Episodes
-
Ever wondered why you feel so alive in some places—and so drained in others? In this episode, Jeff and Marisa peel back the layers of how travel, environment, and even the tiniest details of where you live can transform your mindset.
☀️ [00:03] Sunlight and Natural Light
Explore the science behind daylight exposure, serotonin boosts, and why you might feel better the moment you step into the sun.🏠 [00:09] Big Windows & Bright Spaces
Learn how architecture and interior design—think massive windows vs. dark little caves—can make or break your mood.❄️ [00:14] Seasonal Depression and Light Access
Hear how digital nomads escape the winter blues by chasing the sun when most people are stuck inside.🌳 [00:18] Proximity to Green Spaces
Why trees, parks, and daily nature contact have a profound impact on stress, health, and happiness.🌿 [00:23] Grounding & Barefoot Contact
Get the lowdown on grounding—what happens when you ditch your shoes and reconnect directly with the earth.🌊 [00:28] Blue Spaces: The Healing Power of Water
Oceans, rivers, waterfalls—why moving water does wonders for calming your nervous system.🗺️ [00:33] Specific Destinations for Nature Lovers
Travel inspiration for your next mood-boosting escape, from Costa Rica and Colombia to the mountains of Patagonia.🏙️ [00:38] City Life vs. Natural Settings
A real talk on how urban environments drain us—and what happens when you finally step into wide-open spaces.🔄 [00:43] The Role of Novelty and Change
How new places, fresh sights, and unexpected experiences can instantly reset your outlook.🌱 [00:48] Creating Micro-Environments at Home
Simple ideas to bring a little of that outdoors magic into your daily space—wherever you are.🌍 [00:52] Digital Nomad Life as a Mental Health Strategy
Why having the freedom to choose your environment might be the most underrated self-care move you can make.If you want to get a remote job, make sure to follow Beach Commute's daily remote job newsletter with hot opportunities that will let you work from anywhere in the world.
beachcommute.com/email
-
What Actually Happens in a Year of Digital Nomad Life?
Ever wondered what a full year looks like when you're working remotely and bouncing between countries? We take you behind the Instagram filters and into the spreadsheets as we recount exactly where we lived, worked, and wandered over the past year.
2018 — The Experiment Begins
13:03 – Marisa shares how she "really started nomading" with a 6-week stint in Indonesia. Jeff starts dabbling in San Diego.
17:27 – Jeff finds his first nomad community via WiFi Tribe and gets the travel bug.2019 — The Wild One
18:55 – Jeff and Marisa's paths cross. 2019 is packed with fast travel, wild detours, and a taste of “let’s go everywhere” energy.
22:09 – Jeff calls it: “2019 was f***ing wild.”2020 — Pandemic Plot Twist
25:40 – The year starts in Mexico and ends with everyone being told to fly home.
30:38 – Marisa bookends her year in Playa del Carmen.2021 — The Recovery Year
32:13 – Big group mansions, hernia surgeries, and "lessons learned" define this post-lockdown transition year.2022 — The Reset Year
39:19 – Marisa calls it her least traveled year—here’s why.
45:00 – Jeff returns to a place that "called him back since 2018."2023 — Burnout and Breaks
49:17 – Stateside living dominates as both reflect on burnout and slowing down.
51:40 – Jeff spends 6 months in the US feeling like he "didn’t want to go anywhere."2024 — Healing and Stillness
54:00 – Marisa finds out about her mold toxicity; both reflect on how stillness brought clarity.2025 — Back in Motion
56:32 – A busier year kicks off, but the future is still wide open.🌍 For Aspiring Nomads and Curiosity-Seekers Alike…
This episode is your peek behind the curtain:
How erratic (or structured) digital nomad travel can be
The destinations we loved, hated, or just barely survived
What we learned from 12 months of movement
-
Missing episodes?
-
Do you ever feel like Instagram is lying to you about remote work? You're not alone—and in this episode, we’re calling out the bullsh*t.
Jeff and Marisa dive headfirst into the myths, misconceptions, and subtle societal messages that try to dissuade people from living the digital nomad lifestyle.
