Welcome back to ESA MAN, the podcast for expats, travelers, and anyone navigating the wild ride of life in a new country.

In this episode, Kat takes you back to the very first time she met her Ecuadorian partner’s extended family—and let’s just say, it involved 30+ relatives, a surprise cake smash, salsa dancing, and giving a speech in Spanish when she barely spoke the language. 😳

Whether you’re dating someone from another culture, living abroad, or just trying not to embarrass yourself at family gatherings, you’re going to love this hilarious, raw, and super relatable story. In this episode, we talk:

• The nerves of meeting your in-laws (especially in another language)
• Latino family culture + the art of “dar palabras” (yes, you will give a speech)
• The struggle of small talk in Spanish
• Feeling like an adult but also like a total baby abroad
• Why these awkward, humbling moments are actually the best parts of expat life

🎂 From getting your face shoved in birthday cake to being forced into the salsa spotlight, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and cultural chaos—in the best way.

Hit play for a feel-good, sweaty-palmed, laugh-out-loud memory that anyone living abroad can relate to.

Vámonos, baby. 💃

Welcome to ESA MAN, the podcast for expats, travelers, and anyone trying to survive (and thrive) in a new country.

In Episode 4, host Kat—an American living in Ecuador—opens up about one of the biggest challenges of expat life: how to make friends abroad, especially as an adult.

Whether you’ve just moved abroad or you’ve been living overseas for a while, friendship can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. In this episode, Kat gets real about:

• Making friends when you’re not in your 20s anymore
• Why adult friendships abroad can feel extra hard (and fragile)
• Her favorite tips for building community overseas
• The emotional toll of saying goodbye when friends leave
• Why being a long-term expat can feel isolating—and what to do about it

If you’re living abroad and struggling with loneliness or wondering how to find your people, this episode is here to help you feel seen and supported.

🎧 Hit play and let’s get into the honest, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking reality of finding friends while living abroad.

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Related episodes:

• 1. How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life
• 2. From English Teacher to Local Celebrity a.k.a. My Life in Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the most underrated countries in the world, and I'm here to tell you why! Join me as I share my personal journey of discovering the true essence of Ecuador, a place that has captured my heart despite its challenges. And it's not just about the landscapes; it's about the people, the culture, and the everyday experiences that make living here so unique.

In this episode, I'll open up about my initial struggles and misconceptions about Ecuador, and how my perspective shifted over time. I'll take you through the highs and lows of life abroad, the impact of misinformation on tourism, and why I believe Ecuador deserves a spot on your travel list.

So if you want to discover the real Ecuador and are looking for a fresh travel destination, you're in the right place. Now let's dive in and explore the real Ecuador together!

Topics covered on Ecuador Is One of the Most Underrated Countries in the World:

1. Why do I believe that Ecuador is one of the most underrated countries in the world?
2. How did my perspective on Ecuador change over time?
3. What are the highs and lows of living in Ecuador?
4. How does misinformation impact tourism in Ecuador?
5. What makes Ecuador a hidden gem in the world of travel?

Connect with Katherine:

• Website: stan.store/katmcgreevs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmcgreevs

Related episodes:

• 1. How a One-Way Ticket to Ecuador Changed My Life
• 2. From English Teacher to Local Celebrity a.k.a. My Life in Ecuador