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Podcast Portugal is available to subscibe on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and Apple Podcasts.
Please Subscribe on your favourite provider so we can keep bringing you interesting guests and topics.
You can also listen or download each episode below.
guest line up.
Meet the voices behind the stories — every Friday, we release a new episode featuring inspiring guests from across Portugal and beyond, including artists, chefs, winemakers, musicians, historians, entrepreneurs, locals and expats.
Explore our diverse guest line-up and discover the people shaping Portuguese culture, food, travel, and daily life.
Queuing Overnight for a Residency Card: Noah Hallett on the Reality of Moving to Portugal.
Queuing Overnight for a Residency Card: Noah Hallett on the Reality of Moving to Portugal.
A US startup consultant on AIMA delays, Portugal's evolving startup scene, and learning Portuguese one TikTok at a time.
Noah Hallett, a US startup consultant in Lisbon, shares his honest experience of moving to Portugal, from AIMA residency card queues to its startup scene.
Moving to Portugal is often presented as a story of sunshine, safety and quality of life, and much of that is true. It is also worth hearing the other side, which is exactly what Noah Hallett brings to this episode. Originally from rural California, Noah is a fractional Chief Customer Officer and strategic advisor to fast-growing startups, and he moved to Lisbon with his family after a careful, data-driven comparison of destinations.
That comparison, built in spreadsheets and informed by safety statistics, education outcomes, cost of living and an international network, kept returning to the same conclusion. Concerns about the American school system, safety and rising living costs pushed the family to look abroad, and Lisbon's weather, quality of life and accessible immigration routes made it the clear choice.
Noah first came to our attention through a TikTok video in which he vented about queuing for his youngest son's residency card at AIMA. While three of the four family members received their cards smoothly, his son's case turned into six days of waiting, more than 24 hours in line, an all-nighter and repeated biometrics. The card, it transpired, had simply been returned to AIMA after a missed postal delivery. Noah chose not to hire a lawyer so that he could experience and document the process first-hand, and he shares candidly what he saw: limited daily tickets, inconsistent information and people in the queue risking their jobs to be there.
Justin and Noah discuss the simple fixes that could transform the experience, from online appointments and real-time status updates to better postal handling and digital PO box services. They also look at why bureaucracy of this kind is an opportunity for startups and technology entrepreneurs, and why so many of these headaches can be avoided altogether with the right relocation support.
The conversation then widens to Portugal's startup ecosystem, which Noah sees changing quickly, with new founders, accelerators, government initiatives and funding, and a surprisingly close-knit community of experienced founders supporting newcomers. They consider the limits of a small domestic market and why the strongest businesses use Portugal's talent, costs and quality of life while selling internationally, the role of tourism, and the pressure that modest salaries and rising property prices place on local families. They also cover the shift in the Golden Visa towards genuine residents and business creation, and compare Portugal's income equality and cost of living with the United States.
Finally, Noah explains how his TikTok channel, Portuguese Word of the Day, began as a way to hold himself accountable while learning the language, and how it attracted a warm and encouraging Portuguese audience. It is a reminder that a little effort to integrate is met with real generosity.
Whether you are planning a move, already here and battling the paperwork, or building a business in Portugal, this is an honest and balanced conversation about what relocating really involves.
Here is the direct link to Noah's TikTok, which, aside from the rant, is mostly very positive: https://www.tiktok.com/@portuguese.word.o
The paired Instagram account is here: https://www.instagram.com/portuguesewordoftheday/
And you can connect with Noah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-hallett/
Get one month of Starlink free when you sign up through this link. Fast, reliable internet at home and on the go. https://starlink.com/?referral=RC-3371964-82086-72&app_source=share
A US startup consultant on AIMA delays, Portugal's evolving startup scene, and learning Portuguese one TikTok at a time.
Noah Hallett, a US startup consultant in Lisbon, shares his honest experience of moving to Portugal, from AIMA residency card queues to its startup scene.
Moving to Portugal is often presented as a story of sunshine, safety and quality of life, and much of that is true. It is also worth hearing the other side, which is exactly what Noah Hallett brings to this episode. Originally from rural California, Noah is a fractional Chief Customer Officer and strategic advisor to fast-growing startups, and he moved to Lisbon with his family after a careful, data-driven comparison of destinations.
That comparison, built in spreadsheets and informed by safety statistics, education outcomes, cost of living and an international network, kept returning to the same conclusion. Concerns about the American school system, safety and rising living costs pushed the family to look abroad, and Lisbon's weather, quality of life and accessible immigration routes made it the clear choice.
Noah first came to our attention through a TikTok video in which he vented about queuing for his youngest son's residency card at AIMA. While three of the four family members received their cards smoothly, his son's case turned into six days of waiting, more than 24 hours in line, an all-nighter and repeated biometrics. The card, it transpired, had simply been returned to AIMA after a missed postal delivery. Noah chose not to hire a lawyer so that he could experience and document the process first-hand, and he shares candidly what he saw: limited daily tickets, inconsistent information and people in the queue risking their jobs to be there.