These aren’t just misunderstandings—they’re propaganda, and we’re setting the record straight.
🚫 Is it true that you'll never get promoted unless you're in the office?
🚫 Do you really have to work from Bali or Lisbon to be a 'real' digital nomad?
🚫 Is remote work just for people without “serious” careers?
Spoiler: All of that is nonsense.
In this refreshingly honest episode, you’ll learn:
Why some outdated companies still confuse "showing up" with doing good workWhat kinds of remote workers actually do get promoted (and how to become one)The surprisingly harmful advice people post about remote work on social mediaHow to think critically about the content you're fed in the digital nomad spaceYou’ll also hear some hilarious back-and-forths, personal stories from our own nomadic journeys, and hot takes you won’t find on your algorithmically-curated feed.
Whether you're just dreaming about working from anywhere or already living the laptop lifestyle, this episode will help you cut through the noise and build a remote career that’s actually right for you.
🎧 Hit play if you’re tired of remote work clichés and ready for the real talk.
📧 Want to get work-from-anywhere remote job alerts sent to your email each day? www.beachcommute.com/email
-
Jeff and Marisa unpack the clickbait-y claim making the rounds in the media: that digital nomadism is dying 😱
But wait... is it?
👉 Why is the media suddenly turning on the remote work lifestyle they once romanticized?
👉 What stats and stories are actually happening on the ground?
👉 Are fewer people working from abroad—or just doing it differently?
👉 What major shift is reshaping how nomads live, work, and travel in 2025?
👉 And what does it really mean to be a digital nomad now?Whether you’re a remote work lifer or just digital-nomad curious, this one’s packed with truth bombs, predictions, and some hot takes on the future of work-from-anywhere life.
Press play to find out if digital nomads are really dying... or just being reborn. 🌍
-
Think you're applying to real remote jobs?
Think again. Up to 50% of remote job listings might be totally fake — no role, no team, just a phantom posting sucking your time into the job-hunt void.
In this episode, Jeff and Marisa uncover:
👻 Ghost Listings: Companies that look like they’re hiring... but aren’t. No real job exists.
🛠️ Pipeline Builders: Companies "always hiring" to stockpile resumes for later.
📉 Layoff Disguisers: A new listing might appear…because they may want to lay someone off and hire for cheaper.
🧠 PR Stunts: Fake jobs meant to make the company look like it's growing.
💼 Control Tactics : Employers post fake roles just to make current staff feel replaceable and work harder 😬.
💀 Actual Scams – Fake companies trying to steal your 💰 or identity. Red flags include vague descriptions, sketchy pay, and asking for your info upfront.
This is one of those “you’ll never job search the same way again” episodes.
Mentioned in the episode:
Browse fully vetted work-from-anywhere jobs: https://beachcommute.com/jobs
Hit play. You might just save yourself months of wasted effort.
-
It’s time for the first-ever Digital Nomad Location Awards, where we (Marisa and Jeff) crown the best places around the world across 10 epic categories. From jaw-dropping beaches and foodie hotspots to insane adventure zones and the ultimate cities to work remotely from.
And the best part? We didn’t plan our answers ahead of time, so get ready for unfiltered reactions, some passionate debates, and a whole lot of unexpected picks (plus some hilariously terrible “dishonorable mentions”).
Inspired by a Beach Commute podcast listener, this episode dives into the places we’ve actually lived and worked—not just passed through—so you’re getting real, lived-in insights for your future travels.
What you can expect:
🌴 The “Best Beach” debate gets spicy—Costa Rica vs. the Philippines vs. Mexico. Who wins and why?
🍝 This European country takes a surprise win for food (even from a self-proclaimed non-foodie!).
🌅 Jaw-dropping sunsets, island hikes, and hidden atolls—guess where the best views in the world are?
🏍️ This South American wild ATV escapes and Mars-like landscapes dominate the “Most Adventurous” category.
🏙️ From Prague to Playa, discover the cities that balance charm, chaos, and co-working comfort.
🎉 Why Lagos, Nigeria might have the wildest nightlife you’ve never considered.
