The Global Girlfriend

Grab your coziest scarf and a mug of mulled wine — this festive episode of The Global Girlfriend is all about Christmas travel, winter adventures, and cozy holiday memories. Brianna and Morgan are celebrating the season by sharing our favorite winter trips, iconic European Christmas markets, unforgettable ski destinations, and the small traditions that make traveling during the holidays so special.From mushroom-shaped cabins in snowy Montenegro to magical Christmas markets in Vienna, Bruges, and Brussels, we’re talking about why winter might actually be the best time to travel. We also dive into skiing in Eastern Europe, winter fashion essentials, cozy cabins vs. city lights, and the joy of gathering with friends and family when the world slows down.In this episode, we chat about:❄️ The best European Christmas markets to visit⛷️ Skiing in Eastern Europe (and why it’s underrated & affordable)🎄 Winter travel traditions for expats and global nomads🧣 Winter fashion, thrifted snowsuits & cozy essentials🏔️ Dream winter destinations — from Japan to Antarctica❤️ Why winter travel is all about connection, warmth, and togethernessWhether you’re living abroad, traveling home for the holidays, or dreaming up your next winter adventure, this episode is your invitation to embrace the magic of the season, wherever you are in the world.✨ Happy Holidays from The Global GirlfriendFind us on Instagram & TikTok: @theglobalgirlfriendVisit: theglobalgirlfriend.com

Ready to update your 2025 travel bucket list? In this fun duo episode, Brianna and Morgan dive into Time Out’s “25 Best Things to Do in the World in 2025” and play a travel-lover’s version of Smash or Pass. From Arctic micro-cruises and vintage steam trains in Vietnam to wild new museums, creative cities, and party spots you may (or may not) want to visit, we’re breaking down which global experiences are actually worth the hype.As two women who live abroad and travel extensively, we’re sharing our honest reactions, our dream destinations, and a few hilarious hard passes. If you’re planning your next trip or just love hearing about unique travel experiences, this episode is full of inspiration, laughter, and wanderlust.In this episode:✨ The 2025 world events and destinations worth flying for✨ Why Greenland is suddenly on our radar✨ Bali’s new “creative city” and why it feels straight out of Black Mirror✨ Vintage steam trains, Arctic micro-cruises, and other aesthetic travel dreams✨ Places we’d skip — even for the plotThis is the perfect episode for travelers, expats, digital nomads, or anyone looking to explore new corners of the world in 2025.Share your Smash or Pass list with us!Find us on Instagram & TikTok: @theglobalgirlfriendExplore more at theglobalgirlfriend.com

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend Podcast, we sit down with a very special guest, Morgan’s fiancé, Danny Clynes, an avid outdoorsman, hiker, backpacker, and passionate fly fisherman. If you love outdoor travel, adventure tourism, or exploring nature while living and traveling abroad, this episode is for you.Danny shares how his love of the outdoors began in the Ozarks and evolved into a global passion that has taken him fly fishing in New Zealand, Spain’s Pyrenees, Costa Rica, Montana, and beyond. We explore how planning travel around nature-based activities can create deeper, more meaningful travel experiences.In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes fly fishing unique & why it’s a global outdoor hobbyHow to plan an outdoor adventure trip (permits, gear, safety & research) How fishing connects travelers to local communities and culturesStories from international fly fishing trips around the worldHow nature, hobbies, and shared adventure strengthen relationships Bucket-list outdoor destinations for couples who love to travelWhether you’re dreaming of hiking in the mountains, fly fishing in crystal-clear rivers, or planning your next international trip, this episode is packed with inspiration for travelers who love the outdoors.Follow Danny on Instagram: @roads.to.ridgesFollow The Global Girlfriend: @theglobalgirlfriend on Instagram & TikTokVisit us at theglobalgirlfriend.comIf you love travel storytelling, outdoor adventure, and tips for exploring the world with your partner, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

