The Rest is Spain – The Olive Press Podcast

From high-stakes cosmetic surgery scandals in Marbella to tracking down international fugitives in Ibiza and unearthing forgotten heroes of the Spanish Civil War—the news on the Costas is never quiet. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.esIn this episode of The Rest is Spain, Jon Clarke, Caroline, and Chris break down the exclusive Olive Press investigations dominating headlines this week:* **The Marbella Plastic Surgery Fallout:** Uncovering the shocking global network, botched procedures, and aggressive legal cover-ups surrounding the late cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Aslani.* **The Ibiza Chase:** How an international film crew and investigative teams finally tracked down and served legal papers to a high-profile associate connected to Jeffrey Epstein in the remote hills of Ibiza.* **Financial Con Artists Behind Bars:** The downfall of serial fraudster Jodie Bell and her multi-million euro scams.* **La Portuguesa & the International Brigades:** Marking the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War with the incredible, untold story of a frontline female militia fighter.Make sure to follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode, and head over to www.theolivepress.es to read the full investigative reports!

Essential listening if you live in Spain, own property here, rent to guests or just want the unfiltered reality behind the headlines.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.esA racist assault in Madrid. A fugitive fraudster in Spain and Portugal. And a bizarre lion hunt that may have been nothing of the sort. This week, the Rest is Spain crew tears into the stories expats and locals are talking about right now - and the people who think they can hide in plain sight.Caroline is joined by Jon and Walt for a fast-moving, no-nonsense episode that starts with the shocking front-page case of a Black American woman allegedly told to "go back to Africa" at a famous flamenco club in Madrid. Jon breaks down why Olive Press chose to name the accused, what happened when the story was chased down, and why the case points to something bigger and uglier happening across Spain.From there, the conversation turns to Tommy Robinson, with Walt and Jon tracing the self-styled activist's pattern of fundraising, luxury living, and alleged financial sleight of hand across Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. They dig into the villas, the companies, the crypto links, the reported arrests, and the trail of threats left behind after Olive Press published its investigation.You'll discover: Why the Madrid racism case has shocked even seasoned reporters How naming and shaming can matter when the subject has already exposed himself online What the Tommy Robinson investigation reveals about cash, companies, and offshore grift Why Andorra and the Algarve keep appearing in the background How racist and extremist behaviour is becoming more brazen across EuropeThen comes one of Olive Press's trademarks - the wanted files. Jon and Walt revisit Operation Captura, the campaign that has helped track down Britain's most wanted fugitives in Spain over two decades, including fraudsters, sex offenders, and a bank robber who was caught only after Olive Press put his face on the front page. They also unpack why Spain can be such a useful place to disappear in, from cash-only lifestyles to crowded tourist hotspots that make fugitives harder to spot.And because no episode of The Rest is Spain would be complete without a stranger-than-fiction twist, the team closes with the mysterious "lion" reportedly spotted near Toledo, plus the real-life stories of escaped animals, trophy hunters, and the kinds of headlines that only seem to happen here.Essential listening if you want hard-edged Spanish news, outrageous true-crime stories, and a brutally honest look at the people trying to exploit life on the Costa. If you live in Spain, dream of living here, or just love a story that gets wilder by the minute, hit play.#expatlife #expat #spain #podcast #theolivepress #spainnews #StaysureExpat #realeseguros

