In this episode of People Of Lisbon, we spend time with Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros - a global leader in the world of sports integrity, governance and ethics.Born on the island of São Miguel in the Azores during a time of dictatorship, Emanuel’s journey has taken him from the middle of the Atlantic to the frontlines of international sport, where he now works to protect the integrity of the games billions of people love.From major European debates and high-level assemblies to deeply personal reflections on fatherhood, leadership and responsibility, this film explores the mind of a man who believes sport can still be a force for unity, hope and meaning in a divided world.Along the way, Emanuel speaks candidly about corruption, organised crime, courage, conviction and the price of standing up for what you believe in.“Without integrity, sport is not sport.”This is a story about leadership, conscience and purpose - set against the backdrop of Lisbon.  / emanuelmacedodemedeiros    / sigalliance  Please support the partners who help make People Of Lisbon possible:United Medical Clinic LisbonFast and easy access to medical care for expats, tourists & localshttps://lisbon.umc.clinic/MoviinnMoving abroad made simplehttps://www.moviinn.comPractice PortugueseLearn Portuguese from Portugal — as it's spoken in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and across the countryhttps://www.practiceportuguese.comJoin Club People Of LisbonBecome part of our community and support the project:https://www.peopleoflisbon.comVideo by Stephen O'Regan Photographer Rita Ansone

From sketching words with friends after late-night bartending shifts to creating one of the most famous board games in history, Rob Angel’s story is unbelievable.In this episode of People Of Lisbon, we spend time with the creator of Pictionary, the drawing game played by more than a billion people around the world.Originally from Seattle, Rob takes us inside his colourful Lisbon life — showing us his collections, his paintings, his philosophy on creativity, and the deeply human side of sudden success. He speaks openly about anxiety, burnout, mental health, fatherhood, and why Lisbon became the place that truly resonated with him.https://www.instagram.com/therobangel/Please support the partners who help make People Of Lisbon possible:United Medical Clinic LisbonFast and easy access to medical care for expats, tourists & localshttps://lisbon.umc.clinic/MoviinnMoving abroad made simplehttps://www.moviinn.comPractice PortugueseLearn Portuguese from Portugal — as it's spoken in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and across the countryhttps://www.practiceportuguese.comJoin Club People Of LisbonBecome part of our community and support the project:https://www.peopleoflisbon.comVideo by Stephen O'Regan Photographer Rita Ansone

In this episode of People Of Lisbon, we meet one of the city’s most extraordinary characters - a woman who has spent her life bringing laughter into the world - Teresa Ricou otherwise known as TétéA former clown who travelled the globe, she turned her passion into something much bigger - building a cultural space in Lisbon where people come together, create, and share. Her story moves through circus life, revolution, creativity, and a deep belief in community.  / o_chapito  If you enjoy real stories about real people in Lisbon, subscribe for more.Please support the partners who help make People Of Lisbon possible:United Medical Clinic LisbonFast and easy access to medical care for expats, tourists & localshttps://lisbon.umc.clinic/MoviinnMoving abroad made simplehttps://www.moviinn.comPractice PortugueseLearn Portuguese from Portugal — as it's spoken in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and across the countryhttps://www.practiceportuguese.comJoin Club People Of LisbonBecome part of our community and support the project:https://www.peopleoflisbon.comVideo by Stephen O'Regan Photographer Rita Ansone

In this episode of People Of Lisbon, we meet with Dr. Roman Sorkin, founder of United Medical Clinic, to hear the full story behind his journey from Saint Petersburg to Lisbon - and how he built his dream clinic here.

Roman is a surgeon and proctologist, and this conversation goes from the practical realities of being a doctor, to the challenges of starting over in a new country, to building a clinic that serves people from all over the world.

We talk about what it’s like providing healthcare to expats in Lisbon, why language matters so much in medicine, and how his clinic now supports patients from over 160 countries. There are also some lighter moments along the way… including a very honest explanation of what a proctologist actually does.

This is a longer, more relaxed conversation - a rough cut of the full audio - where you get to spend real time with Roman, hear his perspective, and understand the thinking behind what he’s building.

A story about moving country, starting again, and creating something meaningful in Lisbon.

In this episode of People Of Lisbon, we meet Shalini Choudhary and Māra Kesnere, the founders of one of the most unusual spaces in Lisbon, Portugal — a phone-free club where visitors lock their phones away at the door.In a world dominated by notifications, screens and constant digital stimulation, Shalini and Mara wanted to create something radically different: a space where people can disconnect from their phones and reconnect with themselves and with others.Inside their Lisbon club, there are no phones, no scrolling, and no pressure to be productive. Instead, guests read books, play board games, practise calligraphy, knit, talk, and rediscover the simple joy of being present.What started as an idea between two friends has become a fascinating experiment in mindfulness, creativity and community in Lisbon.  / absent_lisbon  Please support the partners who help make People Of Lisbon possible:United Medical Clinic LisbonFast and easy access to medical care for expats, tourists & localshttps://lisbon.umc.clinic/MoviinnMoving abroad made simplehttps://www.moviinn.comPractice PortugueseLearn Portuguese from Portugal — as it's spoken in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve and across the countryhttps://www.practiceportuguese.comJoin Club People Of LisbonBecome part of our community and support the project:https://www.peopleoflisbon.comVideo by Stephen O'Regan Photographer Rita Ansone

In this long-form conversation from People Of Lisbon, we spend time with Miguel Pires, a guide and coordinator at the historic Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, one of Lisbon’s most remarkable landmarks.

