The Resident Podcast

Our guest today is Sara Allen, Real Estate Sales Director at Martinhal Family Hotels and Resorts, who began her Portugal journey in 1999 as a 21-year-old Algarve holiday rep', after mistakenly thinking she was heading to Egypt!She fell in love with Portugal, stayed on, and became her company's Faro airport controller handling dramatic fog-related flight diversions to Seville and Lisbon, and moved into real estate with Winkworth before joining Martinhal.There she managed owner relations in Sagres and later drove sales, especially during the Golden Visa boom, helping bring international investment to Portugal that helped revitalise areas like Chiado and later Oriente and Parque das Nações.Here, Sarah shares her deep affection for Portuguese coastal living, food (especially chocolate salami), the warm people, easy travel and blue skies, advising newcomers to step out of their comfort zone to build local friendships.She also has a great hack for airport users.She is currently training for the London Marathon to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of her mother, and speaks of her special relationship to running.More about Martinhal Residences – www.martinhal.com (apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at the hit and run 'influencer' mentioned last week, now charged; Portuguese tourism's respectful response to war-inspired trade; war impact on Portugal's energy prices, and disgusted Americans.https://www.portugalresident.com/influencer-who-laughed-online-about-hit-and-run-formally-chargedhttps://www.portugalresident.com/opportunity-or-obstacle-iran-war-raises-questions-for-portugals-tourism-sectorhttps://www.portugalresident.com/government-prepares-safeguards-against-energetic-crisishttps://www.portugalresident.com/almost-50-of-americans-moving-to-portugal-open-to-renouncing-u-s-citizenship/Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected](apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is João Ferreira of Animal Rescue Algarve, a charitable association which owns and operates an animal shelter dedicated to the betterment of dog and cat welfare in Portugal.João is ARA's Manager and Animal Health & Welfare Coordinator. Hear, here, the inspiring story of how the shelter came into being thanks to the vision of British businessman Sid Richardson who uttered those immortal words: “I have a dream…”."Born not from a grand gesture, but from the bond with a single rescue dog – a retriever adopted from a shelter in the Algarve," is how it all began."That dog became a best friend. And that friendship sparked a life-changing decision. “Why wait until I’m gone to build something meaningful? Let’s do it now,” thought Sid, and the rest is history, but with a very particular future in mind, that needs constant and significant help."From a forested valley in Cabanita, we cleared land, laid foundations, and built one of Europe’s most respected animal shelters – an eco-friendly haven where love and dignity replace fear and abandonment," says ARA's website, which is a joy to visit whilst impressing upon the visitor, the project's ongoing needs.Of particular note is ARA's approach to what happens to the pets of older adopters, who fear what might happen to their 'faithful friend', if and when they pass away, leaving the animal abandoned, once more."If you register and accept our Legacy Pet Plan, we will welcome your paw-friend into ARA, probably the best animal shelter in Portugal, where we’ve a large live-in ratio of staff & volunteers and a restricted number of animals.The Legacy Pet Plan doesn’t have a standard cost, but we appeal to your charity," they say. If you are interested in obtaining more information, contact: [email protected] about Animal Rescue Algarve – https://animalrescuealgarve.com (apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at strange goings-on in the Portuguese justice (or lack of it) system, deafening political silence around one of the country's top policing roles, and the American urge to protest in peaceful Portugal.https://www.portugalresident.com/influencer-who-joked-about-hit-and-run-inches-closer-to-hearing-whether-he-faces-charges/https://www.portugalresident.com/algarve-killer-nurse-may-dodge-deportation-from-indonesia/https://www.portugalresident.com/pj-criminal-police-force-in-institutional-limbo/https://www.portugalresident.com/americans-in-portugal-to-stage-lisbon-protest-over-us-politics/Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines. Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected](apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Eric Roth is a freelance photojournalist living in the Algarve who, for The Resident, covers arts, culture and the environment.Eric specializes in photographic reportage of subjects ranging from interiors, architecture, and landscapes, and the people who dwell in them. He envisions an emphasis on the feeling of a place and the beauty of living there.Striving for excitement, creativity, and versatility, on assignment, he will capture evocative details, vignettes, portraits of people and pets, food, and whatever else enhances the story's telling. He has become especially fascinated by the beauty and life of Portugal, and also travels worldwide to capture images for fine art, editorial, advertising, and marketing for photography galleries, designers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, craftsmen, and artisans.Eric's photographs are published in numerous national and regional magazines, on a variety of websites, and in several books. Many of his photographs adorn the walls of his clients' homes.More – www.portugalresident.com/author/eric-roth & ericrothphoto.com Email: [email protected](apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at how the EU is fining Portugal for environmental failings, the Ukrainian 'unicorn' that's making a bomb with a UK politician, and Montenegro's scant protection of fuel buyers as prices inevitably rise.www.portugalresident.com/eu-court-fines-portugal-e10-million-for-environmental-failings/www.portugalresident.com/ukrainian-company-producing-drones-in-portugal-becomes-unicorn/www.portugalresident.com/pm-pledges-to-reduce-tax-on-fuel-if-prices-rise-too-high/Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected](apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is