For years, we’ve been working behind the scenes on one of our most ambitious projects yet. After searching across Costa Rica, we finally found the perfect location to bring a freedom-oriented, self-sufficient community to one of Latin America’s most sought-after destinations.

In today’s episode, I am joined by my friend and business partner Patrick Hiebert to officially unveil our newest freedom-oriented community in Costa Rica. We discuss why we chose this location, the philosophy behind the project, and why more freedom-minded families are realizing that a true Plan-B is about more than a passport or property…

…It’s about community.

Enjoy!

IN TODAY’S EPISODE

• Listen in and learn why self-sufficiency, resilient infrastructure, and community governance are redefining what a true Plan-B looks like.
• Hear Patrick and I break down how years of travel, testing, and real-world experience shaped the vision behind the community. 
• Find outwhat really matterswhen choosing a location, from climate and infrastructure to residency, lifestyle, and long-term resilience.
• Learn why more freedom-minded families are choosing Latin America and how we’re helping build a growing network of freedom-oriented communities across the region.

THE EXPAT MONEY ONLINE SUMMIT 2026: FREEDOM IS RISING IN LATIN AMERICA!

Join the Expat Money Online Summit 2026: Freedom Is Rising In Latin America from October 1-2, where we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about crafting a Plan-B centred in the region. We’ll cover the geopolitical trends, residency and citizenship programs, the lifestyle on the ground, and so much more over these two jam-packed days. This is a free event open to the entire community. Get your complimentary tickets here: expatmoneysummit.com

For UNLIMITED replays (for life), audio downloads, transcripts and a host of bonuses, be sure to pick up a VIP ticket. From now until this Friday, July 31, 2026, they are available at the ultra-low, Early Bird price of $99. If you already have your free ticket, you can upgrade at 2026.expatmoneysummit.com/upgrade. 

JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL

Not everything belongs in an email, so be sure to join our Telegram channel so you can stay up-to-date on the most important expat-related news and information. I highly encourage you all to not only join, but participate in the discussion. Join here: ExpatMoney.com/Telegram

RELATED EPISODES

419: The Freedom Plan Every Family Needs Right Now

417: Europe Is Melting, While Latin America Is Rising

387: The Leaders Shaping Latin America’s Shift Toward Freedom

The post 420: Costa Rica: The Freedom Community Redefining “Plan–B” appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Living off-grid doesn’t have to mean “barely getting by” and going without our favourite life amenities. In fact, today’s guest, Patrick Hiiebert, is building luxury, freedom-oriented, off-grid communities right here in Latin America. 

Like myself, Patrick was born in Canada and now lives in Latin America. He is the CEO and one of the founders of EcoVillages and VidaVerde AgroForestry. Through his work at EcoVillages, he has founded Veritas Village Panama, a luxury off-grid community outside of Panama City. 

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH PATRICK HIEBERT:

• Listen in to find out how Patrick and his family ended up falling in love with and living full-time in Latin America.
• Learn why Patrick intends to win back the term “eco” from climate commies who have distorted it to be conflated with socialism.
• Can you really live off-the-grid while having all the amenities of luxury, first-world living? Patrick reveals the pieces that make the concept work.
• Discover what the future holds for the Veritas concept and what other countries are on the radar for potential Veritas-inspired communities.
• Tune in to hear Patrick and I brainstorm some wild ideas together for expanding this off-grid luxury concept. 
• Find out how living in an off-grid community not only improves your way of life but drastically decreases your cost of living. 
• Hear Patrick explain why the demand for this type of self-sufficient community has skyrocketed since COVID restrictions of a few years ago. 
• By the end of this conversation, you’ll fully understand why Latin America provides an ideal, welcoming and safe environment for these off-grid communities.

HOW TO CONTACT PATRICK HIEBERT

Email Patrick: expat@EcoVillages.life

For more on Veritas Panama: https://veritaspanama.com/

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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.”

RELATED EPISODES

300: Living Internationally: Lessons From 300 Episodes

228: Nicaragua As A Safe Haven: Exploring Residency Options

190: How To Build A Self-Sustaining Libertarian Community in Latin America – Patrick Hiebert

The post 323: Living Off-The-Grid In Latin America – Patrick Hiebert appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

An off-grid community full of freedom-minded families and individuals situated in Panama’s highlands just fifteen minutes from the beach? This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality I unveiled in yesterday’s episode, in which my friend Patrick Hiebert joined me to put Veritas Panama on full display.

First, if you didn’t catch yesterday’s episode, go back to episode 307 and listen before this one so that you will have the full context of the project as we dive into the question and answer session from the original live webinar today. 

If you have questions about Veritas Panama, how to buy a lot, how to build a home there, etc., there’s a good chance they will be answered in today’s episode. 

To secure your lot or inquire further, email expat@EcoVillages.life immediately, as these lots are already flying off the market.

TODAY’S Q & A SESSION ABOUT VERITAS PANAMA

• How will water be allocated within the Veritas Village community? Tune in to fully understand how this unique community is equipped to determine important issues like this. 
• Can lots and homes be financed in Veritas Village? Hear Parick lay out the various pricing and financing options.
• Will Veritas Village be filled with random expats who get a case of “Margarita Madness” and decide to purchase property on a whim? Find out how the community maintains its authenticity. 
• What about HOA fees? Learn how the (very low) maintenance fees are determined and collected at Veritas Village. 
• Can Veritas Village provide passive income? Discover how you can residents will be able to rent their property 
• What does the general makeup of Veritas Village look like? Is it mostly retirees, young couples with children, etc? Hear from Pat how this has already changed since COVID.
• How is the internet in Panama’s highlands? Outside the spoiler that this entire presentation was done by Patrick live from Veritas Village. He lays out how the community is able to have such great internet. 
• Whether you knew you wanted it or not, by the end of this discussion, my enthusiasm for a butterfly garden will infect every listener of this show!
• Listen as Patrick lays out the details of Veritas Village’s solar-powered electrical system and how it keeps the community completely self-sufficient and off-grid.
• Lastly, learn about the diverse ecosystem within Veritas Panama and how the community at large takes care of and works with the local environment instead of against it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VERITAS PANAMA

https://veritaspanama.com/

Email: expat@EcoVillages.life

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know about presentations like today’s, which originally ran as a live webinar, 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.

Sign up now, and you’ll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”

RELATED EPISODES

307: Part One – Secure Your Family’s Future: Off-Grid Living In Panama’s Highlands

300: Living Internationally: Lessons From 300 Episodes

228: Nicaragua As A Safe Haven: Exploring Residency Options

CONCLUSION

It’s only been a few days since Veritas Panama was first unveiled to the public, and I can tell you these lots are already going fast. As I always say about anything related to your Plan-B, there is simply no time to waste, and if you are serious about surrounding yourself with freedom-minded people like yourselves – people who won’t judge you for your “crazy” political ideas or your dreams of living abroad. 

I am so proud to have partnered with Patrick on this project and helped bring it to fruition. Be sure to email Patrick and Andrea at expat@ecovillages.life right away, and I hope to see you as one of my neighbours down the road!

The post 308: Secure Your Family’s Future: Off-Grid Living In Panama’s Highlands – Part #2 Q&A appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Freedom-minded folks like you and I can often feel isolated in a world where so many people are affected by socialist propaganda, the woke mind virus, or whatever you want to call it.  Can you really count on your neighbours when they think your views are “nutty” or that your concerns about world events make you a “conspiracy theorist?”

In today’s episode, I am excited to present you with a solution to this problem: Veritas Panama, an off-grid community living development in the highlands of Panama.

Don’t worry –  this isn’t some hippie-dippie place with small log cabins, no internet, and no access to modern amenities…

Veritas Panama is a luxury development designed specifically for freedom-oriented individuals who want to guarantee a secure future for themselves and their families without foregoing the modern amenities of the developed world.

Enjoy the presentation, and to secure your lot today, don’t hesitate to email expat@EcoVillages.life.

TODAY’S PRESENTATION ABOUT OFF-GRID LIVING IN PANAMA’S HIGHLANDS

• Listen in as Patrick Hiebert—one of my dearest friends and my partner in Veritas Panama—guides you through the project’s background and how it all came together.
• If you think “off-grid” means living without modern amenities, think again! Learn how this solar-powered community maintains all the luxuries of first-world living. 
• What about water? Discover how Veritas Panama is able to maintain its own self-sufficient water supply. 
• Does “off-grid” mean losing life’s luxuries? Hear why Veritas Panama is fully equipped to handle a luxury lifestyle for its inhabitants, all while remaining off-grid and self-sufficient. 
• Are you sick of being looked at with a sideways glance for your “crazy” beliefs? Find out how Veritas is fostering a welcoming environment where you’ll feel more than free to speak your mind. 
• Learn how Veritas Village is a crypto-friendly community – you can even use Bitcoin to purchase your lot!
• Find out what a DAO (Decentrally Autonomized Organization) is and how it utilizes Bitcoin to enable voluntary community governance.
• Discover how Veritas Panama is perfectly set up to enable the growing of all its own food, from community-oriented projects to private gardens.
• What about education? Yes, there will even be an expat school in Veritas Village.
• How is the climate in the highlands of Panama? Patrick breaks down the seasons and how they play into the ability to have a water supply throughout the year.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know about presentations like today’s, which originally ran as a live webinar, 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.

Sign up now, and you’ll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”

RELATED EPISODES

283: Panama Healthcare: A Personal Case Study Report

277: Mikkel Unleashed: A Raw Take On Today’s Tumultuous World

228: Nicaragua As A Safe Haven: Exploring Residency Options

CONCLUSION

Veritas Panama is a project I have been deeply involved with for close to two years now, and I am so thrilled to finally be able to present it to the Expat Money audience. I founded this company to find real solutions to the problems faced by freedom-seekers around the world, and Veritas Panama is a direct response to the type of concerns I hear all the time. 

As much of the world’s political elite prepares to usher in a dystopian nightmare flush with draconian “solutions” like CBDCs, Digital IDs and “15-minute cities’, we are forming a strong, self-sufficient community in Panama that will be immune to many of these machinations. 

If you want to become a part of this community, email expat@EcoVillages.life right away to secure your lot.

I hope you enjoyed this presentation, and tune in to a special bonus episode tomorrow for Part Two, where we’ll share the question-and answer portion of this presentation. 

The post 307: Secure Your Family’s Future: Off-Grid Living In Panama’s Highlands – Part One appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s guest is Laurence Easeman, a filmmaker and host of the “Eyes Wide Open” podcast. His mission is to empower others to know their rights, break free from the system, and recognize the importance of personal autonomy and agency.

He spends his time between the UK and Portugal, where he is pursuing residency.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH LAURENCE EASEMAN

• Listen as Laurence recounts his fateful trip up a mountain that changed his life and led to him pivoting away from filmmaking into becoming a full-time advocate for personal sovereignty. 
• Hear how the onset of the COVID regime shut down Laurence’s business in the UK and triggered him back into full-time activism and his current efforts on the “Eyes Wide Open” podcast.
• We discuss the concept of activism – how it can make you a “moving target” like Laurence and why I do not consider myself an activist. 
• Find out why Laurence has embarked on his own expat journey and is currently pursuing residency in Portugal.
• Listen in to hear how Portugal got put on the “red list” by the UK, banning its citizens from travelling there for not initially fully going along with the COVID narrative. 
• Hear Laurence break down how the powers that be utilize their illusion of authority to manufacture consent for tyrannical measures. 
• Laurence and I talk about the dark side of technology and why we both find value in places that are somewhat “backward in time” with their technological systems. 
• We discuss the absolute flood of Canadians fleeing during the last few years of the Trudeau regime, reflected in the fact that Canadians are now taking up the majority of my private clients. 
• Lastly, Laurence and I share in our passion for using homeschooling as a strategy to shield our children from psyops while depriving the state of its essential workers. 

RELATED EPISODES

252: Spit in the Eye of the Globalists – Tom Luongo

248: How To Build A Parallel System and Just Leave

245: Fleeing the UK Lockdowns to Become a Sovereign Individual – Johnny HODL

HOW TO FIND LAURENCE EASEMAN’S WORK

LaurenceEaseman.com

Laurence Easeman on YouTube

CONCLUSION

I had a blast speaking to a kindred spirit in Laurence Easeman, who shares my passion for individual liberty and personal responsibility. It’s no wonder he is climbing so quickly in the podcast world, as his insights and understanding of the systems of control in place – and, more importantly, how to deal with them – are second to none.

The post 260: Zen and the Art of Individual Sovereignty – Laurence Easeman appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s guest is the news editor over at Antiwar dot com and host of the daily podcast Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp. In this episode, we will be discussing the geopolitical situation as we head into a possible World War III scenario.

While it’s not the cheeriest of subjects, this is a necessary conversation to have given the current state of affairs, so I hope you find great value in it.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH DAVE DECAMP

• Listen to Dave recount how he first became a passionate antiwar activist and how he was able to turn that passion into speaking about the subject full-time. 
• Hear Dave break down the current geopolitical situation involving Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. and its NATO allies, and why we are closer to a hot war situation than at any time during the Cold War. 
• Dave breaks down how the situation between China and Taiwan is escalating simultaneously and how the United States has been sabre-rattling on the Asian front as well.
• Dave and I discuss the role of Elon Musk in providing Starlink support to Ukraine. Is he really a hero, as many libertarians seem to believe, or is he another wolf in sheep’s clothing?
• What would a full-scale war involving the U.S., Russia, or China look like? Dave breaks down the frightening possibilities of “warfare we’ve never seen before.”
• Has World War III already begun? Dave and I discuss the idea that the war has already begun and how the definition of just what constitutes an act of war has shifted so drastically in recent years.
• We discuss Turkey’s unique role as a peace broker and a thorn in the side of NATO in many ways, even while being a member state. 
• What does Vladimir Putin want, and how far is the U.S. willing to continue to escalate its vast funding of the war in Ukraine? Dave and I both ponder these questions.
• We also dig into the role some surprising countries have played in escalating tensions, like my former home Canada and even the supposedly neutral Switzerland.
• Dave and I cap things off by discussing what the best region of the world would be if a full World War really does break out. 

RELATED EPISODES

242: De-Dollarization and a BRICS Commodity-Backed Reserve Currency

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069: Richard Maybury – How Will The Trade War With China Affect You And Your Investments

HOW TO FIND DAVE DECAMP’S WORK

AntiWar.com

Antiwar News with Dave DeCamp

CONCLUSION

As much as this is a conversation I didn’t necessarily want to have, I don’t think it helps us any to bury our heads in the sand as some truly dangerous situations play out across the globe. I’ve been listening to Dave’s podcast since he started, and he was the first person that came to mind when I decided I had to do an episode on the topic of a potential World War. I hope the information proves useful to you as you plan your expat journey. 

The post 253: Where To Go If We Have World War III – Dave DeCamp appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Tom Luongo is a former research chemist turned geopolitical and market analyst. He is the publisher of the Gold, Goats ‘N Guns newsletter, as well as the host of the podcast by the same name. 

This was an absolute blast of a conversation covering various freedom-related topics, and I know you’ll love it. 

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH TOM LUONGO

• Hear Tom detail how he completely reinvented his career by pursuing his interest in economics and geopolitics, going from chemist to renowned geopolitical analyst. 
• Learn why Tom believes in delivering the unvarnished truth to build an audience organically.
• Tom explains why it’s important to understand your own limitations as a content creator – and why your audience will always forgive you if you’re honest.
• Hear Tom address how he “navigates the freedom question” in regard to platform censorship and self-censorship.
• Tom and I have a great back-and-forth discussion about the importance of narrowing your focus towards practical steps to protect yourselves instead of doom-scrolling all day.  
• Find out why Tom and I both turn off or remove our phones from the room when private conversations delve into certain topics. 
• Discover why Tom believes we are the “bottom of the dark age” and why the idea of the Great Reset will “end up in a museum.”
• Find out what Tom foresees as the future of the United States. Will the U.S. break up? And on whose terms?
• Learn what Tom thinks of Elon Musk. Is he on “our side?” Or is he just another plant by the global elite?

