What’s it like starting a new life in the Balkans as an American, and then dealing with sudden tragedy in an unfamiliar place? In this episode, author Chanoa Inez shares her experiences living in Montenegro and Serbia, why she still loves Montenegro, and how she rebuilt her life.

Useful Resources
Dream on: How to Create the New Life of Your Dreams after Upheaval or Loss (Book)
Chanoa Inez (LinkedIn)
We’re Moving to Europe (Substack)
European-wide emergency number: 112
Where are U app (identifies caller's exact location in an emergency)
US Department of State issues travel alerts and warnings if you enroll into its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

[00:26] Introduction to the podcast and host Casey Kelly

[00:57] Guest introduction: Chanoa Inez, author and marketing strategist

[01:21] Chanoa’s move to Montenegro and how it came about

[04:22] A tragic turning point: sudden loss of her partner

[06:17] Why Chanoa chose to stay in Europe and her dual life in Serbia and Montenegro

[07:52] Learning Serbo-Croat and choosing Serbia vs Montenegro

[10:46] Returning to the U.S. and the pull of Los Angeles

[12:24] Realizing the long-term impact of grief and trauma
[15:58] The deliberate journey of healing and personal transformation

[17:00] Childhood-rooted limiting beliefs and perfectionism

[19:05] Core message of the book Dream On and who it's for

[22:00] Language learning advice for prospective expats

[24:28] Why integrating with locals matters abroad
[25:16] How to prepare for emergencies while living overseas

[26:53] U.S. State Department travel alerts and embassy support
[29:03] Life in Montenegro: natural beauty, lifestyle, and international appeal

[32:52] Final message for those facing grief, anxiety, or transition

[34:50] Thank you and where to find Chanoa’s book

[35:27] Closing credits and Substack mention

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Social media and the web are full of useful information for Americans who are considering a move to Europe. But they’re also full of outdated, incomplete, and outright bad information that can steer you wrong on a life-changing decision.

Behavioral analyst and educator Dr. Jennifer Weber shares her recommendations on how we can examine the information we find online and figure out if we can trust it.

Useful Resources
We’re Moving to Europe (Substack)

Dr. Jennifer Weber (Substack)

KIT Educational Consulting

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We’re Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

[00:00] Intro & Community Announcement

[01:14] Welcome to the Podcast

[01:46] Introducing Dr. Jennifer Weber

[02:20] Dr. Webber’s Background in Behavior Analysis

[03:11] Systems Thinking in Education

[04:06] Why She Started Writing on Substack

[04:29] Social Media's Impact on Thinking

[05:29] The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

[06:35] How Social Media Shapes Engagement

[07:18] How to Check Ourselves Online

[08:12] Why Slowing Down Matters

[09:07] Media Silos & Losing Context

[10:16] Portugal Example & Public Reaction

[10:49] Breaking Out of the Silo Mentality

[12:09] Repetition vs. Evidence

[13:12] Three Critical Questions to Ask

[14:20] Critical Thinking & Mental Comfort

[15:13] Interrupting the Behavior Loop

[16:11] Algorithmic Influence and Personal Responsibility

[17:14] Learning How to Think in a Digital World

[18:28] Decoupling Emotion from Information

[19:05] Understanding the Function of Information

[19:45] Evaluating Data vs. Anecdotes

[21:24] How to Use Anecdotes Constructively

[22:59] Starting with Two Sources

[23:55] Misconceptions Around Sourcing

[24:49] Why Google or ChatGPT Aren’t Enough

[26:00] Teaching Better Research Habits

[27:11] Top Search Results vs. Quality

[28:09] Applying These Skills Across Life

[28:35] Dr. Weber’s Upcoming Course

[30:07] Summary of Key Takeaways

[31:11] Start Small, Build Better Habits

[32:13] Empowerment Through Verification

[32:54] Final Thanks & Closing

[33:27] Outro & Credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.

Summary
Moving to another country is a big challenge, especially if you’re bringing your child and your business to a new culture. Our guest, open source consultant and expert Emily Omier, did both when she moved from Oregon to Paris. She shares her experiences with getting her daughter ready for the move, learning what French public schools provide, and operating her consultancy business in a new bureaucracy.

Useful Resources
Emily’s website: https://www.emilyomier.com/

Emily on LinkedIn
We’re Moving to Europe Community Pre-Launch Survey

Production Team
Host and Researcher: Casey Kelly-Barton – We're Moving to Europe

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas – Unscripted Creatives

Time Stamps
0:26 – Introduction to the podcast and host

0:54 – Today’s topic: moving abroad solo or with a child

1:10 – Guest introduction: Emily Omier, consultant & parent

1:44 – Emily's international living history

2:55 – Moving to Nicaragua with a toddler

3:41 – Moving to France with a 7-year-old

4:19 – Talking to her daughter about the move

5:26 – Language learning in French schools
6:24 – The social benefits of French integration classes

7:31 – Public vs. private school and enrollment logistics
8:36 – Grade placement & school culture differences

9:01 – Parent-teacher communication norms in France
10:30 – College prep and standardized testing in French schools
11:18 – Evaluation expectations and a hands-off approach
12:11 – Homework in French elementary schools
12:25 – Parenting culture and social integration in France
13:38 – Healthcare logistics for children in France
14:28 – Healthcare system costs & cultural adjustment
16:10 – Visa logistics and dependent rules for minors
17:22 – Visa process and timeline for moving to France
18:43 – The biggest upsides of moving to Paris for her daughter
20:27 – Social and structural support for parents in France
22:59 – Emily’s business background & being self-employed in France
24:18 – Adapting an established business to a new country
25:22 – Cultural nuances in doing business in France
27:29 – Industry vs. national culture: knowing the difference
28:19 – Advice for anyone considering an international move
29:27 – Don’t idealize Europe: do your research
30:44 – Why Emily chose Paris specifically
31:25 – Outro and credits

Sound Library
All the music was composed especially for the We’re Moving to Europe podcast by Sage Barton. Copyright 2025, Sage Barton.