Episodes

  • Purvi Gandhi Irwin | Design Technology Consultant
    Sep 7 2024
    Purvi Gandhi Irwin works in a job that didn't exist when she entered her career field as a preservation project architect. She's a design tech consultant working with 3D modeling software and was recently hired by Overseas Building Operations (OBO). In our interview, Purvi shares questionable choices in high school, how her career has evolved, her special connection to the bathroom tiles in Eastern Market, and how she's managed to maintain a successful career as her family moves around the world. We also discuss ideas for a new podcast that she'd be great at! .BIOPurvi has spent the last 9 years supporting architects, interior architects, and engineers with their design technology needs at Shifted Paradigm Design. This includes teaching a 3D modeling software called Revit, creating digital content, developing workflows and standards, troubleshooting issues, and finding creative solutions to both design and modeling problems.With over 25 years of design experience, most spent as a preservation project architect, Purvi specialized in using innovative technologies to facilitate the documentation and rehabilitation of institutional buildings, and 16+ years of Revit experience working with existing buildings (most historic), from conceptual design, through construction administration and project close-out.She recently joined the DOS Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and is working in a DETO position as her husband is an FSO. Purvi is a registered architect with degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation and was a 10-year board member on the Alexandria, Virginia Board of Architectural Review.Additionally, she has presented at a variety of conferences and webcasts around the world and has also been involved in DEIA-related initiatives in both the design fields and in her community. She is a Girl Scout leader, an avid crafter, and loves to travel in her free time.Connect with Purvi:https://shiftedparadigm.wixsite.com/spdesignhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/purviirwinhttps://x.com/BIMchiq.This episode is sponsored by U.S. History for ExpatsCalling all parents! U.S. History for Expats has U.S. history courses forming right now. Did you know that all 50 states require U.S. history in middle school and 40 states require a U.S. history for graduation? Don’t let your children miss out.U.S. History for Expats has an elementary, middle, and high school program to fit your needs. This year, in grades 1-4 we are introducing ‘live’ biweekly activities in addition to the Studies Weekly program. Our accredited middle school and high school classes have been designed specifically for the children of American diplomats and cover the entire spectrum of U.S. history using the most recent Virginia Standards of Learning.What makes us different? We provide tons of feedback, unlimited support, and we are the first EFM-owned program to be accredited. Using experience from teaching in seven international schools, we fill in the gaps your international school might be missing.Sign up for a course or an information session by visiting www.ushistoryforexpats.com today. And don’t forget, all of our classes can be 100% reimbursed using the Supplemental Instructional Allowance.
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    35 mins
  • Summer Break 2024
    Jul 30 2024
    We're on summer break! We just wanted to share a quick update about how you can get involved in the next season of episodes AND how to stay connected to the Available Worldwide community.

    Apply to be a guest: https://availableworldwide.net/contact/

    Join the Available Worldwide Network: https://availableworldwide.net/available-worldwide-network/

    You'll hear from us again in September!
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    5 mins
  • 2024 Guest Updates: Part 2
    Jul 9 2024
    Special Episode: Guest Updates!We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 4 guests in Part 2 of this two-part series.We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below..In this episode, you'll hear updates from: Kent Blakeney - U.S. History for ExpatsListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kent-blakeney-us-history-for-expats--49737453Website: https://www.ushistoryforexpats.com/.Melissa Finkenbiner - artistListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/melissa-finkenbiner-artist--47268915Website: https://www.melissafinkenbiner.com/.Mary Stange - Ponte TravelsListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mary-stange-ponte-travels--47044476LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marystange/ Website: www.pontetravels.com.Patricia Linderman - Fierce after 45Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/patricia-linderman-fierce-after-45--48246500LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-linderman-63a83213/ Website: www.fierceafter45.com..This episode is sponsored by Fierce After 45We’ve all got health goals. So why aren’t we there yet? We’re human! And so many other things get in the way. Having a health coach is like riding an electric bike on your journey toward your personal health goals. It’s faster, easier, and a whole lot more fun! Health coach Patricia Linderman is a longtime EFM who totally gets the Foreign Service lifestyle. She offers affordable Zoom coaching in any time zone, specializing in women over 45 but open to all.Visit FierceAfter45.com to find out more and schedule your free consultation today!Website and blog: www.fierceafter45.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceAfter45Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierceafter45/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fierceafter45
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    29 mins
  • 2024 Guest Updates: Part 1
    Jun 18 2024
    Special Episode: Guest Updates!We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 5 guests in Part 1 of this two-part series.We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below..In this episode, you'll hear updates from: Erica Green - Iceland Writer's Retreat co-founderListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erica-green-iceland-writers-retreat--46617849Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericagreen1/Website: https://icelandwritersretreat.com/Dr Fae Frederick - online therapistListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fae-frederick-online-therapy-international--51681934Learn more: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfaefrederick/Website: drfae.comCrystaline Randazzo - master storyteller and media creatrixListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crystaline-randazzo-storyteller--49444392Learn more:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crandazzostorytelling/Website: www.crystalinerandazzo.comErin Semelka - financial plannerListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erin-semelka-clockwise-capital--47716977Learn more:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-semelka/Website: https://www.schorn.net/Valeria Laitinen - resume writerListen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/valeria-laitinen-better-see-v--52650636Learn more: Website: https://betterseev.com/..This episode is sponsored by DiploDashAre you struggling to figure out how to get your consumables? If shopping and packing out your consumables is a challenge, DiploDash® can help!When you hire DiploDash to manage your consumables, you get a partner in the process. We’ve been there – hungry for certain foods and frustrated by what's available in the local market. We've also been confused by the endless lists of recommendations.Working with DiploDash you’ll be guided through the consumables process from start to finish. Your biggest task is deciding what you want us to buy for you.Get the consumables you want and never leave Post. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.www.DiploDash.comhttps://www.facebook.com/diplodashservicehttps://www.instagram.com/diplodash/
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    27 mins
  • Maciej Szumny | Happy House Husband looking for new professional opportunities
    Jun 4 2024
    On the Available Worldwide podcast, we want to highlight the inspiring stories of the accompanying partners of the Foreign Service. But, we don't want to hide the very real challenges that many spouses face.

