The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

In this episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal, Tony Gonçalves interviews actress and director Daniela Ruah, exploring her journey from Boston to Portugal, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her deep connection to her Portuguese roots. Daniela discusses the differences between productions in Portugal and the US, the opportunities for Portuguese content on gl...

George Mendes is known in the culinary world as the executive chef of Aldea, the New York restaurant that gave him his Michelin star. Now based in Boston, he operates Amar, his Portuguese inspired fine dining place. Listen to George’s fascinating journey from his first culinary steps in school (where he burned everything), to his love for Portuguese cuisine in the podcast The Heart and Hustl...

Portuguese filmmaking duo Karlee and Marlee Rodrigues, known as the Rodrigues Sisters, based in the United States, speak with Tony Gonçalves about their film, “Os Sonhos Continuam”, their Portuguese heritage and their quest to film about Portuguese Rancho and Folclore, a struggle that is very much like the hustle of their grandparents that emigrated to the US to find a better li...

In this episode of "The Heart and Hustle of Portugal," host Tony Goncalves converses with Pepe Rapazote, a Portuguese-born actor known for roles in "Narcos" and "Turn of the Tide." They discuss Pepe's journey from architecture to acting, his multicultural upbringing in Venezuela, and the importance of work ethic and family values. Pepe shares insights into his creative process, the challenges of b...

Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller shares her journey from Portugal to becoming a prominent figure in investigative journalism. She discusses her Emmy-winning series 'Trafficked,' which delves into the complexities of black markets and their impact on the global economy, shares an amazing escape story and reveals her favourite Portuguese dishes. Mariana van Zeller reflects on her early in...

In this episode of “The Heart & Hustle of Portugal”, host Tony Gonçalves interviews veteran journalist Dennis Redmont, who shares his remarkable journey from a childhood influenced by journalism to becoming a foreign correspondent in Portugal during a time of significant political upheaval. Listen to this conversation recorded live at Tribeca Festival Lisboa. Dennis Redmont...

US Ambassador to Portugal, Randi Charno Levine tells us that it was here where she learned that the true soul of a country resides in its nooks and crannies. In this conversation with Tony Gonçalves for the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal, the Ambassador speaks about the portuguese diaspora, the challenges of bringing North American filmmakers to Portugal and her favourite Portugue...

In the second episode of  The Heart & Hustle of Portugal , Joaquim de Almeida shares his remarkable journey from Lisbon to Hollywood. He reflects on his early life, the challenges of immigration, and the pivotal role of his language skills in shaping his illustrious career. As one of Portugal’s most celebrated actors, Joaquim gained international fame with roles like Félix Co...

In the inaugural episode of ‘The Heart & Hustle of Portugal’, host Tony Goncalves sits down with Joana Vicente, a notable figure in the independent film industry. Born in Macau to Portuguese parents who were both architects, Joana’s upbringing was marked by travel and cultural exploration. Joana’s parents’ adventurous spirit led them to live in various places, including Goa, India, Madeira, an...

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s first English-language product, this series bridges...