🛏️ The surprising town that scores consistently great modern accommodations at great prices.
😬 Plus: The worst places we’ve stayed (concrete beds and sink showers included).
📩 Big thanks to our listener for this episode idea
Have one of your own? Write to us: hello@beachcommute.
Want to travel like we do? Get remote job listings & digital nomad resources delivered daily: beachcommute.com/email
-
We’re tired, slightly unhinged, and coming in hot with stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes chaos from four years of showing up — every single week — to talk remote work, digital nomad life, and figuring it out in real time.
🎧 We reveal the real reason most podcasts don’t make it past 10 episodes (and how we survived 200)
🔥 Marisa shows up running on fumes, Jeff almost didn't show up at all — and somehow it’s still a banger
😂 Our “worst travel days” and chaotic work setups, finally exposed
🌴 What we secretly miss (and don't miss) about being on the road full time
🙃 Why the unhinged episodes — when we’re exhausted, rambling, and off-script — always hit the hardest
📈 How we accidentally built a brand, a business, and a global community from weekly Zoom calls
🧳 Would we do it all again from the start? Our surprising answers at the end
🥴 The mental chaos of showing up every week — and how we keep making it work
🎙️ The moment we almost quit the podcast… and what pulled us backThis one’s fun, scrappy, reflective, and very real. Thanks for being with us on the ride — whether you’ve been here since episode 1 or just found us last week. Let’s keep going. 💛
Join the email list: www.beachcommute.com/email
-
Ever wondered about the hidden scams that digital nomads encounter around the globe?
In today's episode, hosts Jeff & Marisa share essential insights into scams and traps that nomads face on the road. Here's a sneak peek:
🚕 Taxi tricks that even seasoned travelers fall for.
📱 Sneaky Wi-Fi schemes at your favorite cafés.
🏨 Accommodation traps—what to watch out for.
💳 The infamous ATM scam and how to avoid it.
Tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge to stay one step ahead!
-
🦂 What happens when a bark scorpion crawls into your compression shorts and stays there for five minutes while you're driving a scooter?
In this episode, we kick things off with a true "only in nomad life" story that had us squirming — literally. But that's just the beginning.
We’re diving deep into the real, unfiltered truths about living as a digital nomad. No Instagram gloss here — just raw, hilarious, occasionally painful, and deeply honest moments from the road.
🎒 Here’s a taste of what we unpack:
Why the first scorpion sting might not even be the worst part…
The emotional crash of going home to Costco chicken conversations
The surprising emotional toll of visiting home after long-term travel
How fast travel becomes a sneaky addiction — and why it burns you out
What happens when your closest friends are now scattered across five continents
Why finding a frog in your bathroom (or a gecko the size of your forearm) might be the least weird part of your day
The heartbreak of goodbye after building a pop-up community you love
And yes… we even get into digital nomad dating — the beautiful chaos of falling in love across time zones, borders, and flight schedules
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or dreaming of your first “quit your job and go” moment, this episode is your unfiltered guide to the messy, magical, and sometimes mildly venomous realities of nomad life.
✈️ Come for the scorpion, stay for the truth bombs. You’ve been warned.
-
When’s the last time you really threw caution to the wind and booked a trip without overthinking it? 🌎✈️
In this episode, Jeff and Marissa swap wild stories about the moments they threw the rulebook out the window — and booked plane tickets, castle stays, desert treks, and cross-country adventures on pure gut instinct.
These are the trips that defined their nomad lives...and they might just inspire you to say “f*ck it, book it” too. 😉
Come for the travel inspo — stay for the absolute chaos.
(Warning: Extreme nostalgia and future trip planning may occur.)In this episode, you’ll hear about...
