Available Worldwide

If you’ve been in the Foreign Service long, you see the same questions asked again and again in Facebook and Reddit groups. At some point, you stop answering, roll your eyes, and scroll on. But if you’re new to this nomadic life, these questions are so important!In this episode, we address some of the most-asked questions and share our top tips for Foreign Service life.We’d love to hear from you. What questions do you hear again and again? And what's your best advice?Schedule a quick interview on this topic or on our previous topic — things you love that others hate (or vice versa). https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Lauren interviews Lisa Crawford about her Likes and Dislikes as part of the current series. Learn about some of the unique challenges of the Southern Hemisphere's seasons that Lisa wasn't expecting when she was assigned to Wellington, New Zealand. Lisa reveals her distaste for ______, even though everyone else in her family adores it and the convenience and variety available in New Zealand. Then find out why she loves a food that's frequently cited as "meh," and her specific preparation methods to help skeptics enjoy it. Find out what fabulous new appliance has changed life in Lauren's household and share our experiences of adjusting to the cooking challenges of unfamiliar kitchens.Find recipes similar to Lisa's at: Crispy Dipping Fingers (for Air Fryer or Convection Oven)Tofeta This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

It's time for a new topic! What do you love that everyone else hates? What do you hate that everyone else loves? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Are you ready to share your nostalgias and “missing outs” with us? In our next few episodes we’d love to hear what you “Value More Now that it’s Gone.” You can sign up for an interview time at the “Be A Guest on our Show” tab at availableworldwide.net In this episode, you’ll hear from Steph and Lauren about some of the things they value now that they don’t have them in their lives. I’m pretty sure you won’t guess the first one Lauren shares. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

After years of living apart, Tracy Huang joined her partner at a post where she was able to keep her job. Now at a micro-post where she’s not allowed to work, Tracy is discovering life as a “real” EFM for the first time and is thankful for the community she’s found during the journey. GUEST BIOTracy Huang is currently based in Samoa, where she’s exploring painting, online facilitation, and aerial yoga while on extended parental leave from her communications and strat ops job in tech. When not figuring out life and chauffeuring her two boys to fire knife classes (without fire...so far), she enjoys snorkeling, accidental gardening, and editing YouTube videos to convince friends to visit her Polynesian home.Check out Tracy’s videos at https://youtube.com/@islander_travels Connect with Tracy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracythuang This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

With 22 years an Eligible Family Member (EFM) Carla Gray has a lot of people to be grateful for. One thing they all have in common? They've recognized her strengths and boosted her confidence to try new things. In this episode, she shares a few of those stories. She has paid their support forward by helping others recognize their own strengths and skills, even if they have a "patchy work history." Carla's BioCarla Gray is originally from Oklahoma and has stayed true to her roots, pioneering her way through seven tours across four continents to live to tell the tales of medical evacuations, unaccompanied tours, and political unrest. She is a resume writer, career care coach, poet, graphic designer, florist, and amateur painter. She believes there is no greater adventure than learning a new skill. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

As a first-time Foreign Service accompanying partner, Sim Khandaker was surprised and saddened when all his new friends PCSed and left post. But he’s since found community through chili cook-offs and game nights. And he’s made connections across continents, including with our very own Lauren Steed. Sim is offering his coaching services to community colleagues through a free workshop on how to bounce back strategically from layoffs. Register today: https://balancedatlast.com/workshop/Guest Bio:Sim Khandaker is a relationship counselor turned executive & career coach with 15+ years of experience and a background in corporate Fortune 100, education, and global 100 companies. His work focuses on building a balanced life for individuals, repairing relationships (couples, teams, family), and supporting career development from college students to the C-suite. Sim is the owner of Balanced at Last, where he provides FREE monthly workshops and 1:1 coaching to help clients gain professional clarity, build strategies, and create action plans to start living a more balanced life. In Oct 2025, Sim launched a podcast to address the psychology behind professional development, including the mental and emotional barriers to professional success. * Learn more at https://balancedatlast.com/* Connect with Sim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/skhandaker This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Perhaps predictably for November, we’d like to show a little gratitude for some of the many kind things EFMs have done for us. 🙏 In this episode, Lauren and Steph share a few personal anecdotes to kick off the conversation. We want to hear from you!Share a short story about a time another EFM has done something great for you. Schedule a short interview on our calendar: https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Unlike many State Department EFMs, Chris’s experiences are shaped by her husband’s role with DOJ. How did she break out of her comfort zone and find a community that is worth retiring into?Chris Lang has been an EFM at four posts now, and at her current age of 61, she has figured out how to settle in, connect with others, and be happy wherever she is. She knows the importance of doing what you love and finding like-minded people. She enjoys being active (through hiking, biking, walking, and pickleball), working with refugees, playing Mahjong, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Guest Bio: Emily Cornell, ACC is a storyteller, strategist, and coach helping women navigate change. A fourth-tour EFM, she’s also dedicated to uplifting Foreign Service accompanying partners. Her coaching combines intuition with a co-creative process, always remaining grounded in strategy. Through her relatable approach, she strives to create space for clients to tap into their courage, creativity, and strength. Whether one-on-one or in groups, she fosters community and resilience, helping women thrive on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Emily is committed to creating a trauma-informed space, is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, and is a Certified Designing Your Life coach.Learn more about Emily’s work as a Change Coach for Women: https://www.emilycornell.com/Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycornell/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

