The Nomad Life Podcast

In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Marissa Rodriguez, a powerhouse fractional CMO and ecommerce expert who left the fast-paced world of NYC behind for a slower, more fulfilling life in Greece.
After overseeing over $100 million in ecommerce sales and launching countless brands, Marissa built her own course on making money online. But it wasn’t just business success that transformed her life—it was a solo trip to Greece in 2021 that changed everything.
Originally planned as a vacation for a friend’s birthday, Marissa never returned to the U.S. Instead, she embraced a new way of living, learning to enjoy her own company, appreciating life’s slower moments, and setting a goal to visit all 278 inhabited Greek islands.
What We Cover in This Episode:
✅ How the pandemic forced her to rethink her life in NYC✅ Learning to enjoy being alone and discovering deeper self-awareness✅ The power of slowing down and being present through travel✅ How working remotely from Greece benefits her business and clients✅ Why she has zero plans to return to the U.S.
Marissa’s story is proof that success isn’t just about money—it’s about designing a life you love.
Connect with Marissa:
📷 Instagram: @throughexperienceofficial | @marissa_throughexperience📘 Facebook: Through Experience Official💼 LinkedIn: Through Experience | Marissa Rodriguez
 
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🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

Are you a digital nomad, expat, or traveler looking to legally reduce your tax liability? In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Alex McGowin, an expert CPA specializing in international tax strategies. He helps nomads pay little to NO taxes using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and advanced offshore tax strategies.
💰 Learn how to legally pay ZERO taxes on your first $125K in income💼 Discover offshore corporations & trusts for income over $125K✈️ Find out why the U.S. Citizen-Based Tax System is broken📌 Learn practical steps to optimize your tax strategy as an expat
If you're a location-independent entrepreneur, remote worker, or business owner, this episode is a must-listen!
🔗 Connect with Alex McGowin:mcgowintax.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@McGowinTaxhttps://www.facebook.com/mcgowintax
📢 Join the movement to escape the matrix & live freely!
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In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with the incredible Karen Ricks—world traveler, chef, educator, and entrepreneur—who has been PLAYing her way around the world for years. After spending a decade in Japan running an international school, she sold everything to follow a dream: attending culinary school in Italy. Since then, she and her family have been on a global adventure, embracing life with joy and curiosity.
We discuss:
Her journey from Japan to Italy and beyond
The power of #PLAYwithYourFood, #PLAYinYourBody, and #PLAYinYourLife
Lessons from integrating into Japanese culture
How to build deep connections as a global citizen
The magic of worldschooling and raising children on the road
Why you should NEVER settle and always follow your passions
Karen’s energy is contagious, and her insights will inspire you to embrace more play, adventure, and purpose in your life!
 
For more fun and deliciousness from Karen Ricks & Our Kitchen Classroom, find us all over the web!
Website: https://OurKitchenClassroom.com;
Facebook: https://facebook.com/ourkitchenclassroom;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenm.ricks/
(#OurKitchenClassroom); YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ourkitchenclassroom;
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaWKaren
#PLAYwithYourFood Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePLAYwithOurFood/;
Subscribe to Our Kitchen Playground: https://ourkitchenclassroom.com/subscribe-to-our-kitchen-playground/;
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-m-ricks/
 
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In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Heather Wyatt, who made a bold decision in September 2023—she sold everything she owned in New Jersey and moved to Costa Rica to embrace a fully nomadic lifestyle. Since then, she has built a career around creating transformational experiences for others, including retreats, wellness events, and mental health-focused gatherings.
We dive into:
The mindset shifts necessary to leave behind a conventional life
How Costa Rica became the perfect launchpad for her new lifestyle
The personal transformation she experienced after quitting bartending
What it takes to turn passion into a career while traveling
Tips for anyone looking to break free and design a life on their own terms
Heather’s story is all about embracing change, taking risks, and building a life around freedom and purpose.
👉 Subscribe & Listen!📲 Follow Heather Wyatt: 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069429799210 
https://www.instagram.com/goddessgetawaves/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-wyatt%F0%9F%A7%9C%E2%80%8D%E2%99%80%EF%B8%8F-64285124b/ 
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In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, we sit down with Asha Farrah, founder of Mexpat Dreamers, a relocation company dedicated to helping aspiring expats navigate the journey of moving to Mexico. Originally from Harlem, NYC, Asha has traveled to nearly 30 countries across 5 continents and now calls Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, home.
Join us as we dive deep into:
Asha's inspiring path from Harlem to Mexico.
The incredible diversity Mexico offers in food, culture, geography, and lifestyles.
The realities and rewards of expat life.
Practical tips and crucial considerations for anyone planning to relocate to Mexico.
Whether you're dreaming of life in a new country or just curious about the expat experience, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and actionable advice!
🔗 Connect with Asha Farrah:Website: Mexpat DreamersInstagram: @mexpatdreamers
Connect with Steve:
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In this unforgettable episode of The Ronin Mindset, I’m joined by none other than Big Sexy—a man whose name is as big as his personality! Born in California and starting his global adventures in Las Vegas, Big Sexy has worn many hats: podcaster, improviser, actor, playwright, poet, DJ, emcee, Mahjong enthusiast, and even a professional cuddler. Currently soaking up the sun in Mexico, he shares his fascinating journey of ticking off destinations and collecting incredible stories from the nomads and travelers he encounters.
Together, we dive into:🎙️ How Big Sexy and his wife embraced the nomadic lifestyle🎙️ Misadventures in Malaga—what went wrong (and right)🎙️ Exploring the beauty and quirks of Romania🎙️ The unexpected journey that landed him in Playa del Carmen🎙️ Insights from his own podcast, Big Sexy Digital Nomad🎙️ Tips, laughs, and lessons from life on the road
This is a fun, inspiring, and wildly entertaining conversation you don’t want to miss! Whether you’re a seasoned nomad, dreaming of freedom, or just here for the stories, Big Sexy’s charm and wisdom will keep you hooked.
Connect with Big Sexy🎧 🌍
Merch Store: https://wearisbigsexy.com
Buy Us Drank: Https://www.Buymeacoffee.com/Bigsexynomad
Instagram: ⁠https://www.Instagram.com/Bigsexynomad
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigSexyDigitalNomad/
Youtube Channel: YouTube.com/@bigsexydigitalnomad
Connect with Steve!
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Tune in now and start your 2025 with some laughter and inspiration!

