Become Nomad - Digital Nomad Lifestyle and Long Term Travel
120 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratingsBecomeNomad is a podcast explaining the nomadic lifestyle. Whether you are a digital nomad on the road, or thinking about changing your current life to becoming a nomad, we aim to supply you with insights and resources to make you a better and more balanced long term traveler and nomad.
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Episodes
BN 118: Essential Nomadic Apps & Resources for 2024
March 18, 2024 04:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBEvery few years we like to check in & ask: What digital tools are we most heavily leaning on? What are we using on a daily basis during our nomadic journeys? In this ep, Eli & Dan cover categories such as social life, learning, navigation, and fitness. Hopefully giving you some helpful tips... but very likely just demonstrating our own ignorance :) Let us know what vital new tools we've missed at [email protected] or [email protected].
BN 117: Eli's 2024 Principles for Finding the Right Location
February 21, 2024 17:37 - 32 minutes - 52.4 MBIt's our eternal question: Where next? Eli's constantly thinking of how to answer this question -- not just with places as answers... But with principles & concepts that always stand true. In this episode, he talks about some of his new and undiscussed principles to make sure the next destination is a place you connect with.
BN 116: "When Are You Gonna Settle Down?" & more with Wandering Earl
December 30, 2023 18:07 - 43 minutes - 40 MBDerek from Wandering Earl is back! To share more of his endless insights from 20+ years on the road. He & Eli touch on the classic question faced by lifelong nomads: Where's the finish line? Or, more accurately, is there a finish line? And they discuss what it's like to stop and start nomading again. Plus a grabbag of other topics: Building community, running a tour company, connecting your location with your work, and a whole lot more. Please give our friend some love & go check out W...
BN 115: Money Talk! Digital Nomad Finance & Banking
December 15, 2023 12:30 - 44 minutes - 45.8 MBIt's definitely not the sexiest part of our nomadic adventures... but it may be the most vital. Still, banking's tricky because, more than most, it's not a one-size-fits-all topic. In this episode, Eli & Dan try to tackle the distinct financial "tiers" and the different opportunities nomads have -- all to eventually establish some universal truths & words of wisdom. If you're looking for a more practical episode -- one without any rose-tinted, Instagram-filtered glasses -- this one's for...
BN 114: What You Don't Expect About the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
November 14, 2023 12:52 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBYou pack your bags and hit the road with a certain expectation in your mind. You imagine what you might experience, how you might change, what you might see, and who you might meet. But after years on the road, once the honeymoon phase has worn off... What unexpected realities might the digital nomad lifestyle bring? In this episode, we look past the glamorization and excitement of this lifestyle. Let's talk about some of the hard personal truths & ongoing psychological battles that mi...
BN 113: 20 Years of Digital Nomadism w/ James Clark
October 01, 2023 13:10 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBOn this ep, Eli's joined by a special guest: James Clark, founder of the travel blog Nomadic Notes. They discuss the ups & downs of being on the nomadic journey for so long, how the landscape has changed since James hit the road in 2003, the importance of holding onto hobbies & interests, and a whole lot more. ... & if you have any thouhts of Qs, give us a shout at [email protected]!
BN 112: Building a Team Vs. Working for Yourself
September 20, 2023 10:30 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBEli has spent years of nomadic working on both sides of the aisle. Looking back on his experiences, he shares the pros & cons, the rewards & tradeoffs, of both working solo and managing a team. Plus: He shares how starting a remote company wasn't a product of ambition or courage as much as a product of necessity. And he dives into how this change in work-life forced a change in nomadic values. Thoughts or questions? Please shoot us an email! At: [email protected]
BN 111: Nomadic Locations -- An Update on Emerging Hubs
August 09, 2023 13:34 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBYou know about the Chiang Mai's and Medellin's of the world -- the established digital nomad hubs mentioned in every other blog post. But which places might become the next Chiang Mai? The next Medellin? In this episode, Eli & Dan scour the global map to identify a few dozen places on our BecomeNomad radar -- some have long been emerging, some have just piqued our interest, all worth at least considering as you plan your next plane ticket. ... And of course we missed something, but wha...
BN 110: Finding Accommodations -- How the Game Keeps Changing
July 17, 2023 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBAccommodations! We start with Eli looking back at the early days of finding a place to stay via travel guides & simple spontaneity... And then see how things have drastically changed in the past ten years. Have they changed for the worst? Is the convenience gained by the Airbnb's and Booking.com's worth the dilution of nomadic adventure? What matters the most when we look for accommodations? And what further changes can we expect as trends like coliving become the norm? All that & a whol...
BN 109: Staying Healthy While on the Move
June 12, 2023 10:40 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBWe may not be doctors, but we do have a few useful principles for approaching personal health on a day-to-day basis. Because the nomadic life inherently complicates our ability to stabilize our routines. Meaning that something like health, which so fundamentally requires stability, is more vulnerable to frequent disruption. So how can we reduce that risruption? Even if just a bit? **One more thing!! If you're a BN fan, please fill out this quick 1-min Google form to help tailor future ...
BN 108: Principles for Finding "Success" in New Locations
May 07, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBYou arrive at a new location. Now: What do you do? And more pertinently: Why do you do it? The more Eli lives this lifestyle, the harder it can be to answer that second question as he moves to new places. In some ways, accumulated knowledge from years of nomading can actually obstruct his ability to access some core truths. So that's what this episode is about: Those core mindsets about finding your version of happiness in a new location. **Finally: This episode is sponsored by Nomad, ...
BN 107: Virtual Coworking, Habit Building, & More w/ Nathan Sudds
April 18, 2023 15:42 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBWe're joined today by that Virtual Coworking Guy: Nathan Sudds! Eli found virtual coworking to be a productivity lifesaver during Covid times & continues to be a tool we rely on here at BecomeNomad. In this ep, Nathan shares his wisdom & personal success with some key nomadic hot topics -- prioritizing tasks, establishing routines, and even traveling as a couple (which he's now done with his wife for years). Plus: his take on building communities & a social life while on the move. ... Ba...
BN 106: Global Changes, Personal Battles, & Other 2023 Musings
March 11, 2023 12:04 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBLast episode we looked back at 2022. In this one, we glimpse into the crystal ball to discuss 2023. Dan & Eli toss around some predictions, questions, and general ruminations on what 2023 might bring to the world of digital nomadism. And, of course, they also get personal -- wondering aloud what the year in store will have for each of them. On the docket: The state of nomadic globalization, the challenge of balancing internal values, and a bunch of bullet points in between. (Apologies ...
BN 105: Your Purpose for Traveling, "Mental Nomadism," & Other 2022 Takeaways
February 03, 2023 09:18 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBWhat did you learn in 2022? For our first ep of the year, Eli & Dan look back on the last one & reflect on some unexpected lessons learned. While Eli spent most of his year letting work guide his locations, Dan spent most of his sitting pat in his temporary home of Berlin. Quite new situations for both, so what can they (and you!) take into the new(ish) year ahead? All that and more as we keep our monthly episode streak alive (and, characteristically, a few days late)
BN 104: Building Your Remote Work Future w/ Dan Andrews of TropicalMBA Podcast
January 02, 2023 19:59 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBDan Andrews of Dynamite Jobs & the fantastic Tropical MBA Podcast joins us for a super special New Years episode to talk all things remote work: How to build a business that's location independent, connecting freelancers to business owners, & genuine community building. Plus a bunch more relevant tips + resources coming your way. Huge thanks to Dan for being generous with his time, wisdom, & expertise!
BN 103: How To "Make It" -- Building a Sustainable Lifestyle w/ Jesse Schoberg
November 30, 2022 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBJesse Schoberg from Drop in Blog pops in to discuss a whole grab bag of topics with Eli: The magic of living in Thailand Inspiration for long-term nomading Evolving from freelance to agency to startup Nomadic luxuries ... And most prominently: How to develop a sustainable relationship with money -- one that helps you grow your lifestyle. Lots to learn on this one! And if you have any blog-writing aspirations, please check out Jesse's site (linked above).