The "Available Worldwide" podcast marks its return after an eight-month hiatus. Steph and Lauren blame their busy schedules and creative blocks for the pause. It was reconnecting with listeners and in-person meetups that reignited their excitement to speak with you about your EFM journey.We announce new podcast formats focusing on specific stories and experiences relevant to diplomatic spouses, drawing inspiration from the successful discussion circles we’ve been hosting within the Available Worldwide Network.These themed episodes dive deep into particular challenges and adventures, helping new listeners find great support by topic and theme. We’re looking forward to updates from past guests and hearing from new voices who have great stories on these new topics. We want you to share your experience.We feel the podcast plays a role in providing connections and support, and we encourage listeners to be part of the drive to provide supportive community for other diplomats’ spouses.If you’re ready to join us on the podcast, recording sessions are available soon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Lauren and Steph catch up on some of the exciting things that happened in the Available Worldwide community in 2024 and invite you to share your story of transformations on our podcast in 2025. Is this your year? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Jenn is a licensed therapist who was looking for a therapist at her challenging first post abroad. When she struggled to find the help she needed, it inspired her to start her own practice -- Bloom Counseling.In this interview, I chat with Jenn about how accompanying partners can build better self-care practices by finding out what works for them, remembering what they love, and pursuing their own dreams not 'instead of' but 'in addition to' the demands of their spouses' careers..BIOJen Evans is an EFM, therapist, and Mom who started her private practice, Bloom Counseling, while posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Jen found herself halfway across the world with a newborn and toddler during COVID and amongst a burgeoning civil war. She searched for her own therapy but could not find a therapist who was willing to work with her while posted overseas and who understood the challenges of expat life.Away from her own support system, she noted this gap in care for diplomats and expats and founded Bloom Counseling to address those needs.Four years later, she is posted in Mexico City with her husband, two young girls, and a Bernese Mountain Dog. She feels fortunate to meet the unique needs of her community every day.Connect with Jen:https://bloomwithjenn.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BloomWithJenn/instagram.com/bloom.counseling This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Elizabeth Streett did everything right: going to college and becoming a diplomat. She met all the criteria for what anyone would see as successful. But success didn't really end up being what she sought, and it turns out that was the wrong word to use anyway. After discovering that life as a diplomat didn't have the room for the kinds of joy that she wanted to prioritize in life, she left the profession. Becoming an EFM a few weeks later was an unexpected result. Today Elizabeth focuses on her key values and helps others use their key values to declutter their lives, both physically removing items that don't fit their happiest version of themselves, but also decluttering their mental and financial loads. Streett's method is about removing items that represent outdated versions of ourselves while asking why we have certain things and if they reflect who we want to be. This process emphasizes making choices based on our desired selves rather than simply counting items or fitting them into spaces.How does she follow her own core values of authentic communication, joy, simplicity, curiosity, and nature? Find out in this episode!-----------------Elizabeth Streett grew up following the traditional markers of success, excelling academically and professionally as a U.S. diplomat. Despite her achievements, she grappled with a lack of genuine happiness and fulfillment, feeling bound by external standards rather than internal joy. Her turning point came when she noticed her son’s struggles in a conventional school setting, prompting Elizabeth to reevaluate her life’s direction and her family’s well-being. She left her career, embracing a simpler, values-driven life focused on joy, authenticity, and community. Now, Elizabeth shares her journey from a “perfect” life to one that is truly fulfilling, inspiring others to pursue intentional, minimalist paths in the pursuit of genuine happiness.Make Space for Joy at www.evergreenacacia.comand follow her on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eastreett/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

