We are beginning a new series on pregnancy and parenting in diplomatic life and in this first episode we start at the very beginning of the journey.

Pregnancy can feel vulnerable and life-changing wherever you are in the world. Experiencing it overseas adds another layer of complexity as you navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems, distance from family, and the emotional realities of growing a family far from what feels known.

In this episode, Emma shares her personal story of navigating pregnancy both overseas and in her home country and reflects on the differences between the two experiences.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it is like to move through pregnancy in two different healthcare systems
• How to manage travel, medical appointments, and practical logistics while overseas
• The physical and emotional needs that can feel amplified when you are far from your usual support network

This episode is an honest conversation about beginning your parenting journey in diplomatic life, honouring your needs, and recognising that there is no one right way to navigate pregnancy across borders.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Once the decision to move overseas has been made, a new question often follows quickly: how do I make this life work for me too? Wanting to support your partner does not mean you have to abandon your own professional identity or sense of direction.

In this episode, we move from reflection into action and share practical tools to help you feel prepared, empowered, and less lost when navigating career decisions abroad.

In this episode, we explore:

• The difference between portable skills, portable jobs, and portable careers and why this distinction matters
• Common barriers to working overseas including visas, qualification recognition, and local pay structures
• How to realistically assess your options before you arrive at post
• How to bridge the gap when you first arrive so you do not feel untethered or directionless

This episode is about taking ownership of your professional life within diplomatic constraints, setting yourself up for possibility rather than pressure, and remembering that preparation is not about control but confidence.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Sometimes diplomatic life brings moments of sudden disruption when plans change overnight and stability disappears. Drawdowns can be one of the most challenging experiences for partners as uncertainty, safety concerns, and emotional strain collide all at once.

In this episode, Anna shares her recent experience of being drawn down from Beirut and reflects honestly on what it was like to navigate such a sudden and intense transition.

In this episode, we explore:

- How sudden change can impact your sense of control, stability, and identity

- The tools Anna is using to support herself through uncertainty and disruption

-Ways to care for your mental and emotional wellbeing during times of crisis

-Why community and shared understanding matter so much during difficult periods

This episode is especially for partners across the Middle East who may be navigating similar realities and looking for grounding, support, and reassurance during challenging times.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@notjustaspouse.com | zestie.carrd.co