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PODCAST

Available Worldwide

An interview-style podcast by, for, and about the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service. In each episode, we’ll talk to diplomatic spouses who have discovered superpowers they never knew they had and found success in unlikely places. We highlight voices that will inspire and encourage you as you explore what it means to be “available worldwide.” Hosted by Lauren Steed and Stephanie Anderson availableworldwide.substack.com

business careers

All Episodes

23:44

Groundhog Day: Questions that keep coming up

Available Worldwide ·

2026/03/13

If you’ve been in the Foreign Service long, you see the same questions asked again and again in Facebook and Reddit groups. At some point, you stop answering, roll your eyes, and scroll on. But if you’re new to this nomadic life, these questions are so important!In this episode, we address some of the most-asked questions and share our top tips for Foreign Service life.We’d love to hear from you. What questions do you hear again and again? And what's your best advice?Schedule a quick interview on

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16:37

I'm the only one in the family who....

Available Worldwide ·

2026/03/06

Lauren interviews Lisa Crawford about her Likes and Dislikes as part of the current series. Learn about some of the unique challenges of the Southern Hemisphere's seasons that Lisa wasn't expecting when she was assigned to Wellington, New Zealand. Lisa reveals her distaste for ______, even though everyone else in her family adores it and the convenience and variety available in New Zealand. Then find out why she loves a food that's frequently cited as "meh," and her specific preparation methods to

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16:26

I'm a lover, I'm a hater

Available Worldwide ·

2026/02/04

It's time for a new topic! What do you love that everyone else hates? What do you hate that everyone else loves? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit availableworldwide.substack.com

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14:13

What you value now that it's gone

Available Worldwide ·

2025/12/11

Are you ready to share your nostalgias and “missing outs” with us? In our next few episodes we’d love to hear what you “Value More Now that it’s Gone.” You can sign up for an interview time at the “Be A Guest on our Show” tab at availableworldwide.net In this episode, you’ll hear from Steph and Lauren about some of the things they value now that they don’t have them in their lives. I’m pretty sure you won’t guess the first one Lauren shares. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss

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10:34

Discovering community as a 'real' EFM with Tracy Huang

Available Worldwide ·

2025/12/05

After years of living apart, Tracy Huang joined her partner at a post where she was able to keep her job. Now at a micro-post where she’s not allowed to work, Tracy is discovering life as a “real” EFM for the first time and is thankful for the community she’s found during the journey. GUEST BIOTracy Huang is currently based in Samoa, where she’s exploring painting, online facilitation, and aerial yoga while on extended parental leave from her communications and strat ops job in tech. When not

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17:35

For Seeing My Strengths, A Thank You, from Carla Gray

Available Worldwide ·

2025/11/26

With 22 years an Eligible Family Member (EFM) Carla Gray has a lot of people to be grateful for. One thing they all have in common? They've recognized her strengths and boosted her confidence to try new things. In this episode, she shares a few of those stories. She has paid their support forward by helping others recognize their own strengths and skills, even if they have a "patchy work history." Carla's BioCarla Gray is originally from Oklahoma and has stayed true to her roots, pioneering her way

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12:35

Making space for connection with Sim Khandaker

Available Worldwide ·

2025/11/22

As a first-time Foreign Service accompanying partner, Sim Khandaker was surprised and saddened when all his new friends PCSed and left post. But he’s since found community through chili cook-offs and game nights. And he’s made connections across continents, including with our very own Lauren Steed. Sim is offering his coaching services to community colleagues through a free workshop on how to bounce back strategically from layoffs. Register today: https://balancedatlast.com/workshop/Guest Bio:Sim

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12:02

Great Things EFMs Have Done for Us

Available Worldwide ·

2025/10/24

Perhaps predictably for November, we’d like to show a little gratitude for some of the many kind things EFMs have done for us. 🙏 In this episode, Lauren and Steph share a few personal anecdotes to kick off the conversation. We want to hear from you!Share a short story about a time another EFM has done something great for you. Schedule a short interview on our calendar: https://availableworldwide.net/be-a-guest-on-our-show/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other

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27:00

Listening Out for Something in Common with Chris Lang

Available Worldwide ·

2025/10/13

Unlike many State Department EFMs, Chris’s experiences are shaped by her husband’s role with DOJ. How did she break out of her comfort zone and find a community that is worth retiring into?Chris Lang has been an EFM at four posts now, and at her current age of 61, she has figured out how to settle in, connect with others, and be happy wherever she is. She knows the importance of doing what you love and finding like-minded people. She enjoys being active (through hiking, biking, walking, and

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13:04

New Episode! Community Building with Emily Cornell

Available Worldwide ·

2025/09/25

Guest Bio: Emily Cornell, ACC is a storyteller, strategist, and coach helping women navigate change. A fourth-tour EFM, she’s also dedicated to uplifting Foreign Service accompanying partners. Her coaching combines intuition with a co-creative process, always remaining grounded in strategy. Through her relatable approach, she strives to create space for clients to tap into their courage, creativity, and strength. Whether one-on-one or in groups, she fosters community and resilience, helping women

