Portugal Resident News Review – Episode 23 🇵🇹 In today’s roundup Carl, Natasha and special guest Lonny McLaughlin, American in Porto, cover the big stories making headlines in Portugal:

• The government’s ambitious **grand transformation plan** for the country - www.portugalresident.com/transformation-masterplan-unveiled
• Latest updates on police brutality concerns - www.portugalresident.com/lisbon-police-torture-case-travelling-the-world
• A lighter moment: “Let’s drink tea!” – the Portuguese way to handle the news - www.portugalresident.com/dearest-gentle-reader-how-costume-dramas-and-cult-films-spark-nostalgia-retail

Plus the usual mix of politics, society, expat life and what it all means for those living in (or moving to) Portugal.

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We welcome your views too, & suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us.

Published Fridays 3pm

Contact Natasha – [email protected]
Contact Carl – [email protected]
Lonny - https://lonny-mclaughlin.com 

(apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030) 

#PortugalNews #PortugalNewsReview #PortugalResident #PortugalTransformation #PoliceBrutality #PortugalPolitics #PortugalExpats #PortugalLiving #PortugalTalk #CarlMunson #PortugalCommunity #AlgarveLiving #LisbonLife

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www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Gerry Fagan, Irish entrepreneur in Portugal, with over fifty years of international investment experience and one of the Algarve’s most respected developers.

Gerry shares his remarkable story:
• First fell in love with Portugal in 1973
• Over 25 years successfully developing residential and mixed-use projects in the Algarve
• Delivered more than **2,500 homes** plus multiple leisure and golf facilities
• As Chairman of DDM, currently leading the development of Reserva da Luz and Nova Terraces
• His philosophy: commercially sound investments that also deliver long-term positive impact and excellent design

In 2025 Gerry received a **Lifetime Achievement Award** from the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sector.

A warm, insightful conversation about business, vision, family legacy and building a better future in Portugal.

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More here – https://www.reservadaluz.com 

(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030) 

#PortugalResidentPodcast #GerryFagan #AlgarveDeveloper #PortugalRealEstate #IrishInPortugal #OceanicGroup #AlgarveLiving #PortugalExpats #PortugalPodcast #PortugalBusiness #AlgarveEntrepreneur #MoveToPortugal #PortugalResident #Algarve2030 #PortugalTalk #CarlMunson #LifetimeAchievement #ReservaDaLuz #NovaTerraces

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www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha & Carl welcome Paul Rees in a new, remixed format for the news review, where we'll be joined every Friday by a guest news reviewer.

Paul takes a look at - Governor of Bank of Portugal “also bought shares in Navigator and Nestlé”

Natasha considers - United States’ use of Lajes “minimal”, insists minister of foreign affairs 

And Carl invites comment on - Portugal “well positioned” to attract data centres 

All these and other headlines can be found at - www.portugalresident.com

We welcome your views too, & suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines, as well as guest reviewers to join us. 

Published Fridays 3pm 

Contact Natasha – [email protected]
Contact Carl – [email protected] Paul - www.rural-properties.com 

(apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Jason Miles, American jazz keyboardist, composer, and record producer, now resident in Portugal.

He notably worked with trumpeter Miles Davis, bassist Marcus Miller, and singer Luther Vandross, as well as maintaining a successful solo career. Born in Brooklyn, New York City, he found himself centre-stage when jazz fusion was becoming popular in the 1970s, creating innovative techniques in synthesizer programming and electronic music.

During the 1980s he was a session musician who worked with Davis, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, David Sanborn and Luther Vandross.

During the 1990s, he played keyboards on I'm Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston, The Power of Love by Luther Vandross, and HIStory by Michael Jackson.

He wrote music for the animated film 'The Snow Queen and People: A Musical Celebration of Diversity' on the Disney Channel. He and his wife Kathy Byalick composed 'Visionary Path', a New Age album with narration by Diana Krall, Roberta Flack and F. Murray Abraham.

In 2000, Miles released The Music of Weather Report, the first of several tribute albums. During the next year he won a Grammy Award for producing 'A Love Affair: The Music of Ivan Lins' with appearances by Sting and Brenda Russell. His next solo album 'To Grover, with Love', was a tribute to Grover Washington Jr. that was nominated for Record of the Year by the National Smooth Jazz Awards. 

