In this landmark episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with former England international rugby union player Dan Luger to reflect on an extraordinary career at the highest level of the game and to explore the next chapter of his life, increasingly shaped by Portugal, surfing and lifestyle transition.
Despite a career repeatedly challenged by injury, Dan Luger’s international record remains exceptional. He scored 24 tries in 38 appearances for England, placing him among an elite group of try-scorers in the history of English rugby. Notably, he began his international career by scoring in each of his first two internationals, against the Netherlands and Italy in the 1998 Rugby World Cup qualifiers—an achievement matched by only a handful of players.
Dan’s pathway to the top included appearances for England Students, England Under-21s, and England A, before making his senior England debut in 1998. He featured at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, scoring a memorable try against Fiji, and cemented his reputation in November 2000 with a dramatic, last-minute match-winning try against Australia—one of the most iconic moments of that era.
His international career also included selection for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, where he scored a hat-trick of tries in the opening match against Western Australia before injury cruelly cut short his tour. In 2003, he added further highlights with tries in England’s Grand Slam victory over Ireland and the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Although an unusual substitution incident during the 2003 Rugby World Cup meant he did not receive an official cap for one appearance, Dan was nonetheless an integral part of England’s world champion squad, contributing to one of the greatest achievements in English sporting history. Beyond the fifteen-a-side game, he was also a distinguished England Sevens international, representing his country until 2006.
In this conversation, Dan reflects candidly on elite performance, resilience, team culture, and life after professional sport. He also shares a more personal perspective on his growing connection with Portugal, having visited frequently, placed an offer on property, and embraced the surfing lifestyle that now plays an increasingly important role in his life beyond rugby.
This episode offers rare insight into international rugby, World Cup success, and the realities of transition after elite sport, making it an essential listen for fans of rugby union, sports history, high performance culture, and those drawn to Portugal as a place to live, invest, and reset.
A truly important and wide-ranging episode for Podcast Portugal, featuring one of England rugby’s most accomplished and thoughtful figures.
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In this landmark episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with former England international rugby union player Dan Luger to reflect on an extraordinary career at the highest level of the game and to explore the next chapter of his life, increasingly shaped by Portugal, surfing and lifestyle transition.
Despite a career repeatedly challenged by injury, Dan Luger’s international record remains exceptional. He scored 24 tries in 38 appearances for England, placing him among an elite group of try-scorers in the history of English rugby. Notably, he began his international career by scoring in each of his first two internationals, against the Netherlands and Italy in the 1998 Rugby World Cup qualifiers—an achievement matched by only a handful of players.
Dan’s pathway to the top included appearances for England Students, England Under-21s, and England A, before making his senior England debut in 1998. He featured at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, scoring a memorable try against Fiji, and cemented his reputation in November 2000 with a dramatic, last-minute match-winning try against Australia—one of the most iconic moments of that era.
His international career also included selection for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, where he scored a hat-trick of tries in the opening match against Western Australia before injury cruelly cut short his tour. In 2003, he added further highlights with tries in England’s Grand Slam victory over Ireland and the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Although an unusual substitution incident during the 2003 Rugby World Cup meant he did not receive an official cap for one appearance, Dan was nonetheless an integral part of England’s world champion squad, contributing to one of the greatest achievements in English sporting history. Beyond the fifteen-a-side game, he was also a distinguished England Sevens international, representing his country until 2006.
In this conversation, Dan reflects candidly on elite performance, resilience, team culture, and life after professional sport. He also shares a more personal perspective on his growing connection with Portugal, having visited frequently, placed an offer on property, and embraced the surfing lifestyle that now plays an increasingly important role in his life beyond rugby.
This episode offers rare insight into international rugby, World Cup success, and the realities of transition after elite sport, making it an essential listen for fans of rugby union, sports history, high performance culture, and those drawn to Portugal as a place to live, invest, and reset.
A truly important and wide-ranging episode for Podcast Portugal, featuring one of England rugby’s most accomplished and thoughtful figures.
