Podcast Summary: Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: Retiring In Bali with JT Jarrett Thomas
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on a modern-day expat fantasy: leaving behind the grind of American life for a fresh start abroad. Host Tom Schwartz speaks with J.T. Jarrett Thomas—recently retired to Bali and former cast member of Southern Charm—about the realities of uprooting, the motivations behind such a bold decision, and the day-to-day joys and challenges of creating a new life overseas. The conversation interweaves practical advice, honest reflections on burnout and polarization in the U.S., and the seductive allure of starting again in paradise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Allure and Anxieties of "Escaping" America

• Opening Monologue (00:13–06:56):
  • Tom sets a vivid scene of the exhausting American routine—early alarm clocks, long commutes, fleeting leisure, and skyrocketing costs of living.
  • He evokes classic “re-invention abroad” fantasies spurred by pop culture, referencing films like The Beach, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Eat, Pray, Love.
  • Underlying question: “Isn’t there more to life than this?”
  • “Burnout isn’t a fucking personality trait. It’s equal parts freedom and fear, equal parts yolo and what the fuck have I done?” – Tom Schwartz (02:26)
  • Introduction of JT, who just made the leap to Bali.

2. First Impressions – Living Minimally in Bali

• Introducing JT and Adapting to Simplicity (07:54–10:03):
  • JT, 18 days into his Balinese adventure, embraces a minimal lifestyle—owns only what fits in a suitcase, often goes shirtless to avoid extra laundry.
  • “For 40 years, I did the American dream thing… At some point you just go, how much do I really need?... It’s not the dopamine from all the stuff. It’s the serotonin from being happy, being healthy, eating clean food, working out.” – JT (10:03)
  • No alarm clocks—wakes naturally to a rooster.

3. Why Leave? Polarization, Burnout, and Seeking Utopia

• Deep Motivations: Political, Social, Economic (12:36–17:18):
  • JT cites increasing American polarization, social-media–driven doom-scrolling, economic strain, and social injustice as key drivers.
  • He describes the choice as both a quest for well-being and a response to a fractured national psyche.
    • “Do I really feel like it’s a better deal for me to sit here in this toxic situation…when I could just fly around the world and get a cup of coffee for 75 cents… and get a massage for 15 bucks?” – JT (14:35)
    • “This one in 450 trillion opportunity—called life.” – JT (16:45)
  • Also acknowledges the privilege of being able to make such a move.

4. Practicalities: Visas, Cost of Living & Finding Home

• Visas and Logistics (23:34–25:34):

  • Tourist visas are 30 or 60 days—JT prefers 30-day renewals to encourage regional travel.
  • Plans further adventures to Thailand and New Zealand before renewing his Bali visa.

• Location & Cost of Living (26:20–28:21):

  • Lives in Uluwatu (southwest Bali), private villa in a “secret garden.”
  • Rent: $1,400/month (includes private pool, yoga gazebo, WiFi, utilities)
  • Gym: $138/month
  • Food: $50/day—eats out three meals daily, high quality.
  • Total: ~$3,000/month all-in
  • “That’s about half my rent in Los Angeles…” – Tom Schwartz (28:21)

• How He Found His Home (28:45–32:12):

  • Serendipitous discovery through a local driver, walking into a family compound and instinctively knowing “I am home.”

5. Life, Community & Social Adjustments

• Building Community (43:51–45:21):

  • Misses family, especially with holidays looming, but rapidly making international friends (Argentine paddle players, Brazilian and European expats).
  • Seeks that “core group of bros” for camaraderie: “If I could just move the boys, or just a couple of them…”

• Warmth of Local Culture (45:21–46:46):

  • Bali’s culture prizes calm and kindness—outward stress or aggression is rare and discouraged:
    • “We don’t do stressful things here. We don’t do stress.” – JT, quoting his driver (45:53)

6. Food, Health, and Wellness in Bali

• Dining Experience & Costs (36:28–37:08):

  • Sushi dinner for six—food and drinks—was $300 (would be $1,500–$2,000 in LA).
  • Most beers ~$1, cocktails ~$2.