Spain's weather is getting weirder by the week - and this episode opens with the kind of August chaos you do not expect: hailstones the size of eggs, hurricane-force winds, mini-tsunamis on the coast, and a Granada earthquake that left hundreds unable to go home.If you live in Spain, rent property here, or just want to understand what these extreme events mean for everyday life, this one is essential.Caroline, Jon, and Walter break down the storms hammering Tarragona and the Costa Blanca, including the shocking hail damage in Tarragona port and the strange pressure-driven waves that hit Gandia, Javea, Mallorca, and the Balearics. Walt explains why this kind of wild weather is showing up in August, not September, and Jonathan connects the dots with warming Mediterranean temperatures and shifting atmospheric pressure. Caroline pushes on the big question: does this mean more serious disasters are coming?Then the conversation turns to Granada, where a 4.8 earthquake struck while Alessio was in an editorial meeting, giving Walt a front-row seat to the moment a colleague froze mid-call as the building shook. You’ll hear what it feels like when an earthquake hits, why the Richter scale is more dramatic than most people realize, and why 600 residents are still unable to return home.We also break down one of the most infuriating rental horror stories you’ll hear all year. A journalist in Granada rented her house through Booking.com, only to find signs of fire, smashed glass, stolen appliances, and a missing TV after guests left. The bigger shock? Booking and the bank allegedly sided with the guests, leaving her to fight back through the police, the Bank of Spain, and the courts.Walt brings the on-the-ground perspective from Catalonia and Granada, plus the weather context behind the storms and earthquakes.Essential listening if you live in Spain, own property here, rent to guests or just want the unfiltered reality behind the headlines.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.es

Ceuta is turning into a humanitarian and political flashpoint, and the details on the ground are far more alarming than the headlines suggest. Jon Clarke is in the middle of it, reporting on the chaos in Spain's North African enclave, while Alessio uncovers a separate expat fraud case that could leave people with unexpected tax debts years later.Jon paints a vivid picture of Ceuta under strain, with thousands of migrants gathering on beaches and in makeshift camps, a heavy military presence on the streets, and growing fears that the situation is only getting bigger. He also explains how the Gibraltar border, now tied into Schengen, adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile story.We break down:What Jon saw in Ceuta, including the scale of the migrant surge and why local residents are worriedHow asylum rules, age checks, and the fate of minors shape what happens nextWhy social media posts may have helped trigger the crossingWhat the Gibraltar border change could mean if pressure spreadsAlessio's investigation into a British fixer in Alicante accused of taking tax money from expats without paying it onThe warning signs expats should look for when trusting gestors, lawyers, and property advisersAlessio's story is especially important if you live in Spain or are buying property there, because the fallout from bad paperwork can surface years later as fines, debt, and legal headaches. The episode also turns to the tragic and still-mysterious death of 17-year-old Nicoline Piwani on the Costa del Sol, where new leads raise more questions about what happened in her final hours.This is essential listening if you follow Spain, live as an expat, or want the kind of reporting that connects the headlines to the human cost behind them. Three very different stories, one episode, and plenty of reasons to keep listening.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.es#ceuta #migrants #migrantes #marbella #expatlife #expat #alicante #spain #podcast #theolivepress #spainnews #StaysureExpat #realeseguros

Most expats and anyone interested in Spain's shifting political landscape are in for a wild ride. This episode uncovers the startling story of a U.S. trans woman seeking asylum in Spain—a move that could set a historic precedent—and reveals the seismic changes underway in Andalusia’s policies and border agreements.Discover the unprecedented case of Kate Iset from Texas, a transgender woman fleeing Texas’s harsh anti-trans legislation and US government crackdowns equating trans activism with terrorism. We break down the complex asylum process and Spain’s potential role as a refuge for those fleeing repressive policies. This story isn’t just about one woman; it’s about the future of human rights and asylum in a polarized world. You’ll see why Spain’s decision could ripple across borders, setting a new global standard—if it happens at all.Next, we explore Spain’s upcoming political shifts: the controversial deal between the Partido Popular and Vox in Andalusia. You’ll learn how their policy pact could redefine regional social policies—from prioritizing Spanish nationals over foreigners for healthcare to outlawing headscarves in public places. We break down what this means for expats, immigrants, and the broader fight over cultural identity in Spain.And it doesn’t stop there. From potential changes to Gibraltar’s border after 300 years, to a high-profile Swedish mafia case involving Marbella’s mayor’s stepson—this episode shines a spotlight on Spain’s hidden power struggles, crime networks, and international tensions. You’ll hear exclusive insights into one of Europe’s most intriguing criminal cases and Spain’s evolving diplomatic landscape.This episode is essential listening for anyone planning to live, work, or invest in Spain—or simply curious about the bold political and social experiments unfolding. Navigate the upheavals, understand the stakes, and stay ahead of the story shaping Spain’s future. Whether you’re an expat, an observer, or a policymaker, don’t miss this eye-opening deep dive into Spain’s most pressing issues.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.es#SpainPodcast #ExpatLife #TravelSafety #StaysureExpat #spain #lgbt #gibraltar #bizum