In this landmark episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with former England international rugby union player Dan Luger to reflect on an extraordinary career at the highest level of the game and to explore the next chapter of his life, increasingly shaped by Portugal, surfing and lifestyle transition.
Despite a career repeatedly challenged by injury, Dan Luger’s international record remains exceptional. He scored 24 tries in 38 appearances for England, placing him among an elite group of try-scorers in the history of English rugby. Notably, he began his international career by scoring in each of his first two internationals, against the Netherlands and Italy in the 1998 Rugby World Cup qualifiers—an achievement matched by only a handful of players.
Dan’s pathway to the top included appearances for England Students, England Under-21s, and England A, before making his senior England debut in 1998. He featured at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, scoring a memorable try against Fiji, and cemented his reputation in November 2000 with a dramatic, last-minute match-winning try against Australia—one of the most iconic moments of that era.
His international career also included selection for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, where he scored a hat-trick of tries in the opening match against Western Australia before injury cruelly cut short his tour. In 2003, he added further highlights with tries in England’s Grand Slam victory over Ireland and the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Although an unusual substitution incident during the 2003 Rugby World Cup meant he did not receive an official cap for one appearance, Dan was nonetheless an integral part of England’s world champion squad, contributing to one of the greatest achievements in English sporting history. Beyond the fifteen-a-side game, he was also a distinguished England Sevens international, representing his country until 2006.
In this conversation, Dan reflects candidly on elite performance, resilience, team culture, and life after professional sport. He also shares a more personal perspective on his growing connection with Portugal, having visited frequently, placed an offer on property, and embraced the surfing lifestyle that now plays an increasingly important role in his life beyond rugby.
This episode offers rare insight into international rugby, World Cup success, and the realities of transition after elite sport, making it an essential listen for fans of rugby union, sports history, high performance culture, and those drawn to Portugal as a place to live, invest, and reset.
A truly important and wide-ranging episode for Podcast Portugal, featuring one of England rugby’s most accomplished and thoughtful figures.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West sits down with former pro surfer turned tech innovator, José “Zé” Ferreira, the co-founder of SurfREC — Portugal’s cutting-edge automated surf filming system now operating at Ribeira d’Ilhas and Carcavelos. Zé shares his journey from elite athlete to entrepreneur, how SurfREC’s robotic AI-powered cameras capture every wave with precision, and why the platform is becoming essential for surfers who want consistent, high-quality footage.
This episode also highlights the upcoming collaboration between SurfREC and Justin West Coaching, enabling surfers to film their sessions with SurfREC and receive professional online video analysis directly from Justin West. Perfect for surfers seeking performance progression, coaches exploring tech tools, and anyone excited about Portugal’s evolving surf-tech landscape.
In Episode 49 of Podcast Portugal, Justin welcomes Dr Vera Azevedo, anthropologist, researcher, and author of the groundbreaking book “Zone de Impact: Surf e Patrimonialização do Mar na Ericeira”. In this compelling conversation, Dr Azevedo explores the deep cultural, historical, and economic forces shaping Portugal’s surfing landscape.
The discussion traces the evolution of surfing in Portugal—from coastal fishing traditions to the global recognition of Ericeira as a World Surfing Reserve—and examines how surfing has become a powerful driver of local identity, heritage protection, and regional development.
Justin and Dr Azevedo also dive into the fast-growing world of wave pools, analysing their potential impact on coastal tourism, athlete performance pathways, environmental pressures, and the Portuguese surf economy. This thoughtful dialogue offers crucial insight into how emerging surf technologies may reshape both inland tourism and longstanding coastal communities.
As the author of one of the most important contemporary works on Portuguese surf culture, Dr Azevedo brings academic clarity and cultural depth to a topic of global interest.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin sits down with Colin Byrne — Serpico Ninja — a renowned MMA coach known for his influential work with Conor McGregor’s team during McGregor’s rise to global dominance.
