Podcast · Business

PONDERING PURPLE

by Michele Phoenix · English · Business

Michèle Phoenix, international speaker and writer on issues related to Third Culture Kids, highlights her most popular and helpful articles in a format you can consume on the go.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 21 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 16 minNew

Chapter 8 - Audiobook (Mental Health)

Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Eight of Pieces of Purple: Mental Health. To listen to all the episodes in this series, find Pondering Purple on your preferred podcast platform. To view the episodes, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL⁠ ... The Amazon page for Piece…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

9 Sep 2026 · 54 min
Chapters 6 & 7 - Conversation (Grief and Trauma)
Thank you for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight, and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· In this conversation, you'll meet Becca—TCK from Russia, former child counselor, licensed school social worker, and social work instructor. We discuss topics related to Chapters Six and Seven of Pieces of Purple, which explore how grief and trauma impact the TCK experience. We ask questions like: • What is it exactly? • Why is it so often ignored in ministry circles? • What can help? And so much more... To view episodes in…
1 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Chapter 7 - Audiobook (Trauma)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Seven of Pieces of Purple: Trauma. To listen to all the episodes in this series, find Pondering Purple on your preferred podcast platform. To view the episodes, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple…
4 Aug 2026 · 14 min
Chapter 6 - Audiobook (Grief)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Six of Pieces of Purple: Grief. To view all the episodes in this series, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please…
6 Jul 2026 · 52 min
Pt 3 - TCKs & NEURODIVERSITY: TCKs Tell Their Stories
[Please consider viewing the YouTube video of these interviews instead of merely listening to them! Seeing the participant's faces will enhance the experience of hearing their stories!] In this third segment of the series on TCKs and Neurodiversity , we meet eleven adult TCKs and get the chance to learn directly from them about how their lives have been shaped by autism, OCD, ADHD, and other brain differences. They honestly and compellingly answer questions about the assets and blessings of their diagnoses, about what they've learned and how they're finding ways to live well in a world that…
10 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Pt 2 - TCKs & NEURODIVERSITY: Treasures Among Us
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. In this second segment of the series on TCKs and Neurodiversity , we go deeper into the topics, exploring what neurodiversity is, its strengths and challenges, and why it so often gets missed in cross-cultural contexts. You'll also hear quotes from adult neurodivergent MKs about their lives and the lessons they've learned. Note: this is an audio recording of the article found here . One more installment in this series…
26 May 2026 · 52 min
Pt 1 - TCKs & NEURODIVERSITY: A Conversation with Jenilee Goodwin
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. In this first segment of the series on TCKs and Neurodiversity , we meet Jenilee Goodwin - mom to three neurodivergent young-adult children, former missionary, and Life Coach. She is a clear voice of knowledge and compassion regarding this too-often overlooked and misunderstood segment of the TCK population. This interview was full of aha moments for me, and I know it will be for you too. The video version of this…
25 Mar 2026 · 55 min
Chapter 5 - Conversation (Flipsides)
Thank you for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight, and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· In this conversation, you'll meet Elisabeth, mom of MKs, creator of MK resources, and deep well of wisdom. We discuss topics related to Chapter Five of Pieces of Purple, which explores the "flipsides" of the TCK experience—how the great and the hard live side by side in our lives—and how parents of young MKs (from toddlers to middle school) can help them to walk through the big emotions involved. We address questions like:…
25 Feb 2026 · 15 min
Chapter 5 - Audiobook (Flipsides)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Five of Pieces of Purple: The Flipsides. To view all the episodes in this series, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please…
26 Jan 2026 · 36 min
Chapter 4 - Conversation (Missionary Culture)
Thank you for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight, and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· In this conversation, you'll meet Sophie—multi-cultural TCK and speaker of truth. This chapter explores the missionary culture, particularly the "Tyranny of Shoulds," and asks several questions. • Where do the Shoulds come from? • How do they impact MKs and TCKs? • What can parents do to mitigate the influence of Shoulds on their children? And so much more... To view episodes in this series as videos, follow this link to…
13 Jan 2026 · 20 min
Chapter 4 - Audiobook (Missionary Culture)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Four of Pieces of Purple: The Missionary Culture. To view all the episodes in this series, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please…
3 Dec 2025 · 45 min
Chapter 3 - Conversation (Passport Culture)
Thank you for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight, and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is a conversation with Josh and Alissa Crooks, now serving in Thailand, covering themes in Chapter Three of Pieces of Purple , "The Passport Culture." To view episodes in this series as videos, follow this link to its Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please ⁠⁠⁠⁠CONTACT⁠⁠⁠⁠ me.…
17 Nov 2025 · 19 min
Chapter 3 - Audiobook (Passport Culture)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Three of Pieces of Purple: The Passport Culture . To view episodes in this series as videos, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please…
27 Oct 2025 · 41 min
Chapter 2 - Conversation (The Adoptive Culture)
Thank you for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight, and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is a conversation with Jon Mark Davis, covering themes in Chapter Two of Pieces of Purple , "The Adoptive Culture." To view episodes in this series as videos, follow this link to its Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL My two articles on boarding school referenced in this episode are ⁠HERE⁠ and ⁠HERE⁠ . ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing…
13 Oct 2025 · 11 min
Chapter 2 - Audiobook (The Adoptive Culture)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter Two of Pieces of Purple, The Adoptive Culture . To view episodes in this series as videos, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL . ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please…
29 Sep 2025 · 39 min
