Away We Go We Go

Away We Go We Go follows the journey of Sophie & Jordan Epton, an American couple who moved to France with their 10-month old twins, and the crazy adventure that follows. We dive deep into what it's really like moving and living abroad as expats, interview others who have taken the road less traveled, provide travel tips, discuss how you can do hard things to change your own life, and everything in between.

Holidays with the Eptons

In this festive episode, Sophie and Jordan cozy up on the couch to share what the holiday season looks like in France, especially now that their twins are old enough to feel the magic. They paint a vivid picture of Aix-en-Provence in December—from the glowing Christmas markets and mulled wine stands along the Cours Mirabeau to carolers, children’s rides, raclette vendors, and beautifully decorated shops throughout the city. They also preview their upcoming plans, including the Christmas market at Château de Mille, a family dinner at La Mas Gorde, and finally visiting the famous holiday lights of Sanary-sur-mer.They dive into some uniquely Provençal traditions like Les Treize Desserts and artisan-made santons, and reflect on how French Christmas Eve celebrations differ from what they grew up with in the U.S. The two talk about blending traditions—embracing rich French holiday dishes, preparing for Hanukkah with latkes and kugel, and keeping a few American staples like green bean casserole on the table.The episode closes with a look at what it feels like to raise kids abroad during the holidays and how their community in France has made this season feel especially meaningful. It’s a warm, easygoing chapter full of family energy, cultural discovery, and holiday spirit.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you’re enjoying the show, and thank you for being a part of our journey.Contact info:Instagram: @the_eptons -Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

12-10
39:10

Holidays Away From Home: Redefining Traditions

In this solo episode of Away We Go We Go, Jordan opens up about navigating the holiday season as an expat in France, from the unexpected quiet of celebrating Thanksgiving abroad to the warmth of carving out new rituals as a family. He shares a peek into their recent holiday weekend—enjoying rare downtime while the twins were in school, exploring nearby towns, savoring great meals, and soaking up small moments of rest while Sophie battles some voice and sinus issues.Jordan reflects on the emotional side of spending the holidays away from familiar traditions, touching on nostalgia, FOMO, and the surprising ways memories resurface. He compares U.S. holiday staples with French customs like Noël feasts, bûche de Noël, and the Provençal “13 Desserts,” and talks about how expats adapt by blending old and new traditions—Friendsgiving, local dishes, and rituals that help them feel connected despite distance. He also dives into the deeper identity questions expats wrestle with: belonging, staying grounded through uncertainty, and finding pride and gratitude in choosing a path that’s challenging, unconventional, and deeply rewarding.The episode closes with an honest look at how living abroad shapes personal resilience, relationships, and family life—especially raising toddlers while far from home—and Jordan invites listeners to share their own stories of how they honor traditions, create new ones, and find meaning during the holidays while living away from their home country.Keywords: expat life, holidays abroad, Thanksgiving abroad, Christmas in France, Provence Christmas markets, Les Treize Desserts, Friendsgiving, living abroad, homesickness, cultural traditionsLinks:www.czgalerie.comhttps://agastache-restaurant.fr/https://grenache-aix.eatbu.com/?lang=frhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2DuHHTBRgNc3KNNNaQdooH?si=4RWScv4RQSiums54XW1GhgDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you’re enjoying the show, and thank you for being a part of our journey.Contact info:Instagram: @the_eptons -Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

