The Danny and Riana Show
The Danny and Riana Show
Danny and Riana
Danny Peña and Riana Manuel-Peña have lived and worked in the games industry for a combined 30+ years. What have they learned in that time? Life (like gaming) is better together! Join them on their journey through gaming conferences, red carpet events, baby milestones, marriage hurdles, and the occasional work update. Play along with game recommendations for busy parents and enjoy this seasoned couples’ sazón as they talk about their favorite memories, products, and experiences. Business Email: [email protected]
The Real Cost of Moving to Punta Cana: Our $9,400 Shipping Quote & Logistics
Are we crazy? We are officially closing on our Los Angeles home next month! 🏡  In this episode of The Danny and Riana Show, we dive deep into the real, unvarnished logistics of moving our family of three (soon to be four!) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We share the exact quote we received from our moving company, Global Relocations, and break down the unexpected rules of international shipping.  From the strict 5-year age limit on importing cars (which forced Riana to sell hers!) to the tricky customs taxes on collectibles and original packaging, we are sharing everything we've learned so far. Plus, we talk about our temporary rental phase, how we maximized our flight baggage limits, and why we are starting from scratch with tropical-friendly furniture.  🔔 Help us reach our goal! We want to hit 1,000 subscribers before we officially make the leap in December. Please like, subscribe, and share this video to help us beat the YouTube algorithm!Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
Jul 15
27 min
Our Trip to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo,  Dominican Republic
Short episode this week! We are a little tired from our whirlwind trip to both Punta Cana amd Santo Domingo, so expect more details in next week's video. For now, we're giving a quick update on how things went, how they're going back here in Los Angeles, and exciting things coming up in the following weeks!Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
Jul 2
3 min
Getting My Dominican Republic Citizenship Paperwork Woes
Storytime! Danny finally made it to New York City to get his Dominican Republic citizenship papers - but it didn't exactly go as planned. Follow along with Danny's recounting as well as on-the-ground footage from the New York Knicks parade and hear how he navigated road closures, unusual traffic, and walls of crowds to get from City Hall to the Embassy & back. Also, get a sneak preview of some BIG NEWS coming up soon on this channel!Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
Jun 25
18 min
The Massive US Exodus is Real - And The Data Proves It!
More Americans are moving abroad than ever before - and it’s not just a feeling, the data completely backs it up. In this episode of The Danny and Riana Show, we dive into a striking report from Census.gov showing a massive 180 in net international migration, marking shifts not seen since the Great Depression.From the ultra-wealthy turning to a $40 billion relocation industry to remote workers and families seeking a lower cost of living, a peaceful lifestyle, and accessible healthcare, the global exodus is real. We look at data for top destination hotspots like Portugal, Ireland, and Mexico, share striking stats from Gallup, and talk about our own ongoing journey as we prepare to expand our family and video game industry careers in the Dominican Republic!📌 Support the Channel: We are SO close to hitting our milestone goal of 1,000 subscribers before our big move! If you love this content, please hit Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode!Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianampArticles Mentioned in This Episode Census Bureau Data Moneywise Article Wall Street Journal Piece AARO Expat Estimates
Jun 17
19 min
Can You Live in the Dominican Republic and Still Cover Gaming Events?
We are SO back! In this episode, we tackle the number one question we received from friends and industry colleagues over the Summer Game Fest and Xbox Showcase weekend: How are we going to keep attending major gaming events like GDC, DICE, and Summer Game Fest after we move to the Dominican Republic later this year?We break down the travel logistics from Punta Cana (PUJ), share some exciting future plans about turning these work trips into global family adventures with the grandparents, and give a huge shout-out to the incredible gaming community that continues to inspire our journey.If you want to follow along with our upcoming international move and our life in the gaming industry, hit that subscribe button! Help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers before the end of the year!
Jun 10
12 min
7 Things You Must Know Before Visiting the Dominican Republic
Planning a trip or thinking about relocating to the Dominican Republic? In this episode, Danny and Riana break down everything you need to know to navigate DR like a local. From understanding neighborhood "colmados" and decoding the local tax system (ITBIS and VAT) to filling out your e-ticket addresses and managing overstay fees, we've got you covered. Plus, Danny and Riana share their ultimate travel hack—the Punta Cana airport VIP experience—and prep for an upcoming trip to Santo Domingo!Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
Jun 3
24 min
Q&A: Electricity Bills, Dual Citizenship Hurdles, & Finding a Legit Realtor in DR
Thinking about moving to the Dominican Republic? In this episode of The Danny and Riana Show, we are diving deep into your questions and comments about relocating to Punta Cana!From navigating the legal hurdles of dual citizenship and finding certified translators at the consulate, to setting up reliable internet with Starlink as a backup while neighborhoods are under construction—we cover the practical "nuts and bolts" of moving abroad.We also react to community feedback regarding the actual cost of living in DR (like renting a 3-bed villa for $800/month!), managing high electricity bills with PCs and AC units, what to watch out for with pre-construction building timelines, and the changing laws around real estate regulations in the Dominican Republic. Plus, we talk about the local perks of having a Dominican ID, like major discounts at El Dorado Waterpark!If you are planning your own move or love hearing about expat family life, don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to help the algorithm share this with more first-time visitors and future expats! 🙌Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
May 20
25 min
Moving to the DR: Our 6-Month Relocation Checklist
We're almost 6 months out from the big move! 🌴 In this episode, we’re breaking down the exact checklist we’re using to move our lives (and two kids!) from LA to the Dominican Republic.Our Moving Abroad Checklist covers:-Documents: Managing visas, passports, and medical/school records.-Employment: Remote work and VPNs, USD vs. local currency, and tax liability.-Finances: Banking abroad, emergency funds, and utility setup.-Logistics: Hiring lawyers, accountants, and mail forwarding.-Packing: Deciding what "stuff" to ship vs. what to leave behind.Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
May 13
25 min
From US Roots to Dominican Republic Growth: The Bold Journey of a Creator Building Across Borders
Episode 74 | This week, Danny & Riana discover how Anthony Lopez transformed his family's life by moving from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Explore the cultural shifts, community building, and entrepreneurial spirit that make DR a land of opportunity. This episode is perfect for those seeking growth and change - a masterclass in courage and creating a future worth fighting for. Check out more of his expertise videos on his channels:YouTube @AnthonyLopezRDInstagram @AnthonyLopez.Rd Got feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials:Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianampTikTok @godfree @_therianamp
May 6
36 min
We Get Schooled on Moving to the Dominican Republic
This week, we're joined by Kenia from TropiMom Diaries! She shares all about her family's experience moving from Texas to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Check out more of her videos on her channels: YouTube @TropiMomDiaries Facebook @TropiMom Diaries Instagram @tropimom TikTok @tropimom.diariesGot feedback for the show or want to ask Danny & Riana a question? Reach out at www.dannyandriana.com/contact or hit us up on socials: Twitter/X/Instagram @godfree @therianamp TikTok @godfree @_therianamp
Apr 29
26 min
Load more