Why This American Mom Was Stunned By French Maternity Care (And You Will Be Too!)
Release Date: 04/25/2025
Could You Live in Bali? Here’s What It’s Really Like
Expat Focus
Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali “gap year” into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home. She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of...
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Financial Planning Essentials For Americans Living Overseas
Expat Focus
Financial advisor Tom Zachystal joins the Expat Focus Podcast to break down what Americans need to think about financially before moving abroad. As President of International Asset Management — and an expat himself — Tom shares practical guidance based on decades of experience helping US citizens navigate life overseas. Tom explains why Americans can never fully “leave” the US tax system, how citizenship-based taxation, FATCA, and FBAR reporting affect expats, and why many banks now hesitate to work with Americans living abroad. He also explores common banking challenges, transferring...
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What Is Life In Spain Really Like For Expats?
Expat Focus
What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it’s the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas. James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common...
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How To Choose The Best Country For Your Move Abroad
Expat Focus
Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities. In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts “dream destinations,”...
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Untangling French Bureaucracy: How A Relocation Concierge Can Help
Expat Focus
Relocation concierge Ashley Sourci joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to France — and tackling the country’s infamous bureaucracy. Originally from California, Ashley shares how she fell in love with French life, the challenges she faced setting up on her own, and why she now helps others navigate the endless paperwork and catch-22s of settling in. She explains what a relocation concierge does, the difference between standard relocation services and her high-touch “handholding” approach, and why even locals struggle with French administration. Ashley also breaks down...
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Why Expats Trust Mexico For Affordable, Modern Healthcare
Expat Focus
American blogger Kirsten Raccuia returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to share her experiences with healthcare in Mexico. After relocating from Malaysia with her husband, Kirsten has navigated everything from pharmacy visits to surgery — and she opens up about the realities of medical care as a foreign resident. She explains why Mexico is a hub for medical tourism, how costs compare with the USA, and what expats should know about insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Kirsten also highlights cultural differences in patient care, the role of word-of-mouth in finding trusted doctors, and the...
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Living In London: How One American Made It Work
Expat Focus
Jordan Giberson joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share her journey from Austin, Texas to London, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From turning down a safe job offer at home to pursuing her dream of living in the UK, Jordan talks about navigating visas, surviving lockdown as a new arrival, and adapting to British culture. She opens up about the challenges of residency rules, what Americans should know about healthcare in the UK, and how her perspective has shifted after nearly six years abroad. Jordan also reflects on cultural quirks, why she feels more at home in London now, and...
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How Restoring A 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse Changed Everything For This American Expat
Expat Focus
Barbara Boyle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss her move from a high-flying advertising career in the US to a tranquil life in Monforte d’Alba, a small town in Italy’s Piedmont region. Barbara shares what it was like to renovate a 300-year-old stone barn with zero Italian, embrace the local slow food culture, and become part of a tight-knit rural community. She also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and why she returned to the US for treatment, and reflects on the joys and challenges of expat life. Her new memoir, 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse',...
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Why Learning Danish Is Harder Than You Think (But Worth It For Expats)
Expat Focus
Sigga Hansen joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share honest insights about learning Danish as an expat. As founder of Lingua Danica and one of Denmark's most experienced Danish teachers, she reveals why Danish is trickier than expected - and why it's essential for truly experiencing Danish life. Key Insights: Why Germans learn Danish faster than Swedes (surprising but true!) The pronunciation challenges that trip up most learners Why Copenhageners immediately switch to English The "hidden Denmark" you'll miss if you only speak English Real language learning strategies that work beyond apps ...
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Why This American Mom Was Stunned By French Maternity Care (And You Will Be Too!)
Expat Focus
Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world. Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. You'll hear about the French...
info_outlineEver wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world.
Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.
You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!).
Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language!
#expatlife #moveabroad #france
00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback
00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris
01:38 Sarah's Journey to France
04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France
07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care
11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation
15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans
18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience
29:04 Quick Birth Experience
30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery
32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges
34:26 Support from Nursing Staff
38:04 Navigating French Healthcare
42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy
52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits
54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources
Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com
Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis