Cool Beans Pod

🎙️☕ Cool Beans Pod – Lysa Fedtke 🇩🇪🔥In this episode of Cool Beans Pod, we sit down with Lysa Fedtke — German trainer, translator, and proofreader — to unpack the real reason so many people struggle to speak German confidently in everyday life.After years of teaching students from around the world, Lysa noticed the same pattern over and over again: people understand the language, know the vocabulary, and study hard… but freeze the moment they need to actually speak in real-life situations. 😅🗣️That insight inspired her to create a brand-new program focused specifically on helping learners break through that fear and finally speak German with confidence. 🚀🇩🇪 The program launches in June 2026!We also chat about:🏃‍♀️ Her first HYROX Lisbon in Lisbon with Zonia Prinsloo⚖️ Balancing work, family, fitness, and personal goals💡 Building confidence through consistency and mindsetA fun, honest, and motivating conversation you won’t want to miss! ☕🎧Catch her on IG: lysafedtke

🎙️ On this episode of the Cool Beans Pod, we sat down with Marta Pinto — founder of AI Goes to School, educator, researcher, and at heart, an art teacher exploring the human side of technology 🎨🤖With a PhD in Multimedia in Education and more than 20 years working across learning, technology, and teacher development, Marta shared thoughtful insights on how schools can approach AI with curiosity, ethics, creativity, and critical thinking. 📚✨Our conversation explored:🧠 AI literacy in schools👩‍🏫 Teacher adoption and empowerment🎨 Creativity, imagination, and learning in the age of AI🏫 Building agency across the education sector⚖️ The importance of ethical and human-centered AI integrationMarta’s work through AI Goes to School is helping educators move beyond fear and hype — creating practical, thoughtful pathways for AI in education. 🌍🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pintomarta/🌐 AI Goes to School: https://aigoestoschool.com/IG: marta.martapinto#AIinEducation #EdTech #AIGoesToSchool #TeacherAgency #AILiteracy #FutureOfLearning

🔬➡️🤖➡️📈 From science labs to boardroom strategy — meet Filipe.After a decade in London working across biology and robotics, Filipe pivoted into the world of strategy and consulting, where he now operates at the cutting edge of business and technology. Over the last 10 years, he’s helped organisations navigate growth, transformation, and the ever-evolving impact of AI — not just on processes, but on how demand itself is changing.🧠 His superpower? Connecting dots across science, business, and tech to make sense of complex systems — and turning that insight into real-world strategy.🎙️ In this episode, we dive into:✨ How AI is reshaping industries beyond automation✨ The intersection of deep tech and business strategy✨ What it really means to drive transformation todayFollow Filipe:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipejosue/📸 Instagram: @filipejosue#Podcast #AI #Strategy #Innovation #TechLeadership

From Porto to Europe — building a sneaker brand with purpose 👟🇵🇹On this episode, we sit down with Pedro Maçana, co-founder of Wayz (alongside Daniel Gonçalves), the Portuguese sneaker brand born in 2019 with a bold mission: 100% designed and crafted in Portugal.What started as a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo quickly turned into a movement — with their first pairs shipped by the end of 2019 and a physical store opening in Bonfim just months later. 🚀But this isn’t just about sneakers…Wayz is built on a deeper belief: that brands should take responsibility for people + planet 🌍♻️Pedro gets real about:💥 What ethical branding actually means💥 The role of leather in responsible production💥 Working with local Portuguese suppliers💥 Scaling across Portugal → Europe without losing purposeIt’s a conversation about building something that lasts — not just products, but impact.👉 Walk your way. Build your way. Think your way.🎧 Tap in & explore:🌐 https://wayzforlife.com/pt/blogs/shoes-your-way👟 https://wayzforlife.com/📲 https://www.instagram.com/wayzforlife/#CoolBeansPodcast #Wayz #EthicalBranding #SustainableFashion #MadeInPortugal

🎙️ Cool Beans Pod — Episode SpotlightProfessor Alexandre QuintanilhaIn this episode of Cool Beans, Gary chats with Professor Alexandre Quintanilha — one of Portugal’s most respected scientists and thinkers — about curiosity, education, risk, and how ideas travel from classrooms into real life.Alexandre began his academic journey studying Theoretical Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, before completing a PhD in Physics in Europe. He later moved into biophysics and molecular biology, spending almost 20 years at UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States. 🇿🇦➡️🇺🇸➡️🇵🇹Returning to Porto, he helped shape modern Portuguese science by founding and leading major research institutions, including the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), and playing a key role in creating i3S, now the country’s largest health‑science research centre. 🧬His work focuses on oxidative stress, ageing, and how humans understand risk, and he is the author and co‑author of several scientific books and more than 100 peer‑reviewed papers. Alongside research, he has always been passionate about education, the public understanding of science, and ethical decision‑making.Alexandre is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Porto and remains actively involved with i3S, science policy, and public debate.Grab a coffee — this one’s proper cool beans. ☕🫘

🎙️ Designing a New Life: From LA to Porto with Kevin E. YoungKevin E. Young is an American interior designer who now calls Bomfim, Porto home 🇵🇹. In this episode, we chat about housing in Portugal, what it’s really like to move abroad, and why he left Los Angeles to challenge himself in a more frugal, creative environment ✈️🏡.Kevin dives into the practical side of home design, sharing insights from his work, and even explores motel room aesthetics—with a bold, slightly kinky edge 😉🛏️✨.⚠️ This episode contains some adult themes. Viewer discretion is advised.Check him out:📸 Instagram: @kevininporto / @kevinyoungdesigns📘 Facebook: Kevin Young Designs

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Carla HooleyIn this episode, Carla Hooley joins us to unpack the real-world challenges and exciting opportunities of online teaching 🌍💻. From navigating ever-evolving tech to prioritising mental health and resilience, she shares what it truly takes to thrive in a digital learning space.Carla also reflects on working across diverse cultures and organisations, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can build the flexibility needed to grow and succeed. Whether you're new to online teaching or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections ✨🔗 Connect with Carla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-figueiredo-hooley-1500a630/

🎙️ Podcast Episode: Richard Zimler in Porto📚 In this episode, we chat with acclaimed novelist Richard Zimler, an American-born author now living in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal.✨ We explore some of his best-known books, including:The Last Kabbalist of LisbonThe Warsaw AnagramsThe Gospel According to Lazarus💬 Our conversation dives into:Feminism and the strong, complex voices in his writingThe emotional impact of losing a sibling, and how grief shapes storytellingThe themes and historical depth behind his novels🌊 Richard also shares what it’s like to live in Portugal — from the charm of Porto to how its culture influences his creative life.❤️ Thoughtful and moving, this episode offers an intimate look at the experiences behind the stories — and the man who writes them.

🎙️ Podcast Episode: Driving the Green Transition with Bernardo Pinho do AguiarIn this episode, we’re joined by Bernardo Aguiar, Senior Asset Manager at EDP Renewables, who brings over two decades of experience in the energy sector. Drawing on his background in electrotechnical engineering and an MBA in management, Bernardo offers a thoughtful perspective on the evolution of clean energy and the pivotal role EDP has played in driving the green transition.🌍 We explore the history of EDP Renewables, tracing its journey from a national energy player to a global leader in renewable power, with operations spanning multiple international markets. Bernardo shares insights into how the company manages large-scale assets, maintains strong stakeholder relationships, and aligns its operations with ambitious sustainability goals.💨 The conversation also delves into the realities of wind energy—how wind farms are developed, operated, and optimised—and the challenges and opportunities that come with scaling renewable infrastructure worldwide.🎓 Education MBA, Management – University of Porto Business School• Electrotechnical Engineering – Instituto Superior Técnico💼 Experience Senior Asset Manager at EDP Renewables (2016 – Present)• Over 20 years of experience in the energy sector🔗 LinkedIn Profile👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-aguiarThis episode offers a clear and engaging look at how one of the industry’s key players is helping shape a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

On this episode of The Cool Beans Pod 🎙️☕, we head to the Matosinhos beach front to sit down with Pedro Teixeira, co-founder of Moka Coffee, a standout spot redefining the local coffee scene alongside his wife, Angela Silva. We dive deep into all things coffee ☕🔥 — from the best ways to prepare the perfect cup to exploring different beans and what makes each one unique. Pedro shares his passion for quality, community, and supporting local businesses 💛, giving real insight into what makes Moka Coffee special. If you’re serious about your coffee (like we are — The Cool Beans Pod only drinks Moka 😎), this episode is for you. Expect amazing coffee, great vibes ✨, and a shop that blends top-tier brews with stylish merch and genuinely classy service. 📍 Find them in Matosinhos and show some love 📸 Follow them on Instagram: @mokacoffee.pt Trust us — your coffee game will thank you 🙌☕

