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

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

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.

If you haven’t already switched to Revolut, now is the perfect time.

I use Revolut Personal to manage my everyday money — spending, saving, and sending across borders. You can hold over 30 currencies, transfer internationally at great rates, and even earn daily interest on your savings. It’s smart, fast, and used by more than 60 million people worldwide.

And if you run a business, Revolut has an even more powerful solution. Revolut Business gives you a global account built for growth: multi-currency accounts, team cards, spend controls, international transfers, and easy ways to get paid. It’s streamlined, affordable, and designed to scale with you.

Here’s the best part:

Sign up for Revolut Personal click this link and join me on one of the most advanced money apps available.

And if you're a founder or business owner, use the Podcast Portugal Revolut Business referral link and get your first month with no subscription fees.

Whether it’s for your personal finances or your business, Revolut has you covered — all in one place.

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.

Remote work has transformed how and where we work, yet finding a productive, affordable place outside the home or office remains a challenge for many professionals.

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we speak with Charles from DeskAmigo, the platform redefining flexible workspaces by connecting remote workers with under-used tables in cafés, restaurants and hotels. Built on a simple but powerful idea, DeskAmigo creates value on both sides: professionals gain access to inspiring, work-friendly spaces without the commitment or cost of traditional coworking, while local venues unlock new revenue streams during quieter hours.

We explore how DeskAmigo supports freelancers, remote workers and digital nomads looking for flexibility, focus and community, while also helping hospitality businesses adapt to changing work habits. The conversation looks at the rise of hybrid work, the demand for more human-centred working environments, and how platforms like DeskAmigo are reshaping the future of work in Portugal and beyond.

Whether you work remotely, run a hospitality business, or are simply curious about how work culture is evolving, this episode offers a practical and timely insight into the new ways people choose to work.

DeskAmigo

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.

If you haven’t already switched to Revolut, now is the perfect time.

I use Revolut Personal to manage my everyday money — spending, saving, and sending across borders. You can hold over 30 currencies, transfer internationally at great rates, and even earn daily interest on your savings. It’s smart, fast, and used by more than 60 million people worldwide.

And if you run a business, Revolut has an even more powerful solution. Revolut Business gives you a global account built for growth: multi-currency accounts, team cards, spend controls, international transfers, and easy ways to get paid. It’s streamlined, affordable, and designed to scale with you.

Here’s the best part:

Sign up for Revolut Personal click this link and join me on one of the most advanced money apps available.

And if you're a founder or business owner, use the Podcast Portugal Revolut Business referral link and get your first month with no subscription fees.

Whether it’s for your personal finances or your business, Revolut has you covered — all in one place.

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.

Why Gut Health Matters for Mental Clarity, Resilience and Long-Term Health

In this episode of Podcast Portugal, I’m joined by Margarida Beja, a registered dietitian specialising in gastroenterology at Flowin Clinics, to explore the powerful link between gut health, mental wellbeing, and human performance.

‍ ‍

We dive into the gut–brain axis, how modern diets are disrupting the microbiome, the role of gut health in immunity and inflammation, and the most effective steps you can take today to improve digestion, mood, and long-term health. We also challenge common nutrition myths and discuss why food still isn’t treated as a global health priority.

A thought-provoking conversation that reframes health from the inside out.

More info:

margaridabeja.com

flowinclinic.co.uk

Instagram

Book - Intestino Descomplicado

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.

If you haven’t already switched to Revolut, now is the perfect time.

I use Revolut Personal to manage my everyday money — spending, saving, and sending across borders. You can hold over 30 currencies, transfer internationally at great rates, and even earn daily interest on your savings. It’s smart, fast, and used by more than 60 million people worldwide.

And if you run a business, Revolut has an even more powerful solution. Revolut Business gives you a global account built for growth: multi-currency accounts, team cards, spend controls, international transfers, and easy ways to get paid. It’s streamlined, affordable, and designed to scale with you.

Here’s the best part:

Sign up for Revolut Personal click this link and join me on one of the most advanced money apps available.

And if you're a founder or business owner, use the Podcast Portugal Revolut Business referral link and get your first month with no subscription fees.

Whether it’s for your personal finances or your business, Revolut has you covered — all in one place.

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.