In this episode Tara had the pleasure of speaking with one of the woman painters on the island who is a risk taker, and an innovator in the art world, Natasha Zupan. In their talk, Natasha tells us about the times in her life when she had to reinvent herself as an artist in order to work within the contemporary framework. We learn that despite roadblocks she faced as a woman in the male dominated field of painting, she was able to find her own style with its unabashed feminine energy. There is so much more to painting than sitting at the canvas, it entails the logistics of packing and shipping large works to far flung places. Natasha’s intellectual and beautiful paintings are as inspirational as the artist herself.

Tara always says that every once in a while, life likes to throw out curve balls. The kind that upends you, and takes you on an unexpected journey whether you want it or not. Tara had the great fortune of meeting Antonio Navas through a common friend in Deia while recently on one of these journeys, and they sat down together in New York City to talk.  Antonio has had an incredible career in branding and advertising with some of the biggest names around the globe, and in their talk, we find out that amongst his many talents, one of his strongest is that of a philosopher with an enduring ability to find beauty in life. Listen to the end to hear Antonio recite the haunting poem Regardless, by Charles Bukowski.

In this episode Tara speaks to a man who is full of determination, hard work, and a deep passion for the game of tennis, Tennis Coach Director Ariel Nastasia. In their talk, we learn that tennis is a metaphor for the challenges of life, and that the game is so much more than a game. From Buenas Aires to Mallorca, Ariel’s journey as a top tennis player in Argentina, his experiences of learning from, and working with the best, as well as his passion for the game, has made him a sought after coach and mentor. Ariel’s warmth and relaxed sense of humor makes this a fun talk.

In this episode, Tara speaks to a woman who led a life of adventure and fearlessness, an entrepreneur and connoisseur of living life to the fullest, Sandra Jones. In their talk, we get an earful about Sandra’s life of adventures and how she landed in Deia at a time when it was exploding with powerful male energy and artistic creativity. Sandra’s stories make us yearn for a time when people knew how to have fun, and were not afraid to push against societal boundaries. In a time when life is more prescribed than ever, this is a great listen.

In this episode Tara speaks to a remarkable woman who plays a key role in the operations of Hotel La Residencia in Deia, PR Manager, Hanna Bornebusch. Hanna’s warmth, sense of humor, kindness, and her attention to detail, creates a  comfortable, and welcoming environment at this iconic hotel. Tara holds a special affection for Hanna because she took a chance and championed the Deia Unpacked Podcast and this support has been a key factor in growing the podcast and featuring all of the fabulous people who live and spend time in Mallorca. Listen in to find out about all of the wonderful new things that are happening at La Res.

In this episode Tara speaks to two musicians who grew up in different cultures, who by chance found each other and have been exploring all of the musical similarities and overlap that comes from the ancient songs from Mallorca and Persia. The musicians are Pegah Khoei and Tomeu Gomila, and their music project is Qanat. In their talk, we learn about the ancient work songs from the Balearic islands and the elevating music from the Middle East.  The similarities found in these ancient songs and how they integrate with each other, opens up a whole world of musical fusion and the sharing of art and ideas. Listen to the very end where you will find Tomeu’s grandmother Margalida Canaves Aixartell, singing Sa Tonada de Esterrossar, one of the ancient work songs from the Land of Mallorca.

In this episode Tara speaks to the lovely, highly cultivated, man of many interests, Deia artist and sculptor, Laurent Gardet. In their talk, we learn about the long history that Laurent’s family has with Deia, his work as an architect and designer, and his passion for sculpture and land art. Laurent’s understated and charming demeanor fronts a brilliant mind and a man of great talent.

In this episode, Tara speaks to a man who has a long and interesting history with a Michelin star rating, an excellent restaurateur, and a remarkable chef of the family run restaurant, Es Raco d’es Teix, located in Deia, Josef Sauerschell. She also has the pleasure of speaking with his wife and business partner Nori and their daughter Ines, this episode’s translator, who grew up helping in the well loved restaurant. In their talk, we learn that the restaurant business is rigorous, fast paced, full of artistic creativity and that Josef and Nori have turned the art of fine dining into a lifestyle that can’t be beat.

In this episode, Tara speaks to the high octane, natural born leader, entrepreneur, professional actress, dancer, business woman and the person who makes Mallorca that much more fun, Emma Boardman. In their talk, we learn about what it means to have a cultivated special surprise skill, that helps to push you to the next level of career, how imposter syndrome is built into success, and why it’s so important to think out of the box. Emma’s dynamic energy and intelligence, her unique approach to life, and her varied experiences, makes this a fun listen.

In this episode, Tara speaks to the music legend who played all over the world and the man who brought Jazz to Spain, Ramon Farran. In their talk, Ramon shares his long musical history with us, including the influence that Deia and Mallorca had on his musical career, his love of experimentation and taking chances with his music. From Miles Davis, to the Gypsy Kings, Ramon’s passion for music has created a legacy for musicians and music lovers everywhere. A true lifelong artist, Ramon is an inspiration to music lovers.