🎙️ Podcast Guest: Ricardo Nascimento In this episode we sit down with Ricardo, Sales Director at Devoteam, where he works with organisations across Europe on data, cloud, and emerging technology solutions. With a background spanning computer science, project management, and enterprise management, Ricardo studied at Universidade Nova de Lisboa and ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management, building a foundation that bridges technology, strategy, and business transformation. In this conversation we explore: 💡 Innovation and problem-solving in modern technology ecosystems 🇪🇺 Data sovereignty — Europe taking control of its data and digital infrastructure ⚛️ Quantum computing and the next technological frontier 🤖 Ethical uses of AI and responsible digital systems Expect practical insight, forward-thinking ideas, and a conversation about how Europe can shape a more secure, sovereign, and ethical digital future. 🔗 Connect with Ricardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardofmn/ #podcast #datasovereignty #quantumcomputing #ethicalAI #technology #Europe

🎙️ Podcast Guest: Mark Hooley Mark Hooley is an international educator, education leader, and Founder of GOER - Global Online Education Regulator, a global initiative dedicated to raising standards, trust, and accountability in online learning. 🌍 In this episode, Mark explores what it means to be a true teacher — someone who leads with empathy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for students. Drawing from years of experience in international education and online learning, he shares why empathetic leadership and student-centred teaching are essential for the future of education. 🍎 🚀 About GOER GOER was founded to bring clear standards, independent oversight, and quality assurance to the rapidly expanding world of online education. Through accreditation, evaluation, and professional development frameworks, GOER works to ensure that digital learning environments are ethical, transparent, and effective for learners worldwide. 🔎 What GOER focuses on: 📚 Accreditation frameworks for online schools and tutoring platforms 🛡️ Learner protection, safeguarding, and ethical practice 🌐 Global standards for high-quality digital education 📈 Continuous improvement and professional development for educators 🔗 Learn more: https://www.goer-onlineeducationregulator.org https://www.linkedin.com/company/goer-global-online-education-regulator https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hooley-cgeog-128439195/ 💡 A conversation about education, leadership, and the teachers who shape lives through empathy and passion.

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Gaspar Ferreira Gaspar Ferreira is a psychologist working at the intersection of leadership, performance, education and cultural integration in Portugal. 🔗 Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gasparferreira22/ 🧠 About Gaspar Gaspar is a Portuguese psychologist focused on performance psychology, leadership development and mental health. He is actively involved with the Northern Regional Delegation of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, contributing to professional advocacy, ethical standards and the advancement of psychological practice in Portugal. His work spans clinical and organisational contexts, supporting individuals and teams in building resilience, emotional intelligence and sustainable high performance. He has collaborated with the Portuguese Armed Forces and football teams across Portugal, applying psychological principles in high-pressure, results-driven environments. His experience bridges structured institutional systems and community-based interventions, giving him a uniquely grounded perspective on leadership and human behaviour. ✨ Toxic Positivity in Leadership Gaspar breaks down how relentless optimism in leadership can sometimes silence struggle, invalidate real concerns and weaken trust. We explore what emotionally intelligent leadership actually looks like and how to create environments where honesty is valued over forced positivity. 🎓 The Rise of Learning Barriers From systemic obstacles to cultural pressures, we unpack why so many individuals feel blocked in their educational and professional growth. Gaspar shares insights from his psychological work and what needs to change to make learning more inclusive and empowering. 🌍 Immigration & Assimilation into Portuguese Culture We dive into the lived experience of adapting to life in Portugal, balancing identity with belonging and the psychological impact of integration. Gaspar offers grounded reflections on what true inclusion requires at both institutional and human levels. It’s a thoughtful, practical and deeply human conversation about leading well, learning better and building cultures where people can truly thrive. Cool Beans!