RELATED EPISODES

104: Digging Into The Deep State And Where The Election Is Taking Us – Chris Temple

095: Top Political Operative Tells Americans to Escape – Carter Clews

036: Jim Rogers – North Korea, China, Mandarin And The Current State Of Education

HOW TO FIND TOM LUONGO’S WORK

Gold, Goats N’ Guns: https://tomluongo.me/

Twitter: @TWL1728

CONCLUSION

What an absolute blast it was talking to Tom! We got sidetracked from my initial topic idea and ended up going in many different directions, and I was thrilled with how it turned out. The topics we touched on in this conversation are of utmost importance, especially to those in the expat community who are tuned in to what is happening worldwide. If you weren’t already, you’ve got to follow Tom Luongo for his take on geopolitics. 

See you next Wednesday!

The post 252: Spit In The Eye Of The Globalists – Tom Luongo appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s episode celebrates 250 episodes of the Expat Money Show!

I can’t believe some of the incredible people I’ve gotten to speak to doing this podcast, many of whom I admired years before this show, were even an idea in my mind.  It occurred to me that many of you hadn’t yet begun your expat journey when I started this podcast back in 2017, and there’s a decent chance you haven’t heard some of the biggest and best interviews that I’ve conducted over the years. 

So this week, we’ll be checking out a sampling of top names I’ve interviewed since starting the Expat Money Show – people like Doug Casey, Grant Cardone, Jim Rogers, and the great Congressman Ron Paul. Enjoy!

RELATED EPISODES

221: What The World Can Expect In 2023 – Ron Paul

075: Grant Cardone – Developing a Millionaires Mindset

036: Jim Rogers – North Korea, China, Mandarin And The Current State Of Education

CONCLUSION

While this episode may have been a look back into the past, believe it or not, we are just getting started here at Expat Money. This podcast has laid the groundwork for the efforts we are currently undertaking, helping thousands of freedom-loving individuals seek higher ground. The future is bright for those who take action to improve their lives by becoming an expat, and this show will remain the flagship for those who share our ideals. I’m greatly looking forward to the next 250 episodes and beyond, and I’m thrilled to have you all along for the journey. 

See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 250: Celebrating Success: Key Takeaways from Expat Money’s Finest Discussions appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Parallel Mike is an organic farmer, investor and host of the Parallel Systems Broadcast.

Having spent most of his adult life in Britain while working as a counsellor and competing as an endurance athlete, Mike and his wife emigrated to Poland to focus on living a more self-sufficient and decentralized life.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH PARALLEL MIKE

• Discover how “Parallel Mike” was born. What caused Mike to go from pursuing professional sports to becoming a full-time organic farmer focused on self-sufficiency?
• Hear Mike describe how the COVID lockdowns prevented his initial move to Poland and what Poland was like when they finally did arrive later that year. 
• Listen as Mike and I discuss the difference between the enforcement of COVID rules “by the numbers” and the reality on the ground. 
• Mike lays out why he doesn’t believe massive systemic change will come from within the system itself but rather when the system finally breaks on its own. 
• Mike and I agree on the better strategy for individuals – to build your own systems and find higher ground to fight from. 
• Hear Mike explain his outlook for the “dark days ahead” regarding hyperinflation and global debt liquidation. 
• Listen to Mike detail why he became part of a small Polish settlement rather than living in an expat community.
• Mike breaks down some of the practical steps he has taken to further increase his independence from the system. Every single member of the Expat Money community can learn from this!
• Hear Mike and I agree that at this stage, focusing on wealth preservation is the key to financial preservation through what’s to come.
• We delve into the looming threat of capital controls and why it’s so important to have the means to protect your wealth from government confiscation and seizure. 

RELATED EPISODES

247: How To Defend Yourself From What’s To Come

242: De-Dollarization and a BRICS Commodity-Backed Reserve Currency

220: Buying Asian Investments & Currencies On The Cheap – Marc Faber

HOW TO FIND PARALLEL MIKE

Website: https://parallelmike.com/

YouTube: Parallel Systems

CONCLUSION

It was great speaking to Mike, someone who views the world very much like I do. As I often discuss, I believe in taking action to preserve your wealth and increase your liberty. Mike is the perfect example of someone who sees the problems around him and takes action to put himself in a better position. Mike’s optimism is infectious, and it’s the same attitude I hope to inspire in my own listeners right here every week.

See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 248: How To Build A Parallel System And Just Leave – Parallel Mike appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s guest is Ernie Baca, a retired law enforcement professional with a distinguished career spanning 30 years. During his tenure with the United States Marshals Service, he was part of high-profile cases such as the Trials of John Gotti, the World Trade Center Bombers, and Timothy McVey.

Upon retiring at the age of 52, he moved to Mexico and fell in love with San Miguel de Allende, where he initially settled before moving to Monterrey. He now serves the Expat community by sharing his experiences of moving, living, and travelling to Mexico through his well-known YouTube Channel, “Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL.”

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH ERNIE BACA

• Listen to Ernie detail his backstory in various U.S. federal law enforcement agencies, leading him to find and fall in love with Latin America.
• Ernie details why he ended up moving to Mexico “by accident” upon retiring at the age of 52.
• Hear Ernie describe the U.S. doctor’s visit that awakened him to the idea that, perhaps,U.S. health care isn’t the greatest in the worldafter all.
• Your jaw will drop as you hear the nightmare of red tape and bureaucratic boondoggles Ernie had to manage to try to deal with U.S. health insurance companies.
• Learn how Ernie’s healthcare woes led to his wife suggesting the crazy idea of trying a doctorin Mexico.
• Ernie describes his absolute amazement at the rapid and excellent service he received in Mexico, getting the MRI he spent months trying to get in the U.S.the next dayin Mexico at afractionof the cost.
• You will beflooredto learn about the incredibly high level of treatment Ernie received all along the process of diagnosing and treating his cancer in Mexico.
• Hear the inspiring perspective that beating cancer gave to Ernie and how it has propelled his new lease on life as he continues to enjoy the retired life in Mexico, cancer-free.