Together, they explore the surprising overlap between elite MMA coaching and high-level surf performance: skill acquisition, movement intelligence, conditioning, and periodisation systems that translate seamlessly from the octagon to the ocean.
Justin and Colin also break down cutting-edge research on coastal environments — including negative air ions and bioactive sea-spray aerosols — and discuss how surfers, fighters, and everyday athletes can harness the ocean for recovery, resilience, and mental clarity.
This is a must-listen for surfers, martial artists, coaches, and anyone fascinated by high-performance training and the science of feeling better by the sea.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Rita, founder of Lisbon Art Office, to explore the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Portugal. Rita shares the agency’s mission to support emerging and established artists, the changing role of galleries in a digital age, and the importance of creating cultural bridges between Lisbon and the wider international art world.
We discuss the realities of curating exhibitions, nurturing creativity in a fast-paced city, and what it truly takes to build an ecosystem where artists can thrive. Whether you are an art lover, a creative professional, or simply curious about Lisbon’s cultural heartbeat, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic artistic platforms.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Kelly Dugmore, from Algarve Care Services (ACS), to explore the deeply human issues of loneliness, caregiving, and dementia. Inspired by ACS’s newly launched “Share Bear Campaign,” Kelly discusses how the initiative seeks to bring warmth, connection, and visibility to people who may feel isolated—especially those living alone or navigating memory loss. We unpack the challenges carers face, the subtle signs of memory decline, and the role that small acts of kindness can play in building community. Kelly also explains how the campaign works, from teddy-bear donations to community outreach, and how listeners can get involved or access support.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Mauro Repacci, CEO and co-founder of Boundless Life, to explore how families can travel for extended periods while working remotely, keeping their children engaged and rooted in a community. We discuss the essential pillars of long-term family travel—accommodation, education, coworking and fellowship—and reveal practical tips for families eager to embrace location-flexible living.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Lisbon-born entrepreneur André Castro, whose remarkable journey has taken him from the streets of San Francisco to the serene coastlines of the Algarve. André shares how more than a decade abroad shaped his perspective on business, creativity, and the meaning of home.
We discuss the lessons travel can teach about adaptability and innovation, how he applies those insights to his real estate and drone ventures in Portugal, and the joy of returning to a slower, more intentional lifestyle. From alpacas that became movie stars to renovating coastal villas and uncovering hidden gems across Portugal, André’s story is a refreshing reminder of how embracing change can lead to purpose and peace.
Reframing Portugal’s past through culture, memory, and the Lusophone imagination
In this thought-provoking episode, host Justin West is joined by Dr Andrew João Carvalho Nunes, an interdisciplinary scholar exploring how Portugal remembers — and sometimes forgets — its complex past.
From monuments and graffiti to Fado under Salazar, Justin and Andrew unpack how art, politics, and heritage continue to shape Portuguese identity across Portugal, Brazil, and the wider Lusophone world. Together, they examine what it means to “decolonise” culture, reinterpret national myths, and build a more honest relationship with history.
An essential conversation for anyone interested in Portuguese culture, postcolonial memory, and the evolving sense of Lusophone identity.
This week on Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Laura Taborda — Portuguese national steeplechase champion and professional Adidas athlete — to explore the rhythm of an athlete’s life both on and off the track.
Laura opens up about training schedules, recovering from injury, and the balance between fragility and strength that defines an elite runner’s mindset. We discuss the power of consistency, discipline, and motivation, and how brands like Adidas play a vital role in helping athletes chase their dreams.
From running culture and the rise of running club dating, to finding community and social connection through sport, Laura shares a refreshingly honest perspective on staying active and grounded. With the European Cross Country Championships coming to Lagoa, Algarve in December 2025 and the Olympic qualification requiring a new Portuguese national record, the road ahead is as inspiring as it is demanding.
In Episode 41 of Podcast Portugal, Ana Caramujo, founder of Savvy Cat Realty, shares her inspiring origin story and mission to redefine relocation services for those moving to Portugal. Ana dives deep into the common hurdles expats face and how Savvy Cat Realty uniquely supports clients throughout these challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a move, real estate investment, or lifestyle change in Portugal.