🎧 Episode Spotlight: The Return of Josué Ferreira — Deep Dive into the Book of Enoch & the Wicked Bible! ✝️📖 He’s back! We’re joined once again by the ever-inspiring Josué Ferreira — preacher, gifted musician 🎶, teacher of the Word, and a powerful voice in Christian thought. This week Josué unpacks two fascinating topics: the ancient Book of Enoch 👼✨ and the notorious Wicked Bible 🕯️📜 — what they are, why they matter, and how they shape our understanding of Scripture today. Join us for a lively, heartfelt conversation full of faith, insight, and joy as Josué brings his unique blend of musical creativity 🎸, theological depth, and passion for preaching. Whether you’re curious about lost texts, history, or simply want to be encouraged in your walk with God — this episode is for you! 🙌📚🔥 #FaithTalk #BookOfEnoch #WickedBible #JosuéFerreira ✨ https://www.facebook.com/igreja.icec/ Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/josue.ferreira.3701/  

🎙️ Podcast Guest Spotlight: Cindy Shapiro 🎼 Composer • ✍️ Librettist • 💻 Technologist • 🎭 Artist-in-Residence Meet Cindy Shapiro—a multi-faceted artist originally from the US, now creating and performing 🌍 globally and based in 🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal. She bridges 🎭 immersive theatre, 🎶 opera, 🎮 interactive media, and 🕹️ video games with her bold, genre-defying music—blending storytelling, technology, and sound into powerful artistic experiences. 🌐 Official Site — https://www.cindyshapiro.net 🎭 Incorrigible Entertainment — https://www.incorrigibleentertainment.com ▶️ YouTube — Search: Her Mind’s Eye Trailer 🎥 Check out her tunes on Spotify and Apple Music.

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: David Moreira In this episode, we speak with David Moreira — DJ, author and educator — about history, colonisation and contested memory. Born in Porto in 1993, David holds a Master’s in History of International Relations from the London School of Economics, and a degree from Università Bocconi in International Economics, Management and Finance. He has taught Economics in Porto and is also a DJ of electronic music. 🎧 Author of A Mais Breve História do Ultramar, he speaks passionately about the misconceptions surrounding the Portuguese colonies, the impact of the colonial wars, and the European “map-makers of disaster” who carved up Africa 🗺️. A strong advocate for Palestinian liberation 🇵🇸, he draws connections between past and present struggles — and hints at a powerful new book in the works. 🌍✨ 📚 Get the book: • Buy the print edition at WOOK — A Mais Breve História do Ultramar by David Moreira: Buy from WOOK (print) • Purchase online at Bertrand (book & eBook): Buy from Bertrand • Find the eBook version on WOOK: Buy eBook on WOOK • Also available at FNAC: Buy from FNAC Whether you’re curious about imperial histories or the forces that shaped our world, this conversation and book are essential listening and reading. https://www.portoeditora.pt/autor/david-moreira/7366554

🎙️ Podcast Spotlight: Catarina Parada ✨🦷 Meet Dr. Catarina Parada, a dentist based in Matosinhos, Portugal 🇵🇹, specialising in aesthetic dentistry and helping patients feel confident through beautiful, natural-looking smiles. Catarina works at Avenida Dental Clinic – Matosinhos, where she focuses on personalised, modern treatments designed to enhance both oral health and smile aesthetics. 🌟 🔗 Connect & Learn More: 📸 Catarina Parada Instagram: catarinaparada 📸 Avenida Dental Clinic Instagram: avenidadentalclinic 🌐 https://www.avenidadentalclinic.com/en/contacts 😁 Tune in to hear how aesthetic dentistry is transforming smiles and confidence.

🎙️ Cool Beans Pod | Dr. Elena Molinos 🩺 In this episode of the Cool Beans Pod, we sit down with Dr. Elena Molinos, an intensive care physician at Hospital Pedro Hispano in Porto, Portugal. 🇵🇹 Originally from Spain 🇪🇸 and living in Portugal for over 20 years, Dr. Molinos is a true public healthcare provider with a deep passion for patient care. 💬 She speaks openly and candidly about the challenges facing public healthcare, including system pressure, and doctor burnout. 🤯🔥 🤖 We also dive into AI in healthcare—its potential, limitations, and what it really means for doctors on the front lines. 🦠 Dr. Molinos shares powerful reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the realities and emotional weight faced by intensive care teams. ❤️ Honest, insightful, and deeply human—this is a must-listen conversation about modern medicine. #CoolBeansPod #PublicHealthcare #IntensiveCare #WomenInMedicine #DoctorLife #HealthcareBurnout #AIinHealthcare #COVID19 #FrontlineVoices #Medicine #Portugal #Spain

