Building Home: An Expat Podcast by Nneya Richards

Today I’m chatting with fabulous journalist and multi-hyphenate Ana Victoria Torres Guzmán, a Dominican fellow bravoholic living in the gastronomy capital, Lyon, France! Today’s convo is a wild ride as we’re reeling from the Summer House Scandal. Ana shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to France, her insights on reality TV culture, and her experiences living abroad. Discover how her Caribbean roots influence her perspective on life, work, and identity, and get insider tips on Lyon's best spots! Check out Ana and her co-host Jhonayce on the Glossip Girls Podcast And follow them on Instagram @glossipgirlspodcast Let me know what you think! Like, comment and subscribe! Follow me on Instagram @nneya and on Tik Tok @nneyarichards Chapters 00:00 Kismet Connections: Meeting in the Digital Age 02:00 Reality TV: A Cultural Phenomenon 04:41 The Evolution of Reality TV: From Guilty Pleasure to Mainstream 07:41 Reality TV and Public Perception: A Sociological Study 10:31 The Impact of Reality TV on Politics 13:16 Life in Lyon: A Journey from the Dominican Republic to France 17:48 Cultural Adjustments in France 19:52 Mindset Shifts: Embracing New Perspectives 21:24 Work-Life Balance: A New Approach 22:33 Political Landscape: Comparing Experiences 25:03 Diversity and Integration Challenges 27:03 Navigating Social Spaces: A Cultural Contrast 29:52 Pop Culture and Personal Identity 33:37 Translating Identity: The Dominican Experience 38:13 Resilience and Adaptability in Life's Challenges 41:02 The Hustle Behind Reality TV Stars 43:36 Building Brands and Personalities 46:50 Exploring Personal Growth and Opportunities 49:05 Culinary Connections to Home 51:29 Family-Friendly Lyon: A Hidden Gem 54:34 Traveling Through Lyon: A Gateway to Adventure

Join me today with my dear friend Kabir Awatramani as he takes me through his journey of his chic childhood growing up in Bombay to being lured by the magical pull of the island of misfit toys, NYC. We reminisce about the old days of fashion, our Blackberries, gender studies and politics and how we  found each other across careers, continents and timelines. Such an open, thoughtful conversation and for reminding us how much identity, culture, and connection shape the way we move through the world.  We even get into GLP-1s! And of course Kabir is sharing his favorite NYC and Mumbai haunts for you to add to your saved places! Like, comment and let me know what you think! You can follow me on Instagram @nneya and on TikTok @nneyarichards

In this episode, Christina — a clinical psychologist who understands the beautifully tangled inner world of expats and digital nomads — opens a window into the emotional landscapes that come with living between cultures. We talk about how trauma, grief and past experiences travel with us, the different ways psychology shows up around the world, and what it really means to build a sense of home when everything feels in motion. Christina shares thoughtful, comforting strategies for navigating the holiday season, reminding us to treat ourselves with compassion and stay connected to the body’s wisdom. She also speaks to the quiet power of community and support, especially when life abroad feels heavy or uncertain. To reach out to Christina, visit her website https://www.christinababich.com/ Here’s the link to our Glam4Good Ulta Beauty BIPOC founders beauty kits.  https://www.ulta.com/p/bipoc-founders-beauty-discovery-kit-pimprod2053478?sku=2647650 100% of net proceeds benefit Glam4Good, empowering beauty with purpose. You can follow me on Instagram @nneya or tiktok @nneyarichards 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 01:39 Christina's Journey to Budapest 04:49 Cultural Perspectives on Psychology 09:20 Navigating Grief and Trauma 14:08 Finding Home and Stability 18:31 Mind-Body Connection in Therapy 23:35 Coping with Holiday Triggers 27:54 Creating New Traditions as Expats 32:42 Advice for Staying Sane During the Holidays

This week is a solo episode where I catch you guys up on how we spent the Thanksgiving holiday. My mom's in town, Michele gave a tear-jerking speech, we had a Jamaican-Italian gala charity dinner that was featured in Vogue Italia and a beautiful stay at The Place in Florence. It was also a week of some pretty special firsts...Wow... what a packed week. Listen, subscribe and review! It helps people find us! Follow me! ⁠@nneya⁠ on IG

Nneya sits down with Kayla Jagusch—founder of Even Numbers—to discuss moving to Milan during the pandemic, building creative community, navigating entrepreneurship in Italy, and using art as a bridge for connection. Kayla shares insights from her New York upbringing, her work with major global brands, and her journey toward defining home through self-expression, cultural exchange, and belonging. Listen, subscribe and review! It helps people find us! Follow Kayla on Instagram and Tiktok @kaylajag And Even Numbers on IG and Tiktok @evennumbers.milano And me! @nneya on IG

