The Human Vibe

Putting Down Roots in Germany and Discussing the Impact of the Past Year’s Experiences

Now that we've made a more permanent move to Germany, we're excited to begin this new chapter in our lives and a new season of The Human Vibe! Last year, we decided to leave the United States and live in a different European country every three months. Throughout the journey, we've faced and experienced things that changed us individually and as a couple. In this episode, we discuss the past few weeks, putting down roots in southwestern Germany, and how the journey we've been on has changed our worldview. It's been a beautiful adventure so far and we can't wait to continue visiting new countries and telling you about our lives as expats in Europe. Listen in and thanks for vibing with us!

Apartment Hunting in Germany

Hello, beautiful humans! This episode is Austin's first solo and the topic is one we've been asked a lot about. The housing market is wild globally right  now and Germany is no exception. In discussing his experiences finding a long-term apartment lease, Austin shares some of the highs and lows of doing something like this as a foreigner in Europe. From beginning to end, the process was like a roller coaster of emotions and learning moments. If you've ever been curious about the apartment hunting process in Germany (or Europe in general), listen in and thanks for vibing with us! 

New Year’s Eve in Sicily, Moving to Croatia, and Nature Bathing on the Adriatic Coast

We are so excited to be releasing our 20th episode! This was a really fun one  in which we continue some of our storytelling. Going back to Palermo in Sicily, we spent our last day of 2021 cooking some amazing food and experiencing celebration like we'd never seen (or heard) before. On the first day of 2022, we moved to Split, Croatia! We discussed our journey getting there and why it ended up being a place of spiritual growth and healing. From night-time nature bathing on a pebble beach to hiking the mountains around us, we took some time to slow down for a bit and refuel ourselves. In this episode we chat about our time leading up to the news that brought us to Germany and why Split was such an important milestone and spiritual refuge for us. Listen in and thanks for vibing with us!

Zach and Schnitzel Alone in Croatia

As a follow-up to our previous episode in which Austin talked about being alone in Germany for six weeks, this episode will look at what Zach and Schnitzel experienced emotionally in Croatia during that same time. We get candid about facing inner demons, introspection, and the healing power of being in nature. This is an emotional one but we had so much fun recording! Listen in and thanks for vibing with us!

Austin Alone in Germany

Hello, beautiful humans! We are so grateful to be all back together and reunited in southern Germany! In this episode, we dive into Austin's time alone here for six weeks. After receiving a job offer in nearby Karlsruhe, he left Zach and Schnitzel in Croatia and began the process of registering and obtaining his visa. From language and cultural barriers to dealing with poor WiFi connectivity, we discuss what that time period was like for Austin and how it led to our being in Germany, reunited. Listen along and thanks for vibing with us! 

Back Together After Six Weeks Apart and Big News!

After a gruesome six weeks living apart and in different countries, we're finally back together! In this episode we share more details about why we were apart, we'll talk more about our big news, and what our plans for this podcast and our adventures might be. Thank you to everyone who continues to listen to our stories because we couldn't do this without all your love and support! Cheers to being back together and more podcasts to come! Thanks for vibing with us.

The Crisis in Ukraine, Europe’s Historical Shift, Personal Updates, and Upcoming Announcements

Since our last episode was published, things in Europe have changed drastically. With the ongoing war crisis in Ukraine, we've experienced a monumental and historical shift in how Europeans see themselves in relation to one another. In this episode, Zach provides a solo update on some personal projects and announcements set to air in the next month or so, how we are doing safety-wise, what it's like to be in Europe right now, and how powerful solidarity is in supporting the Ukrainian people during this horrific  crisis. 
 
Keeping ourselves up-to-date on what's going on in Ukraine and in Europe is important for our safety and we recommend Radio Free Europe as a great way to get ongoing news and updates. 
 
Additionally, it's important that we support the Ukrainian people, many of whom are now refugees in other countries. One organization which seeks to assist refugees in crisis is The International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC assists refugees from Ukraine and other countries' citizens who are fleeing war and violence. 
 
This isn't a typical episode but we wanted to make sure we provide an update on our well being and reiterate how important it is to stand together as human beings during this difficult time. Thank you so much for your ongoing support, and thanks for vibing with us.

An Incredible Weekend in Siracusa, Sicily, on the Island of Ortigia

Our Thanksgiving weekend in 2021 was anything but traditional. We decided to take a train to Sicily's southeastern most point to the beautiful city of Siracusa (Syracuse), which was, at one point, one of the most important cities in all of the Greek empire. The Isola di Ortigia (Island of Ortigia) is a gem filled with some of the most stunning ancient temples and examples of Greek and Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean. From grilled sardine bruschetta to German-speaking Italian waiters and a late-night concert outside the window of our B&B, this was a weekend we'll always remember. We're so excited to share this beautiful memory with all of you! Thanks for vibing with us!

Attacked and Robbed in Sicily - Overcoming the Emotional Aftermath and Learning Forgiveness Through Empathy

Travel isn't alway glamorous, especially when you live in a foreign country for months at a time. In November, Zach was attacked and robbed while walking back to the apartment. His phone was stolen and the aftermath brought up a great deal of emotional trauma. In this episode we discuss the not-so-easy side of being vulnerable as a foreigner and how empathy is the ultimate tool in finding a way to forgive and fully heal, even in the face of something painful. In the end, this unfortunate event hasn't dampened our passion for traveling and exploring other places, cultures, etc. These conversations are important to have because being human is complex and filled with diverse experiences, both good and bad. Thank you to our friends, family, and greatest supporters for being there and joining us through this journey. Thank you so much for vibing with us!

Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea and Exploring Beautiful Cefalù, Sicily

On the last warm day of 2021, in early November in Sicily, we took a train ride to the beautiful north-coast town of Cefalù. We didn't know what to expect but the small town nestled between tall mountains and the blue Mediterranean Sea quickly became one of our favorite places in all of Sicily. We swam in the sea, explored the winding roads of the old town, stood in the stunning Norman-era cathedral, ate incredible food, and took a jump off a medieval pier. We are so excited to share with you our beautiful day in Cefalù! Thanks for vibing with us!