David Thomas of Safe Communities Portugal, who shares with us the origins of this hugely helpful civic protection service that has grown steadily over the years to become a principal source of safety awareness in the country.Safe Communities Portugal (SCP) is an operating name of Associação SCP Safe Communities Portugal, the country’s only registered national non-profit association providing a 'one stop shop' of crime prevention and public information concerning security and safety.As a volunteer-run public service organisation, their services and information are available free of charge to all members of the community. No membership is necessary to receive this.The aim of SCP is by working together to promote safer communities, enhance security awareness and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. It does this through a number of specific objectives covering police/public engagement; communication and awareness; as well as public support in the fight against crime and promoting civil protection awareness.SCP promotes community policing by engaging the police and the community, as well as stimulating citizens' own responsibilities in cooperating with the police, in order to reduce overall crime and the fear of crime. This helps keep neighbourhoods safe and improves the quality of life for everyone. For residents living in, or persons visiting certain regions in Portugal, SCP has created specific “safe communities”, detailing the services it provides in those areas.To date these are: Safe Communities Algarve, Safe Communities Lisbon and Safe Communities Madeira. SCP works closely with the Ministry of Internal Administration, GNR, PSP, Judicial Police, SEF, ANEPC, ASAE, ICNF, and Turismo de Portugal, the municipalities, various Embassies and many other authorities in helping to keep Portugal a safe place to live and visit.Mission: The mission of Safe Communities Portugal is to promote safer communities, enhance public safety and security awareness and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of disasters or crime.More – www.safecommunitiesportugal.com (apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at the Coimbra Mayor's post-disaster public castigation of Portugal's Agriculture Minister, the appointment of top cop as Minister of Internal Affairs (and what that means); as well as the Government's refusal to get specific on spending around public projects and recovery.www.portugalresident.com/agriculture-minister-gets-lesson-in-good-manners/www.portugalresident.com/police-chief-turns-minister-government-thinks-outside-box/www.portugalresident.com/government-admits-deficit-stressing-post-storms-transformation-wont-jeopardise-public-accounts/Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected](apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Jeremy Colledge, who has been a student of Qigong for nearly 35 years, and a teacher for more than 25 years, now living on Portugal's Silver Coast.An insured Qigong therapist, healer and teacher specialising in all types of chronic illness, he had spent many years searching for the 'bridge' between Eastern medicine and Western science until his discovery of Quantum Physics.The connection between the two is now very clear for Jeremy, who teaches in his local Portuguese village, online and all over the world.Hoping to share this ancient and potentially powerful wellbeing and longevity modality to locals, expats and tourists alike, he is also currently making a documentary about 'Zhineng' Qigong, his preferred and beloved style.More – quantumqigong.co.uk (apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at coastal erosion in the wake of, and in addition to, recent devastation, a horrifying TAP near miss in the Czech Republic, and 'dark' Russian ships in Portuguese waters.They also take a look at yesterday's eathquakes, talk of personal experience and offer some general safety advice.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] (apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Daisy Sampson, who first moved to Portugal over 20 years ago, and started her professional career as a junior reporter at The Resident, before moving into the world of PR and marketing under the guidance of Alda Filipe (see last week's interview) in Vale do Lobo.In her last role before joining afpop, Daisy was the editor at The Portugal News where she also read the news for Kiss FM, the Algarve's local radio station. As the CEO of afpop, the largest Association for foreign residents in Portugal, she and the dedicated team at the non-profit association, provide members with a comprehensive range of information services and support.From guiding members through residency and bureaucracy issues, to updates about new laws and regulations, the association is on hand to help members at every stage of their Portugal journey, while also offering opportunities to socialise and to take advantage of exclusive member benefits and discounts.Over the almost 40 years since its humble beginnings, afpop has helped over 37,000 Members to navigate their way around living, working and enjoying Portugal, and currently has a membership of over 9,000 active members.Daisy lives in the central Algarve with her teenage daughters and Canadian partner. More – https://afpop.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at the continuing and calamitous challenges to daily life in Portugal – what happens next, how well Portugal is coping, and will continue to cope and recover in the months ahead.They also take a brief look at Portugal's proposed social media controls for young people – good practice? Or something more sinister?Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Alda Filipe, partner and Regional Director at the Kronos Real Estate Group, who oversees the development and sales of an extensive asset portfolio in the Algarve, including the luxury resort Vale do Lobo, where she also serves as a board member.With over 20 years of experience, primarily focused on luxury golf and beach resort developments, Alda is truly an 'Algarve ambassador', who shares with us here, her passion for real estate, her region, for Portugal, and spear-fishing!Happy at the highest levels of the industry, Alda is also an investor and host herself, sharing the beauty and simplicity of the life she lives and loves in the Algarve with people from all over the world, notably in recent times, from the US.Her passion for Portugal, specifically the Algarve and the diverse range of excellent opportunities it offers, is delightfully clear in our conversation, as are her hopes for the country in these fast-changing and turbulent times.More – www.kronosre.