In this transformative episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Jeff Kolez, a man who turned his life upside down—and for the better. After going through a life-altering divorce, Jeff embarked on a slow-travel journey, diving into different cultures and scuba diving adventures across the globe.
Jeff is now building a conscious business dedicated to helping men recover from divorce and create extraordinary lives for themselves. Together, we explore:
The emotional and psychological challenges of divorce and how to overcome them.
Why traveling and experiencing new environments can be key to personal reinvention.
The lessons Jeff learned from slow traveling through Germany, Belize, and Mexico.
Strategies for men to bounce back from pattern interrupts and rebuild their identity.
What it takes to build a purpose-driven business while living nomadically.
If you've ever faced a major life reset or felt stuck in a rut, this episode will inspire you to take charge, embrace change, and design a life of freedom and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
"Pattern interrupts," like divorce, can be an opportunity for reinvention.
Travel forces introspection and can help uncover new paths in life.
Building a meaningful life post-divorce requires courage, reflection, and intentionality.
Connect with Jeff:
https://divorce-daddy.com
https://www.youtube.com/@jeffkolez
Connect with Me:
https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
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https://www.theroninmindset.com/    
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Crystal Adair-Benning is a master storyteller and world traveler who has spent more than 20 years merging her love of writing with her passion for adventure. As a digital nomad, she has created a life filled with purpose, freedom, and incredible stories from her travels. From the Maldives to Croatia to Bali, Crystal’s experiences inspire not only her clients’ books but also her own captivating journey.
Topics Covered:
Starting Young: Crystal’s journey into the nomadic lifestyle at just 19 years old
20+ Years on the Road: The highs, lows, and lessons learned from a lifetime of travel
Love on the Road: How Crystal found a partner who shares her adventurous spirit
Travel Fatigue: Staying grounded and avoiding burnout as a digital nomad
The Power of Family: Staying connected to loved ones while living a life of freedom
Miracles in New Zealand: Crystal’s life-changing trip that cured her cancer
Dreams of Settling: Why New Zealand holds a special place in her heart
Key Takeaways:
How to blend creativity with a nomadic lifestyle
Tips for finding balance and avoiding travel fatigue
The importance of embracing life fully because tomorrow is never promised
Connect with Crystal Adair-Benning:
writewordmagic.com
Connect with Steve:
https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
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https://www.theroninmindset.com/
Listen & Subscribe:If you’ve ever dreamed of living a life of freedom, adventure, and creativity, this episode with Crystal Adair-Benning is for you. Tune in and get inspired!

Episode Summary:In this inspiring episode, I sit down with digital nomad Joel Oliver, founder of East Coast Studio and host of Profits Through Podcasting. Joel’s journey from a freelance podcast producer to running a thriving podcast production company for health-focused entrepreneurs is nothing short of remarkable.
We discuss:
How a major heart surgery in 2018 changed Joel’s perspective on work and life.
His transition to the digital nomad lifestyle and the mindset it requires.
The pros and cons of living and working globally, from managing time zones to staying productive on the road.
Why he pivoted East Coast Studio to serve the health and wellness niche.
Lessons learned about trust, team-building, and scaling a business.
Whether you're dreaming of leaving the corporate grind, starting your own podcast, or simply curious about the realities of being a digital nomad, Joel's story offers valuable insights and actionable advice.
Connect with Joel Oliver:
https://eastcoaststudio.com 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ecs 
 
https://www.instagram.com/ecpodcaststudio
Connect with Me:
https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
https://www.theroninmindset.com/

Episode Title: From a White Picket Fence to Global Freedom w/ Veronica Hanson
Guest: Veronica Hanson, Minimalist, House Hacker, and Founder of Messy to Minimalist
Overview:In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, Veronica Hanson shares how she transitioned from living the conventional suburban “American Dream” to embracing a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle with her husband and two kids. Calling herself an “ex-American dream addict,” Veronica reveals how house hacking, credit card points, and intentional minimalism enabled her to leave the corporate world and explore Central America, Asia, and Europe.
Her journey is a masterclass in simplifying your life, redefining success, and creating the freedom to live life on your terms.
Key Topics Covered:
Veronica’s realization: Why the American Dream wasn’t enough
The mindset shift required to embrace minimalism
How house hacking helped fund her family’s escape
Lessons learned while living nomadically as a family
Tips for decluttering and starting fresh with Messy to Minimalist
Connect with Veronica Hanson:
Website: https://veronicahanson.com
E-Courses: https://nomadfamily.teachable.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomadveronica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadveronica/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomadveronica/
Join the Conversation:
Could you leave it all behind for global freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Connect with Steve
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