Rerelease: From small town to unicorn: Virgilio Bento and Sword Health’s success

Sebastião Bugalho’s meteoric rise from journalism to politics is astonishing, specially considering he wasn’t even 30 years old when he gained the top seat of his political party, PSD, on the European Parliament. In an insightful conversation with host Tony Gonçalves, Sebastião discusses his visions for Portugal, Europe and also offers some insights into the rise of the far right party Chega. His father was a Jazz DJ and his mother an author, and this eclectic duality gave us a young mind with an inquisitive and hard look into the present and the future. Sitting in his office in Brussels, Sebastião Bugalho reflects not only on the political future of Europe but also muses on the importance of music and family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindy Reid founded Rhodo Bagels, a bagel shop in the heart of Lisbon’s downtown that features amazing bagels, cookies and coffee. Listen to this conversation originally published in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Vieira believes that everyone wants to be Portuguese. See why in this conversation between Tim and Tony Gonçalves, originally published in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

V, as he likes to be called, is the CEO of Sword Health, a unicorn company from Portugal. Listen to this conversation originally published in April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Calvao is a partner at Arrow Global and discusses his unique background in this insightful conversation on the challenges of building and investing in Portugal, originally released in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Portuguese journalist Ana Rita Guerra covers a range of topics from tech to AI to entertainment and US Politics for Lusa, Expresso, Diário de Notícias and others. Based in LA, Ana Rita was at the center of the Palisades wildfires and the ICE raids and, speaking with host Tony Gonçalves, she muses over those surreal days and offers a glimpse of the future of the media business. Ana Rita Guerra believes that good journalism is really important, but the media business is suffering huge transformations. Ana Rita’s food and drink suggestions touch a few Portuguese landmarks that no other guest had yet recommended.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef Lauren Covas just released her Cookbook “Little Portugal”. Listen to her conversation with Tony Gonçalves, originally published in July.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Mike Rita isn’t just a stand-up. He’s a naturally funny guy who also happens to be Portuguese. Born in Canada to immigrant parents, he grew up mimicking their voices and mannerisms as a way to connect with the adults around him. But for years he left that part of himself off stage… until, one day, someone called him on it and it changed everything. Mike’s presence carries the same raw honesty as the Portuguese immigrants who crossed oceans in search of a better life. But as host Tony Gonçalves recalls, his process isn’t all laughs. Before stepping on stage at the IPMAs, Mike was backstage, sunglasses on, sweating, pacing in silence. That moment stuck. Food plays a big part in his story too. In this episode, Mike shares some of his favorite (and very humble) meals from childhood. And yes, there’s bacalhau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marta Pereira da Costa’s story speaks to instinct, dedication, and cultural pride. She began on the piano but what spoke to her was the unique 12 string Portuguese guitar. Today, Marta is one of the few soloists performing this complex instrument on stages around the world, representing her culture with Fado music. In this episode, Marta shares her path from civil engineering to full-time musician, her roots and hustle in the Fado houses of Lisbon, and how she landed a coveted spot on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. She also treats us to three live performances, each one played with unmistakable joy. Marta never leaves her guitar behind and never forgets where she comes from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

José Costa Rodrigues started selling iPhones to his friends in his teens, now he’s making it big in the United States. The true definition of an entrepreneur, José is now based in Texas and is the co-founder and CEO of Relive, a real-estate agency. Listen to the enthusiastic story of this true hustler. José shares his humble beginnings selling iPhones, a move that led him to be known as “José dos iPhones” and his first company, Forall Phones, that was acquired in 2020. But José has not forgotten his Portuguese heritage, and is focused on harnessing the best of both countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.