Podcasts · Kids & Family

Expecting Expats

Hosts Amanda and CJ

93 episodes

Welcome to Expecting Expats- a space where we’re expecting more than just babies—join Amanda, a childbirth educator and doula & CJ, a therapist , as they explore parenting, identity, emotional growth, and the journey of building a life in a new country.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. Expat Experts: Finding Your Village Abroad with Raehyun Kim

    · 44 min

    Moving abroad and building a life in a new country can be exciting, but finding a real sense of belonging? That can be a whole different story. ❤️ In this episode of our Expat Experts series, Amanda and CJ sit down…

  2. The Mental Load of Kids' Clothes: Seasons, Systems & Sanity

    · 47 min

    Kids’ clothes. Seasonal changes. Hand-me-downs. Rain pants. And… somehow an enormous amount of mental energy. 😂 On the surface, swapping your children’s clothes from one season to the next sounds simple. But then come…

  3. About Letting Go: Watching Our Kids Grow Up Abroad

    · 46 min · S3 E31

    Watching your kids grow up is one of those beautiful contradictions of parenthood: you can be incredibly proud of who they’re becoming while also quietly wishing you could freeze time. In this episode of Expecting…

  4. Summer Catch-Up: Travel, Family Chaos & Finding Your Way Back To Routine

    · 31 min · S3 E30

    Summer is (almost) over, and we're back in Frankfurt! ☀️🍂 In this lighthearted summer catch-up episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ sit down to share what their summers actually looked like—from family trips and…

  5. Mom Rage: when the overwhelm, mental load and expectations becomes too much.

    · 44 min · S3 E29

    Have you ever felt so overwhelmed as a mother that you suddenly snap—and then immediately feel guilty or ashamed about it? In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ are having an honest, vulnerable…

  6. Navigating Elterngeld & German Bureaucracy as an Expat Parent with Marijke

    · 47 min · S3 E28

    Having a baby is a huge life transition. Having a baby in a foreign country — while trying to navigate a complicated bureaucracy in a language that isn't your own — can add a whole other layer of overwhelm. In this…

  7. Re-Release: What Is GentleBirth? Preparing for an Empowered Birth with Amanda

    · 43 min · S3 E27

    Some conversations are simply too valuable to leave in the archives. In this special re-release of Expecting Expats, we're taking you back to one of our favourite early episodes, when CJ and former co-host Kari sat…

  8. Divorce, Co-Parenting, and Finding Strength as an Expat Family with Louisette Winkel

    · 49 min · S3 E26

    What happens when your family life changes dramatically while living far from home? In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode of Expecting Expats, we sit down with author, speaker, and founder of Ignite Spark,…

  9. Summer Check-In: Navigating the Joys and Chaos of Expat Family Life

    · 21 min · S3 E25

    Summer has officially arrived, and for many international families, that means a season filled with sunshine, travel plans, school holidays, and a healthy dose of chaos. In this special catch-up episode of Expecting…

  10. Hallway Claustrophobia: Why Getting Out the Door Feels So Hard as an Expat Parent

    · 41 min · S3 E24

    Have you ever found yourself standing in a crowded hallway, desperately searching for a missing shoe while one child refuses to get dressed, another is asking a thousand questions, and you're already late? If so,…

  11. Trading Germany for Spain: Rebuilding a Business + Expat Family Life with Seli Jacome

    · 54 min · S3 E23

    In today’s episode of our Expat Experts Series, Amanda and CJ sit down with Seli Jacome —a birth and postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and former Frankfurt resident who flipped the script on expat family life…

  12. Raising Third Culture Kids: Superpowers, Identity Crises, and Where the Pretzels are

    · 40 min · S3 E22

    What happens when you’re raising children in a country completely different from your passport culture? In this episode, Amanda and CJ explore the beautifully complicated reality of expat parenting and raising Third…

  13. Raising Multilingual Kids: Strategies, Challenges, and Celebrations

    · 35 min · S3 E21

    In this episode of Expecting Expat, we dive into the wonderful world of expat parenting and explore the joys and challenges of raising multilingual children across cultures. Whether you're navigating expat family life…

  14. Expat Experts: Building community through language learning - Interview with Amy Fletcher.

    · 31 min

    ✨ Episode Summary Moving abroad is exciting—but it can also feel isolating. In this episode of Expecting Expats, we sit down with Amy Fletcher, founder of Speak Easy Sprachschule in Frankfurt, to explore how language…