This episode is brought to you in association with:Stay Sure Expat - https://www.staysure.com/expat/Reale Seguros - https://www.reale.es/expats/enThe Olive Press - https://www.theolivepress.es/This episode covers intriguing stories from Spain, including a bizarre car ram raid at Malaga Airport, the impact of expats on local communities, and safety tips for travelers in Barcelona. Join us for insights into local culture, crime, and the positive influence of British expats.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:46 The Airport Car Incident07:12 The Impact of British Expats in Spain12:08 Cultural Integration and Acceptance of Expats14:19 Exploring Barcelona's Neighborhoods and Safety Concerns15:18 The Vibrant Yet Risky Beach Life17:58 Navigating Safety in Barcelona21:26 Understanding the Underworld of Barcelona23:57 Street Smarts: Tips for Tourists26:31 Cultural Nuances and Residency in Catalonia keywordsSpain, Malaga Airport, car ram raid, expats in Spain, Barcelona safety, local communities, crime, travel tips, British expats, Spanish culture

Ex-Premier League & England Footballer David Bentley joins us for an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud episode of the Rest is Spain podcast! From the highs of playing with the iconic Arsenal 'Invincibles' squad and signing with Tottenham to becoming the first-ever Englishman to play in the Russian Premier League (with some unbelievable cash-in-hand stories from Rostov-on-Don 🇷🇺), David doesn’t hold back. We dive deep into:👉 Moving to Marbella at 26 and building La Sala Group—arguably the most successful expat business on the Coast.👉 Hilarious practical jokes, from the infamous Harry Redknapp ice-bucket prank to raiding Mikel Arteta’s fridge in a Spurs shirt!👉 The truth behind his viral Cheltenham dancing clip and playing golf with Jimmy Bullard.👉 Important reflections on Louis Theroux’s Manosphere documentary, toxic masculinity, and his work advocating for young men’s mental health. 👉 Why he loves Spain (from San Sebastián to Formentera) and why he'll inevitably move back for good.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & Staying Insured with StaySure ExPats01:02 - Building the La Sala Group Expat Empire in Marbella07:24 - Playing in Russia: Paid in Cash & Rostov Life09:50 - Going Viral: The Cheltenham Dancing Queen11:07 - Exposing the Manosphere & Supporting Men's Mental Health29:14 - Growing up with Gazza & Crossing the North London Divide (Arsenal & Spurs)37:29 - Pranking Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium40:12 - Drenching Harry Redknapp & Golfing with Jimmy Bullard44:29 - For the Love of Spain: Best Food, Cities, and Island Escapes🌍 Looking for the ultimate peace of mind while traveling or living abroad? Get your expat travel insurance from our amazing title sponsor, StaySure ExPats:👉 https://www.staysure.com/expat-travel-insurance/📰 Stay up to date with the latest breaking news, culture, and investigative journalism in Spain. Visit Spain's leading English-language newspaper, The Olive Press:👉 https://www.theolivepress.es/Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more celebrity guest episodes on the Costa del Sol! 🌴 #DavidBentley #PremierLeague #Marbella #Arsenal #Spurs #LaSala #ExpatLifeSpain #TheRestIsSpain

Welcome to the latest episode of the Olive Press Mafia Podcast 🇪🇸This week, the conversation gets personal as Alessio shares stories and insight into his Sicilian roots, growing up around the culture and legacy of the Mafia in southern Italy. We explore how organised crime evolved from Sicily to Spain’s Costas, and how criminal networks established themselves along the Mediterranean coast.The episode also dives into the background of the Kinahan cartel, where key figures are believed to be now, and the long-running feud involving the Lyons gang and the infamous MGM gym in Puerto Banús. From international drug trafficking to the Costa del Crime era, we unpack the stories, rivalries and power structures that continue to shape organised crime in Spain today.🎙️ Listen now and subscribe for more deep dives into crime, corruption and life in Spain through the Olive Press lens.📰 Olive Press: https://www.theolivepress.es/This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats across Spain with specialist insurance and support.https://www.staysure.com/expat/