BN 102: Talking Money & Healthy Financial Mindsets
November 15, 2022 11:30 - 37 minutes - 34 MBAre you trying to get rich? And if that's not your financial goal, what is? Should a nomadic life even be tied by financial goals? Here, Eli & Dan discuss their relationships with money. Citing the wisdom of Naval Ravikant (@naval on Twitter), they explore the friction between a minimalist lifestyle and the more maximalist demands of work life. What does it mean to succeed... And when your answer to this question changes, how can you put yourself in the best financial & psychological posit...
BN 101: Nomadic Soul-Searching & the Power of Yom Kippur
October 04, 2022 14:46 - 31 minutes - 15 MBFive years ago we had an episode about Yom Kippur - the holiest Jewish holiday & the only one that Eli celebrates consistently. But regardless of religious roots, the core of Yom Kippur is that of a nomadic holiday. This day asks us to search within, look without, and examine our lives objectively & introspectively. In this episode, Eli updates and builds on his previous thoughts - with deeply honest assessments of his own journey.
BN 100: The Century Pod! Celebrating 100 Magical Episodes
August 31, 2022 15:30 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB7 years. Countless destinations. And now, 100 episodes! Against all odds, we've made it to triple digits (thanks, in large part, to you!). So what's kept BecomeNomad alive despite virtually zero promotion? What value does it still offer & will it continue to offer? And what does it mean for Eli, all these years later? This is more of an introspective episode. A benchmark, to see where we've been, what we've learned, and where we're going. A huge thanks to all the contributors who've help...
BN 099: Dating & Relationship Advice for Digital Nomads w/ Aline Dahmen
August 02, 2022 17:16 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBThis is one of our biggest challenges as lifelong travelers: Entering into relationships. And also maintaining those relationships as we stay on the road. Seasoned digital nomad Aline Dahmen joins us to give her insights. Her Nomad Soulmates initiative is helping thousands of nomads connect and build relationships. How does one balance the attachment of these relationships with the desired freedom of this lifestyle? What constitutes a "successful" nomadic couple? Aline touches on these v...
BN 099: Dating & Relationship Advice for Digital Nomads
August 02, 2022 17:16 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBThis is one of our biggest challenges as lifelong travelers: Entering into relationships. And also maintaining those relationships as we stay on the road. Seasoned digital nomad Aline Dahmen joins us to give her insights. Her Nomad Soulmates initiative is helping thousands of nomads connect and build relationships. How does one balance the attachment of these relationships with the desired freedom of this lifestyle? What constitutes a "successful" nomadic couple? Aline touches on these v...
BN 098: How Bansko, Bulgaria Became a Nomadic Hub w/ Matthias Zeitler
July 16, 2022 09:52 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBThis is a story of dedication, perseverance, and community. Matthias Zeitler of Coworking Bansko joins us to discuss how he accomplished his dream of creating a haven for digital nomads. What he and his team have built is magical, the ultimate DN inspiration. But beyond that, we cover what it truly takes to build a community and what goes into rebranding an entire small city -- a small city that, for many westerners, isn't even on their radar.
BN 097: How To Live Your Nomadic Life to the Fullest
June 21, 2022 14:48 - 23 minutes - 26.6 MBThis episode is in loving memory of our longtime team member, Vuk Milićević. The idea here is to dig to the core of the digital nomadic lifestyle and pinpoint precisely what makes it worth pursuing. When you're on the road for a long time, it's easy to get lost in logistics and trivialities. But when that happens, there are certain mindsets worth reminding yourself of. So: Stay curious, and enjoy this belated episode -- we'll be back with another shortly!
