The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup

The discussion revolves around Trump’s renewed ambition to acquire Greenland, exploring the geopolitical implications of such a move. The hosts argue that Europe is losing relevance in global politics and examine the shifting dynamics of U.S. military spending. They also cover the recent changes in St. Kitts' citizenship-by-investment program and new U.S. visa bond requirements aimed at preventing overstays. The topics highlight a rapidly evolving world order and the increasing urgency for global mobility.

Colombia's evolving reality is far from the negative headlines that dominate perceptions. Hosts share insights from their recent exploration of Medellín, praising its vibrant culture and infrastructure. They highlight the warmth of locals from previously misrepresented countries and discuss investment opportunities that emerged during their tour. A key moment included an exclusive meeting with a presidential candidate, shedding light on Colombia's political climate. The hosts encourage prospective expats to experience these transformations firsthand.

Marc Clair, a co-host and commentator on geopolitics, joins the discussion on the significant arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. They delve into the implications for international law and regional politics, arguing that this event isn't a typical regime change. The duo speculates on U.S. motives, the role of China and Cuba, and potential negotiations moving forward. They also examine the impact on Venezuelan diaspora and the shift towards pro-business reforms in Latin America, all while contrasting this situation with past U.S. interventions.

Longtime listeners of this podcast know that I have been talking about Latin America as the last real bastion of freedom for years. And the recent political shift away from its socialist past is clear evidence of this.  In today’s episode, we take a look back at the highlights from the past year’s discussions of Latin America’s rising trend of freedom-oriented leaders like Javier Milei, Santiago Peña, Nayib Bukele, Jose Raúl Mulino, and more. You’ll see the clear evidence of what I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years now: Latin America is the future. Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in as I explain why Latin America has shifted away from socialism and towards pro-business and pro-freedom leadershipHear my breakdown of Javier Milei’s Davos speech and Argentina’s libertarian resetLearn why Paraguay and Paraguay have become top Plan-B destinations, in no small part thanks to their current leadershipFind out why I've been calling Latin America the future hub for freedom for years now, and how these leaders are helping prove me more correct than even I could have imagined STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 9th, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away.   RELATED EPISODES 384: Panama’s Adult in the Room: President José Raúl Mulino 365: The Bukele Effect: Inside El Salvador’s Radical Transformation 355: Santiago Peña’s Paraguay: Latin America’s New Freedom Frontier 352: Javier Milei’s Argentina: What It Means For Expats And FreedomMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports Conference

Most people plan for retirement. Some plan for their children. Almost no one plans for the next 100 years. In today’s episode, I’m joined by my colleague Marc Clair to discuss our recent Family Legacy Mastermind in St. Kitts. We dive into 100-year thinking, dynastic structures, and preparing heirs to receive wealth—plus a few recent travel stories along the way. Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in to hear why I describe the airport in Miami as the “seventh layer of hell”Find out why I reject the “die with nothing” mindset and see it as a failure of legacy planningLearnwhichforms of capitalI believe matter more than money aloneHear how I use family constitutions, governance, and trusts to build generational resilience   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 9th, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paraguay September 2025 Tour Video St. Kitts Family Legacy Mastermind Expat Money Tours Expat Money Membership Breakdown   RELATED EPISODES 383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across an Overlooked Region 373: Guyana: A Trip to the World’s Fastest-Growing Economy 273: Discover Paraguay: An In-Depth Breakdown Of Our Scouting TripMentioned in this episode:Wealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning Courses

The conventional path for young men is breaking down. College is more expensive than ever, jobs are disappearing faster than degrees can keep up, and an entire generation is being pushed into debt, confusion, and dependence before they’ve even had a chance to build real-world skills. More parents and young men are starting to ask a hard question: “If this system is failing, what actually works?” In today’s episode, I am joined by entrepreneur, rancher, and author Matt Smith to discuss The Preparation, his new book co-written with my friend and mentor Doug Casey. We break down how real competence creates confidence, why character matters more than credentials, and how skill acquisition, mentorship, and responsibility can shape capable, independent individuals inside a system designed to produce the opposite.  Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in to hear why the traditional college path is failing young menLearn why exposure to risk and responsibility builds judgment that schools never teachHear why character and responsibility matter far more than credentialsFinish this episode with a clear alternative to raising dependent boys in an increasingly unstable world   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 2nd, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away.   RELATED EPISODES 382: Doug Casey’s Crystal Ball for 2026: The One Conversation You Can’t Afford to Miss 378: Why Dropping Out of School Was the Best Investment I Ever Made 289: Lessons From Homeschooling Five Children Overseas - Joshua Sheats    Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning Courses