✅ Booking a French château out of pure FOMO 🏰✅ Accidentally getting “married” by a monk in Myanmar 😂
✅ A random trip that led to getting stranded in Serbia 🇷🇸
✅ Finding a secret farm paradise outside Mexico City 🌳
✅ Saying yes to a castle summer camp (and foam arrow battles) 🎯
✅ How a chicken sandwich almost ruined a trek through Nepal 🐔
✅ A dust-covered, llama-filled ATV adventure in Bolivia 🦙
✅ Why spontaneous road trips are peak digital nomad life 🚗
✅ Booking a plane ticket with a stranger you met two days ago 👀
✅ The art of trusting your gut — even when it makes no sense
👉 If you love the freedom to roam, you’ll love this one.👉 If you dream of having the freedom to roam, you need this one.
-
🎧 Listen if you're asking:
👉 “Can I really do this?”
👉 “Do I need digital skills?”
👉 “Am I too far along in my career to switch?”
👉 “What if I have to take a pay cut?”
👉 “Will I regret not doing this?”In this transformative episode of the Beach Commute Podcast, Jeff and Marisa answer one of the most common questions we get from aspiring digital nomads:
"I’m a [insert non-digital job here] — can I really work remotely and travel the world?"From coal miners to potato farmers, nurses to office workers, this episode is a full-on permission slip to reinvent your career, reimagine your freedom, and reclaim your time.
We dive deep into:
🎯 What “transferable skills” really are and why almost everyone has them
🧠 The #1 hidden fear stopping most people from making a career shift
💰 Why taking a temporary pay cut might be the best decision of your life
💼 How Marisa helped people go from non-digital jobs to dream remote roles
📉 Understanding sunk cost fallacy — and how it's keeping you stuck
🌍 Real talk on how your quality of life can skyrocket even with less money
🧭 The secret to finding your dream remote job (it’s not what you think!)
You’re not starting over — you’re starting from experience.
You don’t have to sacrifice money forever… but you might trade prestige for freedom.
You already have the tools — now it’s about building the courage to leap.
Transitioning to remote work isn’t reserved for tech bros or 20-somethings.
The most common regret? Not doing it sooner.
Apply for our Remote Job Fast Track program:
🔗 beachcommute.com/applyThis program helps you:
✅ Identify your transferable skills✅ Discover remote-friendly careers that fit you
✅ Build a resume and LinkedIn that actually gets noticed
✅ Navigate the fears and mindset shifts that come with career change
✅ Get hired (with support from expert coaches who’ve done it too)
Reach out at [email protected]
Or drop a comment wherever you’re listening — we read them all.If your body’s telling you it’s time for a change…If you’re dreading another Monday in a job you’ve outgrown…If you’ve ever looked out the window and wondered, “What if?”...
This episode is your sign.
Freedom is possible — and it starts right here. 🌍💼🛫 -
Where are the biggest surprise digital nomad locations that will absolutely blow your socks off?
Which are places that SEEM like they would be amazing, but translate terribly for sustainably working?
Jeff and Marisa break down their top 6 places they would have loved to stay longer as digital nomads, and the places they really wish they would have booked less time.
Here's some teasers:
🍝 This picturesque European city is somewhere everyone wants to go...but has the worst internet ever.
🧛♂️ This (haunted) city is an absolute hidden gem that Jeff couldn't get enough of
🥶 This city is GREAT, until your teeth start chattering.
Listen in for insider tips on exactly where to find hidden gems, and where to dodge disappointments.
-
🚨 “I’ve applied to 100 jobs and haven’t landed one. What am I doing wrong?”
If you’re asking this—or even silently thinking it—this episode is for you.In this raw and practical conversation, Jeff and Marisa break down:
The 3 most common mistakes that stop people from landing remote jobs
💥 Why "working hard" isn’t the same as "working smart"
🌀 How to stop spinning your wheels and actually start getting interviews
🌍 Why landing a remote job isn’t just a career move—it’s a lifestyle unlock
👀 Whether you’re burned out in your current job, dreaming of digital nomad life, or just craving more freedom and flexibility—we’ve helped hundreds of people land remote jobs that let them live life on their terms.
💻 This episode is your starting point. We’re walking you through:
The exact strategy we teach inside our Remote Job Academy
Real success stories from our community
How to stop wasting time and finally get interviews that lead to offers
🌎 Want to work from anywhere? Skip the guesswork.