His upcoming tribute to Miles Davis - '100 Miles' - who would have been 100 this year, is discussed here with Carl, as well as the lives shows that Jason is performing around Lisbon and Cascais, where he plays and talks about his illustrious musical career.

More here – www.jasonmilesmusic.com 

(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)

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www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha & Carl take a look at dissent about desalination as construction looks set to begin in Albufeira, concerns that the global fuel crisis might affect Portuguese tourism, and Portugal's doubts around the reach of renewables.

• www.portugalresident.com/works-on-albufeiras-desalination-plant-to-start-next-week
• www.portugalresident.com/jet-fuel-crisis-stoking-fears-for-summer-tourism
• www.portugalresident.com/renewables-arent-enough-energy-crisis-forces-portugal-to-look-to-oil-gas-and-nuclear www.portugalresident.com/energy-grid-increases-push-towards-biomethane/

We welcome your views too, & suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.

Published Fridays 3pm

Contact Natasha – [email protected]
Contact Carl – [email protected]

(apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is the Reverend Em McGowan of Creative Rootz in central Portugal – 'death doula', multi-faith minister, author and passionate permaculture practitioner.

Rev Em shares how she arrived in Portugal “by accident,” fell in love with the quality of life here, and went on to create Creative Rootz – a 4,000 m² off-grid rural project near Castelo Branco, surrounded by olive trees.

What began as a personal healing journey after a cancer diagnosis has become a space for reconnection with nature, permaculture, and supporting people in times of crisis. Through her work with the Share and Care Portugal Facebook group (which she now helps run), Em has become a vital source of compassionate, practical support for the expat community when facing death and grief in a foreign country.

As a trained death doula, she helps people navigate end-of-life care, funerals, and bureaucracy in Portugal – often stepping in at the last minute when others don’t know where to turn.

Her recently published book, 'What to Do When Someone Dies in Portugal', is a much-needed, compassionate handbook that walks readers step-by-step through the practicalities: who to call, what bureaucracy to expect, choices around cremation vs burial, funerals (including non-religious options), obituaries, and what happens afterwards. Written in her warm, grounded voice, the book acts like having Em right there with you – reminding people they have choices and helping reduce unnecessary stress at the hardest of times.

Em emphasises the importance of preparation, personal responsibility, and speaks here of the deep healing that comes from living closer to the land – while honestly warning that off-grid rural life is rewarding but not for everyone (“chop wood, carry water… again and again”).

She is currently working on the next book in her 'What If' series – a practical guide to preparing for life’s unexpected events, whether that’s death, illness, or simply breaking an arm. 

More here - www.creativerootz.com
Buy the book here - https://amzn.eu/d/0grsDj6g 

(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha & Carl take a look at anonymity of political funding, national news agency concerns, governmental social media scrutiny, house construction on Coimbra's flood plain & continued airport chaos.

• www.portugalresident.com/political-financiers-campaign-backers-no-longer-need-to-be-identified
• www.portugalresident.com/state-news-agency-hears-brussels-will-step-in-if-independence-eroded
• www.portugalresident.com/questions-as-government-pays-e40000-to-monitor-social-networks
• www.portugalresident.com/coimbra-votes-today-on-creating-accessible-housing-on-banks-of-mondego-river
• www.portugalresident.com/airport-agony-passengers-miss-flights-amid-eu-system-failures

We welcome your views too, & suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.

Published Fridays 3pm

Contact Natasha – [email protected]
Contact Carl – [email protected] 

(apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Johnny Cocktail of the 'My Cocktail Mind' project, which is giving purpose to John and Kim's retirement in Portugal's Algarve, and inspiration to booze fans globally!

Johnny & Kim have been exploring their new home of Portugal to find bars that have earned the 'craft' label, which means they will have signature, original cocktails, utilize fresh and seasonal ingredients, and prepare their own infusions and syrups. 

Their visits, and subsequent videos, include a brief chat with owners and lead bartenders to learn about them, their bar, and their approach to making cocktails. The interviews and photographs can be found on YouTube and social media, and you can help by sending your favourite craft bar finds to the 'happy couple'.