BN 096: Are Cities the New Countries? & Other Nomadic Projections
May 09, 2022 12:16 - 27 minutes - 63.9 MBIn this episode, we discuss the future of nomadism. What changes have we seen over the past 5-10 years and which trends are likely to become mainstays? We explore this topic from a wide range of angles, from the practicalities of travel visas to the very way we identify where we come from. As always, expect a handful of answers... and a handful more questions :)
BN 095: Avoiding "Wrong" Locations & What To Do When You're Stuck
April 01, 2022 14:18 - 36 minutes - 83.7 MBChoosing locations. It's one of the most exciting parts of a nomadic life... but what if you get it wrong? What if a place's reality doesn't match your hopes and dreams? That's what we're tackling today. Instead of what to look for, we're flipping the coin and examining what to avoid, what to be conscious of, and how to approach locations when things are suboptimal. ... Did we miss something? Let us know! [email protected] or [email protected]
BN 094: Traveling Solo or in Groups? Pros, Cons, & Other Insights
March 04, 2022 13:44 - 32 minutes - 73.8 MBThere's something special about traveling on your own... But there's also something special about moving in groups! Here, Eli & Dan discuss exactly what makes both approaches special. We tackle the psychological benefits of both experiences, as well as some of the possible negatives. Plus, we also ponder what the ideal balance is... if one even exists! ...Psst! Join our Slack for more BecomeNomad!
BN 093: Choosing Adventures: Plan Ahead or Carpe Diem?
January 31, 2022 13:40 - 32 minutes - 74.8 MBHow do you choose your next destination? Next adventure? Even your next activity? Do you plan ahead to ensure your schedule contains that which you care about? Or do you go with the flow and allow for the moment to dictate your experience? In this episode, Eli & Dan address what really guides their nomadic choices. And they see if they can strike a balance between the planning mindset & the carpe diem mindset. And hey, have some thoughts? Shoot an email to [email protected] & d...
BN 092: New Year Special! Trends, Goals, & Predictions for 2022
January 10, 2022 23:12 - 32 minutes - 73.4 MBIt's safe to say the past two years have been... pretty unique from the nomadic point of view. In some ways, the landscape has changed irreversibly; in others, it's returning back to form. Here, Dan & Eli reflect on 2021 -- with both a personal and big picture perspective. And they look ahead to discuss all the ups and downs that 2022 may have in store. Topics include: Up-and-coming hubs, emerging forms of nomadism, Eli's evolving thoughts on structure & definitions, and more!
BN 091: Daily Routines for Disconnecting & Truly Appreciating Life
December 09, 2021 02:20 - 23 minutes - 54.7 MBWe've talked before about the concept of disconnection as a means of staying grounded and enjoying our surroundings. Not just binging Netflix, but really engaging in some fulfilling pastime. One of Eli's favorite practices is taking a "Week of Disconnection" every few months (see episode 65!), but here he examines the topic from a daily perspective. Ultimately, all these discussions on disconnection come back to one key question: "How do I become more in the world and less in myself?"
BN 090: The Prophet Returns! More Nomadic Philosophy Lessons
October 30, 2021 23:21 - 48 minutes - 110 MBA few years back, Eli spent an episode dissecting the intro of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. It's an incredible book, effortlessly taking a fresh approach to ideas that feel obvious... but maybe aren't. In this episode, Eli expands his reach -- focusing on some of the core concepts introduced throughout the book (not just in the first chapter). Some truly illuminating ideas here, ideal for anyone wishing to reexamine their preconceived life stories.
BN 089: The Four Core Pillars of the Nomadic Lifestyle
October 14, 2021 14:20 - 29 minutes - 68 MBHow do you know if your nomadic life is on the right track? Here, the answer to that question is a sort of metric system -- one that lets us organize the chaos of this lifestyle. For any location you're in, these pillars help you thoughtfully assess whether this location is actually giving you what you need. And, to that point, these pillars are also a vehicle for self-reflection -- a chance to question the way you prioritize your nomadic values.
BN 088: How To Stay Productive While Traveling
August 30, 2021 20:32 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBWhen your environment keeps changing, it inevitably becomes more difficult to stay focused. The fluctuation and constant building of new routines is part of the digital nomad charm... But it's also one of our biggest challenges. Here, Eli talks about his approach to building and keeping that focus in new locations -- including both practical tips & more general mindsets!
