Claim OwnershipThe Panama Podcast
Subscribed: 12Played: 148
Subscribe
© 2025 The Panama Podcast
Description
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!
109 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text Ever wondered what a typical day living in Panama City, Panama really feels like? This video walks you through a real expat lifestyle in one of the most vibrant cities in Latin America. From drinking fresh Panamanian coffee on the balcony at sunrise to enjoying a glass of wine on a rooftop overlooking the Pacific, you’ll see exactly why so many people are choosing to live, work, and retire in Panama City. Here’s what my daily routine looks like living in Panama City, Panama: ...
Send us a text Stem cell therapy in Panama is changing lives — and today’s guest, Dr. Dan Briggs, is leading the movement. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, host Melissa Darnay sits down with the visionary founder of Auragens Panama, one of the world’s most advanced regenerative medicine centers. Discover how Dr. Briggs’ own battle with a brain tumor at age 20 inspired him to create a clinic that blends science, hope, and healing. You’ll learn why Panama is at the forefront of global st...
Send us a text Why are the world’s millionaires moving to Panama in 2025? From tax-free foreign income and legacy protection to breathtaking oceanfront living, Panama has become one of the top global destinations for high-net-worth individuals seeking financial freedom, safety, and luxury. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, host Melissa Darnay, CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate, breaks down the Top 5 reasons millionaires are flocking to Panama — and shares real-life stories from clients w...
Send us a text Affordable Tropical Design Tips from a Busy Turnkey Decorator in Panama Transform your Panama home or rental into a tropical paradise—without spending a fortune! In this episode of The Real Expats, host Melissa Darnay and co-host Stacey Jenks sit down with Amanda Gleeson, Panama’s go-to turnkey decorator, to uncover her Affordable Tropical Design Formula. Amanda shares how she decorates apartments quickly, beautifully, and on a budget—using smart sourcing, local vendors, and ...
Send us a text Panama vs old world Europe — which country is better for expats, retirees, and investors? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay compares living in Panama vs living in Hungary, revealing the truth about cost of living, residency programs, real estate fees, property taxes, weather, and lifestyle in both countries. If you’ve ever thought about moving to Panama or retiring overseas, this side-by-side comparison will help you decide whether Panama...
Send us a text Affordable healthcare in Panama for expats? Yes, it’s real. In this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, Melissa Darnay and her co-hosts sit down with Carolina Tristán of MiniMed to uncover Panama’s newest and most talked-about innovation — the Affordable Health Membership for Expats. 👉 Imagine unlimited doctor visits, lab work, and imaging — with no age limits and no pre-existing condition restrictions — all starting at just $20 per month. This is healthcare the way it ...
Send us a text Thinking about moving to Panama and wondering if the cost of living in Panama is really cheaper than in the U.S.? In this video, I break down real numbers—side by side—comparing Panama vs. USA prices for housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, dining out, and groceries. You’ll see exactly how much you can save by living, retiring, or investing in Panama. From $300-a-year home insurance to $25 oil changes, and from $5 restaurant lunches to $30 unlimited cell plans, you’...
Send us a text Looking for the best real estate investment in Panama City? Meet Generation Tower, the newest development in Costa del Este, Panama’s business hub with over 120 multinational companies and nonstop rental demand. Designed for investors and renters alike, this project is a triple-threat investment — offering short-term rentals, long-term corporate rentals, and dedicated independent living units. Why investors love Generation Tower: ✅ Located in Costa del Este, the stronges...
Send us a text How to invest wisely overseas is one of the most important decisions you can make for your financial future. In this episode of The Panama Podcast, I’ll share insider tips on international real estate investing, global diversification, and how to avoid costly mistakes when buying property abroad. Whether you’re looking for a Plan B, retirement haven, or an international lifestyle upgrade, this guide will help you make smart choices and maximize your returns. You’ll learn: ✅ Wh...
Send us a text Thinking about moving to Panama in 2026? In this special 100th episode of The Panama Podcast, I share my predictions for Panama in 2026—covering real estate, expat lifestyle, cost of living, healthcare, and the hottest areas to watch. If you want to know what’s heating up, what’s cooling down, and the surprises coming next year, this countdown is your insider guide. From pre-construction opportunities in Panama City, Playa Bonita, and Boquete, to rental demand, healthcare memb...
