Available Worldwide

Apr 09 2024 9

Available Worldwide Podcast artwork

An interview-style podcast by, for, and about the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service. In each episode, we’ll talk to diplomatic spouses who have discovered superpowers they never knew they had and found success in unlikely places. We highlight voices that will inspire and encourage you as you explore what it means to be “available worldwide.”
Hosted by Lauren Steed and Stephanie Anderson

foreign service, diplomacy, diplomat, trailing spouse, EFM, expat, abroad,

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Lauren Steed | Nomad Educational Services

Apr 09 2024 27 mins

On the 3rd anniversary of the Available Worldwide Podcast, we chat with co-host Lauren Steed about her small business, Nomad Educational Services. Lauren shares how her students are changing, how she's adapting, and what she's learned more about the value she adds in the process. We also touch on the stress of PCSing while running a business, plus the AW Podcast and Network. .BIO D

Amanda Zelaya | Indie Author and Ghostwriter

Mar 26 2024 31 mins

First time EFM Amanda Zelaya saw EFM life as the chance to finally go all in on her dream career. She describes life as an indie romance author and ghostwriter, her journey into self-publishing, the challenges of being an indie author, and how her writing career has evolved alongside her husband's Foreign Service posting. Hear her insights into the realities of promoting her "spicy

Erika Furey | Integrative Health Coach

Mar 12 2024 34 mins

Erika Furey is a self-described "jack-of-all-trades." From barista to public relations, from esthetician to yoga teacher, from CLO to health coach, Erika demonstrates commitment and consistency in pursuit of her passions.In this interview, Erika delves into the difficulties of maintaining connections and a sense of belonging as a Foreign Service spouse, highlighting the emotional t

Natalie Kortum | Chief Technology Strategist for Data Analytics and AI, Teleworker

Feb 28 2024 38 mins

In this week's episode, Lauren and Natalie Kortum share a discussion about teleworking, taxes, and legal obligations while working remotely for domestic or international businesses when overseas. Natalie shares how she successfully negotiated teleworking with her employer, the importance of portraying confidence in teleworking negotiations and how to communicate in a way that reass

Michelle Neyland | Congressional Advisor & Advocate

Feb 13 2024 39 mins

More than 40 people nominated Michelle for the Tragen Award in 2023. This huge number illustrates the impact of her volunteer advocacy work on the many EFMs serving as Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas (DETOs).As we learn about Michelle's fight for fair pay, she highlights the importance of research, building a team, and advocating for systemic change.In discussing her career

Christy Kill | Abstract Painter

Jan 29 2024 37 mins

In this episode, artist Christy Kill and host Lauren Steed talk about: the joys of life with a puppy, turning discouragement into opportunity and using frequent moves as an inspiration for new creative pursuits. Given the time and space to pursue something new, Christy found her professional identity in painting. She experiments with different mediums and materials, and and finds i

Adam Pearlman | Lexpat Global Services

Jan 16 2024 33 mins

Adam Pearlman’s first post abroad as an accompanying partner was as the spouse of a DCM (deputy chief of mission). After years of government service, Adam is now navigating the wild ride of starting a law firm that leverages geography and where remote work is an integral part of the company culture.Adam shares eye-opening moments from his first two tours as an EFM. And, we delve

2023 End of Year Wrap-up

Jan 02 2024 13 mins

Join your hosts—Lauren and Steph—as we reflect on our busiest year ever at Available Worldwide. We made people laugh, and we made people cry. We added a new member to our team, and we reached over 10,000 downloads. We hosted solopreneur Mastermind groups, and we organized a 4-day EFM/MOH Symposium. And we've got even BIGGER plans for 2024!.Stay up-to-date on all we're doing at

Emily Walker | Next Dinner Party Designs

Dec 18 2023 36 mins

Emily Walker is the founder of Next Dinner Party Designs, a business dedicated to helping the foreign service community create beautiful spaces abroad.Before the Foreign Service, she was a journalist covering healthcare in Washington, D.C., but her first tour move to Yemen sparked her interest in the unique experiences of Americans living in foreign countries and eventually led her

Emily Cornell | Transition & Transformation Coach

Dec 05 2023 27 mins

Emily Cornell keeps a photo on her wall that reminds her of the moment she knew things had to change. After an ER visit due to severe burnout, a nearby terrorist attack during a work trip, and reconnecting with a college boyfriend who had just been posted to Brussels, Emily realized that she had to choose something bigger for her life. During our conversation, Emily shares how she