ts, why most people shouldn’t volunteer while traveling, and why supporting social enterprises is usually a better way to support local communities. We also chat about Shannon’s new life as an expat in Barcelona. Visit postcardacademy.co for links to what we talk about . If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
Sat, April 14, 2018
#vanlife Where to Go to the Bathroom and Other Van Life Tips and Essentials
Last year, The New Yorker ran an article titled #vanlife, the Bohemian Social-Media Movement: What began as an attempt at a simpler life quickly became a life-style brand . And it's true, if you look up #vanlife on Instagram, you’ll find nearly 3 million photos of perfect couples driving through the desert or drinking beer on top of their vehicle. But there are also tons of people choosing to live in vans or RVs or old bread trucks because they want a simpler life. Fewer things. More experiences. Jema Patterson talked about her van life experience with us on the house-sitting episode a few weeks back. Today, we are taking a deeper dive into van life. We’ll hear more from Jema, and also from new guest Casey Sheppard , from Case of the Nomads. Casey spent two years living in a van with her dog, India, before embarking on her latest adventure, biking all the way across New Zealand. She just finished her 30-day, 3,000 km bike ride. But she still made time to chat about travel and the ins and outs of van life. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Visit postcardacademy.co for more travel guides and stories. Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
Thu, April 05, 2018
Epic Group Travel Experiences for Those Who Hate Group Travel
Have you ever wanted to try solo travel, but you’re not quite ready? But the idea of group travel sounds too crowded and rushed? Dan Pierson founded the Bolt Collective , a travel community that could be just right for you. Dan’s bringing together kind-hearted, curiosity-filled people to help them access travel experiences that might be too expensive if they did them on their own. Think of the Bolt Collective as group travel for people who hate group travel. He’s already taken a diverse group of people on some incredible adventures, celebrating New Year’s Eve on the beach in Oaxaca and dining in an igloo they built on a ski adventure in British Colombia. An expert in designing experiences, Dan works with companies like Airbnb, and led Travel Partnerships at the ride-sharing service Lyft. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Visit postcardacademy.co for travel guides, tips, and inspiration. Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
Wed, March 28, 2018
Stockholm Travel Guide: What to Eat and Where to Go in Sweden’s Capital City
This year’s World Happiness Report just came out and once again, all the Scandinavian countries are at the top of the list. The one I haven’t been to yet is Sweden, so today I am speaking with Eric Wall, an American artist living in Stockholm, to get his advice on the best things to see and do in Sweden’s capital city. Stockholm is actually made up of 14 islands, and Gamla Stan, its old town, is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval historic centers. Eric and I talk all about the delicious baked goods you must try, the museums you can’t miss, and other ideas to make your trip to Stockholm a great one. Eric hosts the podcast By The Way: A Contemporary Art News Podcast, and co-founded Cultural Bandwidth , a podcast network about art, so of course we’ll share where to find the best art when visiting Stockholm. Find links to places we discuss in this episode at postcardacademy.co If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo ❤️
Tue, March 20, 2018
How to House-Sit Your Way Around the World and Other Free Accommodation Travel Tips
Travel expert Jema Patterson from the site 'Half the Clothes' discusses how to house-sit around the world and other free accommodation travel tips on this week’s episode of the Postcard Academy ( visit postcardacademy.co for detailed show notes ). We break down the best and worst house-sitting sites, how to write a profile that will get homeowners to choose you, and other important information you need to get into house-sitting. Even if you find the idea of living in someone else’s house insane, hopefully you’ll still get some educational value out of this episode. Jema has been wandering the globe non-stop since 2010 and just started a podcast called Ticket 2 Blog, the no-BS podcast about how to be a blogger and a nomad (without losing your mind or selling your soul). We literally talked for hours, so I narrowed down our conversation to focus on house-sitting, work exchanges, and other ways to score cheap or free accommodation around the world. In other news, I just wrote a blog post on Medium titled Women Don’t Need to be in Crisis to Travel . Not long ago, a guy asked me if I was traveling so much because I had a divorce to work through. It was an innocent question. And who can blame him for it? Most films and books about female travelers are about women in crisis struggling to find themselves. Yes, those stories are important and have inspired many people. But a lot of us already know who we are. In fact, that’s a big reason why I started this podcast — to share more stories of women who are out there exploring this world simply because they want to. My guest today is one of those fun and fierce women. The Postcard Academy podcast is hosted by me, Sarah Mikutel . You can sign up for my newsletter here , if you so please. And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.
