The Good Morning Portugal! podcast with Carl Munson

Meet Zé Povinho: Portugal’s Everyman, the Manguito, and the New “Zé Bot” (Ask Him Anything!) The host introduces Zé Povinho, Portugal’s famous fictional everyman created by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro in 1875, known for saying what everyone thinks but no one says, his anti-hero status, his signature manguito gesture, and the phrase “Queres fiado, toma!”, noting a new permanent exhibition marking 150 years of the character at the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum in Lisbon. He references a recent A-to-Z culture and comprehension quiz in the Speak Portuguese Now Today community and explains access options. The episode then demos an AI “Zé bot” on swapportuguese.com that answers questions about Portugal and teaches vocabulary, responding to prompts about Maria da Paciência, foreigners moving to Portugal, and weekend suggestions such as visiting a local feira and embracing a plan-free weekend. 00:00 Meet Zé Povinho 00:54 A to Z Community Quiz 01:46 Origins and Creator 03:56 Anti Hero and Manguito 06:13 Museum Visit and Vocab 09:01 Modern Zé Bot Reveal 12:43 First Bot Q and Paciência 13:57 Foreigners in Portugal 16:31 Weekend Advice and Wrap 18:13 Final Goodbye and Teaser Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Tuesday 15th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news leads with an Algarve farmer setting a new Portuguese pumpkin record at 905 kg (and also holding the melon record). Other headlines include a global report warning of democratic decline and an erosion of freedom of expression in Portugal, the Constitutional Court failing to maintain its blacklist of public officials, heavy vehicles without a Porto or Gaia destination being banned from the VCI, Faro Airport coming under pressure as new biometric border checks begin, and the Liberal leader calling for urgent state reforms. Weather is autumnal but still warm, with Faro reaching 31°C and Évora 33°C. #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #GiantPumpkin #Algarve #Democracy #FaroAirport #Biometrics #VCI #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

The episode examines why fuel is so expensive in Portugal, noting that about 47 cents of every euro spent on petrol and around 42 cents on diesel goes to the state through stacked taxes. Using AI research, it breaks down the main components: ISP fuel duty, a carbon tax added on top, and 23% VAT applied to the full price (effectively “tax on tax”). A real-world example estimates that filling a 50-liter petrol tank at €2.075/L costs €103.75, with roughly €49 going to taxation, and an average driver could pay about €886 per year in fuel tax alone. The discussion compares Portugal’s fuel-tax burden to other EU countries, questions policy choices, and considers alternatives like electric cars, driving less, public transport, walking, cycling, and living closer to work. 00:00 Fuel Tax Shock 01:29 Breaking Down Petrol Costs 03:17 Diesel Taxes and Real Costs 05:28 Portugal vs EU Prices 06:27 EVs Not a Simple Fix 08:11 Practical Alternatives to Driving 09:54 15 Minute City Debate 11:10 Switching to AI News Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Monday 14th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news focuses on two big stories: the Sophia solar project being scaled down by 35% after environmental feedback, and Lightsource BP cancelling a Beiras solar plant. The other main theme is fuel prices, with an economist warning against cutting VAT on fuel amid a political dispute over the tax burden at the pump. Additional headlines include Chega accusing Livre over the parliamentary office break-in, a study showing independent ministers tend to stay in post longer than party officials, and the Socialist Party criticising the education minister. Clear skies and late-summer heat continue, with highs of 32°C in Lisbon and 36°C in Évora. #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #SofiaSolar #FuelTax #VAT #LightsourceBP #Chega #Livre #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

