The Panama Podcast
by Melissa Darnay
Latest episode
14 Years in Panama: The Real Pros and Cons Nobody Talks About
14 Years in Panama: The Real Pros and Cons Nobody Talks About
About this podcast
Welcome to The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing! Imagine trading your “someday” for today—living the life you've always dreamed of in a tropical paradise. That’s exactly what your host, Melissa Darnay, has been doing since 2012. And now, she’s here to show you how you can do the same!
Get ready for your weekly escape filled with sunny Panama inspiration, laugh-out-loud expat adventures, and insider secrets that’ll make your move to Panama smoother and more exciting. Melissa is not just an expat—she’s the CEO of Choose Panama, a luxury real estate company, and she’s passionate about helping people like you find your dream property and live their best life in paradise.
Whether you’re curious about living in Panama, investing in its booming real estate market, or simply looking for ways to make the most of your expat life, this podcast is for you. With interviews from expats, local professionals, and experts in everything from law to healthcare, you’ll have all the tools you need to start living your tropical fairytale.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into The Panama Podcast and let’s make your “someday” a reality!
Episodes
The newest 20 of 177 episodes
- 14 Years in Panama: The Real Pros and Cons Nobody Talks About · 9 min · Episode 177Send us Fan Mail After 14 years of living in Panama, I am sharing the unfiltered pros and cons of making the move beyond the vacation hype. Many people view this country solely…
- Panama's Red Carpet Visa Updates (September 2026): What Changed! · 37 min · Episode 176Send us Fan Mail Much of the information regarding the qualified investor visa is now outdated, putting many applicants at risk of errors. We break down the current landscape of…
- How to Buy Property in Panama: 6 Simple Steps · 13 min · Episode 175Send us Fan Mail Learn exactly how to buy property in Panama with this step-by-step guide to navigating local real estate transactions safely. Buying property in Panama is often…
- Why Panama Pacifico is a Game Changer for Panama Real Estate · 40 min · Episode 174Send us Fan Mail Panama Pacifico is a distinct option for Panama real estate, offering proximity to the city with a unique, self-contained lifestyle. Formerly a United States Air…
- Is Panama Right for You? 10 Questions to Decide · 11 min · Episode 173Send us Fan Mail Before moving to Panama, you must clarify your life goals. Buying property without a plan leads to significant regrets. Many people rush into buying property in…
- Don't Retire Until You Can Handle an Ordinary Tuesday · 9 min · Episode 172Send us Fan Mail Does your retirement planning account for the reality of an ordinary Tuesday, or just the highlights of a vacation? We break down the gap between the dream and…
- The Trillion Dollar Bet on This Tiny Country's Geography · 9 min · Episode 171Send us Fan Mail Panama's geography is its greatest natural asset. Discover how a narrow strip of land became the center of global trade. This video examines the unique position…
- Why the US and Panama Are Closer Than You Think: Interview with US Ambassador Kevin Cabrera · 27 minSend us Fan Mail Panama and the United States share a deep history. Melissa Darnay interviews the US Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera to discover why this relationship matters…
- Panama's Dark Past and It's Remarkable Reinvention · 12 min · Episode 169Send us Fan Mail Explore Panama culture and the historical context behind its modern identity. This video offers clarity on how the country functions today. For a free…
- I Investigated Plastic Surgery in Panama: Is It Worth the Risk? · 46 min · Episode 168Send us Fan Mail Considering medical tourism in Panama? Learn the facts about surgery safety and costs from a top plastic surgeon in this interview. Thousands of North Americans…
- Costa del Este Real Estate: The New Ocean View Project You Need to See (Selvatica) · 21 min · Episode 167Send us Fan Mail Explore new Costa del Este real estate with this look at a modern project featuring a flexible payment plan for buyers. To schedule a complimentary consultation…
- Panama Isn't Perfect: Here's Why I Still Choose It (Comfort) · 9 min · Episode 166Send us Fan Mail Are you considering relocating to Panama? Before you commit, learn why personal comfort matters more than the stats on paper. Moving abroad is a massive life…
- Would You TRUST Panama with Your LIFE? What CARE is Really Like · 9 min · Episode 165Send us Fan Mail Is healthcare in Panama safe for expats? Discover why access to top-tier medical care is the most important factor when moving overseas. Many people focus…
- Is Your Money Safe in Panama? What You NEED to Know · 9 min · Episode 164Send us Fan Mail Investing overseas requires prioritizing the future of the country over a specific property. Learn why choosing the right country prevents financial loss. This…
- Relocating to a New Country? Here's What You Need to Know · 8 min · Episode 163Send us Fan Mail Are you planning on expat living? Learn how to evaluate political and economic stability to protect your future abroad. This is the second installment of the…
- The Relocation Scorecard: Is Panama Really Safe? · 13 min · Episode 162Send us Fan Mail Buying property overseas involves more than just finding a good price. Learn how to evaluate true safety and long-term risk. Many investors focus solely on…
- Why Costa del Este Is Still the Best Investment in Panama · 33 min · Episode 161Send us Fan Mail Explore Costa del Este Panama and see how this master-planned community became a top choice for affluent families and executives. This video provides a look at…
- The Truth About Panama Property Taxes · 10 min · Episode 160Send us Fan Mail Understanding Panama property tax is essential for buyers. Learn how to calculate your costs and use exemptions effectively. If you are considering buying…
- Panama's Rise: From Overlooked to Top Expat Destination · 7 minSend us Fan Mail Choosing between Panama vs Costa Rica requires understanding the distinct lifestyle differences. Learn which country fits your goals. Deciding where to live or…
- I Asked People Who Started Over: Here's What They Wish They Knew · 39 min · Episode 158Send us Fan Mail Reinventing your life often feels impossible because of the fear of change. Learn how to leave your comfort zone behind today. This conversation addresses the…
