Anna Skorobogatowa – Episode 4

Transcript

What does it truly mean to build a life in constant motion, while raising children, adapting to new cultures, and supporting a partner who represents a country abroad?

In this deeply personal conversation, Anna Skorobogatowa, a diplomatic spouse of 23 years across 9 countries and 4 continents, shares the emotional, invisible, and often overlooked layers of life behind the scenes.

From navigating motherhood in transition to redefining identity and partnership under constant change, Anna offers rare and honest insights into what it means to be the emotional anchor of a globally mobile family.

💬 In this episode, we talk about:

• The shared realities between expat and diplomatic families

• Raising third-culture kids and navigating school systems across continents

• Emotional labor and identity shifts in the spouse role

• Marriage, partnership, and the impact of constant relocation

• Building community, finding purpose, and creating meaningful support systems

Whether you’re a diplomatic spouse, an expat partner, or simply someone navigating a life shaped by movement, this episode reminds us that your story matters, and so do your struggles.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, relatable, and affirming conversation.

🔗 Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/rootedandroutedpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/id1755695962

Follow Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-skorobogatowa/

Follow Sabiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiya-pathan-withoeck-5aa6684/

🔗#expatlife #rootedandroutedpodcast

🎙️ Part 2 of our conversation with Anna Skorobogatowa

What are the unspoken rules and emotional costs of life behind the diplomatic title?

In this episode, Anna shares the lesser-heard realities of being a diplomatic spouse, from relocation stress and identity loss to navigating unstable regions while parenting.

We dive into:

– The emotional toll of raising children in regions facing political unrest or conflict

– How introvert vs. extrovert personalities respond differently to constant transitions and cultural adaptation

– The invisible labor expected from diplomatic spouses, often with no work rights due to visa or immunity restrictions

– A fascinating study: “The Role of Diplomatic Spouses: A Bourdieusian Exploration”, drawing from Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, capital, and field

– Support systems like IDCN and the Permit Foundation that advocate for dual-career couples

– Why we need deeper, emotionally safe spaces, beyond surface-level coffee mornings, to feel seen and heard

Anna’s powerful reminder:

“You’re not the problem. This lifestyle wasn’t built with us in mind.”

Whether you’re a trailing spouse, part of the diplomatic world, or simply curious about global life behind the scenes, this episode offers heartfelt insight and grounded hope.

🎧 Watch now!

🔗 Follow the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/rootedandroutedpodcast/
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SIZRiApXjy4UzKVP1Yrzv
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-and-routed-podcast/id1755695962

📷 Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-skorobogatowa/
🔗 Connect with Anna: https://notjustaspouse.com/
🔗 Connect with Sabiya: linkedin.com/in/sabiya-pathan-withoeck-5aa6684

IDCN: https://idcn.info/
Permits Foundation: https://www.permitsfoundation.com/

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