In this episode, Filomena Pascoal - an experienced teacher of 38 years and a longtime mentor to the hosts - introduces her work teaching Portuguese to foreigners and English to Portuguese adults, running private one-to-one lessons and EU-sponsored A1/A2 group courses (including online courses with Expats Portugal - https://expatsportugal.com/fun-portuguese-language-course-for-expats-in-portugal-portuguese-language-course/). She also does certified translations (including French–Portuguese) and accompanies clients to places like town halls, banks, doctors, and even court to interpret and boost their confidence. Philomena describes her flexible, student-centered teaching style, using videos and podcasts alongside books when helpful. Her top advice for learners is consistency, practicing regularly, and not fearing mistakes; she warns against translating directly from English and encourages speaking with simple vocabulary. Filomena shares humorous stories about pronunciation mix-ups (debaixo/beijo; casado/cansado) and a “Sumol/small/some more” misunderstanding. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:52 Meet Filomena Pascoal 02:33 Teaching and Translation Work 05:39 Teaching Style and Courses 09:34 Advice for Learning Portuguese 11:35 Pronunciation and Funny Mixups 20:13 Closing Thanks and Weekend Plans Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Full story - https://www.portugalresident.com/environmental-groups-demand-action-after-fresh-wildlife-deaths-near-salgados-lagoon/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Friday 11th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news reports that the Portuguese Armed Forces are strengthening cyber defences through partnerships with national firms BlackRoute and Ethiac, backed by more than €920,000. Other headlines include President António José Seguro visiting the Algarve, a ministerial call for fiscal responsibility in the state budget, Portugal ranking low in EU funding execution, a fire at historic Café Nicola in Lisbon injuring three people, and low-income pensioners set to receive a €200 December bonus. Temperatures remain high, with Lisbon forecast to reach 31°C and Évora 34°C. Keep in touch 24/7 - https://portugaltalkradio.com/ #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #CyberDefence #CafeNicola #PensionBonus #Algarve #StateBudget #FeelgoodFriday #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Celebrating International Port Wine Day on 10 September, marking the 1756 anniversary when the Marquês de Pombal created the Companhia Geral de Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro and established Alto Douro as the world’s first officially demarcated, regulated wine region, later commemorated as Port Wine Day in 2014 by the Douro and Port Wine Institute. Ending with a Portuguese-learning “mission” featuring port-wine vocabulary, styles, and a conversation prompt: “Qual é o seu preferido? Por quê?” Get the SWAT Portuguese mission module - https://www.skool.com/gmp-vips-1236/classroom/5dbee6b1?md=acbf04cb4c8a4d2585187a4bcdbb67b3 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Fizz: Automating Taxes & Cutting Business Bureaucracy in Portugal | Good Morning Portugal On the Good Morning Portugal show, Carl interviews Mike from Fizz, a tech-based financial assistant designed to reduce the bureaucracy of running a business in Portugal, especially around understanding, calculating, and filing taxes. Mike explains that Fizz automates tax calculations and filings, sends users alerts, and helps entrepreneurs stay calm by largely removing the need to manage taxes manually. He also previews a new dashboard launching this month that functions like a financial director, giving visibility into cashflow and financial position to help small business owners manage money better. They discuss how Fizz translates “accountancy language” into normal language, supports personalization, and uses an AI agent that tracks legal changes to interpret taxes correctly amid rapid growth and frequent rule updates. 00:00 Welcome From Madeira 00:33 Portugal Business Pain 00:54 Meet Fizz Assistant 01:18 Automating Taxes 02:11 Cashflow Dashboard 02:53 Tech Not Accountancy 03:36 Bridging Accountant Language 04:35 Why Accountants Struggle 05:20 AI Personalization 05:58 Wrap Up And Next Steps Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Paul & Carl criticise supermarket and food-industry labelling as cynical and shameful, describing tactics like hiding product descriptions in cooking instructions and manipulating labelling laws to mislead consumers, especially around processed foods and ready meals. They compare past openly “junk” foods with today’s products marketed as wholesome, arguing shoppers are now targeted with more cunning marketing, such as simply adding the word “protein.” Paul speaker recalls studying food production and being shocked even then, and contrasts earlier decades of home growing, preserving, and local independent shops with the rise and power of supermarkets. They advocate buying from local markets where you can see what’s produced, speak to producers, and support high-quality items like cheeses, stressing that it may not cost more and urging “use it or lose it” to preserve local food sources. 00:00 Supermarket Labelling Rant 00:33 Hidden Ingredients Tricks 00:57 Why It Got Worse 01:41 Shop Local Market 02:25 Listener Messages and Additives 03:10 Wholesome Marketing Myth 03:25 War Era Frugality Roots 04:39 From Village Shops to Supermarkets 05:20 Power and Processing Problems 06:13 Use It or Lose It Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Today, this monthly discussion reviews Bank of Portugal figures suggesting foreign real-estate investment fell from about 1.9 to 1.7 billion, questioning whether Portugal’s market is cooling or maturing. Paul argues the data depends on what is counted, but says the headline “decline” is really a refinement as Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve have become unaffordable and yields in central Lisbon are thin (roughly 3.5–5%), pushing “floating capital” to seek better returns inland and outside expensive areas. They note reports of sharp rent and price increases in Portugal, contrast them with London declines, and describe greater caution about overpaying and 2008-style downside risk. Paul highlights an inland development investment in Pedrogão Grande and an opt-in quarterly investment newsletter via rural-properties.com, then explains asking prices may be unrealistic, inheritance sales can inflate prices, and buyers can still find value by understanding seller motivations and negotiating beyond price. 00:00 Bank Report Question 00:52 What Counts as Property 01:43 Returns and Overpricing 03:04 Looking Inland for Value 04:40 Maturation Not Cooling 06:46 Bigger Projects and Funding 08:03 Investment Newsletter Signup 09:31 Asking Prices vs Reality 11:31 Finding Value and Negotiating 14:08 Next Topic Teaser Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

