In this episode of the Away We Go We Go podcast, we chat with a special guest - Sam Ritter, Sophie’s cousin - who shares his amazing journey from Colorado to a small town in Sweden, where he now works as a blacksmith and musician. Sam talks about his creative childhood, the big moments that led him to move overseas, and how following his heart brought him a life full of adventure and meaning.

We also discussed with Sam what it’s really like to move to Sweden. He shares helpful tips about getting a work permit, dealing with Swedish paperwork, learning the language, and adjusting to a new culture. He also explains why slowing down and enjoying life the Swedish way has made a big difference for him.

If you’ve ever thought about moving abroad, starting fresh, or just love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is for you. Tune in, get inspired, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a friend who loves adventure!

Links
Sam Ritter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritterforge/

Contact info:

Website:

https://sophieepton.com/

Instagram:

@thesophiepton

@jordanepton

-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

In this heartfelt episode of the Away We Go We Go podcast, I sit down with my inspiring mom, Camy, to share her incredible story of retiring in France. My mom grew up in a large family in Nebraska and later made the life-changing decision to move to Provence. In this episode, she shares her lifelong love of travel, the challenges of relocating abroad, and what it truly takes to feel at home in a new country.

We chat about the realities of obtaining a French long-stay visa, navigating French bureaucracy, and the lessons learned about moving overseas. My mom also shares practical tips for anyone considering retirement abroad, the importance of learning the language, finding community, and embracing French culture. Her honest insights about the ups and downs of expat life, from the thrill of lavender fields to the patience needed for paperwork, are both moving and encouraging.

If you’ve ever dreamed of retiring in France, or simply want to hear a story about reinvention and bravery at any age, this episode is for you! Tune in for practical advice, a few laughs (and tears), and inspiration to make your own dreams a reality.

Links:

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/your-arrival-in-france

https://adrianleeds.com/

https://www.instagram.com/camy_en_provence

Contact info:

Website:

https://sophieepton.com/

Instagram:

@thesophiepton

@jordanepton

-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

In this episode, we dive into the adventures and challenges of raising expat kids in Provence, sharing the highs, lows, and all the little surprises that come with parenting abroad. From our twins’ adorable Easter egg hunt to finding the perfect crèche and navigating the ins and outs of French school options, we offer an honest look at how our family has adapted to a new culture. We also chat about how we manage travel, cherish the food rituals of France, and the unique experience of integrating our children into a bilingual environment.

Throughout the episode, we discuss what we’ve learned about French daycare (crèche), public vs. private vs. international schools, and the practical realities of health care, visas, and travel with little ones in Europe.

If you’re curious about family life in France, dreaming of an international move, or just enjoying stories of everyday adventure, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update, and reach out if you have questions or want to share your own experiences—we love connecting with our growing community!

Links:
https://www.choisir-ma-creche.com/
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2718

Contact info:

Website:

https://sophieepton.com/

Instagram:

@thesophiepton

@jordanepton

-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-