Deep Dive with Shawn

Send us a textThe American passport was once considered the gold standard of global mobility. Today, a growing number of US citizens are seeking second citizenship as insurance against political instability, rights erosion, and uncertainty. This episode delves into the legitimate, legal pathways to obtaining additional passports through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.We explore how certain countries—particularly in the Caribbean—offer full citizenship in exchange for financial contributions starting around $100,000. These aren't shadowy deals but government-sanctioned programs that bring critical development funding to small nations while providing investors with powerful travel documents, rights, and options. Our expert guests David Lesperance and Basil Elzecki explain how St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica lead this market with varying advantages: prestige, family value, and affordability respectively.The conversation isn't just theoretical—it's grounded in real concerns facing Americans today. Political polarization has transformed citizenship planning from a billionaire's luxury to practical preparation. As Lesperance frames it, "You live in a political wildfire zone," making second citizenship a form of "fire insurance" when facing uncertain futures. The evidence? Americans have become the #1 applicants for these programs worldwide, with applications surging 300% during recent political upheavals.For those without six-figure investment funds, we also examine citizenship by descent—the possibility that your Irish grandmother, Italian grandfather, or German Jewish ancestors might already entitle you to a powerful EU passport without any investment at all. This ancestral connection could be your most accessible pathway to global mobility.Whether you're concerned about political targeting, seeking enhanced travel freedom, or simply creating options for future generations, understanding these pathways isn't about abandoning America—it's about securing choices in an increasingly unpredictable world.Featuring:Basil Mohr-ElzekiDavid Lesperance-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textEver fantasized about leaving America's polarized politics for New Zealand's pristine landscapes? Before you pack your bags for Middle Earth, listen to the unfiltered truth from two expats who took the leap without ever visiting first.My husband, Pavel, returns and we chat with our friends Alex and Andy, who each moved to New Zealand, and reveal what actually happens when you trade global chaos for Kiwi calm. Their stories expose surprising realities about life in New Zealand – from the genuine shock of walking out of a hospital without paying a cent to the refreshingly straightforward tax system that eliminates the annual stress of filing returns. The conversation tackles everything from employment security and distinctive Kiwi communication styles to the significant challenges of being a 30+ hour flight away from family emergencies.Beyond the stunning scenery that captured Peter Jackson's imagination lies a functioning democracy where innovative engineering thrives in isolation. The "figure it out" mentality has created a culture that values practical problem-solving over specialization, while also embracing a more relaxed attitude toward perfectionism. Want a perfectly manicured lawn? New Zealanders couldn't care less.But it's not all smooth sailing in this distant paradise. Alex and Andy candidly address the reality of being on "an island at the bottom of the Pacific" – the reduced availability of international products (particularly Mexican food), the higher-than-expected cost of living, and the genuine isolation that comes with this geographic remoteness.Whether you're seriously considering a move abroad or just curious about alternative living arrangements in uncertain times, this episode offers practical insights and unexpected perspectives on finding your place in a country that values calm over chaos and community over culture wars. -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWhen Americans consider moving abroad, one of the first questions is often "Can I go somewhere where they speak English?" But, it's not just about avoiding language barriers—it's about finding a place where cultural references, legal systems, and core values feel somewhat familiar during an otherwise challenging transition.Canada, Australia, and New Zealand offer exactly that comfort zone with the added benefits of universal healthcare, stronger social safety nets, and political environments that many find increasingly appealing as American politics grows more divisive. These countries consistently rank among the world's highest for quality of life, environmental standards, and personal safety. They're not utopias, but for many Americans, they represent stability in uncertain times.The reality check? These countries operate sophisticated immigration systems designed to select newcomers based on what they bring to the table economically. Each uses a points-based framework that rewards youth, education, professional experience in high-demand fields, and language proficiency. These systems aren't random—they're strategically crafted to address domestic labor shortages and demographic challenges.The good news: all three countries allow dual citizenship, meaning Americans don't have to surrender their US passports. The challenging news: desire alone isn't enough—you need to match what these countries are seeking. For professionals under 40-45 with college degrees working in healthcare, IT, engineering, education or skilled trades, doors open more easily. For others, creative pathways might be necessary, potentially including study, entrepreneurship, or family connections.Featuring:Brandon MillerAaron Martin-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWhat happens when a three-month vacation accidentally becomes a 15-month immersion into island life? For Heidi and Tony, being stranded in the Philippines during the early pandemic lockdowns wasn't just an inconvenience – it became a transformative lesson in what truly matters.In this conversation, we discover how a small Philippine island with unreliable electricity, occasional water shortages, and zero Amazon delivery options became a paradise of sorts. The couple shares how they adapted to "island time," where urgency dissolves and community connections take priority over convenience. Rather than feeling deprived by limited resources, they found themselves liberated from the constant pressure of American consumer culture."We used to talk about new seasons on Netflix," Tony explains. "When we're on the island, we're excited because mango