In this special episode we are joined by Shaden, who has experienced diplomatic life from three unique perspectives. She grew up as a diplomat child, later became a diplomat spouse, and is now raising her own children within this globally mobile life.

Drawing on her personal journey across countries, cultures, and life stages, Shaden shares how those experiences eventually inspired her to write a children’s book, Adam the Tiny Diplomat, a story created to help children understand movement, belonging, and what it means to call many places home.

In this episode we talk about:

• How Shaden turned her family’s lived experience into a story that could support other children navigating diplomatic life
• The courage it takes to reinvent yourself creatively and step into authorship

If you would like to get in touch with Shaden her instagram is @Shaden_Kraishan

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

Welcoming a baby is a life-changing experience wherever you are in the world. Doing so overseas can bring both beauty and challenge as you navigate early parenthood while being far from familiar support systems.

In this episode, we explore what it looks like to care for and raise babies abroad and the role that community, or the absence of it, plays in that experience.

Anna shares her personal journey of having her three children in three different cities, with and without family support.

In this episode, we explore:

- The importance of familial support and what happens when it is not available

- How to build your own community and support network from scratch

- Ways to ask for help, receive support, and create a sense of connection during this stage of life

Even when family is far away, support and connection can still be built around you.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co

We are beginning a new series on pregnancy and parenting in diplomatic life and in this first episode we start at the very beginning of the journey.

Pregnancy can feel vulnerable and life-changing wherever you are in the world. Experiencing it overseas adds another layer of complexity as you navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems, distance from family, and the emotional realities of growing a family far from what feels known.

In this episode, Emma shares her personal story of navigating pregnancy both overseas and in her home country and reflects on the differences between the two experiences.

In this episode, we explore:

• What it is like to move through pregnancy in two different healthcare systems
• How to manage travel, medical appointments, and practical logistics while overseas
• The physical and emotional needs that can feel amplified when you are far from your usual support network

This episode is an honest conversation about beginning your parenting journey in diplomatic life, honouring your needs, and recognising that there is no one right way to navigate pregnancy across borders.

ASK your questions on our anonymous link: https://tally.so/r/nP7zO5

🎧 Connect with your hosts:

Anna – Instagram: @notjustaspouse | notjustaspouse.com | anna@notjustaspouse.com

Emma – Instagram: @thezestielife | emma@zestie.org | zestie.carrd.co