Best Beach Commute Podcasts (2026)

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If You're So Smart, Why Are You So Unhappy? | Ep 231 1:14:23

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2d ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Ever wondered why "smart" people (high IQ, degrees, etc) often feel unfulfilled? In this episode, we unpack the real measure of intelligence: designing a life you actually want to live. From ditching traditional success metrics to embracing emotional intelligence, adaptive skills, and your "zone of genius," we explore how rethinking smarts can lead…

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Friend of the Month (re-share) with Julia Beach, Greg Ruben, & Eric Brightwell 42:10

7d ago42:10

42:10

Back in July, Eric appeared as a guest on episode number two of Julia Beach’s podcast/online radio show, “Friend of the Month.” Friend of the Month is broadcast on Frank Radio, an online broadcaster and eventspace located in Los Angeles’s Fairfax District. “Friend Of The Month” is a radio show about knowing your neighbors. In each episode, they fea…

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Our biggest year of growth: 2025 reflections & lessons | Ep 230 1:56:57

10d ago1:56:57

1:56:57

2025 hit like an earthquake: extremes of highs and lows, massive personal growth, and forced reinvention. In this raw year-in-review, we reflect on the lessons from a challenging year as digital nomads: rethinking travel, slowing down, community, belonging, and what "freedom" actually means when the old patterns no longer fit. 🌪️ 2025 in a nutshell…

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A real look into the day in the life of a digital nomad | Ep 229 1:10:08

15d ago1:10:08

1:10:08

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Is your career path holding you back from a better life? | Ep 228 1:07:15

23d ago1:07:15

1:07:15

🧠 “Are you your job… or did your job eat you alive?” It's the identity crisis we don't talk about in the West. 🌍 Why travel exposes the lies you’ve told yourself about career success, and what happens when your old identity stops fitting. 🏋️‍♂️ How losing structure makes some people lose themselves and how to rebuild without falling apart. 💼 The su…

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The dark side of digital nomad life that nobody talks about | Ep 227 1:11:54

29d ago1:11:54

1:11:54

This episode dives into the uncomfortable truths beneath the Instagram gloss of digital nomad life...loneliness, decision fatigue, shallow connections, and the emotional cost of constant mobility. Jeff and Marisa crack open the paradox of “freedom” that often leaves people more disconnected, overstimulated, and rootless than they expected. The “Rep…

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The 7 most common jobs digital nomads actually do | BC Classics 54:20

1M ago54:20

54:20

One of our all-time favorite, and most listened to episodes for folks looking to start working from wherever in the world they want. What's the first job you think of when I ask "what's the most common digital nomad job?" Most people would think "Instagram influencer" or "Travel blogger." Right? Turns out this this is rarely accurate. Jeff and Mari…

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9 Locations to live as a digital nomad for under $2k | BC Classics 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

One of our all-time favorite, and most listened to episodes for current and digital nomads looking for their next destination. Contrary to many people's beliefs, becoming a digital nomad often makes your cost of living more affordable rather than more expensive. The reason being is that the majority of major digital nomad destinations have a relati…

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Your brain wasn’t built for a 9 - 5: The science behind creativity & productivity w/Sasha Farley | Ep 225 1:14:26

2M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Sasha Farley, a remote work expert and consultant, to break down what most managers, teams, and companies get totally wrong about productivity, focus, collaboration, and remote work. There is science and biology behind the traditional 9-5 doesn't make sense for your brain or body. In this episode you’ll learn: W…

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Your biggest questions answered: Healthcare, housing & the death of the American Dream | Ep 224 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

This week Jeff and Marisa answer your most-asked questions about life as a digital nomad. From healthcare abroad to giving up your home base, they're breaking down the logistics that keep people from taking the leap. No fluff, just honest answers from people who've lived it. Here's what they covered: 🌍 Digital immigrants vs. digital nomads — Are re…

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How travel & new routines rewire your brain | Ep 223 46:04