What happens when your life changes in a single moment, and you refuse to stop exploring the world anyway?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Evan Folan, the first-ever man to join The Global Girlfriend, to share his unbelievable story of surviving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a freak semi-truck accident on a California freeway. Evan opens up about the day that changed his life, the years of recovery that followed, and what it means to travel, hike, love, and stay hopeful while living with chronic pain, memory loss, and hidden disabilities.From packing with checklists and traveling with ice packs to seeking joy in food, mountains, and meaningful human connection, Evan reminds us that life is a gift, and no day is guaranteed.He also introduces Toro & Tides, the brand he created to support and educate the brain-injury community, where 10% of profits help people access treatment when insurance fails. You’ll hear:Evan’s near-death experience and recoveryHow he continues traveling with a TBIWhat allies can do to support hidden disabilitiesWhy living in the moment matters now more than everHow Toro & Tides is building community & awareness🌊 Follow & Support Toro & Tides: @toroandtides | toroandtides.com Listen to Evan’s podcast Brain to Brain for more stories from the TBI community.

In this soulful and deeply relatable episode of The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with one of Morgan’s closest friends, and OG travel buddy, Dani Smith to talk about carving out a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and true to who you are.Dani takes us through her decade-long journey of living across the U.S., exploring new cultures, switching careers, and learning to trust her curiosity. From backpacking through Europe to guiding hikers in Maine, from copywriting to rural healthcare, and finally to becoming a therapist, Dani opens up about the beauty and chaos of being a “career chameleon.”Together, we dive into:- What it means to find purpose outside of a traditional 9–5- How fear and curiosity shape the choices we make- Why our 20s and 30s are filled with more “chapters” than checklists- The pressure to define ourselves by our work, and how to let that go- How to rethink success through values, adventure, and inner alignmentIf you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or overwhelmed trying to “figure out your life,” this conversation is a warm exhale. Dani’s wisdom, grounded optimism, and therapist-level reflections will leave you feeling inspired, reassured, and ready to embrace your next chapter, whatever it looks like.And if you want to connect with Dani, you can find her at Cactus Tree Counseling.Follow us on Instagram & TikTok at @theglobalgirlfriend, and visit theglobalgirlfriend.com for more.

What does it take to see the world when the world isn’t always built for you? In this inspiring episode we sit down with disability advocate, writer, and photographer Michelle Steiner to talk about navigating travel through the lens of a learning disability.Michelle shares her story of resilience: from being told she couldn’t go to college to proving everyone wrong, building a life she loves, and finding freedom through travel. She opens up about her first solo trip, how she prepares for accessible adventures, and the small acts of kindness that make travel more inclusive for everyone.You’ll also learn about the Flight Ambassador Program, the Hidden Sunflower Lanyard, and other travel resources designed to support travelers with invisible disabilities. This conversation is a reminder that the world can open up in beautiful ways when we meet it with curiosity, patience, and compassion.Follow Michelle at https://www.michellesmission.com/Connect with us on socials @theglobalgirlfriend

What’s it really like to start over in a new country, again, in your 30s? In this episode we sit down with Lauren Riley, who has lived across three continents and recently relocated to the UK for work. Together, we dive into the side of relocating that doesn’t make it to Instagram: the quiet moments, the unexpected challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of rebuilding your life abroad as an adult.Lauren opens up about how expat life feels different now than it did in her 20s, what she’s learned from moving countries multiple times, and why, despite the struggles, she still believes it’s so worth it. Whether you’re considering your first move abroad or you’ve been living out of a suitcase for years, this episode is packed with relatable insights and heartfelt advice for navigating the beautiful chaos of life overseas.

