
The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup 240: Ahead Of The Curve: Sam Rivello's Early Adventures In Digital Nomadism
TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH SAM RIVELLO
- Listen in to hear Sam recount how he decided to try the “life experiment” of working while travelling “for two years” - which is still going strong thirteen years later! Wow!
- Sam reflects on what it was like becoming a “digital nomad” before the term was popularized - and the infrastructure challenges that came along with it.
- We discuss the importance of setting personal boundaries when it comes to technology and the constant challenge of drawing a hard line between work and personal time.
- Sam explains how he made the professional choice to take more long-term ownership and responsibility for his own lifestyle as a full-time expat, to ensure balance in all areas of life.
- Listen as Sam breaks down the challenge of expats and those leading a digital lifestyle to break a lot of their old mindsets in order to make the lifestyle sustainable for them.
- We discuss the concept of “nomad burnout” as Sam explains what led to his decision to live for an extended period of time as an expat in Scandinavia.
- Sam details how the Danes have a very different concept of what entails “friendship” and the difficulty of breaking into pre-established friend groups there in Denmark.
- We dig into our shared view that the expat lifestyle is a fantastic vehicle for learning, which makes it perfect for those with a passion for learning as Sam and I both hold.
- We then discuss some of the reasons that many live vicariously through other expats instead of pulling the trigger and giving it a shot themselves. I’ve heard a ton of these before!
- Sam lays out some of the top reasons that some expats end up burning out from the lifestyle. Be sure to listen in for his advice on how to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!
- Listen to Sam’s insights on the key to learning a new language. Hint: there are no shortcuts!
RELATED EPISODES
209: Life As A Long-Term Digital Nomad - Kristin Wilson168: Digital Nomad Mindset Tips and Challenges150: - Six Months In Florianopolis, Brazil - Mikkel ThorupHOW TO REACH SAM RIVELLO Website: https://www.SamuelAsherRivello.com/Contact: https://www.SamuelAsherRivello.com/Contact/Grab My New Book On Being A Digital Nomad Digital Nomad VisasCONCLUSION
Sam and I have a lot in common when it comes to our passion for travel as a challenge to learn and grow from. It was an absolute pleasure to learn from his efforts and struggles as an expat, and this discussion is a great example of the value of becoming an expat and what it can bring to your life.Mentioned in this episode:
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Fiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/gold
The Colombia Investment Tour
This year, I’m taking a private group to Medellín—Colombia’s most exciting city for offshore opportunity. We’ll dive deep into banking, real estate, and asset protection with Colombia’s top experts. We’ll tour high-growth developments, visit a private reforestation project, and get boots-on-the-ground access to one of Latin America’s fastest-rising economies. This is serious intel—and serious opportunity. Want in? Go to ExpatMoney.com/Colombia.
