Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain
Living in Spain: real life, real stories, and real misadventures. After swapping a grand Victorian house in leafy Essex for a tiny flat in a wild Andalusian village, we've spent the last ten years navigating the joys, shocks and absurdities of life in Spain. I'm a former London radio producer (not a very good one). I once sacked Richard Hammond for not knowing enough about cars, was spectacularly rude to J.K. Rowling and threw away her early children's book, and told the man behind Amazon UK that nobody would ever buy books online. Then I ran away to Spain with my other half and our big ginger cat. This podcast explores expat life in Spain, Andalusian culture, Spanish traditions, village life, language mishaps, bureaucracy, food, fiestas, and what really happens when the holiday fantasy wears off. Along the way, there are tales from my radio days, occasional celebrity encounters, and reflections on starting again in midlife. Honest, funny, occasionally surreal — this is real life in Spain, with some events lightly fictionalised to protect the innocent (and the guilty).
Episodes
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries.
In Dead Air, Horace Finch investigates murder, payola and pirate radio in swinging 1960s Britain. As Radio Rebecca battles to stay on air, a firebomb attack, a suspicious death and a chart record with a hidden secret lead Finch into one of his most dangerous investigations yet.
Perfect for fans of classic British ...
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy!
So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries. Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last C...
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy!
So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries. Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last C...
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy!
So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries. Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession. Expect classic Brit...
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy!
So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries. Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession. Expect classic Brit...
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break... but I didn't want to leave you without something to enjoy!
So, for the next few weeks, I'm giving you a FREE audiobook – The Marlborough Court Mysteries. Join former Scotland Yard detective Horace Finch as he investigates a baffling murder beneath the streets of 1960s London in The Vicar's Last Confession. Expect classic Brit...
This summer, Spanish Practices takes a different turn. Join me for the first of The Marlborough Court Mysteries, a series of bite-sized 1960s detective stories featuring private investigator Horace Finch. From Cold War conspiracies beneath London to pirate radio murders and the first package holidays to Spain's Costa del Sol, these atmospheric mysteries blend real history with classic British crime. Perfect listening by the pool, o...
Have you ever felt that the customer is always wrong?
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the fascinating, frustrating and often hilarious world of customer service in Spain. From a refrigerator that was dropped down a flight of stairs, to a missing-key tuna tin that somehow found its way back onto a supermarket shelf, these are real stories of refunds, complaints, burea...
Need a phone charger, a frying pan, a garden hose and a plastic flamingo during siesta? In Spain, there's a shop for that...
If you've ever wandered into an ALE-HOP for a phone charger and emerged twenty minutes later carrying a flamingo-shaped lamp, a beach towel and a notebook you didn't need, this episode is for you.
This wee...
Why is jamón ibérico considered one of the world's finest foods? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the fascinating 2,000-year history of Spain's most prized ham, from the Celts and Romans to the Reconquista and modern luxury dining. Discover why the famous black Iberian pig produces such extraordinary flavour, how hams are cured in mountain villages like Trevélez, the role pork played...
Barcelona wants to phase out thousands of tourist apartment licences by 2028, but is this really the end of Airbnb in Spain's most visited city?
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the truth behind the headlines, the growing backlash against overtourism, and what record visitor numbers mean for property owners and investors. I also look at whether hol...
Is marijuana really legal in Spain? Why do so many Spaniards still smoke cigarettes? And how big is the illegal tobacco trade from Morocco?
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore Spain's complicated relationship with smoking. From packed café terraces and rising cigarette prices to cannabis clubs, marijuana laws, h...
PAELLA ON TRIAL!
This week I put three legendary British TV chefs before the Spanish culinary courts for possible crimes against Paella.
Mary Berry goes elegant but dangerously oven-friendly… Jamie Oliver commits the ultimate Spanish sin by adding chorizo… while Keith Floyd cooks dangerously close to authenticity with wine in hand and chaos in ...
Benidorm is famous for sunshine, cheap beer and wild nightlife — but beneath the neon lights lies a darker side. In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the reality of drugs, muggings, organised prostitution and tourist scams in Benidorm's notorious English Zone and "The Strip."
I also take a look at Spain's unusual prostitution laws, the rise in police raids, drink sp...
OFFICIAL ALHAMBRA TICKETS - https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es
Discover the magic of the Alhambra in this insider's guide to one of Spain's most breathtaking landmarks.
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the stunning Nasrid Palaces, the peaceful
I remember Judith Chalmers and the golden age of Spanish package holidays?
In this special edition of Spanish Practices, I take a nostalgic trip from the prawn cocktail resorts of the 1970s to today's luxury infinity pools, boutique hotels and Instagram-ready Spain. From Benidorm and Torremolinos to Mallorca and the Costa del Sol, discover how Spain became Britain's favourite sunshine escape — and why millions still return ye...
In this episode I explore the fascinating and sometimes frightening history of earthquakes along the Costa Tropical and Granada province.
From the devastating 1804 Motril earthquake to the constant small tremors still detected today, I look at why southern Spain is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe.
Discove...
Spain has shifted politically — and Andalucía may never look the same again.
In this Special Edition of Spanish Practices, I explore the shock election results in Andalucía, the collapse of the PSOE in its historic heartland, and the growing influence of the far-right Vox party. Could Conservative PP's Juanma Moreno now be fo...
Drug-boats on Spain's Costa Tropical? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the recent surge of high-speed drug smuggling boats — known as narcolanchas — appearing around Almuñécar and La Herradura. You'll...
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.