Sam Walker's Desert Diaries

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What's it like to actually follow your dreams?Desert Diaries is the brutally honest account of one family's move from the rainy suburbs of Manchester to the scorched wilderness of Arizona.Excitement, frustration, fear, joy, loneliness and scorpions. Quite a lot of scorpions. All life is here.For pictures, you can find me on instagram @samwalkerradio and on twitter @walkersam

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Recent Reviews
  • MizzConchi
    Love love love Sam!
    Still waiting for more. Where are you Sam???? We miss you.
  • chickrock
    Disappointed
    As a first time listener, I was hoping this podcast would deliver what it promised - an interesting travelogue of arizona life. Couldn’t get through even one episode without this annoying foreigner spewing liberal tripe about gun control, prayer in schools, etc., and then having the audacity to tell citizens how to vote. I didn’t tune in to hear this woman’s political opinions. I’ve got an idea. If you don’t like it here ( you seem to mock almost everything American or Arizona), please do us and yourself a favor and hightail it back to bloody England, ok? Don’t come to someone else’s country and pontificate as to what our lawmakers should do. And stop making horrified jokes about our wildlife. Just get on a plane and get out. And stay out.
  • Mystery801
    Forever fan.
    I first found you with American Vigilante. And was hooked. I’m at week 32 in your desert diary. I’ve never been so intrigued by a person’s adventure. I’m a bit of a Anglophile. Love the accent and the story. Sorry about your mum and your cat. If you’d ever have the time I’d love to share my life story with you. To repay you, of sorts. Good luck and God bless you and your family.
  • baller2ina
    Refreshing in multiple senses
    Sam is a breath of fresh British air. Initially, I discovered her via American Vigilante, another podcast gem, which drew me in with skilled storytelling and infectious energy. I could (and do) listen to Sam for hours on end.
  • HollieJN
    29 Episodes in and I don’t want it to end
    Fabulous energy! Another person recommended it to me and yes, entertaining and interesting! Thanks, Sam!!!!
  • mae val
    Lovely
    As I spend a week in a snow covered cabin in Oregon on Mt Hood binge listening to Sam. I am in awe of her naked truths and adventurous self.
  • rt66lady
    Deeee- lightful.
    Fun and cool. Love Sam, wish she were my mate. Maybe she'll visit Oklahoma. Great podcast. Snackable episodes
  • azveggie
    Super fun!
    I love this podcast!! I heard about it during an interview on Redhanded Podcast while discussing American Vigilante (such a good podcast!). Desert diaries is such a fun listen between true crime and other serious podcast topics. I moved to AZ almost 20 years ago (from the US Midwest) and her description of the difficulties living in a different country with credit and renting, etc is very insightful. Sam’s stories about the “wildlife” make me laugh so hard I cry!
  • Teeanderson01
    Thoroughly entertained
    I just started listening to this podcast and by tomorrow, day 3, I’ll have listen to every episode! So yes, I enjoy this podcast so very much! Sam and her family have endured so many hardships since they moved to Arizona but they have always bounced back stronger than before. I love her positive attitude, outlook on life and hearing British slang that Americans do not comprehend. I am glad you and Dave took the leap and living your dream. Wishing you all success, happiness and joy in life!
  • dmc5007
    Heartwarming & Entertaining
    As an ex-pat myself I really relate to some of the issues Sam has been through (healthcare for example). Sam is a great entertainer bringing humor and wit to everyday situations and some not so everyday situations.
  • Sslfirdlad
    A great pod... and request
    Being a fellow Manc (Salford in fact) and also living in Phoenix this podcast is perfect for me as Sam puts into words what I could not. A great way to appreciate Phoenix and Arizona given from the exact position I would.. a great external perspective for native Arizonans. Check out and report for me on Sears Key Ruins Train at the end of Cave Creek road.. would love to hear your view on true local history that is older than your house in Manchester!!
  • DaveRinAZ
    Takes me back to our own emigration to AZ
    We enjoy reminiscing about our own arrival in AZ from the UK 14 years ago. Easy listening while walking the dog! We moved from Bristol to Gilbert in 2006, and the early stories shared from insurance costs, to your first scorpion, to difficulty of making friends in your 40s, to our "Australian" accents - it all remind us of our early adventures! We know a bunch of expats, so I will share your podcasts! "Happy Holidays!"
  • LindaLos Gatos
    As the Brits Would Say: Brilliant
    So entertaining. Just listened to the first 22 episodes whilst (as the Brits would say) riding my bike. Excited for the next batch. As someone who met and befriended a British gal, when she moved to CA for 8 years, I am thoroughly enjoying listening to Sam's experiences (and language) in the US. Bravo!