What does it really mean to share your life, space, and daily rhythm with others in a modern community setting?
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we speak with the founder of satvillage.com, a pioneering project redefining how people live together in Portugal.
From the benefits of connection, sustainability, and shared resources, to the practical questions of privacy, conflict resolution, and affordability, we explore both the dream and the reality of community living. Whether you are a digital nomad, a young family, or simply curious about alternative lifestyles, this conversation opens a window into a growing movement shaping the way we think about home, belonging, and the future of villages.
This episode of Podcast Portugal is brought to you by Revolut Business. If you run a company here in Portugal – or anywhere across Europe – you already know how painful old-school banking can be: slow transfers, hidden fees, and endless paperwork.
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This episode is brought to you by FloSports and FloGrappling — the streaming platform for dedicated fans of grappling, rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cycling, and more.
But if you’re into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you’ll want to head straight to FloGrappling. They stream all the major events: IBJJF, ADCC, WNO, the Pan Ams and yes — even the IBJJF European Masters, where you could’ve watched me win gold!
Tap the link in the show notes or go to podcastportugal.com to subscribe and get access to all the action.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, host Justin West speaks with Dr Sara Marilyn Jesus, physician and wellness advocate, about the simplest and most effective steps we can all take to optimise our health. From practical biohacks that are within everyone’s reach to the importance of lifestyle and preventative care, Dr Jesus offers valuable insights that challenge the over-reliance on medication in modern medicine. The discussion also explores her wider work in integrative health and her mission to empower individuals to take ownership of their wellbeing.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin West sits down with world-renowned chef Nuno Mendes to explore the experiences that shaped his remarkable career. From formative travels in the USA to making his mark in London’s culinary scene, Nuno reflects on the creative journey that earned him Michelin-star recognition and a reputation as one of Portugal’s most innovative chefs.
Now a driving force behind acclaimed projects such as Cozinha das Flores (Porto), Santa Joana (Lisboa), and The Rose Deal, as well as co-founder of Lisboeta London, Nuno also discusses the inspiration behind his celebrated book Lisboeta. With stories of risk, resilience, and reinvention, this conversation reveals how a life of diverse experiences led to the inevitable success of a chef who continues to put Portugal on the global culinary map.
@nunoviajante
In this episode, we welcome Chris Jones, author of Meet the Tugas and founder of Portuguese company Paco Services. His book takes listeners on a sweeping journey across Portugal — from volcanic islands and sunlit vineyards to centuries-old villages and bustling cities.
Drawing on three years of travels across every corner of the country, Chris reveals Portugal’s grandeur and pride, exploring the triumphs, tragedies, and hidden stories etched into its land and people. Alongside history, he also reflects on the modern forces transforming Portugal, from soaring rents to the influx of new arrivals making it their home.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, Justin is joined by Andre from Walking with Andre for a rich conversation that takes us through the streets of Lisbon — from its historical quarters, museums, and art galleries to the lasting legacy of the devastating Lisbon earthquake. Along the way, we explore the Portuguese mentality, cultural identity, and the unique rhythm of life in Portugal.
We also dive into deeper topics: politics, the importance of education, and the challenge of retaining local talent while attracting international talent to strengthen Portugal’s future.
This episode blends history, culture, and forward-thinking ideas, offering both locals and visitors a thoughtful walk through Lisbon’s past, present, and possibilities.
Whether you’re passionate about Portuguese heritage or curious about the country’s role in today’s world, this episode invites you to walk, reflect, and discover.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we welcome Louie Silva, the creator behind Louie in Portugal on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Louie shares his personal journey of moving from the United States back to his homeland of Portugal.