In this live conversation, Carl interviews Ali Heathfield, author of “Not Done Yet,” about balancing digital tools with real-life community - especially for foreigners settling in Portugal. Ali describes herself as an encourager and shares how redesigning her website and publishing three books, with AI used for editing but not writing, sparked reflections on time online and the “digital divide.” They argue digital connection isn’t inherently good or bad and works best as a bridge to real life, warning that expats can isolate themselves by only connecting online with people from their own culture and language instead of engaging locally through cafes, events, and new groups. They discuss loneliness trends, “friction maxing” as a countertrend toward in-person experiences, the lack of nuance and increased rudeness online, and the need to review habits, embrace discomfort, and build community both online and offline. Find Ali here - https://aliheathfield.com/ 00:00 Live Intro and Banter 01:15 Meet Ali the Encourager 02:04 Digital Divide Spark 03:24 AI as Editing Tool 05:43 Mission Drift and Marketing 07:25 Digital Life in Portugal 09:27 Cafe Culture and Belonging 10:30 Friction Maxing Trend 13:01 Balance and Self Review 14:46 Online Chess Parenting 15:14 Chess On Phones 16:03 Online Judgment Culture 16:55 Relocation Groundwork 18:23 Context And Road Rage 19:38 Aging And Change 20:58 Forced Online Services 22:10 Coaching Courses Retreats 22:59 Seek Joy Not Offense 24:27 Banking And Cashless Shift 25:50 Website Resources And T Chat 26:55 Viewer Comments Wrap Up 29:01 Farewell And A Team Pitch Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Wednesday 9th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news leads with the story of Pedro Sobchyshak, a Portuguese-born man who has lived 25 years without citizenship after repeated administrative failures; new legislation from 1 September now offers a possible path via 'stateless status'. Other headlines include Portugal joining 12 countries in announcing sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a planned pension bonus similar to 2025, Spider-Man helping Portuguese cinemas nearly double August audiences, severe prison overcrowding and mental-health shortages at Caxias, and extra government support for agricultural diesel. Weather is milder and cloudier after recent rain. Keep in touch 24/7 - www.portugaltalkradio.com #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #Statelessness #PedroSubchichak #WestBankSanctions #PensionBonus #CaxiasPrison #AgriculturalDiesel #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Tuesday 8th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news reports that 21 finalists have been chosen for the new Seven Wonders of Portugal after a national semi-final at the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Other headlines include the no-confidence motion around Interior Minister Luís Neves creating an institutional challenge for the Prime Minister, with the Socialist Party set to abstain; bitcoins that bypassed PJ custody being found in a Canadian’s account; the state acquiring a 13.7% stake in REN as the Zara owner exits; and an EU ban on Brazilian meat imports expected to have little impact on the Portuguese market. Fire warnings remain in force in parts of the country. Keep in touch 24/7 - www.portugaltalkradio.com #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #SevenWonders #LuisNeves #NoConfidence #REN #BrazilianMeat #FireWarning #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