Cool Beans Pod: Tim Vieira – the serial entrepreneur who built empires from Angola to Portugal, now leading the revolution in education as Founder & CEO of Brave Generation Academy! 🇿🇦➡️🇵🇹 South African-born, Portuguese-rooted powerhouse, epic car & arcade collector at Tim's Garage 🎮🚗, Christian optimist, and fierce believer in slashing bureaucracy, sparking innovation, and giving back tenfold. 🔥 Tim drops pure 🔥 on transforming education for the next gen, why the future belongs to the brave, and how Portugal can level up massive. Grab your beans – this episode is electric! ☕⚡🚀 #CoolBeansPod #TimVieira #BraveGeneration #EntrepreneurVibes #EducationRevolution For more info contact: Miriam Vieira at [email protected] https://bravegenerationacademy.com/

🎙️ PAULO CORDEIRO SALGADO - author 🎖️ From colonial war to global health missions 🏥 Hospital leader with stories from Portugal, Guinea-Bissau & Angola 🎓 Lawyer, hospital management expert ✍️ Writer of fiction, children’s tales & sharp reflections 🗞️ Where medicine, history, and storytelling collide 📚 Books by Paulo Cordeiro Salgado Guiné: Crónicas de Guerra e Amor (Guinea: Chronicles of War and Love) — Lema d’Origem, 2016. Encruzilhadas no Império (Crossroads in the Empire) — Lema d’Origem, 2024. Margens – Vivências de Guerra (Margins – War Experiences) — Lema d’Origem, 2024. O Amor que Veio da China e Outros Contos (The Love That Came from China and Other Tales) — Lema d’Origem, 2022. 7 Histórias para o Xavier (7 Stories for Xavier) — Lema d’Origem. https://www.wook.pt/pesquisa?keyword=Paulo+Cordeiro+Salgado+  

🎙️ Cool Beans Pod | Guest: Purvi Shroff In this episode of the Cool Beans Pod, we sit down with Purvi Shroff, Director of Alumni Leadership & Career Development at Teach For Portugal, to talk all things education equity, teaching, and systems change 🌍📚 Purvi brings a truly global perspective, having worked across the Teach For network in India, the UK, and now Portugal. She shares honest insights into the real challenges of teaching within public school systems, alongside the powerful opportunities educators have to transform lives and communities. We also dive into Teach For Portugal’s mentorship-based teacher training programme, exploring how it prepares future teachers, builds leadership capacity, and strengthens long-term impact in education 🎓🤝 Whether you’re curious about teaching, education reform, or leadership for social change, this conversation is full of learning, reflection, and inspiration. 🔗 Learn more: linktr.ee/teachforportugal 📸 Follow Purvi on Instagram: @purvishroff 📘 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/purvishroff 📸 Follow Teach For Portugal: @teachfportugal To apply for their programme: teachforportugal.org?carreira/ ☕🎧 Tune in and get ready for some seriously cool beans.

Discover Chris Tully ☕🇨🇦→🇵🇹 This friendly Canadian expat living in beautiful Porto, Portugal, has a heartwarming habit: buying coffee for strangers just to listen to their amazing life stories! Chris is all about building real connections, meeting new people, and celebrating the unique tales we all carry. Check him out on Instagram and Facebook for more glimpses into his adventures and the inspiring folks he meets. If you're in Porto, connect with him and share your own story – he'd love to hear it! ❤️🤝🌍☕ IG: @15COFFEES Facebook: facebook/15coffees

🎙️ Josué Ferreira | Music, Faith & Education in Portugal 🎵🎸 Musician & Music Teacher 🧠 Registered Psychologist ✝️ Pastor & Gospel Advocate 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Man | 📍 Porto, Portugal Josué Ferreira is a Porto native, devoted family man, registered psychologist, music teacher, and pastor at Igreja de Cristo Evangélica Carismática (ICEC). A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Josué shares a deep love for music education, Christian faith, and the gospel. 📚✨ In this episode, we explore his journey through music and ministry, his work in education and psychology, and a thoughtful conversation on secular education in Portugal—with a focus on how science 🧬 and Christian faith ✝️ can meaningfully work together rather than stand in opposition. A warm, reflective, and insightful conversation at the intersection of music 🎶, psychology 🧠, education 🎓, and Christianity ✝️. 🔗 Learn more about ICEC: https://icec.pt/quem-somos/ 🎧 Enjoy the episode

