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From a notebook of handwritten questions to a platform that shares global voices, Rooted and Routed turns ONE!

What began as quiet conversations has grown into a space for honest stories on identity, belonging, and the layered realities of global life.

In just one year, we’ve explored: Identity & belonging Parenting across cultures Repatriation, integration & career breaks Interfaith relationships & trailing spouses Language, food, and the emotional truths of expat life

And we’re only getting started.

What’s ahead in Year Two? More collaborations More global voices More untold stories More impact

Thank you to every guest who trusted the mic.
Thank you to every listener who continues to return.
You’ve made this journey what it is.

Let me know — which episode or moment has stayed with you?

If this resonates, support the channel by subscribing, liking, and sharing.

#RootedAndRoutedPodcast #PodcastAnniversary

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

🎙️ Part 2 of our conversation with Anna Skorobogatowa

What are the unspoken rules and emotional costs of life behind the diplomatic title?

In this episode, Anna shares the lesser-heard realities of being a diplomatic spouse, from relocation stress and identity loss to navigating unstable regions while parenting.

We dive into:

The emotional toll of raising children in regions facing political unrest or conflict

How introvert vs. extrovert personalities respond differently to constant transitions and cultural adaptation

The invisible labor expected from diplomatic spouses, often with no work rights due to visa or immunity restrictions

A fascinating study: “The Role of Diplomatic Spouses: A Bourdieusian Exploration”, drawing from Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, capital, and field

Support systems like IDCN and the Permit Foundation that advocate for dual-career couples

Why we need deeper, emotionally safe spaces, beyond surface-level coffee mornings, to feel seen and heard

Anna’s powerful reminder:

“You’re not the problem. This lifestyle wasn’t built with us in mind.”

Whether you’re a trailing spouse, part of the diplomatic world, or simply curious about global life behind the scenes, this episode offers heartfelt insight and grounded hope.

🎧 Watch now.

🔗 Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/rootedandroutedpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/id1755695962

📷 Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-skorobogatowa/
🔗 Connect with Anna: https://notjustaspouse.com/
Connect with Sabiya: linkedin.com/in/sabiya-pathan-withoeck-5aa6684

IDCN: https://idcn.info/
Permits Foundation: https://www.permitsfoundation.com/

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

What does it truly mean to build a life in constant motion, while raising children, adapting to new cultures, and supporting a partner who represents a country abroad?

In this deeply personal conversation, Anna Skorobogatowa, a diplomatic spouse of 23 years across 9 countries and 4 continents, shares the emotional, invisible, and often overlooked layers of life behind the scenes. From navigating motherhood in transition to redefining identity and partnership under constant change, Anna offers rare and honest insights into what it means to be the emotional anchor of a globally mobile family.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The shared realities between expat and diplomatic families
• Raising third-culture kids and navigating school systems across continents
• Emotional labor and identity shifts in the spouse role
• Marriage, partnership, and the impact of constant relocation
• Building community, finding purpose, and creating meaningful support systems

Whether you're a diplomatic spouse, an expat partner, or simply someone navigating a life shaped by movement, this episode reminds us that your story matters, and so do your struggles.

Tune in for a thoughtful, relatable, and affirming conversation.

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

What does it take to lead in tech, raise culturally grounded children, and embrace change across continents?

In this episode, Arnaud Luc—tech leader at Cambridge Mobile Telematics—shares his journey from the French countryside to winning global recognition at Apple’s WWDC and the Webby Awards. He unpacks the realities of working with GenAI, explains the difference between AI, machine learning, and LLMs in everyday language, and highlights how curiosity and flexibility became core to his leadership style.

He also reflects on parenting in a tech-savvy generation, the need for critical thinking in the age of AI, and why being “rooted” while staying adaptable is key to navigating cultural transitions and career growth.

Key topics covered:

• AI vs. GenAI vs. machine learning—what's the real difference?
• Using ChatGPT for math help—and why it sometimes fails
• Why leadership is about building bridges, not just writing code
• How cultural humility shapes global leadership
• From Montreal to Texas—language, food, and identity in transition
• Why embracing your heritage matters—even while integrating abroad
• How a mobile app can help save lives by improving driving behavior

Follow Arnaud Luc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasarn/

Full episode now streaming on all podcast platforms

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

#rootedandroutedpodcast #technology

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Rooted and Routed, host Sabiya Pathan-Withoeck sits down with Arnaud Luc, a French-born tech leader who has built an inspiring life and career across continents. From growing up in the French countryside to navigating startup life in Texas and raising a bicultural family in Boston, Arnaud shares how his journey has shaped his identity as a parent, professional, and person.

Together, they explore:
🌍 How moving across countries reshapes your sense of belonging
👨‍👧‍👦 Raising kids with dual cultural roots in the U.S.
🤖 The evolution of Arnaud’s career—from startups to TripAdvisor, Wayfair, and now Cambridge Mobile Telematics
🌿 How baking and gardening became metaphors for ownership, leadership, and team-building
🧠 Why people-first leadership, diversity, and strategic adaptability matter now more than ever

Arnaud’s blend of humor, honesty, and depth makes this one of the most resonant conversations of the season.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories about grounded growth and global journeys.

🔗 Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/rootedandroutedpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/id1755695962
📷 Connect with Arnaud: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasarn/

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Jan Thomas, Head of Emerging Technologies Banking and Payments at DNB, and an expat living in India on his first international assignment.

From leading tech innovation to quietly transforming lives through charity, Jan’s journey is one of cultural curiosity, inclusive leadership, and heartfelt giving. We talk about chai breaks, culture shocks, diverse teams, NGO work, and what it really means to stay true to yourself in a world of constant change.

Key Takeaways:

• Culture & Adaptation: Jan shares his experience adjusting to India’s pace, informal networking over chai, and the vibrancy of local celebrations.
• Inclusive Leadership: Why diversity and psychological safety are core to innovation — and how leaders must create safe spaces every day.
• LGBTQ+ Awareness: Jan reflects on the progress and remaining challenges around LGBTQ+ inclusion in Indian corporate spaces.
• Technology & Accessibility: How AI, NLP, and robotics can support — or exclude — communities, and what mindful tech leadership looks like.
• Giving Back with Intention: Jan’s ongoing NGO involvement — from supporting orphanages to donating bicycles — and his philosophy of shared joy through generosity.
• Wisdom for Young Leaders: Stay true to your values. Lead with intent and heart. And never wait to make a change if you're unhappy
• Whether you’re navigating life between worlds, curious about expat life, or building inclusive spaces in your own circles—this episode offers rich reflection and practical insights.

Follow Jan’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtlerstein/

Connect with Sabiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiya-pathan-withoeck-5aa6684/

Subscribe for more honest conversations about culture, identity, and belonging.

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

In this deeply thoughtful follow-up episode, Mimi Nicklin, global empathy advocate and bestselling author, returns to share what she’s learned from working across cultures, leading diverse teams, and connecting with people through presence, empathy, and listening.

From her keynote in Bangalore to navigating the complexity of wearing a sari, Mimi brings powerful stories of adaptation, cultural respect, and leadership through empathy.

We explore:

🧭 The power of adapting your message to connect across cultures
👗 How wearing a sari (or an abaya) teaches humility, presence, and empathy
📚 Her India-specific book, Empathy at Work and why India holds her heart
🧠 Listening-led leadership and building psychological safety
🌍 The subtle but powerful shift from “living abroad” to “living within” a culture
💡 The science behind her upcoming book, The Connection Prescription — exploring empathy and belonging as the keys to longevity
🌱 And how Mimi stays grounded while reaching millions

This episode is full of reflections for expats, global professionals, and anyone navigating cross-cultural connections in work or life.

✨ “We’re guests in someone else’s country — and that’s a gift.”

🎧 Listen, reflect, and let us know what part stays with you.
🔗 Check out Mimi’s platform at www.empathyeverywhere.co

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.

Send us a text

🎉 Season 2 Premiere!

We’re back—with a powerful start to Rooted and Routed Season 2 featuring none other than Mimi Nicklin, international empathy advocate, bestselling author, and long-time global citizen.

🌍 What does it mean to call a place 'home' when you’ve lived across the world?

In this heartfelt and insightful Season 2 opener, host Sabiya Pathan Withoeck sits down with Mimi Nicklin, the voice behind Softening the Edge, and the founder of the global empathy platform Empathy Everywhere. Currently based in Malaysia, Mimi brings two decades of expat life to the mic—from Hong Kong to South Africa, Sri Lanka to Spain.

🎧 In Part 1, you’ll hear:

How Mimi defines home in the most unexpected yet deeply emotional way: “where my pets are.”

The emotional power of smells, sounds, and simple rituals in creating a sense of belonging while living abroad.

Why collectivist societies in Asia and the Middle East feel more connected, and how that shapes the expat experience.

The transformation that comes from leaning into culture—from wearing saris in India to abayas in Oman.

The story behind Softening the Edge—a global bestseller born from leadership struggles and empathy-driven reinvention in Dubai.

✨ This episode kicks off Season 2 with soul, story, and substance. If you’ve ever lived abroad, felt like an outsider, or searched for what “home” really means—this one’s for you.

Tune in for a powerful exchange that bridges worlds, hearts, and homes.

🎧 Available now on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1755695962
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fdd33e4-4e7a-4be7-b7c6-9f2ce76c5580/rooted-and-routed-podcast
Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/6956558
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/5204852
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/rooted-and-routed-podcast-5782163
Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/vbrcdo35
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/rooted-and-routed-podcast

Follow us: https://rootedandrouted.com

Join us and dive into the fascinating world of expat life. Your journey towards connection, culture, and community starts here.