In this episode, Carl talks with Stephen from Digital Serenity about the growing frustration of living in a digital world where apps, passwords, and account systems create constant friction, including real examples of being locked out of essential services like parking apps. They discuss why even tech-savvy people can get trapped by company-side login loops, and why using an agnostic password manager (rather than browser-based password saving) helps across browsers and devices. Stephen advises avoiding single sign-on when possible due to privacy and identity risks, explains two-factor authentication, and describes how passkeys work and why they still often require fallback passwords. He outlines his coaching-style service, including audits, “lost phone” simulations, and five pillars of digital health, and emphasizes using tech to improve life while maintaining an analog balance. 00:00 Welcome Back Stephen 00:15 Digital Friction Reality 02:08 Parking App Password Fail 05:22 Digital Locksmith Analogy 07:29 Browser Password Managers 10:53 Privacy And Neural Data 14:49 Passkeys And Simulations 16:46 Five Pillars Coaching 19:31 Password First Principles 23:38 AI Search And Photos 25:15 Audience Q And Wrap 28:46 Portuguese Farewell Outro 29:19 A Team Promo Tag Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

More and bookings - https://www.chronospherefestival.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

https://www.skool.com/gmp-vips-1236/boa-segunda-vamos-embora-what-will-you-say-today Carl reframes learning Portuguese as an “A-Team” daily mission: take small steps every day to build vocabulary, confidence, and integration, using community encouragement and writing your intended Portuguese phrase, person, and context in the comments. The format has shifted from a 90-day challenge to “Speak Portuguese Now Today,” with weekly reflection meetings moved to Fridays at 6pm with potential guest teachers, while weekdays focus on quick commitments and reporting back. Today’s featured module covers what to say in the first 10 seconds of a real emergency call (112), including key phrases for requesting help, ambulance, police, or firefighters and understanding questions like address, what happened, consciousness, and breathing. The episode also highlights situational “missions,” quizzes, premium resources, and the Portugal Talk Radio website backbone with news, weather, currency, bookings, advertisers, and property features. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

Carl recounts seeing a completely naked man in Lisbon’s Jardim Zoológico (Sete Rios) Metro station in mid-afternoon while with his three children, rebuking him to dress and suspecting a mental health episode. He uses the incident to explore how public standards, safety, and cultural norms around dress and behavior operate in Portugal, alongside a recent sighting of a topless woman on a beach and discussion of Portugal’s face-covering (burqa/balaclava) ban. He reflects on whether noting someone’s perceived nationality matters, compares reporting of foreign misbehaviour (including incidents in Albufeira), and argues foreigners should help uphold and safeguard Portuguese culture while supporting compassionate responses and better resourcing for mental health and policing. 00:00 Naked Metro Encounter 00:17 What Happened at Jardim Zoológico 02:10 Confronting the Man 03:19 Race and Reporting Dilemma 06:42 Topless Beach Culture Shock 11:15 Covering Up Off the Beach 12:25 Mental Health or Social Decline 15:29 Foreigners Respecting Portugal 18:40 Law Enforcement and Boundaries 20:55 Open Discussion and Wrap Up Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Monday 7th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news leads with the Socialist Party accusing the government of profiteering from fuel taxes, claiming more than €1 billion in extra revenue since April 2024. Other headlines include a study highlighting regional disparities among two million students and higher dropout rates in Lisbon, Setúbal and the Algarve, artists withdrawing from a Lisbon comedy festival over Jerry Seinfeld’s support for Israel, the PCP marking the 50th anniversary of its Avante festival, and a quarry in Tavira ordered to close immediately. Heat warnings remain in place, with Évora forecast to reach 37°C. The show also teases a discussion about a naked man seen in the Lisbon Metro. #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #FuelTax #SchoolDropouts #JerrySeinfeld #AvanteFestival #Tavira #LisbonMetro #Heatwave #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal

On Friday 4th September 2026, Carl Munson’s Good Morning Portugal! news warns of a new “quishing” scam: fake personalised bank letters containing cards with malicious QR codes designed to steal banking credentials. Other headlines include scheduled E-Redes power maintenance in Sintra, Mafra and Palmela, a historic cork-industry archive donated to Silves, psychologists calling for better access to mental-health care, an overview of Portugal’s textile sector, analysis of the 2027 budget, the Russian ambassador describing Portugal as one of the most hostile countries in Europe, and continued scrutiny of Interior Minister Luís Neves ahead of Chega’s no-confidence motion. Keep in touch 24/7 - www.portugaltalkradio.com #GoodMorningPortugal #PortugalNews #Quishing #QRCodeScam #ERedes #CorkArchive #MentalHealth #LuisNeves #Chega #Portugal2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support . Get help moving to and living in Portugal