🎙️☕ Cool Beans Pod — Episode 11: Mary Wilson (Exuberant Chaos) 🌍🇨🇦➡️🇵🇹 In Episode 11 of Cool Beans Pod, we chat with Mary Wilson, a Canadian native now living in Matosinhos, Portugal🌊. After a career in project management, Mary made a bold shift into the NGO world, founding Exuberant Chaos — a community-driven organisation rooted in creativity, inclusion, and social impact 🎨🤝. She shares what inspired the leap, the realities of building something from the ground up, and how structure and chaos can surprisingly work hand in hand 🧩✨. Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and plenty of heart as we explore purpose-led work, change, and starting again in a new country 🌱💬. 🎧 Tune in for an energising conversation full of curiosity, courage, and connection. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wilson-25a2253/ IG: wilsmary2022

💥 Cool Beans Pod — Featuring John Lambe 🔦 In this episode, I sit down with John Lambe, an Irish tech founder now living in Porto. We shine a spotlight on his journey building and selling companies, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 🤖 AI: Challenges, Opportunities & the Changing World of Work John breaks down the practical challenges of AI — from data issues to transparency and rapid technological shifts — as well as the opportunities it creates for new tools, smarter workflows and better decision-making. He also shares his perspective on how AI is already changing the way we work, reshaping roles, boosting productivity and demanding new skills across industries. A grounded, insightful conversation for anyone curious about tech leadership and the future of work.

🎙️ Episode Spotlight — Mystery Skies: CIFA & (UAPs) UFOs Over Portugal! In this episode, we welcome Vitor Moreira, director of the Center for Aerospace Phenomena Investigation (CIFA) in Vila do Conde. A dedicated UAP investigator since 1976, Vitor brings decades of experience, curiosity, and sky-watching expertise 🛸✨ — but he stays surprisingly coy about certain details, offering just enough to intrigue while keeping some mysteries close to the chest 😶‍🌫️🤐🌀. From what may have truly happened at Fátima 🌟, to an unresolved case in Braga 🔍, to several curious incidents recorded by CIFA 📡👁️‍🗨️, this episode explores Portugal’s most compelling aerial enigmas. Get ready for a mix of science, mystery, and a touch of the unknown 🚀🌌👽. Explore more or report a sighting at: https://cifa.pt/site/

Carlos and Helena Branco (Villa das Eiras)  Meet two brave souls who decided that the German corporate rat race was not the path to fulfilment — so they tore up the rulebook, packed their lives, and followed a deeper calling all the way to Gaia, Portugal. 🇩🇪➡️🇵🇹 Now, they're building something extraordinary: a Quantum Healing & Spirituality Retreat Centre (Villa das Eiras) designed to nurture transformation, community, and conscious living. 🌀💫 Opening its doors in 2026, this sanctuary-in-the-making blends modern energy work, ancestral wisdom, and the power of intentional community — all nestled in the lush, grounding landscape of Portugal. 🌱🏞️ Tune in as they share their journey of awakening, challenges, laughter, magic, and the real work behind creating a place where people can reconnect with their essence. ✨💚 Want to follow their evolution or get early info about retreats and events? 📲 Instagram: @iamhelenabranco Cool beans. 😎🫘 #QuantumHealing #SpiritualRetreat #GaiaPortugal #ConsciousCommunity #SpiritualJourney #Retreat2026

🎙️ Episode Spotlight: The Cool Beans Pod ☕🇺🇦✨ Meet the unstoppable Oleksii & Iryna Korkushko 🔥 Ukrainian entrepreneurs, influencers, and proud parents who built an incredible life in Leça da Palmeira, Porto, Portugal! 🌊🏖️ In this episode, the couple opens up about: Growing their blogging & brand promotion business 📸💼 Raising their daughter who’s already killing it in the modelling world 👑👗 Staying strong and smiling through the war in Ukraine while chasing global opportunities 🇺🇦❤️ Pure inspiration: no matter the obstacles, they keep moving forward with gratitude, love, and that signature Ukrainian resilience! 💪🌟 Follow their journey: 👉 Iryna: @mamamia.instaterapia 👉 Oleksii: @korkushkooleksii You’ll leave this episode motivated, smiling, and ready to embrace every opportunity the world throws your way! 🚀 #CoolBeansPod #UkrainianEntrepreneurs #Inspiration #FamilyGoals #KeepGoing    

