ABROADly Speaking

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Podcast by Mistelle Godlewski

ABROADly Speaking

Welcome to Abroadly Speaking—where we’re not just talking about life abroad; we’re living it, challenges and all. Hosted by Mistelle Godlewski, a three-time expat with a serious knack for navigating life far from home, this podcast cuts through the glossy Insta-perfect scenes and gets real about what it takes to thrive overseas. Every episode, we dive into the unfiltered side of moving abroad—culture shock that’ll hit you sideways, the endless paperwork nobody warns you about, and the moments that make you realize why you took the leap in the first place. You’ll get stories that don’t hold back, practical tips you’ll actually use, and a community that’s in it with you. Whether you’re just dreaming or already living that overseas life, Abroadly Speaking is your passport to living your dream life beyond borders. We’re here to make the journey smoother, more connected, and more fulfilling—so grab your passport, hit play, and let’s dive into this adventure together!
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Latest episodes

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13 October 2025

Stop Chasing Easy Visas

Everyone wants to move abroad easily — but chasing the “easiest visa” is how people end up broke, burnt out, or back on a return flight they didn’t plan to take.

In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I dismantles the myth of “easy countries” and expose why quick-fix visas usually cost more, restrict you later, and turn your dream move into bureaucratic Groundhog Day.

You’ll learn what “easy” really means in visa language (spoiler: it’s code for “short-term pain disguised as convenience”) — and what you should actually look for instead.

Link to the Visa Therapy Challenge (inside the Departure Lounge)

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15:14

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07 October 2025

Visa First or Job First? Trick Question

Tired of being stuck in visa limbo? In this episode of ABROADly Speaking, I'm debunking the internet’s favorite argument — visa first or job first — and explaining why neither one is the right place to start. You’ll learn how to build leverage, create momentum, and stop waiting for the perfect order before you make your move abroad.

If you’re serious about moving overseas — but stuck between Google tabs and embassy confusion — this is the dose of real talk you need.

LINKS:

The Departure Lounge

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19:33

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30 September 2025

Visa Lies They Don’t Want You to Know

“Just get the visa—it’s easy.” LOL, no. In this raw, no-fluff episode, I break down the truth about moving-abroad visas: real costs (translations, apostilles, insurance), timelines that slip, documents you didn’t know existed, and the subtle red flags officers look for. You’ll learn how to use official government sources, what to prepare first, and how to present yourself as a safe bet—so you don’t cry in front of the clerk.

Free personalized Visa Checklist (works across most countries)

Research & Register mini-course (payment plan from $34) to set up visas, registrations, and timelines without 100 tabs

Have questions? DM @iammistelle on Instagram

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18:33

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22 September 2025

Before You Move Abroad: What Actually Gets Hard (and Better)

Thinking a move abroad will fix everything? In this raw, unscripted episode, I pull back the curtain on what life overseas is really like—the good, the gutting, and the everyday in between. We talk mental health wins, culture shock, language gaps, time-zone whiplash, taxes (twice!), and the ache of being far from family during emergencies and milestones. If you want the freedom of a life abroad and the truth about the trade-offs, this is your reality check—with love.

Resources

Start planning with Research & Register (mini-course; 3-month plan from $34)

Freebie: Cover Letter Template (for applying abroad)

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13:34

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15 September 2025

Job Seeker Visa Explained: The Real Path to Working Abroad (Not a Digital Nomad Fantasy)

If you’re serious about living overseas, the job seeker visa can beat digital-nomad hype. I break down what it is, who qualifies, proof-of-funds, timelines (often 6 months), and how it converts to a work permit/EU Blue Card—plus Germany, Austria (Red-White-Red), Portugal, Sweden, and UAE examples.

Cover Letter Template

Career & Professional Life

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20:38

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08 September 2025

Moving Abroad With Pets: Cargo vs. Cabin, Paperwork, Costs & What Actually Works

If you’ve ever Googled “do cats survive cargo??” at 2am, this one’s for you. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I moved overseas with my pets—twice—what I’d do again, and what I’d skip. No scare tactics, no fluff. Just real talk on international pet travel so you can stop spiraling and start planning.

Here’s what I cover:

  • Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Sea: how airlines decide, size/weight limits, and why “live animal” holds aren’t the Hunger Games.
  • Paperwork that trips people up: microchip standards, timed rabies shots, health certificates, USDA endorsement (for U.S. departures), import permits, and quarantine rules.
  • Airline & route strategy: booking early, pet caps per flight, weather embargoes, and choosing airports with good animal handling.
  • Prep for calmer pets (and a calmer you): carrier training, exercise, food/water timing, what comfort items to include (and which you won’t get back).
  • Landing & settling: first vet visit, jet lag for pets, setting routines, safe decompression spaces.
  • Money & expectations: realistic costs, where to spend vs. save, and why the real hurdle is paperwork + guilt—not the flight.

Bottom line: your pet wants you. With the right prep, they’ll handle the move better than you think (often better than we do).

Got questions about your specific route or rules? DM me on Instagram @iammistelle and I’ll point you in the right direction.

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