After rave reviews of his debut novel, EFM Matthew Becker has two more books coming soon. In this episode, find out how an academic mathematician with a past work in missile tracking and  COVID test kit distribution analysis became an EFM and followed a secret dream to become an author. Like most avid readers, Matthew believed he could write something pretty decent. Unlike the rest of us, he actually followed through on that, writing several novels before getting his first contract and agent. Matthew explains how advanced math education taught him critical thinking skills rather than just specific techniques, and how he uses those to outline and organize plots, track manuscript submissions and record his late night and midday inspirations. In his debut novel, the wife of a congressional staffer goes missing amidst a mass shooting, Run, both a stand alone and part of a trilogy, is the story of someone much like all EFMs, an everyday hero in extraordinary circumstances. His second book, Don't Look Down, is available for pre-order now.------Matthew Becker is a thriller author, with his debut novel RUN described as "a must read" and "wicked smart and exceptionally fun." He is a former mathematician, and worked as part of the national Covid-19 response. He has a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is published in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology.Matthew currently lives with his wife and their two children in Washington, DC, in between overseas assignments. An avid thriller reader, he loves stories with dense, twisted plots and emotional gravitas.Website: www.matthewbeckerbooks.comInstagram: @matthewbeckerbooksReviews and more on Goodreads This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Laura Jennings has navigated her share of twists, turns, and transitions, from starting her career in publishing to successful stints in marketing and communications. She's a passionate and accomplished business developer, having built a portable Pilates business and taken it to five posts. Now as Chief Strategy Officer at LVL-Up Strategies, she continues to advocate for EFM career progression as co-founder of a business staffed entirely by partners of the US Foreign Service.In this interview, we learn that Paris isn't hard, but walking away from a career certainly is. We also discuss the mental component of identity and why Laura believes an important aspect of self-care involves embracing our potential to contribute to society. Listen in to learn more! .BIOLaura Jennings enjoys bringing folks with aligned objectives together and empowering all parties to achieve their vision. Her ability to guide clients and her team toward their purpose or vision while recognizing their own particular ecosystems creates a culture of trust and lasting relationships primed for growth. Laura's 20+ years in communications, strategic partnerships, project management, and planning combined with 7+ years launching and building her own business, both nationally and internationally, led her to her purpose—connecting others and lifting them to their next level.As part of a Foreign Service family, having a career in the traditional sense was not an option. Laura continued to maintain relevance whether as an entrepreneur, working in government, or serving the diplomat community and host country through programs that give back. Her ability to quickly evaluate situations, develop strategies, and implement initiatives with a positive impact ensured her success from country to country.Laura has lived in five countries and has a working knowledge of four languages. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Language, Writing, and Rhetoric from the University of Maryland, College Park. She recently served on the Move2Learn Board of Directors and loves spending time with her husband and two girls as they adventure through this amazing life.https://www.lvlupstrategies.com/team-members/laura-jennings This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

When there's an EFM who has turned what seems to be a location-dependent career into something globally portable, you know you'll eventually meet them here on Available Worldwide. In this episode, Amy shares what it was like to unexpectedly dine with some global power-players, how she made the tough decision to quit a portable job without the guarantee of something new, and what things are really like in the sub-basements of some of America's iconic buildings. Talking with her felt like listening to an old movie trailer, "You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you'll never regret...." -----Amy Parker is passionate about the power of philanthropy to serve the public good and improve people’s lives.A strategic leader with more than twenty years of director-level fundraising experience, Amy has worked for iconic institutions including the Wikimedia Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, The New York Public Library, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her time as a fundraising consultant, she’s provided services to clients and spoken at conferences across four continents.Some of Amy’s career highlights have been raising funds for projects such as the official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery, renovation of the historic façade of the New York Public Library’s flagship building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, and the launch of an endowment fund that supports Wikipedia, the world’s largest compilation of human knowledge.Amy has been part of several record-setting fundraising campaigns, including the Smithsonian’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which raised over $1.8 billion, and the $2 billion Carolina First Campaign, which was one of the 5 largest campaigns in US higher education at the time. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2009. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Charting Her Own Course: Building the Right Skills to Thrive at PostMelissa Dokurno's career has taken quite a few twists and turns since her spouse joined the Foreign Service, and even before he was officially on board. While they've both made sacrifices for each other's careers, they've kept their family strong even when physically separated.In this interview, Melissa tells the story of their difficult decision to live in different countries to take advantage of career opportunities. She also shares her recipe for success: be open to what's available!.BIOMelissa Dokurno, Esq. is a career public servant and proud mom.  Over the past decade, she has strived to find the necessary work-life balance to both thrive as an EFM and build a career she is passionate about.Melissa began her career as a local prosecutor in Long Island, NY, serving for 3 years to help victims find their voice in an often daunting criminal justice system.Capitalizing on an opportunity to test-run EFM life, she and her 2-year-old daughter took a leap of faith to join her husband in El Salvador while he worked as a third-party contractor for U.S. Embassy San Salvador.In life’s twists and turns, Melissa returned to Washington, D.C. to work as a Staff Attorney for Bread for the City Legal Clinic representing low-income and marginalized clients facing unlawful evictions; she served in that role until she departed Washington to officially begin her new life as an EFM.Melissa has also lived in Matamoros, Mexico, and Bangkok, Thailand, and used these opportunities to pivot her career to become an Investigative Analyst for Diplomatic Security. Building on that wealth of knowledge, Melissa finally joined the Civil Service in 2024 where she continues to serve as an Analyst while her family is posted in D.C. for the next two years.Melissa remains ready to discover new and enriching career opportunities while also enjoying where life takes her!..AW SponsorThis episode is sponsored by the Available Worldwide Network. AWN  is a community-led private social network – i.e. not on Facebook –  providing professional development, personal connection, and social support for the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service.We all contribute a small fee to fund the platform, but right now in October 2024, you can check us out for free using coupon code FALL24. If you’re a motivated EFM or MOH looking for connection in an empowering community, we invite you to join what we’re building together!We know the challenges of trying to build and maintain careers both at home and abroad. But making friends in a safe and supportive community like AWN can make life a little easier and a lot more fun. Check out all the FAQs and find the coupon code FALL24 on our website: https://availableworldwide.net/awn/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