Mon, March 12, 2018
Mexican Food Lovers’ Paradise: Oaxaca
Mole, memelas, and mezcal — oh my! If you enjoy Mexican food, you will fall madly in love with Oaxaca, Mexico. In this episode of the Postcard Academy podcast, my favorite travel expert, Cristal Dyer, and I eat our way through one of the world’s best gastronomic regions. You’ll learn where to find the best food and drink in Oaxaca’s capital city, and how to entertain yourself during a four- or five-day stay in this gloriously sunny and colorful UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also talk about our experience staying in a youth hostel when we’re no longer youths, an awkward yet hilarious encounter with restaurant management, and acquiring a taste for mezcal. Seriously, why aren’t we all living in Oaxaca? I’m already planning my return. Your travel itinerary to Oaxaca is waiting for you at postcardacademy.co If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Fri, February 09, 2018
Colombia Guide: Traveling to Bogota, Cartagena, and Beyond
There’s a reason Colombia is at the top of so many ‘must-see’ travel lists this year. Forget about Pablo Escobar. This beautiful — and affordable — Latin American country has moved on. Get ready for some beautiful colonial villages, Caribbean coast, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In this episode, American expat Andrew Dier, who’s also author of some of the most popular books on visiting Colombia , chats to us about the villages we should see, the empanadas we should eat…everything we need to know to enjoy a vacation in Colombia, from Bogota to Cartagena and beyond. ( for photos and links, visit postcardacademy.co ) I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Wed, January 31, 2018
Living Abroad: How to Have a Better Life for Half the Price
There’s one question that American listeners of this show keep asking: How can I live abroad? It often feels like you’re stuck at home if you’re not from the EU or a Commonwealth country. But there’s hope! You have options to live abroad that don’t involve marrying some random. In this episode, I talk to Tim Leffel, a travel writer and author of A Better Life for Half the Price . We get into specific options that are open to you, how to test out a country before committing, the questions you need to ask yourself before becoming an expat, and more. Thanks to this conversation, I’ve added a few more countries to my ‘must visit’ list for this year. I hope find some inspiration, too. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Sun, January 21, 2018
Romania Guide: Traveling to Bucharest, Transylvania, and Beyond
How much do you know about Romania? If you’re like most people, the answer is almost nothing. On this episode, Debbie Stowe enlightens us about this former Communist country filled with castles, cobblestones, and Dracula impersonators. Debbie is a native Londoner who’s been living in Romania since 2002. She wrote the Culture Smart Essential Guide to Romania and several other books, and pens expat articles and reviews for Bucharest’s Business Review. We talk about where to find the best food, music, and museums when traveling in Bucharest and beyond. And Debbie shares some hilarious cultural shock stories that are truly cringe-worthy — especially if you’re a Brit. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 For more insider travel tips, visit postcardacademy.co Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Fri, January 12, 2018
New Month, New City: Why Bridesmaid for Hire Jen Glantz and BF Adam Kossoff Call a New Place Home Every 30 Days
Author Jen Glantz — you may know her as the world’s first Bridesmaid for Hire — and her boyfriend Adam Kossoff don’t always know where they’re headed, but they know it will be a different city every 30 days. A few months ago, they gave up their New York City apartments to become digital nomads who would spend every month experiencing life in a different American city. We pack a lot into this episode, including dealing with getting laid off, starting over, building a location independent lifestyle, making friends in a new city, fun things to do in Portland, and more. Of course, we talk about what a Bridesmaid for Hire is!! Visit postcardacademy.co to see a video of Jen at SXSW, where she talks about how she built her brand and offers lots of actionable tips to do this yourself. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Have a beautiful week, wherever you are ❤️ Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Thu, January 04, 2018
New York Guide: Advice for Women in the 1930s Versus Today
In the last episode, we talked about how the Great Depression had positives for many women. Because of the financial crisis, people were putting off marriage and single women were going to work, and living and traveling independently for the first time. They needed advice, and 1930s author Marjorie Hillis became their celebrated guru to the single girl. In this episode, I continue my conversation with Joanna Scutts, who just published a book on Marjorie’s life titled: “The Extra Woman: How Marjorie Hillis Led a Generation of Women to Live Alone and Like It.” Today, we’re sharing some New York travel advice — what women would have heard in the 1930s, and then some updates based on Joanna’s recommendations. Enter to win a copy of Joanna’s book before January 10, 2018, by going to postcardacademy.co/extra-woman If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 For more insider travel tips, visit postcardacademy.co Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Fri, December 29, 2017
New York’s First Celebrity Single Girl (Hint: It’s Not Carrie Bradshaw)
