The Heart & Hustle of Portugal – Details, episodes & analysis

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, and Mozambique, before returning to Macau. Despite being raised outside of Portugal, Joana’s home life was steeped in Portuguese culture, with traditional food and language being integral parts of her childhood. This episode delves into Joana’s rich Portuguese heritage, her upbringing in a creative environment, and her impressive career trajectory, including her leadership roles at Sundance and Toronto film festivals.

Joanna explores the role of film festivals, support for diverse narratives, and the potential growth of the Portuguese film industry, emphasising the importance of cultural identity and storytelling.

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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 cultures and connects the global audience to Portugal’s spirit of innovation, passion, and resilience.

The first episode premieres on December 6th. Don't miss it!

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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 Cortez in Clear and Present Danger and Admiral Juan Miguel Piquet in Behind Enemy Lines. His portrayal of Ramon Salazar in the thriller series 24 cemented his reputation as a master of complex “bad guy” roles.

In this candid interview, Joaquim reflects on his extensive body of work, discusses the evolution of the entertainment industry in the streaming era, and shares his sense of responsibility to the Portuguese community. He offers insights on supporting future generations of actors, preserving cultural identity, and—of course—the Portuguese culinary delights every visitor should try.

With 156 films and series under his belt, Joaquim de Almeida shows no signs of slowing down. Listen in as host Tony Gonçalves dives deep into his story.

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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 Portuguese food

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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 discusses his experiences with the Portuguese censorship of Estado Novo, the role of the foreign press and his insights into the Carnation Revolution. He reflects on the evolution of Portugal from a repressive regime to a vibrant, modern society, highlighting the cultural and culinary richness of the country.

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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 influences, her determination to pursue journalism and her life-changing experiences covering significant events like 9/11 and dangerous assignments in places like Niger. Her passion for storytelling and understanding the human condition shines through as she navigates the challenges of her profession.

The five Emmy winner discusses the importance of empathy in journalism, her unique experiences with her husband in the field and the ethical boundaries she maintains in her work. She also reflects on Portugal's drug policy, the need for investment in the arts, and the defining characteristics of Portuguese identity.

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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 balancing career and family, and his hopes for the future of Portugal's entertainment industry. The episode, recorded in Lisbon's Expresso studios, highlights Pepe's dedication to his craft and his passion for Portuguese culture.

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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 life without knowing a word of english. Listen the conversation in the podcast “The Heart and Hustle of Portugal”

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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 Hustle of Portugal with Tony Gonçalves

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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 global platforms, and the essence of home and cultural identity.

The episode also delves into a very passionate exchange about the famous Portuguese salted cod, bacalhau, and concludes with a celebration of Fado music and its modern interpretations, leaving the door open for future conversations.

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