2M ago46:04

46:04

Your brain is designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and efficient. But what if "safe" is actually keeping you stuck? In this episode, Jeff and Marisa dive into the neuroscience of why we get trapped in routines (even good ones), and how travel literally rewires your brain. Spoiler: it's not about escaping your problems, it's about building new ne…

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LA Transit in Pop Culture (Live from LA Comic Con 2025) 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

Nobody Drives in LA's co-hosts and hall-of-famers—Eric Brightwell, Ivy Kwok, Kyle Rebar, and Rogelio Pardo—upzoned LA Comic-Con with our panel LA Transit in Pop Culture. Their discussion touches upon the song "Walking in LA" and the (tired) trope that no one (and only nobodies) walk; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; L.A. Noire; reframing the discussio…

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5 Regrets of the dying: How working from anywhere helps you avoid a life of regret | Ep 222 53:34

3M ago53:34

53:34

This week Jeff and Marisa talked about the five big regrets of the dying. Morbid sounding? It's not... This is all about learning from people who had wished they had lived life another way. You can take these lessons and apply them to your life right now, before it's too late. Here are the things they talked about: 💫 “I wish I’d had the courage to …

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Are you living in the wrong place? Why your personality should pick your location | Ep 221 50:45

3M ago50:45

50:45

Have you ever lived/traveled to a place where you got the feels that something wasn't quite right? Have you ever landed somewhere and felt "Oh my god, this feels like a home I've never lived in before!" That's because your nervous system has a geography! It's not woo-woo, it's fact. There's some science to this! And it's based on your personality t…

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How to get hired from anywhere: Insider tips on jobs, taxes & more for digital nomads | Ep 220 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

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Is hustle culture taking years off your life? The nomad secret | Ep 219 47:06

3M ago47:06

47:06

Jeff and Marisa dive deep into hustle culture, the infamous “996” work schedule, and why overwork isn’t just toxic, it’s literally taking years off our lives. From Silicon Valley badge-of-honor busyness to nomads redefining success, this episode is a reality check on what really matters: health, freedom, and time. 🔑 Episode Highlights: ⏰ The 996 Sc…

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10 Reasons people give up on digital nomad life - our take | Ep 218 1:08:35

4M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

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Is that job listing actually remote? How to tell | Ep 217 55:50

4M ago55:50

55:50

Not all “remote jobs" mean the same thing. Some let you log in from anywhere in the world, others tie you to a city or region, and many have hidden expectations around hours, objectives, or even eligibility. In this episode, we break down what remote really means, how to read between the lines in job postings, and which setups actually give you the…

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The digital nomad location awards: Best food, vibes, community & more | Ep 216 1:07:51

4M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

We’re back with Part Two of the Digital Nomad Location Awards...and this time we’re giving shoutouts to the places that stood out for food, vibes, community, and more. If you’ve ever wondered where nomads go for the best meals, the most inspiring environments, or the strongest sense of belonging, this episode has you covered. Grab a drink (we did 🍻…

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From podcast listener to nomad: Jeremy’s journey to Italy & beyond | Ep 215 43:17

4M ago43:17

43:17

What happens when someone who’s been listening to the show for years finally takes the leap into digital nomad life? In this episode, we talk with Jeremy, a longtime podcast listener and now a full-time nomad, about his path from discovering Beach Commute to working remotely in Italy. He shares his story of searching for the right resources, making…

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The Strangest job interview hacks: What works, what’s ridiculous & what to avoid | Ep 214 1:13:02

5M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

Have you ever Googled tips on how to ace an interview? Some recommendations are dead-on, and some are absolutely insane. Jeff and Marisa break down the biggest "hacks" on the web. 🕒 Episode Highlights: 😂 [00:08] The Weirdest Job Interview Tips on the Internet From chewing gum before you walk in, to “power stances” straight out of a superhero movie.…

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From North Carolina to teaching English in the Thai Royal Palace | Ep 213 1:04:41

5M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

What does it really look like to build a digital nomad lifestyle that lasts years, not just months? In this episode, Marisa sat down with Blythe, a longtime listener of the show who’s been living the remote work dream across the globe. She shares what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what she wishes every new digital nomad knew before getting started. Wh…

