Hosted by someone who has lived this experience firsthand, the show dives into honest conversations and personal stories from immigrants, expats, third-culture kids, and global souls. It’s not about logistics or checklists — it’s about the human journey: identity, memory, culture, and the quiet work of rebuilding yourself in a new place.

If you’ve ever felt caught between worlds, if your story doesn’t fit neatly into one box, or if you’re still learning how to belong in more than one home, this podcast is for you.

Kim shares her lived experience of navigating adoption, migration, and cross-cultural life, reflecting on how identity evolves through personal history, environment, and relationships. Together, we explore the difference between identities we live, learn, carry, and choose to love—and how these layers shape our sense of belonging over time.

The conversation examines how cultural expectations influence self-understanding, why curiosity is essential for genuine connection, and how inclusive environments can reduce the need for code-switching. Kim also speaks to the importance of safety—emotional, cultural, and relational—as a foundation for human flourishing.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own belonging journey and consider how we can intentionally create spaces that honor individual identity while fostering deeper community.

Key Takeaways

• Belonging begins with understanding and honoring individual identity
• Identity is not static; it evolves across life stages and environments
• Home can be fluid, relational, and deeply personal
• Curiosity opens the door to authentic connection
• Adoption adds unique and lasting layers to identity formation
• Inclusive spaces reduce the need for code-switching
• Safety—emotional and cultural—is essential for growth and belonging
• Creating cultures of belonging requires intention and effort

Sound Bites

• “Identity is a journey.”
• “What does home mean to you?”
• “Home is where my family is.”

About Kim Dabbs

Kim Dabbs is a global leader in belonging and purpose, and the Global Vice President of ESG and Social Innovation at Steelcase. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she partners with organizations worldwide to build cultures where people feel seen, valued, and able to thrive as their authentic selves.

She is the best-selling author of You Belong Here: The Power of Being Seen, Heard, and Valued on Your Own Terms (Berrett-Koehler, 2024), named a top book to read by the Financial Times. Her work offers practical frameworks for individuals and leaders to create belonging in workplaces, communities, and everyday life. Kim is also the founder of To Belonging, a global community exploring the intersection of identity and purpose.

https://tobelonging.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimdabbs/

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Through personal stories and reflections, Karen explores how adapting to local customs while staying true to yourself is a delicate but essential balance. She discusses meaningful cultural lessons, including a memorable misunderstanding in Japan, the concept of “face” in Chinese culture, and how social expectations vary widely across regions.

The conversation also dives into relationships—how to maintain deep friendships across time zones, why quality matters more than quantity, and how genuine curiosity keeps connections alive. Drawing from her upbringing with educator parents and her own international experiences, Karen offers thoughtful advice for third-culture kids and anyone navigating life between cultures.

Listeners who enjoy thoughtful conversations on identity, belonging, and cross-cultural growth will find this episode both relatable and grounding.

You can also check out Karen’s podcast, Mind Blend, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow her on Instagram @mindblendpodcast for more insights and conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Living in multiple countries can shape entirely different versions of yourself
• Feeling like an outsider is challenging but deeply formative
• Cultural adaptation does not require losing your identity
• Social norms and unspoken rules vary widely across cultures
• Deep friendships require intentional effort, especially across distance
• Quality over quantity leads to more meaningful relationships
• Embracing discomfort often leads to the most growth

Sound Bites

• “I felt like an outsider the most in Japan.”
• “Adapting to local cultures is key.”
• “Quality matters more than quantity in friendships.”
• “Embrace cultural differences and learn from them.”
• “Living in multiple countries shaped who I am.”

Follow their work and continue learning at Instagram: @romanistanpodcast, @jezmina.vonthiele, and @romaniholistic

Takeaways

• Growing up in a Romani community involves a rich tapestry of culture and spirituality.
• The term 'gypsy' carries a heavy historical burden and is often misunderstood.
• Community provides both safety and restrictions, shaping individual identities.
• Education is often deprioritized in traditional Romani communities due to survival needs.
• Fortune telling is a form of empowerment and cultural expression, not just a stereotype.
• Misconceptions about Romani people often overshadow their resilience and creativity.
• Belonging is a complex experience, often felt in the in-between spaces of culture.
• Traditions evolve over time, and appreciation for them can grow with age.
• The importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity and history.
• Romani culture is diverse, with many individuals pursuing various professions beyond stereotypes.
  
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