12-03
43:35

Provence Shopping: Christmas Markets, Antiques & French Fashion with Camy Cooney

Join Sophie and her mom Camy for a charming deep dive into Provence shopping — from magical Christmas markets to iconic brocantes, antiques, French fashion, and the artisanal foods that make this region a dream for every traveler.In this episode, we explore: • Why Provence and France are some of the best places in the world to shop • The most memorable Christmas markets and what makes them so enchanting • Provençal foods worth bringing home: lavender honey, jams, truffle goodies & more • How to spot quality vendors at local marchés • The best flea markets and antique shops (including hidden gems!) • What to buy for the perfect French-inspired gift • Provençal vs. Parisian fashion + where to shop for linens, scarves & effortless French style • Our favorite small producers, artisans, and can’t-miss local boutiquesWhether you’re planning holiday shopping in France or dreaming of a future trip, this guide will help you shop Provence like a local — savoring beauty, craftsmanship, and the joy of finding treasures you’ll cherish forever.Keywords: Provence shopping, Provence markets, French Christmas markets, Provence antiques, brocantes, French fashion, shopping in France, Provence travel tipsLinks:https://www.lesagnels.com/en/https://maisondoramaar.org/events/christmas-market/https://www.fairepress.com/marchedenoel2025https://beaurepos.fr/https://www.instagram.com/laboutiquedelantiquairehttps://www.facebook.com/BrocantedeCarpentras/https://chez-serge.fr/https://www.pucesdeparissaintouen.com/en/https://www.instagram.com/yourfrench_rendezvous/https://www.instagram.com/frenchlarkspur/https://www.souleiado.com/https://www.fragonard.com/https://www.instagram.com/le_104_rdm/https://isabelmarant.com/https://www.lagrandeboutique.net/fr/https://www.jerome-dreyfuss.com/enhttps://jamiebeck.co/https://amandadaniel.com/Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you’re enjoying the show, and thank you for being a part of our journey.Contact info:Instagram: @the_eptons -Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

11-26
56:55

Thinking About Moving to France? Listen to This First

Thinking about moving to France? In this episode, Sophie and Jordan share the honest, unfiltered reality of expat life in the South of France — from cultural differences and surprising lifestyle adjustments to navigating bureaucracy, parenting, and daily rhythms that look nothing like life in the U.S. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting fresh in France, this is the episode you need before you pack your bags.

11-19
55:00

Paris, Planes, and Parenthood: Our Life in Transit

In this episode, Sophie and Jordan are finally back together behind the mic — catching up after a whirlwind stretch of travel that took them from Paris to London to California. They share their favorite Paris discoveries, from hidden hotels and perfect fries to their go-to Lebanese spot and the surprisingly luxurious Italian train that connects Aix to Paris. The conversation then jumps across the Atlantic as they recount their California adventures — tacos, sunsets, ice cream, and the joy (and exhaustion) of working while traveling.Back home in France, they dive into real life again — jet lag, parenting twin toddlers, and navigating the quirks of the French school calendar. Sophie and Jordan also answer listener questions about expat life: from whether French bureaucracy or the French language is harder to master, to what’s in season at the fall markets, and how healthcare works in France compared to the U.S. Their honest, funny reflections give a glimpse into the highs, hiccups, and heart behind building a new life abroad.Whether you’re dreaming of moving overseas or just love hearing how others make bold changes work, this episode blends travel inspiration, practical insights, and the relatable chaos of expat family life. Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of French wine) and settle in for stories of Paris charm, California comfort, and the real realities of life between two worlds.Links:https://www.hotelparticulier.com/https://www.legrandmazarin.com/fr/https://www.instagram.com/des.jacqueries/https://www.restaurant-liza.com/https://www.walmercastle-nottinghill.co.uk/Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you’re enjoying the show, and thank you for being a part of our journey.Contact info:Instagram: @the_eptons -Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

11-12
54:42

More Than Just Me: Moving Abroad as a Couple

Hello everybody, Jordan here!In this heartfelt solo episode, I celebrate twelve years of marriage with Sophie and offer a candid look into our experience of moving abroad as a couple. I reflect on the adventures, challenges, and growth that have shaped our relationship since making the leap to Provence with our twins. I share personal stories from our deconstructed wedding, the importance of knowing your “why” before big changes, and how roles and communication have evolved in our partnership.I dive into the reality behind the “dream” of living abroad, speaking honestly about moments of exhaustion, shifting roles, and the ups and downs that come with being far from friends and family. I highlight the ways we support each other through tough days, maintain a sense of humor, and continually choose to be each other’s home even amidst uncertainty and stress.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you’re enjoying the show, and thank you for being a part of our journey.Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

10-22
35:43

The Paris Experience as an American Expat: Keeping It Real with Trisha Estopiñan

In this episode, I sit down with Trisha Estopiñan, the creative force behind Mama Does Europe, to talk about her vibrant journey of moving from Florida to Paris with her family. Trisha shares her real experiences, from navigating life in a city where every street feels magical to the daily surprises of parenting abroad and building a lively online community. We explore how living in Paris has changed her, what family life looks like in France, and her favorite moments from sharing it all with the world.We chat about the ups and downs of expat life, hilarious culture clashes, and memorable Instagram moments. Trisha reflects on the challenges of adapting to French ways, starting fresh during a global lockdown, raising bilingual kids, and the friendships she’s made along the way. She also opens up about preparing for her family’s next chapter as they get ready to move back to Florida, highlighting the excitement and bittersweet feelings that come with it.If you’ve ever thought about packing up for a big adventure or want an honest, funny, and insightful look at life abroad, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Follow me and Trisha for more stories and inspiration about living boldly and making memories wherever you are.Links of Trisha Estopiñan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamadoeseurope/Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

