In this podcast, I chat to my new friend Mandi Kingsbury about her epic journey from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Christchurch, New Zealand. Mandi spent 25 fabulous years working in fashion as both a designer and stylist in Dubai before returning to New Zealand in April 2020 after Covid gave her the push she needed to make the move.  We chat about everything from celebrating kiwi bus etiquette, grieving and letting go, and adapting to the flow and rhythm of a very different country to the one we have been living in. Enjoy!

A highly sensitive person (HSP) experiences the world differently. Due to a biological difference that they’re born with, highly sensitive people are more aware of subtleties and process information deeply. They tend to be creative, insightful, and empathetic (why they are my favourite kind of people), but it also means they’re more prone than others to stress and overwhelm.  Why an episode on High Sensitivity on a repatriation podcast?  I believe that us HSP's feel the impacts of reverse culture shock more intensely. That we may take longer to adjust and find our flow when returning home. I also believe that when we recognise our needs, allow ourselves the reflection time, the boundaries, and the nurturing we need, we can reap the incredible rewards our sensitivity offers us.  Recommended Resources:  The Highly Sensitive Refuge Blog  Highly Sensitive People in An Insensitive World  High Sensitivity Test   HSP Podcast 

Returning Home? If you were to read no other book. Read THIS one. This book has been my map and beastie on all transitions since I discovered it 7 years ago and in this short and sweet podcast I've given a review/intro into this incredible work by William Bridges. Without Transition, change is just a re-arranging of the furniture. You can make a change, but not make a transition.I want your moving home to be an epic journey, not just a transactional packing and unpacking of furniture.

Episode 2 is dedicated to normalising the distinctly not normal feeling of being not at home -  in your home country. The unexpectedness of reverse culture shock is a big part of the challenge - that's why, in this chat with Alex we work backwards, starting with arriving. Raw and honest we share our stories in the hope you find comfort and ideas on how to arrive well.  Alex is a friend, champion and a returnee to the UK after 17 years abroad. She's a spa marketing expert and professional wellness blogger. You can look up her by visiting https://www.alexandrahurt.co.uk/ 

Helping returning expats ease confusion and embrace transition. In this podcast I share my why, story and some ideas on how to thrive rather than just survive through transition.