Chapter 1 - Conversation (Purple People)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is a conversation with Fiona Custer, covering themes in Chapter One of Pieces of Purple. To view episodes in this series as videos, follow this link to the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please ⁠⁠CONTACT⁠⁠ me. To access discussion questions for each chapter, click ⁠HERE⁠…
15 Sep 2025 · 21 min
Chapter 1 - Audiobook (Purple People)
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is the audio version of Chapter One of Pieces of Purple. To view episodes in this series as videos, including the conversations with TCKs that drop two weeks after each chapter, follow this link to the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PIECESOFPURPLECHANNEL ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is ⁠HERE⁠ . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or more, please ⁠CONTACT⁠ me. To access…
2 Sep 2025 · 17 min
Transition Wisdom from a Sage Called Pooh
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name, which is available HERE . ... The Amazon page for Piece of Purple is HERE . For bulk order pricing of ten copies or me, please CONTACT me. ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My grand new book--everything I've ever taught about MKs in one…
5 Aug 2025 · 16 min
STORYTIME! Ripped from the MK Headlines
A ripped-from-the-headlines real-life story about three MKs...and thirteen police officers. ••• Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ••• This episode is based on an excerpt from Pieces of Purple , my brand new book available from any Amazon platform. ••• More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My new book--everything I've ever taught about…
2 Jun 2025 · 26 min
Attachment Styles and the Faith of MKs
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: ⁠⁠ ⁠Attachment Styles and the Faith of MKs ... Other resources you might want to explore--I don't necessarily endorse 100% of what they say (!): ⁠ ⁠ What It Is and Why It Matters , podcast by Adam Young The Impact of Attachment , by Susan Hart Attachment Theory , by Thais Gibson (interactive book) Secure: How to Have a Secure Attachment to God , by Kenza…
3 Apr 2025 · 8 min
BOOK RELEASE DAY!
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: ⁠⁠ ⁠ Book Release Day ... Other resources mentioned in this episode are: ⁠⁠ The book's home page on my website , with more information and endorsements The Amazon US purchase page (Remember to check Amazon in your region to decrease cost.) ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…
4 Feb 2025 · 16 min
The Incredible Power of Positive Childhood Experiences
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: ⁠⁠ The Incredible Power of Positive Childhood Experiences ... Other resources mentioned in this episode are: ⁠ My previous article on TCKs, ACEs, and trauma⁠ ⁠ TCK Training's research on TCKs and ACEs⁠ ⁠ Misunderstood by Tanya Crossman⁠ ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…
19 Nov 2024 · 13 min
GPS - Transition Stress in Children: What Does Normal Look Like?
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This is the first installment in our Guest Post Series (GPS). The original article, written by Lauren Wells of TCK Training, first appeared in ⁠⁠A Life Overseas ⁠, and is shared with permission. You can also read it ⁠⁠on my own website ⁠⁠. ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My…
14 Oct 2024 · 14 min
GPS - Eight Ways to Help Your TCK Grieve
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This is the first installment in our Guest Post Series (GPS). The original article, written by ⁠ RachelAllord.com , first appeared in ⁠ A Life Overseas , and is shared with permission. You can also read it ⁠ on my own website⁠ . ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of video…
1 Oct 2024 · 12 min
GPS - To My Adult TCK Self - I See You
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This is the first installment in our Guest Post Series (GPS). The original article, written by Rachel Hicks , first appeared in A Life Overseas , and is shared with permission. You can also read it on my own website . ... The Michele Phoenix mentioned in this episode is: Exploring Home and Six Forms of Belonging . ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles…
20 Aug 2024 · 18 min
A Loving Letter to Missionary Parents
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: ⁠ A Loving Letter to Missionary Parents⁠ ... Other resources mentioned in this episode are: The Five Cs That Explain MKs MKs and Distorted Faith Top Ten Practices for Parenting MKs ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of video…
11 Jun 2024 · 16 min
MKs & Sarcasm: Wielding Our Wit Wisely
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: MKs & Sarcasm: Wielding Our Wit Wisely ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My ⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠ of video "nuggets" on Youtube. 3. My novel about a missionary family, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Stillness and Storm⁠⁠⁠⁠ . ··· Four ways to make sure you don't miss an episode: 1.…
14 May 2024 · 51 min
BOARDING SCHOOL - PART 2: Preparing and Parenting
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: ⁠Boarding Schools: Preparing and Parenting . The article on preparing for transition is here . The article on parents talking about sex is here . Scot McKnight's article on spiritual abuse is here . Schedule a Zoom chat on my Calendly link . You can also email me . ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles…
30 Apr 2024 · 55 min
BOARDING SCHOOL - PART 1: Making the Decision
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: Boarding Schools: Making the Decision⁠ . The MK Safety Net organization, which I highly recommend, can be found here . ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My ⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠ of video "nuggets" on Youtube. 3. My novel about a missionary family, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Of…
25 Jan 2024 · 22 min
How Churches & Missions Can Love MKs Better
Thank you, friends, for clicking on this episode of the Pondering Purple podcast, a source of information, insight and inspiration for those who love MKs and those who are MKs. ··· This episode is based on an article by the same name: How Churches & Missions Can Love MKs Better . ... More of my MK-related resources can be found at the following links: 1. My most-read articles listed on my ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ . 2. My ⁠⁠⁠playlist⁠⁠⁠ of video "nuggets" on Youtube. 3. My novel about a missionary family, ⁠⁠⁠Of Stillness and Storm⁠⁠⁠ . ··· Four ways to make sure you don't miss an episode: 1.…

About PONDERING PURPLE

Michèle Phoenix, international speaker and writer on issues related to Third Culture Kids, highlights her most popular and helpful articles in a format you can consume on the go.

PONDERING PURPLE is a English business podcast from Michele Phoenix. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Michele Phoenix
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 21 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1499722940
Rights: Michele Phoenix

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