Who is Don Shader, The Grumpy Old Gringo?
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- "The Gringo Diaries: Brutal Honesty from Ecuador"
is a candid and unfiltered podcast by Don Shader, affectionately known as the Grumpy Old Gringo. After retiring from a successful career in IT, Don moved to Ecuador and quickly discovered the realities of expat life. With over 375 CZcams videos and a reputation for telling it like it is, Don shares his experiences, challenges, and the raw truth about life as an American expat in Ecuador. Join him as he navigates the ups and downs of life abroad, offering insights, humor, and straight talk.
Links to know:
If you have any questions or need any help through the end of the year, 2024, feel free to write to me at don@dshader.com.
My Channel Video Index - docs.google.co...
Potential expats need the information you're sharing. Your words matter.
"Theres no unicorns and rainbows in my world". This man is spaking my language.
Glad to see you're still going.
Well Don, sorry to hear you are no longer doing your CZcams channel. I move to Cuenca, Ecuador because what I heard from you and let me tell you it has been 5:44 so good retiring here. Thank you a bunch! When I visit Manta again I will try to contact you.
Don nicely captures the hypnotic spell of life abroad that Americans can fall under. CZcams channels exploit this. Best to assume you know diddly squat about your destination, beyond visa requirements, til the day you move in. Sunshine, beaches, adventure, making your money last longer, are just too intoxicating a prospect for a lot of us to retain our objectivity. Thanks Don for retaining yours. Generally speaking, “content creators” are even less objective than most of their viewers. Caveat emptor.
Screening out those positives you list is highly UNobjective. Weather, affordability & adventure are huge factors for lifestyle. They can't be ruled out and still retain "objectivity." No place w humans is utopia. But some places are better overall than others. And that's not the same as being "hypnotized" or "intoxicated." It's called making choices and maximizing the positives. I'm so glad I did that and am happy to live in Cuenca now.
Nice to hear your voice! I admire your honesty and vulnerability! Having heard your Crucita experience, now I understand why you said come visit before you decide! I really look forward to your podcasts!! Cheers!!
Don, glad to see you are still creating content, always speak the truth, no matter the opinions or comments from others, you do you, that is all that matters.
Thank you. I appreciate your experience and perspective. Most importantly, I appreciate your honesty.
I’m happy that you are still engaging with your followers. I’ve always enjoyed your channel and find you interesting and helpful. I look forward to listening to your future podcasts. We recently moved to Cuenca and while there is an adjustment period, we find life here so much better, in most ways, than where we lived before we came here. I remember from one of your CZcams videos, that you really liked Cuenca but had a problem with the altitude.
We love you Don...you say the truth as you see it. Dont always agree as i moved to Cuenca 2 years and i love it. But you helped me in my move and hope to continue to hear from you!!!😊
Still here, glad that we get to hear more from you!! Gracias. :)
Good to hear your voice, Don!
Hey 3:10 3:13 3:28 3:31 3:35 3:37 3:42 thank you for all your content. I love the way you’ve always been honest. The two people you talk about the couple they almost made me fall into the same trap that you fell in. It was listening to your channel that made me change my mind about going to Ecuador and buying a house in Ecuador we almost pulled the trigger two years ago and I think God that I listened to your channel and did not go to Ecuador Thank you so much and that’s a shame that you’re hanging up your boots grumpy grumpy old man
Don thank you for sharing your history, I have always said you don’t always know what your neighbours have gone through! Appreciate your honesty…always! Stay well!
That was the great...Best Break down on EP2 ..i ever heard .....Thank you my freind
Glad you are still here!!!😊😊😊
It sounds like you had never visited Latin America before pulling up stakes and moving. Even one day there would have shown you what to expect. Thanks for your contribution, Don.
David I don't necessarily agree with you. It's takes a lot more than one day.
If you had been following my channel, you would know that I never set foot here until the day I arrived. I, like so many others followed other CZcamsrs and lived the life vicariously through them, so I had the confidence I would be okay.
One day is definately not enough time to even get a clue.
@@DonShader Yes, I have followed your channel for years, I'm aware you did not make a visit prior to moving. Of course one day is not enough to judge by, but on my first-ever day visiting Latin America, I quickly saw many negatives, infrastructure, poverty, noise, traffic/driving, etc. Things an exploratory trip would show you.
