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 #774 · July 20, 2018

#774 – Episode 774: Expat Life in Latin America – Food, Health, and Cultural Insights

Navigating the Challenges of Living and Working in Latin America

Topics: Expat life in Latin America, Expat seminars and networking, Health and hygiene challenges, Food safety in Latin America, Montezuma's revenge, Cultural food practices, Health and expat life, Local cuisine and beverages, Cultural eating habits in Latin America, Health issues related to sugar consumption, Comparison of diet and lifestyle between Latin America and Chicago, Hygiene practices in Latin America

Show #773 · July 8, 2018

#773 – The Expat Files: Navigating Costa Rica’s Roads and Real Estate

Costa Rica, Package Deals, Speeding Tickets, and Mortgage Tips for Expats

Topics: Cost of living in Latin America, Travel experiences in Costa Rica, Package deals and hidden costs, Speeding tickets and local driving culture, Navigating local roads and speed limits, Costa Rica police targeting gringos, Traffic fines and bribes, Rental car agencies and police connections, Gender differences in bribe-paying behavior, Legal and financial risks of driving in Latin countries, Bribery and payment methods in Latin American countries, Personal anecdote about contesting a speeding ticket using technical knowledge

Show #772 · July 6, 2018

#772 – The Expat Files: Money, Language, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores financial goals, language learning, and cultural insights for expats in Latin America

Topics: Expats and gringos in Latin America, Finding work and making money in Latin America, Personal fulfillment and self-actualization, Unique opportunities and niches in Latin America, Personal anecdotes about financial mismanagement, Financial habits, Debt management, Personal finance advice, Consumer behavior, Family dynamics, Cultural context of barber shops and adult content in the 1970s and 1980s, The sexual revolution and its impact on society

Show #771 · July 1, 2018

#771 – The Expat Files: Challenges, Culture, and Caution in Latin America

Navigating Life, Politics, and Safety in the Region

Topics: Expat Life in Latin America, Political and Economic Instability, Barriers Imposed by Western Governments, Medical Tourism, Passport Application Process, Socioeconomic structure of banks in Latin America, Health insurance policies and their cost differences, Body art and its social implications, Career paths and dating prospects, Tattoos and body art's impact on earnings, Book ownership and social status, Medical experiences in Guatemala

Show #770 · June 29, 2018

#770 – The Expat Files: Life, Love, and Logistics in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores expat life, gender dynamics, and practical strategies for living in Latin America

Topics: Expat Life in Latin America, Gender Dynamics in Expat Communities, Practical Expat Strategies, Podcast Audience and Reach, Podcast popularity, Publicity and its effects, Border control and corruption, Mobile home and trailer culture, Corruption in border and police agencies, Expat experiences in Mexico, Bribery and shakedowns in Mexico, Strategies for dealing with corrupt officials

Show #769 · June 24, 2018

#769 – The Expat Files: Writing, Publishing, and Hygiene in Latin America

Exploring the challenges of writing, publishing, and navigating the hygiene and logistics of living in Latin America

Topics: Writing and publishing challenges, Rejection and the publishing industry, Self-publishing and Amazon, Author legacy and recognition, Moving to Latin America for writing, Legacy, Authorship, Success, Dreams, Plan B, Sanitation in Latin American restaurants, Personal hygiene practices

Show #768 · June 22, 2018

#768 – The Expat Files: Airport Security, Healthcare, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores security measures, healthcare access, and cultural insights in Latin America

Topics: Airport security in Latin America, U.S. influence on Latin American policies, Safety of air travel, Local transportation in Latin America, Maintenance and equipment standards in Latin America, Comparison of international vs. Latin American airports, Cultural and labor differences in the airline industry, Medical equipment maintenance in Latin America, Pilots in Latin America, Economic conditions of Latin pilots, Fuel dumping by airlines, LGBTQ+ awareness in Latin American universities

Show #767 · June 17, 2018

#767 – The Expat Files: Plan B, Free Coffee, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller discusses expat life, government jobs, and navigating the complexities of living and traveling in Latin America.

Topics: Working for the government, Job satisfaction, Expatriate life, Cultural differences in work environments, Free coffee in Latin America, Challenges of expatriates, Plan B for expatriates, Secure communication tools, Maintaining connections while expatriating, Plan B destinations, Expats and gringo influence, Cost of living in Latin America

Show #766 · June 15, 2018

#766 – The Expat Files: Halloween in Costa Rica, Political Corruption, and Life in Uruguay

A deep dive into expat life, cultural observations, and political challenges in Latin America

Topics: Expat life in Latin America, Halloween celebrations in Costa Rica, Cost of living for expats, Cultural observations and humor, Personal anecdotes and storytelling, Halloween in Latin America, Expatriate advice, Political corruption in Ecuador, FARC and U.S. military base in Ecuador, Ecuador's healthcare system, Expats and gringos in Ecuador, Nikko Raga and political instability

Show #765 · June 10, 2018

#765 – The Expat Files: Volcanic Threats, Government Failures, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller discusses volcanic eruptions, government inefficiency, and expat life in Latin America

Topics: Volcanic activity in Latin America, Living and working near volcanoes, Expat experiences with natural disasters, Critique of local government agencies, Government ineptitude and congressional hearings, Aid distribution and inefficiency, Preparedness and public safety, International aid and NGOs, Google Maps and its limitations in Latin America, WhatsApp and Google account requirements, Gender and sexual orientation options on Google, Contrast between U.S. and Latin American societal norms

Show #764 · June 8, 2018

#764 – The Expat Files: Volcanoes, Golf Courses, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller explores volcanic risks, golf course closures, and expat safety in Latin America

Topics: Volcanic activity in Latin America, Risks of living near active volcanoes, Examples of volcanoes and their impact on communities, Tourism and development near volcanoes, Golf course in Latin America, Volcanic activity, Financial mismanagement, Cultural attitudes toward golf and wealth, Natural disasters, Volcanic eruption impact, Disaster response agencies, Resilience of local communities

Show #763 · June 3, 2018

#763 – The Expat Files: Wall Anchoring, Security Deposits, and Life in Latin America

Johnny Mueller on the challenges of living and working in Latin America

Topics: Hanging items on walls in Latin America, Construction materials in Latin America, Tools and techniques for drilling in concrete, Cultural practices in expat communities, Expat life in Latin America, Security deposit recovery in Latin America, Paint quality and practices, Tenant-landlord disputes, Workmanship and cleanup standards, Expatriate advice for living in Latin America, Tarugos, Concrete anchoring

Reserve Your Seminar Seat
0:000:00
🔊