RELATED EPISODES

237: What’s It Like Relocating to Mexico When the World Doesn’t Make Sense – Jonathan Lockwood

164 – Medical Tourism In Colombia

136: Medicare For Expats – Danielle Roberts

HOW TO FIND ERNIE BACA’S WORK

“Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL” on YouTube

CONCLUSION

It was absolutely incredible to hear Ernie’s story. I legitimately got shivers up my spine during certain parts of his harrowing journey dealing with cancer. But Ernie’s story is an excellent example of what I am always driving home to my listeners – there are almost always superior, more affordable options overseas, even when it comes to saving your own life. I enjoyed my conversation with Ernie so much that I’ve already invited him back to discuss safety and security in Latin America, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast and the Expat Money YouTube channel so you don’t miss it!

The post 246: Beating Cancer in Mexico – Ernie Baca appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Johnny HODL is a freedom advocate, podcast host, and digital nomad originally from the United Kingdom.

In 2021 he decided to permanently leave the UK after becoming disenfranchised by that government’s authoritarian covid policies. He now lives on the sunny Mexican Pacific coast, where he continues to work remotely in the Bitcoin industry.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH JOHNNY HODL

• Listen to Johnny describe the evolution of his political views and how adopting Bitcoin in 2016 led him to a more freedom-oriented philosophy.
• Johnny explains what was the exodus point that prompted him to permanently leave his home country of the United Kingdom.
• Hear Johnny and I discuss the hubris displayed by many in the West supporting lockdowns while many of those in the developing world didn’t have the convenience of “just staying home.”
• We examine why the “soft admission” of guilt over the COVID narrative isn’t enough of a recanting from those supporting it.
• Johnny and I talk about the lack of ethics in the COVID policies implemented and why even if all the data were correct, it would still be a major ethical violation to enforce lockdowns, vaccine mandates, etc.
• Listen to Johnny describe how, once you take the “red pill” regarding the nature of government, it’s hard not to see government at every level as a monopoly on violence.
• I drive home the notion that after 23 years of travelling the world and visiting over 100 countries, voting with your feet, i.e. being an expat and utilizing offshore markets, is absolutely hands down the best solution I have ever found. 
• We discuss how governments around the globe are starting to close their doors in various ways – including the looming threat of CBDCs.
• Johnny provides his view of what “sovereignty” is and how others can reclaim more of their sovereignty as he has by seeking out more freedom abroad.
• Johnny and I both reflect on how, once taking personal responsibility for every single aspect of your life and respect natural law, life simply gets better.
• We have an interesting back-and-forth on the correlation between wealth and happiness. Does the ethics by which the wealth is acquired affect the happiness of those who hold it? I’d love to hear my listener’s thoughts on this!

RELATED EPISODES

237: What’s It Like Relocating to Mexico When the World Doesn’t Make Sense – Jonathan Lockwood

186: Fighting Back Against The Technocrats – Hrvoje Moric

102: Bitcoin For International Privacy, Protection And Control – Eryka Gemma

HOW TO FIND JOHNNY HODL’s WORK:

The Stayin’ Free Podcast 

Johnny HODL on Twitter

CONCLUSION

I really enjoyed this conversation with Johnny HODL today, and I’m sure long-time listeners will understand exactly why I see him as a kindred spirit of sorts.

While my focus is on the actions you can take to achieve more freedom as an expat, the ethics behind those actions are vitally important, and it was great to hear about Johnny’s evolution on the subject and how he has now come to see individual sovereignty as an ethical ideal. You’re gonna love this one.

See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 245: Fleeing The UK Lockdowns To Become A Sovereign Individual – Johnny HODL appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Josh Summers is an expert in online security and identity protection who has lived and worked in Asia since 2006. He has written for Lonely Planet, published his own travel guides, and built multiple online brands that reach tens of millions of people each year.

I am doing my best to stay current on the latest developments in privacy and security, and I was thrilled to speak with Josh, one of the most well-informed voices on these issues.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH JOSH SUMMERS

• Listen in as Josh recounts how living in highly surveilled China led him to take on a more complete understanding of privacy and surveillance issues.
• Josh and I discuss how we bridge the gap between our own personal privacy while still maintaining a personal brand and business.
• Josh explains why he sees himself as a “privacy pragmatist” in how he views finding the right level of achievable privacy for himself and his family.
• Listen as Josh details the 3 different solution sets for privacy – which one is right for you?
• We dig into how to look at the pros and cons of Big Tech companies and how even the biggest Big Tech villain can offer its own privacy advantages. 
• Josh lays out some of the most basic first steps that everyone with a baseline level of privacy concern should take. Have you done these yourself?
• Josh explains the concept of “salting” a password on top of using a password manager. This is a great idea that I’ll be implementing right away!
• Hear Josh emphasize the importance of holding the keys to your own security. Is your security in your own hands or that of a third party?
• Josh and I dig into some of the more advanced techniques for securing your devices. I’ll be curious to hear if my audience has been utilizing any of these tactics!
• We discuss how to navigate the KYC Problem. How can you protect your identity when everyone requires you to prove it?
• Josh breaks down options for an often forgotten piece of the privacy puzzle – protecting your address via virtual addresses.

RELATED EPISODES

223: Best of Privacy & Secrecy

217: Online Privacy For Freedom-Minded Individuals – Terry Tillaart

162: How Privacy Can Protect You If They Come For You – Gabriel Custodiet

HOW TO REACH JOSH SUMMERS

Website: All Things Secured

“All Things Secured” YouTube

CONCLUSION

As my listeners know, privacy and security are issues that affect everyone in the age of Big Tech, particularly but not limited to expats. It was great to hear Josh’s perspective on these issues, and as far as I’m concerned, he is one of the best voices for the general public to follow to keep up to date on privacy concerns. 

