Melanin Without Borders is a podcast exploring how people of color are relocating and rebuilding life across the globe. From Spain, Thailand, Mexico, and beyond, each episode features real conversations with expats, nomads, and global citizens who made the move.
Hosted by Bandeja, who is planning her own move abroad, this podcast blends honest storytelling with practical insight. We talk about cost of living, visas, dating, community, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and the emotional reality of starting over in a new country.
If this sounds like something you've questioned, this is your guide!
The World Became Home| Mariana's Modern Nomad Story
What does home mean when you're constantly on the move? After visiting more than 80 countries, Marianna shares what she's learned about building a life without borders. We discuss relationships, raising children while traveling, the Black experience around the world, safety myths, dating, friendships, and practical tips for navigating life abroad.Learn more about Mariana:
https://www.instagram.com/marianaiswanderful/
6 Jul 2026
The Vacation That Became a New Life | Why We Moved to Mexico
Nicole and Erik Hatch never planned to move to Mexico. What started as a short vacation turned into a new life, permanent residency, and the creation of The Black Mérida Experience. In this episode, they share the logistics of moving abroad, the real cost of living, building a supportive community, finding peace, and why they believe Mexico can offer a fresh start for many families.
Check out our guest:
The Black Merida Experience
Webpage:
https://www.blackmerida.mx/links/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleAS4vStleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeg4KwmxHfiTQg_QlmyCz1wdbO0Ru3Gnp9__mI8VLsbRO0djGbhNneYlDvCZg_aem_xtqTxpXCYjidmt33jb-M8Q
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theblackmeridaexperience?igsh=MXY5aWhwMHBmbDg5eA==
Nicole Hatch
https://www.instagram.com/nicolehatch__?igsh=ajY2amgxNWN6M3Zx
26 Jun 2026
Moving Abroad at Every Stage of Life| Ashiko's Journey to Merida Pt.II
Moving abroad is about more than finding a new place to live—it's about finding people who help you thrive. In Part 2, Ashiko shares why community has been the foundation of her life in Mérida, the importance of healing for yourself and your children, and why she believes moving abroad can be a family journey at any stage of life. We also discuss affordable healthcare, the cost of living, multigenerational moves, and how The Black Mérida Experience is helping families build meaningful connections and a true sense of belonging in Mexico.Sources to check out:
The Black Merida Experience
@Theblackmeridaexperience
www.blackmarida.mx/masterclass
TBME Summer Camp :
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/tbme-young-explorers-summer-camp-ages-5--14?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnvQYZmuA8YIb5apc66ZYoHkyMcxHjrXdmtMvtjBKVl5m9x6NkWbveYIoP658_aem_E-uPZuKL0kmuEAyaHYvq2A
Brothas and Sistas of Merida (Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/brothasandsistasofmerida/
18 Jun 2026
Preparing a Place for You in Mexico| Ashiko's Journey to Merida Pt.I
In this episode, we sit with Ashiko, a 65-year-old freedom fighter who moved to Merida five years ago after her mother’s passing. She shares how she found serenity and became part of a supportive Black-centered community called The Black Merida Experience, a Facebook group that connects Black families, both locals and expats. Ashiko describes feeling safe in one of the safest city in the Americas, forging true bonds across cultures, and healing from a long history of oppression. She invites others to walk with her into freedom in Merida—finding belonging, resilience, and peace.
Check out Ashiko's amazing community The Black Merida Experience on Instagram:
@theblackmeridaexperience
9 Jun 2026
Moving to Spain as a Single Mom| Making Safety the New Normal
After her divorce, Violet made the life-changing decision to move herself and her two daughters from the U.S. to Spain. In this episode, she shares how she navigated uncertainty, researched the best fit for her family, and ultimately chose a life where safety, community, and quality of life became priorities. We discuss motherhood abroad, taking leaps of faith, and what happens when you stop accepting certain dangers as "normal."
Our guest: @yourmomfriend_v (https://www.instagram.com/yourmomfriend_v/#)
Violet's Guide to Spain:
https://stan.store/yourmomfriendv/p/book-a-11-call-with-me-s6tj8iav
Violet's Vlog:
https://yourmomfriendv.com/
Follow @melaninwithoutborders on insta for updates on new episodes!
8 Jun 2026
Building a Life in Vietnam: Community, Creativity & Culture
In this episode of Melanin Without Borders, I sit down with HAPPI and Cleo, a creative couple who recently made the move from the U.S. to Da Nang, Vietnam. Together, we explore what life is actually like beyond the social media highlights and travel vlogs.
We discuss their journey to Vietnam, the realities of being Black in a country where very few people look like you, and how they've built meaningful relationships with both locals and fellow expats. HAPPI and Cleo share their experiences navigating cultural differences, creating community, and finding a sense of belonging far from home.
As entrepreneurs and creatives, they also offer an honest look at running businesses abroad, balancing work and lifestyle, and why Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive destination for people looking to design a different kind of life.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Melanin Without Borders: An Expat Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Melanin Without Borders: An Expat Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
