Untold Secrets of Living Overseas

Hosted by Shawna Lum

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Untold Secrets of Living Overseas is your go-to podcast for all things related to moving abroad, remote working, and a digital nomad lifestyle. Join us every week as we interview entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and remote workers, uncovering their best-kept insider tips and tricks for a successful and happy life overseas. Hosted by Shawna Lum, a digital who left the US to explore vibrant Spanish culture and now she helps others live their dream lives abroad. Get inspired by her journey at https://moveoverseasnow.com/ Follow her on IG @shawnalumm: https://www.instagram.com/shawnalumm/

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37 recent

June 12, 202629 min

Apostille Explained: How to Get Your Documents Ready for Your Visa Application

One missing document can delay your visa application, derail your timeline, and create unnecessary stress during your move abroad.In this episode we sit down with Bernice Williams, founder of BWilliams Notary and the trusted apostille expert helping Move Overseas Now clients prepare their documents for Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and beyond. Bernice has over 20 years of experience as a notary and has helped countless Americans navigate the often-confusing world of apostilles, FBI background checks, notarizations, and document authentication.In this episode, you'll learn:📋 What an apostille is and why it's required for many visa applications⚖️ The difference between federal and state apostilles🚀 How Bernice helps clients get FBI background checks apostilled in as little as 10 business days🌎 How to get documents notarized even when you're already living abroad📄 Which documents commonly require notarization and apostilles for visas💡 Common mistakes that can delay your application process✈️ How proper document preparation can save time, money, and stress during your move abroadI also shares real stories from my own move abroad journey and explain why having the right support can make the difference between a smooth visa process and months of frustration.If you're planning to move to Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, or another country that requires apostilled documents, this episode is essential listening.✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes.🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/

May 19, 202634 min

From the U.S. to the Netherlands: A Family’s DAFT Visa Plan + Scouting Trip Insights

What does it really look like to move your entire family to Europe?In this episode, I sit down with David & Lisa — members of the Move Overseas Now Academy — who are preparing to relocate from Georgia, USA to the Netherlands with their 3-year-old son.They just returned from a scouting trip, and what they learned might save you months of trial and error.We dive into:- Why they chose the Netherlands (and why it surprised them)- What they learned from their scouting trip — neighborhoods, lifestyle, costs- How Lisa is transitioning from sex therapist → Sex Coach under the DAFT Visa- David’s path as a research engineer and how it fits into their move- Moving abroad with a young child — what to expect- How the DAFT Visa works and why it’s one of the best options for AmericansThis episode is packed with real, honest insights from a family who is actively in the process — not just dreaming, but doing.If you're thinking about relocating with a partner, changing careers abroad, or building a life in Europe as a family… this episode will give you a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes.Connect with Lisa:Lisa Jo Therapy: https://www.lisajotherapy.com/Substack: https://pillowtalkpro.substack.com/Lisa's sexual wellness store (Adults only): https://lisajosspot.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaJosSpot/✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes.🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/

May 18, 202651 min

How to Move to Thailand on a Digital Nomad Visa: Real Costs, Visa Process & Expat Life

In this inspiring episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, I sit down with Kelsey Bueno — a Canadian entrepreneur who left behind the stress, burnout, and high costs of life in Canada to build an entirely new life in Thailand. Two years later, she’s living in Koh Samui, married, running her own business, and helping others align their work and life through Human Design. We dive into:- Why she knew deep down she was meant to leave Canada- How Thailand unexpectedly became “home”- The real cost of living in Thailand vs. North America- How she got approved for Thailand’s 5-year Digital Nomad Visa- Finding love and community abroad- Why burnout and hustle culture pushed her to reinvent her life- What daily life in Koh Samui actually looks likeKelsey also shares powerful insights about freedom, creativity, Human Design, and how changing your environment can completely transform your mindset, relationships, and future. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or secretly wondering if there’s more out there for you… this episode might just be the sign you needed.Get in touch with Kelsey:https://www.instagram.com/copykels/✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes.🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): ⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/

