Episode
California to Spain: Our Quest for Growth #0049
- Published
- Dec 12, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 5328
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Summary
Hello, and welcome back to the podcast! I recently had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Adam and Gabby Gonzalez (https://www.instagram.com/thegonzalezinspain/ )a dynamic couple who made the bold move from Southern and Northern California to Valencia, Spain, with their two daughters. Their story is a masterclass in intentional living and a powerful reminder that sometimes, you’re not running from anything, but towards a life you’ve always dreamt of. From the very beginning, I was captivated by their "why." As Gabby shared her experiences as a Crime Scene Investigator for 15 intense years, and Adam spoke of his remote work, it became clear that the pandemic acted as a pivotal moment for them. Like many of us, COVID-19 forced a re-evaluation of priorities, highlighting the grind of daily life versus precious family time. I deeply resonated with their realisation that there’s indeed "life after work," a stark contrast to the relentless pace many of us experience (04:41). Their journey to Spain was incredibly thoughtful. We delved into their decision-making process, from initially considering places like Texas or Florida, to exploring Portugal, and finally choosing Valencia over bustling Madrid or party-centric Barcelona. What struck me was their unwavering commitment to integrating, especially wanting their daughters to be fully bilingual. This dedication shone through even when tackling the infamous "Spainful" bureaucracy (07:52), a challenge they smartly navigated with professional help, something I always advocate for when making such a monumental life change. One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation was the profound cultural shifts they experienced. Adam's initial struggle with "sobremesa" the Spanish tradition of long, leisurely post-meal conversa…