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Flourish In The Foreign | Black Women Living & Thriving Abroad

Flourish In The Foreign | Black Women Living & Thriving Abroad

Author: Christine Job

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Launched in 2020, Flourish in the Foreign is an award-winning oral history podcast at the intersection of migration, Blackness, womanhood, wellness, and liberation. Each episode documents the lives of Black women who have chosen to leave their home countries and build lives of intention, depth, and self-determination abroad.

Host Christine Job, J.D., is a cultural theorist and embedded oral historian living the story she documents. Over 150 episodes, she has built one of the most substantive qualitative archives on Black women's voluntary migration. These conversations span Colombia, Portugal, Ghana, Mexico, Australia, the Caribbean, and beyond, with women navigating the real terrain of expatriation: identity, belonging, financial independence, health, relationships, and what it actually means to thrive outside their native cultural context.

Flourish in the Foreign sits at a specific and necessary intersection: the scholarly and the intimate, the structural and the personal, the political and the deeply human. It asks not just whether Black women can flourish abroad, but what it means that so many are choosing to try. And what that departure reveals about their motivations, expectations, and realities.

This is not a travel podcast. It is a living archive of Black women's migration journeys, told in their own voices, hosted by a researcher who understands that oral storytelling is diasporic technology — a tool for cultural preservation, truth-telling, and narrative authority.

Featured in: Vogue Arabia · Business Insider · Boston Globe Magazine · Black Enterprise · Apple Podcasts Black History Collection (2023)

Awards: Best International Podcast, Black Podcast Awards 2021 · Shortlist Honoree, International Women's Podcast Awards 2021 · Top 1.5% globally

