Everything you ever wanted to know about life in Spain, from a longtime expat and travel writer in Madrid and Barcelona. This podcast talks about Spanish travel, language, history, politics, food and much more.
…
continue reading
Learn Real Spanish Fast and Stay Motivated
…
continue reading
Learn Real Spanish Fast and Stay Motivated
…
continue reading
A zany, scripted, dark comedy that explores the bystander effect - a social psychological theory that states individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when in the presence of other people. Every season - new story, new Bystanders. Created by: Ash Lendzion and Jaclyn Hales Executive Produced by: Black Label Media, Heather Morris, Ash Lendzion, Jaclyn Hales, Nick Blair Wilfong, and Marilee Stafford Directed by: Jaclyn Hales and Ash Lendzion Written by: Jaclyn Hales, Ash Lendzion, N ...
…
continue reading
A quick introduction to the Poblenou neighborhood in Barcelona. The city's old industrial area is changing fast! More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/poblenou/
…
continue reading
Seasoned travellers Daniel (AKA Mr Chorizo) and his wife Morena hit the mean streets of urban Japan in this new adventure: summer in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/japan/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
…
continue reading
Here's a little life update from The Bahamas, out there in the Caribbean. I first mentioned getting sober last year (that's episode 47, it you'd like to listen). Now it's been about a year and a half and I'm going strong. Go to the blog for more: https://expatmadrid.com/sober-paradise/ Donate to this project and support the cause here: https://expa…
…
continue reading
A report from my recent trip to the wild places of Surrey: Staines-upon-Thames, Runnymede, Windsor and more. Check out the article on the website: https://expatmadrid.com/staines/ Donate to the cause here, I appreciate it! https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
…
continue reading
1
81 - Weed club crackdown, assault rifles, and anti-tourism protests
14:48
14:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:48
A bit of news from Barcelona today: the local crackdown on weed clubs has begun, police are confiscating assault rifles in ever-larger numbers, and stupid people buy squirt guns to in order to harass tourists. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/weed-clubs-guns-anti-tourism-protests/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate - I ap…
…
continue reading
1
80 - Self-employment, randomness and creating your own luck
17:18
17:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:18
Nine years of self-employment (or, as I sometimes call it, "gainful unemployment") here in Spain. Here are a few thoughts on the online business hustle, randomness, luck and much more. Read the article on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/create-luck/ Donate to support the podcast (and blog, etc) here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
…
continue reading
1
79 - Barcelona Bans AirBnb - the end of tourist rentals?
14:24
14:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:24
New Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has recently promised to let all the licenses for tourist rentals expire. Is this the end of AirBnb? Maybe. But will it really help with the housing crisis? I also have my doubts. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/barcelona-bans-airbnb/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
Fun facts about Valencia, Spain – mecca of paella – as well as my own personal quest to see the Holy Grail. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/valencia-spain/ Donate to this podcast here, I thank you very much in advance: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
…
continue reading
An update on the election for the EU Parliament, Spain's anti-prostitution law that never was, "the rise of the far right" and much more. Read the article and check out some links on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/eu-elections/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate Thanks a lot!
…
continue reading
I recently had the opportunity to do the Route of Don Quixote bike tour in La Mancha, Spain. Here's some info about the route, about Don Quixote, about La Mancha, about Cervantes and more. Check out all the available routes at https://biketourinspain.com More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/don-quixote-bike-tour/…
…
continue reading
A report from Toledo, Spain, the city of three cultures and former capital. The city of Toledo has a lot of great medieval architecture, Spain's best Gothic cathedral, El Greco's masterpiece and more. Read the article on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/toledo-spain-tourism-in-spains-former-medieval-capital/ Donate to the cause here: https://expat…
…
continue reading
1
74 - How to move abroad in 2024 (with Cepee Tabibian)
1:03:53
1:03:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:53
Thinking about moving abroad? Here's an interview with Cepee Tabibian, the founder of She Hit Refresh – a global community of over 14,000 women helping each other to move abroad after age 30. In this episode we talk about life in Spain, visa options for Americans and others, hidden gems around Europe and much more. Check out Cepee at https://shehit…
…
continue reading
1
73 - Madrid is better than Barcelona (there, I said it...)
21:09
21:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:09
Some thoughts about Madrid and Barcelona, the immigrant hustle, the super-advanced simulation we (may) live in, Barrio Salamanca, the battle of Lepanto, private tours of the Prado and much more. Have fun! More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/madrid-is-better-than-barcelona/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
…
continue reading
The European authorities are telling us to prepare for World War III. Is it time to start stockpiling guns and food? Donate to the cause here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/europe-prepares-for-world-war-iii/
…
continue reading
Barcelona has recently had a bus route removed from Google Maps... you won't believe why. Also, how Google Maps has changed travel in the last couple of decades. Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate More on the web at https://expatmadrid.com/
…
continue reading
Why do Americans love living in Spain? From the laid-back lifestyle and the food, to the (lack of) guns and the politics, here's why people from the US are flocking to Spain in ever-increasing numbers. Donate here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate Much more about Madrid, Barcelona and Spain on the web: https://expatmadrid.com…
…
continue reading
1
69 - Spain's Golden Visa: is this the end?
18:55
18:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:55
Big news today! The Spanish government is suggesting that they might get rid of the Golden Visa scheme for real estate investors. Is it really going to happen? How will this affect Spain? What about other visa options for people who want to move here? All questions I answer here in this episode. Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
1
68 - Madrid off the beaten path with Felicity Hughes
1:08:06
1:08:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:06
Felicity Hughes writes one of my favorite blogs about Madrid, about the history of places and things you don't find on normal tourist itineraries. She's also got a new book out, about Barrio de las Letras, and she's working on Lonely Planet's new Madrid guide (out in 2025). More about Madrid and Spain on my blog: https://expatmadrid.com/And on Feli…
…
continue reading
1
67 - Education, Caso Koldo and Women's Day 2024
20:23
20:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:23
A few more random thoughts here, about formal vs informal education, a new corruption scandal in Spain known as Caso Koldo, and the (possibly underwhelming) celebrations for Women's Day 2024. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/education-koldo-women/ Donate to the cause, I'll probably spend it on coffee and sparkling water: https://expatmadrid…
…
continue reading
I just came back from a 105 kilometer walking tour of some nearby parts of Catalonia. Here's the story. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/walking-tour-catalonia/ Donate to the cause! I appreciate donations of any size, right here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate
…
continue reading
On a recent episode of the Tim Ferriss podcast, Noah Kagan explained his theory that Barcelona is the new Austin. As someone who lives in Barcelona, of course I've got some thoughts about his reasons. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/barcelona-new-austin/
…
continue reading
1
64 - Pickpockets in Barcelona and Spain's petty crime problem
23:05
23:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:05
There are a lot of pickpockets in Barcelona – a city that's already got a reputation for being unsafe. Recently, the problem has escalated and the court system is on the verge of collapse. Here are a few tips for avoiding pickpockets in Spain, as well as some facts about petty crime of all kinds. More on the web https://expatmadrid.com/pickpockets-…
…
continue reading
1
63 - Bitcoin in Barcelona and the Catalan Crypto Community
21:15
21:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:15
Hey hey! New episode today all about the Catalan Crypto Community, and how to use bitcoin in Barcelona. Is it even possible? I went and found out... More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/bitcoin-barcelona/ Donate (fiat currency, please) to support the podcast at https://expatmadrid.com/donate
…
continue reading
A couple of random thoughts today, about the 2024 election and about quitting Twitter (or maybe I should call it X). Donate to the podcast here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate Links and more Spain stuff on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/election-year-quitting-twitter/
…
continue reading
1
61 - Clot, Sant Martí and the future of Barcelona
16:11
16:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:11
A bit about the Clot neighborhood in Barcelona, where I've just moved. Clot is part of the Sant Martí district, and there's a lot happening up here. The future of Barcelona is in progress... https://expatmadrid.com/clot-neighborhood-barcelona/ Donate to the cause: expatmadrid.com/donate
…
continue reading
I recently visited Madrid, and felt more like a tourist than one of the locals. Here are a few updates from Spain's "vibrant" capital city. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/madrid-as-a-tourist/
…
continue reading
I recently finished listening to the Revolutions Podcast, which goes into great detail about the Russian Revolution. In this episode I talk about some of the things I learned. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/russian-revolution/ Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate You can listen to Mike Duncan's "Revolutions" podcast on…
…
continue reading
Here's a bit about the situation of buying a flat in Spain... yes, Morena and I have recently become homeowners. Check out our report on Barcelona real estate. More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/buying-flat-spain/ Donate to keep the podcast running smoothly here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
I've recently been inspected by "Hacienda" – the Spanish tax people – and figured I'd share a bit about the experience in case it's helpful to someone. Donate to support the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate Here's the full article on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/tax-inspection/
…
continue reading
1
56 - Camino de Santiago - Spain's modern ancient pilgrimage
27:14
27:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:14
A bit about the Camino de Santiago today: the history, the reasons people walk, and the many routes... plus more! Read the article and follow the links on the web for more info: https://expatmadrid.com/camino-santiago/You can also donate to the Spain to Go podcast, every little bit helps, at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
Spain is in an olive oil crisis: the 2022 harvest was terrible, and prices are through the roof. Will the situation this year be better? Here's a bit of info about olive oil inflation in Spain, as well as a discussion of alternative fats. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/olive-oil-crisis/ Donate to the podcast here: https://expatmadrid.com/…
…
continue reading
1
54 - Do you have to give up US citizenship to get Spanish nationality?
16:40
16:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:40
One of the big rumors that goes around the US expat community is that you might lose your US citizenship if you get Spanish nationality. Is it true? Well, I'm not a lawyer, but I've done some research. More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/renounce-citizenship-spanish-nationality/ Donate to support the cause: https://expatmadrid.com/donate Enjo…
…
continue reading
As humans, we need a sense of transcendence from time to time. But most of life is just writing email and eating salads. What to do? Good question... Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate Read the article here: https://expatmadrid.com/seeking-transcendence/ And don't forget to subscribe, like and share!…
…
continue reading
A bit about getting legal in Spain. People think that a "Citizenship Marriage" will solve their problems with immigration, but in reality it's much more complicated. For one thing, it's hard to even get married in the first place, and afterwards there's more bureaucracy. Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate Read more on the blog…
…
continue reading
I was recently in Puigcerdà, a small town on the Hispano-French border, and have some thoughts about Catalonia, monarchies and nationhood. More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/puicerda-llivia-catalonia/Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate
…
continue reading
1
50 - Caso Rubiales, Real Estate & the Future
10:50
10:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:50
Here's a few random thoughts about what's going on in Spain (this time, it's the now-infamous "caso Rubiales" that's making headlines) as well as the future of this glorious expat / travel blog and podcast project. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/caso-rubiales-real-estate-future/ Donate to help the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
1
49 - Spanish Bureaucracy - a red tape odyssey
13:22
13:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:22
Is Spanish bureaucracy designed by sadists, or just by incompetents? Here's the story of my latest run-in with red tape. Read more on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/spanish-bureaucracy/If you like this podcast, please leave a review, subscribe, and donate some money to help the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donateHit me up through the blog wi…
…
continue reading
As the bystanders last moments dwindle, they are cornered into confronting the chilling truth of the Beachview Lake assault. The secrets of that fateful day emerge into the light, leaving them no choice but to reckon with their past. However, in a distant corner of the city, Z stumbles upon a glimmer of hope, a flickering beacon that may finally of…
…
continue reading
HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED In a nostalgic trip to the 1990s, Todd Cuisinart unveils the touching tale of his fateful encounter with Billy Bobaggins, his closest confidant, and the hidden truths of that ill-fated day at Twitchercon 1990. Meanwhile, in the shadowed alleyways, Z battles against the relentless darkness, desperately seeking aid until an une…
…
continue reading
HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED As Officer Mann and the enigmatic Z stealthily navigate the shadows, hope flickers in their pursuit of justice. But in this unforgiving landscape, hope is a treacherous illusion. With their lives hanging in the balance, the desperate bystanders must act swiftly, yet the line between salvation and peril blurs dangerously. As a…
…
continue reading
HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED In the shadowed corners of the warehouse, a mysterious figure emerges- an additional bystander who witnessed the harrowing attack. Doubt creeps in like cigarette smoke as the group questions how he eluded the clutches of their captor. As desperation gnaws at their resolve, a daring scheme is unveiled that teeters on the razor…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 202 - Who Who Who's Kidnapped You?
30:02
30:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:02
HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED In the dark underbelly of their captivity, the unsuspecting bystanders are thrust into a sinister game orchestrated by their captor: maneuvering through treacherous 90s board games designed to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets all while teaching them what it means to be a friend. While the shadows grow thicker, a former c…
…
continue reading
HEADPHONES RECOMMENDED In the midst of a serene paddle boat tour, Billy finds himself thrust into a world of darkness when he becomes the victim of a vicious attack while his fellow tourists stand idly by. Billy's fate hangs in the balance as the apathetic bystanders continue their carefree lives…but in the shadows, a reckoning awaits. Prepare for …
…
continue reading
1
48 - Death, Fasting, and Public Nudity in Barcelona
22:19
22:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:19
A few random thoughts from Barcelona: we've got the death of neighbors, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, intermittent fasting, Fiestas de Gràcia, public nudity and more. Also: is Barcelona overrated? Find out in today's episode. You can listen to this podcast on YouTube, where I have a channel for Spanish learners as well, check it out: https://w…
…
continue reading
1
47 - Sobriety and Introvert Hell in Dublin
25:08
25:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:08
Recently, Morena took me to a convention of payroll salespeople in Dublin, Ireland – a city famous for it's foamy stouts and peaty whiskies. Did I mention I've recently stopped drinking? More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/sobriety-introvert-hell/
…
continue reading
1
46 - Spanish General Election Results and (anti)-business culture
15:34
15:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:34
Yesterday Spain held its 23-J general election and in this episode I talk about the preliminary election results, as well as Spain's business (or anti-business) culture, funcionarios vs autónomos and more. Read the article here: https://expatmadrid.com/spanish-general-election-results/ Donate to the cause by buying me a virtual coffee here: https:/…
…
continue reading
1
45 - Swedish Utopia - myths and realities
40:49
40:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:49
I've just spent a week up in Sweden, and done some research into the old idea of the Scandinavian utopia. So, is the Swedish utopia a myth? Listen to find out, or read the article here... https://expatmadrid.com/swedish-utopia-myths/You can donate to the cause (and I'll appreciate it greatly) right here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
Let's talk about that famous American ignorance. What does the average American know about Spain? Probably very little... More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/american-ignorance/
…
continue reading
Here's a new piece about some of the high-brow "socialist utopia" stereotypes Americans have when it comes to European life. Are they true? Are Europeans just as ignorant as Americans? Does it matter? Find out here. Read more on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/european-stereotypes-revisited/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate…
…
continue reading
1
42 - Spanish Proverbs – life wisdom from Spanish grannies
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49
Hey y'all! In episode 21 I talked about some shocking Spanish proverbs... the ones we have today are a bit more toned-down for everyday use. Check out https://expatmadrid.com/proverbs to read the sentences.Donate to the cause by buying me a virtual coffee at https://expatmadrid.com/donate
…
continue reading