In this episode, I'm chatting with American journalist and comedian Molly Mulshine who now calls Dublin home. We chat about the cultural differences in parenting, the cost of living, and the vibrant comedy scene in Dublin. We go from immigration and tradwives to the Real Housewives of Potomac and the House of Guiness. It's a fun conversation you won't want to miss! And of course, Molly shares her must-sees in Dublin! Like, comment, review! It helps people find us! Check out Molly's viral Real Life Emojis video Follow Molly on Substack Molly Mulshine and Instagram @MollyMulshine and keep up with me on Instagram @nneya

Today I'm chatting with an old dear friend from Amherst College, Allie Canton who is a meditation teacher and the author of Practically on Purpose, a Substack and podcast for high achievers who collected all the gold stars and are now looking for deeper meaning, purpose and joy. She's also a healthcare technology lawyer advising high-growth startups and volunteers with causes supporting health care access and immigrants' rights across the Hudson Valley.In this conversation, we explore the themes of community, immigrant experiences, and the importance of family. We discuss our educational journeys in elite institutions, the challenges of navigating career choices, and the cultural differences in parenting. The conversation highlights the significance of building connections in new environments, the balance between work and personal life, and the role of spirituality in our lives. Check out Allie's Substack Practically On Purpose and keep up with me on Instagram @nneya Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 07:33 The Impact of Community and Responsibility 10:25 Navigating Education and Career Choices 13:20 Cultural Identity and Family Support 16:12 Experiences in Higher Education 19:10 Building Community in Corporate Environments 25:41 Navigating the Startup Culture 28:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life 31:39 The Impact of Environment on Well-being 35:13 Rebuilding Life with Intention 38:38 Creating Community in New Surroundings 44:34 Supporting Community and Institutions 45:21 Navigating Friendships and Career Changes 47:23 Shifting Perspectives on Work and Identity 48:45 The Importance of Family Time 51:03 Cultural Differences in Parenting 53:24 Community vs. Individual Happiness 55:54 Innovation and Tradition in Society 58:44 Embracing Chaos and Creativity 01:04:31 Defining Home and Belonging 01:05:28 Building Home outro - 2:4:25, 2.59 PM.mp3

In this episode of Building Home, I share my insight on the au pair experience, drawing from my own time aupairing in Italy and discussing a recent news story about an American au pair who fled her host family. I explore the cultural differences and challenges faced by au pairs, contrasting my positive experience with that of the young woman who struggled. The conversation also delves into the Netflix show 'The Secrets We Keep,' which examines the complexities of the au pair system and the dynamics of domestic help, highlighting issues of privilege and cultural exchange. Thanks for listening! Like, subscribe, leave a review or comment and follow me on Instagram @Nneya

This is the real life Under the Tuscan Sun... but in Abruzzo... and you don't have to be retired. You can buy that affordable home in Italy now, for you and your family. It's wildly different but Cassie and her fam is making it work! Nneya speaks with Cassie of @RootlessInItaly about her journey from the US to Italy, exploring themes of cultural integration, parenting, and small town community dynamics. Cassandra shares her experiences of giving birth in the Czech Republic, the challenges and joys of raising a multilingual child, and the process of renovating their home in Italy. They discuss the one euro house phenomenon and the implications of gentrification in small towns, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in their new life abroad. Follow Cassie on Instagram @rootlessinItaly and me ⁠@nneya

In this engaging conversation, Nneya Richards and Sofía Zanotti explore the themes of community building, entrepreneurship, and cultural differences in parenting as they navigate life in Bergamo, Italy. Sofi shares her journey as a founder of the Perla community, emphasizing the importance of connection among international women. They discuss the unique aspects of parenting in a new country, the beauty of Bergamo, and Sofía's journey from Paraguay to building her home in Northern Italy. The conversation highlights the significance of patience and the joy of creating a vibrant community and is recorded live at Perla cafe in the city of Bergamo! Follow Sofía and the Perla community on Instagram @perla_community and @sofizanotti and me @nneya

If Portugal has been on your destination bucketlist for a while, listen to this podcast before you book your flight! In this engaging conversation, Nneya Richards speaks with Margo Gabriel, a Haitian-American journalist and culinary expert based in Lisbon, Portugal. They explore Margo's journey from Boston to Lisbon, her experiences as a Black woman in both cities, and the vibrant culinary scene that reflects her heritage. Margo shares insights on the evolving food culture in Boston, the challenges of moving during the pandemic, and the importance of community and storytelling in her work. The discussion also touches on the complexities of race, identity, and the collaborative spirit of Lisbon's food scene, culminating in Margo's upcoming projects that celebrate Afro-diasporic culture. Follow more of Margo's Portguese culinary pursuits on Instagram @margoscreativelife And me @nneya Leave a rating and let us know what you think!

