How do you build strong remote teams when your colleagues come from completely different cultural backgrounds? In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we unpack the realities of cross-cultural communication in distributed teams – and why good intentions often go wrong.

Christoph Huebner and Palle Bo are joined by two seasoned experts:

• Renita Kasper, a global talent acquisition leader and remote team builder from Estonia.
• Miguel Piñas, COO and co-founder of Companio, who leads a remote-first team spanning 10+ countries.

Together, they share candid stories from their experience – from awkward email misunderstandings to successful strategies for building cultural intelligence inside companies. Whether you're managing a team or looking to land your next remote job, this episode will help you navigate the hidden cultural dynamics that shape remote work.

Key Takeaways

• Direct vs. indirect communication can make or break remote collaboration.
• Cultural awareness isn't intuitive – it requires structure, training, and ongoing feedback.
• Miscommunications often stem from differing workplace norms, not bad intentions.
• The book The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is a highly recommended resource for teams.
• Hiring for diversity means more than skills – it also requires systems that support inclusion.
• Companies should stop pushing “headquarter culture” onto international teams and co-create values instead.
• Candidates applying for remote roles should research the communication style of the company beforehand.

Relevant Links

• Miguel Piñas on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelpinas
• Renita Kasper on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/renitakasper
• Companio
  https://companio.co
• Book: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
  https://go.nomadsummit.com/book-culture-map
• Global Nomad Pass
  https://globalnomadpass.com
• Unlock a free month of Global Nomad Pass
  https://go.nomadsummit.com/gnp-podcast
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

Want to be part of the conversation? Subscribe and join us each week as we explore the future of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle.

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we’re coming to you from the heart of Bansko, Bulgaria, where digital nomads and local entrepreneurs are reshaping the town’s economy.

Host Christoph Huebner sits down with Safir Jamal, founder of Global Nomad Pass, and Hristina Zlatinova, owner of the popular café and bakery Lubanitza, to explore how intentional spending can empower communities – and why your coffee choices matter more than you think.

We talk about how digital nomads can counteract seasonality in smaller destinations, how Safir’s platform is connecting nomads to authentic local experiences, and how Hristina is building a family-run food business with global ambitions.

Whether you’re traveling the world or planning your first trip as a remote worker, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the real impact of our choices on the places we visit.

Key Takeaways

• Why spending at local businesses creates far more impact than at global chains
• How Global Nomad Pass makes it easier for travelers to support local economies
• The role digital nomads play in revitalizing off-season towns like Bansko
• Why Hristina refuses to offer Wi-Fi in her café – and how that fosters human connection
• Behind the scenes of building a nomad-focused discount platform in 25+ cities
• Plans to franchise Lubanitza and expand the reach of Bulgaria’s beloved Banitsa

Relevant Links

• Sponsor:
  Download the GigSky app from your app store or learn more at https://GigSky.com
• Global Nomad Pass
  https://globalnomadpass.com
• Safir Jamal on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/safirjamal
• Global Nomad Pass on Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/globalnomadpass
• Lubanitza on Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/lubanitza
• Find Lubanitza in Bansko
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJ7rQepUgbFVsPn9A
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

Digital nomad visas promise freedom – but are they really working the way they should? In this episode, we’re joined by Lily Szabo, a researcher, writer, and co-author of a major policy brief on nomad visa strategy. Together, we explore the past, present, and future of these visas, including what’s broken, what’s improving, and what countries are getting it right.

Lily brings a critical yet optimistic lens to the global mobility conversation, unpacking issues like bureaucratic roadblocks, cultural friction, and how countries can better integrate remote workers into their communities. Whether you're a slowmad, full-time traveler, or just nomad-curious – this episode is packed with practical insights and future-forward thinking.

Key Takeaways

• What digital nomad visas are – and why early versions failed to address the realities of remote work.
• Why Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is one of the most promising examples of policy done right.
• What governments often misunderstand about digital nomads – including common stereotypes and overlooked opportunities.
• The importance of local integration – and why cultural context matters when nomads land in a new destination.
• How countries can think in “funnels,” not gates – offering different pathways depending on nomads’ needs and goals.
• The future of nomad visas – including standardization, rural repopulation opportunities, and cosmolocal innovation.

Relevant Links

• The policy brief, co-authored by Kaisu Koskela and Lily Szabo:
  https://runomi.org/policy-briefs/digital-nomad-visa-policy-brief/
  
  Sponsor: COVRD.EE
  https://covrd.ee
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a fellow nomad – or leave a review to help others find the show. See you next week for another episode from the frontlines of location independence.

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we’re joined by Aliza Virani – a seasoned solo traveler turned relationship-builder. Together with Palle Bo and Alexandra, she unpacks the real challenges and unexpected joys of dating and building community while living as a digital nomad.

From finding love at Bansko Nomad Fest to learning how to balance personal space and shared adventures, Aliza’s insights are a must-listen for any nomad looking for connection on the road.

Key Takeaways:

• Dating as a nomad doesn’t have to be casual – be clear and honest about what you want.
• Compromise and respect are crucial when sharing close quarters while traveling.
• Nomad relationships often move faster – but don’t forget to find your own space, too.
• Building community outside your romantic relationship is key to thriving on the road.

Links:

• Nomad Summit Podcast – More episodes and resources: https://www.nomadsummit.com/podcast
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo): https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru: https://radioguru.co.uk

In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Palle and Christoph sit down with Chris Cerra, the founder of Remote Base and Digital Nomad Trip Reports. Chris shares his expert insights on the next emerging digital nomad hotspots for 2025 and beyond.

