Europe – The Expat Money Show – With Mikkel Thorup

407: The End Of Easy Energy

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

The world isn’t just reacting to another geopolitical headline; it’s being repriced in real time.

From Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to Europe’s fragile energy position, this episode breaks down why this isn’t just an oil story; it’s a deliverability crisis that could reshape inflation, markets, and your financial future.

In today’s episode, I explain what’s really happening beneath the headlines and, more importantly, how expats and international investors should position themselves before the consequences fully hit.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Tune in as I break down why this isn’t just an oil crisis, but a global “deliverability” crisis that could reshape the economy
Learn how energy shocks ripple through inflation, supply chains, and central bank decisions
Hear why Europe is entering this crisis from a position of weakness, not strength.
Listen in as I outline the five key moves every expat and investor should be making right now

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.”

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406: Canada’s Capital Flight & A New Paraguay Investor Visa?

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In today’s episode, my co-host Marc Clair and I break down the latest in expat–related news, from Canada’s wealth exodus to the new Paraguay Investor Pass to the defeat of Orbán in Hungary, and much more.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Tune in as we discuss Canada’s sharp drop in venture capital funding and why the smart money has been fleeing Canada in droves
Find out what Viktor Orbán’s loss of power in Hungary really means for the country’s direction and how it could reshape Europe as a whole
Listen in as we look at the initial reports about Paraguay’s new “Investory Pass”, and whether it will be a viable option for those looking at this up-and-coming nation
Hear why I amnota political activist in any way, even while the work I do is inseparable from politics

STAY IN TOUCH!

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405: An Escape Plan, While You Can: Safe Havens In A World At War

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

From the U.S. being embroiled in an on-again, off-again war with Iran to Russia’s multi-year conflict in Ukraine, the idea that world superpowers becoming engaged in a hot conflict is no longer some far-flung theoretical exercise; rather, it’s knocking on our door.

In this episode, we take a look back at a conversation that is more relevant today than ever, examining the regions and countries that would be safest in the event of a truly global conflict. Unfortunately, that reality seems closer every day.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Tune in to hear why today’s geopolitical tensions may be even more dangerous than during the Cold War
Find out what a full-scale war involving the U.S., Russia, or China would actually look like
Which regions of the world will be safest when a full-scale global conflict breaks out?
Learn whyreactingto global events is a losing strategy, and why a properly structured Plan-B acts as “geopolitical insurance.”

STAY IN TOUCH!

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404: World War 3 Watch: A Fragile Ceasefire & Revoked Visas

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

World War 3 isn’t coming…it’s been unfolding in front of our very eyes. From rising tensions in the Middle East and Europe, recent events are a reminder that, in many ways, we already are a world at war.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Marc Clair, as we break down what is happening around the world. From ceasefires to movement restrictions, we discuss how these changes impact real people and the decisions they make.

Enjoy!

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Tune in as Marc and I break down the latest developments in the Middle East and why a “ceasefire” doesn’t necessarily mean stability
Listen in as we discuss reports of UAE visa cancellations and what that reveals about how quickly your options can disappear
Hear our thoughts on a shocking new rule in Germany and what it could mean for German citizens living there
Marc and I discuss why having a Plan-B is no longer optional in today’s chaotic geopolitical environment

STAY IN TOUCH!

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383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across An Overlooked Region

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000

After 5 intense weeks of travel across Turkey, Central Asia, and Prague, I finally made it back to the Expat Money Studios in Panama to bring you a full debrief on the journey. From scouting new destinations to dealing with airline chaos at a level I’ve never seen before (and that’s saying a lot), this trip had a bit of everything.

In this episode, I’m joined by my colleague Marc Clair as we break down the countries I visited, the people I met, the challenges I faced along the way, and why, despite the insanity, travel remains one of the most powerful and important tools for building real freedom.

Enjoy!

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

Listen in to hear why Turkey has become our seasonal base for European and Central Asian travel
Find out why Kyrgyzstan shocked me with its mix of friendliness, modern infrastructure, and stunning mountain landscape
Hear me detail the “Qatar Airways fiasco,” from last-minute ticketing issues to overnight airport chaos and how it nearly derailed the trip
Get the story behind my keynote at the Free Cities Conference in Prague, delivered despite arriving exhausted and sick

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.