In this episode of Building Home, host Nneya Richards speaks with Bettina Prentice, a renowned curator and cultural strategist, about her journey from New York to London, the art of hosting salons, and the importance of community in the contemporary art world. They discuss the role of artists in society, the significance of spirituality in art, and the cultural differences between New York and London. Bettina shares her experiences with the Artemis Council and her vision for supporting emerging artists, while also reflecting on what home means to her. 00:00 Living in Historical Splendor 01:52 Curating Conversations and Salons 04:41 Creating Immersive Experiences 07:12 Art and Cultural Shifts 12:44 The Role of Artists in Society 18:03 Life in London: A Cultural Transition 23:43 Embracing Community and Green Spaces 39:40 The Beauty of Train Travel and Slow Living Follow Bettina's work and her salons on @Prentice_Cultural. See more of Saaya Woolfalk's work: https://www.sayawoolfalk.com/ You can follow me living my expat life on @nneya

Enjoyed Emily in Paris? Then trust me, you're going to love the whimsical, colorful, authentic mosaic that is Sutanya in Paris! In this engaging conversation, Nneya Richards and Sutanya Dacres explore the multifaceted experiences of Americans living in Paris. Cultural diversity in Paris enriches the expat experience. They discuss the challenges of finding suitable hair care, the cultural diversity of the city, and the journey of self-discovery through cooking. Sutanya shares her transition from a marketing career to becoming a writer and cook, while also reflecting on the complexities of Black identity in Europe. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the impact of media representation, and the nuances of dating in a new culture. Ultimately, they celebrate resilience and the joy of living authentically as Black women abroad. Finding a sense of home abroad can take time and reflection and Sutanya is navigating that with beauty and grace. Follow Sutanya on Instagram@dinnerfor.one and her websiteSutanya Dacres. You can find me living my expat life here on Instagram @nneya 00:00 Navigating Black Hair Culture Abroad 05:25 The Complexity of Black Identity in France 08:20 The Experience of Being a Black American in Europe 11:11 Culinary Journey: From Writer to Chef 13:47 Life in Montmartre: A Personal Connection 16:33 Entrepreneurship in France: Challenges and Opportunities 19:15 Cultural Differences in Business and Lifestyle 22:08 Finding Community and Belonging in Paris 24:48 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Identity 27:24 Reinventing Life After Divorce 30:19 The Journey of Self-Discovery in a Foreign Land 32:58 The Power of Female Friendships 36:01 Cultural Differences in Friendships 39:09 The American Spirit Abroad 40:27 Critique of 'Emily in Paris' 43:48 Navigating Dating in a New Culture 47:04 Fashion Evolution in Paris 52:41 Celebrating Black Womanhood and Resilience

In this conversation, Nneya anddear friend Caterina Monda explore the cultural nuances of being an American in Italy including Thanksgiving, the experience of living in Milan, and the challenges of navigating a multicultural identity. They discuss the design scene in Milan, the pride Italians have in their heritage, and the complexities of tourism and preservation in Italy. The dialogue highlights the contrasts between American and Italian cultures, particularly in terms of diversity and community. In this engaging conversation, Caterina Monda and Nneya Richards explore the cultural differences in entrepreneurship between the US and Italy, the unique experience of hosting a Jamaican dinner in Milan, and the challenges of philanthropy in a different cultural context. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for women, navigating their identities as foreign women in Italy, and their aspirations for future business growth. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the distinctions between being an expat and an immigrant, emphasizing the contributions immigrants make to their new homes. Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! 00:00 Thanksgiving in Italy: A Cultural Blend 02:58 Life in Milan: A New Home 05:55 The Design Scene in Milan 09:00 Cultural Identity and Growing Up Multicultural 11:55 Navigating Diversity in Italy 15:01 Challenges of Living in Milan 17:59 Tourism and Preservation in Italy 30:43 Cultural Perspectives on Entrepreneurship 32:06 The Jamaican Dinner Experience 35:24 Philanthropy and Community Engagement 39:30 Creating Safe Spaces for Women 45:23 Navigating Identity as Foreign Women 50:34 Future Aspirations and Business Growth 52:20 Expat vs. Immigrant: A Personal Reflection You can find me living my expat life here on Instagram @nneya And Caterina @caterina_monda1 and Metis PR