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Your step-by-step guide to landing a fully remote job | Ep 212 31:51

5M ago31:51

31:51

If you’ve been applying to remote jobs and hearing crickets, or don’t even know where to start, this episode is for you. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on why most people struggle to land a fully remote job, what’s actually working right now in the market, and how our Remote Job FastTrack program is designed to guide you through the process.…

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Kyle's Multi-Modal Commuting Adventures 1:21:00

5M ago1:21:00

1:21:00

Kyle's been getting around: K-Town, Atwater, Anaheim. Not just via the beloved E-Line, mind you. We're talking bike, bus, Metrolink, and motorscooter. Links to many of our topics below! LA Stuff Westside Repair Cafe Park Tool HCRW5 Ciclavia WeHo Pick Up Metro 460 Disneyland Bus Metrolink Contracts Metrolink Schedules OCTA Bus Schedules CA Motorcycl…

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The 11 real ways digital nomads actually make friends | Ep 211 59:26

5M ago59:26

59:26

In this episode, Jeff and Marisa dive deep into what it really takes to build meaningful friendships while traveling, and the biggest reasons people end up lonely while chasing the dream. Episode Highlights: 🏡 Coliving Spaces: The Good, the Boutique, and the IsolatedNot all coliving is created equal. How to find the ones that actually build communi…

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19 of the coolest cultural traditions from around the world | Ep 210 53:42

5M ago53:42

53:42

Ever been somewhere and thought, “Why don’t we do this back home?” That’s what this episode is all about. From fika breaks in Sweden to barefoot freedom in Costa Rica, we’re sharing the cultural customs we fell in love with while traveling—and the ones we seriously wish we could steal. Also: no llama fetus sacrifices this time. (Yes, that’s a real …

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13 spiciest digital nomad questions on the interwebs | Ep 209 54:57

6M ago54:57

54:57

This week, we’re diving into the hot takes, hard truths, and hilariously uncomfortable questions that digital nomads are asking online, from Reddit rabbit holes to unfiltered social threads. No prep, no script, just real talk. Some answers might surprise you. Some might offend you. All of them? Raw and real. 🔥 [00:00] The Rules: No Scripts, Just Sp…

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Be a Socialist, Share a Bike, STOP LYFT 1:34:28

6M ago1:34:28

1:34:28

Listen as we get our socialism on with transit advocates Anne Marie & Shelby—Lyft is trying to muscle its way in to Metro's bikeshare program and our guests tell us why that's a terrible idea. We touch on Zohran Mamdani's primary victory, bike maintenance, and how to get involved with leftist causes in LA. @StopLyft @DSA_LA DSA-LA's Event Calendar …

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The remote career path you’ve probably never considered (but maybe you should) | Ep 208 45:49

6M ago45:49

45:49

How to Make $72K–$168K Remotely—Even Without Prior Experience What if you could break into a fully remote career where on-target earnings often range from $72K to $168K per year—even if you don’t have direct experience in the field? And what if that path could give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world in just a few weeks? In this epis…

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How these 5 people failed at digital nomad life (and gave up) | Ep 207 55:14

6M ago55:14

55:14

We break down a recent viral article titled "My Mind Was Shrieking: What Am I Doing?"—a dramatic takedown of the digital nomad dream. But how accurate is it really? Let’s talk about the nuance, the truth, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. 📉 [00:00] Is Big Cubicle Coming for Us?Why the media suddenly hates digital nomads—and who benefi…

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EVERYBODY PROTEST (safely) 14:59

6M ago14:59

14:59

In this special mini-episode, we sit down with labor activist Anne Marie, and transit activist Shelby, for a discussion about the dos and don’ts of protesting during the current regime’s war on public space and the public itself. How to Stay Safe at a Protest - DSA