Justin and Noah discuss the simple fixes that could transform the experience, from online appointments and real-time status updates to better postal handling and digital PO box services. They also look at why bureaucracy of this kind is an opportunity for startups and technology entrepreneurs, and why so many of these headaches can be avoided altogether with the right relocation support.
The conversation then widens to Portugal's startup ecosystem, which Noah sees changing quickly, with new founders, accelerators, government initiatives and funding, and a surprisingly close-knit community of experienced founders supporting newcomers. They consider the limits of a small domestic market and why the strongest businesses use Portugal's talent, costs and quality of life while selling internationally, the role of tourism, and the pressure that modest salaries and rising property prices place on local families. They also cover the shift in the Golden Visa towards genuine residents and business creation, and compare Portugal's income equality and cost of living with the United States.
Finally, Noah explains how his TikTok channel, Portuguese Word of the Day, began as a way to hold himself accountable while learning the language, and how it attracted a warm and encouraging Portuguese audience. It is a reminder that a little effort to integrate is met with real generosity.
Whether you are planning a move, already here and battling the paperwork, or building a business in Portugal, this is an honest and balanced conversation about what relocating really involves.
Here is the direct link to Noah's TikTok, which, aside from the rant, is mostly very positive: https://www.tiktok.com/@portuguese.word.o
The paired Instagram account is here: https://www.instagram.com/portuguesewordoftheday/
And you can connect with Noah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-hallett/
Get one month of Starlink free when you sign up through this link. Fast, reliable internet at home and on the go. https://starlink.com/?referral=RC-3371964-82086-72&app_source=share
Nuno Mendes: A Culinary Journey of Vision and Soul
Michelin-starred chef, consultant, and storyteller shares his path from the USA to London, Lisbon, and beyond.
Chef Nuno Mendes shares his journey from the USA to London’s Michelin-starred kitchens and back to Portugal. From his acclaimed projects Cozinha das Flores (Porto), Santa Joana (Lisboa), and The Rose Deal, as well as co-founder of Lisboeta London to his book Lisboeta, Nuno reflects on the experiences that shaped his success and his mission to showcase Portuguese cuisine to the world.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is brought to you by Algarve Care Services — offering professional, reliable, English-speaking home care and lifestyle support across the Algarve, now expanding into Coimbra, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, and Porto over the next few months.
Whether you’re retiring here, supporting an ageing parent, or simply seeking someone you can trust with day-to-day life, Algarve Care Services brings compassion, local knowledge, and real peace of mind to families from all over the world.
We’ll be speaking with Kelly Dugmore, Algarve Care Services Founder and CEO, in an upcoming episode to learn more about her story and her mission to make care in Portugal more dementia-friendly and accessible to those with mobility issues.
Visit algarvecare.com via to see how they can support your life here in Portugal.
This episode is also brought to you by ExpatsPortugal.com — your trusted online community for everything related to moving to, living in, or investing in Portugal.
What really sets Expats Portugal apart is its welcoming, knowledgeable community. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of life in Portugal or you're already settling in, you'll find live webinars, expert Q&As, member discounts, a vibrant forum, and friendly in-person meet ups happening across the country.
And just for Podcast Portugal listeners, you can get 15% off membership by using the code PODCASTPORTUGAL at checkout.
To help support Podcast Portugal, and if you’re thinking about getting a backup bank account, click this link to sign up for a new Revolut account. It’s a win-win situation — you get all the benefits of Revolut, and every time someone signs up, Revolut rewards Podcast Portugal with €40.
A Revolut account is freedom in your pocket—set it up today and rest a little easier.
Michelin-starred chef, consultant, and storyteller shares his path from the USA to London, Lisbon, and beyond.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin West sits down with world-renowned chef Nuno Mendes to explore the experiences that shaped his remarkable career. From formative travels in the USA to making his mark in London’s culinary scene, Nuno reflects on the creative journey that earned him Michelin-star recognition and a reputation as one of Portugal’s most innovative chefs.
Now a driving force behind acclaimed projects such as Cozinha das Flores (Porto), Santa Joana (Lisboa), and The Rose Deal, as well as co-founder of Lisboeta London, Nuno also discusses the inspiration behind his celebrated book Lisboeta. With stories of risk, resilience, and reinvention, this conversation reveals how a life of diverse experiences led to the inevitable success of a chef who continues to put Portugal on the global culinary map.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is brought to you by Algarve Care Services — offering professional, reliable, English-speaking home care and lifestyle support across the Algarve, now expanding into Coimbra, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, and Porto over the next few months.
Whether you’re retiring here, supporting an ageing parent, or simply seeking someone you can trust with day-to-day life, Algarve Care Services brings compassion, local knowledge, and real peace of mind to families from all over the world.
We’ll be speaking with Kelly Dugmore, Algarve Care Services Founder and CEO, in an upcoming episode to learn more about her story and her mission to make care in Portugal more dementia-friendly and accessible to those with mobility issues.
Visit algarvecare.com via to see how they can support your life here in Portugal.
This episode is also brought to you by ExpatsPortugal.com — your trusted online community for everything related to moving to, living in, or investing in Portugal.
What really sets Expats Portugal apart is its welcoming, knowledgeable community. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of life in Portugal or you're already settling in, you'll find live webinars, expert Q&As, member discounts, a vibrant forum, and friendly in-person meet ups happening across the country.
And just for Podcast Portugal listeners, you can get 15% off membership by using the code PODCASTPORTUGAL at checkout.
To help support Podcast Portugal, and if you’re thinking about getting a backup bank account, click this link to sign up for a new Revolut account. It’s a win-win situation — you get all the benefits of Revolut, and every time someone signs up, Revolut rewards Podcast Portugal with €40.
A Revolut account is freedom in your pocket—set it up today and rest a little easier.
Meet the Tugas: Chris Jones on Portugal’s History, Culture & Modern Identity
Meet the Tugas: Chris Jones on Portugal’s History, Culture & Modern Identity
Author and entrepreneur Chris Jones explores Portugal’s past, its present challenges, and the stories that shape its future.
In this episode, we welcome Chris Jones, author of Meet the Tugas and founder of Portuguese company Paco Services. His book takes listeners on a sweeping journey across Portugal — from volcanic islands and sunlit vineyards to centuries-old villages and bustling cities.
Drawing on three years of travels across every corner of the country, Chris reveals Portugal’s grandeur and pride, exploring the triumphs, tragedies, and hidden stories etched into its land and people. Alongside history, he also reflects on the modern forces transforming Portugal, from soaring rents to the influx of new arrivals making it their home.
You can find Meet the Tugas in bookstores across Portugal, or via this link. To learn more about Paco Services, visit this link.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is brought to you by Algarve Care Services — offering professional, reliable, English-speaking home care and lifestyle support across the Algarve, now expanding into Coimbra, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, and Porto over the next few months.
Whether you’re retiring here, supporting an ageing parent, or simply seeking someone you can trust with day-to-day life, Algarve Care Services brings compassion, local knowledge, and real peace of mind to families from all over the world.
We’ll be speaking with Kelly Dugmore, Algarve Care Services Founder and CEO, in an upcoming episode to learn more about her story and her mission to make care in Portugal more dementia-friendly and accessible to those with mobility issues.
Visit algarvecare.com via to see how they can support your life here in Portugal.
This episode is also brought to you by ExpatsPortugal.com — your trusted online community for everything related to moving to, living in, or investing in Portugal.
What really sets Expats Portugal apart is its welcoming, knowledgeable community. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of life in Portugal or you're already settling in, you'll find live webinars, expert Q&As, member discounts, a vibrant forum, and friendly in-person meet ups happening across the country.
And just for Podcast Portugal listeners, you can get 15% off membership by using the code PODCASTPORTUGAL at checkout.
To help support Podcast Portugal, and if you’re thinking about getting a backup bank account, click this link to sign up for a new Revolut account. It’s a win-win situation — you get all the benefits of Revolut, and every time someone signs up, Revolut rewards Podcast Portugal with €40.
A Revolut account is freedom in your pocket—set it up today and rest a little easier.
Author and entrepreneur Chris Jones explores Portugal’s past, its present challenges, and the stories that shape its future.
In this episode, we welcome Chris Jones, author of Meet the Tugas and founder of Portuguese company Paco Services. His book takes listeners on a sweeping journey across Portugal — from volcanic islands and sunlit vineyards to centuries-old villages and bustling cities.
Drawing on three years of travels across every corner of the country, Chris reveals Portugal’s grandeur and pride, exploring the triumphs, tragedies, and hidden stories etched into its land and people. Alongside history, he also reflects on the modern forces transforming Portugal, from soaring rents to the influx of new arrivals making it their home.
You can find Meet the Tugas in bookstores across Portugal, or via this link. To learn more about Paco Services, visit this link.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is brought to you by Algarve Care Services — offering professional, reliable, English-speaking home care and lifestyle support across the Algarve, now expanding into Coimbra, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, and Porto over the next few months.
Whether you’re retiring here, supporting an ageing parent, or simply seeking someone you can trust with day-to-day life, Algarve Care Services brings compassion, local knowledge, and real peace of mind to families from all over the world.
We’ll be speaking with Kelly Dugmore, Algarve Care Services Founder and CEO, in an upcoming episode to learn more about her story and her mission to make care in Portugal more dementia-friendly and accessible to those with mobility issues.
Visit algarvecare.com via to see how they can support your life here in Portugal.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is also brought to you by ExpatsPortugal.com — your trusted online community for everything related to moving to, living in, or investing in Portugal.
What really sets Expats Portugal apart is its welcoming, knowledgeable community. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of life in Portugal or you're already settling in, you'll find live webinars, expert Q&As, member discounts, a vibrant forum, and friendly in-person meet ups happening across the country.
And just for Podcast Portugal listeners, you can get 15% off membership by using the code PODCASTPORTUGAL at checkout.
To help support Podcast Portugal, and if you’re thinking about getting a backup bank account, click this link to sign up for a new Revolut account. It’s a win-win situation — you get all the benefits of Revolut, and every time someone signs up, Revolut rewards Podcast Portugal with €40.
A Revolut account is freedom in your pocket—set it up today and rest a little easier.