  • ChristineinScottsdale
    Hilarious and A companion for our experiences in Az
    Episode 68 had me howling with laughter with your shopping experience and our struggles with American English. Whaat? 😂 spookily Episode 69 mirrored exactly what I was feeling and going through as well that week, so I feel lucky Sam that you share the ups and downs, the funny and the sad and crazy moments and I don’t feel so alone or bonkers over here during lockdown, unable to travel home to take my son to uni or visit family. It is a totally human and relatable experience It is a lovely community you have built around the world. It is a totally human, real and relatable experience and I look forward to my ironing “alone” time to listen to your podcast. Cheers Sam! See you in the desert sometime!
  • TinaMRB
    A “brilliant” podcast
    Ohio calling. I assisted my 22-year-old baby boy with his move to Dallas by driving his car out for him while drove the moving van. Luckily his experience was better than Sam’s! Due to COVID, I rented a car and drove back instead of taking a flight. (15+ hours each way if you don’t stop). I found this podcast and listened ALL DAY on my last day of driving. I started the first episode in the hotel parking lot near Saint Louis and was almost done when I pulled into my driveway in Ohio. It was just ace. (I say things like that now.) It is a fun story, a fresh perspective on American culture, and a look into desert climate and critters. But most importantly, the words and attitude about daring to live your most authentic life and choosing happiness in spite of adversity are beautiful. This podcast was balm for my aching heart during that long trip back from leaving my son to live out his own adventures. Thanks, Sam. I would have hated to make that trip alone. :-)
  • aidey baby
    Resonates and very well narrated
    Narration is great , funny , personal. I am through episode 10 now and it’s kind of nice to know other people suffered the same problems when they moved to the US !
  • Ruthiek
    Love these podcasts
    I have only listened to first 7 so far, after moving to USA also from Manchester (I grew up in Prestwich which got a mention... yay!!), I can relate to many things, and I could have actually written episode 5 myself!! After 2 yrs here - We have a “moderately ok” credit score 😂
  • MarleneD
    Raving fan
    I listen whilst walking in Santa Monica. My other house is in Houston Texas and I so miss driving between these two homes (always staying overnight at the Ventana Resort in Tucson - sometimes for more than just one night) and I do identify so much with all your views as I came to live here from Wimbledon in ‘86. I never thought I’d miss my drives so much till I binged on all your eps and am finally caught up. Love love your podcast and wish I did this when I moved to Borrego Springs for 13 months after the Earthquake called Northridge ‘94. ❤️❤️❤️ Marlene
  • acapelad
    My fave new podcast (new to me)
    Being an anglophile, I love Sam's takes on the difference between living in England and the US. Her road trips and tidbits about local Arizona history are great. She can make everyday things (like going to Home Depot) interesting and humorous. My only complaint is that it's only once a week. I think she could do 2 or 3 a week and find interesting things to talk about. Oh, and I love her Australian accident. lol
  • iolantherosa
    Inspiring Listening During Difficult Times
    I am hugely enjoying this podcast: she was a BBC radio host based out of Manchester England when she and her husband decided to live out their life dream of moving to the American West (specifically, Phoenix). She records an under-10-minute entry every week detailing her experiences. She has such an open and enthusiastic response to every opportunity and hardship the move has put in her way (and she has taken some serious blows). I find her attitude so inspiring during this time of pandemic.
  • East Coaster 23
    Desert Diaries
    A delightful podcast. I live nowhere near either the desert or Manchester, but I was uplifted by this story of chasing dreams and making a massive leap. Well done, Sam!
  • DoctorInTheDesert
    A slice of the road less travelled!
    A wonderful podcast that brings the joys, wonders, trials and tribulations of following your dreams to life! It’s by turns funny, exciting, sad, reflective and life affirming. Listen if you want to feel uplifted!
  • pceandesert
    DESERT DIARIES
    Very interesting funny and informative account of relocating to another country with the same language with so many differences to the UK.Will keep listening to find out what happens next.
  • Tucson calling
    Sam has done her homework
    Just caught up with all her episodes. Just because she has just moved here, don’t be fooled...Sam has done her homework. She knows more about Arizona’s sites and history than 90% of the people here. Looking forward to a future podcast describing Monument Valley and Canyon De Chelly. My faves. Hopefully she’ll get there soon. Her enthusiasm is “brilliant”.
  • GuruGabby
    Sam’s inspirational podcast
    An incredibly inspirational podcast about taking a chance, living your life to the full, embracing your fears, and finding the polarity which is love - all told from the heartfelt perspective of Sam Walker. Can’t wait for the next installment!
  • AZ liberal
    Sam is not just speaking into the void
    Key moments in life sometimes occur without notice, seen only in the light of reflection. For Sam Walker and her husband, a nexus was sought to energize and challenge their lives. The first chapter of this journey has me anxiously awaiting the next installment.
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