Websites: https://www.flourishintheforeign.com · https://www.christinejob.com

161 Episodes
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In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Reva Watson shares her experiences of living abroad, from studying in China to settling in Trinidad. Reva discusses the unexpected obstacles she faced as a new mother in a new country, her academic journey, and how her professional and personal life evolved over 10 years.This Episode Covers:Living and Studying in ChinaTransition to Life in TrinidadFirst Year in Trinidad: Challenges and AdaptationsProfessional Evolution and Work-Life BalanceReflections on Relationships and Family DynamicsCultural Observations and IdentityPassport Privilege and Global Mobility To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Tiandra Burns returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. She reflects on residing in Montevideo for seven years, recounts her transformative experiences of living abroad, being laid off, and finding her identity after a significant relationship ended. She highlights her journey through mental health struggles, therapy, and self-discovery. Tiandra also touches on building community, cultivating solitude, reshaping her career, and confronting societal expectations.This Episode Covers: Career Aspirations and Aging AbroadThe Importance of CommunityBuilding a Multicultural CommunityThe Struggle of Getting Laid Off AbroadNavigating Unemployment and Job SearchEmbracing the Soft LifeChallenges and Misconceptions of Living Abroad To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Candace Stephens, a 35-year-old Black American who has lived in Denmark for over eight years, shares her journey from growing up in Rancho Cucamonga, California, to studying abroad in Newcastle, Australia, for six months and au pairing outside Paris for over a year. Candace discusses navigating early adjustment in Denmark, learning Danish amid widespread English fluency, and building confidence through her academic strengths and community. This Episode Covers: First Months in DenmarkBuilding a Home AbroadLearning DanishPregnancy in DenmarkRaising a Multicultural ChildSurvivor’s Guilt After Leaving the U.S. To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Khephra White shares what she has been up to in Madrid since our last conversation. She reflects on her career in theater, the transition from teaching to copywriting, and overcoming significant personal losses. Khephra speaks on finding a supportive community in Madrid, engaging in local activism, and her ongoing journey towards health and wellness.This Episode Covers:Theater and Stand-Up JourneyCareer Transition and AchievementsReflections on Home and IdentityCommunity and BelongingGrief and Resilience Personal Wellness JourneyChallenges of Dating as a Black Queer Woman in SpainTo learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization that helps Americans living outside the U.S. vote via absentee ballot. Request your absentee ballot today using their tool here: https://usvotersabroad.org/podcastIn this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Ayoka B. delves into her experiences of moving to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. She recounts her upbringing in a Black activist household, her professional and academic journey, the emotional and logistical difficulties of transitioning to a new country, and the profound sense of freedom and safety she has found in Costa Rica.This Episode Covers:Planning the Move to Costa RicaAdjusting to Life in Costa RicaReflections on Identity and Well-beingRediscovering Writing and CreativityReflections on Aging and Wellness To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at https://www.flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode, Dr. Rachel V. Brown returns to the show to share her experiences living and working abroad since our last conversation. She reflects on her transition through different countries like Jamaica, the US, Kenya, and Spain before settling in Ghana. Rachel reveals struggles with cultural integration and belonging in Ghana, despite an ancestral connection. She delves into her personal evolution, sharing insights on her identity as a Black woman, the search for economic freedom, and her views on relationships and personal well-being.This Episode Covers:Life During the Pandemic Reflections on Identity and BelongingCommunity and Wellbeing in Barcelona CChallenges of Living in GhanaAcademic and Professional Journey Personal Reflections on Beauty and WellnessAdvice for Moving Abroad To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
Support for today’s episode comes from the Center for US Voters Abroad Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization that helps Americans living outside the U.S. vote via absentee ballot. Request your absentee ballot today using their tool here: https://usvotersabroad.org/podcastIn this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dione Peart reflects on her journey to living in Mozambique. She shares how her childhood in New York ultimately led her to join the Peace Corps and what led her to extend her service. Dione also reflects on how migration has affected her identity, raising a multicultural child, navigating bias while building a business abroad, and how her wellness practices have been influenced by her life abroad.This Episode Covers:Growing Up in a Jamaican HouseholdJoining the Peace CorpsAdapting to Life in MozambiqueNavigating Identity and Privilege Abroad Intercultural Relationships and Family DynamicsRaising a Multicultural Child Balancing Work and Wellness  To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Dr. Tayler Ava Friar returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation (S5 Ep 11). She also shares her reflections on living between France and Mexico, the importance of community and sisterhood, and how she plans to age well abroad.This Episode Covers:Living Abroad: A Journey Through ContinentsReflections on Home and IdentityPerspectives on Aging and BeautyThe Essence of Moving AbroadThe Importance of CommunityPlanning for RetirementHealthcare Considerations AbroadThe Power of SisterhoodLiving as a Black Woman GloballyTrue Wellness and Self-CareThe Journey of EntrepreneurshipArt Unknown and Future ProjectsEpisode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode, Keki Mwaba, based in Amsterdam, shares her inspiring journey from South Africa to the Netherlands. She discusses her academic background, career in HR and recruitment, and the challenges and successes she faced while transitioning between cultures and countries. Keki dives into her experiences working for major companies like Disney and Uber, and her own entrepreneurial venture, Expat Career Development. She also touches on themes such as belonging, personal growth, and the importance of community and wellness.This Episode Covers:Growing Up in South AfricaUniversity Life in Cape Town  Studying Abroad in the USChoosing the Netherlands for Higher EducationStarting a Career in the NetherlandsWorking for American Tech Companies Blackness and Womanhood in the NetherlandsAdapting to Life in the NetherlandsBuilding a Diverse Social Circle  Starting Expat Career DevelopmentNetworking and Job Search Tips To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
In the debut episode of season seven of Flourish in the Foreign, host Christine Job reflects on the show's evolution and lays the groundwork for this season, discussing significant themes like Black Girl Soft Life, the sumptuous life, and migration as a pathway to wellness and liberation. Christine explores the nuances between living abroad and migration, the impact of migration on personal and professional wellness, and the aspirational idea of migration as a liberatory praxis.This Episode Covers: Exploring Black Girl Soft LifeThe Evolution to Sumptuous LifeCrafting a Life Well LivedLiving Abroad as a Pathway to WellnessThe Language of Migration Migration for Wellness vs. Liberation Aging Abroad Series To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
Season 7 Trailer