This episode is all about celebrating the magic of belonging to two places and building community in a new home.  Join Nneya and her friend Stacey Chia as they dive into the joys and challenges of making friends in their thirties, cultural connections, their passion for food, and the spontaneous creation of the 'Breakfast Club. This episode is a love letter to both New York and Singapore. It’s a celebration of friendship, identity, and the beautiful blend of two worlds that will leave you feeling inspired to create your own sense of belonging wherever you are. Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life here on Instagram @nneya And Stacey  @staceypamelachia And for more travel inspiration to head to Singapore... Nneya Singapore Articles  The Most Powerful Woman in the Room Is You: Command an Audience and Sell Your Way to Success By Lydia Fennet  Breakfast Club Friends 00:00 Introduction and Love for Singapore 01:49 Memorable Trip to Singapore 02:48 Making Friends in Bergamo 04:07 Meeting Stacy Chia 07:34 Stacy's Background and Expat Life 17:22 The Breakfast Club Initiative 29:04 Balancing Life Between Two Homes 29:54 Singapore's Global Recognition 31:19 Safety and Cleanliness in Singapore 34:13 Cultural and Culinary Connections 38:50 Future Aspirations and Global Experiences 42:04 The Spice of Life 49:47 Language and Cultural Identity 52:39 Final Thoughts and Friendship

Neither myself or today's guests are the first Black creatives that saw Paris as a sort of North Star. But what does that say about New York. Are New York prices hindering a thriving creative class? Families? Now, that's a bleak thought. Ryan Norville had a quarter life crisis that lead her on a path to learning French and eventually she, her husband and two kids moved to Paris! Ryan's determination is evident in her rising career and artistry. She's just as adept at bringing visions to life for her floral art clients as she is for herself. From learning the language to visa, even enrolling her kids in school. Ryan's telling us about her path to expatdom in Paris. And we even get into those viral TikToks. Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life here on Instagram @nneya And Ryan in Paris @cinnamonryan Check out Ryan's beautiful artistry on Instagram @oatcinnamon and Tiktok @ryannorville_ And check out my essay on being Black American in Paris on 'N A Perfect World

Una persona influyente... that perfectly describes today's guest Courtney Mccolgan an absolutely force in the tech entrepreneur world, currently blazing new trails in Latin America as the founder and CEO of Runa. Today we're chatting with this California girl, and Fulbright scholar about her path from California to China then Peru (with love) to CDMX. She's also raising a beautiful global family... and all of this with impeccable style. Can't think of a more fitting return from maternity leave! Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life on Instagram @nneya (I'll also share a few shots of my trip to Lima!) and keep up with Courtney's latest ventures on LinkedIn For more on my travels to Peru during Courtney and Daniel's wedding, check out 'N A Perfect World and be sure to read my first profile on my friend Courtney from 2017.

"You don't get anywhere by being comfortable." That could be one of the life mottos of today's guest, owner and executive chairman of Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort Grenada, Barry Collymore. From his time studying abroad to building community and mentorship, Barry is a true testament to when you love what you do, it comes naturally.  And what he loves is to grow, learn and evolve -- especially through the lens of travel. Barry is an advocate of investing in the people of the West Indies, combatting climate change and makes such a big impact from his little slice of paradise. Join Barry Collymore and I as we discussing building home, community and a life abroad.  Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life on Instagram @nneya And Barry Collymore, man about the West Indies @barrycolly Follow Mount Cinnamon Grenada on Instagram: @mountcinnamongrenada And Twitter  And to book your next stay at Mount Cinnamon Grenada (but don't take my spot!).

"There’s no going back in your identity, once you’ve moved, and once you have children, your identity does shift." Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake, one of Obama's favorite books of 2022 and coming soon to your screen adapted by Harpo productions! In 2021, Random House reached out to me about the upcoming novel, Black Cake. Upon reading it, I immediate connected to this story set between the Caribbean, UK and California, writing by a West Indian American author, who lived in Rome. I had to chat with her. In February of 2022, Charmaine Wilkerson and I did an IG Live. This interview stayed in my memory bank and is certainly one of the building blocks of Building Home. We go into the idea of finding home and building home during my time in the UK, finding that slice of the Caribbean and looking for it in Italy. Charmaine chats with us about similarities and finding home in different cultures between Italy and the Caribbean in the way people gather, the matriarchy and so much more. Brilliant and insightful, Charmaine leaves us thinking "Where do we belong in the world?" Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life on Instagram @nneya Follow Charmaine on Instagram: @charmspen1 And Twitter @charmspen1  And to buy Black Cake check out your local bookstore and if not... there's always Amazon. Resources mentioned in the episode: BBC Windrush Generation: Who are they and why are they facing problems?

As a woman in the very gendered sports world, I’ve seen Eden thrive. She’s phenom and there’s not too many Black women, particularly Black Italian women in these decision making offices, on either side of the Atlantic. And it’s wild how she got into the field too… it was a chance bus encounter that led to her career path! It was so fun to dive in with Eden about her passion for sports culture and how that pushes her family’s traditional boundaries.  True italian style, she brings up the superior coffee! And we talk about something controversial – Black Americans taking up space — maybe even gentrification? – in spaces in Europe and Africa. You're not going to want to miss this episode! Listen, subscribe and give us five stars! You can find me living my expat life on Instagram @nneya