Episodes
Sunday Sep 29, 2019
Expat Files - 09.29.19
Sunday Sep 29, 2019
Sunday Sep 29, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #892 SUN, SEPT 29 (09-29-2019):
#1- What you need to know about those little tiendas and hole-in-the-wall kiosks that seem occupy nearly every neighborhood corner in Latin America?
#2- Municipal Water, Cisterns, and everything else you’ll need to know about your own household water supply if you plan on owning or renting in a Latin American City:
#3- The Sanitation and Hygiene facts of life in Latin America:
There’s no doubt Latinos have lower standards in that department than we gringos and expats are used to. Today we discuss what we can do to bring our own Latin household help up to snuff.
#4- Huelgas! When the Latino hoards take to the streets! What you should know about Latin American street blockages and protests..
Is it safe to go out when the picketers come out?
#5- Some words about the lowly Mango:
Just when you thought the lowly Mango was a boring Fruit, today we have a ”boots on the ground” mango report. It’s true, Mangos don’t transport well, are quite delicate and hard to eat without making a mess. Not to mention they’re rarely available up in the states (except in pasteurized and adulterated juice form.. yuk). However, if you live or visit Latin America you would be remiss not to take advantage of all the amazing and fantastically delicious varieties available practically all year round. They’re practically everywhere even dropping off the trees (in both private and public spaces!). But why talk about Mangos? Well, today you’ll learn things about Mangos that will truly amaze you, and with the giant ones going for 5 or 6 for a buck they just might become one of your favorite and cheapest all time foods.
#6- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 10th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Expat Files - 09.27.19
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Friday Sep 27, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #891 FRI, SEPT 27 (09-27-2019):
#1- Everything and Anything you wanted to know about “STEM CELL” treatments in Latin America
You may have heard that stem cell treatments are one of the most promising cutting- edge non-invasive medical advances available in the US and elsewhere.
In the USA and most of the first-world, tens of thousands of patients with chronic diseases have benefited greatly from the treatment because stem cells have the potential to repair, restore, replace, and regenerate all kinds of cells and can be used to treat many medical conditions and diseases. They have proven especially effective in treating bone, cartilage, joint diseases and trauma as well as having the capacity to repair and regenerate damaged cardiac tissue and much more.
However in the USA, only the extraction of stem cells from blood and bone marrow are approved for use by the FDA and AMA. That means any other Stem Cell extraction methods and treatments are considered experimental.
What most people don’t know is that stem cells extracted from placenta and umbilical tissue (we are not talking embryonic tissue here) are vastly more effective an efficient than blood or bone marrow stem cells. Note that these methods ARE being used in experimental studies across the USA and will definitely be approved for general use in some years but as for now they are not approved for general use. However USA doctors, biochemists and medical technologists have had such amazing results over the blood and bone marrow technique that some US medical professionals have decided they cannot wait for the slugs at the FDA and AMA, so they’ve set up clinics in Latin America and elsewhere. So today we have the dope on the where, when, how and why… and the costs for various Stem Cell treatments in Latin America, including a blow by blow description of the treatment just received by one of my “Expat Insider Seminar” attendees. Practically always in pain and told by her Canadian doctors that she needed an immediate hip replacement, she opted to try stem cell treatment first in Puerta Vallerta, Mexico. So listen now and see for yourself just how it went and how she’s been doing these past weeks since the treatment began …
#2- What’s wrong (and right) with National Healthcare:
Yes, it’s a great idea- cutting out insurance company middle men and the thought of gutting big pharma. I’m all for that. But the real problem is that the damn Government will be running the thing. Just look at all the programs and departments that the government runs and administers. They do a miserable job at every level. In fact there is not a single government department or entity that is not a bloated, grossly inefficient, corrupt and malignant cancer within itself. So then, why not let them run a National Healthcare system too! It is inevitable you know. Duh?
My advice comes in the form of a question… “How’s that Plan B coming folks?”
