In Episode 2 of Foreign Radio, host Simo D sits down with linguist, educator, and writer Gregory Garretson to explore what it means to live a life abroad. With over 20 years in Europe and a Substack that tackles culture shock, communication, and expat identity, Gregory brings both profound wisdom and good humor to the table.

We discuss the stark contrasts between North America and Europe, the emotional resilience required to build a life elsewhere, and how men, in particular, are often underprepared for the social demands of starting over in a foreign place. Gregory shares practical advice on staying connected, why discovery-driven individuals tend to fare better abroad, and why moving to a new country is far more destabilizing than most people anticipate.

We also discuss the "fear-curiosity continuum", the illusion of control, and what it means to emotionally prepare for an international move, just as you would physically train for a significant adventure. Gregory speaks candidly about life recycling, neocolonialism, and the myth that moving abroad will automatically make you happy.

From laughing about Facebook expat group debates in Belize to unpacking the philosophical shifts that happen when you trade familiarity for the unknown, this episode is a raw and thoughtful exploration of language, belonging, identity, and transformation.

Gregory and I recorded the episode on April 4, 2025.

✒️ Article mentions: “Investing in Returing”

If you enjoy this, you might also like the A Foreign Perspective, Foreigner501, Foreign Tales, the Lili Art Blog, or my award-winning book Home in Good Hands. If you'd like to support this Substack and help me keep creating stories and essays about life abroad, consider subscribing, sharing, or making a small donation. And to those who already have—thank you. Your support means the world.

Simo’s Substack runs on curiosity, reflection, and subscriber support. If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a subscriber, especially a paid one. It’s the best way to keep this work going and show that these stories matter.

Get full access to Unfiltered Abroad at unfilteredabroad.substack.com/subscribe