In this powerful and heart-opening episode we sit down with Moira Khan: grief coach, educator, and founder of Griefspan Education. Moira shares how her international journey took a devastating turn when she experienced the tragic loss of her family while living abroad.Instead of shutting down, she transformed her pain into purpose, creating a compassionate global community for others navigating grief far from home.In this episode, we explore:Moira’s life abroad and the story behind her international rootsHow profound loss inspired her to create Griefspan Education and support others in griefReal, honest tips for coping with grief while living in a foreign countryWhat to do when you’re facing anticipatory grief or deciding whether to move homeHow to begin again. Rebuilding identity, purpose, and joy in a new countryThis conversation is tender, raw, and full of hope. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever lost someone while living far from “home,” or loves someone who has.Check out Moira's grief coaching community and services here: https://www.griefspan.com/about @greifspaneducation

Can you have a full-time career, a marriage, a mortgage, and still see the world? In this episode, Morgan and Brianna sit down with Morgan’s childhood friend, Nikki, a nurse anesthetist who’s proving that “normal” doesn’t have to mean ordinary.On paper, Nikki’s life checks every conventional box: a successful career in healthcare, a stable marriage, and roots planted at home. But behind the scenes? In the last year alone she has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, wandered through Bali and Australia, and is gearing up to hike Patagonia, all while holding down a demanding job in medicine.Together, we explore:How Nikki designed a life that blends responsibility with freedomThe mindset shifts and planning that make travel possibleWhat it’s like to balance marriage, shift work, and a passport full of stampsPractical tips for anyone who feels “stuck” in routine but craves adventureThis episode is for the dreamers with day jobs, the ones who want to keep their roots and grow their wings.To follow Nikki's incredible adventures, follow her on instagram: @nikki.shadwick Connect with The Global Girlfriend here: Insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

This week on The Global Girlfriend, we sit down with Sofia, a Portuguese event producer whose leap of faith took her from the sunshine of Lisbon to the hustle of London. We talk about what it really means to start over in a new city: the loneliness, the late nights, and the unexpected joys that come with carving out a life abroad. From volunteering at a festival in Albania to building a thriving freelance career in one of the world’s busiest cities, Sofia shares how courage, community, and a little chaos shaped her journey.Whether you’ve ever dreamed of moving to a new country or just love stories of women chasing bold adventures, this episode will remind you that home isn’t always where you start, it’s where you grow.www.theglobalgirlfriend.comwww.sofiamariz.com

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we share the travel stories that still stick with us, like the strangers who spotted us money in Madrid, offered us beds when we had nowhere to stay, or insisted we join them for lamb in Greece. These small acts of kindness turned into big memories and lifelong lessons.We also talk about the ways we try to spread kindness when we travel, whether it’s a smile, learning a few words in the local language, or even carrying each other’s bags when life (and stitches!) gets in the way.Tune in with us for laughs, stories, and a reminder that the best souvenirs aren’t bought, they’re the kindnesses we carry home.We want to hear about the moments of kindness you've experienced while travelling! Find us on insta/tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend or at www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

There’s something unforgettable about the first time you do something while traveling, it changes how you see the world and yourself. In this episode we’re diving into our most memorable “firsts”: backpacking across Argentina, gazing at an untouched night sky, standing on top of our first mountain summit, and the solo trip that taught us why being single is better than settling. These milestone moments shaped who we are today, and they might just inspire your own.We’ll also share practical tips for anyone feeling stuck or craving change. Sometimes, all it takes is saying “yes” to something new to set your life on a different path. We want to hear about your firsts. Find us here: insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

What’s up, girlfriends? This week we’re spilling all our secrets on how to have the most epic road trips. We’ve packed cars full of girlfriends and cruised across the Balkans, Southern Europe, and North America, and now we’re here to share our best tips for making your next adventure completely unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of road-tripping through Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, Greece, or North America, we’ve got you covered. We can’t wait for you to dive into our travel stories and (hopefully!) feel inspired to pack your bags, grab your girls, and hit the open road.www.theglobalgirlfriend.com insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders tiktok: @the globalgirlfriend

