What does being a digital nomad really feel like? Stepping into a new country as long-term guest is exciting and fulfilling. It can also be lonely. Why? Well, one challenge can catch travelers off guard—language barriers. Beyond ordering a coffee or asking for directions, language leads to human connection, the kind that turns strangers into friends and everyday interactions into meaningful exchanges. Without it, conversations stay at a surface-level, and really experiencing local culture and human connection ends up feeling just out of reach.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The impact of language gaps on social connections—how not speaking the local tongue can make even simple interactions feel distant and incomplete

• The isolation that comes when when you don’t speak the local language—and the challenge of missing out on conversations and forming deeper relationships

• Creative workarounds to bridge the language divide—from Google Translate to nonverbal cues, there ARE ways to connect

• Why making the effort matters—the importance of trying, even when you're trying isn't perfect, and how locals often appreciate your willingness to learn

We also talk about:

• What expat life feels like when you’re not fluent in the local language

• Strategies to push past being uncomfortable

• A fresh perspective on the emotional challenges of travel—why missing out on deeper dialogue is one of the hardest parts of adjusting to life abroad

• The truth behind digital nomad life—exploring the less glamorous, often overlooked side of traveling full-time

If you’ve ever felt the frustration of wanting to say more but not having the words, or wondered what being a digital nomad is really like, or wondered what it's like to be on the outside looking in —this episode is for you. We’ll talk about the unfiltered realities of digital nomad life, fitting in in a new culture, and finding connections beyond words.

See you there. Cheers!

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Becoming a digital nomad comes with moments of awe and moments of “Oh my God, did I do the right thing?” The truth is, life on the road isn’t just postcard-perfect scenery—it’s an intense process of growth, discomfort, and resilience. From settling into Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — my first stop on my journey — to navigating cultural and lifestyle shifts, this conversation is all about how I’m doing 3 weeks into my digital nomad journey.
I talk about some of the emotional and physical transitions of leaving behind familiarity — and embracing change with humility, surrender and a little bit of humor.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The deep reset that comes with letting go—how releasing years of stress has triggered an unexpected physical and emotional transformation.
• The physical challenges of going from a sedentary U.S. desk-bound lifestyle to constant movement, including navigating the realities of mobility issues in a city designed for walking.
• The powerful impact of human connection in a foreign place, from learning Spanish with patience and kindness to building a sense of belonging within the local community.
• The benefits of trying to integrate into a new culture, beyond looking for a tourist experience.
• Why discomfort is a gateway to growth, shifting the perspective on challenges as opportunities for self-evolution.
• The unexpected ways a new rhythm changes everything, including our relationships with control, uncertainty, and ourselves.

If you’re curious about what it’s like to live a digital nomad life—the magic and the reality—this episode is for you. Tune in to hear this part of my journey unfolding in real time, including thoughts on transformation, resilience, and the beauty of human connection.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

We live in a world that glorifies hustling—endless work, constant productivity, putting everyone else’s needs before our own. But what happens when that grind catches up with us? When years of pushing through exhaustion lead to weight gain, lost mobility, and declining physical strength? The slow decline sneaks up—until one day, getting off the floor feels impossible, chronic stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, and exhaustion becomes our default state.

Overworking at a desk doesn’t just drain us mentally—it takes a toll on our health, leading to muscle atrophy, joint pain, and a body that just doesn’t feel like it’s on our side anymore.

In this episode I get vulnerable, and talk about how I ended up overweight, out of shape, and ready to take my health back.

We chat about:

• How hustle culture—at work, at home, and in daily life—contributes to weight gain and mobility loss
• The surprising ways a sedentary lifestyle sneaks up on us—causing muscle weakness, poor circulation, and decreased flexibility
• The emotional burden of losing fitness: frustration, shame, and the fear of starting over when simple, basic movements feel difficult
• A self-sabotaging mindset we often adopt—avoiding exercise because the reality of how much we've lost is overwhelming
• Why self-care has to be non-negotiable, even when life feels chaotic, and how reclaiming our health starts with small, doable steps
• Facing aging, physical discomfort, and the irreversible impacts of prolonged sitting—and what we need to do to minimize long-term damage
• The connection between stress, cortisol overload, and sitting too much — and autoimmune conditions, spinal health, and metabolic dysfunction
• How stress, sitting too much, and neglecting movement lead to muscle deterioration, weight gain, and preventable health issues
• The importance of working toward regaining mobility—even if you’ve been stuck in a sedentary cycle for years
• Shifting your mindset from survival mode to personal empowerment—so you can finally prioritize your well-being

Your body is your foundation, and it deserves to be cared for. If you've been feeling exhausted, weighed down, or disconnected from your health, this conversation is for you. No matter how far you’ve slipped, it’s time to make your way back. You'll have company. I've just started my work on this, too.

This episode is a Sunday Shot: a short and sweet solo episode with a runtime of approximately 10 - 20 minutes.

More About Lisa Marie:

To learn more about Lisa Marie, get more content, or schedule a one-on-one coaching session, visit her website at: www.lisamarieconnections.com or her contact page, at: www.lisamarieconnections.com/connect

Follow Lisa Marie on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube: https://linktr.ee/lisamarieconnections

AFTER THE EPISODE:

Love the podcast?

Please rate the show and leave a review!

Know someone who would benefit from hearing this episode?

Please consider sharing it with them!

PLEASE NOTE: The "From Lemons to Limoncello" podcast and content posted by Lisa Marie DeSanto is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this website, the podcast, linked to content, or from coaching sessions is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.