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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
152 episodes
The 30 Day Reality Check: Is Moving to Panama Worth It?
Moving to Panama for the first time? Here is the honest reality of the first month and how to navigate the overwhelming transition.Relocating to a new country brings a mix of excitement and confusion that most guides ignore. This video ...
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Retiring in Panama: Why Everyone Is Talking About the Pensionado Visa
With retirement costs rising globally, many are considering alternatives. This video looks at why Panama is a top choice for "retirement abroad", especially for those seeking to "retire in Panama". We discuss how the "pensionado visa panama" pr...
Retire in Panama or Stay Home? The Surprising Facts
Are you asking, "Where can I live well without feeling like I'm just surviving?" This video explores why Panama consistently ranks high for those seeking a fulfilling retirement. We discuss how Panama quietly addresses common concerns, includin...
Why You Can't Find Panama's Best Deals Online
If you're considering buying real estate in Panama, it's essential to understand its unique dynamics. The panama real estate market operates without a centralized system, making local knowledge and connections key to success. This video highlig...
Is Florida Overrated? 7 Reasons to Retire in Panama
From lower property taxes and affordable healthcare to the famous Panama Pensionado Visa and a territorial tax system, Panama continues to attract retirees, expats, investors, and remote workers looking for a better lifestyle at a lower cost. M...
Stuck on the Market: Panama's Unsellable Properties
Understanding the nuances of the Panama real estate market is key, especially when identifying properties that may be difficult to resell. Even with attractive pricing and views, some properties have underlying issues that make them less desira...
Why Expats Are Flocking to Pinoalto in Boquete Right Now
Thinking about moving to Boquete, Panama? In this episode of The Panama Podcast: Real Expats, we sat down for an honest conversation about why so many expats and investors are suddenly paying attention to Pinoalto in Boquete. From mountain livi...
Your Plan B Just Became Useless | Here's What Works
Everyone talks about having a Plan B, but few actually have a practical one. This video clearly explains what a real "back up plan" entails, focusing on essential elements like "emergency preparedness" and "disaster preparedness". It highlights...
Here's What Happens Between Signing and Closing in Panama
After signing a real estate contract in Panama, many buyers experience a "quiet phase" which can be unfamiliar compared to North American practices. During this time, an attorney actively verifies the title, checks for liens, confirms taxes, an...
Panama Real Estate: The TRUTH Nobody Tells You!
What happens after you sign a real estate contract in Panama? This is the part of the process most buyers never fully understand—and it’s where having the right guidance makes all the difference. In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Drea...
Your Assets Are Worthless If No One Will Buy Them
Your assets are worthless if no one will buy them.That may sound extreme—but for high-net-worth investors with properties across multiple countries, it’s a reality most people don’t talk about.In this episode of The Panama Podca...
Living in Panama: What Expats Only Discover After They Arrive
What are the things no one tells you about moving to Panama?Everyone talks about the beaches, the weather, and the cost of living. But after living in Panama for over a decade, I can tell you—the real upgrades are the hidden ones. The e...
We Finally Moved to Panama with Our Dogs | Don't Skip this Video
Thinking about moving to Panama but not sure how to bring your dog? In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, real expats share exactly what it takes to move to Panama with pets—based on their firsthand experiences.Y...
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 ...
$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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...