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
I Challenged the Ocean in Panama... and Lost BAD | "The Gringa and the Sea"
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I challenged the ocean in Panama… and lost BAD.
This is the very true (and very humbling) story of how I learned the difference between a calm, civilized beach and the full force of the open Pacific Ocean.
If you're thinking about living in Panama, retiring near the sea, or moving abroad for a beachfront lifestyle, this story matters more than you think. Not all beaches are created equal.
In this episode, I share:
The difference between Playa Bonita and Pedasí
What “middle of the ocean” really means in Panama
Why choosing the right coastal lifestyle is critical
And how Panama gently (and sometimes not so gently) reshapes you
Panama offers everything from protected bays with calm waters to world-class surf breaks with powerful waves. Whether you’re a land mammal who wants an ocean view without the chaos… or an experienced water athlete chasing big surf… there is a place here for you.
The key is choosing the right ocean for your lifestyle.
If you're considering moving to Panama, retiring in Panama, or investing in beachfront property, schedule a complimentary consultation with my team:
👉 https://ChoosePanama.com/contact
And if you’d like a free copy of my book, Panama Uncorked: Everything You Need to Know to Visit, Live and Invest in Panama, just let us know during your call — it’s my gift to you.
Panama isn’t just a change of zip code. It’s a change of perspective.
About Me:
I’m Melissa Darnay, Founder of Choose Panama and host of The Panama Podcast. I help North Americans confidently relocate, retire, and invest in Panama — with clarity, strategy, and a little humor along the way.
#LivingInPanama #MoveToPanama #ExpatLife #PanamaRealEstate #RetireInPanama #PanamaBeaches #PedasiPanama #PlayaBonita #ChoosePanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast
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!