November 13–20, 2026: Expat Insider Seminar in Guatemala & El Salvador. See seminar details.
The Expat Files Podcast

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Great of Life in Latin America.

New episodes, practical information and Johnny Mueller’s boots-on-the-ground take on what life south of the border is actually like.

The Expat Files with Johnny Mueller
Latest episode

Listen Now

Recent episodes

From The Expat Files

Show #1301 · December 15, 2023

#1301 – The Expat Files: Navigating Scams, Safety, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller discusses expat life, scams, and real estate in Colombia

Topics: Expat life in Latin America, Expatriate seminars and events, Safety and scams in Latin America, Business challenges in Colombia, Social dynamics in upscale neighborhoods, Expat lifestyle in Colombia, Real estate in Medellin, Safety and cleanliness in barrios, Private vs. public education in Colombia, Cultural observations in Medellin, Food delivery industry in Latin America, Middle-class life in Latin America

Show #1300 · December 10, 2023

#1300 – The Expat Files: 1300 Episodes and Life in Latin America

Reflections on 1300 episodes, cultural habits, and expat life

Topics: The evolution of The Expat Files podcast, Cultural habits and littering in Latin America, Enabling adult children and inheritance expectations, Infrastructure and drainage issues in Latin American cities, Natural disasters in Latin America, Cultural and societal decline, Influence of rap and hip-hop on mainstream media, Expatriate experiences and frustrations, Societal change and dumbed-down culture, Plan B and expat life, Lottery winners and their experiences, Managing sudden wealth

Show #1299 · December 8, 2023

#1299 – The Expat Files: Living in Latin America, Pest Management, Bitcoin, and Fire Safety

Johnny Mueller discusses expat life in Latin America, pest control, Bitcoin, and fire safety in this episode of The Expat Files.

Topics: Living in Latin America, Affordability of hobbies (e.g., horse ownership), Pest management in expat homes, Cultural differences in garbage management, Weather stripping as a pest prevention method, Snake prevention in homes, El Salvador's volcano bonds, Bitcoin's performance and future predictions, U.S. government financial situation, Bond ratings and international financial institutions, Volcano bonds and Bitcoin, El Salvador's Bitcoin investments

Show #1298 · December 3, 2023

#1298 – Skylights, Leaks, and Language: Navigating Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores skylight installation, construction challenges, and expat communication in Latin America

Topics: Skylights in Latin America, Installation practices, Humidity and mold, Building codes, Expat experiences, Skylight leaks in Latin America, Construction practices and guarantees, Use of silicone caulk as a temporary fix, Innovative solutions to construction problems, Overuse of silicone caulk and duct tape in Latin America, Misuse of scientific and technical terms, Language barriers and communication challenges for expats

Show #1297 · December 1, 2023

#1297 – The Expat Files: Navigating Life, Traffic, and Legalities in Latin America

A deep dive into expat life, cultural insights, and practical tips for living in Latin America

Topics: Introduction to The Expat Files, Traffic and driving conditions in Latin America, Cultural and historical impact of Dutch colonization in Suriname, Concept of 'order Pico' or rush hour traffic, Work culture in Latin America, Expatriate lifestyle and commuting, DUIs and legal consequences, Road rage and social behavior, Road rage and its comparison to social media behavior, Chaotic traffic and urban planning in Latin America, Global road safety statistics and the impact of low- and middle-income countries, The dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists in developing countries

Show #1296 · November 26, 2023

#1296 – The Expat Files: Navigating Friendships, Residency, Dating, and Cultural Nuances in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores the complexities of expat life, from criminal records and dating challenges to cultural spending habits and water shortages.

Topics: Friendships with problematic pasts, Criminal records and residency applications, Dating challenges for older expats, Shared interests in relationships, Dating and mating in Latin America, Book reading habits in Latin America, The 'gringo advantage' in dating, Johnny's reading habits, Reading habits, Spending habits, Travel history, Cultural differences

Show #1295 · November 24, 2023

#1295 – The Expat Files: Legal Risks, Overvalued Possessions, and Argentina’s Economic Crisis

Johnny Mueller discusses legal challenges in the U.S., expat life in Latin America, and Argentina's economic turmoil

Topics: Legal system in the United States, Expatriate life in Latin America, Personal experience of moving to Latin America, Statistics on lawsuits in the U.S., Comparison of legal experiences between different ethnic groups, Overvaluation of possessions, Rum and estate sales, Cultural differences in the U.S. and Latin America, Tool collecting, Financial planning for expat life, Cost of living differences, Expats in Mexico

Show #1294 · November 19, 2023

#1294 – The Expat Files: Urban Chaos, Cultural Curios, and Dating Dynamics

Johnny Mueller explores traffic dangers, Nazi helmets, and the world of online dating

Topics: Urban traffic and safety in Latin America, Cultural attitudes towards Nazi memorabilia and helmets, Comparative legal and social norms between Latin America and the United States, World War II memorabilia, Cultural and historical context, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, Investment and financial trends, Superstitions and astrology in Latin America, Astrology in Latin America, Cultural differences in belief systems, Dating apps and behavior, Wealth disparity and dating behavior

Show #1293 · November 17, 2023

#1293 – The Expat Files: Life in Latin America, Residency, Language, and Caregiving

Johnny Mueller explores expat life in Latin America, from residency processes to cultural observations and caregiving challenges.

Topics: Residency process in Guatemala, Language nuances in Spanish, Cost of living and healthcare in the U.S. vs. Guatemala, Expat motivations for moving to Latin America, Observations on the U.S. economy and society, Shoplifting trends in the U.S., Cultural differences in shoplifting consequences, Personal stories about shoplifting, Cost of long-term care for the elderly, Comparison of nursing home quality in the U.S. and Latin America, End-of-life planning, Cost of living in Latin America

Show #1292 · November 12, 2023

#1292 – The Expat Files: Dog Food, Raw Diets, and Mold in Latin America

Johnny Mueller on feeding dogs, health concerns, and living with mold in Latin America

Topics: Dog food and health, Raw food diet for dogs, Commercial dog food brands, Natural diet for dogs, Dog feeding routine, Raw meat diet, Nutritional balance for dogs, Toxoplasmosis and cats, Raw chicken feeding, Salmonella and food safety, Dogs and raw meat diet, Dog training and control

Show #1291 · November 10, 2023

#1291 – Expat Life in Latin America: Water, Pools, and the Hidden Dangers of Bottled Water

Johnny Mueller discusses expat challenges, water solutions, and the risks of bottled water in Latin America

Topics: Expat Life in Latin America, Water Heating Solutions, Pools and Jacuzzis, Water Purity and Hygiene, Cultural and Practical Considerations, Bottled water and microplastics, Water filtration systems for expats, Plumbing challenges for renters, Echo filters as a solution, Plastic degradation in stored water, Echo filters, Gravity-operated filters

Show #1290 · November 5, 2023

#1290 – The Expat Files: Why Expats Return Home, Cultural Challenges, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores expat experiences, return motivations, and cultural integration in Latin America and beyond

Topics: Expats returning home, Cultural integration in Latin America vs. Asia, Common excuses for returning home, Survey on expat behavior, Cultural disconnection, Language barriers, Homesickness, Marriage issues, Expatriate isolation, Expats and their families, Moving within Latin America, Cultural and emotional challenges of expat life

Reserve Your Seminar Seat
0:000:00
🔊