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361: Unmasking The CBDC Agenda & Building Real Alternatives – Efrat Fenigson

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

CBDCs aren’t just “on the way”; they’re already being tested and quietly rolled out around the world. They promise convenience and safety, but what they really offer is unprecedented surveillance, control over your money, and the end of financial privacy as we know it.

In this explosive episode, I am joined by independent journalist and freedom advocate Efrat Fenigson to uncover what central banks are really planning and how individuals can escape the trap before it’s too late.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Tune in to learn exactly what makes Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) so dangerous
Hear Efrat break down how governments plan to enforce behaviour through programmable money
Find out why Bitcoin is the real exit plan, not just a speculative asset
Listen in to discover what you can do right now to build your personal Plan-B

FOLLOW EFRAT FENIGSON

Find Efrat Fenigson on X @Efenigson

THE EXPAT MONEY ONLINE SUMMIT 2025: THE FUTURE IS LATIN AMERICA

Join the Expat Money Online Summit 2025 for three high-impact days focused on why Latin America is becoming the ultimate destination for expats, investors, and freedom-seekers in 2025 and beyond.

You’ll gain exclusive insights from dozens of seasoned offshore experts as they reveal the best strategies to legally slash your tax bill, build real wealth overseas, and unlock second residencies and passports—all centred around Latin America’s rising power on the global stage.

Reserve your free ticket today.

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338: Former Walmart Exec Finds Freedom Abroad – Xenia Schneider

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Many dream of quitting their jobs to travel the world, but few actually do it—especially after spending a decade climbing the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500 company. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Xenia Schneider, did when she left a thriving corporate career at WalMart to pursue a life of full-time travel and personal freedom.

In this episode, Xenia shares how she went from boardroom meetings and a typical American lifestyle to living simply with just a backpack—and why she’s never looked back. Enjoy!

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH XENIA SCHNEIDER

Tune in to discover what motivated Xenia to leave a thriving corporate career at Walmart in pursuit of the expat lifestyle.
Find out how Xenia discovered the joy of living simply with just a backpack.
Learn how travel became her personal act of resistance during the COVID years.
Gain insight into the German mindset and learn why I seem to connect so well with Germans.
Xenia and I explore the meaning of a “family of choice” and why it’s an essential part of building a new life abroad.
Discover how Xenia turned political frustration into a mission to help others achieve more freedom.
Take a peek behind the curtain to learn how Xenia and I often end up playing the role of psychologists or therapists while guiding people through their Plan-B.
By the end of this conversation, you will be inspired to take control of your freedom and start designing your ideal life abroad right away.

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Keep up to date on the latest news affecting expats, as well as maintain a steady stream of my opinions, travel stories, and more by subscribing to our newsletter. Not only will you receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, but sign up now, and you’ll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”

THE WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE IN PANAMA MARCH 14-15

Join us in Panama for the inaugural Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference, our first-ever large conference event, taking place in Panama City, Panama, March 14-15, 2025!

This is your chance to gain invaluable insights, connect with like-minded freedom seekers, and, most importantly, connect with 20+ of the most trusted partners necessary to secure a prosperous life offshore.

VIP Tickets are entirely sold out, and general admission tickets are going fast. Head to ExpatMoney.com/Conference to learn more and secure your spot right away!

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331: 2024’s Greatest Hits: A Year In Review

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Another year has come and gone, and this show has been a running log of my travels, adventures, and conversations with some of the brightest minds in the offshore world.

Today, we’ll look back at the highlights of 2024—from my adventures to places like El Salvador, Chile, and the Balkans to the invaluable insights shared by guests like Joshua Sheats, Laszlo Kiss, and more.

So grab a coffee—or maybe some eggnog—and let’s dive into the best moments of the year!

BRING YOUR OFFSHORE PLAN-B TO LIFE: THE WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE IN PANAMA MARCH 14-15!

Join us in Panama for the inaugural Wealth, Freedom & Passports Conference, our first-ever large conference event, taking place in Panama City, Panama, March 14-15, 2025!

This is your chance to gain invaluable insights, connect with like-minded freedom seekers, and, most importantly, connect with 15+ of the most trusted partners necessary to secure a prosperous life offshore.