#3- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#4- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Expat Files - 09.22.19
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #890 SUN, SEPT 22 (09-22-2019):
#1- English Language Radio Stations and Gringo Disc Jockeys in Latin America:
Since the 1990’s, all of the 20 or so big Latin American media markets have had at least one daily radio program hosted by a real live gringo broadcasting in English. Radio PR men and marketers have realized there are enough gringos, expats, teachers, tourists embassy workers and gringo wannabees in markets centered around big cities like Mexico City, Panama City, Bogota, Guatemala City, Tegucigalpa, etc., that it makes sense to have token gringo DJ. Latino advertisers love that demographic because English speakers always have more purchasing power then average Spanish speaking radio listeners. Today you’ll hear the untold story..
#2- Gringos just hate Reggaton Music. So what’s wrong with it?
In Latin America you hear reggaton’s grinding, monotonous beat everywhere. It’s the soundtrack of youth in Latin America. But the truth is 99% of gringos and expats cannot stomach it. Yes, it does absolutely suck. However, if you live or visit Latin America you get bombarded by radios, TV’s, smart devices, malls or even oozing from the walls. Solution? You either ignore it, block it out, or get used to it. But you don’t have to like it.
#3- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#4- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Expat Files - 09.20.19
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Monday Sep 23, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #889 FRI, SEPT 20 (09-20-2019): `
#1- The three faces of the word ”Gringo”:
DYK the word gringo can be either an insult, a term of endearment or basically neutral, depending on its use and inflection..
#2-What about the notorious “N” Word?
We all know the “N” Word is sprinkled liberally in those mindless Rap and Hip Hop songs as well as in every street-wise Hollywood movie, all of which eventually end up in the theatres and on cable in Latin America. But how does the infamous “N” word get translated into Spanish? Can it be translated? Do Latinos get the point, the subtle or hard meanings? Find out in today’s first boots-on-the ground story.
#3- A Gringo’s Guide to Police Extortion and Bribes:
Today’s second boots-on-the-ground story
#4- There is nothing PC (Politically Correct) about Latin America so get used to it:
#5- The weirdest kind of insurance policy:
How 2 bucks worth of Coca-Cola and a bag of Cheetos can occasinally save your ass…
#6- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Sunday Sep 15, 2019
Expat Files - 09.15.19
Sunday Sep 15, 2019
Sunday Sep 15, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #888 SUN, SEPT 15 (09-15-2019): `
#1- Why Smart People Can’t Learn Spanish:
How long does it take for the average Gringo/Expat to learn Spanish?Oddly enough, the ability to learn Spanish does not seem to be related to IQ. There are many smart and creative long-time expats with very bad Spanish…
#2-How NOT to get nailed for customs and immigration duties and taxes on stuff you bring down to your new Latin country:
Today we’ve got some great packing tips to avoid that scenario and save you a lot of grief and dough..
#3- Some Eggspert advice concerning “driveway chickens” and their eggs, versus store bought so-called “free range” chickens and eggs.
There is a difference…
#4- Small towns in Latin America- are they safe?
As a rule, most Latin towns under 50,000 population are quite safe, but there are some notable exceptions. Today the dope on the how, where and why…
#5- The “Apostilling” facts:
What you need to know about “Apostilling” documents for residency. You’ll need to have that done in advance for the immigration slugs in your chosen Latin Country
#6- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Friday Sep 13, 2019
Expat Files - 09.13.19
Friday Sep 13, 2019
Friday Sep 13, 2019
#1- Costa Rica- A Con Man’s Paradise:
A collection of unbelievable “boots on the ground” Costa Rican rip off stories. Don’t let this happen to you!
#2- Some Gringos and Expats will make it a point to ditch their boring past and completely re-invent a more exciting version of themselves:
Everybody wants to be a “somebody” and you’d be surprised how many Expat artists, writers, adventures and entrepreneurs are really just damn good bullshitters who, in a past life, were just ordinary mundane plumbers, firemen and meter readers. Unlike up in the states, when one is down in Latin America, pretenses can be perpetuated indefinitely and even have a life of their own.