April 30, 20261 hr 13 min

How to Move to Germany on a Self-Employment Visa with Danielle Fisser

Danielle Fisser, a Breathwork facilitator, Transformation Coach, and multidisciplinary artist who made the bold move from California to Berlin using Germany’s Self-Employment (Freelance) Visa shares how she turned her creative path into a sustainable life abroad—while staying deeply aligned with her purpose, freedom, and self-expression.Danielle breaks down everything from financial requirements and visa application strategy to finding housing, registering your address (Anmeldung), and opening a bank account. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or remote worker, this episode gives you both the mindset and the roadmap to build a life in Europe on your own terms.In this episode, you’ll learn:- How the Germany Self-Employment (Freelance) Visa works- The exact financial requirements and documents you’ll need- How to find housing in Berlin and complete your Anmeldung- What it takes to open a German bank account as a foreigner- Why Danielle chose Germany—and how it supports her lifestyle- How to turn your creative skills into a sustainable life abroadConnect with Danielle:https://www.instagram.com/daniellefisser/https://daniellefisser.com/✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about moving to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to navigate visas, finances, and relocation step-by-step—without wasting months researching or making costly mistakes.🎟 Save your free spot (limited seats): https://moveoverseasnow.com/abroad-in-a-year-masterclass-live/

April 9, 202643 min

How to Move to Spain on a Student Visa in Under 6 Months with Parrie Hartley

In this episode, we sit down with Parrie Hartley, who made a bold move from Austin, Texas to Barcelona, Spain on a student visa—in under six months. Parrie opens up about feeling unfulfilled, bored, and stuck in a repetitive routine, and how one trip to France completely shifted how she saw herself and her life. Being abroad showed her a version of herself she genuinely liked—and she knew she couldn’t ignore that feeling.Parrie walks us through exactly how she made the move happen, from selling nearly everything she owned to organizing her visa paperwork in just four weeks. She shares why Spain felt like the right choice, how past travels to Barcelona influenced her decision, and what it was like getting her visa approved just three days before her flight. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels the pull to leave the U.S., wants a realistic path to Europe, and needs proof that moving abroad doesn’t have to take years. In this episode, you’ll learn:How Parrie moved from Texas to Barcelona on a Spain student visaWhy feeling “bored but comfortable” can be the biggest wake-up callHow a short trip abroad can completely change your sense of identityWhat documents are required for the Spain student visa (and how long it really takes)How selling everything created freedom instead of fearWhat it feels like to bet on yourself—and have it all come togetherConnect with Parrie:https://www.instagram.com/parrierose/✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠

February 26, 202638 min

How to Move Abroad to Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa with Young Kim

What happens when you decide not just to move abroad… but to bring your whole family with you?In this inspiring episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, I sit down with Young Kim, who made the bold leap from Los Angeles to Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa — alongside his wife and their 16-month-old daughter.We talk about what it really takes to relocate as a young family, including:Why they chose Italy over other destinationsThe step-by-step Digital Nomad Visa processNavigating life abroad with a toddlerFinancial planning and income requirementsAdjusting to Italian culture as a familyThe mindset shift required to make a big international moveYoung shares the honest realities — the fears, the logistics, and the incredible rewards of raising a child abroad and designing a lifestyle aligned with freedom, family, and purpose.If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I move overseas with kids?” — this episode will show you that the answer might be yes.✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠⁠

February 26, 202654 min

How to Move to Portugal on the D7 Visa with David & Jana

In this episode of Untold Secrets of Living Overseas, I sit down with David and his wife Jana, who made the bold move to Portugal using the D7 Visa — one of Europe’s most powerful pathways for remote workers, retirees, and passive income earners.We dive into:Why they chose Portugal (and why it felt like the right fit)The step-by-step D7 Visa process and what surprised themFinancial requirements and how they preparedFinding housing and building community in PortugalAdjusting to Portuguese culture and daily lifeTheir biggest lessons learned along the wayThey share the honest behind-the-scenes reality — from paperwork stress to that unforgettable moment when they realized, “We actually live in Portugal now.”If you’re considering the D7 Visa or dreaming of a slower, sunnier life in Europe, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next step.✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠⁠

February 9, 202623 min

How to Move Abroad With Your Pet: A Step-by-Step Guide with Pet-Express

In this essential episode, we sit down with Jane Barahona, Manager of the EU–UK Relocation Team at Pet-Express Animal Transportation (https://pet-express.com/). Jane shares expert insight into what it really takes to move your dog or cat from the United States to Europe smoothly, safely, and without unnecessary stress. If your pet is part of your family (and we know they are), this episode is a must-listen before you move abroad.We break down the full pet relocation process, including required documents, timelines, vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, and common mistakes that can delay or derail your move. Jane explains how professional pet relocation services simplify complex international regulations and help ensure your pet arrives happy, healthy, and compliant. In this episode, you’ll learn:The exact requirements to move pets from the U.S. to EuropeWhich vaccines, microchips, and health documents are mandatoryHow long the pet relocation process really takesCommon pet relocation mistakes and how to avoid themDifferences between EU and UK pet import rulesHow Pet-Express creates smooth, stress-free pet relocationsWhether you’re relocating to the EU or the UK, this conversation gives you clarity and peace of mind. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠

February 9, 202651 min

How to Move to Spain on the Digital Nomad Visa with Jennifer Cody Kemp

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Cody Kemp, who successfully moved to Spain using the Digital Nomad Visa. Jennifer shares her personal experience navigating the process, from deciding Spain was the right fit to understanding the legal and lifestyle realities of living and working abroad. Her story offers a grounded, honest look at what it actually takes to make a move like this happen.We talk through how the Spain Digital Nomad Visa works, who it’s for, and what life looks like once you’re on the ground. Jennifer breaks down common misconceptions, lessons learned along the way, and what she wishes she had known before applying. If you’re a remote worker dreaming of Europe but unsure how to do it legally and sustainably, this episode delivers clarity and confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the Spain Digital Nomad Visa works in real lifeWhat qualifies you (and what doesn’t) for the visaWhat the application process is actually likeThe biggest challenges and surprises after moving to SpainHow remote work enables long-term life abroadPractical advice for digital nomads considering SpainWhether you’re relocating to the EU or the UK, this conversation gives you clarity and peace of mind. ✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠⁠

February 9, 202649 min

How to Find Your Italian Dream Home with Walter Di Lello from Italy Semplice

In this episode, we sit down with Walter Di Lello, an Italy-born travel professional whose life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. After growing up in northern Italy with a passion for culture and travel, Walter nearly completed his move to the U.S. on a Green Card—until time spent in southern Italy revealed a slower, richer way of living that changed everything. That moment led him to choose Italy not just as home, but as a calling.Walter shares how his experiences as a tour guide, travel tech leader, and real estate professional shaped his unique perspective on relocation and lifestyle design. Today, through Italy Semplice, he helps English-speaking expats navigate bureaucracy, find dream homes, and fully integrate into Italian life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that moving abroad isn’t just about geography—it’s about choosing authenticity, connection, and a life that actually feels good.In this episode, you’ll learn:How slow living in regions like Molise can transform your quality of lifeWhat international expats really struggle with when moving to ItalyHow to navigate Italian bureaucracy with clarity and confidenceThe importance of culture, community, and genuine connection abroadWhat it truly means to build a life—not just a house—in ItalyConnect with Walter:https://www.italysemplice.com/Email: walter@italysemplice.comhttps://www.instagram.com/italysemplice/✈️ Ready to Make Your Move Abroad?If you’re serious about relocating to Europe or Latin America in under a year, join Shawna’s FREE Abroad in a Year Masterclass. You’ll learn how to turn the idea of living abroad into a real, actionable plan — covering visas, citizenship pathways, finances, and lifestyle design — without wasting months of research or thousands of dollars on mistakes.Save your free seat (limited spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://moveoverseasnow.com/free-masterclass-live⁠⁠