The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

John Calvao is a partner at Arrow Global and discusses his unique background in this insightful conversation on the challenges of building and investing in Portugal, originally released in June.

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Portuguese journalist Ana Rita Guerra covers a range of topics from tech to AI to entertainment and US Politics for Lusa, Expresso, Diário de Notícias and others. Based in LA, Ana Rita was at the center of the Palisades wildfires and the ICE raids and, speaking with host Tony Gonçalves, she muses over those surreal days and offers a glimpse of the future of the media business.

Ana Rita Guerra believes that good journalism is really important, but the media business is suffering huge transformations.

Ana Rita’s food and drink suggestions touch a few Portuguese landmarks that no other guest had yet recommended.

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Chef Lauren Covas just released her Cookbook “Little Portugal”. Listen to her conversation with Tony Gonçalves, originally published in July.

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Comedian Mike Rita isn’t just a stand-up. He’s a naturally funny guy who also happens to be Portuguese. Born in Canada to immigrant parents, he grew up mimicking their voices and mannerisms as a way to connect with the adults around him. But for years he left that part of himself off stage… until, one day, someone called him on it and it changed everything.

Mike’s presence carries the same raw honesty as the Portuguese immigrants who crossed oceans in search of a better life. But as host Tony Gonçalves recalls, his process isn’t all laughs. Before stepping on stage at the IPMAs, Mike was backstage, sunglasses on, sweating, pacing in silence. That moment stuck.

Food plays a big part in his story too. In this episode, Mike shares some of his favorite (and very humble) meals from childhood. And yes, there’s bacalhau.

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Marta Pereira da Costa’s story speaks to instinct, dedication, and cultural pride. She began on the piano but what spoke to her was the unique 12 string Portuguese guitar. Today, Marta is one of the few soloists performing this complex instrument on stages around the world, representing her culture with Fado music.

In this episode, Marta shares her path from civil engineering to full-time musician, her roots and hustle in the Fado houses of Lisbon, and how she landed a coveted spot on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. She also treats us to three live performances, each one played with unmistakable joy.

Marta never leaves her guitar behind and never forgets where she comes from.

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José Costa Rodrigues started selling iPhones to his friends in his teens, now he’s making it big in the United States. The true definition of an entrepreneur, José is now based in Texas and is the co-founder and CEO of Relive, a real-estate agency. Listen to the enthusiastic story of this true hustler.

José shares his humble beginnings selling iPhones, a move that led him to be known as “José dos iPhones” and his first company, Forall Phones, that was acquired in 2020.

But José has not forgotten his Portuguese heritage, and is focused on harnessing the best of both countries.

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Tim Vieira was born in South Africa but his Portuguese heritage shines bright. A businessman, entrepreneur and investor, Tim is running for President of Portugal, a bold move that we discuss in this episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal.

Speaking with host Tony Gonçalves, Tim explains his down to earth approach to politics and why he wants to give back to Portugal.

As usual, our guest shares his favorite Portuguese food is and why he believes Portugal is an amazing place to live.

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What do you do when you miss a childhood staple food from your home country? Well, you make a business out of it, of course. Lindy Reid was baking bagels at home when when she started living in Lisbon and everyone loved them. Rhodo Bagels is now a colorful downtown place, where you can eat amazing bagels, drink great coffee and lush on delicious cookies.

Lindy’s story is also one of finding your place in a foreign country, a testament that good food has no language.

She also shares her favorite places and things to do in Lisbon.

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John Calvão is a Partner and Fund Principal at Arrow, one of Europe’s leading credit and real estate investment platforms. In this episode, John shares how Arrow is helping reshape Portugal’s real estate landscape from resort towns like Vilamoura to new efforts in affordable housing.

He reflects on the unique opportunities Portugal offers, the cultural values that shape his leadership, and the practical hurdles that still need solving like long licensing delays and complex bureaucracy.

He breaks down the barriers, but also the potential, and reminds us why investing here is both a challenge and a privilege. Plus, he shares his favorite Portuguese dish and what still makes the country feel like home.

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Julia Machado may only be 14, but Tony’s conversation with her showed that she is wise beyond her years. Winner of The Voice Kids Portugal, Julia is a songwriter, a singer and has the dream of using her music to help other people through challenges including bullying. As we celebrate World Youth Day, listen to her extraordinary journey (and perspective) on The Heart and Hustle of Portugal.

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