We’ll help you get there—without spending months lost in LinkedIn purgatory.If you’re curious about our program, fill our this form to express your interest:
www.beachcommute.com/apply
-
After years of teasing it, Jeff and Marisa finally dive deep into their transformative week of Ayahuasca ceremonies in the mountains of Bolivia.
From overcoming fears to purging emotional baggage (and the contents of their stomachs), they candidly share what happens when you drink this potent Amazonian plant medicine.
🎙️ In this crazy episode, you'll learn:
🌿 What Ayahuasca truly is (spoiler: it's not a party drug!)
🧠 Why it's called “5 years of therapy in one night”
💥 Jeff turning into a mechanical spider and shooting fireballs out of his hands (yes, really)
😱 The temazcal from hell — and how it almost broke them
🤮 What the infamous Ayahuasca diet is actually like (hint: no salt, no sugar, no fun)
🌌 Personal stories of confronting deepest fears and releasing trauma
🤢 What the experience physically feels like, including the notorious purge
🔮 How Ayahuasca brings up exactly what you need to see — whether you want to or not
Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready to confront your own inner shadows, this honest discussion provides invaluable insights about one of the most powerful experiences of their lives.
👉 Press play to journey beyond fear and uncover profound truths.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences with Ayahuasca, a powerful plant medicine traditionally used in ceremonial settings. The hosts are not medical professionals and are not recommending or advising the use of Ayahuasca or any psychedelic substances. The content is for informational and storytelling purposes only. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider and research legal status and safety protocols in your location before considering any form of psychedelic use.
-
Ever wondered how many coconuts it takes to become an official digital nomad, or if Wi-Fi anxiety should be medically recognized?
In this fun episode, Marisa and Jeff dive into the hilarious side of remote life, tackling the quirkiest and most relatable questions every digital nomad faces.
From Jeff's "low-brain" antics after too much fun in Mexico, to Marisa's revelation about accidentally speaking the wrong language to baristas worldwide, this episode explores the humorous (and often ridiculous) realities behind the glamorous nomad life seen on Instagram.
You'll discover insider tips on picking the perfect coconut, etiquette for Zoom calls from hammocks, and why showing off your laptop stickers might reveal more than you intended. S
o grab a coconut drink, kick back, and laugh along as they unpack the lighter side of digital nomad culture!
🎧 What you'll hear:
The absurdities of nomad life (like Wi-Fi meltdowns and sticker judgments)
How to navigate awkward café power-outlet traffic jams
Why working from the beach isn't quite as idyllic as it sounds
Real talk about maintaining remote work-life boundaries (or not)
Join the laughter—because sometimes the best way to learn about digital nomad life is through its funniest questions! 😂🌎
Make sure to check out the Anywhere Atlas, where you can access hundreds of work-from-anywhere companies currently hiring, and get daily job alerts.
anywhereatlas.beachcommute.com
-
Ever wonder when is the best time to visit different digital nomad hotspots? Timing can make or break your experience! In this episode, Jeff and Marisa break down the best and worst times to visit popular nomad destinations worldwide—factoring in weather, crowds, bugs (yes, bugs), and overall vibes.
🎯 Inside this episode:
✅ The best months to visit Europe without the tourist madness
✅ Why shoulder season is the real nomad hack
✅ The sneaky "burning season" in Southeast Asia you’ll want to avoid
✅ South America’s surprising worst months for nomads
✅ Why your Wi-Fi might cut out during rainy season in AfricaFrom dodging monsoons in Thailand to knowing when Patagonia is actually visitable, this episode will help you plan your nomad travels like a pro.
Oh, and if you're still searching for a fully remote job, check out our Anywhere Atlas—a vetted database of legit WFA companies hiring right now:
anywhereatlas.beachcommute.com
-
Is the digital nomad life the ultimate power move? We’re making the case with 14,000 bullet points (okay, not quite, but close). In this episode, we break down the unexpected ways remote work and full-time travel can completely shift your perspective on time, possessions, and freedom.
