Best Portugal The Simple Life Podcasts (2025)

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Portugal is the tortoise... 43:42

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3h ago43:42

43:42

Is Portugal the tortoise or the rabbit? Our latest explains why he thinks Portugal is the tortoise. Thomas Stark is a dad, a husband, a triathlete and a business man. Originally from Germany, Thomas is passionate about Portugal and his company supports forward-thinking companies to start and scale in Portugal. He chats to Dylan about why he loves P…

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Ep. 100 BTS of How We Got to 100 Episodes (!!!) with Hillary O’Dell 1:02:26

3h ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Well, butter my biscuit and cue the confetti cannons. This is our 100th episode, and I’m joined by one of my favorite humans (and former guest), Hillary O’Dell, to mark this wild, wonderful milestone. It’s tender, it’s unhinged, it’s full of heart, and it’s exactly what I hoped it would be. We reminisce about how we met (spoiler: it involves embarr…

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Ep 99: Hosting a Dinner Party with Heart (Not Stress) with Faith Kenzler 54:32

5h ago54:32

54:32

As the holidays get closer, I always feel that familiar mix of excitement and pressure. The menus, the timing, the tiny details that somehow turn into big feelings. Hosting can so easily slip into performance mode, and I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit. So in this episode, I wanted to explore what it looks like to bring the heart ba…

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Chilling out in Portugal 45:26

1h ago45:26

45:26

Why is Portugal the perfect place to ‘chill out’? Our latest guest, Marieka Finot is a financial literacy expert and helps people ‘chill out’ about their finances. Born in France and having lived in London for 10 years she is well versed in a busy life and now finds her balance and rest in Portugal. She chats to Dylan about how her life has changed…

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Ep 98: How to Ease Anxiety and Socialize with Intention with Coach Lee Hopkins 42:53

6h ago42:53

42:53

Have you ever walked into a party and felt your chest tighten, or skipped an event entirely because it felt too overwhelming? Even as someone who leans more extroverted, I’ve been there, and I learned so much from this conversation. As the holiday season ramps up, so does the pressure to be on, to mingle, to make conversation that doesn’t always fe…

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HOW TO MOVE TO ITALY: Lessons from ViaMonde Founder Jennifer Sontag 52:02

14d ago52:02

52:02

In this episode of The Armchair Expat Podcast, Shannon sits down with Jennifer Sontag — serial entrepreneur, expat, and founder of ViaMonde, a bespoke agency that simplifies relocations to Spain and Italy. Jennifer’s story is one of bold reinvention, deep resilience, and the transformative power of starting over in a new country. Jennifer shares he…

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Portugal is not its airports 43:34

7d ago43:34

43:34

When your first experience of Portugal is its airport, this may not be the best of starts. Andrew Bryant talks about this and more as our latest guest on the podcast. Andrew is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and podcast host who loves getting out of the airport and experiencing the real Portugal. He chats to Dylan about, amongst other thing…

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Ep 97: A Vision for a More Accessible World with Veteran Zach Tidwell 37:13

3d ago37:13

37:13

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary. In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software d…

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What Happens When You Move Abroad Sight Unseen with Mary Alice 1:03:00

21d ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Ever thought about packing up your life and moving to another country you’ve never even been to? That’s exactly what my guest today, Mary Alice Duff, did. She’s a fractional COO and business strategist living in Montpellier, France. After launching her own clothing brand and later shifting into business consulting, she now helps small businesses st…

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Is Portuguese difficult? 57:21

16d ago57:21

57:21

Is Portuguese a difficult language? This week's guest helps us answer that question. Catarina Bento is the founder of The Bento Atelier, where she helps people learn European Portuguese and ‘say it like a local’. She chats with Dylan about some of the nuances of the Portuguese language, tests Dylan’s Portuguese and talks about how your experience o…

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Ep 96: Simple Ways to Embrace the Art of Cozy Living with Sabine Hayes 47:35

21d ago47:35

47:35

There’s something magical about this time of year when the air turns crisp and we reach for our softest sweatshirts. But cozy living isn’t about adding more; it’s about noticing more. In this episode, I’m joined by interior designer Sabine Hayes of Georgette Marise Interiors, who believes that design can bring peace, purpose, and joy to everyday li…

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DON’T BANK ON IT: The Smarter Way to Move Your Money Abroad with Kelly Cutchin of Moneycorp 56:00

28d ago56:00

56:00

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Kelly Cutchin, U.S. Country Manager for MoneyCorp, to demystify the world of currency exchange and international money transfers. They explore why using your bank for overseas transactions could cost you thousands, how forward contracts can protect your home-buying budget, and why…

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My Home in Portugal - Ron & Mike 57:14

