EPISODE 13 CHILDBIRTH IN PORTUGAL

Podcast Portugal Episode 13: ChildBirth in Portugal with Iliona Wolfowicz

Navigating Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenthood as a Foreigner in Portugal

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Iliona Wolfowicz, PhD, a scientist turned doula, educator, and founder of Birth in Portugal. Iliona shares her personal journey from a career in cell biology to supporting women and families navigating pregnancy, birth, and parenting—especially as foreigners or multicultural families in Portugal.

We explore her positive birth experience, the unique aspects of Portugal’s maternity care system, and the challenges parents face when moving to a new country. Iliona explains the role of a doula, the importance of informed birth choices, and how mindfulness, body literacy, and natural family planning can empower women and families.

Whether you're expecting, parenting, or simply curious about the birth experience in Portugal, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories.

Highlights:

• Iliona’s transition from cell biology to birth education and family-centered care

• Navigating Portugal’s maternity system as a foreigner or multicultural family

• The role of doulas and the importance of physiologic birth

• Empowering women through body literacy and natural family planning

• Holistic parenting and the benefits of free, natural play for children

Connect with Iliona:

• Learn more about Birth in Portugal

• Subscribe to her newsletter for updates on her upcoming tool for multicultural families in Portugal.

Tune in now to gain valuable knowledge and inspiration for your parenting journey in Portugal!

Guest: Iliona Wolfowicz, PhD, Doula, Founder of Birth in Portugal
Host: Justin West

EPISODE 12 CULTIVATING THE FUTURE

Episode 12 Cultivating the Future: Innovation & Sustainability in Portuguese Agriculture with Daniel Montes

How Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology Are Shaping the Future of Portuguese Agriculture with Daniel Montes

Episode Summary:

Welcome back to Podcast Portugal! I'm your host, Justin West, and this is Episode 12. Today, we’re diving into the world of sustainable agriculture with Daniel Montes—an agronomic engineer, bioenergy expert, and agricultural entrepreneur leading innovative projects across Portugal.

After beginning his career in biofuels and biotech investment, Daniel returned to Portugal to modernise Trevo – Floresta, Agricultura e Ambiente. Now, he spearheads initiatives in regenerative farming, CO₂ reduction, and water conservation while managing 40 hectares of almond orchards and advising 16 producers across 900 hectares of fruit farms.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of sustainable farming, the role of technology in agriculture, and the future of food production in Portugal. From water scarcity to labor shortages, Daniel shares insights on the key issues shaping modern farming and how innovation is paving the way forward.

Tune in to explore how Portugal’s agricultural landscape is evolving and what it means for farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Episode Breakdown:

1. Introduction

• Welcome & introduction to Daniel Montes.

• Overview of his career—from bioenergy research to leading Trevo and managing orchards.

• The intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and regenerative sustainability in agriculture.

2. Early Career & Bioenergy

• What are biofuels, and why was this an exciting field of study?

• What are carbon credits?

• What drew Daniel back to Portugal and the Alqueva project?

3. Trevo & Agricultural Entrepreneurship

• What is Trevo, and how does it support sustainable farming?

• The importance of forest restoration, hedgerow planting, and water conservation.

• Challenges of managing large-scale fruit orchards.

4. Sustainability & Climate Challenges

• The impact of water in the Alqueva region.

• Strategies for water conservation and sustainable land management.

• How EU pesticide regulations affect fruit and almond farming.

5. The Role of Technology & Mechanisation

• How technology is transforming modern agriculture.

• The role of mechanisation in addressing labor shortages.

• Challenges for small farmers in adopting new technologies.

6. Labor & the Future of Farming

• The struggle to find agricultural workers and its impact on local society.

• Will seasonal labor always be necessary, or can technology change that?

• Potential policies and innovations to improve agricultural labor sustainability.

7. Looking Ahead: Opportunities & Innovation

• Key opportunities in Portuguese agriculture over the next decade.

• Future plans for Daniel’s personal farming projects.

• Advice for young professionals interested in agronomy and sustainable farming.

8. Closing & Key Takeaways

• Final thoughts from Daniel Montes.

• Where listeners can follow his work or learn more.

• Outro and thanks.

Join us for this insightful conversation on the future of farming in Portugal!

To contact Daniels consultancy firm, Trevo.

EPISODE 11 SOUND OF LISBON

Sound of Lisbon 🎶🇵🇹

Join us for an exciting episode of Podcast Portugal as we dive into the vibrant and ever-evolving Lisbon music scene with Sound of Lisbon. 🎵✨ Discover the best venues, hidden gems, and upcoming concerts that define the city's sonic landscape. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode is your ultimate guide to experiencing live music in Lisbon! 🎤🎸

🎶 Featured Topics:

Inquietação Concert Series by Ao Sul do Mundo at B.Leza (6 March - 27 May) 🎼

An electrifying lineup of concerts featuring two artists per night, blending genres and creating new musical narratives. Expect a journey that challenges cultural and sonic boundaries. Get tickets here.

Concerts at LUX Frágil: Bateu Matou (13 March) 🎧

A must-see event at one of Lisbon’s most iconic venues. Experience Bateu Matou live for an unforgettable night of music. Tickets available here.

🎵 Intimate Concerts & Acoustic Sessions:

If you're looking for a cozy setting with up-and-coming artists, check out:

🎙️ Lisbon Livingroom Sessions

🎼 Honey Sessions

🎶 Sofar Sounds Lisbon

📚 The Good Company Bookstore

🎻 Seated Concerts with Incredible Sound:

Immerse yourself in beautifully curated performances at:

🏛️ CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém)

🎭 Culturgest

🎼 Gulbenkian

🎸 Music Bars with Live Acts & Open Mic Nights:

Enjoy authentic live music at some of the best spots in town:

🎤 Camones Artes Bar

🍸 Paraiso Bar

🎶 Cultura Lounge

🎷 Nisa’s Lounge

🥁 Samba Sundays:

Feel the rhythm with Viva o Samba at Mirari or Village Underground. 💃🏾🕺🏽

🎼 8Marvila:
Explore Marvila’s growing cultural hub, packed with live music, restaurants, and independent shops. 🏙️🎶

🎹 More Live Music Venues:

Discover rising local and international talent at Musicbox & Galeria Zé dos Bois. 🌍🎤

For even more insider information and regular updates on the Lisbon music scene, follow Sound of Lisbon 🎶, an Instagram-based platform highlighting the city's diverse musical landscape, shaped by diverse cultural influences. 🌍🎵

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected with Lisbon's ever-evolving soundscape! 🎶🔥

EPISODE 10 TIM VIEIRA

Podcast Portugal - Episode 10: Tim Vieira PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL? on Education, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Portugal

Host: Justin West

Guest: Tim Vieira – Entrepreneur, Investor, CEO of Brave Generation Academy & 2026 Portuguese Presidential Candidate

Tim Vieira is a powerhouse in Portuguese entrepreneurship, a media mogul, an educational innovator, and now, a 2026 Portuguese presidential candidate.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tim built his legacy through bold business ventures, including one of South Africa’s first independent microbreweries and the media powerhouse Special Edition Holding. His appearance on Shark Tank Portugal cemented his reputation as a key investor and mentor in the Portuguese startup scene. Now, as the CEO of Brave Generation Academy (BGA), he is transforming education with a hybrid learning model fit for the modern world.

In this exclusive interview, Tim shares insights on:

✔️ The inspiration behind Brave Generation Academy and the future of education
✔️ The evolution of Portuguese entrepreneurship and lessons from Shark Tank Portugal
✔️ His vision for Portugal as a 2026 presidential candidate
✔️ The role of rugby in leadership and business – with a nod to Justin’s rugby legacy and his father Bryan West’s British Lions career
✔️ Portugal’s rising rugby scene and the sport’s potential impact on national identity
✔️ His passion for classic cars and his personal collection

If you're interested in innovation, leadership, and the future of Portugal, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

More information on Brave Generation Academy and Tim Vieiras personal website.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, and YouTube Podcasts. Hit play and join the conversation! 🔥

👉 Follow & Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Auto-play next for more deep dives with Portugal’s most influential voices.

📩 Get in Touch: Have questions or guest suggestions? Reach out on our socials or through www.podcastportugal.com

EPISODE 9 HOW THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CREATED PORTUGAL - THE FIRST TEMPLAR NATION WITH FREDDY SILVA

Did the Knights Templar secretly establish the world’s first nation-state?

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we welcome Freddy Silva—renowned author, researcher, and documentary filmmaker—to uncover the fascinating role of the Templars in Portugal’s founding.

Freddy’s book, The First Templar Nation, presents groundbreaking evidence that the Templars didn’t just fight in the Crusades—they actively built a new kind of society in Portugal. From their alliance with Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, to their secretive symbols and lasting influence, we explore the Templars’ deep connection to the country.

Join us as we discuss:

✅ How the Templars helped Portugal gain independence in 1139
✅ Why Portugal became the first true Templar nation
✅ The hidden symbolism and sacred sites left behind by the Templars
✅ How the Templars evolved into the Order of Christ and shaped Portugal’s Age of Discovery
✅ Whether Templar secrets still remain buried in Portugal today

If you love history, mystery, and Portugal’s untold stories, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧

Episode Highlights:

🔹 Introduction to Freddy Silva & his research
🔹 Why Portugal was key to the Templars’ mission
🔹 Afonso Henriques & the Templar alliance
🔹 Portugal: The first nation-state built by the Templars
🔹 Templar castles, symbols, and secret sites in Portugal
🔹 The Order of Christ & Portugal’s global influence
🔹 Modern-day Templar mysteries & final thoughts

Guest Info: Freddy Silva

📖 Read The First Templar Nation → Link
🌍 Visit his website → Link

🎧 Find us, Listen & Subscribe on:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube Podcasts

⭐️ Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, rate & leave a review! It helps us bring more fascinating stories about Portugal to you.

📢 Follow us for updates:

Instagram: [@Podcast_Portugal]
X: [@Pod_Portugal]

EPISODE 8 ACTRESS MARTA GIL

In Conversation with actress Marta Gil

Join us for an exciting episode of Podcast Portugal as we sit down with the incredibly talented Marta Gil. An actress, producer, and presenter, Marta has built an impressive career spanning theater, television, and international film.

From her early beginnings in Portuguese theater to winning the Best Actress award at the New York International Film Awards, Marta shares her journey, insights, and what drives her passion for the performing arts.

Episode Highlights:

🎭 Early Beginnings – Marta started acting at the age of 10. She reflects on what inspired her to pursue acting and how her early experiences shaped her craft.

🌍 Transition to International Projects – What motivated Marta to work in the United States? She shares her experiences working in LA and how it differs from the Portuguese industry.

🏆 Award-Winning Performance – Marta dives into her role in Apartment 308 and what it meant to win Best Actress at the New York International Film Awards.

📺 Balancing Multiple Roles – From actress to producer, presenter, and even completing a law degree, Marta discusses how she manages her diverse career and what drives her to explore new opportunities.

🎟️ Current Projects – Marta is currently starring in, “And Nobody Goes to Prison?!” at the Maria Vitória Theater in Lisbon. She shares what it’s like to perform in this hit comedy that’s taking the city by storm.

🤣 Comedy That Hurts Our Feelings? – A discussion on political satire in Portuguese theatre and how humour plays a role in societal commentary.

❤️ Personal Interests – Outside of acting, what hobbies and passions does Marta pursue?

✨ Memorable Moments – From behind-the-scenes stories to career-defining moments, Marta shares some unforgettable experiences.

🎭 Catch Marta Gil Live! And Nobody Goes to Prison?! at the Maria Vitória Theater in Parque Mayer, Lisbon. Don’t miss out on an evening of laughter and entertainment!

📍 Catch Marta Gil Live! And Nobody Goes to Prison?! at the Maria Vitória Theater in Parque Mayer, Lisbon

Showtimes:

• Thursday & Friday – 9:30 PM

• Saturday & Sunday – 4:30 PM & 9:30 PM

🎟️ Get your tickets now: teatromariavitoria.bol.pt

📞 Reservations: 213 475 454 / 933 187 893 / 213 461 740
📧 Email: reservas@teatromariavitoria.pt

📌 Follow Marta Gil for more updates Instagram: @marta___gil
🎭 Live at Teatro Maria Vitória

🎙️ Subscribe to Podcast Portugal for more inspiring conversations with Portugal’s most fascinating personalities!

#PodcastPortugal #MartaGil #PortugueseCinema #Theater #Lisbon #FestaÉFesta #Actress #Comedy #PortugalEntertainment #BigBrotherPortugal

EPISODE 7 JNR SURFBOARDS - Saman Christopher Hewawitharana aka "Junior"

Podcast Portugal host Justin West is joined by special guest Saman Christopher Hewawitharana aka "Junior" – Founder & Shaper at JNR Surfboards

Episode Highlights:

• Sri Lanka in the early days, the civil war, surfing Arugam Bay and Scotland.

• The journey of JNR Surfboards with Saman Christopher Hewawitharana, also known as Junior

• How shaping surfboards became a full-time passion and business

• The importance of custom surfboards tailored to individual surf styles and local breaks

• Junior’s background: From Scotland and Sri Lanka to Portugal

• Mechanical engineering to hands-on surfboard craftsmanship

• Work experience across Greece, Norway, Australia, and Portugal

• Learning from OKE Surfboards and ORG Surfboards

• The satisfaction of crafting a board from start to finish

Links & Resources:

🌊 Visit JNR Surfboards: www.jnrsurfboards.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @jnrfish

🎵 Music by "Band of 4"

EPISODE 6 PEOPLE OF LISBON - STEPHEN O´REGAN

Podcast Portugal – Featuring Stephen O'Regan from People of Lisbon

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Stephen O'Regan, the creator of People Of Lisbon, a captivating video series that highlights the lives of individuals from different backgrounds who have made Lisbon their home. With the help of photographer Rita Ansone, Stephen brings to life the stories of Lisbon’s vibrant local and international community.

Inside This Episode:

🎥 How People Of Lisbon was born

🏙 The essence of Lisbon’s multicultural identity

📽 Stephen’s journey from film school to founding BalconyTV

🌍 Some of the characters and plenty of trolls!

Stephen shares his thoughts on what makes Lisbon unique, his approach to storytelling, and his personal journey from Dublin to Lisbon via New York.

🎧 Tune in now and explore the heart of Lisbon through its people!

📌 Follow People of Lisbon:

🔗 Facebook

🔗 Instagram

🔗 YouTube

🎶 Music by Band of 4 – Find their work at podcastportugal.com

🎧 Tune in now and explore the heart of Lisbon through its people!

EPISODE 5 HELENA SALES

Learning Portuguese with Helena Sales from Portugu.easy

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we dive into the fascinating world of learning European Portuguese with our special guest, Helena Sales, a dedicated language teacher and founder of Portugu.easy. Helena offers personalised one-to-one lessons and online courses, helping learners navigate the complexities of the Portuguese language.

What We Discussed:

✅ The Silent "H" – Why the letter H is written but never pronounced in Portuguese.

✅ Language Learning Challenges – The toughest parts of learning a new language and how to overcome them.

✅ Helena’s Journey – How and why she became a language teacher.

✅ European vs. Brazilian Portuguese – Key differences and which one to learn.

✅ Um, Uma, Dois, Duas? – The tricky world of Portuguese numbers and gendered words.

✅ Formal vs. Informal Language – When to use tu or você.

✅ Masculine & Feminine Objects – Why a table (mesa) is feminine but a car (carro) is masculine.

✅ Best Ways to Learn Portuguese – Tips and strategies to accelerate your learning.

✅ AI & Language Learning – Can artificial intelligence help you learn Portuguese?

✅ Full Immersion – The power of surrounding yourself with Portuguese every day.

✅ What is "Gerúndio"? – Understanding this verb form in Portuguese grammar.

✅ Portuguese Regional Accents – Can you tell the difference between an accent from Porto, Lisbon, or the Algarve?

Whether you're just starting out or refining your Portuguese, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your language-learning journey.

🎧 Listen now and start speaking Portuguese with confidence!

👉 Follow Helena Sales and explore her courses at Portugu.easy.

#Portuguese #LearnPortuguese #EuropeanPortuguese #LanguageLearning #PodcastPortugal

EPISODE 4 ALEXANDRA BONTE

Alexandra Bonte on Real Estate, Sustainability, and Her Passion for Horses

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we’re joined by Alexandra Bonte, a trailblazing entrepreneur, real estate expert, and equestrian enthusiast.

Born in London to an American father and Italian mother, Alexandra’s life journey has taken her across continents before she settled in Portugal in 2011.

With a keen eye for opportunity, she founded the Bonte Filipidis agency in Estoril in 2014, now a leader in luxury real estate with sales across Lisbon, Cascais, Comporta, Ibiza, and more.

Alexandra’s passions extend beyond real estate. A lifelong horse lover, she has a rich history in dressage and horse trading, even preparing for the Equestrian Olympic Games at one point.

Highlights of the Episode:

Real Estate Visionary: Insights into managing a team of 35, selling high-end properties, and supporting foreign investors.

Sustainability Advocate: Her eco-responsible luxury development in Costa Caparica, blending modern luxury with environmental consciousness.

Horse Riding Passion: How her love for dressage, horse trading, and equestrian culture has shaped her approach to life and business.

Content Creator: Tips on expatriation, living in Portugal, and navigating local government through her popular YouTube and Instagram channels.

Links & Resources:

👉 Bonte Filipidis Your Boutique Real Estate Agency
👉 Subscribe to Podcast Portugal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
👉 Follow Alexandra Bonte on social media for more on real estate, horses, and Portugal’s lifestyle.

Thank you for tuning in to Podcast Portugal, where we celebrate culture, connection, and the art of living. Don’t forget to leave a review or share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

Special thanks to Alexandra and her team and Band of 4 for their support.

EPISODE 3 ALEXANDRE RELVAS JR

Crafting Wines and Cultivating Legacy with Alexandre Relvas Jr.

In this episode, we sit down with Alexandre Relvas Jr. of Casa Relvas Winery, a family project rooted in five generations of connection to the land. Alexandre shares the story behind Casa Relvas, a winery born in 1997 at Herdade de São Miguel in Alentejo, inspired by a landscape reminiscent of his family’s African heritage.

We explore the journey of Casa Relvas, including:

• Planting the first 10 hectares of vines at Herdade de São Miguel, followed by 25 more hectares the next year.

• The construction of the Herdade de São Miguel winery, with the capacity to vinify 500 tons of grapes.

• Launching their first wine, “Herdade de São Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Tinto 2003,” with an initial production of 26,000 bottles.

• How Nuno Franco (viticulture and oenology consultant) and Fernanda Gomes joined the project to help shape its vision.

• The pivotal role of Alexandre Relvas Jr., who joined after training in viticulture in Bordeaux, contributing to the launch of a wine scoring over 90 points by Robert Parker.

• The acquisition of Herdade da Pimenta, adding 65 hectares of vineyards and a winery capable of transforming 2.5 tons of grapes.

Today, Casa Relvas boasts an impressive portfolio of wines recognised globally for their consistency and quality. With two generations at the helm, the family manages an integrated production system covering:

• 750 hectares of forests

• 250 hectares of olive groves

• 350 hectares of vineyards

Their dedication to regenerative farming and sustainable production continues to shape the Alentejo’s legacy.

Special Mention:
Casa Relvas invites you to experience the best of Alentejo through wine tastings, vineyard tours, and events. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a business meeting, Casa Relvas offers an unforgettable connection to Portugal’s wine culture.

Links:
👉 Visit Casa Relvas to explore their wines and book your visit.
👉 Subscribe to Podcast Portugal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Let us know what you think! Drop a review, leave a comment, or email us your thoughts and ideas.

Cheers to connecting cultures and celebrating Portugal!

EPISODE 2 PEDRO ROCHA

LIFE DECISIONS BY THE OCEAN

Welcome to Podcast Portugal, the show where we explore life in Portugal through inspiring stories, expert insights, and fascinating conversations. In Episode 2, we sit down with Pedro Rocha, a seasoned real estate professional and co-founder of Guthrie Rocha Real Estate, to dive deep into the nuances of relocating, living, and thriving in Portugal.

Pedro shares his journey from Porto to the Algarve West Coast and Mount Maunganui in New Zealand, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of moving to Portugal. From renting in Portugal to navigating the intricacies of the property market, Pedro provides invaluable advice for anyone considering a new life abroad.

We’ll discuss the vibrant lifestyle of living in Portugal, with a particular focus on Aljezur property in the Western Algarve and what makes the region an ideal destination for surfers, nature lovers, and families alike. Pedro also touches on his experiences with buying a house in Portugal, starting a business, and achieving the perfect life balance.

Beyond real estate, we explore Pedro’s passions for surfing, Jiu Jitsu, and how he finds harmony between his professional, personal and family life. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back life in Portugal, investing in Portuguese property, or starting fresh in Portugal, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

Tune in to hear about Pedro’s adventures, his deep connection to both Portugal and New Zealand, and his tips for making the leap to a new home. Don’t miss it!

Big Shout Out to Guthrie Rocha Properties and “Band of 4” for the Soundtrack

EPISODE 0 WE ARE LIVE PODCAST PORTUGAL

WELCOME TO PODCAST PORTUGAL

A weekly podcast in English about Portugal´s culture, history and daily life with various guests. Living in Portugal, moving to Portugal or visiting Portugal? Podcast Portugal is your essential resource for everything Portugal in English.

We cover various views on local and international news, events, and trends, featuring special guests for in-depth discussions.

We value independent thought and free speech, aiming to create a space for respectful debate. Our goal is to enhance understanding of Portugal’s culture, heritage, and contemporary issues.

Subscribe to Podcast Portugal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube Podcasts to connect cultures, inspire discussions, and celebrate Portugal worldwide.

EPISODE 1 PEDRO CARVALHO MMA

PEDRO CARVALHO MIXED MARTIAL ARTIST

Pedro Carvalho was born in Guimarães, in the Braga District of Portugal. From humble beginnings at the age of 12 Pedro decided to become an MMA fighter after seeing the UFC. He began training at the gym of Portuguese MMA pioneer, Rafael Silva.

Prior to signing with Bellator, Carvalho worked in a factory and also did custodial work for a hospital while fighting on the regional circuit in Portugal, working to save enough money to gamble all with a move to Ireland to train alongside Conor McGregor with John Kavanagh at SBG in Ireland.