Who is Don Shader, The Grumpy Old Gringo?

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"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 RU-vid 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.
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1 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 92

@patriciaflaherty Месяц назад

Potential expats need the information you're sharing. Your words matter.

@joserivera461 Месяц назад

Well Don, sorry to hear you are no longer doing your RU-vid 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.

@johnneycoon7808 Месяц назад

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 RU-vid videos, that you really liked Cuenca but had a problem with the altitude.

@AdamEgret Месяц назад

"Theres no unicorns and rainbows in my world". This man is spaking my language. Glad to see you're still going.

@elizabethkeith7283 Месяц назад

Thank you. I appreciate your experience and perspective. Most importantly, I appreciate your honesty.

@777AOG Месяц назад

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.

@frankheaton2123 Месяц назад

That was the great...Best Break down on EP2 ..i ever heard .....Thank you my freind

@joemachado316 Месяц назад

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

@susywilliams9217 Месяц назад

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!!!😊

@mikehornick4971 Месяц назад

Don nicely captures the hypnotic spell of life abroad that Americans can fall under. RU-vid 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.

@msbeecee1 Месяц назад

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.

@docjackie3140 Месяц назад

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!!

@JohnKaman Месяц назад

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.

@pauladuncanadams1750 Месяц назад

Yeah, I found that interesting, considering they left the US with medical debt.

@elizabethcalef6225 Месяц назад

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

@destinationmax Месяц назад

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 RU-vid, 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 RU-vidrs is not a good look.

@pauladuncanadams1750 Месяц назад

@@destinationmax Fair points.

@destinationmax Месяц назад

@Peter-o5k Well said! Congrats on your adventures 💕✈️🌎

@Lisa-oy9ts Месяц назад

It was JP and Amelia!!!! I like them, but they do pretty much sugar coat most everything, or avoid telling the bad parts maybe

@impish22 Месяц назад

thanks for sharing Don

@pattihelmuth30 Месяц назад

Good to see you back. Believe it or not you're grumpy self is missed 😂

@cwisaac22 Месяц назад

Still here, glad that we get to hear more from you!! Gracias. :)

@aatesser Месяц назад

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

@jytou Месяц назад

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.

@tmcdon Месяц назад

Good to hear your voice, Don!

@Walt1119 Месяц назад

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!

@TravisBeachum Месяц назад

Glad you are still here!!!😊😊😊

@aprilcorvasce4735 Месяц назад

U crack me up! Thanks ❤

@davidgarner6736 Месяц назад

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.

@DonShader Месяц назад

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 RU-vidrs 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.

@davidgarner6736 Месяц назад

@@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.

@debrareynolds9067 Месяц назад

Thank you

@jlynnburton9718 Месяц назад

I subscribe to Vloggers who DOESN'T sugar coat things & share both the Good & Bad of a place

@paulraftis7063 Месяц назад

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!

@Papi_WT Месяц назад

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

@BasedInBrazil Месяц назад

Despite being only subscribed for a week I really liked your content and more so called Expat RU-vidrs 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.

@sherrielynnmalcolm4722 Месяц назад

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.

@FLANNELSHIRT 21 день назад

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.

@MrTmdenton Месяц назад

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!"

@inverted3rd Месяц назад

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.

@maryreese4822 Месяц назад

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

@DonShader Месяц назад

Wow, thank you. -ds

@jmyonan Месяц назад

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.

@robertmiur2388 Месяц назад

Have always enjoyed listening to your videos .take care watching from Cali Colombia

@Jetmab04 Месяц назад

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.... 🌹☘️🌹

@jerrygarcia4390 Месяц назад

Wow, what a nice surprise this was ❤👍🏾👏

@m1952-s1n Месяц назад

Good to hear your story. May God bless you Don in your endeavor .

@samuelpallottini5108 Месяц назад

Our glass is always half empty and broken 😂

@Expat-happy-hour Месяц назад

Don, this pod cast was a good idea, a natural progression since most of the viewers already know you and your show.

@MarkHanna-ct6yr Месяц назад

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. 😂

@freebeerandhotdogs3338 Месяц назад

looking fwd to the next episode!

@robertwright1782 Месяц назад

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🙂

@jerrygarcia4390 Месяц назад

❤

@mjsilva7086 Месяц назад

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

@tomcorridan5236 Месяц назад

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

@christinedailey9254 Месяц назад

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.

@pedroblanco8311 Месяц назад

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 RU-vid? My multi-lingual family and I thank you for your consideration. P.S. I'm Like # 319 for this episode.

@DonShader Месяц назад

Hi Pedro, I wasn't aware they were available for a audio-only broadcast but I will definately investigate this morning.

@DonShader Месяц назад

Okay, they are all turned on now. Thanks for letting me know.

@pedroblanco8311 Месяц назад

@@DonShader Many thanks Don!

@pedroblanco8311 Месяц назад

@@DonShader ¡Excelente y Gracias Don!

@lenschwer6907 Месяц назад

FYI -- no email address or companion web page in the description.

@DonShader Месяц назад

Opps, sorry. I'm working on it.

@titodaybid8225 Месяц назад

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

@whosebonesaresharp Месяц назад

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!

@gford9988 Месяц назад

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.

@trevorwhite5127 Месяц назад

Hi Don, thanks very much for down to earth talk, always enjoy them.

@FLANNELSHIRT 21 день назад

So when are you going to propose to your lovely girlfriend? ❤️❤️❤️😁

@DonShader 21 день назад

That will never be allowed.

@kathyandthedogs626 Месяц назад

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?

@Tanker-ig8hz Месяц назад

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!

@JeffHalapin Месяц назад

Love the new format and look forward to Mondays now :)

@Robert-gg1ns Месяц назад

Keep up the good work Don. Can not please everyone all the time, just keep telling the truth.

@shannonburke2287 Месяц назад

Ahhh. I love you anyhow. ❤

@terryashley4674 Месяц назад

I rang the bell. Waiting for your next upload. 👍🏽

@DonShader Месяц назад

Next Monday at Noon.

@edsedlak6827 Месяц назад

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.

@DonShader Месяц назад

I appreciate that!

@andresgiz9666 Месяц назад

Good morning Don your video is great you should run for president of USA 🇺🇸 and make America great again. You got my vote. ❤

@DonShader Месяц назад

If I wasn't so damned old, I would!

@boat6868 Месяц назад

Nice to learn some of your backstory.

@pascalguerandel8181 Месяц назад

You need to watch. Daisy's in December! Jean Simmons and Joss Auckland ❤

@DonShader Месяц назад

Why?

@pascalguerandel8181 Месяц назад

@@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.. 👍🤠

@DonShader Месяц назад

@@pascalguerandel8181 Thanks, I'll check it out.

@Sheila-eo9gj Месяц назад

I watch you all the time. Really enjoy your videos. I so glad your continuing to do this.

@alainbergeron4520 Месяц назад

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!

@lilsamantha1 Месяц назад

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

@DonShader Месяц назад

"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

@lilsamantha1 Месяц назад

@@DonShader thanks don appreciate the optimism thats what I like. I will definetly write to you in the near future. Much love from Jersey