There was so much great information here that I had to take notes myself! I know you’re going to derive great value from this conversation.

See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 241: Digital Defense: Josh Summers’ Strategies for Protecting Your Online Presence appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s guest is Sam Rivello, who left his home in Los Angeles, California in 2010 as a ‘life experiment’ to combine work and travel to see the world. Since then, he has spent “1 minute or more” in 81 countries, with an average time of 58 days per country. Over the past 12 months, he has travelled extensively throughout Africa and plans to spend at least another 12 months seeing what this amazing continent has to offer. Sam and I have a lot in common, and this discussion is chock full of nuggets of wisdom on every step of the expat journey. Enjoy!

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH SAM RIVELLO

• Listen in to hear Sam recount how he decided to try the “life experiment” of working while travelling “for two years” – which is still going strong thirteen years later! Wow!
• Sam reflects on what it was like becoming a “digital nomad” before the term was popularized – and the infrastructure challenges that came along with it.
• We discuss the importance of setting personal boundaries when it comes to technology and the constant challenge of drawing a hard line between work and personal time.
• Sam explains how he made the professional choice to take more long-term ownership and responsibility for his own lifestyle as a full-time expat, to ensure balance in all areas of life.
• Listen as Sam breaks down the challenge of expats and those leading a digital lifestyle to break a lot of their old mindsets in order to make the lifestyle sustainable for them.
• We discuss the concept of “nomad burnout” as Sam explains what led to his decision to live for an extended period of time as an expat in Scandinavia.
• Sam details how the Danes have a very different concept of what entails “friendship” and the difficulty of breaking into pre-established friend groups there in Denmark.
• We dig into our shared view that the expat lifestyle is a fantastic vehicle for learning, which makes it perfect for those with a passion for learning as Sam and I both hold.
• We then discuss some of the reasons that many live vicariously through other expats instead of pulling the trigger and giving it a shot themselves. I’ve heard a ton of these before!
• Sam lays out some of the top reasons that some expats end up burning out from the lifestyle. Be sure to listen in for his advice on how to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!
• Listen to Sam’s insights on the key to learning a new language. Hint: there are no shortcuts!

RELATED EPISODES

209: Life As A Long-Term Digital Nomad – Kristin Wilson168: Digital Nomad Mindset Tips and Challenges150: – Six Months In Florianopolis, Brazil – Mikkel ThorupHOW TO REACH SAM RIVELLO

Website: https://www.SamuelAsherRivello.com/Contact: https://www.SamuelAsherRivello.com/Contact/Grab My New Book On Being A Digital Nomad

Digital Nomad Visas

CONCLUSION

Sam and I have a lot in common when it comes to our passion for travel as a challenge to learn and grow from. It was an absolute pleasure to learn from his efforts and struggles as an expat, and this discussion is a great example of the value of becoming an expat and what it can bring to your life.

The post 240: Ahead Of The Curve: Sam Rivello’s Early Adventures In Digital Nomadism appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

John Perkins is the author of the legendary book Confessions of an Economic Hitman, which first appeared on the show in Episode 71.

He has now published an updated version of the book titled Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, 3rd Edition – China’s EHM Strategy; Ways to Stop the Global Takeover, featuring 12 new chapters breaking down how China has essentially become the world’s “economic hitman.”

Longtime listeners will surely recognize that John and I share some differing world views, and I certainly do not endorse his beliefs on things like white supremacy, climate change, vegetarianism and feminism, to name a few. Nonetheless, his experience and insights are incredibly valuable, and you will certainly learn a ton from this conversation. 

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH JOHN PERKINS:

• Listen in to hear John explain in detail what an “Economic Hitman” – or “EHM” strategy is from his own personal experience implementing it on behalf of first-world nations and banking elites and how he came to understand the dark side of what he was doing. 
• John details the predatory nature of the EHM strategy and the devastating effects it has had on third-world nations. You won’t believe the shocking statistics about the average age in Africa.  
• Hear John reveal the nefarious methods the EHM strategists use to manipulate statistics like GDP to display positive effects on the economy while the underlying reality paints a much bleaker picture for the citizens of the nations targeted by it.
• Then we discuss  the difference between honest entrepreneurship – the kind that I practice in my business – and “cronyism” or “predatory capitalism.”
• John explains how China has shifted its own economic hitman strategy under President Xi Jinping over the last ten years and their nefarious motivations for doing so. 
• We dig into what John describes as the “death economy” – as the EHM competition between the leaders of China and the United States wreaks economic havoc across the globe.
• John and I further discuss current global political issues and the different levels of attention conflicts in Ukraine and Yemen receive from the media and the general public.
• John drives home how many individuals have embraced changes in the last three years and the need to change our perception of our current socio-economic and governmental systems.
• We discuss the very different perceptions of “success” in Latin America and how things like spending time with family and friends often take higher priority than the gain of material goods in that region. 
• Lastly, we discuss China’s increasingly interwoven relationship with Latin America and the impacts, both positive and negative, on the region.

RELATED EPISODES

145: Building A NonProfit In The Slums Of Uganda – Jennings Wright

071: John Perkins – Confessions of an Economic Hitman – Yesterday and Today!