This episode is brought to you in association with:Stay Sure Expat - https://www.staysure.com/expat/Reale Seguros - https://www.reale.es/expats/enThe Olive Press - https://www.theolivepress.es/Join us as we explore the latest political, social, and cultural developments between Spain and the UK, with insights from journalists and experts. This episode features discussions on Brexit reversals, UK prime minister in Spain, football controversies, and organized crime, providing a comprehensive overview of current affairs impacting Brits abroad and Spain’s society.Key Topics:The impact of Brexit and the prospects of rejoining the European Union.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's holiday in Valencia and implications for UK-Spain relations.The social and political tensions reflected in football fan behaviors and regional separatism, especially in Basque Country.Spain’s economic recovery, tourism contribution, and foreign investment from the UK.Challenges faced by foreign taxpayers and entrepreneurs in Spain’s tax system.The arrest of Irish mafia figure Daniel Kinnerhan in Dubai and its relevance to organized crime in Spain.Timestamps:00:39 - Introduction of hosts and guest Alessio Ghilanda’s background01:07 - Alessio’s journalism career and move from Sicily to Granada01:39 - Alessio’s work with the Olive Press and his reporting focus02:02 - Alessio’s notable stories about corruption in Granada and British enclaves02:18 - The Albaicín neighborhood illegal construction case03:02 - Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Valencia holiday details03:34 - Public and security measures during Starmer’s stay04:08 - The history and significance of Calle Cabillers in Valencia05:22 - Influence of Brexit on UK-Spain relations and public opinion06:29 - Budget and luxury standards of political holidays07:09 - The potential for Brexit reversal and economic ties08:14 - Public opinion on Brexit and the EU09:44 - Spain’s economic recovery and the importance of tourism10:06 - Travel headaches post-Brexit and potential reentry discussions11:34 - British politicians’ holidays in Spain and their symbolic significance12:43 - The importance of UK-Spain tourism and investment13:33 - The scale of British tourism and expatriate communities in Spain14:43 - Challenges with Italy’s tax agency and comparison with Spain17:03 - Freelance taxation and tax agency powers in Spain19:24 - Spain’s tax law affecting online poker players and entrepreneurs21:08 - Challenges faced by expatriates in Spain regarding passive income22:22 - Attacks on foreign investment and property owners23:17 - Football unrest: Basque separatism, ETA, and regional identity24:36 - The controversy over nationalist chants and political expressions in football27:41 - Broader social issues reflected in football hooliganism28:17 - Perspectives on political and regional tensions in Spain29:17 - The role of football as societal reflection31:18 - Incidents of racism and hooliganism at matches32:27 - Police responses to football violence and organizational issues33:37 - The arrest of Irish mafia figure Daniel Kinnerhan and organized crime in Spain34:20 - Critique of law enforcement timing and effectiveness35:18 - Upcoming Mafia Special podcast for deep dive on organized crimeResources & Links:Stay Sure ExpatReale SegurosThe Olive Press#spain #news #brexit #basque #uk #primeminister #starmer #expats #expatsinspain #football #costadelcrime #kinnerhan #staysureexpat #realeseguros

Welcome to "The Rest is Spain" podcast - Mafia Special part two!In this episode, we take a deep dive into the infamous “Costa del Crime” era of the 1970s and 80s, when Spain’s southern coast became a hotspot for gangsters, fugitives, and organised crime figures from across Europe. From high-profile hideouts to the rise of criminal networks on the Costa del Sol, we explore the stories that shaped this notorious chapter in Spain’s history.A big thank you to our sponsor, Staysure Expat, supporting expats across Spain with specialist insurance and advice.🔗 Find out more: https://www.staysureexpat.com/Stay up to date with all the latest news from across Spain:📰 https://www.theolivepress.es/If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 🎙️