From “George Burns“ to a Michelin star: chef George Mendes’ pursuit of perfection and his Portuguese culinary mission

Nuno Morais Sarmento, an important political figure in Portugal, cancer survivor, former boxer and currently head of FLAD, Foundation for Luso American Development, sits down with Tony Gonçalves for a very earnest conversation about life, politics and living each day altruistically. A rare insight into one of Portugal’s most revered political voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diogo Mónica joins Tony Gonçalves for an in depth conversation about crypto, tech startups and investment. Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital, a three billion dollar company, Diogo uses his platform to advance Portuguese innovation, helping the country reach its place as a hub for technological innovation. Listen to the podcast The Heart and Hustle of PortugalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Portuguese Kids are a comedy duo based in Fall River that create amazing sketches about the Portuguese community and mannerisms, bridging the gap between culture and comedy. Derrick DeMelo and Brian Martins talk with Tony Gonçalves about heritage, the strength of the Fall River Portuguese community and even share a secret way to teach English speakers how to pronounce “João” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From global successes like Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” to Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Babel”, producer Jon Kilik has touched and shaped cultural conversations for decades. Tune in for a masterclass in the intersection of creativity and the art of the hustleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Moedas has held the mayor office since 2021 when he won over projected winner Fernando Medina. Being the mayor of Portugal’s capital is no easy task, a job that is constantly in the spotlight. The mayor describes his experiences living abroad, as an immigrant, and how that shaped his leadership today. This earnest conversation also focus on the strength of the city’s immigrant population, the importance of innovation and the housing challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal, Tony Gonçalves interviews actress and director Daniela Ruah, exploring her journey from Boston to Portugal, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her deep connection to her Portuguese roots. Daniela discusses the differences between productions in Portugal and the US, the opportunities for Portuguese content on global platforms, and the essence of home and cultural identity. The episode also delves into a very passionate exchange about the famous Portuguese salted cod, bacalhau, and concludes with a celebration of Fado music and its modern interpretations, leaving the door open for future conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Mendes is known in the culinary world as the executive chef of Aldea, the New York restaurant that gave him his Michelin star. Now based in Boston, he operates Amar, his Portuguese inspired fine dining place. Listen to George’s fascinating journey from his first culinary steps in school (where he burned everything), to his love for Portuguese cuisine in the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal with Tony GonçalvesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Portuguese filmmaking duo Karlee and Marlee Rodrigues, known as the Rodrigues Sisters, based in the United States, speak with Tony Gonçalves about their film, “Os Sonhos Continuam”, their Portuguese heritage and their quest to film about Portuguese Rancho and Folclore, a struggle that is very much like the hustle of their grandparents that emigrated to the US to find a better life without knowing a word of english. Listen the conversation in the podcast “The Heart and Hustle of Portugal”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "The Heart and Hustle of Portugal," host Tony Goncalves converses with Pepe Rapazote, a Portuguese-born actor known for roles in "Narcos" and "Turn of the Tide." They discuss Pepe's journey from architecture to acting, his multicultural upbringing in Venezuela, and the importance of work ethic and family values. Pepe shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of balancing career and family, and his hopes for the future of Portugal's entertainment industry. The episode, recorded in Lisbon's Expresso studios, highlights Pepe's dedication to his craft and his passion for Portuguese culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller shares her journey from Portugal to becoming a prominent figure in investigative journalism. She discusses her Emmy-winning series 'Trafficked,' which delves into the complexities of black markets and their impact on the global economy, shares an amazing escape story and reveals her favourite Portuguese dishes. Mariana van Zeller reflects on her early influences, her determination to pursue journalism and her life-changing experiences covering significant events like 9/11 and dangerous assignments in places like Niger. Her passion for storytelling and understanding the human condition shines through as she navigates the challenges of her profession. The five Emmy winner discusses the importance of empathy in journalism, her unique experiences with her husband in the field and the ethical boundaries she maintains in her work. She also reflects on Portugal's drug policy, the need for investment in the arts, and the defining characteristics of Portuguese identity.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.