    In this interview for Pride month, you'll hear Maciej Szumny share some of the challenges he has faced as a same-sex partner and foreign-born spouse. You'll be inspired by Maciej's resilience, optimism, and adaptability. And he's a great storyteller!

    Maciej also shares important, actionable advice for other spouses who leave their home countries to join diplomatic spouses moving from post to post.
    .
    BIO
    Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Maciej Szumny had a successful career working in Public Relations and Marketing for big international companies like Nike and Reebok. He was a published poet and a writer, cooperating with different lifestyle magazines in Poland and the UK.

    One day he met his future husband who was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. They fell in love, and Maciej decided to leave everything behind to start a new life as a diplomatic spouse.

    Maciej has lived in Praia, Cabo Verde, Montreal, Canada, and Washington DC, where he became the number-one seller of the luxury line of Armani fragrances in the United States.

    Maciej was most recently living in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where he took care of his family of six, including four canine members. He also spent time saving the lives of homeless animals, earning him the nickname Saint Maciej of Assisi.

    Maciej and his spouse are currently PCSing back to Washington D.C. where Maciej is open to new professional opportunities.
    .
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    AW SPONSOR: DIPLODASH
    This episode is sponsored by DiploDash

    Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!

    When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.

    Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!

    Get the PCS help you want. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.

    www.DiploDash.com
    https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
    https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/
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    31 mins
  • Mikell Reed Carroll | SOSA Winner and Pageant Coach
    May 22 2024
    In this episode, meet Mikell Reed Carroll, an EFM with a job you probably couldn’t imagine being portable: pagentry!Mikell has been competing in pageants since she was around 20 years old, and has won numerous titles over the past 26 years. This June, she plans to compete for the Miss Virginia USA title, which would make her the oldest contestant to do so.

    Her tenacity and confidence grow every day as she adds more experiences to her life story: law school, advocacy work, television appearances, health challenges and now being one of the top Pageant Coaches in the world.

    Listen as she advises host Lauren how to build confidence and why she (and all EFMs!) should build a “Win List” to help us get through challenging days. The skills of a pageant winner are the extremely portable skills of confidence under pressure, facing challenges on the spot and, in today’s online world, personal branding and representing your supporting organization.

    Mikell is a Maine native, graduate of the University of Maine School of Law and has 26 plus years of experience in the world of beauty pageants. She is a former Mrs. Maine International, Mrs. DC, World's Mrs Tourism, International Ms USA and Ms USA Universe.

    She opened her full service pageant coaching and consulting business in 2021 and has since been named to Pageant Planet's Top 20 Best Coaches in 2023.She is currently in training to compete in the Miss Virginia USA competition in June.

    On Facebook and Instagram:
    @carrollcrownconsulting
    @mikellreedcarroll

    This Episode is Sponsored by Diplodash
    Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!

    When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.

    Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!Get the PCS help you want.

    Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
    www.DiploDash.comhttps://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
    https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/
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    40 mins
  • Alaina Missbach | The Global Fork
    May 7 2024
    Early in her career, Alaina had to learn how to translate all she'd learned in culinary school to the traveling life of the partner of a Foreign Service Officer.