This week, we’re talking food. Why is it that we sometimes forget the names of places we’ve visited, but never the meals we ate there? In this episode, we share the best dishes we’ve ever had, how travel has shaped the way we cook, our favorite markets, and a few memorable food mishaps along the way. If food is one of your favorite parts of travel, this episode is for you.Connect with us online! Insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders Tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

It's never too late to create your annual travel goals, and this year we are doing it in August. In this episode we share our big and small travel goals. Ranging from hiking in Pakistan to scooting through Bali we can't wait for the year ahead. We also share our best tips for how to set travel goals and actually make them happen. We hope this convo leaves you feeling inspired to book some flights! We want to know where you're going this year. Connect with us on insta/tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend or theglobalgirlfriend.com. We'd love to hear your travel plans!

We're not 23 anymore. Let's talk about it. This week's episode is all about gracefully letting of the "young cool travel girl" aesthetic and lifestyle when you get to your 30s. We reminisce on nights spent on airport floors and good times in 16 bed mixed dorms. We also get into to how travel has changed for us slightly as time has gone on. We are still adventurous, we still feel young, but we can also afford to take ubers to the airport now. This is a fun one if you are in the midst of your "young, cool travel girl era" or if things are shifting and you're taking different kids of trips now. We want to connect with you! Find us on insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriendwww.theglobalgirlfriend.com

Welcome to the Global Girlfriend! In this episode we continue to explore what it's like missing out on big and small things at home when you live abroad. This week, we talk about all the weddings we've missed, the harder moments of missing deaths and funerals and we offer tips on how to work through those experiences when you are all alone on the other side of the world. If you've ever missed something or if you have a loved one abroad, we're sure you'll be able to resonate with this episode. Let us know how you cope with missing out and connect with us here: insta and tiktok: @theglobalgirlfriend @makinitwithmomo @brianna.wanders www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

In this spontaneous and heartwarming episode, we’re joined by a surprise guest—Brianna’s sister Ciara! Together, we dive into the realities of having siblings who live abroad, from missed milestones to the joy and chaos of reunions. Ciara opens up about what it’s really like to be the one holding down the fort at home while both her sisters live overseas. We laugh, we get real, and we unpack the emotional push-pull of global sisterhood. If you live abroad or have family scattered around the world, this one’s for you.Follow us on insta and tiktok @theglobalgirlfriend www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we dive deep into one of the biggest gifts of living abroad: open-mindedness. From culture shock at the Albanian post office and redefining beauty standards in Kenya and Jamaica, to embracing siestas in Spain and daily offerings in Bali - we share real, funny, and sometimes eye-opening stories about how travel has forced us to question what we thought we knew.We also explore how working internationally has reshaped the way we communicate, give feedback, and find common ground with colleagues from different cultures. And we reflect on how open-mindedness has evolved into a core value in our lives, keeping us curious, humble, and always learning.Join us for an honest, reflective, and sometimes hilarious conversation that might inspire you to see the world (and yourself) a little differently.We want to hear from you too! Follow us on insta: @theglobalgirlfriend @brianna.wanders @makinitwithmomo www.theglobalgirlfriend.com

In this episode of The Global Girlfriend, we open up about what it really takes to build confidence while living, traveling, and working around the world. From awkward first days at new jobs in unfamiliar countries to strutting through stylish cities with our best “main character energy,” we share candid stories of the times we felt bold, and the times we had to fake it.We reflect on how confidence looks different across cultures, how it changes as we grow, and why it’s perfectly normal to doubt yourself, even years into expat life. We also chat about the small but powerful things that help us feel braver abroad: solo adventures, fierce playlists, journaling, and watching local women live fully in their own unique ways.Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, new to life abroad, or just looking to feel a bit braver day-to-day, we hope this conversation leaves you inspired, reassured, and ready to step confidently into your next adventure.We’d love to hear your own confidence lessons too! Find us on Instagram and TikTok @theglobalgirlfriend or visit us at theglobalgirlfriend.com.