He tells us about meeting his American wife, their decision to settle in Portugal, and how he began documenting everyday life here. Through his content, Louie gives thousands of viewers practical insights, honest stories, and a light-hearted take on the realities of living and moving to Portugal.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we meet Ricardo Jorge Correia, aka “El Professor”—an open-water swim coach and the man behind Adamastor Swim Adventures. Ricardo began his swimming journey in the pool, became head coach in 2006, and now channels his love for the ocean into extraordinary swim experiences along Portugal’s coasts.
Ricardo takes us through:
His personal story: from pool swimming to becoming a pioneer of the Algarve open-water scene, inspired by the sea, its creatures, and its geology
The meaning behind Adamastor—named after the mythical sea giant from Portuguese lore representing the ocean’s power and mystery
What Swim Adventures look like: inclusive swimming holidays (Algarve and Azores week-long trips), Swim Tours (Albufeira, Portimão, Carvoeiro & Benagil, Lagos, Sagres, Sagres Cape Cross), and technical Swim Clinics
His favorite swim locations, including:
Salema & SW Natural Park – crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life;
Albandeira & Benagil Caves – iconic arches and hidden coves;
Sagres Special Reserve Islets – teeming with fish and pristine nature;
Portimão to Alvor coastline – a scenic, popular route;
Alvor Sunrise Swim – the magic of dawn at sea
How he ensures safety: kayak or motorboat support, swim buoys, guided acclimatisation swims, and flexible plans based on weather
This episode is perfect for swimmers, travellers, and Portugal lovers.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we’re joined by Bárbara Messias, activist and team member of PsychedeliCare — a groundbreaking European Citizens’ Initiative calling for the legalisation and regulation of psychedelic-assisted therapy across the EU. We explore why Portugal — with its progressive drug policy — could play a key role in the movement.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we travel to the island of Pico to visit Bioma, a restaurant that places local produce at the heart of its cuisine. We discuss how the team works with small producers, promotes sustainability, and respects the natural rhythms of the Açores. Discover how Bioma’s approach creates a truly authentic gastronomic experience — one that reflects the island’s traditions while looking to the future.
In this landmark episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with former England international rugby union player Dan Luger to reflect on an extraordinary career at the highest level of the game and to explore the next chapter of his life, increasingly shaped by Portugal, surfing and lifestyle transition.
Despite a career repeatedly challenged by injury, Dan Luger’s international record remains exceptional. He scored 24 tries in 38 appearances for England, placing him among an elite group of try-scorers in the history of English rugby. Notably, he began his international career by scoring in each of his first two internationals, against the Netherlands and Italy in the 1998 Rugby World Cup qualifiers—an achievement matched by only a handful of players.
Dan’s pathway to the top included appearances for England Students, England Under-21s, and England A, before making his senior England debut in 1998. He featured at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, scoring a memorable try against Fiji, and cemented his reputation in November 2000 with a dramatic, last-minute match-winning try against Australia—one of the most iconic moments of that era.
His international career also included selection for the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, where he scored a hat-trick of tries in the opening match against Western Australia before injury cruelly cut short his tour. In 2003, he added further highlights with tries in England’s Grand Slam victory over Ireland and the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Although an unusual substitution incident during the 2003 Rugby World Cup meant he did not receive an official cap for one appearance, Dan was nonetheless an integral part of England’s world champion squad, contributing to one of the greatest achievements in English sporting history. Beyond the fifteen-a-side game, he was also a distinguished England Sevens international, representing his country until 2006.
In this conversation, Dan reflects candidly on elite performance, resilience, team culture, and life after professional sport. He also shares a more personal perspective on his growing connection with Portugal, having visited frequently, placed an offer on property, and embraced the surfing lifestyle that now plays an increasingly important role in his life beyond rugby.
This episode offers rare insight into international rugby, World Cup success, and the realities of transition after elite sport, making it an essential listen for fans of rugby union, sports history, high performance culture, and those drawn to Portugal as a place to live, invest, and reset.
A truly important and wide-ranging episode for Podcast Portugal, featuring one of England rugby’s most accomplished and thoughtful figures.