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Is digital nomad life the antidote to burnout and low-grade misery? | Ep 206 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Ever wondered why you feel so alive in some places—and so drained in others? In this episode, Jeff and Marisa peel back the layers of how travel, environment, and even the tiniest details of where you live can transform your mindset. ☀️ [00:03] Sunlight and Natural Light Explore the science behind daylight exposure, serotonin boosts, and why you mi…

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The truth about a digital nomad's travel schedule | Ep 205 1:02:51

7M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

What Actually Happens in a Year of Digital Nomad Life? Ever wondered what a full year looks like when you're working remotely and bouncing between countries? We take you behind the Instagram filters and into the spreadsheets as we recount exactly where we lived, worked, and wandered over the past year. 2018 — The Experiment Begins 13:03 – Marisa sh…

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Nobody Gondolas in LA 1:17:50

7M ago1:17:50

1:17:50

Kyle and Eric sit down in the Koreatown Media Lab with Phyllis Ling and Eric Adams — two activists from the Stop the Gondola campaign. They talk about why the Aerial Rapid Transit Technology (ARTT) isn't the mass transit solution it's being pitched as but, upon examination, an enormously costly gadgetbahn and, frankly, more of a Shelbyville idea. S…

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Digital nomad propaganda you should absolutely ignore | Ep 204 46:00

7M ago46:00

46:00

Do you ever feel like Instagram is lying to you about remote work? You're not alone—and in this episode, we’re calling out the bullsh*t. Jeff and Marisa dive headfirst into the myths, misconceptions, and subtle societal messages that try to dissuade people from living the digital nomad lifestyle. These aren’t just misunderstandings—they’re propagan…

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Death of the digital nomad? | Ep 203 38:58

7M ago38:58

38:58

Jeff and Marisa unpack the clickbait-y claim making the rounds in the media: that digital nomadism is dying 😱 But wait... is it? 👉 Why is the media suddenly turning on the remote work lifestyle they once romanticized? 👉 What stats and stories are actually happening on the ground? 👉 Are fewer people working from abroad—or just doing it differently? …

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Why half the jobs you see online are fake (and what to do about it) | Ep 202 59:25

7M ago59:25

59:25

Think you're applying to real remote jobs? Think again. Up to 50% of remote job listings might be totally fake — no role, no team, just a phantom posting sucking your time into the job-hunt void. In this episode, Jeff and Marisa uncover: 👻 Ghost Listings: Companies that look like they’re hiring... but aren’t. No real job exists. 🛠️ Pipeline Builder…

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Transit at the Intersection of Everything with Rogelio Pardo 1:34:35

8M ago1:34:35

1:34:35

Kyle and Eric sit down with City Council District 13's Senior Transportation & Infrastructure Deputy, Rogelio Pardo. The conversation touches upon activism, Al Fresco dining, Access to Hollywood, the Department of Transportation, and much more. Plus, Rogelio answers listener questions. CD 13's Newsletter FINAL Silver Lake Walk! Environmental Activi…

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The digital nomad location awards: Best beaches, adventures, nightlife & more | Ep 201 44:36

8M ago44:36

44:36

It’s time for the first-ever Digital Nomad Location Awards, where we (Marisa and Jeff) crown the best places around the world across 10 epic categories. From jaw-dropping beaches and foodie hotspots to insane adventure zones and the ultimate cities to work remotely from. And the best part? We didn’t plan our answers ahead of time, so get ready for …

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200 episodes in: remote chaos, confessions, and surprises | Ep 200 1:08:13

8M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

We’re tired, slightly unhinged, and coming in hot with stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes chaos from four years of showing up — every single week — to talk remote work, digital nomad life, and figuring it out in real time. 🎧 We reveal the real reason most podcasts don’t make it past 10 episodes (and how we survived 200) 🔥 Marisa shows up r…

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11 scams to watch out for as a digital nomad | Ep 199 57:01

8M ago57:01

57:01

Ever wondered about the hidden scams that digital nomads encounter around the globe? In today's episode, hosts Jeff & Marisa share essential insights into scams and traps that nomads face on the road. Here's a sneak peek: 🚕 Taxi tricks that even seasoned travelers fall for. 📱 Sneaky Wi-Fi schemes at your favorite cafés. 🏨 Accommodation traps—what t…

