166. Grateful Gnomads: From Johnson City and Detroit to Digital Nomads in China

Johnson City Living

About the Guests:

Sasha and Rachel are the duo behind "Grateful Gnomads," an online platform dedicated to sharing insights and experiences from their lives as digital nomads. Sasha, originally from Detroit, has a background in music and media, having grown up in a city known for its rich musical heritage. Meanwhile, Rachel hails from Johnson City and studied Music Business at Appalachian State University, equipped with experience in event volunteering and coordination. Their shared passion for music and travel led them to work and travel across the globe, paving a path away from traditional lifestyles to one that embraces cultural exploration and remote work.

In this engaging episode, we are introduced to Sasha and Rachel, the "Grateful Gnomads," who share their extraordinary journey from conventional lives to becoming full-time digital nomads. The episode captures the essence of their adventurous spirit, diverse experiences, and the unique lifestyle that allows them to travel the world while working remotely. Colin Johnson, the host, delves into the stories behind their travels, from their beginnings to the present day.

The discussion provides an intimate look into what it's like growing up in Johnson City versus the suburbs of Detroit and offers insight into Sasha and Rachel's career paths and how they transitioned into a nomadic way of life. Exploring their work as English teachers in China to their experiences living in places like Bali and Mexico, the conversation highlights the adjustments and opportunities that come with digital nomadism. Moreover, it discusses the challenges they faced, such as the impact of the pandemic on their teaching jobs.

• Sasha and Rachel's journey began when they met at a music festival and continued as they pursued careers in China and eventually travel blogging.
• They emphasized the freedom of digital nomadism but also acknowledged the challenges, such as dealing with different work visas and the lack of a permanent home.
• Rachel has adapted to recent changes by starting her own online English teaching business, while Sasha found a full-time remote job with a ticket company.
• They shared insights on travel hacking and how they utilize credit card bonuses and deals to fund their travels.
• The couple revealed their love for Mexico as a nomad-friendly location, balancing their remote work with the cultural richness the country offers.

• "Music was always a big part of my life. And then at app state, I studied music business, which was a really good reason for me to go to all the concerts and all the festivals because I was doing research." - Rachel
• "We start our own blog. I was already doing the stuff for the language company. I was like, I like to fancy myself a halfway decent writer. Someone's paying me to write." - Sasha
• "The freedom it provides is so worth it, but it is not easy." - Rachel, on the digital nomad lifestyle.
• "We were like, I got into this program in Bali. Awesome. One of the best, if not the best, experience of our lives, hands down." - Sasha
• "We have done so much traveling around Mexico and just absolutely love the place. And we hate Cancun, by the way. Cancun in mayan language means snake pit." - Sasha

Links fro episode:

Website - https://www.gratefulgnomads.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gratefulgnomads
IG - https://www.instagram.com/gratefulgnomads/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@gratefulgnomads
The Digital Nomad Income Blueprint course - https://grateful-gypsies.ck.page/4be93d5f15

The Teacherpreneur Academy - https://bridge.edu/tefl/teacherpreneur-academy

Contact Colin: https://www.colinandcarly.com/

Johnson City Living is hosted by Colin Johnson with Keller Williams Realty in Johnson City, TN.

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media LLC