Old Gringo, grumpy and... in love! :)
Your content is invaluable: it tells reality rather than selling dreams. While I guess in challenging times as Ecuador is facing, the truth might be hurtful on the short term, it is the only way to go on the long term. Those people who criticize you for speaking out should understand that if people flood in now with great expectations, they will create a long-lasting terrible image of the country. However, if a lower number come now but who know what to expect and actually get a better experience that what they expected, then it can give a lot of hope for the future in terms of image. So on the short turn, they certainly have to hang in there, but on the long run they will enjoy the benefits of having the truth told.
Glad to hear your voice. BTW the couple you mentioned left Ecuador for European travel and now claim to be preparing to participate in a Nomad Capitalist org. In my opinion these two were always out for themselves and no one else.
Yeah, I found that interesting, considering they left the US with medical debt.
They've mentioned that they've paid off their medical debt. Please be kind. I've had the misfortune of medical debt, even with insurance. Unless you've been through it, don't judge.@@pauladuncanadams1750
I’m not the biggest fans of them either but they did not flee Ecuador. They said all along that once they got their permanent residency and had the freedom to be out of the country for longer than the temporary residency they were going to travel. They want to explore other places possible alternative residency programs and also to help and inform others. That’s what their channel is all about. You can still be out for yourself and be a good person. They make a living from CZcams, and how to move abroad information and Amelia still has her online job! Many digital nomads do this including myself. I have my residency here in Mexico, but was going to come to Ecuador and other places in SA to explore another residency option. It does not mean that I’m fleeing Mexico and I would be really upset if someone said that I did. I also did not flee the United States I’m still a US citizen and I love my country. I just love the more tranquil way of life here.
Also about the medical debt they got completely debt-free after moving to Ecuador for a better cost-of-living. It’s easy to see here how rumors get started and to be honest, badmouthing other people’s life social media, and fellow CZcamsrs is not a good look.
@@destinationmax Fair points.
@@destinationmax ,
Good for You!
“Judge not. Lest ye be judged!”
I’m slow-traveling Latin America, six months in the northern hemisphere and six months in the southern hemisphere. If I wanted a permanent home, I would stay at my home near Atlanta Motor Speedway.
I’m 71-years old, and figure it will take me about 4years six months at a time to visit most, if not all, of Latin America. Then, if I’m still alive and capable, I’ll chart another course.
“I’m a Boomer. Not DOOMER!”
Good to see you back. Believe it or not you're grumpy self is missed 😂
I subscribe to Vloggers who DOESN'T sugar coat things & share both the Good & Bad of a place
Thanks so much dear Don 🌹🌹🌹
I like your photos a lot and, good you are still here... Take care have a lovely day and, enjoy Stella and yourself.... 🌹☘️🌹
Wow, didn’t think I'd ever hear your voice again after the Farewell video. How courageous of you to share your life story, including divorces, addictions, and jail time. I would've never guessed. All that stuff eventually made you stronger. So glad you found Stella right off the bat. Maybe the two of you can split your time between Ecuador and Arizona, or may find a totally different third place together. I look forward to your next podcast.
~~Mary from Oregon
Wow, thank you.
-ds
Despite being only subscribed for a week I really liked your content and more so called Expat CZcamsrs need to give the full picture of life abroad anyway I'm a bit grumpy myself so I can relate.
Don good luck in whatever direction life takes you.
thanks for sharing Don
Good podcast there Don, I know the couple u referred to, you never see any locals on the street when they are there, on time I wrote and asked them where everyone was.? Got not answer.... Glad ur doin ok!
Good to hear your story. May God bless you Don in your endeavor .
Thank you
Don, this pod cast was a good idea, a natural progression since most of the viewers already know you and your show.
Hi Don. I smiled from ear to ear when I saw a new video from you. I enjoyed your story recap. This was like a fireside chat. I am looking forward to Episode 2.
Don, I'm glad to see you 'back at it.' I have come to rely on your straight forward information. I am looking to come to Manta in the next six months and would like to speak directly to you if that is possible. (DM or Email, whatever) Thanks and 'Carry On!"
Wow, what a nice surprise this was ❤👍🏾👏
U crack me up! Thanks ❤
Have always enjoyed listening to your videos .take care watching from Cali Colombia
Don - Thank you for continuing to share your story and journey with us. When you share your story, I strongly suspect more than a few people can related to it. Bottom line is you are not alone in terms of shared experiences and values. There have been many times in my life where I have experienced where folks open up to each other and discovered they are not alone in the imperfections of their lives. The stereo typical lives you see on TV are not real. We are all flawed and sharing that allows others to realize that they are not alone. Leave It To Beaver TV versions of our lives are not real.