BN 087: The Power of Memory -- Photos, Journals, & Other Forms of Nostalgia
July 30, 2021 17:00 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBHow do you record your experiences? Is it even an important part of appreciating what's around you? Or does it take you out of the experience and cheapen it? In this episode, Eli & Dan discuss their approaches to remembering and looking back on their travels. We debate the importance of doing something now for your future self, the methods of memory capture that we find most meaningful, and the ways in which recording experiences can actually deepen their value. Also, really want to give...
BN 086: The Freedom of Cross-Country Road Trips
June 29, 2021 16:08 - 39 minutes - 54 MBThere's something special about just getting in a car, shifting gears, and going... wherever. So in this episode, Eli & Dan talk a bit about the unique, psychological effects of cross-country road trips. We discuss the experience of shifting landscapes & cultures, the benefits of changing locations, the mentality of reexamining your life story, and a whole lot more. Are you a big cross-country road-tripper? We'd love to hear your story & where you've been! Give us a shout at dan@becomeno...
BN 085: The Principles of Lower-Cost Living
May 31, 2021 19:29 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBThe actual tactics behinds saving money while traveling change month to month, year to year. But the necessary mindset underlying it all tends to stay consistent. In this mini-episode, Eli reflects on his decade-plus of travel to share some "mindset hacks" for living a low-cost lifestyle. Do you have any hacks that you've implemented into your lifestyle (travel or otherwise)? Let us know at [email protected] -- we'd love to hear from you!
BN 084: Nomadic Social Life -- The Ups, Downs, & in Between
May 01, 2021 03:06 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBWe've talked before about the nomadic social life... But never like this. This episode won't give you tips for socializing while traveling or anything like that. You can find that elsewhere. But we will talk about social life from a bird's eye view: What are the big challenges and the mentality required. Join us here for a back-&-forth discussion about what it means to try to build friendships on the road. - - - - - - - - - Books mentioned: Tribes by Sebastian Junger Social Che...
BN 083: Finding Spirituality in a Lifestyle of Change
March 29, 2021 17:57 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBWe're too busy. We're all plugged in. And even for us nomads, it can be easy to lose sight of the greater goals. In this episode, we're trying to recapture our spirituality. With all this talk of building startups and finances and practical elements, let's remember why we're doing all this in the first place. How do we tap into that deeper fulfillment? Is it getting harder as the world gets more connected? And what does it mean to be a spiritual nomad, anyway? - - - - - - - - ...
BN 082: The Magic of Long-Term Trekking with Victor Prince
March 01, 2021 18:01 - 40 minutes - 93 MBApologies to all! We had a mix-up with the audio yesterday, but are back on track. Full, correct episode is here -- thanks for bearing with us :) The Camino de Santiago -- it's one of the most famous treks in the world. In this episode, Victor Prince joins us to share the practical & spiritual realities behind such a journey. Victor Prince is the author of The Camino Way: Lessons in Leadership from a Walk Across Spain. The book shares stories and lessons that he (& dozens of other hi...
BN 081: How Travel Changes When You Build a Startup (Part 2 of ep 078)
January 30, 2021 12:30 - 39 minutes - 54.6 MBWhen business commitments start increasing, can you still live a nomadic lifestyle? And if yes, how does it differ from a freelance or purely nomadic lifestyle? In this episode, we continue the conversation from episode 078... But instead of focusing on "what it's like to build a startup while nomading," Eli explains "what it's like to nomad -- while building a startup." By the end, we surprise ourselves with some candidly open reflections on the nomadic pursuit and what it means for a f...
BN 080: 20 Years of Travel with Wandering Earl's Derek Baron
December 28, 2020 12:30 - 48 minutes - 111 MBOn this episode, travel guru Derek Baron pops in to shed insights on his 20+ years of continuous travel. From the state of travel blogging to digital nomads' evolution to his social mindset, Earl brings his uniquely honest attitude to everything we discuss. He's one of our favorite travel bloggers -- check out his website to see why!
