A podcast, brewed abroad
Spilling the Chai.
Unfiltered stories from life abroad — with a sprinkle of sass. Born from our years together in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, we're a close circle of friends sharing the raw, real, and sometimes ridiculous truths of life brewed far from home.
Now steeping
Episode 4 — The Life We Didn't Plan: A Syrian Story
Who we are
A friendship brewed in Kurdistan, shared across borders.
We met in Kurdistan, Iraq as friends, and as each of us moved abroad to different corners of the world, we wanted this project to be more than a way to stay in touch. Spilling the Chai is a space to share our stories with anyone living abroad or thinking of making the leap.
We reflect on the crazy, the touching, the difficult, and sometimes scary elements of life abroad — the moments that shape you when you're far from everything familiar. This is a chance to talk honestly about what life abroad really is, and hopefully everyone else enjoys these conversations as much as we do.
Moments
A few snapshots of the crew.
Our approach
Friends, chai, and the stories that happen when home is everywhere and nowhere.
We reflect on the experiences that shaped us and brought us closer across different origins and cultures — reconnecting, remembering, and celebrating the journey that made us who we are today. Sometimes heartfelt, sometimes hilarious, always honest. Whether you've lived it, are living it, or are just curious — pull up a chair.
Honest
Stories rooted in real life, not highlight reels—honest, messy, and wonderfully human.
Grounded
The wins, the setbacks, and the stories worth sharing.
Warm
Heartfelt conversations, unexpected laughs, and honest reflections.
Latest episode
Episode 04 · 57 min
The Life We Didn't Plan: A Syrian Story.
What does it mean to build a home in a way you never planned for? Mansoor and Eyas both grew up in Syria, before circumstances took their lives in directions neither of them expected — leaving Syria, rebuilding a life in Erbil, love stories that crossed cultural lines, and a slow, honest reckoning with what home really means.
Episode archive
Every cup we've poured so far
Catch up on past conversations — pick an episode and listen wherever you are.
Episode 04 · 57 min
The Life We Didn't Plan: A Syrian Story
Leaving Syria, rebuilding a life in Erbil, and love stories that crossed cultural lines — building a home you never planned for.
Listen
Episode 03 · 50 min
All-American Gals
The things we never knew were American — and the identity we're rebuilding away from home.
Listen
Episode 02 · 1 hr 3 min
The Secret Appeal of the Hardship Duty Station
The surprising pull of a hardship posting — unlikely friendships, identity shifts, and why the hardest places stay with you.
Listen
Episode 01 · 52 min
Finding Your Community
How you build a sense of belonging when home keeps moving — and what it takes to find your people abroad.
Listen
Support the project
Keep the kettle on.
We're a group of friends recording this in living rooms and rooftops on our own dime. Every contribution helps cover mics, hosting, and the next round of chai.
Or one-time via Ko-fi