Send us a text Considering a move? Experience the dream! This video covers why moving to Panama could be the perfect choice. We explore the amazing Panama lifestyle and how you can retire in panama on a budget, plus tips for expat life in panama. #ChoosePanama #MelissaDarnay #ThePanamaPodcast Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.co...
Send us a text What makes Playa Bonita Panama so special? In this episode of The Panama Podcast, real estate expert Melissa Darnay sits down with both full-time and part-time expats who call Playa Bonita home. From the luxury condos at Casa Bonita to the private Pearl Club Beach Club, you’ll hear first-hand what life is really like in one of Panama’s most exclusive beachfront communities. Whether you’re thinking about retiring in Panama, buying a vacation home, or simply curious about expat ...
Send us a text Thinking about moving abroad to Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, or beyond? Before you pack your bags, watch this video on the biggest mistakes expats make when relocating overseas. From budgeting mishaps to healthcare surprises, I’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes to avoid when moving abroad—so you can save money, stress, and time. With over a decade of experience living in Panama and helping hundreds of North Americans relocate, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “what ...
Send us a text Considering a move? Get the inside scoop on purchasing property with advice from a seasoned expert. Learn essential tips about the Panama real estate market and discover Panama homes for sale. Avoid common pitfalls and confidently begin investing in panama and living in panama. Buying real estate in Panama can be the opportunity of a lifetime—but it’s also full of pitfalls. In this episode, Panama Real Estate Mistakes Everyone Makes, you can Learn from My 13 Years of Rea...
Send us a text Boquete Panama restaurateur Chris Young shares how he went from broke expat with $400 in his pocket to building some of the top restaurants in Panama, including Christopher’s Steakhouse, ranked #1 in Boquete. In this Real Expats interview, hosts Melissa Darnay and Stacey Jenks explore Chris’s inspiring journey of grit, reinvention, and culinary success in Panama’s mountain town of Boquete. Chris Young arrived in Panama in 2010 with no visa, no safety net, and plenty of challen...
Send us a text Thinking about moving abroad? Discover the 5 things nobody tells you about living in Panama—from daily lifestyle quirks to expat secrets that can save you time, money, and stress. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to retire, invest, or start fresh in Panama, this episode of The Panama Podcast pulls back the curtain with insider tips you won’t find in a guidebook. You’ll learn: ✅ Surprising cultural differences that can catch new expats off guard ✅ The real cost of ...
Send us a text Moving to Panama at 80 may sound impossible, but for American expat Benny Rains, it’s the best decision he’s ever made. In this inspiring episode of The Real Expats segment of the Panama Podcast, Benny shares his story of retiring in Boquete, Panama, building his own slice of paradise, and proving that you are never too old to start over. Boquete is one of the most sought-after destinations for retirement in Panama, thanks to its year-round spring-like weather, breathtaking mo...
Send us a text Thinking about moving overseas but not sure where to go—Panama, Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, or Cyprus? This 15-question quiz will help you cut through the confusion and find out which country is truly the best fit for your lifestyle, investment goals, and future. We’ll walk you through the top 15 factors that matter most to expats and retirees—like taxes on foreign income, property ownership laws, residency options, clean drinking water, modern infrastruc...
Send us a text Buying a car in Panama is very different from buying one in the U.S. or Canada, and in this episode of The Real Expats of Panama, we sit down with Fernando Tristán, Vice President of Sales at Grupo Sílaba and President of ADAP (Association of Car Dealers of Panama), to uncover everything you need to know. 🚗🇵🇦 Whether you’re an expat considering your first car purchase in Panama, curious about car dealerships in Panama, or want insider advice on navigating financing, insurance,...
Send us a text In this episode of The Panama Podcast, Melissa Darnay counts down the Top 10 Health Benefits of Living in Panama—and some of them just might surprise you. If you're looking for Healthy Living, stay tuned for how life in Panama can tick all the boxes. From year-round sunshine that boosts your mood and vitamin D levels, to clean, non-GMO food, free-range eggs and meat, ocean air rich in negative ions, and a naturally active lifestyle, Panama offers a wellness-friendly envi...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States