BN 079: Forming Habits & Routines - The Key to Nomadic Freedom
November 30, 2020 17:45 - 30 minutes - 70.3 MBLet's look beyond the basic psychology of habits to explore the nomadic idea that "Discipline is Freedom." In this episode, Eli covers the value of routines in an uncertain lifestyle, offers recommendations for building them effectively, and shares what he's learned about himself through his ups and downs of habit-forming. Have some thoughts about building routines while on the road? Shoot us your thoughts at [email protected] -- we'll give you a shout in our next episode!
BN 078: What It's Like To Build a Startup while Nomading
October 30, 2020 02:49 - 36 minutes - 82.8 MBTo sustain his nomadic lifestyle, Eli chose the path of building startups. But what inspired him to go this route? Was it worth ditching the freelance game? And what would he do differently if he had the chance? In this episode, we discuss the lifestyle behind the lifestyle. How the type of work you choose will define the mindset you acquire and the sacrifices you make.
BN 077: The Nomadic Philosophy of Personal Finance
September 30, 2020 19:46 - 32 minutes - 74.6 MBHow do you approach money? It's a simple yet essential question of our non-standard, nomadic lifestyle. And in this episode, we look for the answer -- covering topics like minimalism, material ownership, and ego. One more quick shoutout to our friends at Bluehost web services for (a) supporting the pod, (b) hosting our BecomeNomad blog, & (c) giving our listeners a neat discount. Thanks!
BN 076: Building Tribes & Communities - A Conversation with Dean Kucho
August 27, 2020 21:09 - 47 minutes - 86.4 MBIn this episode, we're chatting with Dean Kucho, the creator of one of the most active DN Facebook groups we've seen: Digital Nomads Israel. He'll share some wisdom about building online communities and improving your social life while traveling in-person. Also want to give a shoutout to our friends at Bluehost web hosting services. It's what we use for our blog and it's what we recommend for yours - BecomeNomad listeners get a discount of $2.95/mo through that link^!
BN 076: Building Tribes & Communities - A Conversation with Dean Kuchel
August 27, 2020 21:09 - 47 minutes - 86.4 MBIn this episode, we're chatting with Dean Kuchel, the creator of one of the most active DN Facebook groups we've seen: Digital Nomads Israel. He'll share some wisdom about building online communities and improving your social life while traveling in-person. Also want to give a shoutout to our friends at Bluehost web hosting services. It's what we use for our blog and it's what we recommend for yours - BecomeNomad listeners get a discount of $2.95/mo through that link^!
BN075: Introducing "Meta Nomad" - A More Fitting Name for Digital Nomads
July 31, 2020 19:47 - 20 minutes - 37.9 MBLet's examine the term "Digital Nomad" - the flaws it carries and the confusion it may have actually brought about. And then, let's see why a new term might actually bring us closer to what this lifestyle is really all about. Plus: Today's pod is sponsored by the mail gurus at Earth Class Mail. Check out their service here: earthclassmail.com
BN074: The Evolution of Nomadic Trends
June 28, 2020 19:02 - 33 minutes - 61.1 MBIn this episode, we're taking a bird's eye view: How has nomadism developed over time? What historical reasons have pushed people towards settling down? And what does all of this mean for the future of digital nomadism?
BN073: A personal exit strategy to get back to Nomadism
May 20, 2020 12:04 - 24 minutes - 45 MBIs it time to get back to the road? If so, how and what can we expect? In this episode, Dan and Eli will discuss projections about how travel will change, and how can digital nomads prepare for the next period of traveling with the coronavirus still in the background.
BN072: Prepare for a nomadic life in a non nomadic reality
April 30, 2020 19:26 - 29 minutes - 53.7 MBIn this episode, Dan and Eli will talk about the opportunities created in this period to help you get back on the road from a position of strength when it’s possible. We speak about building skills, side businesses, and anything in between with a proactive approach, amid your Netflix breaks.
BN071: Lessons from Corona Virus for digital nomads and long term travelers
March 31, 2020 20:09 - 26 minutes - 48.5 MBIn this episode, we deal with the microscopic elephant in the room, Covid-19. We will discuss a few lessons digital nomads and long term travelers can learn from the pandemic right now, in regard to our past, and also what we might do in the future.