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson, take a look at the headlines that highlight the continuing challenge for Portugal, as storms Kristin and Leonardo are followed by Marta, and the 'State of Calamity' is extended.The clear up continues, aid is forthcoming, but river levels are rising, as rain forecasts continue for a further week.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pm Contact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected] More at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Miguel Franco, creator of 'High Flow CEO', who has just arrived in Portugal, from Brazil, via a 45 year detour in the US.A visionary mentor, transformational & heart-centred teacher, his clients & students include Silicon Valley founders, top level race car drivers, artists, course creators, online entrepreneurs, therapists & spiritual seekers; and now for others making a life-changing move, as he & wife Vanessa have.For the last 40 years, Miguel has leveraged his extraordinary gifts, expertise and engineering background to help transform inner driven and creative leaders into High Flow CEOs through his best selling books and trainings.This process will now be available in a migration context which is intended to make the most of any move.His lifelong passion is racing, and he’s currently preparing himself for a comeback, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to believe in themselves, to be bold and to go after their dreams.More – www.highflowceo.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha with Carl Munson, takes a look at the immediate aftermath of devastating storm Kristin, felt worst in the Leiria district of Portugal where a 'State of Calamity' has been declared.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Tom Caston, Principal of the Bright International School in Loulé, Algarve, who studied Geography at the University of Exeter and later obtained an MSc in Managing School Improvement from the University of Reading.Before embarking on his teaching career, he worked in investment banking. In 1999, he began teaching at Shiplake College, where he later became Head of Lower School.He then held senior management positions in several independent schools across the United Kingdom, including Head of Staff Development at Ardingly College and, more recently, Deputy Head at Framlingham College.Following these roles, Tom served as Head of Mander Portman Woodward, Cambridge, for four years before joining Bright International School in August 2024.More - https://bright-is.com/about-us/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, we're LIVE, please comment and share questions in the chat!Here we discussed incoming Storm Ingrid (or should that be Hagrid?), last weekend's Presidential election results (and Natasha's cunning ruse to put Ventura 'in the corner'), and whether Trump might invade the Azores (if he hasn't already!), as well as the PM's po-faced response to parody. Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.New episode every Friday!Click 'like', subscribe and turn on your notification bell, not to miss any episode.Contact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Charles Roberts, a veteran real estate professional with a fascinating back-story here in Portugal that begins in Albufeira and takes us to Cascais.He is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Fine & Country Portugal, a luxury real estate agency focused on high-end residential property in Lisbon, Cascais, Comporta, and other prime regions.An Englishman (originally from Yorkshire), Charles moved to Portugal after falling in love with the country in the 1980s.He is also on the Supervisory Board of the Royal British Club, a long-standing British heritage social and networking club in Portugal dating back to 1888, with the British Ambassador to Portugal as its president. More - www.fineandcountry.pt/en/team/charles-robertsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha discusses her three news picks of the week including the Portugal's presidential contest where sexual harrassment claims are overshadowing proceedings, the recent Orwellian tone of the PM (who she thinks might be a "little Aspergy"), and how eco groups' hopes may have been crushed.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pm Contact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is James Holley AKA 'An Old Guy in Europe', who moved from California to Ericeira (and more recently to Espinho), and is very happy with the decisions he's made.Here we talk about how he first chose Portugal as a retirement location when he first began to feel uneasy in the USA, back in 2016.For the re-invented and YouTubing James, formerly 'Jim' back home, his relationship with Portugal is a self-confessed love affair, a magical adventure from start to finish, where he is "not afraid of growing old".He also discusses his feelings towards present-day America, to where he is unlikely to return, and how he manages his relationship with his former home in terms of mental health and happiness.More - https://www.youtube.com/@AnOldGuyinEuropeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, our sixth, Natasha discusses her three news picks of the week including people dying waiting for ambulances, the Portuguese response to Trump's action on Venezuela, and unexpected, positive changes at Lisbon airport.