• Haseya: From California to New Zealand at 20 -Music, Friends, Food. Edited
    Jul 1 2025

    In this engaging episode, Haseya, a Gen Z guest, shares his journey from California to New Zealand and the lessons learned along the way. Together, we explore the cultural contrasts between the U.S. and Aotearoa, the role of music and the realities of adapting to a new lifestyle. Haseya opens up about the deeper nuances of food culture, the power and pitfalls of social media, and the importance of building genuine community in a new country. This candid conversation also touches on family dynamics, reconnecting with purpose, and what the future holds.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Melissa’s Move: TikTok Fame, Family Life & a Simpler Life in Aotearoa New Zealand
    Jun 25 2025

    In this conversation, Ashley and Melissa discuss Melissa's journey of moving to New Zealand from the Delaware, touching on various aspects such as her experiences with TikTok, the immigration process, healthcare differences, and raising children in New Zealand. They explore the cultural and legal contrasts between the two countries. The conversation also delves into the impact of consumerism and minimalism on lifestyle choices in New Zealand, as well as the natural disaster preparedness that comes with living in a country prone to such events. Ashley shares her experiences of parenting in a digital age, the contrasts between city and rural living, and the challenges of house hunting in Christchurch. She discusses homesteading in Akaroa, and the emotional journey of coping with homesickness and loneliness as an immigrant.The conversation also touches on the importance of finding community and understanding the mortgage landscape in New Zealand, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a move to the country.

    Melissa's book can be found: https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Move-Zealand-Comprehensive-ebook/dp/B0DNQQ5P55

    Or her website www.usatonz.com

    https://melcoxmusic.tunepipe.com/

    Keywords

    New Zealand, immigration, TikTok, healthcare, midwifery, consumerism, natural disasters, raising children, visa pathways, property management, parenting, digital age, city living, rural living, house hunting, Christchurch, home buying, Akaroa, homesickness, immigrant community, healthcare system, mortgage, moving to New Zealand

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Dallas Roots, Kiwi Wings: Christine on Raising Global Citizens
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode, Christine shares her global journey and what ultimately led her family to settle in New Zealand after years of living around the world with Dallas as their home base. Originally planning just a two-year stay, Christine and her husband found themselves drawn to the Kiwi lifestyle, choosing to stay permanently and raise their children as global citizens.

    She opens up about the challenges of navigating a new culture, the differences between the U.S. and New Zealand education systems, and why adaptability is the most valuable asset when relocating. Christine offers practical advice through her on securing housing, building community, and embracing cultural differences. She helps other newcomers through her relocation support business in Wellington.

    This episode is full of heartfelt insights and useful tips for anyone considering an international move or looking to raise kids with a global mindset.

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Degrees of Change: Abby’s Move from Vermont to New Zealand
    Jun 13 2025

    Abby and Ashley met at their MBA program at UC. They sit down and talk about transitions from New England (New Hampshire and Vermont) and they both owned small food based businesses. Abby has been in NZ for less than a year and still figuring out community.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Recession, Relocation & Resilience: Nicki's New Zealand Story
    Jun 13 2025

    Two bold American women, Nicki and Ashley sit down to discuss life in a culture that is more passive and humble. In this conversation, Nikki shares her journey from San Jose, California to New Zealand, detailing her experiences during the 2008 recession, exploring New Zealand, and the cultural differences she encountered. She discusses her relationships, parenting, and the healthcare system in New Zealand. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the unique aspects of life in New Zealand compared to her life in the United States.

    takeaways

    • Nikki moved to New Zealand due to the 2008 recession.
    • She experienced a quarter-life crisis that led her to explore new opportunities.
    • Nikki's adventures in New Zealand included traveling and exploring the North Island.
    • She found the healthcare system in New Zealand to be supportive and accessible.
    • She discusses the cultural differences in relationships and communication styles.
    • Nikki reflects on her parenting experiences in New Zealand.
    • She appreciates the quality of coffee and food in New Zealand.
    • Nikki shares her thoughts on the importance of perspective in understanding different cultures.
    • She expresses a sense of belonging and immersion in Kiwi culture.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Sarah- Colorado to Wellington to Christchurch: Finding Home in Aotearoa New Zealand
    May 29 2025

    In this episode, I interview Sarah, who shares her journeyof moving to New Zealand, her experiences with the culture, education system, and the challenges of navigating life in a new country. They discuss the importance of embracing the Māori language, the differences between Wellingtonand Christchurch, and the significance of outdoor adventures. Sarah also shares insights on the education system, visa pathways, disaster preparedness, and her experiences in sports and gender equity. The conversation concludes with advice for newcomers and reflections on the food culture in New Zealand. Sarah is finishing her PhD at UC!

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Christine’s Compass: A Psychologist’s Path Across Borders and into Aotearoa New Zealand
    May 20 2025

    In this conversation, Christine shares her journey of movingfrom Arizona to New Zealand with her family. She discusses the immigration process, settling into a new culture, and the differences in healthcare mental health systems. Christine reflects on her experiences in Hawke's Bay andChristchurch. She also offers insights into navigating the local systems and shares her thoughts on the benefits of living in New Zealand.

    Sound Bites

    "We decided to jump in and give it a go."

    "We wanted more options and things to do."

    "We cook a lot more here, which is good."

    Keywords

    New Zealand, immigration, cultural integration, family life, healthcare, education, parenting, expatriate experiences, Christchurch, Hawke's Bay

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Ethical Entrepreneur: Tiila’s Global Path from NorCal to the North Island.
    May 20 2025

    From Sephora to Aotearoa: Tilia’s Journey ofImpact and Innovation. In this episode, Tilia shares her inspiring journey from leading product innovation at Sephora to founding her own sustainable beauty brand and ultimately relocating to New Zealand. Through the lens of her Global Impact Visa with the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, Tilia opens up about navigating New Zealand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, adjusting to cultural differences, and settling in with her family. From reflections on work culture and the foodindustry to future ventures, this conversation offers honest insights intobuilding a life and business with purpose in a new country.

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    1 hr and 8 mins