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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!
Episodes
139 episodes
The REAL Cost of Living in Panama | $6000 Gets You This
Discover how the panama cost of living allows for a truly luxurious lifestyle, far more affordable than back home. It's not just about living in panama; it's about upgrading your entire experience with ocean views and household help, embracing ...
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Episode 139
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7:39
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$2,000/Month in Panama Gets You THIS Much
Can you really live in Panama on $2,000 a month?In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, I break down the real cost of living in Panama for a retired American couple living on Social Security. If you’ve been wonder...
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Episode 138
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8:30
This Couple Retired to Panama—Here's How It Actually Happened
Most people don't just wake up and decide to start moving abroad. It begins with quiet conversations and late-night research, a desire for a freer life. This video explores the transition from dreaming about retirement planning in another count...
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Episode 137
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27:52
Most Expats Get This Wrong About Building Wealth Abroad
We are discussing how buying property in Panama, while a transaction, isn't always a long-term wealth building strategy without proper infrastructure. For those seeking generational wealth, optionality, resilience, and global mobility, focusing...
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Episode 136
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8:01
Condos Don't Build Wealth | Here's Why
Buying a condo in Panama is often seen as a transaction, not a true real estate investing strategy, especially with rapidly changing global economies and tax rules. This video explains how a condo can become smart assets when it effectively red...
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Episode 135
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9:39
Asset Protection Strategy Everyone Gets Wrong About Panama
Beyond the typical lifestyle advantages, this video explores the deeper motivations for moving to Panama, focusing on crucial aspects like legacy building and robust asset protection. We discuss how owning a producing farm can serve as both an ...
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Episode 134
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8:05
Between Offer and Move | The Reality of Your Dream Home
Imagine the exact moment your dream life in Panama becomes real. Discover the emotional journey of making a long-held aspiration to embrace coastal life a reality. This video highlights the joy and fulfillment of living in Panama, especially wh...
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Episode 133
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27:36
Skip Portugal, Go Panama: Here's Why
For years, Portugal has been one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking for a second residency, better lifestyle, and lower cost of living abroad. But immigration rules have tightened, taxes have changed, and property prices hav...
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Episode 132
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8:14
Living in Panama on $4,000 a Month | Here's What You Get
Can you live well in Panama on $4,000 a month, especially if you already own your home? This video dives into the real cost of living in Panama, breaking down expenses beyond just scraping by. We'll explore detailed budget planning for a comfor...
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Episode 131
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9:19
I Challenged the Ocean in Panama... and Lost BAD | "The Gringa and the Sea"
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...
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Episode 130
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10:05
Air Quality in Panama | Should You Be Worried?
Air quality is a critical factor often overlooked until it impacts your daily well-being. This video explores the concerns around dirty air and its effects on health, energy, and overall quality of life. We discuss why understanding air polluti...
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Episode 129
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7:11
Lost on Panama? How Successful Expats Pick Their Area
If you're considering moving to Panama but aren't quite sure where to settle, this episode is for you. We discuss the journey of buying property and the decision-making process when investing in Panama. It's about navigating that 'in-between' p...
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Episode 128
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34:07
Why Smart People Are Retiring to Panama Now
Are you a retiree looking for your slice of paradise? 🌴 Many people are choosing Panama for its financial freedom and independence, offering a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality. Discover how you can manage your living expenses an...
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Episode 127
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7:41
Hottest Investment Projects in Panama Today (2026)
The current real estate market in Panama has seen significant changes, making it crucial for potential buyers to act decisively. Opportunities for investing in Panama are diminishing, as inventory thins and prices adjust. If you're considering ...
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Episode 126
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7:42
The Most Savage Panama Questions We Got
We're diving into a lively podcast episode today, opening the mailbag to your unfiltered comments! This session is all about engaging with our audience participation, tackling questions and answers, and sharing feedback examples, both curious a...
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Episode 125
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25:52
The Real Reason Cruise Ships Can't Skip Panama
Panama offers a truly unique geography, allowing cruise ships to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean—a feat few places can match. This video challenges the common perception of Panama as just a brief stopover, emphasizing its glo...
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Episode 124
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6:50
Is it Safe to Buy Real Estate in Panama as a Foreigner?
Buying property abroad can feel daunting, but understanding property title and ownership rights in Panama clarifies the process. This video addresses common concerns about real estate investing, assuring you that your name is directly on the ti...
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Episode 123
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6:00
American's First Months in Panama: BRUTAL Honesty
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...
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Episode 122
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9:51
The Offshore Account Strategy the Ultra-Wealthy Don't Talk About
In 2026, wealthy individuals aren’t asking if they should diversify internationally — they’re asking where. In this episode, I break down the offshore move affluent North Americans are quietly making and why Panama has emerged as one of the mos...
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Episode 121
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35:36
4 Things That Shocked Me About Living in Panama
What really surprises people about living in Panama isn’t the visas, the paperwork, or the cost of living—it’s the emotional reality once the honeymoon phase wears off. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I share the four things that genuine...
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Episode 120
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8:50
Red Carpet Visa Update | Panama's New Eligibility Requirements
Panama’s Red Carpet Visa has changed—and if you’re considering moving to Panama or investing in Panama real estate, these updates could directly impact your residency strategy. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I sit down with Panamanian i...
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Episode 119
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21:16
Panama Property Prices About to Explode | Here's Why
Panama property prices are at an inflection point — and buyers who understand what’s happening now are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. In this episode, I break down why Panama real estate prices are poised to rise, what’s driving dem...
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Episode 118
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13:30
Assisted Living in Panama vs the US: The Real Numbers
If you’re researching Panama real estate, moving to Panama, or long-term Panama relocation strategies, this episode tackles one of the most emotional—and expensive—questions families face: assisted living. In this video, I break down the real n...
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Episode 117
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10:15
Is Coronado, Panama the right move for expats?
Discover what expats really think about living in Coronado, Panama — one of the most talked-about coastal communities in the entire country. Whether you're exploring Panama real estate, considering buying property in Panama, or planning your Pa...
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Episode 116
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33:00
First Airbnb in Panama? Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Launching your first Airbnb in Panama can be a powerful way to build passive income — if you know how to navigate Panama real estate, local rental laws, and the unique expectations of expat life in Panama. In this episode, Melissa Darnay shares...
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Episode 115
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10:45