Season 7 Trailer

2026-01-2805:23

Season 7 of Flourish in the Foreign launches in 2026. Subscribe to Substack to listen early and ad-free. Flourish in the Foreign ResourcesPodcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com)Buy Me a Coffee (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign)Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/) Episode Credits:Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & EditorZachary Higgs-Theme Music
Ask Me Anything # 3

Ask Me Anything # 3

2025-05-0101:05:49

 In the final episode of season 6 of Flourish in the Foreign, host Christine Job engages with her audience through an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. With this 151st episode, Christine addresses questions about moving abroad as a creative, navigating corporate jobs overseas, managing finances internationally, and handling partner hesitations about relocating. Christine also shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, encouraging listeners to build international networks and adopt an audacious mindset.  This Episode Covers: Identity Advice for Creatives Moving Abroad Corporate Careers Abroad  Navigating Partner Hesitations Navigating International Banking and Investments About the Flourish in the Foreign Book Aging and Beauty Abroad   Resources Mentioned: Financial Resources: Acquania Escarne's "Build Wealth Abroad" (Flourish in the Foreign YouTube channel) Tanya Munford Pitts' "Expat Tax Solutions" (Flourish in the Foreign YouTube channel) Financial Wellness Abroad (Compilation, Season 1 Episode 59 )     To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music   Move Abroad with Intention Moving Abroad with Intention Guide  (https://flourishforeign.gumroad.com/l/move-abroad-with-intention-guide ) Move Abroad with Intention Playlist S1 E 25: How to Get A Job Abroad S1 E 32: Going Abroad with Intention S1 E 33: Dating Abroad Pt. 1 S1 E 47: Go Abroad & Cultivate A Life Well Lived S1 E 59: Financial Wellness Abroad S2 E 10: Does Moving Abroad = A Soft Life S2 E 14: Healthcare Abroad Pt. 1 S2 E 17: Black Pregnancy Abroad S2 E 19: Black Motherhood Abroad Pt. 1 S4 E 12: Ask Me Anything- 100th Episode S4 E 21: Living in Spain
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Ava LaTanya Hilton shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Detroit during the height of Motown to living in Valencia, Spain. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her childhood, pivotal experiences like her senior class trip abroad, her academic and professional accomplishments, and the profound impact of dance on her life.    This Episode Covers:  First International Experience University and Dance Journey Living Abroad: England and France Living Abroad: South Africa and Saudi Arabia Dance: A Lifelong Passion Defining Wellness and Final Thoughts   To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
Special Series: Aging Abroad  In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, past podcast guest Lori L.Tharps shares her journey of moving to Spain with her family and the challenges and triumphs they faced over the years. She reflects on her son's educational struggles and successes, her daughter's adaptation to Spanish life, and the cultural differences they've embraced. Lori discusses her professional shift from academia to creating a community for BIPOC women writers and her achievements in fostering creative connections. She candidly speaks about the concept of aging, both personally and for her family, and highlights the importance of wellness, self-care, and planning for the future.  This Episode Covers: Settling into Life in Spain  Launching a Child into University  Affirming Black Identity Abroad  Motherhood Abroad: Evolution and Reflections  Professional Evolution and Leaving Academia  Pursuing a Creative Life Abroad  Building a Writing Community  Reflections on Aging Abroad      To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign,  Emily Rumble, a bibliotherapist and author of "Bibliotherapy in the Bronx," explores the concept of bibliotherapy, the history and role of literature in emotional healing, and provides book prescriptions for life abroad.   Order Bibliotherapy in the Bronx here *: https://bookshop.org/p/books/bibliotherapy-in-the-bronx-emely-rumble-lcsw/26824052?aid=94836&ean=9781955905879&listref=books-to-flourish-in-the-foreign-f688a647-e9d3-4e75-9e74-05406e2bdce2&next=t   This Episode Covers: Becoming a Bibliotherapist The Essence of Bibliotherapy Cultural Roots and Identity Literature as a Bridge to Home The Art of Bibliotherapy: Prescribing Books for Healing Hypothetical Book Prescriptions for Life Abroad   To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music    
