The Malina Padgett Podcast: Recent Episodes
Malina Padgett
Group travel can be frustrating, confusing, and can leave some people feeling unsatisfied with the trip at the end. I sat down with Jennifer Hong, CEO of Levantr to discuss her company's innovative solution.
Links:
Levantr Website: https://levantr.com/Levantr Instagram: @my_levantr Malina's Website: https://www.malinapadgett.com/ Malina's Instagram: @malinapadgett
Talking to Lauren Udoh felt a lot like chatting with an old friend. After being born and raised in Houston and having a stint as a New Yorker, Lauren now finds herself about to move across the pond to be with her fiancé. Enjoy our conversation as we discuss long distance relationships (LDRs) during COVID-19, her experience applying for 90 Day Fiancé, and what the process of moving to Ireland as an American has been like.
Notable highlights:
1:22 - COVID 19 and work transformationWork transformed for a lot of us in 2020, and Lauren found herself moving from an in person role as an executive assistant to a virtual assistant role. Still getting ready in the morning and keeping the habits she had to get ready for work when her job was in person, has helped her stay in a good routine and separate personal hours from work hours.
3:13 - Beginnings with travel
Before moving to New York or planning to move to Ireland, Lauren was raised by immigrant parents who instilled a love of travel in her from an early age.
6:56 - On long distance relationships
Having a long distance relationship is hard enough in more normal times, but during COVID-19 makes it extra challenging. There are a few things that have helped make it easier for Lauren and her fiancé...
8:30 - Cultural differences in English speaking countries
Speaking the same language doesn't mean your culture is exactly the same. Lauren and I talk about the differences between the United States and Ireland.
9:58 - Your own independence and identity when moving overseas for a partner
If you're moving over to be with a partner who was long distance, it can be easy to get totally absorbed into their life. Creating your own identity, having independence from your partner, and making your own friends is important when taking this leap.
12:04 - On the differences between moving to New York vs. moving to Ireland
Moving across country is a lot different than moving overseas - but there are a few parallels.
15:27 - Applying for 90 day fiancé
Lauren discusses what the process for applying for 90 day fiancé has been like and why she is interested in being a part of the show.
18:06 - Wedding plans - during COVID and after
Planning a wedding during normal circumstances is hard enough...but planning one during COVID? Even harder.
19:48 - Mantra and approaching challenges
I'm always interested to learn what makes people carve out their own path, how they handle life's challenges, and what keeps them going. Lauren discusses what she learned about herself through moving to New York and how she is applying that with her move to Ireland.
To follow along on Lauren's journey to moving to Ireland, check out her Instagram and her website.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show.