From unexpected hubs in Africa to the growing appeal of major cities like London and Barcelona, this episode covers what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what truly makes a destination stand out for nomads.

Chris also unpacks the evolving community of digital nomads, what drives their decisions today, and how to actually start this lifestyle in the simplest way possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Africa could be emerging as a potential new frontier for digital nomads, with places like Tanzania and Morocco catching attention.
• The appeal of major cities is growing as more remote workers have higher incomes and choose vibrant hubs like London and Barcelona.
• Community and adaptability are key factors separating “good” nomad destinations from truly great ones.
• The biggest hurdle to becoming a digital nomad often isn’t logistics – it’s just making the decision and booking that first flight.
• Trends like home swapping and co-living are becoming more structured and appealing as the digital nomad lifestyle matures.

Relevant Links:

• Sponsor: Visit Estonia
  https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/ and https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
• Guest: Chris Cerra – Remote Base and Digital Nomad Trip Reports
  https://remotebase.co
  https://www.digitalnomadtripreports.com
• Nomad Summit
  https://www.nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

In this episode, we talk with Maya Middlemiss – founder of Remote Work Europe and an e-Residency Envoy for Estonia – about her journey into remote work and how Europe’s unique landscape is shaping the future of digital nomadism. From the cultural quirks of working across borders to the power of in-person events like the Nomad Summit in Tallinn, Maya shares insights, challenges, and opportunities for those ready to take the leap.

We’ll also cover:

• How Maya’s own journey started as a young mother working from home in 2000
• The complexities and rich diversity of remote work in Europe
• The rise of Estonia’s e-Residency and what it means for location-independent entrepreneurs
• How to plan and thrive in the evolving world of remote work

Key Takeaways:

• How Europe’s cultural diversity shapes remote work opportunities
• Why in-person events remain crucial for building lasting remote relationships
• Maya’s personal insights on moving from home office to cross-border freelancing
• The latest on Estonia’s e-Residency and digital nomad visas
• How the Nomad Summit in Tallinn is creating real-world connections for remote workers

Relevant Links:

• Nomad Summit Remote Work Edition Estonia 2025:
  https://www.nomadsummit.com/remote-work-edtion-estonia-2025/
• Remote Work Europe:
  https://www.remoteworkeurope.eu/
• Maya Middlemiss on LinkedIn:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmiddlemiss
• The Radio Vagabond Podcast:
  https://theradiovagabond.com/
• Sponsor: Visit Estonia – https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/ and https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by Radioguru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

What happens when a seasoned translator and digital nomad turns a quiet frustration into a startup idea? In this episode, we sit down with Barny Mulcahy, the winner of the Nomad Summit Buildathon 2025 in Chiang Mai, to explore how he's helping authors and creators localize their content for underserved language markets.

Barny shares his journey from legal publishing to digital nomadism, the turning point brought on by the pandemic and AI, and how his new company, My3PO, aims to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps around the world.

You’ll hear about:
– The power of small teams
– The realities of language accessibility
– And how Buildathon gave Barny the push to launch a mission-driven business

This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of tech, language, and impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 6 billion people are left out of most digital content
• What makes true localization more than just translation
• How Barny's Buildathon team turned a small idea into a scalable platform
• The challenges of founding a business as a nomad across time zones
• Why his project isn't just about books – but about connection

Relevant Links:

• Upcoming Nomad Summit events: https://nomadsummit.com/upcoming-events
• More episodes: https://nomadsummit.com/podcast
• Buildathon pitch video (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR-uVMIuquY
• Barny’s pitch deck: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGjwvQRiwU/QLY4nVOhq4-tVmJA9VMYnQ/view
• My3PO website: https://www.my3po.com
• Contact Barny: barny@my3po.com or info@my3po.com
• Jerremy Newsome’s book Money Grows on Trees: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1796451223
• Barny’s book pick: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Into+the+Wild
• Sponsor: Visit Estonia – https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/ and https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) – https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by Radioguru – https://radioguru.co.uk

RJ Macalanda once sold insurance 80 hours a week – until nodding off at the wheel convinced him to design a life around fishing.

In this kickoff episode, he tells Christoph Huebner and Palle Bo how a single Nomad Summit ticket became his launchpad, why TikTok turned him into the go-to consultant for global fishing brands, and the framework he uses to choose work that funds (rather than chains) his adventures.

Expect practical runway tactics, “build-in-public” wins, and a reminder that there’s always a bigger fish.

Key takeaways:

• Rock-bottom is optional – but urgency helps. RJ’s near-crash moment lit the fuse that pushed him to act
• Pick a date, build the runway. A firm travel deadline (Nomad Summit Chiang Mai, 2017) forced him to prep finances and skills
• Niche + underserved platform = leverage. Posting daily made him the “TikTok guy” in fishing and netted 100 k followers in four months
• Monetise credibility, not vanity metrics. Viral reach opened doors to premium brand consulting, factory tours, and paid global travel
• Design work around living. Today he maintains a four-hour workweek per client and guards time to fish off-camera
• Community compounds. Returning to Nomad Summit keeps him current, connected, and inspired by peers’ progress
• Who he serves now. Founders, inventors, and big-brand product teams who want social-first growth in outdoor niches

Relevant links:

• Nomad Summit events & tickets – https://nomadsummit.com
• RJ on TikTok (@officialfishboss) – https://www.tiktok.com/@officialfishboss
• RJ’s site – https://officialfishboss.com
• RJ on Instagram (@rj.mac) – https://www.instagram.com/rj.mac/
• Sponsor: Visit Estonia – https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/ and https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo) – https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by Radioguru – https://radioguru.co.uk