036: Jim Rogers – North Korea, China, Mandarin And The Current State Of Education

HOW TO REACH JOHN PERKINS

https://johnperkins.org

CONCLUSION

I hope you enjoyed my conversation with John Perkins as much as I did. While we have very different worldviews, and I certainly don’t endorse all of his beliefs, John is an absolute hero for the work he has done exposing the nature of our corrupt global systems of banking and government.

When it comes to the nature of our global systems, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better expert than John Perkins. I know you’ll get great value from this conversation!

The post 238: Inside the Dragon’s Strategy: John Perkins on China’s Global Impact appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Jonathan Lockwood is a pro voice over talent originally from Detroit and currently living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He now spends his spare time venturing deep into the Mexican countryside and finding amazing artisanal mezcal. 

I enjoyed getting to know Jonathan and you are going to learn a ton from this conversation.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH JONATHAN:

• Listen in to hear Jon share the story of how he grew up in an apocalyptic religious cult and how he “woke up” from the brainwashing, which helped him to see that things are not always as they seem.
• Jon describes how foreseeing the forthcoming fiscal nightmare in the United States led him to explore other options outside of his home country.
• Hear Jon describe the striking similarities with how politics created divisiveness in families over the last several years to his own experience rejecting the beliefs his family had raised him to hold. 
• We dig into our shared belief that it’s important not to condemn others for being behind where you are at any given moment in life. 
• Then we discuss how Jon wound up choosing San Miguel de Allende, Mexico as his home, where he now lives with his wife and their daughter. 
• Learn what Jon views as the surprising advantage of living in a country with an extremely inefficient government. 
• Jon relays a hilarious experience he had when he first attempted to speak Spanish upon arriving in Mexico – he had me stitches!
• We discuss the concept of “stacking freedom” as opposed to trying to find a “Shangri-La”, and how not to become paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision.
• Jon goes into detail describing the “melting pot” city of San Miguel de Allende, and how the locals have responded to the always-growing expat community there. You’ll be wanting to book your trip to San Miguel after hearing this!
• Then we discuss how Jonathan developed a passion for artisanal Mezcal that he sources from “the Disneyland of Mezcal” in Oaxaca, Mexico. I learned so much about Mezcal that I never knew before!

RELATED EPISODES

234: I Wrote a New Book on Moving to Mexico

213: From The Bay Area To Mexico an Expat Story – Ken

170: Searching For Freedom In Mexico – Marc Clair

PURCHASE THE EXPATS GUIDE ON MOVING TO MEXICO

Inspired by Jonathan’s story to look further into Mexico? Get your own copy of the Expats Guide on Moving to Mexico and after you read the book, do us a HUGE favour and leave us a great review on Amazon! This is a huge help in getting the book in front of more people.

HOW TO REACH JONATHAN

Jonathan’s voiceover website: https://jonathanlockwood.com

The Mezcal Maniac Substack: https://mezcalmaniac.substack.com/

CONCLUSION

I had an absolute blast getting to know Jonathan and his story. His journey is such an excellent example of the kind of opportunities that can open for you when you begin to look at the world in a different way and decide to take the leap into the expat lifestyle. See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 237: A Different World: Jonathan Lockwood’s Mexican Relocation Amidst Global Madness appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Ramiro Romani is a technologist, activist, educator, and entrepreneur who dropped his corporate career to work on meaningful social movements. His company, Above Agency, recently released Above Phone – a complete privacy phone solution that combines secure hardware, open-source operating systems, and cutting-edge privacy services.

I know the issue of privacy is of utmost importance to Expat Money Show listeners, and today’s episode will open your eyes to how your phone tracks you every single day and the actionable steps you can take to stop it.

How to Stop Your Phone From Spying on You

• If you’ve long suspected your phone is spying on you, trust us, it is. Today’s episode will give you the tools you need to begin to fight back.
• Ramiro delves into his background as a software engineer and how he realized the Big Tech companies are a part of the privacy problem.
  
• I discuss with Ramiro how he decided to shift his priorities and help build systems outside of Big Tech’s grasp and bring heart back to their technology, quitting his job to become a full-time activist in movements such as the Freedom Cell Network before founding Above Agency in 2021.
• Ramiro breaks down how his software team went about creating Above Phone by “De-Googling” their phone and using open-source software to tweak existing open-source platforms
• We discuss in detail why having a privacy phone is so important and how Big Tech companies track everything you do because YOU are the product.
• Ramiro shares some SHOCKING examples of how innocent lives have been affected by big-tech spying.
• I discuss with Ramiro the 3 layers of tracking through the Operating Systems, the apps and the telecom companies. 
• We look at one of the most common questions Ramiro fields regarding why they use “the Devil” aka Google to build a privacy phone instead of using Linux or another system?
• Ramiro and I examine why it’s important to accept incremental steps in taking privacy back and not let the lack of the perfect tool prevent you from taking any precautions against Big Tech.
• We examine how even “privacy” companies track and mine data from their users and make false claims about their products while portraying a privacy face on the surface.
• Ramiro gives an on-screen demonstration of how some of the available apps work – this is a great reason to head over and watch the video on the Expat Money YouTube channel!
• We even learn how it’s possible to use a phone without being exposed to ANY EMF at all by using an ethernet adaptor! This blew me away!

RELATED EPISODES

162: How Privacy Can Protect You If They Come For You – Gabriel Custodiet

182: Creating Your Freedom Cell Overseas – John Bush

117: How To Protect Yourself From The Digital Inquisition – Remso Martinez

HOW TO LEARN MORE AND GET AN ABOVE PHONE

For a special offer and to support our work go to riseabovephone.com and use code EXPATPRIVACY for $50 off your Above Phone!

