Get the Boots
This is the follow-on podcast from "Transcontinental Overload".
Everyone faces tough times. Some are chosen, others are forced upon us. What matters most is how we respond.
This podcast is about real people who have faced real challenges — setbacks, obstacles, loss, or life-altering changes, such as a move abroad — and found a way forward. Each episode dives into a personal story of resilience, courage, and sometimes transformation. My guests share what they went through, what shifted their mindset, and how they learned not just to survive, but to grow.
If you’ve ever wondered how others manage to rise from difficult moments with new strength and perspective, this is the space for you. Honest conversations. Practical wisdom. Hope for the journey ahead.
I'm Stephanie, and I love talking to people and hearing their stories. Moving on from my old podcast, "Transcontinental Overload", where I talked to guests about their experiences of moving and living abroad, I'm expanding my focus to include those who haven't moved countries. After all, life's challenges hit us all sooner or later, whether we've stayed in one country or not.
Join me as we uncover what it truly means to overcome, and how the toughest moments can sometimes open the door to the strongest versions of ourselves.
Get the Boots
21. From expat to immigrant - with Etienne de Bruin
My guest today is Etienne, whom I met through my husband's work, and who I knew within five minutes of meeting absolutely had to be a guest on my podcast. Originally from South Africa, Etienne has lived in Germany and then moved to the US in 2000 with his South African wife. They now live in San Diego, CA, with their three children.
Our conversation topics span the full US expat spectrum, and include gems such as:
- accents, especially German and South African
- Afrikaaner and English differences in South African culture
- the intricacies of bringing up your children with multiple languages
- musings and insights into the American psyche
- the pros and cons of reinventing yourself & the price you pay for leaving your home comforts
- sausages in all shapes and forms
- American chocolate
We also seem to dedicate an inordinate amount of time talking about Starbucks.
The Netflix show I mention but couldn't remember the title of, starring German comedian Anke Engelke, is called The Last Word. It is a brilliant example of German humour.