10-15
58:47

10 Ways to Level Out Your Mental State After Moving Abroad

In this heartfelt episode, Jordan takes the reins solo and shares both the joys and challenges that come with uprooting your life and moving abroad. Drawing from personal experiences in France, he reflects on everything from embracing micro routines and handling unpredictable expenses to the very real struggles of making mistakes and navigating language fatigue. You will get a candid peek into the ups and downs of daily life, coupled with relatable anecdotes about raising twins, weathering allergy season, and uncovering the not-so-glamorous reality behind those dreamy Instagram posts.Jordan also dives deep into practical tips for protecting your mental health when living overseas: creating simple rituals, budgeting for surprises, seeking out “anchor people,” and giving yourself permission to celebrate ordinary wins. The episode emphasizes that while life abroad is often romanticized, building true stability and happiness comes from embracing the small victories and weathering inevitable frustrations with grace.If you’re dreaming of making a big move, are in the thick of adjusting to life in a new country, or just need a boost in your day-to-day resilience, this episode is for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts or your own tips for thriving through life’s big transitions. So don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and join our community on Instagram or TikTok!Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

10-08
43:59

What It's Really Like to Start Over in a New Country with Eryn Albaugh

Thinking about a bold move abroad? In this episode, I chat with Eryn Albaugh, who recently traded California sunshine for the lavender fields of Provence. She shares the excitement, challenges, and emotional ups and downs of her family’s first three months in France, from leaving a beloved home and friends to navigating cultural differences and creating new daily rhythms.From a dreamy Paris proposal to a Tuscan wedding and new motherhood in California, Eryn’s story is filled with big leaps and heartfelt moments. We explore what it’s really like to relocate with kids, build community in a new country, and embrace the simple joys of slower living. Whether you’re planning an international move or simply craving inspiration, this conversation will reassure you that starting fresh can be both possible and deeply rewarding.Links:https://www.instagram.com/chasingprovence/https://chasingprovence.substack.com/archivehttps://www.venuereport.com/blog/an-under-the-tuscan-sun-style-wedding/Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

09-24
01:21:13

The Summer I Turned Expat

In this episode of Away We Go We Go, we open up about what life’s really been like since we took the leap and moved our family to France two years ago. From handling France’s endless paperwork and adjusting to the slower pace of life, it’s all here: the highs, the lows, and the everyday magic of living abroad. We even share how our recent experiences, like a transformative solo trip to Florence and our twins starting at an international school, have shaped our perspective on expat life. We also have a little fun with pop culture, diving into “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and exploring what TV gets right (and wrong!) about moving to France. From tricky visa rules to the magical moments wandering sunlit streets, we break down the real vs. the romanticized. It’s a blend of humor, honesty, and practical advice for anyone dreaming of living abroad or just curious about life in the south of France. If you’ve ever been inspired by a show, book, or movie to start your own adventure, we’d love to hear your story! Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you won’t miss our next guest episode. Thanks for listening, and remember, you’re not alone in chasing those big, bold dreams! Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

09-17
57:12

The Courage to Bloom: Reinventing Life Abroad (Twice) with Adrienne Ryser

In this episode, I talk with Adrienne Ryser about her journey from sunny California to lively Paris, and now to peaceful Oslo. She shares how growing up surrounded by flowers and working in PR led her to buy the oldest flower shop in Paris, and later bring her floral art to Norway. Her story is about love, resilience, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.Adrienne also talks about the cultural differences she’s noticed in her new home, from local flower traditions to the slower pace of life in Norway. She explains how she combines French techniques with her own style, and gives us a glimpse of her upcoming book on French floral arranging.This episode takes you behind the scenes of starting a business abroad, adjusting to a new culture, and turning challenges into opportunities. If you’ve ever thought about moving somewhere new, starting fresh, or just enjoy stories of change and growth, you’ll find this conversation inspiring.Links:https://www.larrosoirparis.com/ https://www.instagram.com/larrosoirparis/https://www.instagram.com/adrienneryser/ https://www.amazon.fr/Fleurs-Bouquets-Arrangements-French-Inspirations/dp/1454958022 Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

