Karen Karbo is the writer behind Yeah, no. Not Happening., a sharp, witty, and deeply honest Substack exploring the realities of being a woman who chooses her own path—especially when that path doesn’t look like what society expects. An American living in France, Karen writes about culture, reinvention, resistance to conformity, and the often humorous, always insightful experience of navigating life abroad as a woman determined to do things her own way.
She is also a bestselling author known for her bold voice and fearless commentary on how women live, age, and define themselves on their own terms. On Substack, she brings that same irreverent clarity to the expat experience, creativity, and the art of opting out.
What happens when you realize the life you were expected to live is not the life you want—and you decide to change the country, the culture, and the rules?
On this episode of Your Expat Life LIVE, host Sonaya Williams sits down with Karen Karbo of Yeah, no. Not Happening. Karen shares her unapologetic journey of leaving the U.S., settling into life in France, and redefining what it means to live authentically as a woman abroad.
We explore:
How saying “no” can be the most powerful step toward building a life that feels right
The cultural differences that surprised her—and the ones that felt like relief
What it means to age, create, and reinvent yourself in a place where you get to start fresh
Why women need more honest stories about expat life that go beyond the fantasy
If you’re craving a life grounded in truth, freedom, and a bit of well-earned irreverence, this conversation with Karen will feel like a breath of fresh air.