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Married Life in Progress

Married Life in Progress

By Karen & Miguel

We all don't have answers on how to navigate our lives—married life or life in our thirties, but the societal expectations are emotionally draining. Join us as we move away from the traditional expectations and just move at our own pace. Candid (and uncensored) conversations about life abroad, relationships, and life, in general.

New episodes every other Friday.
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Would you know if your partner is going to propose soon?

Married Life in ProgressJan 05, 2022

00:00
30:01
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Our Third Wedding Anniversary Together, part 2

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Our Third Wedding Anniversary Together, part 2

After discussing the challenges and rewards of building a life together in our first episode, we're diving into the second installment. This time, we'll be exploring the strategies behind making a lasting marriage - from reflection on our own experience of maintaining a healthy relationship to exploring ways to plan for the future as a couple and celebrating milestones together.

Mar 31, 202339:57
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Our Third Wedding Anniversary Together

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Our Third Wedding Anniversary Together

On this special episode of the Married Life in Progress podcast, we reflect on our journey as a couple and share insights and practical tips for building a healthy and fulfilling relationship over time. Join us as we celebrate our third wedding anniversary and look back on our journey together in the Married Life in Progress podcast.

Mar 17, 202333:21
Social Status and Its Impact on Dating Choices

Social Status and Its Impact on Dating Choices

Does social status matter when it comes to dating? In this episode, we'll discuss why it's important to recognize this when making decisions about dating and its potential for social standing to create opportunities or barriers. 

Feb 17, 202335:07
Lifestyle Upgrades Since Working Remotely

Lifestyle Upgrades Since Working Remotely

Working remotely is becoming more and more popular, as it offers individuals unprecedented freedom and flexibility. In this episode, we explore the potential for lifestyle upgrades since transitioning to a remote work setup - from financial gains to finding new hobbies. We'll share tips on how to make the most out of working from home!

Feb 03, 202327:50
Embracing childfree life… for now

Embracing childfree life… for now

In this episode, we’re going to talk about a quite controversial topic especially in our age: childfree by choice! We'll explore the different perspectives on this topic and discuss the pros and cons of a life without kids. We'll also share our own experiences and what led us to decide to be childfree for now.

Jan 20, 202328:43
Life Lessons from 2022 for a Better 2023

Life Lessons from 2022 for a Better 2023

Our first episode in 2023! Starting this month, we will have new episode every other week on Fridays. 

If you could know the lessons that will make life better in 2023, would you want to know them? In this episode, we shared our top 9 lessons we learned from 2022 that will help make 2023 the best year yet. Wait up for #6 if you are setting your goals! 

Jan 06, 202349:03
What we learned about building a house in the Philippines so far

What we learned about building a house in the Philippines so far

Even though it's far in the future, we started researching about building a house in the Philippines since we bought our lot! In this episode, we shared what we have learned about building a house in the Philippines so far.

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Dec 14, 202228:09
Why we invest in Nuvali in the Philippines

Why we invest in Nuvali in the Philippines

Nuvali is constantly expanding and evolving, thanks to the numerous investment opportunities available there. 

In this episode, we explore why we chose to invest in Nuvali and why it's a great place to put your money. 

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Dec 07, 202225:59
Our process of buying a land in the Philippines as an OFW

Our process of buying a land in the Philippines as an OFW

Are you a Filipino living abroad and interested in investing in a property? It was our first time to buy a pre-selling lot in the Philippines as an OFW and in this episode, we talked about the processes we went through and how it is going now that we are back to Sweden.  

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Nov 30, 202212:18
Why we bought a land in the Philippines

Why we bought a land in the Philippines

We purchased a land during our last visit to the Philippines. We didn't plan on buying one, but we couldn't miss out on the opportunity. 

In this episode, we’re going to share why we bought a land in the Philippines. We will be making this as series, so can talk deeper about buying a land in the Philippines especially as an OFW.

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Nov 23, 202215:47
Toxic Filipino traits you don’t want to pass on future generations

Toxic Filipino traits you don’t want to pass on future generations

Filipinos are generally known for being warm, friendly, and hospitable people. However, there are also some negative traits that we often display which can be harmful not just to ourselves but also to those around us. 

In this episode, we'll be discussing some of the most toxic Filipino traits that we need to work on overcoming so that we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for our loved ones.

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Nov 16, 202243:25
Reverse culture shock in the Philippines

Reverse culture shock in the Philippines

Too foreign for home, too foreign for here. Never enough for both. Sweden is our new home but we can't help but feel like outsiders. It's been a few years since we've been home to the Philippines and we were excited to experience all the new things that have changed since we've been gone.

After only a few days in the Philippines, we start feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. 

In this episode, we shared our experience of reverse culture shock in the Philippines. The feeling of disorientation that can occur when you return to your home country after living in another country for a period of time. 

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Nov 09, 202242:00
We're back!

We're back!

After our short break because of our travels, we're back again with weekly episodes in Married Life in Progress podcast! 

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Nov 02, 202211:53
Biggest reasons not to live in Sweden

Biggest reasons not to live in Sweden

Moving abroad is often glorified with people talking about all the wonderful things they experienced while living in a new country. But it's important to remember that there are also some big challenges that come with living in a new place – and Sweden is no exception.

In this episode, we talk about our experiences in Sweden that are drawbacks & should be considered before making the move.

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Aug 10, 202229:34
Working in Sweden vs the Philippines

Working in Sweden vs the Philippines

Imagine you have a doctor's appointment during office hours, and you will be away for an hour or two. Do you need to take a sick day or you can easily step away from work? Imagine you have been sick for more than two weeks. Will you get any sickness benefits? Imagine if you can take a vacation for one month and you get paid more every vacation leave.

In this episode, we talk about the big differences between working in Sweden and the Philippines.

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Aug 03, 202248:41
Why do Filipinos need the approval to work abroad?

Why do Filipinos need the approval to work abroad?

For Filipinos, finding a job abroad already takes a lot of time and effort.  Aside from the search process, they also need to go through a tedious application process. But the struggle does not end after getting a job offer.

Filipinos who are working abroad need to get approval or exit clearance to leave the Philippines which takes A LOT OF TIME!

In this episode, we talk about our experiences with getting an exit clearance and how this affects the Filipinos. 

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Jul 27, 202227:08
When people say you're lucky to live abroad

When people say you're lucky to live abroad

When people say you're lucky to live abroad, they don't know half of it. They don't know about the isolation, the homesickness, or the constant feeling of being an outsider. But they also don't know about the adventures, the new friends, the different perspectives on life, and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In this episode, we talk about the journey of moving abroad and the preparations we did to live in Sweden.

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Jul 20, 202219:38
Don't get married before talking about...

Don't get married before talking about...

Marriage is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make in your life. And, there are topics that are important to talk about which are often overlooked before marriage.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of talking about these things before getting married.

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Jul 13, 202243:26
Not fighting in a relationship: Healthy or Unhealthy?

Not fighting in a relationship: Healthy or Unhealthy?

It's no secret that relationships can be tough. But is it healthier to fight or not to fight? Some people believe that avoiding conflict altogether is the key to a healthy relationship, while others feel that fighting is necessary for communication and growth. 

So what's the right answer? In this episode, we talked about how not fighting is healthy for us and how we navigate conflicts in our relationship. 

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Jul 06, 202229:12
Can friendships ruin relationships?

Can friendships ruin relationships?

Friendships and relationships are tricky topics. Can friendships ruin relationships? 

In this episode, we talked about the importance of setting boundaries, communicating openly with your partner, and being mindful of what friends you choose to confide in. Ultimately, while friendships can sometimes complicate relationships, they can also make them stronger. 

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Jun 22, 202219:40
How we communicate based on our love languages

How we communicate based on our love languages

People often assume that their partner understands how they feel without explicitly communicating it, but this can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Communication is so important in relationships, and understanding your partner's love language can make a world of difference.

In this episode, we talked about how knowing our love languages helped the communication in our relationship and how it can help you too.

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Jun 15, 202227:37
How we made our long-distance relationship work

How we made our long-distance relationship work

Moving abroad while in a new relationship was a big decision to make. If you are entering into a long-distance relationship, you are probably thinking if it will work, if it is worth it, and if you will survive it. Luckily, it can work.

In this episode, we talked about how we made the long-distance relationship work. We also shared what we did in order for our relationship to not only survive but also thrive.

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Jun 08, 202231:38
Dating for marriage: creepy or practical?

Dating for marriage: creepy or practical?

Dating for marriage can be seen as either creepy or practical, depending on your perspective. On one hand, if you're looking for a lifelong partner, it makes sense to be proactive about meeting potential partners. On the other hand, some people might feel like they're being judged too harshly by their potential spouse and their families. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide whether dating for marriage is right for them.

Have you ever dated someone with the intention of marrying them?

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May 25, 202218:05
What is the role of social media?

What is the role of social media?

Social media has become an essential part of our lives. It allows us to connect with people worldwide, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay up-to-date on current events. But some people believe that social media is having a negative impact on society. Changing history, believing in fake news, or even spreading wrong information... 

In this episode, we discuss the role of social media in society and how it can be used for good or bad.

What do you think? Is social media good or bad for society?

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May 18, 202246:22
Things we wish we knew about success in our 20s

Things we wish we knew about success in our 20s

The last episode of our series, Things We Wish We Knew in our 20s, is all about success. We often think about success as reaching a certain goal or milestone, but in reality, it's more about the journey than the destination. Success isn't something that happens to you one day - it's actually something you create for yourself every single day, by doing little things that move you closer to where you want to be.

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May 11, 202236:11
Things We Wish We Knew About Mental Health in Our 20s

Things We Wish We Knew About Mental Health in Our 20s

Discussing mental health, especially in the Philippines, is still a controversial topic. Mental health is often seen as a sign of weakness, and admitting that you have a problem is seen as an admission of defeat. This needs to change!

Mental health is just as important as physical health.

In this episode, we talked about the struggles with mental health during our 20s, and there were things that we would have done differently if we had known more about the topic.

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May 04, 202233:07
Things we wish we knew about finances in our 20s

Things we wish we knew about finances in our 20s

As young adults, there are some big financial mistakes that can be made without even knowing it. Money is a big topic of discussion, and it's one that can be really confusing. But, that's okay! We sometimes don't know where to start. 

In this episode, we have shared about our big financial mistakes and things we wish we knew about money in our 20s.

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Apr 27, 202243:06
Things we wish we knew about careers in our 20s

Things we wish we knew about careers in our 20s

In our twenties, we are just starting out in the working world and have so many questions about what careers are right for us.  We're exploring different options and trying to figure out what we want to do with our lives.

Should you go for a career that makes you happy or one that makes you a lot of money? Can you have both?

In this episode, we shared the things we wish we knew about careers in our 20s!

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Apr 20, 202236:43
Things we wish we knew about relationships in our 20s

Things we wish we knew about relationships in our 20s

We all wish we could go back and tell our younger selves a few things about love, family, and friendships.

Should you stay in a long-term relationship even if it's not going well?  How do you deal with toxic family members?  What are the signs that a friendship is worth keeping?

Part one of our series: things we wish we knew in our 20s! In this episode, we talked about what we have learned from our relationships in our 20s.

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Apr 13, 202228:12
Ideal home: What are we looking for in our next home?

Ideal home: What are we looking for in our next home?

When it comes to finding the perfect home, everyone has different preferences. Some people want to live in the heart of the city, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of urban life. Others prefer the peace and quiet of the suburbs, where they can enjoy a slower pace of life. No matter what your preference is, it's important to remember that the first home is usually not the forever home.

In this episode, we talked about our ideal home will be catered more to our future kid/s!

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Apr 06, 202229:30
Our experience in buying an apartment in Stockholm

Our experience in buying an apartment in Stockholm

Is it difficult for foreigners to buy an apartment in Stockholm?

The rental market in Sweden is extremely tight so buying an apartment is a much better decision. It's difficult to get a long-term contract, and if you find yourself having to move out every 6 months, or every year... that's normal in Sweden. 

In this episode, we talked about our experience in buying an apartment in Stockholm. And... why we had to buy sooner than expected!

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Mar 30, 202232:15
How we manage our finances as a couple

How we manage our finances as a couple

There's no definite rule on how couples should manage their finances. We’ve been married for almost two years now and have learned a lot about money management along the way. Should it be 50/50? Or there's another way?

In this episode, we’re going to share how we manage our finances (definitely not 50/50!) and some tips on how you can make it work for you!

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Mar 23, 202224:32
What changed after getting married? PART 2

What changed after getting married? PART 2

Married life. They say married life changes everything, so what changed after getting married? Do you fight more? Does your relationship with your family change? Did your relationship with yourself change? Are you happier?

In this episode, we talked about the changes we observed after being married for almost two years!

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Mar 16, 202227:04
What changed after getting married? PART 1

What changed after getting married? PART 1

Married life. They say married life changes everything, so what changed after getting married? Do you fight more? Does your relationship with your family change? Did your relationship with yourself change? Are you happier?

In this episode, we talked about the changes we observed after being married for almost two years! 

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Mar 09, 202218:55
We're going home to the Philippines

We're going home to the Philippines

Karen hasn't been home since she moved to Sweden in 2018. And this year, finally, we are going home to the Philippines! 

In this episode, we talked about what we miss about living in the Philippines, the foods we are looking forward to, and all the plans we are looking forward to! 

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Mar 02, 202217:45
Being married to someone who supports her family

Being married to someone who supports her family

Most Filipinos you meet abroad, chances are they are also breadwinners who support their families back home. But, what is it like to be married to a breadwinner? Is it challenging? Does it create problems? Deal-breaker? 

In this episode, we talked about our different circumstances and how each partner cope with the situation! 

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Feb 23, 202229:36
Sacrifices in a relationship

Sacrifices in a relationship

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to relationships. Do you sometimes feel like your partner is asking too much of you? Up to what extent are you willing to go for love? 

In this podcast, we talked about the sacrifices in a relationship and shared which sacrifices are worth making in order to keep a relationship going! Should you end things now before you start to lose yourself completely?

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Feb 16, 202221:33
Let's talk about salaries

Let's talk about salaries

Let's talk about salaries, shall we? 

We know that it's not easy to bring up the topic about salaries, but we thought it's time to talk about it. In this episode, we shared our salaries in the Philippines (including the first salary) and the salary that Karen got when she moved to Sweden.

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Feb 09, 202226:45
Finding a job abroad

Finding a job abroad

Have you ever wanted to move abroad?

It’s not easy finding jobs when you don’t speak the language or understand the culture. But it is possible! In this episode, we shared our experiences while looking for jobs in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as tips on what worked for us during interviews. 

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Feb 02, 202223:43
Work-life balance in Sweden

Work-life balance in Sweden

Sweden has one of the best work-life balances in the world. At least 25 vacation days, we get additional pay when we go on vacation and a lot more benefits! 

In this podcast, we talked about what it's like working in a Swedish company as well as some other perks that will make you want to work here as well!

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Jan 26, 202235:44
Culture shocks while living in Sweden

Culture shocks while living in Sweden

After living in Sweden for 4 years, with Miguel visiting Stockholm twice before moving, we both have a fair share of culture shocks. In this episode, we shared a bit of the difference between living in the Philippines and Sweden. 

There are experiences that surprised us when we were new in Stockholm but it eventually became normal for us! Stay tuned so you will have a peek at what it's like to live in Sweden. 

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Jan 19, 202236:30
Baby? No baby? Adoption?

Baby? No baby? Adoption?

Every couple has their own set of milestones to reach before they are ready for a baby. But, how will you know that you are READY to actually have a baby and be a parent? 

In this episode, we talked about the signs you're ready for a baby that we read online, future plans if none of us can have a baby, and if we are open for adoption. 

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Jan 12, 202233:16
Would you know if your partner is going to propose soon?

Would you know if your partner is going to propose soon?

When it comes to relationships, there are a lot of unknowns.  But, one question that always seems to come up is: when is my partner going to propose? While there's no definite answer, there are some signs your partner might be getting ready to pop the question. 

So, if you're curious about whether or not your partner is gearing up to propose soon, then you should listen to this episode! 

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Jan 05, 202230:01
People you only need in life

People you only need in life

Have you ever met someone who you thought you want or need in your life? 

In this episode, we shared what type of people you need in life and how one person can make us realize that's exactly the kind of person we don't want to be and don't need. 

(01:23) Different kinds of people you meet 

(06:46) Older & wiser when choosing friends

(12:28) Types of people you need in your life 

(25:39) Social circles of your significant other

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Dec 29, 202134:20
Managing expectations and feeling behind in life

Managing expectations and feeling behind in life

In this episode, we talked about managing expectations and feeling behind in life.

We all have a lot of expectations from other people & sometimes you will feel behind in your life. But it's important to be patient with yourself and know that things are going to change for the better soon enough!

You can't always control what happens around you, but you can control how you react to it. So don't let others' high standards or unrealistic timelines make you feel like less of a person because they're not realistic for everyone! Just keep doing your best every day & everything will work out eventually.

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Dec 22, 202128:55
Are gender roles still important in a relationship?

Are gender roles still important in a relationship?

In a relationship, do we still need to follow the traditional gender roles? In this episode, we talk about how we make sure we have an equal relationship without following gender roles and how it works for us. 

We also talk about why we started a podcast and what you will get from this! 

(00:23) Introduction

(01:16) Why we started a podcast

(03:17) What the Married Life in Progress podcast is all about

(04:22) Navigating life through the 30s and as a married couple 

(06:08) Do we still have gender roles when it comes to household chores?

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Dec 15, 202111:33
Trailer

Trailer

Welcome to the Married Life in Progress! Karen & Miguel are your hosts on this podcast that talks about married life and the realities of life and adulting. We are two different individuals with different circumstances and we're here to talk about life abroad, relationships, failures, and everything in between. Join us as we navigate the journey of married life and life in the thirties. 

Dec 10, 202100:24