🎙️ Episode Spotlight: Inside VDM Capital with Maria João Vieira de Matos 🌟 Join us as we dive deep with Maria João Vieira de Matos, board member of VDM Capital and daughter of founder Domingos Vieira de Matos! 👨‍👧‍👦 From powerhouse media empire Media Livre 📺📰 (magazines, TV channels, newspapers – check medialivre.pt) to sustainable giant Altri Group 🌳 (eucalyptus pulp production, proudly listed on Portugal's PSI 20 stock index – altri.pt/en), VDM is a force! Maria João shares her education in Portugal & the USA 🎓, mergers & acquisitions stories 💼, and how VDM has boldly expanded into health sectors 🏥, solar energy ☀️ via Greenvolt (greenvolt.com), and impactful pro bono initiatives 🤝. VDM capital also launched BIG (investment bank) in 2000 - selling their position in 2012 (https://big.pt). Maria João discusses VDM's acquisition and merger of 58 imaging and blood analysis companies which they sold to Unilabs at a remarkable profit.  A legacy of vision, growth, and green impact – don’t miss it! 🇵🇹🚀   Follow Maria João on instagram: mariajoaovieiramatos

🌍✈️ Wonders & Wanderlust with the Von Bergs 🎙️ Hey adventure seekers! Join the Von Berg family – that fearless crew now living the dream in Porto, Portugal 🏠🇵🇹 – as they share how to chase the world’s greatest wonders with young kids in tow! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 From sunrise selfies at the Taj Mahal 🕌 to fairy-tale castles in Scotland 🏰, epic boat rides through emerald mountains ⛰️🚤, and palm-lined beaches in Sri Lanka 🏖️, they’ve ticked off 6 of the 7 Modern Wonders (and 30+ countries!) while worldschooling their mini explorers. Now soaking up Porto’s blue azulejos, ocean sunsets 🌅, and the best pizza in town 🍕, they’re your go-to for honest family itineraries, gap-year tips, and bucket-list quizzes that actually work. Ready for real-talk travel with kids? Let’s go! 🔗 Explore with the Von Bergs: 🌎 SharingTheWander.com – Family travel itineraries & worldschooling magic 🇵🇹https://portoporfavor.com/  - Your insider guide to Porto & Northern Portugal Featured in The New York Times, Boston Globe, The Planet D & more! Who’s packing their bags? Drop your dream destination below! 💬 #FamilyTravel #WondersOfTheWorld #PortoPortugal #VonBergAdventures 🚀

📺 From Netflix’s Fauda to Temporarily Dead and Munich Games, Michal Aviram has shaped some of the most gripping global TV. 🌍 Now living in Porto, Michal opens up about: 🔥 Turning raw ideas into global hits 💣 Building tension and truth into unforgettable characters 🎬 The real craft of story development — from spark to screen ✨ A rare, golden peek inside a top writer’s creative mind. Perfect for writers, creators, and TV lovers hungry to level up their storytelling game. 📡 Listen. Learn. Create. 🎧 Cool Beans Pod — where brilliant stories begin. ☕ Subscribe now & catch the inspiration.

Meet Zonia, a passionate Hyrox athlete, teacher, mom, and wife from South Africa 🇿🇦. In this inspiring episode, she sits down with a high-performance athlete to explore the balance between competition, career, and family life — and what it takes to educate and motivate the next generation. ✝️ Child of God 👩‍🏫 Dedicated Teacher 💪 Group Fitness Instructor 🚴‍♀️ Spinning Coach 🇿🇦 South African - Living in Portugal 🏆 #Hyrox World Championship Qualifier 2024 – France 🇫🇷 Tune in for an honest conversation about discipline, purpose, and passion — both in the classroom and on the competition floor. 📱 Follow Zonia: @zonia777p on Instagram

Listen to part 2 of my interview with Pedro Henriques the co-founder and CEO of Strongstep.   Check us out at Instagram or www.coolbeansresources.com.  Please follow the show and get in touch for any comments or suggestions.  Cool Beans   Instragram: cool_beans_resources        

🎙️ Pedro Henriques — Strongstep (Part 1 of 2) In this episode, I speak with Pedro Henriques, CEO and founder of Strongstep, about innovation, leadership, and building better processes in tech. Pedro also shares his thoughts on educating children about online scams, artificial intelligence, and the importance of digital hygiene. 🌐 Website: www.strongstep.pt 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pedroch

An introduction to the Cool Beans Pod. Meet your host - Gary Moss.