09-10
01:03:04

How One Semester In Florence Changed My Life

In this heartfelt episode, I take you on a personal journey back to Florence, Italy, a city that changed my life in ways I never expected. I share memories from my college years when I felt stuck, weighed down by a difficult relationship and searching for a sense of self. Through moments of growth, learning to navigate a new culture, and stepping far outside my comfort zone, Florence became the place where I rediscovered my confidence, independence, and dreams.I reminisce about vibrant days of exploring the city, connecting with new friends, savoring gelato on the steps of Santa Croce, and tackling all the small challenges of living abroad. These experiences shaped who I am, encouraged me to take risks, and ultimately led to meeting my husband and building a life filled with adventure and possibility.If you’re on the edge of making a big change or just love stories about transformation and travel, this episode is for you. Listen in for inspiration and a reminder that you are the architect of your own life. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow along for more uplifting stories and adventures.Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

09-03
42:08

A Short and Sweet Update from the Epton Fam

In this episode of Away We Go We Go, we’re celebrating a big milestone: our twins just turned three! Between birthday cake, ice cream, and a little less sleep than usual, we share what life has been like lately and reflect on how far we’ve come as parents. There are plenty of sweet moments (and funny ones) that remind us what raising twins abroad is all about.We also finally braved the giant Carrefour after two years in France, and it did not disappoint. From long-missed ingredients to pantry staples we’d almost forgotten about, it felt like striking gold. Along the way, we dive into school choices, building community, and why finding real connections matters so much as parents in a new country.Plus, we answer your questions about the best times to visit Provence, mom networks in Europe, and the markets you won’t want to miss.If you’ve been enjoying these glimpses into our daily life, or have questions of your own, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. We’d love to hear from you. And for more updates and behind-the-scenes moments, follow us on Instagram @the_eptonsLinks:https://www.mailegusa.com/https://barjac-foire-antiquites-brocante.org/ https://www.mothereuro.com/Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

08-27
38:36

From Argentina to Aix: Finding Confidence through Discomfort

Hey everyone, it’s Jordan here today, flying solo for this episode.Today, I take a reflective journey back to my post-college years and the transformational experience of living in Argentina. From nervous beginnings with only basic Spanish, teaching jobs, and diving headfirst into a new culture, I share personal stories about fumbling through language, building unlikely friendships, and learning to navigate the daily challenges of being a true outsider. The episode explores not just the excitement of travel, but how discomfort, uncertainty, and a little humility can unlock deep personal growth. As I draw connections between my time in Argentina and my current life in France with my family, this episode becomes a heartfelt look at how bold moves create lifelong skills and memories. You'll hear about small victories, mistakes that turn into funny stories, and the powerful lessons that come from saying yes to the unfamiliar. I'd love for you to share your own travel memories or moments where stepping into something new changed your life. Whether you're considering a big move or looking back at a defining chapter, join the conversation by reaching out on our Instagram or leaving a comment. Subscribe, share, and help us build a community of fellow adventurers and storytellers.Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

08-20
57:55

How French Wellness Differs from American Self-Care

In this episode, we open up about our journey of moving to France, sharing stories from our day-to-day lives as we try to balance parenthood, work, and the French lifestyle. We chat about the cultural differences between French and US approaches to wellness, fitness, food, and mental health. From long lunches and embracing built-in movement to the adventure of shopping for everyday staples, we reflect on how slowing down and savoring moments has helped us find more gratitude and peace. Plus, we discuss the realities of accessing familiar wellness products, the French spa culture, and even our misadventures trying to track down the right cottage cheese!We’d love to hear your own stories about how moving or traveling has changed your wellness routines or perspective. Join us in the conversation on, and let us know what resonated with you from this episode. If you enjoyed the discussion, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review. We can’t wait to connect!Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