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Thea discusses her journey from studying abroad to living in Italy. She shares her experiences navigating the Italian health system during her pregnancy, the challenges and joys of raising a bilingual and multicultural child, and her entrepreneurial journey of helping others move to Italy.    This Episode Covers: Studying Abroad and Life After Moving to Italy and Overcoming Challenges Intercultural Relationships and Dating Reflections on Longevity and Sustainability Abroad The Birth of 'Doing Italy' Pregnancy and Healthcare in Italy Raising a Multicultural Child in Italy   To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
 In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Heather shares her story of living abroad for over six years in countries like Japan, Australia, and Ireland. She also explores themes of identity, wellness, and the difficulties of reintegrating into the U.S. after living abroad.  This Episode Covers: Life in Japan: First Impressions and Experiences Returning to the U.S. and Transition to Art School Challenges and Decisions: From Chicago to Australia Graduate School in Australia  Navigating Cultural Differences in Australia Moving to Japan: Teaching and Living Experiences Re-Entry Challenges: Returning to the States Living Abroad Again: Japan and Beyond Studying in Ireland: Challenges and Comparisons Redefining Wellness Through Migration     To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Robin Allison Davis details her decision to move abroad, her experience of adapting to life in Paris, her battle with breast cancer, and the importance of community and support systems. Robin also touches on dating in Paris and gaining French citizenship. Her memoir, 'Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light,' is set to be released on September 16th, 2025.  Order it here*: https://bookshop.org/p/books/surviving-paris-a-memoir-of-healing-in-the-city-of-light-robin-allison-davis/27354523?aid=94836&ean=9780063353138&listref=books-to-flourish-in-the-foreign-f688a647-e9d3-4e75-9e74-05406e2bdce2&next=t   This Episode Covers:  The Decision to Move to Paris First-Year Challenges and Triumphs Navigating the French Job Market Navigating Medical Challenges Abroad Writing a Memoir: Surviving Paris Dating Experiences in Paris Becoming a French Citizen   To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music      
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Emmanuelle, a French-Cameroonian woman living in South Italy shares her experiences growing up in Bordeaux, France, and studying Italian, which led her to move to Italy. She discusses her time in Bologna and her observations on race and identity in different European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK. Emmanuelle also talks about her podcast 'Black Coffee,' which addresses Blackness in Europe, and her Substack newsletter that explores similar themes within the realm of fashion.    This Episode Covers: Living in Bologna: Identity and Racism Post-University: From Italy to Germany Cultural Reflections and Dating in Germany Transition to the UK Working in Fashion  Returning to Italy During the Pandemic     ExpatWell: Financial Forum*-https://expatwell.heysummit.com/?ac=3JdlEDOR   To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
In this episode of Flourish in the Foreign, Adriel Sanders, a fashion enthusiast living in Paris, shares her journey from St. Louis, Missouri to Paris, including her struggle with a career in law, a life-changing brain injury, and the bold decision to move abroad. She discusses the cultural adjustments, her experiences with fashion in Paris, and the importance of finding a personal style.  This Episode Covers: Childhood and Early Influences Realizing Law Isn't the Path The Turning Point: Brain Injury and Burnout The Decision to Move Abroad First Year in Paris During COVID  Belonging in Paris Family Reactions to Life Abroad  Journey into Content Creation     ExpatWell: Financial Forum*-https://expatwell.heysummit.com/?ac=3JdlEDOR     To learn more about this guest, go to their show notes page at flourishintheforeign.com/episodes   Flourish in the Foreign Resources Podcast Website (https://www.flourishintheforeign.com) Buy Me a Coffee  (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/flourishforeign) Join the Substack (https://christinejob.substack.com/)   Episode Credits: Christine Job-Creator, Host, Producer & Editor Zachary Higgs-Theme Music
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