    After years of running a successful catering business in several countries, she's now back in D.C. discovering what her next version of success will look like.

    Listen in as Alaina shares the lessons she's learned, including why she values contentment over happiness. As an added bonus, Alaina shares tips on what to bring that next international school potluck!
    .
    BIO
    Alaina Missbach is, first and foremost, an avid eater and, secondly, a chef.

    She’s a former Army officer turned graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park (earning her diploma at 8 ½ months pregnant) before being whisked off to their first post with her two small kids and newly-appointed FSO husband

    Delighting in the truth that “Everybody eats!” she started her own catering business, serving the Embassy and International School communities.

    Fast forward 12 years, 5 posts, and more events/dinners/meals than she can count, Alaina has experienced the ups and downs of changing careers, finding her way as an EFM business owner, and maintaining all aspects of her identity in the meantime.

    In her business, Alaina specializes in custom menus created for each client and event. She loves sharing her joy for American food and culture with her friends and Foreign Service family overseas.

    Alaina is a lifelong learner and takes on the challenge of always increasing her knowledge, learning new things, and trying new methods—both in cooking and in life.

    Learn more about Alaina:
    • www.instagram.com/ChefAlaina
    • www.facebook.com/TheGlobalFork
    • www.linkedin.com/in/alaina-missbach
    • www.theglobalfork.com (soon to be live!)
    .

    This episode is sponsored by DiploDash.

    Are you struggling to figure out how to get your consumables? If shopping and packing out your consumables is a challenge, DiploDash® can help!

    When you hire DiploDash to manage your consumables, you get a partner in the process. We’ve been there – hungry for certain foods and frustrated by what's available in the local market. We've also been confused by the endless lists of recommendations.

    Working with DiploDash you’ll be guided through the consumables process from start to finish. Your biggest task is deciding what you want us to buy for you.

    Get the consumables you want and never leave Post. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.

    www.DiploDash.com
    https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
    https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/
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    26 mins
  • Stephanie Anderson | Global Nomad English - 3 Year Update
    Apr 24 2024
    After 3 years of producing the Available Worldwide Podcast, we're celebrating by re-interviewing our first guests, each other. Lauren talks with Steph about what's changed with Global Nomad English and how podcasting changed her work with clients and pushed her into developing skills she never knew she'd need.


    Steph's Bio:

    Stephanie loves helping people tell their stories.

    In 2018, she started Global Nomad English, building on her English language teaching background, to offer global professionals online writing coaching, editing, and interview prep services. She now primarily works with hopeful Foreign Service applicants to help them write strong, concise personal narratives and practice telling compelling work experience stories in oral assessments and interviews.

    Stephanie is a passionate supporter of the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service, from co-founding the Available Worldwide podcast to launching the Available Worldwide Network. She firmly believes that by sharing our stories we not only inspire each other but can build solidarity leading to lasting change for the EFM professional community.

    Stephanie recently secured a position as an Adjunct Faculty DETO (domestic employee teleworking overseas) for the Foreign Service Institute. As an LE Staff Training Instructor, she facilitates online and in-person classes on Communication Skills, Team Building, and Supervisory Skills. Her goal is for LE Staff to feel heard and to help them build skills to find greater fulfillment and success in the workplace.

    Stephanie enjoys bike touring and traveling with her IRM spouse. Together, they’ve served at Posts in Moscow, San Salvador, and Berlin. Since being posted to London, she’s reentered the rowing world and trains/competes with a Thames women’s rowing club.
    • Learn about Steph's English and Writing Coaching Services at Global Nomad English
    • Find Steph on LinkedIn or Facebook
    .

    This episode is sponsored by Career Valet

    EFMs have many different career paths – really too many to count: travel enthusiast, embassy workhorse, dog mom, children organizer, remote work trailblazer…

    But the one thing that we almost all have in common? Our paths aren’t straight or straightforward. And often it takes someone else to help us tease out our strengths, skills, and value.

    That’s what they do at Career Valet, an EFM-owned and entirely EFM-staffed career consultancy that works with you to tell your best narrative on paper and online, aligned with target jobs. They’ve worked with EFMs, FSOs, members of Congress, Fortune 100 leaders, nonprofit and technology professionals, just to name a few.

    Check out www.careervalet.com to read advice on their blog or subscribe to their newsletter.

    You can also sign up for a free call and learn about their customized packages. They offer a $100 discount to EFMs.

    It’s your story. They amplify it.


    • www.careervalet.com
    • www.linkedin.com/company/career-valet
    • www.instagram.com/career_valet



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    32 mins