In this episode, Lauren meets yet another life trajectory twin, Janelle Meyer, who went to college with dreams of being a graphic designer, but who eventually came back to her true calling, work helping students succeed. Janelle is a special educator with a real passion for using brain-based methods to help children learn to read and succeed in school. This episode covers her journey to becoming a special education teacher, the reasons why she loves having a partner in her small business, and the importance of finding continuity (in both your professional and social life!) in the otherwise unpredictable Foreign Service lifestyle.--Janelle Meyer is an international educator, inclusion advocate, avid runner, and mom. Having spent the last 15 years living and working in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), London, and the USA, she has developed a deep understanding of educational practices and how to support neurodiverse needs.Having an older brother with significant special needs, she has always sought inclusionary practices supporting the whole learner and family outside the classroom. In Malaysia, she was a founding board member of SENIA’s local chapter (SENIM). Bridging the classroom to the real world, she founded chapters of Best Buddies International in China & Malaysia.With her masters in Special Education and as a certified dyslexia practitioner, she is the co-founder of Global Village Tutors, which reflects a holistic and evidence-based approach to nurturing well-rounded, resilient international students with Dyslexia and/or ADHD. GVT has experienced educators and professionals dedicated to helping students overcome their challenges and succeed academically in the world. They offer various services, from one-on-one instruction or school guidance through the learning support process tailored to each student and family's unique needs.Global Village Tutors WebsiteJanelle's LinkedInContribute to her World Vision team's fundraising goals for the Chicago Marathon Learn more about and get involved with Janelle's favorite global organizations supporting the needs of diverse children:SENIA NetworkBest Buddies This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

Purvi Gandhi Irwin works in a job that didn't exist when she entered her career field as a preservation project architect. She's a design tech consultant working with 3D modeling software and was recently hired by Overseas Building Operations (OBO). In our interview, Purvi shares questionable choices in high school, how her career has evolved, her special connection to the bathroom tiles in Eastern Market, and how she's managed to maintain a successful career as her family moves around the world. We also discuss ideas for a new podcast that she'd be great at! .BIOPurvi has spent the last 9 years supporting architects, interior architects, and engineers with their design technology needs at Shifted Paradigm Design. This includes teaching a 3D modeling software called Revit, creating digital content, developing workflows and standards, troubleshooting issues, and finding creative solutions to both design and modeling problems.With over 25 years of design experience, most spent as a preservation project architect, Purvi specialized in using innovative technologies to facilitate the documentation and rehabilitation of institutional buildings, and 16+ years of Revit experience working with existing buildings (most historic), from conceptual design, through construction administration and project close-out.She recently joined the DOS Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and is working in a DETO position as her husband is an FSO. Purvi is a registered architect with degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation and was a 10-year board member on the Alexandria, Virginia Board of Architectural Review.Additionally, she has presented at a variety of conferences and webcasts around the world and has also been involved in DEIA-related initiatives in both the design fields and in her community. She is a Girl Scout leader, an avid crafter, and loves to travel in her free time.Connect with Purvi:https://shiftedparadigm.wixsite.com/spdesignhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/purviirwinhttps://x.com/BIMchiq.This episode is sponsored by U.S. History for ExpatsCalling all parents! U.S. History for Expats has U.S. history courses forming right now. Did you know that all 50 states require U.S. history in middle school and 40 states require a U.S. history for graduation? Don’t let your children miss out.U.S. History for Expats has an elementary, middle, and high school program to fit your needs. This year, in grades 1-4 we are introducing ‘live’ biweekly activities in addition to the Studies Weekly program. Our accredited middle school and high school classes have been designed specifically for the children of American diplomats and cover the entire spectrum of U.S. history using the most recent Virginia Standards of Learning.What makes us different? We provide tons of feedback, unlimited support, and we are the first EFM-owned program to be accredited. Using experience from teaching in seven international schools, we fill in the gaps your international school might be missing.Sign up for a course or an information session by visiting www.ushistoryforexpats.com today. And don’t forget, all of our classes can be 100% reimbursed using the Supplemental Instructional Allowance. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com