  15. C-section Awareness Month: Amanda shares her story of an unexpected c-section

    · 50 min

    📝 Episode Description In this special 6-month anniversary episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda shares the birth story of her first child—an unexpected and unplanned C-section that changed everything. Recorded during…

  16. Choosing a School Abroad: Head, Heart & Identity

    · 45 min · S3 E18

    Choosing a school is one of the biggest—and often most emotional—decisions in expat parenting. In this episode, Amanda and CJ dive into the realities of navigating school choices while raising kids abroad, especially…

  17. Starting Kita in Germany - What Expat Parents Need to Know

    · 42 min · S3 E17

    Starting daycare abroad can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re navigating a new system, a new language, and a new culture at the same time. In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ talk about one of…

  18. The role of Attachment - in early childhood and adult relationships

    · 40 min · S3 E16

    In this episode, Amanda and CJ explore the significance of attachment styles in early childhood and adult relationships, particularly for expat families. They discuss how early attachment shapes emotional stability and…

  19. Expat Experts: Navigating Perimenopause: Interview with Dr. Colette White

    · 45 min · S3 E15

    In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ delve into the often misunderstood topic of perimenopause, a phase that affects millions of women globally. They are joined by Dr. Colette White, a clinician…

  20. Keeping the romance alive after kids: a Valentines Special

    · 28 min · S3 E14

    In this episode, Amanda and CJ explores the significant decline in sex among couples after having children, highlighting the various factors contributing to this change, including fatigue, caregiving demands, and…

  21. Who am I now? Identity changes in motherhood

    · 35 min · S3 E13

    In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ explore the profound identity shifts that accompany motherhood, particularly for those parenting abroad. They discuss personal experiences, the evolution of…

  22. Post holiday check in

    · 26 min · S3 E12

    Amanda and CJ discusses how their New Years ritual unfolded and how they feel about the wish they are responsible for (listen to the holiday special episode for context). CJ also shares her considerations regarding…

  23. Expectations for Maternity Leave: Comparison is the thief of joy

    · 42 min · S3 E11

    In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ delve into the complexities of maternity leave, discussing the pressures of productivity, cultural differences, and the often invisible labor involved in new…

  24. Expat Experts: The Pelvic Floor 101. Interview with Annie Ueyama

    · 51 min · S3 E10

    In our first Expat Experts episode, we interview Annie Ueyama, cofounder of FitnessWerkstatt and extensive expertise in pre- and postnatal fitness. We discuss the often-overlooked topic of pelvic floor health. We…

  25. HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 13 wishes for the new year

    · 37 min · S3 E9

    In this episode, Amanda and CJ reflect on their personal journeys over the past year, discussing the challenges and triumphs they faced. They share a special ritual for setting intentions for the new year, emphasizing…

  26. Building your community abroad

    · 31 min · S3 E8

    CJ and Amanda shares their personal experiences and best tips for building your community abroad. Here’s the main takeaways: 1. Put yourself out there — community starts with brave first steps Both hosts emphasize…

  27. THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!

    · 15 min · S3 E7

    Amanda and CJ checks in, with a surprise recording from thanksgiving morning, where they talk about the different holiday traditions and why they find it important to keep them going, while living abroad. They also…

  28. Breastfeeding Abroad

    · 41 min · S3 E6

    In this episode of Expecting Expats, CJ and Amanda share their weekend experiences, discuss the complexities of family life, and delve into their breastfeeding journeys. They explore the emotional and physical…

  29. Kari’s birth story of baby number 3!

    · 50 min · S3 E5

    In this episode of Expecting Expats, Amanda and CJ welcomes back Kari to share her recent birth story of baby number 3! Kari discusses her experience giving birth to her third child, Solveig, where she barely made it…

  30. Cultural surprises during pregnancy in Germany

    · 39 min · S3 E4

    CJ and Amanda share the funny, shocking and emotional cultural surprises during their pregnancies in Germany. Podcast recommendations: The Positive Birth Story Podcast

  31. How did we end up in Germany?

    · 29 min · S3 E3

    In this episode, CJ and Amanda get personal—sharing the winding paths that brought them to Germany and the unexpected turns that shaped their lives as expat parents.