#3- What you need to know about Latin American adoption agency scams and rip offs:
#4- Argentina is falling apart at the seams (I told you so!):
Yes that bloated, corrupt Argentine government is at it again, bankrupt and ready to default on their sovereign debt. Thus, they have instituted currency controls and that’s always the beginning of the end. So how bad is it? Well, one now must ask for written permission from one’s own bank and the government to withdraw YOUR OWN money from your own US dollar account. This will not end well... (did I say I told you so?)
#5- The gentle art of car theft in Latin America:
What you need to know to protect yourself so it doesn’t happen to you!
#6- Three simple tips on how to thwart ID theft in Latin America and elsewhere:
#7- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Sunday Sep 08, 2019
Expat Files - 09.08.19
Sunday Sep 08, 2019
Sunday Sep 08, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #886 SUN, SEPT 08 (09-08-2019): `
#1- Everything you wanted to know about Electric cars and the availability of EV charging stations in Latin America
#2- Latin country Illiteracy and the strange case of “The Comic Book Cure”:
#3- The truth about Child Labor and truancy in Latin America:
#4- Can you learning fluent Spanish in 2 Months?
I know one smart Gringo who did just that. He accomplished that feat from Illinois without ever stepping foot in Latin America or taking an online course or having a Spanish speaking girlfriend or even attending a single Spanish class. It is possible to do and we’ve got a “boots on the ground” story today to prove it…
#5- Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and your “Plan B”:
How Bitcoin saved one gringo’s life and taught him how the twisted world “really” works. Its today’s second “boots on the ground” story…
#6- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#7- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Friday Sep 06, 2019
Expat Files - 09.06.19
Friday Sep 06, 2019
Friday Sep 06, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #885 FRI, SEPT 06 (09-06-2019): `
#1- It seems every month Latin governments are creating new hoops to jump through and inventing new obstacles for gringos and expats on the way to obtaining residency:
#2- Everything you wanted to know about the infamous FBI “good conduct report”(aka: “Rap Sheet”):
You’ll need one when applying for most Latin Country residency. Yup even Guatemala is requiring one now (they were the last holdout)
#3- Is there anything wrong with having a European 2nd Passport and starting a “Plan B” in Europe rather than in Latin America?
#3- Dialing “911” in Latin America:
Yes, all Latin countries have a similar emergency dial up service these days. The question is, what is the ambulance response time? Or could it be that ambulances are on “manana” time too? Well, knowing how Latin Cops respond to police calls you wonder (and hope) if Ambulance will show up at all. Today we have the dope on the subject.
#4- Another round of Clueless Gringo stories sure to scare the poop out of you:
#5- TSA Airport Shakedowns:
Is there any limit to what those rubber-gloved lard-asses can get away with once they’ve singled you out for a more “complete” and “invasive” inspection? Today we have three very interesting boots-on-the-ground stories that will make you laugh… and cry
#7- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.
Sunday Sep 01, 2019
Expat Files - 09.01.19
Sunday Sep 01, 2019
Sunday Sep 01, 2019
Descriptions- EXPAT FILES SHOW #884 SUN, SEPT 01 (09-01-2019): `
#1- Beware of Sharks and other Gringo-eating creatures with big teeth:
#2- Latina Ladies and those amazing Hour-Glass Figures- PART 2:
#3- The Trouble with Backpackers:
#4- Another round of Clueless Gringo stories sure to scare the poop out of you:
#5- EMP dangers and 5-G in Latin America:
The consensus is in. 5-G is coming to Latin America. It’s inevitable and a real health hazard. So today we discuss how to protect yourself as they roll it out.
#6- What do you mean, I have to “Apostille” my documents to apply fo Latin Residency?
What the heck is an “Apostille anyway? Does it have to do with the 12 Apostles or something? Why I ain’t even Catholic!
#7- Johnny’s week-long “Expat Insider Seminar” in Central America is scheduled for Friday, Jan 11th through Thursday Jan 16th, 2020.
To get on the early-bird sign up list, email theexpatfiles@gmail.com.
Join me on my January 2020 adventure and get a 2 to 5 year head start on your own “Plan B” (providing the world doesn’t implode by then!)
#8- Check out my “The Expat Files” You Tube channel. See all the fun slides and photos that go along with each show. There are now more than 150 shows posted on my YouTube channel so have a look.