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Erik de Vlieger, who tells the story of the Portuguese notary he fell in love with at first sight (and had to marry), and shares his unique approach to life in Portugal as a businessman and "very happy" resident.Erik is an experienced Dutch businessman, investor, and founder of Carvoeiro Branco, one of the leading real estate developers in the Algarve. He also co-owns Palm Properties Portugal and started to buy real estate in Portugal as early as 1996, after moving to the Algarve in 2006.He aspires to make a meaningful contribution to the country by facilitating the development of middle-class housing, businesses, and other opportunities. Beyond business endeavours, Erik is an avid football fan, attending matches regularly in Portugal and Ajax Amsterdam to support his favourite teams.Outside of sports, Erik has a love for art, demonstrated by his impressive collection.More - https://carvoeirobranco.com/meet-our-ceo-erik-de-vliegerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, our fifth, Natasha attempts three news picks of the year here as we countdown to Christmas, with some inevitable digression given the year it's been, including disasters, incompetence and suspicious circumstances, as we go into 2026.Stay close to home is Natasha's serving suggestion for the year ahead, where it seems the pace of progress and change will not be letting up.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Paul Rees, who as well as being a Resident columnist, heads Rural Properties in Central Portugal, after many years visiting, living and working in the Algarve.As "an innovative investment business operating in Portugal's rural property market, we buy, renovate and sell properties in some of Central Portugal's most beautiful towns, village and countryside areas," says Paul who moved from the UK to southern Portugal in 2002.He relocated to the rural central region in 2019 where Rural Properties was established. Paul created the Local Heroes property advice service for Pure Portugal - a network of 30 property advisors across Portugal, working with local Councils, architects and potential buyers. He has advised hundreds of private clients and overseen a variety of property projects in rural Portugal.A degree holder in Marketing and with a career in product management, fundraising, business development and property development, Paul has honed a deep awareness of what customers want and how to supply products and services that fit their needs.More - www.rural-properties.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, our fourth, Natasha discusses her three news picks of the week including her considered response to Portugal's very recent 'top economy' award, praise for the nation's PJ police who have 'dismantled' a major Chinese money laundering operation, and her surprise at American citizenship concerns.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Carl – [email protected] at www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Fred Phillips, who came to pre-Revolution Portugal in the 1970s as a holiday-maker, and ultimately stayed to become a husband, father and founder of a notable company in the Algarve.Creator of the phrase - 'The Golden Triangle' - Fred's story as a new arrival in, and lover of Portuguese culture, is remarkable, heart-warming and highly impressive.It's a far cry from, but seminally connected to his early UK days, when as a Kellogg’s Corn Flakes 'poster boy', he had his first taste of the power of advertising and visual design. From his early and fascinating days, working in a Faro hotel to establish himself and birth his business dream, Fred has since come into contact with most of the movers and shakers, who together created the Algarve we know today.Atelier do Sul have helped countless businesses from hotels and resorts to estate agents and restaurants with their branding and communication design covering corporate identity, graphic design signage, exhibition displays as well as digital and web design.More - https://atelierdosul.com/company/fred-phillips/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, our third, Natasha discusses her three news picks of the week including a heartfelt tribute to the outgoing President, acknowledging the good he has brought to his two-term tenure that might be easily overlooked in the political heat of the present day.The conversation turns also to next week's general strike, assessing its likely impact and outcome, concluding with some analysis of Portugal's persistent and inexcusable standing levels of poverty despite perpetual political promises and not inconsiderable EU funding.Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Resident Columnist Alastair Leithead who describes himself as a "Portugal trainee, freelance journalist & co-luxe entrepreneur".After many years as a BBC foreign correspondent, Alastair Leithead is now permanently based in Portugal where he and his wife Ana have built an off-grid tourism lodge called Vale das Estrelas.They hold events, host retreats and run a small boutique hotel in Odemira based around wine tourism alongside a wine/travelogue podcast they produce on the Alentejo region. Alastair writes blogs both on the challenges of his is new off-grid life in the countryside and on Portuguese wines.He continues to contribute to the BBC, and is a media consultant with an interest in countering misinformation and disinformation. He has worked on projects focused on countering Russian disinformation in Ethiopia and the Baltic states and is currently experimenting with pre-bunking approaches. More - www.portugalresident.com/author/alastair-leitheadBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.comThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha - [email protected] Carl - [email protected] at - www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

The guest today for our inaugural interview is Bruce Hawker, founder and CEO of Open Media, the company that publishes The Resident alongside Essential Algarve magazine, Portuguese language online news source Barlavento, and other niche media projects. Bruce talks about his early life in Portugal, his impressive adventure in international publishing emanting from Portugal, and how he and the team have weathered numerous circumstantial storms along the way.Our conversation concludes with his plans for the future of the business in print, digital media and events as well as his hopes and vision for Portugal in the coming years.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Published Fridays 6pmContact Natasha - [email protected] Contact Carl - [email protected] at - www.portugalresident.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com