In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advice for those looking to relocate to Italy, including visa options and common mistakes to avoid. The discussion also highlights the importance of building community and integrating into Italian society. In this conversation, Thea shares her experiences of living in Italy, discussing cultural identity, parenting, and the nuances of the Italian real estate market. She reflects on her journey as a Black woman in Italy, the joys and challenges of raising a child in a different culture, and the complexities of buying property as an expatriate. Thea emphasizes the importance of curiosity, community, and taking small steps towards change, encouraging listeners to embrace their fears and pursue their dreams of living abroad.

Takeaways

• Intuition is a powerful compass. Thea followed inner nudges—not a master plan—and built a life in Italy because of it.
• You do need a visa to move to Italy. From student to digital nomad, understanding your options is essential.
• Speaking Italian matters. Language skills aren’t just helpful—they’re often necessary for work and connection.
• The job market isn’t like the U.S. Lower salaries, but higher stability—know what you’re walking into.
• Buying property won’t get you residency. Italy isn’t a “buy to stay” country. Don’t fall for the myth.
• Community is everything. From expat groups to local cafés, showing up with curiosity opens doors.
• Raising kids in Italy is beautifully communal. From pregnancy perks to pesto made by Nona—Italy moms differently.
• Fear fades when you take the next right step. Thea’s advice? Don’t wait for certainty. Start with action.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thea's Journey

01:19 Discovering Italy: A Love Story

06:03 Intuition and Life Decisions

11:44 Starting 'Doing Italy' During COVID

15:08 Navigating the Path to Italy

16:13 Visa Options for Moving to Italy

23:42 Common Mistakes When Moving to Italy

29:40 Building Community in Italy

34:39 Cultural Curiosity and Identity in Italy

37:15 Raising a Child in Italy: A Personal Journey

44:01 Navigating the Italian Real Estate Market

56:28 Embracing Change: Moving to Italy and Overcoming Fear

Connect with Thea

Website: https://www.doingitaly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitaly/

Books Referenced:

Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline Myss

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

• Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad
• Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
• Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
• Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

ENTER REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive?

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”.

They dive into why where you are matters, and how planetary lines can influence everything from career clarity to finding “the one.”

Helena shares how trusting her gut (and the stars) led her to a life-changing move abroad—and how you can use your unique astro-map to make bold, aligned decisions.

From relocation timing tips to the surprising magic of remote activation, this convo covers what most people get wrong about astrology, what not to do on your Mars line, and how moving abroad can crack you wide open in all the right ways.

Whether you're craving a fresh start, seeking your soul city, or just tired of forcing it where you are—this episode will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about moving.

Takeaways

• Astro cartography reveals the energy and stories of different locations.
• Trusting your intuition is key to personal growth.
• Jupiter and Venus lines are the most beneficial for relocation.
• Uranus lines can bring chaos and instability.
• Timing is crucial when planning travel or relocation.
• Your birth chart influences your experiences in different places.
• Small daily habits can strengthen your intuition.
• Astro cartography can help find love and career opportunities.
• You can still benefit from astro cartography even if you live far from a line.
• Listening to your inner voice can lead to fulfilling life choices. Solar Fire is recommended for astro photography software.
• Venus and Jupiter descendant lines are ideal for partnerships.
• Sun Ascendant lines provide clarity on purpose.
• IC lines are important for home and family considerations.
• Remote activation allows energy connection from a distance.
• Hiring decisions should consider astro compatibility.
• Pluto lines can have positive experiences contrary to popular belief.
• Family dynamics should be assessed through astro mapping.
• Travel experiences can reveal personal growth and challenges.
• Eclipse season brings significant global shifts and personal reflections.

Connect with Helena

Instagram

Website: https://helenawoods.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenawoods

Resource Links

Free Astrocartography Cheat Sheet: https://helenawoods.com/cheatsheet

GTFO Workshop: https://helenawoods.com/gtfo

Other Courses: helenawoods.com/courses

Book a Reading with Helena: https://helenawoods.com/readings

Reader Directory: helenawoods.com/directory

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

• Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad
• Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
• Subscribe to our free E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
• Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a successful transition. Plus, Cepee shares inspiring refresh stories from women in her network and practical advice for anyone dreaming of a bold new chapter abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Cepee's background as a child of immigrants shaped her desire for freedom.
• Her early career was marked by job hopping and a quest for meaningful work.
• The importance of community in the process of moving abroad.
• Remote work opportunities have changed the landscape for expats.
• Scouting trips are essential for making informed decisions about moving.
• Albania is an emerging destination for Americans looking to move abroad.
• Women over 30 often feel it's too late to make a big life change.
• Success stories from the She Hit Refresh community inspire others to take the leap.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.

Where to Find Cepee:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehitrefresh

Move Abroad Masterclass affiliate link:

https://shehitrefresh.kartra.com/affiliates/411713

Refresher’s Lounge Waitlist: https://www.shehitrefreshacademy.com/loungewaitlist

She Hit Refresh Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh

She Hit Refresh Podcast: https://shehitrefresh.com/category/podcast/

She Hit Refresh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHitRefresh

Resources/Links

Home Exchange (affiliate): https://spn.so/digk6ev9

Trusted Housesitters affiliate link (Use our code BHA25 for 25% off membership): trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/POzVMY

Host a Sister Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hostasister

Sabbatical Homes: https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com

About the Podcast

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Huntress of Bargain Homes Abroad

• Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad
• Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
• Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
• Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi.

Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, the surprises and challenges of settling into a new country, and the reality of building a business abroad. From housing headaches to hugs at Costco, this episode is packed with both inspiration and practical insight for anyone considering life beyond U.S. borders.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the decision to move abroad often starts with values and lifestyle
• What it takes to relocate
• The surprising struggles (and wins) of finding housing abroad
• How Expatsi is helping people find & explore their best-fit countries
• The stages of moving abroad—and why the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming

Resources & Links:

• Wondering where should you move? Take the Expatsi test: https://www.expatsi.com
• Learn more about Move Abroad Con taking place in May 2025 in San Antonio, TX. And save 10% off convention tickets with code ARMCHAIR
• Join the Expatsi Membership - Apply discount code ARMCHAIR to save 35% off the first month of membership)

Connect with Jen Barnett:

• Website: https://expatsi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expatsi

Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, Founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad

• Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad
• Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
• Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
• Join for VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership

If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info@bargain-homes.com

Enjoy this episode? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming your way.

Until next time… remember: the adventure starts right from your armchair.

What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country?

Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love.

Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical advice, and personal reflections on what it really takes to move abroad and thrive. But this show isn’t just about logistics—it’s about the inner journey, too. From identity shifts and culture shock to healing, intuition, and transformation, Armchair Expat explores how living abroad can change you in ways you never expected.

If you’re dreaming of moving to another country or curious about expat life, this podcast will inspire, inform, and guide your journey—no passport required.