Before the TV series Girls or Sex and the City , Marjorie Hillis was America’s favorite bachelorette. But she wasn’t fretting about finding ‘the one.’ She was teaching women how to stand on their own two feet and enjoy their independence — and this was in the 1930s. An editor at Vogue , Marjorie enjoyed living by herself, living by her own rules, and she wrote several guidebooks, including How to Live Alone and Like It , for women joining the workforce during the Depression. Present-day author Joanna Scutts joins me on the Postcard Academy podcast to discuss her new book on Marjorie titled The Extra Woman: How Marjorie Hillis Led a Generation of Women to Live Alone and Like It . We explore Marjorie’s unlikely rise to celebrated guru to the single girl; New York life in the 1930s and 40s; why Marjorie’s advice is more relevant than ever; and why even President Roosevelt was photographed reading her book. Enter to win a copy of Joanna’s book on Marjorie before January 10, 2018, by going to postcardacademy.co/extra-woman If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Tue, December 19, 2017
From Grape Picker to Vineyard Owner: An Interview with Amelia Ceja
When flames were scorching the Napa and Sonoma Valley wine regions in October, vineyard owner Amelia Ceja was speaking up for the California farm workers she saw picking grapes in the smoke. Amelia is the first Mexican-American woman ever elected president of a winery, and she was once a farm worker herself. Amelia immigrated to America in 1967. Her father had come a few years earlier as part of an agreement between the United States and Mexico, which sent millions of laborers north of the border. With the Vietnam War going on, the U.S. had a labor shortage and needed people to work the fields. I had to learn more about this woman who came to America without knowing English, and who went on to become the owner of a multi-million dollar winery. In this episode, we talk about pairing wine and Mexican cuisine; Amelia meeting Cesar Chavez; her involvement in helping the Smithsonian National Museum of American History tell a more diverse American story, and more. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover the show. 🤗 For more insider travel tips, visit postcardacademy.co Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Fri, December 08, 2017
Slovenia Guide: Traveling to Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and Beyond
Have you ever seen a photo so beautiful, you thought, “I’m going here.” I feel that way about Lake Bled in Slovenia, which is one of the six former socialist republics of Yugoslavia. This summer I traveled through a few of those other countries: Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Montegro, but I ran out of time to see Slovenia. Now I’m kicking myself because, increasingly, stunning photos of this hidden gem are cropping up everywhere. That’s it. In 2018, I’m making a trip happen! So I called up Slovenian expert Noah Charney for a little background research. Noah is an American writer and art history professor who has lived in Slovenia since 2006. He’s written several books, including The Art Thief , which was an international success. Most recently, he wrote Slovenology: Living and Traveling in the World’s Best Country . In this episode, we chat about Noah’s life in Slovenia, and come up with some great ideas on what to eat, drink, and do when traveling through its capital, Ljubljana, and Beyond. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this show to a friend. If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover us. 🤗 For more insider travel tips, visit postcardacademy.co Instagram , Twitter , Facebook
Thu, November 30, 2017
What to Eat in Istanbul and Beyond
After last week’s conversation with Artful Baker author Cenk Sönmezsoy, I wanted to dive a little deeper into Turkish food, so I contacted Robyn Eckhart, author of the new book: Istanbul and Beyond, named one of this fall’s top 10 cookbooks by Publisher’s Weekly. Robyn writes about food and travel in Asia and Europe for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Lonely Planet, and other publications. She also publishes the award-winning food blog EatingAsia with her husband, photographer David Hagerman. In this episode, we discuss how Turkey’s diverse geography influences the diet of the different regions, from the leafy greens of the Black Sea coast to the chili peppers of Hatay province. We also talk about what you should eat in Istanbul and Beyond and where to go to find the best food in Turkey. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this episode to a friend. You can follow Postcard Academy on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts . This helps people discover us. 🤗
Thu, November 23, 2017
Turkish Delight: An Interview with Artful Baker Author Cenk Sönmezsoy
Happy Thanksgiving to all the American listeners! If you haven’t made dessert yet, check out The Artful Baker, the most luscious baking book you’ll ever feast your eyes on. In today’s episode, I talk to its author, Cenk Sönmezsoy, an award-winning blogger, photographer, and food stylist based in İstanbul. We chat about the success of his 11-year-old food blog, Cafe Fernando ; why he’s obsessed with the Golden Girls; Dolce & Gabbana requesting a brownie recipe; travel inspirations; foods you must try when you travel to Istanbul; and more. You’ll find interview highlights, and a mouthwatering recipe on postcardacademy.co If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this episode to a friend. You can follow Postcard Academy on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on iTunes . This helps people discover us. 🤗
Thu, November 16, 2017
Hipster London: An Interview with Emoji Expert Jeremy Burge
