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PODCAST PORTUGAL

PODCAST PORTUGAL

Written by: PODCAST PORTUGAL
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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.

PODCAST PORTUGAL
Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • Octávio Lourenço: Ferox Surfboards and the Fire
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Octávio Lourenço, founder and owner of Ferox Surfboards, one of the Algarve’s most respected independent surfboard factories. Known for his long-standing support of local Algarvian surfers and his commitment to handcrafted, performance-driven surfboards, Octávio has played a key role in Portugal’s grassroots surf culture.

    We discuss the philosophy behind Ferox Surfboards, the importance of locally made boards, and what it truly means to support surfers beyond sponsorship—through access, mentorship, and community investment. Octávio shares his journey as a shaper and factory owner in the Algarve, the challenges of running an independent surfboard business in Portugal, and why local craftsmanship still matters in a globalised surf industry.

    The conversation also addresses the recent fire that destroyed the Ferox Surfboards factory, a devastating moment for Octávio and the wider surf community. He speaks openly about the impact of the fire, the immediate aftermath, and the overwhelming support received from surfers, friends, and the Algarve community. Most importantly, we explore what comes next—rebuilding, resilience, and the future of Ferox Surfboards.

    This episode offers a powerful insight into Portuguese surf culture, the realities of independent manufacturing, and the strength of community in times of crisis.

    The Surf Community Responds: GoFundMe set up by Alex Botelho

    https://feroxnow.blogspot.com/

    Planning a trip to Portugal? Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, surfing Ericeira, or road-tripping through the Alentejo, staying connected is essential. I use Airalo every time I travel — even on my surf boat trips to the Maldives — so when we connected to collaborate, I was genuinely stoked. Airalo’s eSIMs give you instant data the moment you land. No queues, no physical SIM, just seamless, reliable coverage. Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo before your next adventure.

    To book surf coaching sessions, to find out about our immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com direct links in the show notes.

    RelyOn Relocation offers comprehensive residency and citizenship solutions, including the Golden Visa, as well as tax advising and structuring, property assistance, mortgage and credit solutions, and settling-in support.

    Their all-in-one relocation service is designed to simplify the process, manage the paperwork, and help you plan the most suitable pathway — including the possibility of obtaining European citizenship.

    To learn more and book a tailored consultation, click through to their website — relyonrelocation.com

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    1 hr
  • Relocating to Portugal: Residency, Citizenship, Tax Structuring & Property — Done Properly
    Jan 22 2026

    In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West speaks with Elena Bykovets, CEO and Founder of RelyOn Relocation Made Easy®, about what people often misunderstand before moving to Portugal — and why end-to-end, legally compliant relocation support is essential in today’s environment.

    Elena explains:

    What’s really happening when people first consider relocating to Portugal.

    The biggest misconceptions around residency and citizenship.

    Why “tax-friendly Portugal” only works with proper legal structuring.

    How international residents can legally access tax regimes with effective rates from 0% to 20%

    Common mistakes made when relocation or tax planning is handled independently.

    Property purchases and mortgage surprises facing international buyers.

    What a successful, long-term relocation actually looks like.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone considering moving to Portugal, investing in property, or seeking clarity amid conflicting online advice.

    Partnered with RelyOn Relocation®
    Residency, citizenship, tax structuring, and property — handled legally, clearly, and professionally.

    Schedule a consultation at relyonrelocation.com

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    52 mins
  • Sex, pain, Identity, Trauma and the Lives We Appear to Be Living
    Jan 15 2026

    In this deeply reflective episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin West is joined by psychoanalyst in training, executive coach, writer and speaker Zoya Mesaric, whose work bridges psychoanalytic depth, trauma theory and somatic intelligence.

    Based between Vienna, Paris and Lisbon, Zoya works with individuals who appear successful and high-functioning on the outside, yet carry invisible emotional pain beneath the surface. Together, they explore what it means to live disconnected from one’s identity, why coping is not the same as healing, and how true transformation begins when we allow what was once unspeakable to be named.

    The conversation touches on trauma, ambition, grief, leadership, psychological safety, and the tension between performance and authenticity—both in personal life and professional success. Zoya also shares insights from her work with creatives, founders and trauma survivors, as well as her perspective as a columnist for Elle Magazine and a speaker at the World Congress for Psychotherapy.

    This episode is for anyone who feels emotionally overwhelmed, quietly exhausted, or ready to stop surviving and start living in alignment.

    Learn more about Zoya’s work and when you are ready to speak, reach out to her:


    https://zoyamesaric.com/

    Planning a trip to Portugal? Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, surfing Ericeira, or road-tripping through the Alentejo, staying connected is essential. I use Airalo every time I travel — even on my surf boat trips to the Maldives — so when we connected to collaborate, I was genuinely stoked. Airalo’s eSIMs give you instant data the moment you land. No queues, no physical SIM, just seamless, reliable coverage. Travel smarter, stay connected — download Airalo before your next adventure.

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    Flosports and FloGrappling Don’t miss a moment— tap the link in the show notes to start watching with FloGrappling now!

    To book surf coaching sessions, to find out about our immersive surf training camps, online video analysis program and special JWC rates for using SurfREC, head to justinwestcoaching.com direct links in the show notes.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
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