If Black Expat Stories is the long-haul flight, then think of The Layover as a place where we can touch down for a moment - with just enough time for me to step from behind the mic and give you a little peek behind the curtain.
This is where I get into the how and why behind the stories we tell.
Sometimes, I’ll be tapping in to talk about an exciting guest. Other times, I’ll be breaking down a conversation that left me thinking long after we wrapped. Occasionally, I’ll just be sharing the real, unfiltered moments that don’t make it on air—like how these interviews even come together.
(Spoiler alert: It usually involves a mix of divine timing, a well-placed DM, and me just shooting my shot.)
And trust, there’s plenty to be excited about. Season 2 is officially in the works, and we’ve got an incredible lineup of guests—people who are reimagining what’s possible beyond the borders of their birthplace, creating new definitions of success, and writing their next chapter on their own terms.
Next Stop: Palermo, Italy—A Conversation with Zerlina Maxwell
For this first episode of The Layover, I’m en route to Palermo, Italy—virtually, of course—where I had an incredible conversation with Zerlina Maxwell.
You probably know Zerlina from Mornings with Zerlina on SiriusXM (on channel 127), her book The End of White Politics, or her sharp political analysis on cable news.
Now she’s an expat, having made the leap to Italy full-time a little over a month ago. And the timing of her move was SO serendipitous, too: right before Trump’s inauguration (Whew.). We talk about that, too!
We Also Talked About:
What led her to pack up and start fresh in Palermo
How she’s settling into her new life in Italy and what her day-to-day looks like
Her thoughts on what’s happening in the U.S. under the current administration and what it’s like watching it unfold from afar
The disappearing space for Black women in media and what it means for our voices
The collective grief so many are feeling in the U.S. right now—and what healing could look like
How she’s redefining success, finding joy, and giving herself permission to reclaim presence and peace.
Funny enough, when we first hopped on, I had to remind myself to press record. The conversation just flowed. It was one of those talks where you look up and realize you’ve been chopping it up for nearly two hours.
By the end, Zerlina said something that really stuck with me: this was the first time she’s had a real space to talk at length about her expat journey.
That’s exactly why I do this. Black Expat Stories is here to amplify our voices, to give us the room to explore, reflect, and dream out loud about what life can look like outside the United States.
This One Will Drop In May In Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month
This episode drops in May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, which feels so fitting because Zerlina recently launched a Substack called .
She’s writing about mental health, joy, and being intentional about creating a life that actually feels good—especially in times like these.
So stay tuned. This is a conversation you do not want to miss.
Subscribe & Stay Tuned
In the meantime, make sure you’re subscribed to the Black Expat Stories YouTube channel and following us on Instagram (@BlackExpatStories) because we’ll be dropping some teasers from this convo with Zerlina soon.
For my day ones who’ve been rocking with me since Season 1, Episode 1? I see you. Thank you for showing up and supporting this journey.
And if you’re new here, welcome! You’ve got some catching up to do.
-Courtney
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Blaxit Soundtrack & Soul Work Journal
Whether you're pondering making a move abroad or reflecting on what freedom truly means for you, this beautiful blend of curated music and guided prompts will help you chart your path - from decision to departure. Download it for free now.
Find Thriving Black Expat Communities
Thinking about making a move abroad and want to find out where your people are? Check out my curated guide: 14 Countries With THRIVING Black Expat Communities.
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