So nice to hear you again Don. I have always enjoyed your channel and your attitude about the way you see things. I love this new podcast you started, sure hope you continue it so we can hear you❤️ I Love your sincerity, and honesty about the way things really are. Your content is valuable, and I love that you don’t sugar coat things, and you tell it like it is. Forget those naysayers and negative folks, and of course your safety comes first. Looking forward to listening to you❤️ God bless you always🙏 Regards from Miami Beach, Fl
Hi Don, I enjoying your story and can relate to many of the things you have gone ...Ups and downs...I truly hope you put your happiness , health and safely above all...I have watched MANY of your videos..I appreciated the true grit honesty...My wife and I did an exploration trip to Cuenca back in 22...our research was based on several different you tubers like yourself....There are many things that drew me to Cuenca....the people and family culture were a few..We will visit again..But ...for me..I always try to trust my own institute, along with people 's insight like yourself...Thank you for all you have done...I WISH pease and safely ...look forward to more episodes
Right on brother. Speak the truth. Screw those who do t like it. Even a girlfriend.
America has plenty of faults and we don’t hold back on those. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander
People have such misplaced national pride.
Call a spade a spade and don’t be a bunch of wimps
The exact reason your content is so valuable is because you don't sugarcoat things. I would never rely on just one perspective to move to another country. Your channel will continue to be a resource, even if you never make another video.
I appreciate that!
Glad your still hanging in there Don! Almost neighbors living in Jaramillo up the street a ways. Been here 10 months and have learned a lot from your videos. Keep up the good work. Chow for now!
Hi Don, thanks very much for down to earth talk, always enjoy them.
Keep up the good work Don. Can not please everyone all the time, just keep telling the truth.
I am glad you came back to do the podcasts. I have been listening and watching. The other Couple are cute, and they add their own spin. Mainly walking around and showing the areas. I think Manta would be a beast for me, unfortunately. However I have an interest in Cotacachi and Banos, as well as Olon. Salinas has dropped from my radar.
By the way, I just found out the retirement required is now up to 1,475.00 a month. So Equador is starting to price themselves out of retirement living on a Visa. I am not 65 yet so I have time, still. Looking forward to hearing more. Thanks.
Mexico residency financial solvency requirement is now over $4000 USD per month which they require you to prove with six months of bank statements showing the deposits. So Ecuador is still an alternative for people who are now ineligible for Mexico’s residency visa.
I’ve followed you from almost the beginning, if not. I’ve loved your honest opinion and your NOT rose color glasses. I also watch Amelia and JP and enjoy their content as well. I feel people should get every angle possible when planning a move. I hope whatever your future brings, Ecuador or not, you never stop putting out content! Don’t change who you are! ❤
Adding… people should not blame others for their own life decisions.
Loved this post. Very happy to know you will continue sharing much needed advice with a dose of reality. I too gobbled up the videos painting Ecuador as Paradise and know of the "couple" who shall not be named. It is a brutal process to try to reconcile some of the huge gaps in what you thought things were going to be like and what they actually are. Many of these gaps are created by bias videos... videos that are more marketing than they are truthful and helpful. We are far from done with Ecuador but our relationship has settled into something real vs make believe. Thanks Don!
Our glass is always half empty and broken 😂
looking fwd to the next episode!
Love the new format and look forward to Mondays now :)
I watch you all the time. Really enjoy your videos. I so glad your continuing to do this.
Ahhh. I love you anyhow. ❤
Good morning Don your video is great you should run for president of USA 🇺🇸 and make America great again. You got my vote. ❤
If I wasn't so damned old, I would!
I rang the bell. Waiting for your next upload. 👍🏽
Next Monday at Noon.
You need to watch. Daisy's in December! Jean Simmons and Joss Auckland ❤
Why?
@@DonShader it's never to late to fall in love.. this tv film exemplifies this! Reminded me how you met your girlfriend, although in a different circumstance.. 👍🤠
@@pascalguerandel8181 Thanks, I'll check it out.
Hi Don! What a great surprise to see your podcast pop up. I’m looking forward to the future episodes. Is this going to be available through Apple Podcasts?