Head to ExpatMoney.com/Conference to learn more and secure your spot right away!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

You would have already heard about many of these new items if you had been subscribed to our newsletter. Not only will you receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, but sign up now, and you’ll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”

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321: Kosovo: A Welcoming Nation for Expats and Tourists – Ilir Sopjani

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The next stop on my recent European trip was the little-discussed but incredibly interesting country of Kosovo. I had the pleasure of spending a few days with a super cool guide named Ilir in the capital of Pristina, who taught me about this small Balkan country.

In today’s conversation with Ilir, you’ll learn what you need to know about Kosovo and what makes it a welcoming place for expats and tourists alike, including its history, culture, lifestyle, and more. Enjoy!

TODAY’S CONVERSATION ABOUT KOSOVO:

Uncover Kosovo’s fascinating history and culture, which goes much further back than its more recent, war-torn past.
Learn about the recent change for Kosovons that will make travel in the region a lot easier.
What about safety? While travel always has its risks, find out why Kosovo is a particularly safe place to visit.
How welcoming is Kosovo to foreigners? Hear Ilir’s thoughts on whether Kosovo could be a good place for expats.
Longtime listeners know I’m not digging into a new country without talking about the food – and Kosovo has a plethora of tasty options.
Find out whether the climate in Kosovo would suit you as Ilir breaks down what to expect from season to season.
Listen in to hear what Ilir believes are the most important points foreigners should know about this often misunderstood country.

GET THE LATEST EXPAT NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

You’ll hear all sorts of stories and reports from my travels by signing up for our email newsletter. You’ll receive a steady stream of my opinions and plenty of news and updates about the expat community via both the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times.

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318: Northern Cyprus: A Mediterranean Escape For Expats – Soylem Coli

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

As I made my way through Europe on my current trip, I had the chance to spend some time in Northern Cyprus and meet my friend Soylem Coli. We were able to take a few minutes to record a quick conversation about Northern Cyprus. We discuss everything of interest to expats – the food, culture, language, safety, residencies, real estate, and more! Enjoy this episode and get a taste of what Northern Cyprus is all about!

DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S EXPAT MONEY SUMMIT!

Whether you’re brand new to the expat world or fully along the way to crafting your Plan-B, the Expat Money Summit is a can’t-miss event. This event is fully online from Oct. 7-11 and features experts on second passports and residencies, offshore wealth protection, international real estate, insights on geopolitics, and so much more. It features headline speakers like Doug Casey, Dr. Ron Paul, Marc Faber, Tom Woods, Scott Horton, Tom Luongo and more! Grab your complimentary ticket now at expatmoneysummit.com!

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317: Montenegro: A Hidden Gem In The Balkans – Ladislas Maurice

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

During my recent trip to the beautiful Balkan nation of Montenegro, I had the chance to sit down with my good friend Ladislas Maurice, who has lived and invested in the country for years. In this conversation, we talk a bit about immigration, taxes, company formation, etc. Enjoy this first-hand account of living in this gorgeous hidden gem in the Balkans.

TODAY’S DISCUSSION ABOUT MONTENEGRO WITH LADISLAS MAURICE

Listen in to learn how my friend Ladislas became aware of Montenegro and why he quickly started getting involved in real estate projects in the country.
Discover the rapid changes to the real estate market over the last few years, spurred on by an influx of foreign investment.
Tune in to learn why Montenegro has such a “Geneva vibe,” with expats from various different cultures and political backgrounds all gathering peacefully.
Is it easy to become a resident of Montenegro? Learn about the various pathways available for expats to obtain a residency in this Balkan nation.
Uncover why countries like Montenegro (and much of Latin America) are a lot more “chilled out” when it comes to rules and regulations than many North Americans are used to – and why that’s a wonderful thing.
Hear a full breakdown of the tax situation in Montenegro, from corporate to personal to property tax. How does it stack up to its European neighbours?
Learn everything you need to know about property and real estate in Montenegro from a firsthand expert in Ladislas.
For Ladislas, Montenegro is a “Plan A.” But how does it stack up as a Plan-B for expats?

DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S EXPAT MONEY SUMMIT!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

You’ll hear all sorts of stories and reports from my travels signing up for our email newsletter. You’ll receive a steady stream of my opinions and plenty of news and updates about the expat community via both the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times.

