Pilot-Turned Poker Player on Starting a New Life in Mexico

Pilot-Turned Poker Player on Starting a New Life in Mexico

Author: Kristin Wilson | Traveling with Kristin April 16, 2024 Duration: 43:46

Kristin speaks with Teemu Alanen, a Finnish pilot turned poker player who moved from Europe to Mexico and changed his life. Hear why he made the life-changing leap to digital nomadism, his tips for thriving as an expat in Mexico, and what a typical day in the life of a remote poker player looks like.

Teemu also talks about the differences between Finnish culture and Mexican culture, revealing why he's not moving back to Finland anytime soon.

Plus, Kristin highlights a few listener stories and questions about Tulum.

 

Special Offers:

 

Topics Discussed:

  • Why Teemu decided to quit being a pilot to pursue online poker.
  • Unique aspects of Finnish culture (communication, socializing, dating, etc.)
  • What you need to thrive as an expat in Mexico.
  • Tips for finding a trustworthy immigration lawyer in Mexico.
  • Activities and groups in Tulum.
  • The phases of moving to a new place as a digital nomad.
  • Differences in living in Tulum vs. Playa del Carmen.
  • A typical work day in the life of a remote poker player.
  • Teemu's invite-only "family dinners".

 

Questions Answered:

  • Why did you decide to move abroad to Mexico?
  • What was it like being in Tulum during the pandemic lockdown?
  • What makes Tulum special compared to Playa del Carmen and other cities?
  • How is Finnish culture different from other cultures?
  • What phase of life and digital nomadism are you in?
  • Will you move back to Finland or to another country in the future?

 

Episode Resources: 

 

Related Podcasts:

 

Related Videos:

 

Connect with Guest, Teemu Alanen:

 

Connect with Kristin and Support the Show:

*   Become a Patron

*   Buy a Coffee

*   Follow on Instagram

*   Join the Facebook Group

*   Leave a 5-Star Review

*   Subscribe on YouTube

 

See the show notes pages on BadassDigitalNomads.com or TravelingwithKristin.com/podcast for detailed notes and transcripts.


There's a certain rhythm to building a life that isn't tied to a single address, and that's the beat Traveling with Kristin moves to. Hosted by Kristin Wilson, a veteran digital nomad who has been navigating the world as an entrepreneur for years, this podcast feels like a series of candid conversations with a friend who's already figured out a lot of the logistics so you don't have to. Each episode digs into the practicalities and the personal shifts that come with choosing a borderless existence. You'll hear honest discussions about the financial realities of retiring abroad, the unexpected challenges of working from a new time zone every few months, and the cultural nuances that you only learn by being there. It's not just about destination highlights; it's about the mindset and the mechanics of designing a sustainable international lifestyle. Kristin brings a grounded perspective, stripping away the glossy social media filter to talk about what global living actually requires-from visas and banking to building community and maintaining relationships on the road. If you're contemplating a permanent move overseas or simply want to weave more extended travel into your remote work, this podcast serves as an essential, deeply relatable guide. Tune in for a mix of solo reflections, interviews with others who've made the leap, and actionable advice that makes the world feel a little more accessible and your dreams a lot more possible.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Traveling with Kristin
Podcast Episodes
Why Expats Leave Mexico with Author Michael Dash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:49
As you know, Mexico is a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, but they don't often last long here… Why, you ask? Join Kristin for a candid conversation with author and personal development coach, Michael Dash, about th…
Tulum, Mexico: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:43
Kristin shares the highs and lows from her experience traveling to Tulum this month, including some harrowing stories about police corruption and hospital scams. Is Tulum a tropical heaven or "hell", as one famous travel…
Female Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Make Money Online [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:26
Five female entrepreneurs from the US, Canada, Nigeria, UK, and Germany sit down with Kristin to share how they went from regular 9-5 day jobs to working for themselves making $10k+ months (all without any prior online b…
Top 10 Best Places To Retire Abroad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
Where are the best places to retire or live in the world? Kristin analyzes International Living's 2024 Retirement Index and gives details on the cost of living in each country, residency requirements, safety, healthcare,…
Travel to Costa Rica with Kristin! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
Have you ever wanted to visit Costa Rica? If so, now you can travel there with Kristin as your host! Kristin will be leading her first-ever group trip to Costa Rica from August 9-12, 2024. You will get to hang out with K…