

The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup
Mikkel Thorup
In this show, we discuss passports, Plan-B residencies, geopolitics, offshore gold vaults, foreign real estate, wealth protection, international banking, alternative assets, and other topics from the internationalization and expat space that you won't find anywhere else!
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💻 Visit our Website: https://ExpatMoney.com
SUBSCRIBE TODAY IN YOUR PODCAST APP.
💻 Visit our Website: https://ExpatMoney.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 7, 2023 • 20min
247: How To Defend Yourself From What Is Happening In The World
This week's episode will be a little different than the normal fare, as I am officially unveiling a project that has been in the works for ten months now.
Dare I say, this will be a game changer for anyone serious about achieving more freedom in their lives in the face of all the craziness in the world right now.
Please take the time to listen to this brief episode, and if it sounds like it's right for you, sign up for the EMS Pulse Newsletter over at ExpatMoney.com. This is the ONLY way I'll be sending information out about this - no Twitter, no Facebook, no YouTube.
Let's just say the technocrats aren't going to be happy about this.
Enjoy,
MikkelMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & Silver

May 31, 2023 • 58min
246: Beating Cancer in Mexico - Ernie Baca
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 world after 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 doctor in 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 day in Mexico at a fraction of the cost.
You will be floored to 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 Lockwood164 - Medical Tourism In Colombia136: Medicare For Expats - Danielle RobertsHOW TO FIND ERNIE BACA'S WORK
"Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL" on YouTubeCONCLUSION
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!Mentioned in this episode:Join Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & Silver

May 24, 2023 • 1h 9min
245: Fleeing The UK Lockdowns To Become A Sovereign Individual - Johnny HODL
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!Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning Courses

May 10, 2023 • 24min
242: Navigating De-Dollarization: The Emergence of a BRICS Commodity-Backed Currency
In today’s episode, I am going to share a portion of this past weekend’s workshop on Brazil, in which I gave a presentation about the de-dollarisation that is happening in the world and what we're going to see with either a new reserve currency or a second reserve currency in the world.
This is an extremely important topic that is going to affect everyone’s investments, and no “Plan B” is complete without factoring in what is going to occur with reserve currencies over the coming years. Enjoy!
TODAY'S PRESENTATION ON DE-DOLLARIZATION AND A BRICS COMMODITY-BACKED RESERVE CURRENCY
I break down why many nations are currently fleeing the dollar, paving the way for new potential reserve currencies.
Tune in as I go through a number of headlines from around the world highlighting the steps many countries are taking towards de-dollarization.
I lay out which countries I believe will join up with the BRICS countries, including a few that may surprise you.
I dig further into the prospects of a BRICS reserve currency, and just what it might be backed by.
Listen as I explain how this de-dollarization movement might not only threaten the U.S. dollar but the very use of fiat currencies in the global economy.
I further look at the sheer vastness of the BRICS countries in terms of sheer size, population and resources. It’s truly mindblowing to think of the potential of their combined power.
I address the biggest question my audience will be asking: so how do we play this? What can we do to profit off of what is to come?
Aside from the question of which commodities to play, I also look further at the pros and cons of each of the BRICS nations themselves.
Lastly, I answer the question on everyone’s mind “What am I doing with all of this information?” I offer a glimpse into my financial strategy going forward as it pertains to de-dollarization and the BRICS nations.
RELATED EPISODES
205: From California to Brazil An Expat Story - Travis
150: Six Months In Florianopolis, Brazil - Mikkel Thorup
143: Building A Business And Finding Romance In Brazil - Kevin Koskella
HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BRAZILIAN REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITIES
EMAIL: expat@BeachfrontOffers.com
CONCLUSION
I hope you enjoyed this taste of the workshop from this past weekend. I am constantly trying to increase my listeners' knowledge and understanding of the most important emerging economic issues and opportunities out there, and Brazil stands out to me as having some of the most potential of any nation across the globe.
See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

May 3, 2023 • 1h
241: Digital Defense: Josh Summers’ Strategies for Protecting Your Online Presence
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!Mentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning Courses

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 11min
240: Ahead Of The Curve: Sam Rivello's Early Adventures In Digital Nomadism
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.Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & Silver