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16:04

New Season Announcement

Available Worldwide ·

2025/09/14

The "Available Worldwide" podcast marks its return after an eight-month hiatus. Steph and Lauren blame their busy schedules and creative blocks for the pause. It was reconnecting with listeners and in-person meetups that reignited their excitement to speak with you about your EFM journey.We announce new podcast formats focusing on specific stories and experiences relevant to diplomatic spouses, drawing inspiration from the successful discussion circles we’ve been hosting within the Available

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6:42

Revisiting 2024. What's coming in 2025?

Available Worldwide ·

2024/12/30

Lauren and Steph catch up on some of the exciting things that happened in the Available Worldwide community in 2024 and invite you to share your story of transformations on our podcast in 2025. Is this your year?

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29:16

Jenn Evans | Bloom Counseling

Available Worldwide ·

2024/12/20

Jenn is a licensed therapist who was looking for a therapist at her challenging first post abroad. When she struggled to find the help she needed, it inspired her to start her own practice -- Bloom Counseling.In this interview, I chat with Jenn about how accompanying partners can build better self-care practices by finding out what works for them, remembering what they love, and pursuing their own dreams not 'instead of' but 'in addition to' the demands of their spouses' careers..BIOJen Evans is an

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34:21

From FSO to EFM | Elizabeth Streett

Available Worldwide ·

2024/12/12

Elizabeth Streett did everything right: going to college and becoming a diplomat. She met all the criteria for what anyone would see as successful. But success didn't really end up being what she sought, and it turns out that was the wrong word to use anyway. After discovering that life as a diplomat didn't have the room for the kinds of joy that she wanted to prioritize in life, she left the profession. Becoming an EFM a few weeks later was an unexpected result. Today Elizabeth focuses on her key

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46:16

Math PhD turned Thriller Author - Matthew Becker

Available Worldwide ·

2024/11/27

After rave reviews of his debut novel, EFM Matthew Becker has two more books coming soon. In this episode, find out how an academic mathematician with a past work in missile tracking and COVID test kit distribution analysis became an EFM and followed a secret dream to become an author. Like most avid readers, Matthew believed he could write something pretty decent. Unlike the rest of us, he actually followed through on that, writing several novels before getting his first contract and

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26:36

Laura Jennings | LVL-Up CSO & Co-Founder

Available Worldwide ·

2024/11/05

Laura Jennings has navigated her share of twists, turns, and transitions, from starting her career in publishing to successful stints in marketing and communications. She's a passionate and accomplished business developer, having built a portable Pilates business and taken it to five posts. Now as Chief Strategy Officer at LVL-Up Strategies, she continues to advocate for EFM career progression as co-founder of a business staffed entirely by partners of the US Foreign Service.In this interview, we

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41:01

Amy Parker | Nonprofit Fundraising & Strategy

Available Worldwide ·

2024/10/23

When there's an EFM who has turned what seems to be a location-dependent career into something globally portable, you know you'll eventually meet them here on Available Worldwide. In this episode, Amy shares what it was like to unexpectedly dine with some global power-players, how she made the tough decision to quit a portable job without the guarantee of something new, and what things are really like in the sub-basements of some of America's iconic buildings. Talking with her felt like listening to

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28:50

Melissa Dokurno, Esq. | Building Skills to Thrive

Available Worldwide ·

2024/10/08

Charting Her Own Course: Building the Right Skills to Thrive at PostMelissa Dokurno's career has taken quite a few twists and turns since her spouse joined the Foreign Service, and even before he was officially on board. While they've both made sacrifices for each other's careers, they've kept their family strong even when physically separated.In this interview, Melissa tells the story of their difficult decision to live in different countries to take advantage of career opportunities. She also

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48:51

Janelle Meyer | Global Village Tutors

Available Worldwide ·

2024/09/25

In this episode, Lauren meets yet another life trajectory twin, Janelle Meyer, who went to college with dreams of being a graphic designer, but who eventually came back to her true calling, work helping students succeed. Janelle is a special educator with a real passion for using brain-based methods to help children learn to read and succeed in school. This episode covers her journey to becoming a special education teacher, the reasons why she loves having a partner in her small business, and the

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35:11

Purvi Gandhi Irwin | Design Technology Consultant

Available Worldwide ·

2024/09/07

Purvi Gandhi Irwin works in a job that didn't exist when she entered her career field as a preservation project architect. She's a design tech consultant working with 3D modeling software and was recently hired by Overseas Building Operations (OBO). In our interview, Purvi shares questionable choices in high school, how her career has evolved, her special connection to the bathroom tiles in Eastern Market, and how she's managed to maintain a successful career as her family moves around the world. We

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102 results

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