Embrace Change with Amy Suto’s Digital Nomad Journey and Travel Experiences
Amy Suto at Machu Picchu - photo credit Amy Suto
Ep 163 - Embrace Change with Amy Suto’s Digital Nomad Journey and Travel Experiences
My 163rd guest episode on the Winging It Travel Podcast is with Amy Suto, a full-time digital nomad, freelance writer, published author, and ghostwriter.
In a world that often praises hustle culture and the pursuit of traditional career paths, it’s rare to come across a story that defies the norms with such grace and authenticity.
Amy Suto's journey is one of those rare stories—an inspiring evolution from the bright lights of Hollywood to the quiet, enriching corners of Europe as a freelance digital nomad. Amy’s path is not just about changing careers or moving across continents; it’s about reclaiming control over her life, prioritizing well-being, and redefining success on her own terms.
From her early days of relentless work in the entertainment industry to the moment she decided to embrace the freedom of freelancing, Amy's experiences provide a powerful narrative for anyone feeling trapped by the conventional.
But what truly sets her story apart is how moving to Europe didn’t just change her lifestyle; it transformed her health, helping her overcome an autoimmune disease that conventional treatments in the U.S. struggled to manage.
This blog will delve into Amy Suto’s inspiring journey, exploring her transition from Hollywood to freelance life, the adventures of living as a digital nomad across Europe, and the surprising way in which this lifestyle shift became the key to healing her body and spirit.
Join us as we uncover the lessons and insights from Amy’s remarkable path to freedom, creativity, and well-being.
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From Hollywood Glitz to Freelancing Freedom
Amy Suto’s journey began in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of Hollywood. Aspiring to become a prominent TV writer, she worked her way up from being an assistant at a talent agency to collaborating with CIA agents and writing episodes for major shows.
Yet, behind the scenes, she discovered that the reality of the industry didn’t align with her initial dreams.
Despite working on thrilling projects, Amy was struck by the pervasive culture of undervaluation, where the creative labor was often taken for granted, and the pressure was relentless.
As Amy navigated through Hollywood’s complexities, she began to build a parallel path in freelancing, taking on writing gigs that brought her greater satisfaction and autonomy.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst that pushed her to reflect on her priorities. The lockdowns made her reconsider the high-energy, often stressful environment of TV writing and sparked a deeper commitment to freelance work.
With the freedom to choose her clients and projects, Amy transitioned out of Hollywood, focusing on storytelling that resonated more personally.
This pivot not only revitalized her creative spirit but also opened doors to exploring other writing formats and engaging in her passion projects without compromise.
Living the Digital Nomad Dream in Europe
With her decision to go freelance full-time, Amy’s horizons broadened. Europe, with its historic cities, artistic heritage, and a diverse array of cultures, became the perfect setting for her new chapter.
Amy’s travels included extended stays in cities like Athens, where she found the internet infrastructure reliable and the cost of living manageable. The city’s deep-rooted history and vibrant food scene provided endless inspiration.
Strolling through the narrow streets, sampling traditional dishes, and working from cozy local cafes allowed Amy to immerse herself in the local lifestyle while maintaining her productivity.
Istanbul was another highlight of Amy’s European journey. The Beyoğlu neighborhood, with its unique blend of modernity and tradition, became one of her favorite places.
The district’s array of trendy cafes, artisan shops, and cultural landmarks served as a backdrop to her daily routine, balancing work with exploration. Additionally, Amy appreciated the accessibility and affordability of high-quality food markets and local produce.
Amy’s lifestyle in Europe also included participating in digital nomad communities and co-living spaces, where she could network and share experiences with like-minded individuals.
This mix of social interaction and personal space helped her strike a balance between work and leisure, contributing to her creative growth.
Her experiences abroad culminated in rich storytelling, as seen in her novel The Nomad Detective, which draws on her interactions and adventures during her time as a digital nomad.
How European Living Transformed Her Health
Perhaps the most surprising and life-changing aspect of Amy’s European journey was the impact on her health. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she struggled to manage her condition while living in the U.S., where processed foods and pesticides often compromised her well-being.
But during a transformative two-month stay in Italy, she found herself in an unexpected health renaissance.
Embracing the Italian lifestyle of eating fresh, locally sourced foods—including indulging in authentic pizzas and seasonal produce—she noticed profound improvements in her health.
Upon her return to the U.S., her doctor was astonished by her blood test results. Amy had not only stabilized her condition but reversed many of its symptoms.
This revelation highlighted the stark contrast between European and American food quality. The absence of harmful additives, pesticides, and ultra-processed foods in Europe played a critical role in her recovery.
The simplicity and authenticity of meals made with whole ingredients underscored the importance of a natural diet in promoting health and well-being.
Amy’s story serves as a testament to the profound connection between lifestyle, environment, and health. The experience prompted her to advocate for healthier living practices and inspired her to share her story with others looking to make transformative changes in their own lives.
Her journey is a reminder that sometimes the solutions we seek lie not in complex treatments but in the basic, wholesome experiences that a different way of life can offer.
Amy looking out in Madeira - photo credit Amy Suto
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Who is Amy Suto?
Amy Suto is a writer, author, and full-time digital nomad known for her transition from the demanding world of Hollywood TV writing to a successful freelance career. In Hollywood, she climbed the ranks from being an assistant at a talent agency to writing episodes for TV shows and working with experts on high-stakes thrillers. However, the relentless industry pressures and undervaluation of creative talent led her to seek a more fulfilling path.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy embraced freelancing full-time, leveraging her writing skills to ghostwrite memoirs for Olympians, NBA players, and other notable figures. This career change allowed her to travel the world and establish herself as a digital nomad, exploring different cultures and places such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Her lifestyle not only fueled her creativity but also helped her launch successful projects, including her debut fiction book, The Nomad Detective.
Amy’s journey is also marked by a remarkable health transformation. After struggling with an autoimmune disease in the U.S., she discovered that living in Europe and consuming high-quality, natural foods led to significant health improvements. This experience emphasized her belief in the profound connection between lifestyle, diet, and well-being.
In addition to writing, Amy is passionate about helping others build sustainable freelance careers. She shares her insights through books like Six Figure Freelancer, which provides a comprehensive guide to achieving success and freedom in freelancing.
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