Apr 19, 2023 • 31min
239: Safeguarding Wealth Beyond Borders: My Offshore Journey
Often I get asked by subscribers and clients, "Hey Mikkel, What Are You Doing?"
So I thought it would be helpful to record a quick episode on what I am doing with my own money to protect myself and my family from the financial armageddon that is on the horizon.
This episode should give you a bit of insight into the way my brain works and what I think is important for us to defend ourselves.
I don't expect my opinions to be popular, but at least I am honest.
Enjoy,
MikkelMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

Apr 12, 2023 • 60min
238: Inside the Dragon’s Strategy: John Perkins on China’s Global Impact
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!Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

Apr 5, 2023 • 57min
237: A Different World: Jonathan Lockwood’s Mexican Relocation Amidst Global Madness
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!Mentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverJoin Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate Tour

Mar 29, 2023 • 35min
236: Debunking Expat Myths: Mikkel Thorup Sets the Record Straight on The Tom Woods Show
Today, I am going to share a conversation I had on The Tom Woods Show. This interview has gotten such a great response since it first aired that I wanted to share it here with you to make sure you didn't miss it.
Tom didn't let me off easy and really put me on the hot seat, bringing up a ton of objections that many who are first hearing about the expat lifestyle tend to come up with.
Answering Common Expat Objections
In this discussion, I respond to some common “black pilled" takes that Tom has heard about the negative side of expatriation, dispelling the notion that the advantages you can achieve outside your country of birth aren’t all that great when you break it down.
There is no Shangri-La - no perfect libertarian country in the world. It does not exist. But that's not to be said that we can't get more freedom in our lives by being overseas or by jurisdiction shopping.
I explain to Tom exactly what FATCA - the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act - is and how it works, and why it’s even caused some Americans to go as far as to renounce their U.S. citizenship!
I address Tom’s concern that whatever problems you have in the U.S., they may very well be worse outside the U.S., as was the case in certain countries when it came to COVID restrictions.
Tom and I talk about how Americans can utilize the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion to greatly reduce their tax burden while living overseas.
I break down the concept of citizenship by investment and how the process typically unfolds for those with substantial funds to invest overseas.
I lay out the many reasons to have a second passport, even if you do not plan to live outside your home country!
I provide some definitive first steps to take for those that have caught the expat bug and are ready to take their expat journey to the next level.
RELATED EPISODES
221: What The World Can Expect In 2023 - Ron Paul
170: Searching For Freedom In Mexico - Marc Clair
093: Why Are People Leaving The USA – Travis Luther
PURCHASE THE EXPATS GUIDE TO MOVING TO 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.
THE EXPAT MONEY SUMMIT
We also discussed the Expat Money Summit a bit, and even though this was from last year, we will be doing another summit this year, so you can head to this link and grab a FREE ticket to the largest expat event of the year.
CONCLUSION
I hope you enjoyed today's conversation on The Tom Woods Show. Tom is an excellent interviewer, and I loved how he pressed me on some of the common objections people who are first learning about the expat lifestyle often hold. These are questions that don't often come up here on the Expat Money Show, where I primarily interview those who are already on the expat journey, so it was a great change of pace.
This is the perfect episode to share with a friend or family member who has expressed interest in the expat lifestyle but has been hesitant to pursue it further due to many of the objections addressed in this conversation.
See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!Mentioned in this episode:Join Me In Panama For Our Next TourI have great news. After many meetings and explanations, the Panamanian government has agreed to keep the Investors Visa at a $300k Real Estate investment instead of nearly doubling the amount required, as they said they would.
This is a massive win for our community who wants to move to or invest in Panama, but I am not sure how long this will last…
If you have been thinking about Panama, then I want to make an invitation to you today.
Come join me for a special four-day tour to see if the country I call home is right for you and your family.
We have just released the next set of trip dates. You can find out more at ExpatMoney.com/fly.
Come visit me and the Expat Money team, get a feel for the country and see if Panama makes sense for investment or as a new home.Panama Fly'n Buy Real Estate TourNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning CoursesGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverGold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/goldOffshore Gold & SilverNo Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you’re planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn’t optional. It’s protection. It’s access. It’s power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more—learn the language the smart way before you land. Go to StoryLearningCourses.com.Story Learning Courses