Here, Johnny talks with Carl about how My Cocktail Mind was launched to promote the skilled folks behind the bar who bring their passion, skill, and commitment to hospitality to their patrons, as well as the booze-based discoveries and delights he's found since moving here. "Our hope is that they (the bars and bar-tenders) benefit professionally and financially from this exposure.

We will also strive, with the help of our viewers, to raise funds that will be shared with Portuguese orphanages to help children overcome a challenging start to life," adds Mr Cocktail.

Johhny also shares his recipe for a perfect Portuguese 'Porto Tonico', after Carl's recent and embarrassing online attempts. 

More here - www.mycocktailmind.com 

(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

In this episode, Natasha Donn & Carl Munson take a look at the new President's 'open' approach, the Easter carnage on Portugal's roads, and a brilliant repurposing of already spoiled environments for environmental investments.

Also discussed briefly, the wonders of biogas and Natasha's 'randy' neighbour!

• https://www.portugalresident.com/presidents-quiet-central-walkabout-pushes-government-to-work-harder
• https://www.portugalresident.com/tragic-easter-on-portuguese-roads-20-dead-four-times-higher-than-last-year
• https://www.portugalresident.com/government-orders-study-on-installing-renewables-in-old-mining-areas

Natasha and Carl welcome your views each week too, and suggestions of topics and tangents that they might explore behind and beyond the headlines.

Published Fridays 3pm

Contact Natasha – [email protected]
Contact Carl – [email protected]

(apoiado pelos#FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional#ALGARVE2030)


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com

Our guest today is Bobby O'Reilly, the straight-talking Irish investor-developer behind projects in Lisbon and the 'Margem Sul', who saw Ireland's Celtic Tiger boom and bust first-hand and is now sounding the alarm - and offering a practical solution - for Portugal's growing housing crisis.

Bobby brings his hard-earned, Irish experience to Portugal, where he says the successful Golden Visa programme helped rebirth Lisbon and supercharge tourism, but also left a dangerous divide: those already on the property ladder versus a younger generation and working families priced out forever by rising costs, stagnant wages, high taxation, and chronic undersupply of affordable homes.

Now deeply invested in Portugal's future, Bobby warns that the country risks widening inequality, accelerating the brain drain of its well-educated youth, and creating greater state dependency if nothing changes. He argues that Portugal must act “a little bit selfishly” and fast - before other European nations steal the market - because Europe has become the world’s most desirable safe haven amid global uncertainty.

Foreign direct investment should not just enrich the top end, he asserts. It must be channelled to fix the very problems earlier policies helped create.

In the conversation with Carl, Bobby lays out a detailed, 'fiscally responsible', “win-win” plan built around affordable housing schemes. It includes slashing construction taxes, offering income tax credits to first-time local buyers, and reducing social security contributions on both sides to put more money in workers’ pockets and encourage employers to raise wages. The idea is that developers also keep their normal margins, while dramatically increasing supply, which should help stabilise or correct overheated prices.

At the heart of the proposal is rebranding the Golden Visa as a 'Solidarity Visa': lower the threshold to €350,000 but direct the investment into affordable rental housing. Within the vision, investors might enjoy a 10-year tax exemption on rental income (with rents fixed and indexed), boosting their net yield, while locals gain immediate access to quality homes and the government reducing its housing demand burden.

The plan also features government underwriting for value confidence, stealth taxes on luxury items rather than essentials, and pilot roll-outs in five high-demand 'prototype' cities.

Bobby stresses here the need for bipartisan collaboration, political stability, and courageous leadership that puts the bigger picture ahead of short-term politics. He believes this approach can reverse the resignation felt by many young Portuguese and position Portugal as the world’s most attractive residency destination - turning foreign investment into genuine social progress rather than exclusion.

Download Bobby's 'Solidarity Visa' whitepaper here - https://www.skool.com/gmp-vips-1236/how-foreign-investment-can-help-not-harm-portugals-housing-crisis

(apoiado pelos #FundosEuropeus, no âmbito do Programa Regional #ALGARVE2030)

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-resident-podcast--6801411/support.

www.portugalresident.com