• Bali Belly & Healthcare (37:08–40:15):

  • JT experienced severe “Bali belly” (traveler’s diarrhea) but recovered with medical care and IV fluids.
  • Keeps U.S. health insurance as backup, “self-insures” for minor illness locally.
  • Excited to try local Botox—anticipates global price differences.
    • “I have a Botox appointment in 10 days. I’m excited to see how much it costs compared to back home.” – JT (39:33)

• Daily Routine & Diet (51:00–51:46):

  • Eats the same healthy meals every day; aiming to reverse diabetes.
  • “Not a sexy answer for those looking for cool Balinese cuisine, but that's my truth, bro.” – JT (51:47)

7. Emotional Landscape: Doubts, Loneliness, and Fulfillment

• Mindset & Wellbeing (40:22–41:13):

  • No regrets, zero moments of doubt: “Not one second of the day where I ever go, this was the wrong call.” – JT (40:44)

• Love Life & Transparency (41:36–43:16):

  • Playful rumors about a “mysterious Russian woman”—JT is open on social media, sometimes to his own detriment.
  • Misses close friendships, could use more “trusted wingmen.”

8. Words of Wisdom for Would-Be Expats

• Advice & Final Encouragement (47:37–49:51):
  • “Listen to your gut…your soul will speak to you… Just figure out how. And then don’t be afraid to just jump in.”
  • Recommends significant financial planning (“at least five years” saved) as a buffer for pursuing such a bold move.
    • “You got to manifest it, but then you also got to actually go create it.” – JT (49:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On American Burnout:
  “Burnout isn’t a fucking personality trait.” – Tom Schwartz (02:26)

• Motivation for Leaving:
  “Do I really feel like it’s a better deal for me to sit here in this toxic situation…when I could just fly around the world and get a cup of coffee for 75 cents…” – JT (14:35)

• Cost of Living:
  “That’s about half my rent in Los Angeles…” – Tom Schwartz (28:21)

• Bali Belly Survival:
  “The nausea was so intense it was hard to even raise your torso out of bed.” – JT (37:40)

• On Immediate Happiness Abroad:
  “Not one second of that day where I ever go, this was the wrong call.” – JT (40:44)

• Key Philosophical Advice:
  “Your soul will speak to you. Listen to it, and then just figure out how…and don’t be afraid to just jump in.” – JT (48:45)

• Manifesting Change:
  “You got to manifest it, but then you also got to actually go create it.” – JT (49:51)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:13–06:56] – Tom’s introspective monologue; imagining life abroad, burnout, intro to JT
• [07:54–10:03] – JT describes his minimal, shirtless lifestyle and rebirth
• [12:36–17:18] – Honest conversation about American polarization; deeper reasons for moving to Bali
• [23:34–25:34] – Visa logistics and plans for travel in the region
• [26:20–28:21] – Deep dive: rent, daily expenses, how costs compare to the U.S.
• [28:45–32:12] – JT’s serendipitous journey to finding his home
• [36:28–37:08] – Restaurant, food, and drink prices in Bali
• [37:08–40:15] – Bali belly, healthcare, and JT’s approach to health coverage
• [40:22–41:13] – Emotional check-in: any regrets or doubts?
• [41:36–43:16] – Friendships, “mysterious Russian woman,” and building community
• [47:37–49:51] – JT’s advice for those contemplating a similar leap

Tone & Language

• Conversational, irreverent, candid, at times philosophical with a dash of humor and mischief
• JT is open, transparent, practical, and reflective about both his motivations and the logistics of his move
• Tom is empathetic, curious, and occasionally wistful about the expat fantasy

Closing Reflection

This episode captures the dreams (and doubts) of leaving everything behind for a life less ordinary—and delivers both the fantasy and the practical realities. JT’s profound sense of relief, joy, and freedom in Bali is balanced by honest talk about financial planning, loneliness, and the importance of community. For anyone who’s ever imagined throwing it all away for paradise, this conversation will ring both true and inspiring.

“Better a life of oh-wells than what-ifs.” – Tom Schwartz (48:46)