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7 realities you should know about being a digital nomad | Ep 198 50:33

8M ago50:33

50:33

🦂 What happens when a bark scorpion crawls into your compression shorts and stays there for five minutes while you're driving a scooter? In this episode, we kick things off with a true "only in nomad life" story that had us squirming — literally. But that's just the beginning. We’re diving deep into the real, unfiltered truths about living as a dig…

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10 trips we said "f*ck it, book it" | Ep 197 53:55

8M ago53:55

53:55

When’s the last time you really threw caution to the wind and booked a trip without overthinking it? 🌎✈️ In this episode, Jeff and Marissa swap wild stories about the moments they threw the rulebook out the window — and booked plane tickets, castle stays, desert treks, and cross-country adventures on pure gut instinct. These are the trips that defi…

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Books, Bicycles, & Trains with Alex Denney 1:26:52

9M ago1:26:52

1:26:52

You know that one friend who's not car-free, but is abnormally willing to go along with all of your ridiculous transit schemes? That's Alex Denney, our guest today. Alex is an actor and musician—who you may have seen on Pam & Tommy and who you will see in the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch—who was car free in Hawaii & Los Angeles for a while. A…

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How to transition your career to become a digital nomad | Ep 196 41:37

9M ago41:37

41:37

🎧 Listen if you're asking: 👉 “Can I really do this?” 👉 “Do I need digital skills?” 👉 “Am I too far along in my career to switch?” 👉 “What if I have to take a pay cut?” 👉 “Will I regret not doing this?” In this transformative episode of the Beach Commute Podcast, Jeff and Marisa answer one of the most common questions we get from aspiring digital no…

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Top locations we wanted to stay longer & leave faster as digital nomads | Ep 195 51:19

9M ago51:19

51:19

Where are the biggest surprise digital nomad locations that will absolutely blow your socks off? Which are places that SEEM like they would be amazing, but translate terribly for sustainably working? Jeff and Marisa break down their top 6 places they would have loved to stay longer as digital nomads, and the places they really wish they would have …

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3 mistakes holding you back from landing a fully remote job | Ep 194 44:26

9M ago44:26

44:26

🚨 “I’ve applied to 100 jobs and haven’t landed one. What am I doing wrong?” If you’re asking this—or even silently thinking it—this episode is for you. In this raw and practical conversation, Jeff and Marisa break down: The 3 most common mistakes that stop people from landing remote jobs 💥 Why "working hard" isn’t the same as "working smart" 🌀 How …

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Phd’s, Pogo Sticks, and the Culver City 6 with Ivy Kwok 1:15:49

9M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Kyle and Eric sit down in the Koreatown Media with mass transit enthusiast, Ivy Kwok. s a PhD Student in Environmental Engineering and member of the Society of Women Engineers. Their conversation touches upon riding Metrolink to dates, pogo-sticking, and her upcoming trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Ivy's IG | @iykwyk - Ivy's Dance Cardio w/o the "Car"…

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🌱 The Ayahuasca Episode: Hallucinations, Trauma, Purging & What Really Happens | Ep 193 🌿 1:16:54

9M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

After years of teasing it, Jeff and Marisa finally dive deep into their transformative week of Ayahuasca ceremonies in the mountains of Bolivia. From overcoming fears to purging emotional baggage (and the contents of their stomachs), they candidly share what happens when you drink this potent Amazonian plant medicine. 🎙️ In this crazy episode, you'…

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The funniest (and realest) digital nomad questions you've asked | Ep 192 54:15

10M ago54:15

54:15

Ever wondered how many coconuts it takes to become an official digital nomad, or if Wi-Fi anxiety should be medically recognized? In this fun episode, Marisa and Jeff dive into the hilarious side of remote life, tackling the quirkiest and most relatable questions every digital nomad faces. From Jeff's "low-brain" antics after too much fun in Mexico…