Claim OwnershipThe Heart & Hustle of Portugal
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Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.
45 Episodes
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Pedro Gadanho is an architect and curator, responsible for Lisbon’s MAAT Museum and a former curator of MoMA. A creative, Gadanho expresses his views on architecture as narrative and sustainable urbanism, giving his insights on how to approach the housing crisis with state intervention to bring vacant buildings back to use. An insightful conversation with a creative at heart on this episode of “The Heart & Hustle of Portugal”. Gadanho also speaks about his views on the current wars across the globe, that he calls resource and climate wars, and offers his views on sustainable architecture and furnishing. He also mentions his favourite Portuguese traits, food and architecture, mentioning the Portuguese resilience and modesty as our biggest assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year’s Upwardly Global honoree Mariana Van Zeller is back and she brings another four Emmys back home. The fearless journalist that stars and produces the incredible documentary series “Trafficked” on National Geographic returns for another season of investigations in the criminal underworld and speaks with Tony Gonçalves about immigration, broken policies, journalism, empathy and… Bacalhau! Mariana Van Zeller explains how her hit show “Trafficked” is made and produced with a small team and how she approaches each subject with care and dedication. No conversation on The Heart & Hustle podcast is complete without a mention of Portuguese food, and Mariana delivers yet another love letter to our national mascot, Bacalhau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ricardo Araújo Pereira is one of the sharpest and most distinctive voices in Portugal. He’s also very funny. His Sunday prime time show attracts millions of viewers each night and he is a constant presence in the Portuguese landscape: in advertisement, writing for newspapers and magazines and even hosting a podcast with his friends. But Ricardo, who is also known a Portuguese Jon Stewart, confesses to Tony Gonçalves that what he loves the most is actually writing. Ricardo also delves into what it means to be funny and his opinion on the prison sentence for Brazilian comedian Léo Lins. As usual, our guest shares his favourite Portuguese dishes and one specific trait of the country that others might find unnerving. But he thinks it’s a great asset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The incredible journey of singer-songwriter MARO is nothing short of amazing: from her humble roots in Lisboa to living in LA and being praised by Billie Eilish, collaborating with Eric Clapton or being on tour with Jacob Collier and Shawn Mendes. There’s nothing MARO can’t do, and, as she confides to Tony Gonçalves on this podcast, she will continue to do it until it makes sense. MARO also shares her creative process and how she got into the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Her Portuguese roots shine in every sentence, as she shares her favourite Portuguese dishes and talk us through the musical influences she inherited from her parents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1Sebastião 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.
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.
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.
Tim Vieira was born in South Africa but his Portuguese heritage shines bright. A businessman, entrepreneur and investor, Tim is running for President of Portugal, a bold move that we discuss in this episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal. Speaking with host Tony Gonçalves, Tim explains his down to earth approach to politics and why he wants to give back to Portugal. As usual, our guest shares his favorite Portuguese food is and why he believes Portugal is an amazing place to live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What do you do when you miss a childhood staple food from your home country? Well, you make a business out of it, of course. Lindy Reid was baking bagels at home when when she started living in Lisbon and everyone loved them. Rhodo Bagels is now a colorful downtown place, where you can eat amazing bagels, drink great coffee and lush on delicious cookies. Lindy’s story is also one of finding your place in a foreign country, a testament that good food has no language. She also shares her favorite places and things to do in Lisbon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Calvão is a Partner and Fund Principal at Arrow, one of Europe’s leading credit and real estate investment platforms. In this episode, John shares how Arrow is helping reshape Portugal’s real estate landscape from resort towns like Vilamoura to new efforts in affordable housing. He reflects on the unique opportunities Portugal offers, the cultural values that shape his leadership, and the practical hurdles that still need solving like long licensing delays and complex bureaucracy. He breaks down the barriers, but also the potential, and reminds us why investing here is both a challenge and a privilege. Plus, he shares his favorite Portuguese dish and what still makes the country feel like home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Julia Machado may only be 14, but Tony’s conversation with her showed that she is wise beyond her years. Winner of The Voice Kids Portugal, Julia is a songwriter, a singer and has the dream of using her music to help other people through challenges including bullying. As we celebrate World Youth Day, listen to her extraordinary journey (and perspective) on The Heart and Hustle of Portugal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lilian Mehrel went to the Azores with her mother for a vacation and left there with a script. She teamed up with Portuguese producer Andreia Nunes and, a string of coincidences and happy encounters later, led them to win Tribeca’s 1 million dollars grant to shoot “Honeyjoon” in the place it was imagined the first time: the idyllic island of São Miguel. Listen to Lilian and Andreia’s incredible journey on the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal. Lilian and Andreia share the stories from the production and the magical moments that happened during shooting. “Honeyjoon” is also a reminder that USA-Portuguese productions can happen more frequently and can really boost not only the Portuguese filmmaking industry but also the country’s beautiful scenery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The far-right has become Portugal’s leading opposition force. Tony Gonçalves sat down with Ricardo Costa, Chief Content Officer at Grupo Impresa and one of the most trusted voices in Portuguese media to get a glimpse of the new political landscape in Portugal following yet another snap election. This is a special episode from The Heart and Hustle of Portugal. Ricardo Costa has covered many elections and is convinced that the two major political parties, PSD (winner of most of the seats but with no majority) and PS (which is on the verge of loosing the opposition place it has held) will work together to create stability. With presidential elections next year, what will this political change mean for the stability of Portugal?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joel Sousa is leading the revival of Famel, the iconic motorcycle brand that was a staple of Portugal’s working class from the 60s through the 80s. Now reimagined as a sleek, sustainable electric bike, Famel is ready to ride again and once again become the two wheeler of “the People”. Joel Sousa’s engineering background and willingness to get his hands on everything is the passion that drives the new iteration of Famel. Joel talks about what it takes to bring a national symbol back to life, what he’s learned from the journey, and, of course, shares his favorite Portuguese dish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lauren Covas is a proud Portuguese-American chef, two-time Food Network champ and now the author of “Little Portugal”, her cookbook that champions and highlights the Portuguese dishes and flavors of her youth, where, as she recalls, there was always something cooking in the kitchen: night and day. For Lauren, food is deeply rooted in family and this conversation highlights this heritage, as she recalls her youth spent in the kitchen helping her parents prepare food. As a proud lover of her Portuguese roots, Lauren adores bacalhau, of course, even claiming that the salted fish should be Portugal’s mascot. Host Tony Gonçalves nods in agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gifford Miller planned a stop over in Lisbon on his way to Seville, but 36 hours later, he was house hunting and never made it to Seville. Today, he’s the owner of Atlético Clube de Portugal, a historic football club in the heart of the Portuguese capital. His motto? Football and good times A former New York politician, Gifford shares his passion for football, and for walking - offering a few tips for navigating Lisbon’s steep hills. He also shares his favorite Portuguese food and drinks, including a deep love for Madeira wine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Catarina Portas, the founder of A Vida Portuguesa, a store that celebrates and revives iconic Portuguese brands and products, shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, from the opening of the first shop to a showcase at MoMA Catarina Portas explains the importance of the swallow as a Portuguese icon and how A Vida Portuguesa is not about nostalgia but about identity and pride. She also shares her favourite Portuguese qualities and how consumption can drive change in local economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Virgilio Bento, CEO of Sword Health and leader of one of Portugal’s notable unicorn companies joins host Tony Gonçalves for this episode of The Heart and Hustle of Portugal. Known as “V” among friends, Virgilio discusses why success doesn’t require leaving Portugal and emphasises the significance of fostering local talent and investment. V offers his straightforward insights on leadership, stressing the importance of focusing on value creation over chasing unicorn status. He also delves into the strengths of Portuguese culture and shares some of his personal favorite Portuguese dishes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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