23d ago57:14

57:14

On this edition of 'My Home in Portugal’, Dylan is joined by Ron & Mike, a couple from the USA who bought an investment property right here on the Silver Coast after promising each other on the plane to Portugal that they would not be buying anything. We recorded this episode from Ron & Mike’s beautiful new home and this is some of their story… ABO…

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Ep 95: Halloween Costumes and the Magic of Dressing Up with Kristin Gredys Ihm 36:14

28d ago36:14

36:14

When was the last time you truly dressed up, not to impress, but to express? This week, I'm joined by my dear friend Kristin Gredys Ihm for a conversation that’s part Halloween fun and part soulful exploration of self-expression through style. From Mickey Mouse cowboy boots to go-go boots in Catholic school, Kristin has always used clothes as a can…

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What No One Tells You About Moving Abroad with Stacy Ennis 1:09:25

1M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Moving abroad sounds glamorous, but behind the Instagram reels and dream-home photos, there’s a very real side that often goes untold. In this episode, I’m joined by Stacy Ennis, bestselling author, book coach, and host of the Beyond Better podcast, who has lived in four countries outside the U.S.—the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, and now …

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I want to be Portuguese when I grow up 48:54

30d ago48:54

48:54

Have you ever met a ‘nata-holic’? Alexa is addicted to Pasteis da Nata, the famous Portuguese pastry. Alexa is originally from Poland but loves Portugal, so much so that she wants to Portuguese when she ‘grows up’. She is our latest guest on the podcast and in a humorous episode Alexa chats to Dylan about, amongst other things, how she discovered P…

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Ep 94: Why You're Thinking About Retirement All Wrong with Monique Rhodes 41:25

24d ago41:25

41:25

We’re told retirement is a golden reward, a never-ending vacation filled with ease and leisure. But what if it doesn’t feel that way? What if the structure, the purpose, the rhythm of your days quietly vanishes, and you’re left wondering who you are without the title, the routine, the responsibilities? In this episode, I’m joined once again by Moni…

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Why Portugal is not America. 58:01

1M ago58:01

58:01

Welcome to Season 4! And what a way to kick off a brand new season. Dylan is joined by best-selling author Richard Zimler, who shares his deeply personal story of moving from the US to Portugal in the early '90s. He opens up about the culture shock of living in Portugal at that time, the kindness of the Portuguese people, and why Portugal feels mor…

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Ep 93: BFF Banter and “24th” Birthday Shenanigans with My Bestie Serena 54:28

1M ago54:28

54:28

Every year that passes, I feel more permission to be fully myself. And what better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than with the person who knows me best? It’s my birthday episode, and this year I’m joined by my Canadian bestie Serena for a laughter-filled catch-up that’s equal parts meaningful and mildly ridiculous. We took a playful …

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Wild wild Portugal 51:17

1M ago51:17

51:17

For our final episode of Season 3, Dylan is joined by Barbara Veiga. Born in Brazil, Barbara is a public speaker, visual artist and environmental activist focused on climate action with an emphasis on oceanic life. She dedicated more than seven full, consecutive years of her life to traveling the seas around more than 90 countries and haswritten ab…

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Ep 92: Five Non-Negotiable Rituals for a More Joyful Month 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

By Shawnna Stiver

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EXPAT TAXES MADE SIMPLE: Insights from MyExpatTaxes Founder Nathalie Goldstein 57:30

2M ago57:30

57:30

By Shannon Acton

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How Portugal flows 53:40

2M ago53:40

53:40

For our latest episode Dylan is joined by Gavin Eccles. Gavin is a management consultant & professor, originally from the UK, and has been living in Portugal for more than 20 years. From consultancy to Board level participation, Gavin has assisted British Airways, easyJet, Hainan Airlines, Jet2, Eurowings, American Airlines, United Airlines, Tui Tr…

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Ep 91: Giving Women a Seat at the (Chef’s) Table with Tina McCard 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

Sometimes the smallest spark can light the way to something much bigger. When chef Tina McCard posed for a professional headshot, she didn’t just see herself; she saw a whole community of women who deserved to be seen too. That moment became the beginning of Our Table Chefs, a growing movement empowering women in food and hospitality to step into t…

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Making magic in Portugal 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

Our latest guest on the podcast is Eileen Farnham. Eileen was born and raised in the Netherlands to an Irish dad and a Portuguese-Angolan mom and has been living in Portugal for three years. Eileen promised herself as a young girl that she would never learn Portuguese and would never move to Portugal but she felt Portugal calling and today she call…

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Do Americans want to live in Portugal? 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

For a bonus episode we take you inside the latest ‘Living in Portugal’ seminar from San Diego. Dylan is joined by organiser Bruce Hawker, João Pinheiro & Iva Slavtcheva who all presented at seminars held in San Francisco, Portland and San Diego. They discuss their shared love for Portugal, the exciting seminars held recently and why Americans want …

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Ep 90: “We’re All Nerds” and Other Gen Z Roasts From My Nieces 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

It started with a text: “You have to have us on the podcast for National Family Day.” So, here we are. My nieces, Sarah and London, are taking over the mic for a no-holds-barred, completely unfiltered family roast. In this episode, we dive into the strange and delightful things only families understand. We unpack their wild devotion to our dad (a.k…

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CROSS-BORDER MOVES: Building a Life (and Business) Abroad with Global Tax Advisor Nicolas Castillo 51:29

2M ago51:29

51:29

What happens when you trade Miami traffic for Madrid tapas—and still have to keep the IRS happy? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon Acton interviews Nicolas Castillo, founder of Rook International CPAs and Advisors, about the realities of building a life and business abroad. Nicolas shares his personal journey from Miami to Madrid, opening …

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Is NFL a thing in Portugal? 52:16

2M ago52:16

52:16

This week, Dylan is joined by sports journalist Pedro Afonso. Born and raised in Portugal, Pedro somehow became a fan of the Green Bay Packers and American sports. Today he serves as a journalist for DAZN and reports on various sports including the NFL. He chats to Dylan about his love for NFL and American sports, as well as Portuguese football and…

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Ep 89: Using Art Therapy Exercises for Stress Relief with Susan Day 42:18

2M ago42:18

42:18

We’ve been drawing on cave walls longer than we’ve been talking. That little fact alone hints at just how primal and healing art can be. In this episode, I’m joined by mindful arts coach, author, and app developer Susan Day for a conversation that is full of heart, color, and quiet revelation. We explore the healing power of creativity, not as some…

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Finding your tribe in Portugal 50:24

2M ago50:24

50:24

Our latest guest is Elsbeth Blekkenhorst-Tammes, she is originally from The Netherlands and after living and working all over the world she now calls Portugal her home. Elsbeth is an entrepreneur and the founder of the footwear company ‘Elisabietta Collection’. She co-ordinates and mentors various womens' networks and chats to Dylan about why she c…

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Ep 88: Life Update and Tips to Survive (and Thrive) in the Messy Middle 21:59

3M ago21:59

21:59

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re stuck in the thick of things, swamped, strung out, and nowhere near the finish line, this one's for you. In this solo episode, I’m sharing what it’s like to live through the messy middle. That foggy, frustrating stretch where you’ve started something, maybe a business, a healing journey, or just a …

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CAN I AFFORD TO MOVE ABROAD? Insights from Expat and Financial Advisor Alex Ingrim 1:07:45

2M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

“Can I really afford to move abroad?” It’s the question at the heart of so many expat dreams — and today we’re digging into it with someone who knows the answer firsthand. My guest is Alex Ingrim, financial advisor, expat, and CEO of Liberty Atlantic Advisors, a US-registered investment firm specializing in helping Americans navigate life and wealt…

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My Home in Portugal - Julita 17:30

3M ago17:30

17:30

On this edition of 'My Home in Portugal’, Dylan is joined by Julita, a Polish lady who bought an off-plan apartment. We recorded this interview from the balcony of her beautiful new apartment on The Silver Coast, just after the moment she had seen if for the first time finished and this is some of their story. ABOUT PORTUGAL THE SIMPLE LIFE PODCAST…

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Ep 87: Your Playlist is Trying to Tell You Something with Molly Lord 1:04:16

3M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Have you ever cried to a song and wondered why? Or felt completely transformed after hearing just a few chords? In this conversation with the brilliant and hilarious Molly Lord, we explore how music taps into the deepest parts of who we are. Molly is the creator of Tuned In Productions and author of Holy Dirt, a memoir about walking 500 miles acros…

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In Portugal, we’re better when we’re together. 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

From a small town in Portugal to 5 Olympic Games! Meet Susana Feitor — world record holder, motivational speaker, and one of Portugal’s Olympic athletes. 🏅 With a career spanning 30+ years, she shares what it really means to wear the Portuguese flag, the moments she misses most when abroad, and why she’s proudly Portuguese! FOLLOW OUR GUEST: Susana…

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Ep 86: Finding Strategies That Fit Your Brain, Your Way with Becca Block 51:40

3M ago51:40

51:40

If your brain doesn’t thrive on traditional productivity hacks, it doesn’t mean you’re broken; it might just mean you have a spicy brain. In this conversation, I’m joined once again by Dr. Rebecca Block to explore how to work with your brain instead of against it. We talk about procrastination as emotion management, why low dopamine makes “helpful”…

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MOVING ABROAD FOR A CHANGE OF PACE: From New York City to Small-Town Italy with Caroline Chirichella 45:32

3M ago45:32

45:32

What happens when you leave behind the nonstop energy of New York City for life in a 5,000-person town tucked into the Italian mountains? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Caroline Chirichella, founder of Chirichella Associates, to hear her story of trading chaos for community. Caroline shares her unlikely path—from training…

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We met in Portugal & started a band 44:25

3M ago44:25

44:25

Although they had never met back home in the US, Greg, John and Seth's paths crossed in Caldas da Rainha, their new home on Portugal’s Silver Coast. That’s where they became friends and started a band — the Castor Bones Collective. In this episode, they sit down with Dylan to share: • Why they left the US and moved to Portugal 🇺🇸➡️🇵🇹 • The D7 Visa …

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Ep 85: The Five Ingredients to a 'Bon Vivant' Lifestyle with Nathalie Botros 44:00

4M ago44:00

44:00

What if the recipe for joy was as simple as a smile, a little movement, and saying no to one more draining obligation? In this episode, I’m joined by Nathalie Botros, the radiant psychotherapist-turned-coach behind The Happiness Cocktail and the Bon Vivant Girl lifestyle. Her story is one of deep reinvention; from chasing happiness across countries…

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Portugal, more than one way to belong 58:33

4M ago58:33

58:33

Mariam Navaid Ottimofiore is an author, researcher and economist with a truly international story. Originally from Pakistan, she has lived in 10 countries – but it was in Portugal that her young family finally felt at home. In this heartwarming conversation, Mariam shares: Why she chose Portugal and how it’s transformed her life Moving with childre…

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Ep 84: Journal Your Way to Better Mental Health with Pamela Byrd 47:52

3M ago47:52

47:52

Sometimes the simplest tools can be the most powerful, and for me, journaling has always been one of them. In this conversation, I sit down with Pamela Byrd, who has been putting pen to paper since she was eleven years old, to talk about how writing can help us heal, grow, and truly know ourselves. Pamela shares her remarkable story, from navigatin…

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MOVING TO PORTUGAL: Real Estate, Residency & the Golden Visa with Erin Charlotte 34:00

4M ago34:00

34:00

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal. Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the cr…

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Portugal surprised me 52:30

4M ago52:30

52:30

Our latest guest is Laurence Tham, who moved to Portugal from Australia 3 years ago. Laurence is the Portugal Chair of TIGER 2, hosting intimate, peer-focused discussions that go far beyond finance, touching on family, purpose, performance and personal legacy. Laurence is also an experienced speaker, frequently featured on podcasts and co-host of t…

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Ep 83: Say Yes to Adventure (Even a Tiny One) with Anna VanAgtmael 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to say yes to something new, this might be it. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots, who shares how a car accident became the catalyst for a completely different kind of life. What started as a season of healing slowly turned into a life built around intention, courage, and …

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Portugal was what I wished for 44:42

4M ago44:42

44:42

This week, Dylan is joined by Anel Imanbay, TEDxMarvila lead and long-time Lisbon resident originally from Kazakhstan. Anel shares her inspiring journey to Portugal, how she made a wish to live here, and why this country continues to capture her heart. From raising a child in Portugal to building a vibrant creative community in Lisbon's neighbourho…

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Ep 82: How to Become a "Certified Kid at Heart" with Melquea Smith 44:39

4M ago44:39

44:39

In a world that too often forgets how to play, today’s episode is your permission slip to remember. I’m joined by the radiant Melquea Smith, a Black, Queer, multi-award-winning children’s book illustrator and certified kid at heart, who also creates joyful clip art for educators, authors, and entrepreneurs. We talk about what it means to be a "cert…

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FLOURISHING IN SPAIN: Christine Job on Finding Home, Purpose & Herself Abroad 1:07:50

4M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Christine Job, J.D.—an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and creator of the acclaimed podcast Flourish in the Foreign. Christine shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from Atlanta to Spain, detailing the burnout that led her to take a sabbatical, the unexpecte…

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Portugal and your anxiety 45:25

4M ago45:25

45:25

Mario Rui Santos is born and raised in Lisbon and joins Dylan on the latest episode of Portugal The Simple Life Podcast. Mario is a lecturer, a consultant, a mentor, a counsellor and a Hypnotherapist. He chats to Dylan about, amongst other things, his life in Portugal, his work as a therapist and how Portugal may be good for your anxiety. FOLLOW OU…

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Ep 81: Healing Beyond Quick Fixes and Surface Solutions with Julian Bermudez 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

If last week’s episode was about hot takes and summer sass, this week’s is a long, slow exhale. We’re shifting into something quieter and deeper...something that touches all of us, even if we don’t often name it. In a world addicted to instant gratification and easy answers, what does it mean to stay with the discomfort? To resist the urge to fix a…