  32. Kari’s Life Update

    · 25 min · S3 E2

    In this special episode, CJ and Amanda sit down with Kari, the original co-host of Expecting Expats, to reflect on her journey and share the reasons behind her decision to step away from the podcast.

  33. Welcome back!

    · 19 min · S3 E1

    After a long pause, we’re thrilled to relaunch the podcast with fresh energy, deeper conversations, and a brand-new co-host. In this heartfelt episode, CJ returns to the mic to reflect on life’s big transitions—from…

  34. Cool facts about being a mom!

    · 19 min · S2 E17

    In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discussed a book that CJ has read describing all the cool medical facts on what happens to mom‘s bodies after birth… From lowering cancer rates to growing part of your brain! tune in…

  35. Sex after two kids!

    · 18 min · S2 E16

    In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ chat about keeping the intimacy with your partner alive after having two kids! Tune in today and subscribe @expectingexpats

  36. Identity changes after two kids

    · 25 min · S2 E15

    In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ, discuss how their identity has changed, either for the better or worse after having two kids and living abroad. Tune in and subscribe to @expectingexpats !

  37. How the holidays really went!

    · 21 min · S2 E14

    In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discuss how their holidays went and how difficult they were with sick kids. Tune in today for the update and subscribe to @expectingexpats !

  38. New Year’s resolutions part 2!

    · 18 min · S2 E13

    In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ, discuss more on their New Year’s resolutions, and what they’re planning on doing with their families while living abroad! Tune in today and subscribe to @expectingexpats

  39. New Year’s resolutions!

    · 18 min · S2 E12

    In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ discussed their New Year’s resolutions, both personally and professionally. Tune in today to hear what they’re planning on changing in the new year! @expectingexpats

  40. Christmas Special - traditions, plans, and travel long with two kids!

    · 23 min · S2 E11

    In this episode, Kari and CJ, discuss their plans for Christmas, traditions they plan to have, and traveling with two! Tune in today and subscribe @expectingexpats!

  41. Maternity leave with 2 kids!

    · 23 min · S2 E10

    In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ, discuss how they’re handling maternity leave with two kids! Tune in and subscribe today @expectingexpats

  42. The First Few Weeks with Two Kids!

    · 47 min · S2 E9

    In this week’s episode, Kari and CJ discussed the first few weeks with having two kids - dealing with postpartum mental and physical changes While having a toddler to look after! Tune in today and subscribe…

  43. CJ’s Birth Story - Oscar

    · 48 min · S2 E8

    In this weeks episode, CJ tells us her birth story when delivering her son, Oscar. Tune in to hear the highs and lows, and how CJ found out she had a boy! @expectingexpats

  44. Kari’s Birth Story with Ragnar

    · 54 min · S2 E7

    In this weeks episode, Kari tells us about her birth story with Ragnar and having a vaginal birth, after her C-section with Dagny. Listen in to hear the ups and downs, and the funny points in between. Tune in today and…

  45. The Final Second Pregnancy Update!

    · 40 min · S2 E6

    In this week’s episode, CJ and Kari are in their late third trimester and giving us an update! They dive into if they’re trying to naturally induce, how they’re preparing, and how they’re feeling! Tune in and subscribe…

  46. What’s in our hospital bags?

    · 39 min · S2 E5

    In this weeks episode, we chat about what’s in our hospital bags and how we are better preparing for our second time in a German hospital (e.g. snacks!). Tune in today and subscribe! @expectingexpats

  47. Keeping the romance alive with kids!

    · 36 min · S2 E4

    In this weeks episode, CJ and Kari, discuss how to keep an emotional and romantic connection with your partner while having a little ones. Tune in and subscribe today! @expectingexpats

  48. Preparing for your second birth!

    · 20 min · S2 E3

    In this week episode, CJ discusses her preparation for baby number 2. We dive in to questions on what we learned in our past deliveries and what to do with your other kid during the birth - especially when you’re…

  49. Preparing for a Gentle Birth - special guest and founder of Mindful Mama Abroad, Amanda Graybill.

    · 41 min · S2 E2

    In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ are joined by a special guest, Amanda Graybill, founder of Mindful Mama Abroad. Where we discuss the Gentle Birth Method and going over all questions on it. Find Amanda and her…

  50. Preparing for a VBAC!

    · 35 min · S2 E1

    In this weeks episode, Kari and CJ discuss how Kari is preparing for a VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) - we discuss the course Kari took and also what the hospital in Germany recommends. Tune in and subscribe…

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