In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Christine Job, J.D.—an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and creator of the acclaimed podcast Flourish in the Foreign. Christine shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from Atlanta to Spain, detailing the burnout that led her to take a sabbatical, the unexpected magic of walking the Camino de Santiago, and how Spain became the place where she found clarity, community, and creative freedom. We explore the cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain, especially around work, rest, and wellness—and how living abroad can be both a mirror and a catalyst for personal growth. Christine also talks about the power of storytelling, the evolution of her podcast, and her upcoming book exploring Blackness, womanhood, migration, and wellness. If you’re navigating expat life, dreaming of moving abroad, or rethinking your relationship to work and wellness, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and grounded. Topics We Cover: Burnout, sabbaticals, and starting over abroad The Camino de Santiago and its impact on personal clarity Spain’s culture of intentional living and community Rethinking work, money, and wellness outside the U.S. Creating Flourish in the Foreign as a platform for Black women’s expat stories Migration as a form of identity expansion and self-discovery How to know if you’re ready for life abroad CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE Website Substack Podcast episode mentioned EPISODE SPONSOR Dreaming of your own place in the sun? Whether it’s a charming townhouse in Spain’s Pueblo Blancos, a gîte in the French countryside, or a beachside apartment on Portugal’s Algarve, Kyero helps you find it. With over 700,000 properties across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – plus expert advice and curated emails full of dream homes and local insights – Kyero makes finding your perfect place abroad a breeze. Start your search today at Kyero.com Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad Follow on Instagram @bargainhomesabroad Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming. ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related