🔎 Here’s what we uncover:
🔥 The #1 reason digital nomads feel wealthier than people making twice their salary
🏝️ Why you might be working less and earning more as a remote worker
✈️ The one major misconception about digital nomads that keeps people stuck in the 9-5🌍 The hidden perks of working from anywhere (that influencers never talk about)
💸 Why your “dream home” might actually be holding you back
🤯 A surprising fact about the real cost of being a digital nomad—spoiler: it’s not what you thinkAnd a whole lot more. If you’ve ever wondered whether the nomadic lifestyle is actually worth it, this episode is going to change the way you think.
🚀 Want to make the digital nomad life a reality?
Find a remote job that lets you work from anywhere in the world with Anywhere Atlas—our database of 300+ fully remote companies and daily remote job listings!
-
We asked, you delivered—this episode is fueled by YOUR burning questions! We’re diving headfirst into the most controversial, hilarious, and brutally honest topics in the digital nomad world.
🔎 What’s inside?
🧳 Are your favorite digital nomad cities actually overrated? We set the record straight 🔥
🏝 Jeff’s unexpected love affair with a beach town… despite hating sand 🤯
👮♂️ A sketchy police encounter in Mexico—what went down?
💼 Can a nurse really land a fully remote job? Or is it time for a total career shift?
🛑 The unexpected downside of the "best" nomad locations—why we might be biased 😬
🔮 Marisa’s wild take on Europe: Does the continent hold heavy, dark energy? (Yes, really.)And so much more, including our #1 tip for building an instant nomad community—without hostels or awkward networking events. 🌍
🎧 Listen now and find out if you agree, disagree, or have some stories of your own!
Sign up on the Anywhere Atlas to get 300+ remote job opportunities that let you work from anywhere.
https://anywhereatlas.beachcommute.com
Find out more about a remote career in the Salesforce field: https://talentstacker.com/beachcommute
💬 Have thoughts? Leave us a review or comment directly in Spotify! Plus, we’re just 3 reviews away from recording our infamous Ayahuasca episode… you know what to do. 😉
-
🎙 Are You Really Cut Out for the Digital Nomad Life? Let’s Find Out.
Ever daydreamed about working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris? 🌍
The digital nomad lifestyle sounds like a dream, but is it actually right for you?
In this episode, we reveal the must-have qualities, surprising dealbreakers, and personal stories that will help you decide if you’re truly built for this life.
🔎 Here’s what we uncover (without giving too much away):
The single biggest mindset shift that separates successful nomads from those who quit The unexpected personality trait that makes nomads thrive—do you have it? A simple way to tell if you have the “nomad gene” (or if you’re better off staying put) And a bonus quality that nobody talks about—but could make all the difference 🚀If you've ever wondered whether you're really built for this lifestyle, this episode will give you all the answers.
✉️ Want fully remote job listings sent to your inbox every day?
Sign up on the Anywhere Atlas to get 300+ remote job opportunities that let you work from anywhere.
https://anywhereatlas.beachcommute.com
-
In this episode, Jeff and Marisa break down the 7 hottest nomad hubs for 2025—but we’re not just giving you the same overhyped cities you’ll find on Google.
They're revealing where the real nomad community is thriving, where the cost of living actually makes sense, and where your Wi-Fi won’t let you down (most of the time 😉).
In this episode, they discuss:
🔹 Which former nomad hotspot has staged a surprising comeback.
🔹 Where are people finding stunning beachfront villas for a fraction of what you'd pay back home?
🔹 Which place has become so trendy, even longtime nomads are buying property?
🔹 And which once-beloved spot is slipping off the list due to skyrocketing prices and local backlash?From buzzy beach towns to cultural capitals, they're spilling everything you need to know.
If you’re planning your next adventure (or just dreaming about it), you won’t want to miss this one.
✉️ Want fully remote job listings sent to your inbox every day?
Sign up on the Anywhere Atlas to get 300+ remote job opportunities that let you work from anywhere.
https://anywhereatlas.beachcommute.com
🎙️ Help us reach 100 reviews! Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and we’ll finally spill the story of our unforgettable ayahuasca experience in Bolivia. 🌿🌀
- Show more