08-13
01:01:55

The French Retreat Effect with Salem Cone of Gallivant & Gather

On this episode of Away We Go We Go, I have the pleasure to sit down with Salem Cone, founder of Gallivant and Gather, a sought-after women’s retreat experience in the heart of Provence. Salem shares her journey from a fast-paced career in advertising to creating transformative retreats that blend movement, mindfulness, connection, and the magical charm of southern France. Salem takes us inside her thoughtfully curated retreats, designed for women seeking meaningful adventures, rest, and the delight of French countryside living. She highlights the joy of building friendships, savoring local food, exploring markets, and the power of investing in yourself through travel. We also chat about the realities of planning in France and creating experiences that encourage breakthroughs and lasting memories.If you’ve dreamed of a rejuvenating escape where every detail is planned, this episode is for you. Salem has a few last-minute openings for her fall Provence retreats, so be sure to check out Gallivant and Gather for your chance to join. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show. Connect with us for more inspiration and adventures! LINKS:https://gallivantandgather.com/https://www.instagram.com/gallivantandgather/Contact info: Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

08-06
01:12:16

Cheers to Two Years

In this episode, we celebrate two incredible years since moving to France and reflect on all the ways life has changed. We talk about navigating culture shock, building a community, parenting twins abroad, and finding gratitude in the small pleasures of city markets, scenic walks, and delicious local food. From the charm of a historic French apartment to weekend market adventures and our kid’s recovery after surgery, our everyday stories highlight both the beautiful and challenging aspects of settling into a new country.We share our honest experiences—the joys of travel, the delight of raising bilingual kids, and the peace of a slower pace, as well as the hurdles of bureaucracy, language barriers, missing conveniences, and the sometimes baffling world of French customer service. Through it all, we remind ourselves and our listeners that building a new life is a journey filled with growth, resilience, and lots of learning.If you’ve ever dreamed of making a big move or are craving a fresh start, we hope our stories encourage and inspire you. Take a moment to reflect on the adventures you want to create, and join in our journey by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on Instagram. Let’s keep growing and learning together!Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

07-30
01:01:52

What If We Never Moved?

In this episode, we share what it’s really been like moving to France with our young twins. From funny family moments to the ups and downs of settling into a new country, we talk about what’s changed since we left Austin. With help from new friends and family, our weekend felt full of small wins and a growing sense of community.We also look back at some of the “what if” moments that shaped our path, what life might have looked like if we hadn’t made the move. We touch on everything from finding a home, adjusting to new routines, figuring out healthcare, and building a new support system. It’s an honest, lighthearted conversation about starting fresh, with plenty of laughs and appreciation for this chapter of our lives.If you’ve ever thought about moving abroad or making a big life change, this one’s for you. DM us with your thoughts or questions, and don’t miss next week’s episode, as it’s our two-year anniversary in France! Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram. We’re glad you’re here with us! Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

07-23
01:01:42

Reverse Culture Shock

In this episode, we talk about what daily life in France has been like for our family. We share personal moments, from everyday routines to Luca’s recovery after surgery. We also describe how national holidays like Bastille Day shape the rhythm of our days.We also dive into the feelings that come with visiting California after building a new life in France. We chat about the emotional tug-of-war that comes from being between cultures, missing certain comforts of home like convenient groceries and beloved snacks, but also finding gratitude in slower-paced routines and the rituals that make France special. Reflections on car culture, walking-friendly towns, and the magic of fresh markets highlight what we cherish about both worlds.If you want to hear more about the reality of expat life, family adventures, and honest conversations about the beauty and challenges of starting over, this episode is for you.Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver-

07-16
57:14

A Helluva Week Across Two Continents

In this special episode of Away We Go We Go, we share one of the wildest weeks of our lives, navigating our son Luca’s open chest surgery in France, all while managing jet lag, travel hiccups, and family chaos. We get into the emotional rollercoaster of being split between hospital rooms and home, the challenges (and surprising miracles) in Luca's recovery, and how it feels to handle a major medical event abroad.We also take you behind the scenes of French healthcare, breaking down the realities of hospital care in Marseille, how it compares to our experiences in the U.S., and the little things that made a huge difference for our family. From language barriers to hospital food, we keep it honest, hopeful, and, of course, a little humorous - as Luca himself makes a special guest appearance!Listen in, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts with us. We love hearing from you and are so grateful to have you in our community as we figure it all out together! Links: https://turbli.com/Contact info:Website: https://sophieepton.com/ Instagram: @thesophiepton@jordanepton-Intro and outro music produced by Jeremy Silver- 

07-09
49:07

Recommend Channels