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
Slow Travel Tips from Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo, opens up about solo travel, how she makes money online, how she meets local people, and why she sold her financial consulting firm to travel the world. She also shares why she set up a h…
The Power of Solo Travel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
15 things you must know before solo-traveling the world. Kristin also shares why it's important to buy your computer hardware at home before going abroad. Plus, we have new podcast art! Do you like it? Share why you love…
How To Move Overseas With Confidence - Bigger, Better World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
The host of International Living's Bigger, Better World podcast interviews Kristin about living overseas, how she got started in a travel lifestyle, escaping burnout, and the highs and lows of living abroad and adapting…
Asking Digital Nomads How They Make Money Online (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:47
Kristin interviews 10 digital nomads from 9 different countries about how they make money online, from the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, Portugal. She also gives travel tips and insights into visiting Liverpool and Y…
Asking Digital Nomads How They Make Money Online (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:05
Kristin interviews five digital nomads from four different countries about how they make money online. This podcast was recorded at the Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, Portugal. Get $200 off your ticket to Internationa…
Demystifying Expat Taxes: What to Know About Filing Taxes Abroad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:22
The most important things to know about filing your taxes abroad as a US citizen - plus, tips for non-US citizens on changing your tax base and saving money. (Disclaimer: this podcast was recorded in 2018 and some inform…
The Easy Way To Live a Better Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
Kristin shares a key she found to unlocking a better life - especially when it comes to your physical and mental health. She also dives deep on how your country's culture and current location or environment affect your b…