Panama finally has an adult in the room. Under President José Raúl Mulino, the country is shifting away from drama-driven politics and toward competence, discipline, and steady governance. While much of the world sinks deeper into dysfunction, Panama is choosing a path grounded in seriousness and long-term stability. In today’s episode, I break down what Mulino’s leadership means for the country’s future and why it matters for anyone building a serious Plan-B. If you want a clear understanding of where Panama is heading and why this moment matters, this is the analysis you don’t want to miss. Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in to hear how José Raúl Mulino rose from placeholder candidate to the steady, competent leader reshaping Panama’s political landscapeFind out how Mulino is defending Panama’s sovereignty amid US-China pressure over the Canal and recalibrating the country’s geopolitical positionLearn why Panama’s entry into Mercosur represents one of the most consequential economic moves in its modern historyHear my full breakdown and latest updates on Panama's Investor Visa and why Panama residency is becoming more valuable than ever   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.    RELATED EPISODES 363: Expat News: Panama’s Bitcoin Push, Portugal’s Passport Delays And The EU’s Insane Tax Proposal 340: Expat News: Trump Sends Rubio To Panama & Javier Milei's Meme Coin Scandal 336: Update: Panama Citizenship & Brazil TripMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & Silver

Marc Clair, co-host and travel enthusiast, joins to discuss Mikkel's whirlwind journey through Turkey and Central Asia. Discover why Turkey is their base for exploration. Mikkel shares his shocking experiences in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting its stunning landscapes and friendly locals. The podcast unpacks the chaotic airline troubles with Qatar Airways and the challenges faced at the airport. Mikkel also describes delivering a keynote in Prague while feeling under the weather, showcasing how travel fosters freedom despite the hurdles.

Doug Casey’s Crystal Ball has become an annual tradition here at the Expat Money Show…and for good reason. A best-selling author, founder of International Man, and one of the world’s most well-known international investors and libertarian philosophers, Doug has also become a close friend and mentor of mine over the years. In today’s episode, we dig into Doug’s insights into the geopolitical and economic trends that will define the year ahead. We also explore his outlook on gold, silver, energy, and global markets, along with a breakdown of where freedom-minded individuals should seek better opportunities abroad. If you want a grounded, no-nonsense roadmap for navigating what’s coming, this is the one conversation you can’t afford to miss.   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in as Doug breaks down why traditional university paths are failing, and how young people can build real-world competence instead of debt and useless credentialsHear Doug evaluate Argentina’s President Javier Milei, and what 2026 may look like for the region’s most volatile economyLearn why Europe is spiralling into a high-tax, anti-freedom “welfare stew,” and why Doug believes it is no longer viable for anyone’s Plan-BFind out why Doug sees the Southern Cone—Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay—as the strongest long-term refuge for freedom-minded individuals amid geopolitical chaos   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.    RELATED EPISODES 329: Doug Casey’s Crystal Ball For 2025: What Will Happen Next? 279: Doug Casey’s Crystal Ball: Predictions for 2024 Unveiled 060: Doug Casey Reflects on His Early Life and Discusses the Possibility of an AutobiographyMentioned in this episode:Wealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & Silver

What happens when a global crisis forces you to rethink everything? For Mark and Hazel, two long-time British expats, COVID wasn’t just an inconvenience. Living under some of the harshest restrictions imaginable in Australia opened their eyes to the truth about the direction of the Western world and led them to seek Plan-B options elsewhere. In today’s episode, my colleague Marc Clair sits down with Mark and Hazel to unpack their remarkable journey. From their time as corporate expats in Germany to escaping Australian lockdowns to building a Plan-B with multiple flags planted across Latin America, they lay out their full journey for the Expat Money Show audience. Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in as Mark & Hazel reveal what it wasreallylike inside Australia during COVID—and why the government’s extreme lockdowns pushed them to take actionLearn how they rescued their daughter from Europe before Australia sealed its borders, before later facing the challenge of beingforbidden to leavethemselvesExplore why Mexico became their first landing spot, and how the quiet charm of Puerto Morelos offered the calm and freedom they were seekingHear why they no longer consider the UK part of their future…and how decades abroad helped them embrace a freer, more flexible way of living   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.    RELATED EPISODES 379: Retirement Beyond Borders: Tanya & Carl’s Plan-B Journey 377: Building an International Plan-B While Still Living in the U.S. 213: From The Bay Area To Mexico: An Expat Story - KenMentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverWealth, Freedom & Passports ConferenceGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat 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/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesWealth, Freedom & Passports Conference