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What does it feel like to watch democracy crumble in real time? In this raw, deeply personal conversation that marks the (maybe) final episode of Deep Dive, host Shawn C. Fettig and political scientist Dr. Sara Benesh confront the terrifying reality of America's democratic collapse and our collective failure to respond.

After three and a half years of weekly episodes, Fettig explains his decision to step back from punditry about how bad things are and pivot toward developing content focused on effective resistance strategies. This shift comes from a growing recognition that simply documenting democracy's decline isn't enough—we need functional approaches to countering authoritarianism.

The conversation takes an unexpectedly intimate turn as both participants share their struggles to reconcile everyday life with the knowledge of ongoing atrocities. "I'm taking on this new job, figuring out where my son will go to college... and I'm like, but Gaza is starving. What does any of this stuff matter?" This cognitive dissonance mirrors what many Americans feel as they continue normal routines while democracy erodes around them.

Drawing powerful parallels to Nazi Germany, they explore memoirs of Germans who rationalized continuing ordinary life during Hitler's rise. The most chilling insight: "Those who were pessimistic survived because they saw what was coming and took active measures... those who were optimistic died." Are we making the same mistakes?

The discussion reveals the paralyzing collective action problem at democracy's heart—those least directly affected by authoritarianism must lead resistance efforts, yet they're precisely the ones with the most comfort to lose. Our commodified, distraction-filled lives make mobilization nearly impossible.

Rather than ending in despair, Fettig and Benesh suggest a new path forward: looking not just to failed democracies for lessons, but to successful resistance movements throughout history, including America's founding generation who overthrew tyranny and built something new. The question remains: will enough of us recognize this historical moment before it's too late?

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The invisible chain that follows every American abroad isn't nostalgia—it's the IRS. Unlike citizens of virtually every other nation, Americans must file tax returns no matter where they build their lives, creating a bureaucratic burden that turns paradise into paperwork.

This final episode of Leaving America dives deep into the unique tax situation facing U.S. citizens abroad. We explore the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion that shields most expats from actually paying U.S. taxes, but doesn't protect them from the annual filing requirement. We unpack FATCA—the law that turned Americans into toxic banking clients by forcing foreign financial institutions to report directly to the IRS or face severe penalties. Many expats now pay thousands to accountants just to file zero-balance returns.

For some, this perpetual tether becomes too much to bear, leading to citizenship renunciation—the ultimate step in cutting ties with America. We walk through this process step by step: the $2,350 fee, the embassy appointment, the potential "exit tax" for higher-net-worth individuals, and what happens to Social Security and Medicare benefits afterward. Is freedom from IRS paperwork worth giving up your blue passport?

Throughout the episode, experts like Tim Marting from Citizen Remote, David Lesperance from Lesperance Associates, Adrian Leeds from House Hunters International, and Basil Mohr-Elzeki from Henley & Partners offer insights on navigating these complex waters. We close with reflections from expats who've found their homes abroad, whether they've kept their U.S. citizenship or decided to let it go.

Featuring:

Tim Marting

David Lesperance

Basil Mohr-Elzeki

Matt Wilson

Karen McCann

Richard McColl

Tim Leffell

Adrian Leeds

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Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com

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Majestic Earth - Joystock

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What if the perfect expat destination for Americans isn't Portugal or Costa Rica, but South Africa? A country where your dollars stretch four times further, world-class healthcare costs pennies on the dollar, and English is widely spoken across breathtaking landscapes from cosmopolitan Cape Town to the wild savannas.

South Africa represents a compelling paradox for potential American expats. The affordability is staggering—nice apartments from $430-1100 monthly, excellent wine under $5, and private doctor visits for $20—creating luxury-level living on modest budgets. Yet this financial advantage exists alongside complex social dynamics, occasional infrastructure challenges, and a bureaucracy that moves at its own distinctive pace.

This episode breaks down everything Americans need to know about relocating to South Africa: multiple visa pathways for retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals; the remarkable two-tier healthcare system; cultural integration in a country with eleven official languages; safety considerations beyond the headlines; and paths to permanent residency. Through conversation with American expat Heather Mason, who has lived in Johannesburg for 15 years, we explore both practical details and the intangible rewards that keep expatriates in South Africa long-term.

Is South Africa right for everyone? Absolutely not. But for Americans seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life, who value natural beauty and cultural richness over perfect infrastructure, and who approach new experiences with patience and openness—this overlooked destination might just be the answer.

Featuring:

Heather Mason

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Bluesky
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Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com

Music:
Majestic Earth - Joystock