We’re exploring hipster London with Jeremy Burge. Since moving to London from Australia a few years ago, Jeremy has turned a side-project creating an emoji dictionary into a full-time career. Today, Emojipedia gets about 25 million visits a month 🎉 Jeremy’s part of the secret squad that makes the rules about which emojis are available to us. We have a fun conversation about the evolution of emojis, and World Emoji Day 📅, which he invented (this year the Empire State Building’s lights turned yellow in recognition). Jeremy also shares his favorite London travel recommendations. Coffee, bikes, Google campus. It’s a London hipster paradise. Links to what we discuss can be found on postcardacademy.co If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and forward this episode to a friend. You can follow Postcard Academy on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on iTunes . This helps people discover us. 🤗
Tue, November 07, 2017
Paris Travel: Insider Advice on the Best Dining, Drinks, and Shopping
Bestselling author and Paris resident Lindsey Tramuta says that for a time, Paris had become prisoner to its own grand history. While chefs and artists in other countries innovated, Paris rested on its laurels, serving up mediocre food and experiences to tourists seeking a cliche. In this episode of the Postcard Academy, I talk to Lindsey about her book, ‘The New Paris.’ 🇫🇷 Lindsey’s book champions the creative class that’s rejecting complacency. Inspired by the creativity they see in other countries, and disillusioned by the financial crisis, artisans and entrepreneurs are striking out on their own. We talk about the people and places making Paris a contemporary city bursting with energy 🇫🇷 In this ultimate Paris guide, you’ll learn more about Lindsey, an expat from Philadelphia, and hear where to go in Paris for the best food, cocktails, shopping, and so much more. Links to everything we discussed can be found on postcardacademy.co If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and tell a friend about the Postcard Academy podcast. You can follow Postcard Academy on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on iTunes . This helps people discover us. 🤗
Tue, October 31, 2017
What to Eat in Rome: A Fascinating History of Italian Cuisine
When in Rome, of course you need to order pasta and pizza. But there’s also street food and a blossoming cocktail culture to try. Food and drink expert Katie Parla, a Jersey girl based in Rome, provides a fascinating crash course on the history of Roman cuisine in her cookbook Tasting Rome . On this episode, Katie explains Rome’s rich culinary history, and shares insider advice on what to eat in Rome, as well as where to find the best dishes. Links to everything we discussed can be found on postcardacademy.co I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . If you so desire, you can sign up for my newsletter here . And thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard
Tue, October 24, 2017
How to Find the Cheapest Flights and Travel Deals
At 18, Cristal Dyer left Australia on her first solo trip, venturing to South America where she volunteered for a year. Since then, she's become a full-time traveler. She shared her secrets to finding the cheapest flights and other travel deals with the Postcard Academy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to find and take advantage of error fares (and what these mistake fares actually are); the best sites to find cheap airfare; where to book accommodation to rack up free nights; ideas to find local activities wherever you visit, and more. Cristal also shares some fantastic advice on what to look out for if you want to save money on traveling while giving back through global volunteering. Links to everything we discussed can be found on postcardacademy.co If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and forward this episode to a friend. You can follow Postcard Academy on Instagram , Twitter , and Facebook . If you’re feeling especially kind, please leave a review on iTunes . This helps people discover us. 😊
Tue, October 17, 2017
Traveling to Dublin: What to Do, Eat, Buy (and Drink!)
For years, Dublin’s Irish charm kept tempting back Italian freelance food journalist Veruska Anconitano. First she stayed for a few days, then a week, a month. Finally, in 2007 she and her husband left Rome permanently to live in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. In this episode of the Postcard Academy, we hear Veruska's top insider recommendations on what to do in Dublin, as well as where to eat, shop, and go out at night when you travel to Dublin. Links to all of Veruska’s Irish favorites can be found on postcardacademy.co You can follow Veruska on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and of course, on Veruska's food blog . Subscribe to the Postcard Academy podcast for more insider travel tips and advice from adventurous souls living the dream.
Mon, October 09, 2017
Introducing the Postcard Academy Travel & Culture Podcast
Welcome to the Postcard Academy Each week, I feature people who packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world 🌎 You'll learn how they did it, and get insider access to the best food, culture, and travel recommendations from expats, authors, and other adventurous souls around the globe 🍴 💃 You'll also discover travel hacks to find cheap flights and travel deals, and hear personal expat stories that offer guidance on how to live, work, volunteer, and travel abroad ✌️ I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American who's spent the last 7 years traveling around Europe and living and working abroad in Italy and the U.K. 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇮🇹 Visit postcardacademy.co for travel guides and stories. I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel . Ready to travel? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare . Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best. This podcast is brought to you by Audible . Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via audibletrial.com/postcard This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance Thank you to Six Miles High Design for creating the brilliant Postcard Academy logo.
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