Built in the 12th century and deeply connected to the founding of Portugal, São Vicente de Fora is home to the Royal Pantheon of the Braganza dynasty, where many of Portugal’s kings and queens rest. In this extended podcast-style episode, Miguel takes us deeper into the history of the monastery, the fascinating stories behind Portugal’s monarchy, and the hidden details that most visitors never notice.

We talk about the incredible baroque tile collection, the architecture of the monastery, the dramatic story of the Portuguese royal family, and what it’s like to spend your days guiding people through centuries of Lisbon’s history.

Miguel also shares how he became a guide, why storytelling is essential to bringing historic places to life, and how monuments like São Vicente de Fora help preserve the cultural identity of Lisbon and Portugal.

If you love Lisbon history, Portuguese culture, hidden places, and fascinating local stories, this episode will take you deep inside one of the city's most historic spaces.

Support People Of Lisbon

Join our community:
https://www.peopleoflisbon.com

Our Sponsors

United Medical Clinic Lisbon
Fast and easy access to medical care for expats, tourists & locals
https://lisbon.umc.clinic/

Moviinn
Moving abroad made simple
https://www.moviinn.com

Practice Portuguese
Learn Portuguese from Portugal — as it's spoken across the country
https://www.practiceportuguese.com

In this episode of the People Of Lisbon Podcast, we spend extended time with Hunter Halder, the American founder of Refood, the Lisbon-based volunteer movement tackling food waste and hunger by rescuing surplus food and delivering it to people who need it.

Hunter first came to Lisbon in the late 1980s and eventually made the city his home. Years later, a simple question from his daughter about what would happen to leftover food at the end of a restaurant service sparked an idea that would grow into one of Lisbon’s most inspiring community initiatives.

Today, Refood mobilizes thousands of volunteers and feeds thousands of people every day, proving that local communities have the power to solve problems that often feel too big to fix.

In this long-form conversation, Hunter reflects on the origins of Refood, his entrepreneurial instincts, life in Lisbon, fatherhood, growing older, and why he believes the most meaningful thing we can do for ourselves is help others.

This episode is the extended podcast cut from our time filming Hunter for the People of Lisbon documentary series — a deeper look at the ideas, philosophy, and stories behind the film.

Watch our video with Hunter here.

The full uncut conversation with Josh Wald — from New York fashion model to Lisbon artist — exploring identity, reinvention, love, rage, and what it truly means to “become” yourself.

In this full-length podcast episode of People Of Lisbon, we share the complete rough cut audio from our studio visit with artist Josh Wald.

Subscribe to the podcast for more in-depth conversations with the people who make Lisbon what it is.

Meet Gonçalo, Lisbon’s rising DIY creator who transformed a 124-year-old ruin into a beautiful home — with no formal training, no big budget, and pure determination.In this inspiring People of Lisbon story, Gonçalo shares how growing up near the sea taught him resilience, how losing everything during floods, fire, and a serious accident changed his mindset, and how DIY became the tool that helped him reinvent himself.From handmade furniture and creative interior design to turning a ruined house into a living space, this is a story about courage, creativity, and never being afraid to start.If you love home renovation, DIY projects, Lisbon life, transformation stories, or motivational real-life journeys — this one is for you.

Join Club People of Lisbon!Unlock exclusive access to events, behind-the-scenes content, and special offers for just €10/month! Support the ongoing production of our stories and connect with the People of Lisbon community.https://www.peopleoflisbon.comHuge shout-out to our amazing sponsors for making this video possible!🇵🇹 Practice Portuguese – Making learning Portuguese fun and easy!🌍 Moviinn – Moving Abroad Made Simple🎥 Video by: Stephen O’Regan📸 Photography by: Rita Ansone

Watch the video here.

Follow Mallory here.

Join Club People Of Lisbon here.

In this audio cut of our latest People Of Lisbon, we meet Mallory Lewis — daughter of legendary entertainer Shari Lewis, Emmy-winning writer, ventriloquist, and the woman who brought Lamb Chop back to life.Now living in Lisbon, Portugal, Mallory opens up about reinvention, creativity, grief, joy, and why this chapter of her life is her “third act.” From carousel rides and cobblestone streets to puppetry, legacy, and cocktails by the water, this is a story about choosing life — fully, loudly, and with humour.Huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors for making this video possible!🇵🇹 Practice Portuguese – Making learning Portuguese fun and easy!https://www.practiceportuguese.com🌍 Moviinn – Moving Abroad Made Simplehttps://www.moviinn.com🎥 Video by: Stephen O’[email protected]📸 Photography by: Rita [email protected]