CONCLUSION

I hope that by now, most of my listeners are aware of the privacy issues regarding Big Tech and their phones, but this episode will open the eyes of even the staunchest privacy advocates to the depth of the problem. Luckily, there is a solution, and I can personally attest that Ramiro and his team at Above Phone have come up with a great one!

See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!

The post 233: Outsmarting Spyware: Ramiro Romani’s Guide to Phone Security appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Patrick Hiebert is the Co-Founder of EcoVillages, an eco-home and sustainable community design and development company based on libertarian values and the Founder of MavenNFT.io, a hard asset NFT marketplace. 

EcoVillages has defined the “F.I.R.S.T. Community Certification” program whereby other eco-friendly and sustainability-based community developers can become certified as implementing best practices.

TODAY’S CONVERSATION WITH PATRICK,

• Why being with like-minded freedom-lover is the only path forwards
• How self-sustainability and personal responsibility are your greatest defence for what is happening in the world
• Zero power bill to run your home or your business…imagine…wondering how that works? We talk about creating that for your home.
• We talk about the financial benefits of wind power, solar power, recycling, greywater…things vital for the future. 
• If you get separated from the grid or if there’s a problem with a hurricane or other type of natural disaster, are you ready? Will you be able to live? Big questions we answer here.
• Patrick explains F I R S T…you will want to know and understand the rationale behind this amazing concept of living.
• I wanted to know how a community will grow and be able to sustain itself, what the technology will be, the responsibilities, and how these types of things will be built. Patrick goes hog wild on the details!
• What happens to the greywater and the black water in this new community? Should we all be buying new eco-friendly soaps… an interesting question.
• How living in a country that grows fresh vegetables and fruits year-round is so different from countries in the Northern Climates, like Canada or Norway. If you think you can come down to countries like Panama or Nicaragua and use the same systems…think again!
• How vitally important it is to understand the culture, the history, the language, the food, and making friends with the local people and incorporating yourself into the new country you will now call home.
• If you’re looking at getting back to traditional values, and warm family values, then you’ll really enjoy this episode with Patrick and me.
• Two extremely important concepts…a self-sustainable lifestyle and like-minded people. It’s hard not to imagine what our world will look like in the future.
• We talk in detail about security. Are these communities walled? How will you be protected when you live in one of our communities? Will you feel safe?
• To all my American friends still up in the States, you’ll be excited to hear what’s new in Panama, and what you can now do that was once almost impossible!
• Think you’ll be bored living in a community with 300 homes in the middle of the mountains with a view of the ocean? Wondering what you’ll do every day? You will not believe what Patrick and his team have built in other countries, it will blow your mind!  
• Patrick explains an NFT and how it pertains to buying real estate. The benefits of using an NFT and how he’s taken a messy concept and made it really really easy. You’ll want to buy homes this way for the rest of your life. 
• Financially sustainable, living tax-free, growing your own food, producing your own energy and spending time with like-minded people…it doesn’t get much better than that. 

RELATED EPISODES 

185: Investing In Short-Term Rentals To Fund Your Expat Lifestyle – Tim Hubbard

183: How Woke Ideology Has Taken Over Education And What You Can Do To Defend Your Children

182: Creating Your Freedom Cell Overseas – John Bush

HOW TO REACH PATRICK HIEBERT

Expat@EcoVillages.Life

CONCLUSION

Building self-sustaining libertarian communities is one of the main things I am working on in the background these days. I have a lot going on, but this is at the top of the pile, I see it as the best path forwards for many of us. If you want to be ahead of the curve and get information on this before anyone else you may contact Patrick and the team at Expat@EcoVillages.Life

The post 190: Constructing Liberty: Patrick Hiebert’s Self-Sustaining Community Development appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.

Today’s guest on The Expat Money Show is Gary Collins, founder of  ‘The Simple Life’ podcast. Today, we’re going to be talking about going off the grid. What that looks like, how you can do it, and what you need to do before going off the grid.

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WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THIS INTERVIEW:

• How does a former Special Agent, with tons of degrees, decide he wants to live off the grid?
• What was the tipping point for Gary to make that move, to decide to sell everything?
• Why would someone want to go off the grid? what are the benefits and what are the pitfalls?
• If going off the grid was your dream, where would you start? what is the first thing you would have to do to make it a reality?
• Gary Collins talks about how he found his first plot of land to build his off-the-grid house.
• Is it easy to build your own home? how long can you expect it to take?
• Mikkel and Gary talk about the phases that need to happen when you build your own home. What if there is no infrastructure, water, roads, septic? What are the priorities, where do you start?
• Going Off The Grid – Grab his book directly from his site.
• The Simple Life Gary’s website and you can buy everything from his website. Buy Direct!
• Where was Gary living while he built his home? and How long did it take to finish his home?
• How much of the building did Gary do himself?
• Do you think you could build a home? Go off the grid yourself, without help? Let’s find out.
• Make sure you visit Gary’s website and this specific link. He is offering a ton of pictures that he documented along the way, building his beautiful home on top of the mountain.

HOW TO FIND GARY COLLINS’S WORK

• The Simple Life with Gary Collins

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CONCLUSION

Gary Collins is a really cool guy! I’ve never built a home myself and I just found it fascinating that a Special Agent would leave California, and go off the grid and build his own house.

I was honoured to be a guest on Gary’s podcast, if you want to check it out, here’s the link: What Happens When You Escape The Crazy NOW with Mikkel Thorup. I loved being on Gary’s show and I know you’ll love hearing his story of going off the grid in the U.S.

The post 126: Going Invisible: How to Disappear from Society – Gary Collins appeared first on The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup.