Episodes

One of the supposed perks of living in Europe is that you can just hop on a cheap flight and spend the weekend in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, or wherever else strikes your fancy. $25 flights! Weekend getaways! See all of Europe! Well … sort of. In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy talk about the reality of travel when you actually live in Europe — especially when you're traveling as a family. Those cheap flights do exist, but they're not quite as cheap or plentiful as they on...

Back-to-school season is here in the United States — but here in Portugal, we still have a few weeks to go! In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we talk about some of the differences we've discovered between schools in Portugal and the U.S. From getting textbooks and school supplies to schedules that don't arrive until the last minute, the Portuguese school year operates very differently from what we were used to. We also talk about Portugal's new restrictions on phones in schools, nationa...

Go to college. Get the degree. Work hard. Build a career. Save for retirement. Do all the right things, and everything will work out. At least, that’s what we were told. In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy wrestle with their growing cynicism—or maybe realism—about work, education, money, careers, and the promises their generation grew up believing. Both came of age hearing that a college degree was the ticket to a secure future. Jason remembers a high-school guidance ...

Two years ago, we packed up our lives in Iowa and moved to Portugal. We expected plenty of changes—but one of the biggest surprises was how much the move transformed our marriage and our family life. In this episode, we talk honestly about the burnout we experienced in the United States, how slowing down changed the way we communicate, and why having time and space for each other has made such a difference. We also discuss rediscovering hobbies, prioritizing mental and physical health, and why ...

For years, we told ourselves—and everyone else—that our move to Portugal might only be temporary. First it was six months. Then maybe two years. But here we are, more than three years later, and we're still here. In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we reflect on why we chose to stay. It's not just about Portugal itself. It's about the unexpected ways our priorities changed, how our family life evolved, and why we discovered that the life we wanted looked very different from the one we had ...

After more than three months away, we're back! Life got busy—but for good reasons. In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy return with a practical discussion about one of the biggest questions they get from people considering a move abroad: "If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?" Looking back after more than three years living in Portugal, we share nine lessons we wish we'd known before making the move. Some are practical, some are financial, and s...

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we talk about what we actually miss after moving from the U.S. to Portugal in 2023.Some of it is small and even sort of humorous:--Gigantic drinks from QT--Casey’s breakfast pizza--Being able to find jalapeños and green onions whenever you wantSome of it is more practical:--The ease of running everyday errands--Driving that… makes sense--The ability to quickly travel back and see familyAnd some of it runs deeper:--Community--Colleagues--The intellectual e...

Moving abroad can seem like the perfect solution to burnout, politics, or simply wanting a fresh start. But does relocating actually fix your problems?In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy talk honestly about what life is really like after moving from Iowa to Portugal. They discuss the “honeymoon phase” of living abroad, the reality of navigating unfamiliar systems, and the identity shifts that come with leaving your career and home country behind.While Portugal has brought ma...

Nearly three years ago, we packed up our lives and moved from Iowa to Portugal. We expected some changes. We planned for others. But a lot of what actually shifted happened slowly — quietly — and in ways we didn’t fully notice until recently.In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we reflect on who we were when we arrived and who we are now. We talk about how living in Portugal has changed our relationship with time, work, guilt, identity, parenting, and even ourselves — and what hasn’t changed...

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy talk about what Christmas season is really like in Portugal — from festive lights and roasted chestnuts to Christmas markets, baking traditions, and big travel dreams for the future. They share what makes the holidays feel special abroad, how Portuguese Christmas culture compares to back home, and why this season has sparked a renewed commitment to saying “yes” to the things they’ve always wanted to do. Along the way, the conversation ta...

We’re finally back! After four months, Jason and Tracy return to share what’s been happening behind the scenes — from residency renewals to navigating Portugal’s bureaucracy, adjusting to culture and climate, raising teens abroad, and rebuilding life after burnout. This episode is an honest look at our family’s journey, nearly three years into living in Portugal. What’s changed? What’s surprised us? And why does life feel so different (in a good way) now? More episodes coming soon. Thanks for ...

From late-night dinners and roundabout rules to greeting customs and the mysterious art of Portuguese bureaucracy, join us as we share the culture shocks, funny moments, and unexpected lessons we’ve picked up along the way. After living here for 2 1/2 years, we've learned some things.Whether you’re planning a trip, thinking about moving here, or just curious about everyday life in Portugal, you’ll get real stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs.📍 This episode covers:0:00 Intro1:15 First c...

We’re back after a two-and-a-half-month break with a jam-packed episode full of updates, laughs, and a little heat-induced delirium. Tracy shares what it was like recovering from hernia surgery (surprise! She had a congenital diaphragm defect), and dives into her pottery residency—complete with raku firings, monoprinting on clay, and the all-important sardine jewelry. Jason gives a sneak peek at what's happening with Dinesen Media Ventures, including the launch of Portugal Chronicle, the long-...

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, Jason and Tracy catch up after a few weeks away, sharing tales of sun, stitches, and undercarriage misadventures! Jason recaps his annual accounts payable conference at Universal Studios, while Tracy dives into her recent surgery saga — from hidden hernias to the calm and competence of Portuguese healthcare. They chat about: 🌴 Florida vs. Disney: The Universal Studios experience ⚙️ Hernia revelations & post-surgery recovery 🚗 Car inspections and the come...

In this episode of As the Dinesens Turn, we're diving into a whirlwind week of medical procedures and ... car inspections.When you're a teacher on break, what better way to spend your time than getting your gallbladder removed? Join us as we walk through a surprisingly smooth and surreal experience with the Portuguese private health system, from late-night surgery to morning coffee and jam on bread (no fuzzy hospital socks, though).We compare this experience with surgery in the U.S., touching on...

We survived the power outage in Portugal on Monday the 28th.

What we're looking forward to as springtime springs in Portugal.

March 16th was our two-year anniversary in Portugal. All of us -- kids included! -- reflect on it.

On this episode, we discuss the challenges and triumphs of language learning. Jason discusses if Duolingo is helpful or not. Jason and Tracy debate the merits of striving for an A in school versus "just get through it."

We've been here almost 2 years now, and while most people think it's cool (we do too!) it's not all fun and games. We have to work, and we experience homesickness. The worst was after 6 months. This episode dives deeper into how we dealt with the homesickness and are still dealing with it.

It's a grab-bag episode of Valentine's Day in Portugal, the power of the sunshine here, and Jason's language adventures.

We talk about the weather in our part of Portugal. Sometimes a 50-degree day can be very uncomfortable, and as crazy as it may sound, a 0-degree day in the Midwest can almost be more comfortable (if you're inside).

Tis the season for illnesses. We also talk about our experiences with the Portuguese health system and compare it to the U.S.

Our journey with burnout continues to evolve. We still are not "cured," but we are in a better headspace now than we were before we moved.