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The Panama Podcast
Welcome to The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing! Imagine trading your “someday” for today—living the life you've always dreamed of in a tropical paradise. That’s exactly what your host, Melissa Darnay, has been doing since 2012. And now, she’s here to show you how you can do the same!
Get ready for your weekly escape filled with sunny Panama inspiration, laugh-out-loud expat adventures, and insider secrets that’ll make your move to Panama smoother and more exciting. Melissa is not just an expat—she’s the CEO of Choose Panama, a luxury real estate company, and she’s passionate about helping people like you find your dream property and live their best life in paradise.
Whether you’re curious about living in Panama, investing in its booming real estate market, or simply looking for ways to make the most of your expat life, this podcast is for you. With interviews from expats, local professionals, and experts in everything from law to healthcare, you’ll have all the tools you need to start living your tropical fairytale.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into The Panama Podcast and let’s make your “someday” a reality!
The Panama Podcast
American's First Months in Panama: BRUTAL Honesty
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If you’re thinking about moving to Panama, this episode will prepare you in ways no checklist, relocation guide, or spreadsheet ever could. Get ready for culture shock in Panama, told by a Gringa in a tongue-in-cheek way.
In this special storytelling episode of The Panama Podcast, I’m sharing my origin story—all the way back to 2012, when Panama still felt a bit like the Wild West. Before the polished expat guides, before the infrastructure boom, and long before I became a trusted expert on Panama real estate and relocation… I was just a very Type-A American woman trying to figure out how to live in a country powered by mañana culture, sunshine, and vibes.
This episode is intentionally different from my usual interviews and deep-dive guides. It’s funny, unfiltered, and deeply real. From buying a GPS in Panama that didn’t include a map of Panama… to learning that “mañana” doesn’t actually mean tomorrow… to realizing that culture shock is often the thing that teaches you the most—this story captures the emotional side of moving abroad that people rarely talk about.
If you’re researching living in Panama, moving to Panama, or expat life in Panama, consider this a behind-the-scenes look at what the transition really feels like—especially in your early days.
Sometimes the best way to understand a country isn’t through advice… it’s through stories.
📩 Thinking about your own move to Panama? Schedule a free consultation with my team at 👉 ChoosePanama.com/contact
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Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.
To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html
Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!