season is coming, or dragon fruit season, or passion fruit season." This shift from digital consumption to natural cycles reveals just how deeply our relationship with time, food, and community can change when we step away from convenience culture.Beyond the practical challenges of conducting business from a time zone opposite the US or figuring out how to ship orthodontic supplies to a remote island, Heidi and Tony discovered something more profound – the creative spark that ignites when you can't simply buy a solution. Cooking became a daily challenge with limited ingredients and just two gas burners. Art shifted from digital to hands-on crafts using available materials. Every interaction with neighbors, market vendors, and local families built meaningful connections that sustained them.Their story raises powerful questions about what we trade for convenience in America. As Heidi notes, "I love island life. I'd take the lack of water, lack of electricity, lack of internet any day over being overwhelmed with choice." Could it be that in gaining instant access to everything, we've lost something essential to human happiness?-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textThe digital nomad movement has evolved from a fringe lifestyle into a global phenomenon, with Southeast Asia emerging as its undisputed headquarters. This episode explores the realities of remote work in paradise, cutting through Instagram filters to reveal what actually awaits Americans seeking escape through digital nomad visas.We break down the distinct flavors of nomad life across four key destinations. Bali offers spiritual sanctuary amid rice fields and infinity pools, where $2,000 monthly buys a lifestyle that would cost quintuple in California. Thailand provides both Bangkok's electric energy and Chiang Mai's peaceful mountain retreats, with world-class healthcare. Malaysia quietly delivers perhaps the region's most straightforward digital nomad visa alongside modern infrastructure and multicultural richness. Meanwhile, the Philippines compensates for infrastructure challenges with unmatched friendliness and cultural accessibility for Americans.Beyond the practical aspects of visas, accommodation, and Wi-Fi speeds, we dive into the deeper emotional journey of disconnecting from American expectations. Expert guests – from long-term digital nomads to immigration specialists – share insights on building community abroad, navigating cultural differences, and handling the inevitable complexities of transient relationships. They address the tension between enjoying paradise and respecting local communities, offering guidance on responsible nomadism that avoids contributing to gentrification.Featuring:Chris Dodd Tim MartingDavid LesperanceRichard McCollChawadee Nualkhair-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textChristina Korpi, fresh out of college with degrees in Spanish and psychology, arrived in Honduras with practical preparations but couldn't anticipate how profoundly this Central American nation would challenge her American perspective.The cultural adjustments began immediately. Despite Spanish fluency from previous stays in Spain and Mexico, Honduras presented its own linguistic nuances. More surprising were social expectations—Christina packed practical clothes for the tropical climate but discovered Hondurans prioritized style and formal dress despite the heat. Even medical norms differed dramatically, exemplified by her startling experience with a dentist who diagnosed eight non-existent cavities.What emerges most powerfully through Christina's story is the stark contrast between American individualism and Honduran community-orientation. Where Americans schedule playdates, Hondurans gather spontaneously in communal spaces. Where Americans isolate in climate-controlled homes, Hondurans live predominantly outdoors. Where Americans buy fully-constructed homes through mortgages, Hondurans traditionally purchased land first, then built room-by-room as finances allowed—though Christina notes with concern how American-style credit systems have increasingly penetrated Honduras in recent years.We also discuss the ethical dimensions of American expatriation. With average Hondurans earning $600-700 monthly while American retirees live on several thousand, economic disparities become starkly visible in places like Roatan, where luxury developments for foreigners neighbor impoverished communities. Christina emphasizes awareness and engagement with local economic realities when considering relocation.For those contemplating international moves, Christina's advice centers on openness rather than expectation. Success abroad requires genuine engagement with cultural differences—not attempting to recreate American standards. Three years in Honduras taught her that what appears as American convenience often masks disconnection, while what might seem like Honduran simplicity fosters deeper community bonds and authentic joy.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textDreaming of a life where your morning coffee comes with a side of tropical birds rather than the military in your neighborhood? You're not alone. As more Americans find themselves struggling with rising costs and political tensions at home, Latin America has emerged as the promised land of affordable living and reclaimed time.Mexico leads the charge as America's favorite escape hatch, with over 1.6 million US citizens now calling it home. With manageable residency requirements—roughly $2,800 monthly income or $45,000 in savings—Mexico offers diverse living experiences from cosmopolitan Mexico City to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Healthcare that costs pennies on the dollar compared to the US has many expats wondering why they waited so long, with doctor visits averaging just $30-50 and often available same-day.Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" lifestyle attracts those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a country so chill it abolished its military in 1948. While no longer the budget paradise it once was, Costa Rica offers excellent healthcare, stunning biodiversity, and welcoming communities—even for those fleeing political tensions. As one LGBTQ expat couple shared, "The first note we got back was 'Costa Rica welcomes you and your wife. You'll make great citizens.'"Colombia has undergone a stunning transformation from its narco-state reputation, now offering sophisticated urban living in Medellín (the "city of eternal spring"), colonial charm in Cartagena, and apartments starting at $400 monthly. Other enticing options include business-friendly Panama, budget-conscious Nicaragua, easiest-residency-on-earth Paraguay, progressive Uruguay, affordable Ecuador, culturally rich Argentina, and adventurous Brazil.The real challenge isn't securing visas—it's adaptation. Learning Spanish becomes essential, along with embracing a fluid concept of time where "I'll be there at 10" might mean noon, and bureaucracy follows its own mysterious logic. Most expats discover that what initially frustrates them—the slower pace, the prioritization of relationships over efficiency, the general "mañana" approach—eventually becomes what they cherish most.Featuring:Tim LeffelXanthe and DanaRichard McCollBasil Elzeki-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWhat if you could wake up tomorrow in a country that has peaceful protests without military intervention? Where healthcare is a right, not a privilege? Where a five-day hospital stay results in no bill, and where life moves at a pace that prioritizes enjoyment over hustle? This isn't fantasy—it's daily reality in France.France beckons Americans with its seductive blend of art, food, architecture, and a profound dedication to leisure. But beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes lies something perhaps more valuable: a society structured around human dignity. Universal healthcare that actually works. Cities designed for walking, not driving. Public transportation that connects you to all of Europe for less than the cost of dinner in Manhattan.In this comprehensive exploration of relocating to France, we dive deep into practical realities. We discuss the visa pathways that make France more accessible than you might think, from the long-stay visitor visa requiring about €17,000 annual income to specialized options for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and retirees. We break down surprising affordability factors, where cell phone/internet bills run €30 monthly and quality healthcare coverage costs less than many American co-pays.French expat specialist and star of House Hunters International Adrian Leeds, and immigration attorney Daniel Tostado share insider perspectives on everything from housing markets to healthcare navigation. They reveal how the French bureaucracy, while challenging, ultimately delivers services that transform quality of life. "I certainly enjoy the good healthcare," Leeds explains. "When I was in the hospital I didn't have to think about whether my insurance was going to cover it... None of that. Done. Automatic."The cultural transition presents perhaps the greatest challenge. Yet for those willing to adapt, the rewards are immeasurable: safety, beauty, community, and liberation from many anxieties that define American life.Featuring:Adrian LeedsDaniel Tostado-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textThe American dream increasingly feels like a nightmare for many – healthcare tied to employment, minimal vacation time, and a system that prioritizes profit over wellbeing. In this episode, we're focusing on one of the most popular destinations for Americans eyeing the exits - Europe - with its universal healthcare, work-life balance, and social stability. But is relocating across the Atlantic actually achievable for ordinary Americans?With approximately 1.2 million US citizens already having made Europe home, pathways exist that don't require exceptional wealth or connections – just planning, patience, and paperwork. Portugal stands out with its D7 visa requiring just $920 monthly income and offering citizenship after 5-6 years while allowing dual nationality. Spain welcomes those with remote income through its non-lucrative visa, though with higher financial requirements ($2,700/month) and a longer path to citizenship. Latvia provides perhaps the most flexible option – EU access with just one visit annually through property investment or bank deposits, ideal for those not ready to fully relocate.Beyond these front-runners, countries like Italy, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Greece offer their own unique combinations of beauty, affordability, and bureaucratic quirks. Each presents a different lifestyle equation.The European transition requires cultural adaptation – embracing smaller living spaces, different shopping rhythms, and truly unplugging on weekends. The most successful expats approach these differences with curiosity rather than criticism, learn at least basic language skills, and integrate into communities rather than remaining in expat bubbles. This mindfulness transforms you from tourist to neighbor.Featuring:Basil ElzekiTim MartingDavid LesperanceKaren McCann Tim LeffelMatt Wilson-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Send us a textWhat if you could escape the endless news cycle, afford healthcare without a second mortgage, and actually use your vacation days without guilt? Welcome to "Leaving America," the limited series where we're diving into why a record 40% of Americans are now considering life beyond US borders, why so many are actually taking the leap, where to go, and how to get there.This isn't just daydreaming anymore. From Mexico granting 11,000+ residencies to Americans in 2022 to Portugal's exploding expat communities, the exodus is real. But why now? What's changed to make millions reconsider what was once unthinkable?In this first episode, we're taking you inside the political exhaustion driving many to seek more stable democracies, where election cycles don't feel like existential threats. You'll hear shocking financial comparisons – like trading a $900,000 Los Angeles home for a $200,000 Portuguese villa, or swapping a $3,500 New York apartment for a $500 Mexican casa. And the healthcare reality? That $18,865 American childbirth versus virtually free delivery in countries with universal coverage speaks volumes.Through conversations with immigration attorneys, tax experts, and Americans who've already made the move, we examine the stark differences in work culture, community connection, and overall quality of life. As one expat puts it: "It's the best opportunity to reinvent yourself outside the Witness Protection Program."But we don't sugarcoat the challenges either – from navigating visa requirements to understanding that yes, the IRS still wants its cut no matter where you live. This isn't Emily in Paris; it's real life, just somewhere else.Whether you're seriously planning your escape or just curious about what's driving this modern American migration, subscribe now to explore whether leaving might actually be the most patriotic thing you could do – voting with your feet for the life you deserve.Featuring:Karen McCannDaniel Tostado Matt WilsonAdrian LeedsAaron MartinTim LeffelXanthe and Dana Heather MasonDavid Lesperance -------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock