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All about life in Spain, from a longtime expat and travel writer living in Barcelona. This podcast talks about Spanish culture, travel, language, history, politics, food and much more.
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Learn Real Spanish Fast and Stay Motivated
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Learn Real Spanish Fast and Stay Motivated
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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 ...
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115 - Devour Tours - Food Tourism with Lauren Aloise
48:27
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Lauren Aloise started leading food tours in Madrid during the Great Recession, and had soon turned Devour Tours into a thriving business. Learn how Lauren went from recipe blogger to travel entrepreneur, her favorite regional Spanish foods, what she thinks about the future of Spanish tourism (and the risk posed by anti-tourism protests) and more. B…
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114 - Immigrant Life - the truth about living abroad
45:15
45:15
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Immigration is a hot topic, and I've been an immigrant myself for more than 20 years. My wife Morena is also an immigrant, from a wildly different background. What is immigration? With 250 million migrants in the world, nobody is really "typical". Here's my story, and a few thoughts... Donate to the cause here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate – I …
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113 - Coffee, protein, fascism, and laundry
21:38
21:38
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It's been a while since I've done "a day in the life", but the news this week sucks and I don't feel like making top 10 lists. So here's a few things going on in Barcelona, from your favorite gym bro / spiritual seeker / history nerd. Donate to the podcast here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ You can also support the project by signing up for tour…
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Who are some famous Spanish people? Here you'll find some information about Spanish actors, athletes, musicians, and much more. Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ Sign up for a food tour in Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián or Sevilla at https://expatmadrid.com/devour/ Or a walking tour in Spain, Italy, or elsewhere at https://ex…
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Do Spaniards hate expats? Are they tired of Americans? It's a bit complicated. US-Spanish relations didn't start yesterday, and expats (whoever they are) have been moving to Spain since at least the 70s. Here's my take on the expat vs immigrant debate, as well as anti-American (and anti-expat) sentiment in Spain. Donate here: https://expatmadrid.co…
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110 - Petty Crime, Blackout and Squirt Guns
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16:34
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An update with a few random thoughts about things going on in Barcelona and Spain. First, a bit of petty crime in my life. Then the official update about the causes of the massive Spanish blackout from two weeks ago. Finally, another anti-tourism protest with squirt guns... ¡Vaya! Support this podcast right here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
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In this episode I explain several aspects of the housing crisis here in Spain. It's a big issue, with multiple factors like rising rent prices, absurd housing laws, okupas, youth unemployment and more. Also, I talk about some possible solutions, and the national blame game about who's ultimately responsible. More on the web here: https://expatmadri…
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The big scandal in Spain last week involved the government trying to cancel a contract for 15 million bullets it ordered from Israel. Are your bullets ethically sourced? More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/fifteen-million-bullets/ Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
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Here are some of my favorite books about Spain. My tastes are a bit less mainstream, so you've got some books here that aren't on the typical list. Check out the links on https://expatmadrid.com/best-books-spain/ Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
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106 - Is Spain overrated? Moving abroad in the age of Instagram
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These days, a lot of people move abroad because of the glamour. It sure does look fun on Instagram! But there's a reality to living in Spain or elsewhere that you should know about before moving. Is Spain overrated? Find out in today's episode. Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ More on the web https://expatmadrid.com/ Learn …
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105 - Integrating in Spain with Natasha Kennedy
1:07:18
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I talked to Natasha Kennedy, an entrepreneur who's started an educational empire in Madrid, about integrating into Spanish society and much more. Natasha is the founder of the TT Madrid TEFL school as well as the BLC Spain satellite university teaching business skills and Spanish language fluency. More from her at https://theblcgroup.com/ Donate to…
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Is Daylight Saving a fascist plot to steal our sunshine? Maybe. Here in Spain we've been in the wrong time zone since World War II, but there may be an end in sight. More about Franco and Spanish time fascism on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/spains-daylight-saving/ Donate to the cause here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ Thanks for listening,…
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A few thoughts on Spanish customer service, local shops, gentrification, living in Spain with only one last name and much more. Check out the article on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/customer-service-spain/ Donate to the cause here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/
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102 - Barcelona Foodie Experience @ Table by Ona
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18:42
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I recently had a really nice foodie experience here in Barcelona, at a place called Table by Ona. You can check them out at https://ona.restaurant But I'm not a foodie, really, or even someone who wants to write restaurant reviews. So here's what I think about food, and luxury, and farm-to-table, and hipsterism in general. Donate to the cause here …
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Recently, there have been a few "sex scandals" involving Spanish politicians. First, there's the Minister and the Escort (a real-life Pretty Woman story?), then there's the allegations against Podemos founders Íñigo Errejón and Juan Carlos Monedero. None of it sounds good for the feminist-leaning coalition government. The other day was Women's Day …
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In 2023, after almost 19 years living in Spain, I applied for Spanish nationality. Today, I finally have an answer from the government. Here's some info (and personal experiences) about applying for Spanish nationality in 2025. What you need to do, papers to get to gather, and my personal story with Spanish nationality. More on the blog: https://ex…
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The folks over at The Economist recently said that Spain has the world's best economy. Let's look at the data, and see what the real story is. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/spain-worlds-best-economy/ Get your US taxes done from Spain or from anywhere else in the world with Taxes for Expats ($25 discount with my link) right here: https://…
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Today we're going to talk about some words that people like arguing about: why do people from the US call themselves "Americans"? What's the deal with gringo and guiri? What's the deal with the Gulf of America? How many continents are there, even? (It's not so simple...) All that and more in this new episode... Enjoy! Check out this episode on the …
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97 - Trump's Tariffs and the Decline of Europe
18:39
18:39
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The euro is going down, or the dollar is going up, and a lot of people are blaming Trump's tariffs – or their threat. Is that the whole story? In this episode of Spain to Go, I talk about the decline of Europe. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/decline-europe/ Here's my code for a free 500€ transfer on Wise, formerly known as Transferwise: h…
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On this episode, we talk about some of the symbols of Spain. There are the official symbols of Spanishness, like the flag and the coat of arms, as well as some unofficial things like paella and the Osborne bull. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/symbols-spain/ Donate to the cause here, I'll be very grateful: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
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95 - Franco, the Golden Visa, and 2025 plans
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Happy New Year! I'm back from my travels and here to talk about the 50th anniversary of Franco's death, the end of Spain's Golden Visa scheme, and big plans for 2025. More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/plans-2025/ Donate to the cause here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ Thanks for listening! And don't forget to like / subscribe / leave me a…
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I've recently come back from Extremadura, in the west of Spain, where I did another bike tour. It was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend it. The best part is, you can do it too, with everything organized for you. Sign up for the tour at https://biketourinspain.com/extremadura/ More about all this Extremadura bike tour adventure on my blo…
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I'm turning 42, and as usual, these birthdays give me a lot to think about – today, I'm thinking about discipline, Jocko Willink, and crushing my excuses to live the good life. More on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/discipline/Donate to the cause here, I appreciate it and you'll contribute to my "birthday dinner fund": https://expatmadrid.com/do…
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If you're thinking of moving to Spain any time soon, this episode is for you! I've got some news about the Golden Visa scheme (and its possible end) as well as where you can find more information about the various visas available around Europe. And something about "citizenship by descent" as well. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/moving-spa…
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An update on the Valencia flood and other things in Spain, as well as where I'll be for the next few weeks. Check out my article about symbols of Spain on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/symbols
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This week I'm celebrating 20 years living in Spain. Here's a bit about my writer's life abroad, from early days as an aspiring novelist to going full-time as a grammar blogger. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/twenty-years-spain/ Join the elite club of Spain to Go financial supporters here at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
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89 - Barcelona's rent control and Caso Koldo
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Barcelona's rent control law is starting to show some results, and they're not good. Also, the "Caso Koldo" corruption scandal is back in the news, and the story is getting stranger. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/rent-control-caso-koldo/ Donate to the cause right here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/…
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I recently walked up the seven hills in Barcelona. Here's the story of my urban hike through unexplored neighborhoods far off the usual tourist routes. Donate to the cause at https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ Read more about Barcelona and Spain on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/barcelona-seven-hills/…
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Some thoughts (and statistics) on social class in Spain. What exactly is middle class? How much does the upper class make. What's the deal with the royalty and nobility? Answers to these questions and more, right here. And also on the blog: https://expatmadrid.com/social-class-spain/ Support the lower-upper-middle class lifestyle of Mr Chorizo and …
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A bit of a random episode with some discussion of Rome, the Mongol Empire, and Roman ruins you can visit here in Spain – as well as a diverse beachside wedding and election season in the USA. More on the web: https://expatmadrid.com/thinking-rome/ Donate to the podcast here: https://expatmadrid.com/donate/ Thanks for listening!…
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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/
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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/
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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…
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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/
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81 - Weed club crackdown, assault rifles, and anti-tourism protests
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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…
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80 - Self-employment, randomness and creating your own luck
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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/…
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79 - Barcelona Bans AirBnb - the end of tourist rentals?
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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…
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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/
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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!
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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/…
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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…
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74 - How to move abroad in 2024 (with Cepee Tabibian)
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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…
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73 - Madrid is better than Barcelona (there, I said it...)
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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/…
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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/
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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/
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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…
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69 - Spain's Golden Visa: is this the end?
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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…
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68 - Madrid off the beaten path with Felicity Hughes
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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…
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67 - Education, Caso Koldo and Women's Day 2024
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20:23
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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…
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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
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