The Resident Podcast

In this Portugal Resident News Review podcast Carl Munson and Natasha Donn review Portugal Resident headlines, noting international market jitters after a US “blue tsunami,” then focus on Lisbon’s housing protest in a central square and Mayor Carlos Moedas insisting it must give way to the long-running Christmas market, offering alternative locations as local traders report falling business and the US Embassy advises Americans to avoid the area. They discuss a court ruling prompted by Renata Cambra that tents can symbolize a cause rather than an illegal campsite, the Interior Ministry’s view that it applies only to her, and concerns the protest could be undermined by disorder. https://www.portugalresident.com/lisbon-mayor-insists-housing-encampment-must-make-way-for-christmas-market/They also examine government plans to require data centres to use renewable energy, questioning impacts and ownership as many centers already exist. https://www.portugalresident.com/government-drafting-new-rules-requiring-data-centers-to-be-powered-by-renewable-energy/Finally, they react to Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from Portugal’s national team and his farewell message.Full speech here – https://www.portugalresident.com/cristiano-ronaldo-retires-portugal-national-team-farewell/00:00 Welcome and Headlines00:41 Lisbon Tent Protest Clash02:15 Mayor Offers Alternatives07:16 Renata Tent Legal Twist11:15 Renewable Data Center Rules12:20 Green Energy Tradeoffs17:23 Ronaldo Retires Tribute22:16 Legacy and Leadership WrapSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 49 🇵🇹 (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

On this Resident Podcast ‘Big Interview’, host Carl Munson talks with Steve Andrews – the Welsh-born musician, author, poet and environmentalist better known as the Bard of Ely – about life in Quinta do Conde, his books written in Portugal, and his long-running campaign for Ocean Aid.Steve explains how he left expensive Lisbon Airbnbs in 2014 and found a long-term rental in Quinta do Conde (Sesimbra municipality). He shares the unexpected story of how searching for his missing calico cat “Mum” led him to local musicians, the recording of “Mother Nature Rap” at Verdelho Studio, and the quiet space Portugal has given him for writing and music. He also discusses the Welsh feeling of hiraeth and Portuguese saudade, and how both have gradually eased as Quinta do Conde has become home.The conversation centres on Steve’s book Earth Spirit: Saving Mother Ocean (endorsed by Captain Paul Watson) and his vision for Ocean Aid - a global series of concerts modelled on Live Aid but focused on marine conservation. Steve talks about the inspiration behind “Where Does All The Plastic Go?”, the many threats facing the ocean, and why he believes action cannot wait. He closes with a direct appeal for support (including to Elon Musk) and performs his new song “What Will You Do, Elon?”00:00 Welcome & Introduction01:10 Moving to Quinta do Conde03:20 The Cat, the Musicians & Recording06:45 Mother Nature Rap & Early Portugal Years09:30 Hiraeth, Saudade & Feeling at Home11:45 What Portugal Gives His Creativity12:50 Ocean Aid - The Origin Story15:20 Urgency, Captain Paul Watson & the Book19:10 Everyday Actions for Nature20:40 Appeal to Elon Musk22:50 Final Message & “What Will You Do, Elon?”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Carl Munson and Natasha Donn discuss three main stories, today:First, a violent Rolex heist in Lisbon carried out by a South American motorcycle gang left one robber dead after he was struck by a car; the victim (known as Suíço) and his passenger lost watches and jewellery worth around €100,000 - https://www.portugalresident.com/rolex-heist-in-lisbon-leaves-one-dead/ Second, the PJ is investigating the background of the 35-year-old Portuguese-Angolan driver who ran over 16 people in Albufeira, seriously injuring 20-year-old Luan Castro; fake driving licences and inconsistencies in his story have raised questions about whether it was simply a drunken incident -  https://www.portugalresident.com/pj-scrutinises-life-and-past-of-driver-who-ran-over-16-in-albufeira/Third, the reintroduction of biometric checks at Portuguese airports is expected to cause significant queues and pressure, with both the Prime Minister and Minister Luís Neves present at a demonstration of the system - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugals-airports-return-to-collecting-biometric-data-from-foreign-passengers-24-7/Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 39 🇵🇹 (apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)#PortugalResident #NewsReview #RolexHeist #LisbonCrime #Albufeira #LuanCastro #AirportBiometrics #LuisNeves #Portugal2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

For the Portugal Resident News Review for 21st August 2026, Carl Munson and Paul Rees discuss... First, the English punk duo Lambrini Girls displayed a provocative anti-CHEGA slogan at a festival, prompting outrage from André Ventura; Paul strongly defends artistic freedom of expression and criticises Ventura’s overreaction. Second, the competition watchdog’s call for more rail operators is met with scepticism - Paul argues the current subsidised CP network isn’t broken and warns against repeating the UK’s privatisation failures. Thirdly, the state’s decision to buy back a stake in REN (the electricity grid company) is examined: the claim that it will lower household bills is dismissed as spin, while the real motives appear strategic (countering Chinese ownership and influencing renewable-energy and data-centre infrastructure). The conversation also touches on messy solar-farm planning and the effectiveness of grassroots public campaigns.Lambrini Girls spark controversy with anti-Chega message at Vilar de Mouros - https://www.portugalresident.com/lambrini-girls-anti-chega-message-vilar-de-mouros/Portugal’s competition watchdog calls for more rail operators - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugal-railways-new-operators-competition/State’s return to REN could help lower electricity bills, says PM - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugal-state-stake-ren-electricity-bills/They also note atypical August weather forecast to bring rain and strong winds.00:00 Welcome and Headlines00:58 Weather and Weekend Chatter01:54 Lambrini Girls Spark Outrage03:42 Free Speech and Festival Funding07:26 Live Chat and Punk Anecdotes09:37 Swearing and Cultural Norms10:54 Rail Competition Debate14:09 Privatization Fears and UK Lessons17:46 State Return to REN Explained20:58 Renewables Planning and Public Pushback29:17 Power to the People ClosingSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 37 🇵🇹 (apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)#PortugalResident #NewsReview #LambriniGirls #AndreVentura #Chega #RailCompetition #REN #EnergySovereignty #FreeSpeech #Portugal2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

On the Resident news review podcast, hosts welcome Chris Graeme of Essential Business back in cooler Portugal after sweltering UK heat and discuss his multi-generational Diana Ross concert. They touch on UK politics in Clacton before moving to a news review: a complaint of antisemitism at the University of Coimbra involving anti-Zionist graffiti and an unsubstantiated legal claim seeking €3 million, prompting debate about protests, media attention, and free speech, including Kanye West performing in Portugal. The conversation then covers a Swedish tourist shot in Lisbon’s Baixa amid an unclear dispute, with concerns from residents and shopkeepers about rising petty crime and policing. They finish with practical advice for foreigners learning Portuguese, including reading newspapers, watching telenovelas, and mixing with Portuguese friends.Complaint of antisemitism at University of Coimbra - https://www.portugalresident.com/complaint-of-antisemitism-at-university-of-coimbra/Tourist shooting in Baixa district amplifies concerns of residents and shopkeepers - https://www.portugalresident.com/tourist-shooting-in-baixa-district-amplifies-concerns-of-residents-and-shopkeepers/Break the ‘speak Portuguese’ spell! - https://www.portugalresident.com/break-the-speak-portuguese-spell/00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:17 Diana Ross Concert Recap01:32 Showbiz Memories in Estoril02:20 UK Heat and Clacton Politics03:47 News Review Coimbra Complaint05:25 Why It Matters Media Debate06:55 Kanye West Free Speech Row09:41 Back to Coimbra Allegations11:56 Protests Israel vs Putin13:17 Wrap and Next Items Tease14:14 Tourist Shooting Context15:08 Bay Leaf Hashish Scam17:10 Policing and Public Safety19:01 Is Lisbon Still Safe21:26 Airport Queues Detour22:46 Learning Portuguese Tips24:41 Telenovelas and Immersion26:55 Phrasal Verbs and Wrap-UpSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 36 🇵🇹 (apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)#PortugalResident #NewsReview #CocaineSeizures #NarcoBoats #LuisNeves #CCTV #CHEGA #SocialMediaHate #Misinformation #portugal2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this Aug 7th, 2026 Portugal Resident news review podcast, Carl Munson and Portugal Resident journalist Natasha Donn review a week dominated by cocaine-trafficking stories, including bales washing up on the Alentejo coast and a major seizure from a large ship arriving from Panama that was updated from four to five tons after an operation involving PJ intelligence links (MARK), the navy and air force, and an interception far offshore; they note PJ has confiscated over 28 tons of cocaine in 2026, and discuss a suspect found dead in a PJ headquarters cell where only corridor CCTV exists. They also cover MPs rejecting expanded CCTV in parliament, revived by suspicions the reported Chega office “break-in” was staged. Finally, they discuss a viral video shared by senior Chega figures that removed context from a café/shisha-bar incident, misleading viewers into thinking customers were expelled for not speaking Portuguese when staff had been insulted as “effing refugee.”Crew member arrested in five-tonne cocaine bust in Sines found dead in cell - https://www.portugalresident.com/crew-member-arrested-in-five-tonne-cocaine-bust-in-sines-found-dead-in-cell/MPs reject CCTV cameras designed to protect them in parliamentary buildings - https://www.portugalresident.com/mps-reject-cctv-cameras-designed-to-protect-them-in-parliamentary-buildings/CHEGA leaders amplify false restaurant claim to 1.7 million views - https://www.portugalresident.com/chega-leaders-amplify-false-restaurant-claim-to-1-7-million-views/Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 35 🇵🇹 apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)#PortugalResident #NewsReview #CocaineSeizures #NarcoBoats #LuisNeves #CCTV #CHEGA #SocialMediaHate #Misinformation #portugal2026 00:00 Welcome and Morning Swim00:49 Cocaine Fest Headlines02:14 Panama Ship Drug Bust04:43 Jail Cell Death Fallout07:17 Luis Neves Media Storm09:49 MPs Reject CCTV Plan11:24 Chega Break In Doubts15:26 Viral Video Misinformation19:41 Language Learning and Empathy20:47 Wrap Up and GoodbyeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

In this week’s Resident news podcast, Natasha and Carl discuss whether the government’s new plan to distribute AIMA immigration lawsuits to regional courts (instead of overloading Lisbon) is a genuine fix or merely a cosmetic “ruse,” following EU criticism of Portugal’s slow administrative courts. They also cover the incomplete recovery six months after Storms Kristen, Leonardo and Marta: Portugal has received a €65.37 million advance from the EU Solidarity Fund, yet around 1,600 customers (mainly in the Leiria region) still lack restored landlines. Finally, they review President António José Seguro’s first foreign trip to Cape Verde, where he was named patron of the Decade of the Ocean and outlined five priorities for international ocean cooperation: maritime safety, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, blue finance, and science and technology.Government plans specialist immigration courts as AIMA cases overwhelm system - https://www.portugalresident.com/government-plans-specialist-immigration-courts-as-aima-cases-overwhelm-system/Portugal receives €65.37 million in EU storm aid as telecom repairs drag on - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugal-receives-e65-37-million-in-eu-storm-aid-as-telecom-repairs-drag-on/Portugal’s president chosen as Patron of the Decade of the Ocean - https://www.portugalresident.com/portugals-president-chosen-as-patron-of-the-decade-of-the-ocean/Plus the usual mix of politics, society, expat life and what it all means for those living in (or moving to) Portugal.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.Published Fridays 3pmContact Natasha – [email protected] Contact Carl – [email protected] Resident News Review – Episode 34 🇵🇹 (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

Portugal Resident News Review – Episode 33 🇵🇹In today’s roundup Natasha, Carl & Chris Graeme from Essential Business look at:GALP’s plan for 19,000-home community on former refinery faces council opposition - https://www.portugalresident.com/galps-plan-for-19000-home-community-on-former-refinery-faces-council-opposition/The 'State of The Nation' - https://www.portugalresident.com/pm-under-fire-as-state-of-the-nation-debate-opens-under-multiple-clouds/And the changing fortunes of recently-appointed government minister – Luis Neves (neves means snow, in Portuguese) – who has hit some bumpy ground switching from policing to politics – https://www.portugalresident.com/portugals-interior-minister-insists-undeclared-tourism-company-was-oversight/Plus the usual mix of politics, society, expat life and what it all means for those living in (or moving to) Portugal.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.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

In this entertaining and heartfelt episode we welcome Derek Hughes, writer of the popular A Year in Monchique column in The Portugal Resident and the man behind the forthcoming Monchique the Musical 🤣.Derek shares his remarkable journey from Whitehall civil servant to life in the mountains of Monchique, the extraordinary coincidences that have followed him since moving to Portugal, his encounters with British prime ministers, and the decision to stop dreaming and start doing.In this warm and insightful conversation, he reflects on:• His transition from London to a Portuguese farmhouse and the surprising gift he received on arrival• Why he chose not to become a farmer despite receiving the 'good life' on a plate• The power of community, neighbourly help and Portuguese culture• His love of musical theatre and plans for Monchique the Musical (if Carl has his way!)• The challenges and joys of building a new life in rural PortugalA candid, inspiring and often humorous conversation for anyone considering a move to Portugal, already living here, or simply curious about authentic resident experiences in the interior.Subscribe and turn on notifications for more inspiring stories from real Portugal residents.(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #algarve2030)#PortugalResidentPodcast #BenAustin #LivingInPortugal #PortugalExpat #MoveToPortugal #AlgarveLiving #PortugalRealEstate #ExpatsInPortugal #SilverCoast #PortugalLife #ThriveInPortugal #PortugalIntegration #PortugalPodcast #AlgarveExpat #CarlMunson #PortugalResident #LongTermPortugal #ArtInPortugal #PortugalCurator #Portugal2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.www.portugalresident.com

Portugal Resident News Review – Episode 32 🇵🇹In today’s roundup Natasha & Carl look at:Bonnie Tyler dies, after long illness, in Faro Hospital - https://www.portugalresident.com/bonnie-tyler-dies-after-long-illness-in-faro-hospitalSeismic experts urge PM, President to act ahead of “inevitable catastrophe” - https://www.portugalresident.com/seismic-experts-urge-pm-president-to-act-ahead-of-inevitable-catastrophe/Burqa ban approved by parliamentary committee - https://www.portugalresident.com/burqa-ban-approved-by-parliamentary-committeePlus the usual mix of politics, society, expat life and what it all means for those living in (or moving to) Portugal.Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a Portugal Resident News Review 🇵🇹We welcome your views too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.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