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268: Azerbaijan Trip Report

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today I bring you the final part of my four-part series discussing my experience travelling in each of the four countries I visited on my recent trip. In previous episodes, I discussed Turkey, Georgia and Armenia. Be sure to check those out if you missed them.

This week, I’ll talk a bit about my time spent on the last leg of my trip in Azerbaijan. How did it compare to my experiences in Georgia, Turkey and Armenia? Which, in the end, has the most potential for expats?

TODAY’S AZERBAIJAN TRIP REPORT

Tune in to hear how our initial impression of Azerbaijan of feeling like we were back in our old home of the UAE was quickly turned on its head once we arrived in Baku.
Listen to me break down how Azerbaijan is like a weird mix of several countries I’ve been to before, with minimal feeling of a culture of its’ own.
You’ll be shocked to hear how much of life in Azerbaijan is controlled by the government, and you can imagine how I felt about that.
I describe the F1 race track that runs through the city streets of Baku, which has quite literally shaped the city.
Listen to my absolute indignation at our visit to what I called the “Museum of Propaganda” in Baku.
Hear me describe the stark contrast between the feeling in the countryside vs the big city once we got out of Baku.
I explain how – much like in Armenia – the people of this country are deeply scarred by the conflicts with its neighbour.
Listen to the story of our simply unbelievable cab driver, quite possibly the most incredible driver I’ve ever had. I can’t stop thinking about this!
Hear me break down Armenia’s truly horrendous response during the COVID hysteria. This is about as anti-liberty as it gets.
Tune in for my final assessment of Azerbaijan and the three other nations I visited on this trip. Which has the best overall potential for expats?

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CONCLUSION

That’s it for my report on Azerbaijan, and that wraps my four-part series breaking down my trip, which included Turkey, Georgia and Armenia. Azerbaijan is a country that doesn’t get a ton of attention from expats – and for understandable reasons. But I always make a point to do my due diligence on the ground so I can speak real-world experience when informing my audience and client about their options for seeking more freedom in the world.

Remember, there’s no “Shangri-La,” perfect libertarian country out there. It’s about finding the right balance that’s best for your own personal situation, and it’s my sincere hope that in-depth reports like the ones you’ve heard over the last month provide insights that you’ll never get from a tourist guidebook or a government website.

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267: Armenia Trip Report

Mikkel Thorup — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Today I am bringing you part three of my series, breaking down my experience in each of the four countries I visited on my recent trip. I already discussed Turkey and Georgia in recent episodes – be sure to go back and check those reports out as well.

This week, I’ll discuss my time spent in the interesting country of Armenia. Does this country have the potential for expats? You’ll get all my thoughts in today’s episode.

TODAY’S ARMENIA TRIP REPORT

Tune in to hear how my initial first impression after taking the train into Armenia was quickly flipped around after I ventured downtown Yerevan.
Hear about the HUGE difference I noticed right away that put Armenia a notch above Georgia.
As with the Georgia episode, you’ll once again have to hear me rave about the incredible food. Which country’s food did I rank higher in the end?
Learn how I found Armenia to be more business-oriented and entrepreneurial than neighbouring Azerbaijan – which I’ll elaborate on in next week’s episode.
Listen for an inside look at my visit to a building site. How did the conditions hold up compared to the first world?
I give my take from the ground on how the geopolitics involving the war in Ukraine have affected the situation in Armenia.
Find out how friendly I found the people in Armenia to be towards visitors compared with Georgia.
Learn how the Armenian genocide and the on-again, off-again war with Azerbaijan affect the country’s people to this day.
Hear my final verdict on all aspects of Armenia for expats, from banking to the cost of living to the political situation.

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CONCLUSION

That does it for Part 2 of my trip report, and I hope you all learned a lot about Armenia, a country that really goes under the radar. It’s a lovely place and one certainly worth visiting at a minimum. But it does bring a lot of baggage as far as a Plan-B location for expats goes, many of which concern the geopolitical situation and the constant problem with its’ neighbour, Azerbaijan.

Well, Azerbaijan just happened to be the next stop on my trip, and it will be the subject of next week’s episode of the Expat Money Show. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it, and I’ll see you next week!

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