Please do Keep us informed re.life is like for a retired bingo in Equador. The press in Calif. Are more concerned with local weather. Here in Salinas there is so much gang - prison - cartel violence its doesn't make the 6 pm news. Food prices, rent, bas too high. If u finaly found your media naranja, hold on don't let go. God bless. Waiting for your next instalment
Nice to learn some of your backstory.
Hi Don, you Podcast idea is great!
Would you please be kind enough to toggle on
the Spanish subtitle option for this and future podcasts shared on CZcams?
My multi-lingual family and I thank you for your consideration.
P.S. I'm Like # 319 for this episode.
Hi Pedro, I wasn't aware they were available for a audio-only broadcast but I will definately investigate this morning.
Okay, they are all turned on now. Thanks for letting me know.
@@DonShader Many thanks Don!
@@DonShader ¡Excelente y Gracias Don!
FYI -- no email address or companion web page in the description.
Opps, sorry. I'm working on it.
Don I’ve written to you in the past and we worked for the same airline but I understand you because I m also a GRUMPY OLD MAN however don’t blame that couple for your lack of brains Don. I agree with you up to a degree but WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES! I hate to seeing you go but the same happened to me about Baja California-Mexico and I didn’t like either however I didn’t moved there because it wasn’t my cup of tea 😅😅😢
COUPLE for your mistakes! Yes I agree IN PART with you
It was JP and Amelia!!!! I like them, but they do pretty much sugar coat most everything, or avoid telling the bad parts maybe
Don, I thoroughly enjoyed your podcast and look forward to the next. Your open honesty about your past took mucho huevos and I applaud you for that. For about a year I looked forward to the next video from the “couple “ who seemed to be spot-on about everything. Then I stumbled across a video you made and found out how full of shit they both were….and still are. I began comparing what they said with what you said. It didn’t take long for a dullard like me to realize who was speaking the unvarnished truth and who was sugar coating everything and putting their slant on things. Much like the mainstream media in America. My best to you and Stella. To those who disagree with my comment , I say BITE ME! And not with peace and love. 😂
That's why we like you,unfiltered truth and no BS with Don. And you're right about that couple, which i know to whom you are referring. I dislike them!
Sorry Don but your old format was much better. We got to see you, your intro, your expressions, the people you interviewed, and the view. 1)The couple you mentioned are paid to tell people what they want to hear. 2)”damned if you do and damned if you don’t” can also happen within your podcast. 3)Most, if not all, podcast are also video. Sorry, but that’s my opinion.
Don, yes i followed them way before you. But started following you the minute you started your channel. All because of your generosity and no nonsense how it is. But Don you came at me for one comment. It went from meeting me for breakfast and sending me the list of things to do in your opinion before coming, to totally unfollowing me. I knew we could be buds when I came to Manta because of your wisdom so close to the way i think. It was all destroyed because of one remark i made regarding god. It made me sad, why? Because that is the exact same way all of my family leftist liberals react and the reason i want to leave U.S. They just turn against you instead of having a adult conversation, not to let anything come between love. I hope you and Stella can overcome any differences! Yes i do not know anything about Stella other than she is Ecuadorian. That means she was raised as a Catholic and in a relationship with God. No matter how much or not her practice, she is a believer🙂
❤
So when are you going to propose to your lovely girlfriend? ❤️❤️❤️😁
Hi Don,
Would really appreciate some feedback on this. Im 29 flight attendant enough money saved to live in ecuador for a year. I want to go live in guayaquil to be closer to my grandparents. I really want to be near them and take care of them. I was born in ecuador live in new jersey now. I have apartment, rent, car and two jobs, and two cats. Not kids and no marriage. Im just conflicted on how to make the change. I also worried that when i decide to come back to the states that i wont have an apartment anymore. Would really appreciate any thoughts and recommendations for me that maybe im overlooking and being naive about. Thanks don
"on how to make the change"?
You pick a date you want to arrive in GYE, book your flight, call your Grandparents, pack your bags and get the hell out of Dodge. That's how you do it.
Don't think about it, just do it! Don't worry about what you would have or not have if/when you return. If you're concerned about your apartment, just keep renting it. Go stay with your Grandparents for three months, or more. You have the money so what are you waiting for?
Feel free to write if you want. don@dshader.com
@@DonShader thanks don appreciate the optimism thats what I like. I will definetly write to you in the near future. Much love from Jersey
Don I am glad you have not packed it completely in. I enjoyed learning about your life history.