A neurocientist walked into a bar in Scotland. She sang fado into an open mic. Everybody loved it. Mariana Arroja’s life changed at that moment: she didn’t plan to become a fadista, but then, the best stories rarely go according to plan.

In this conversation with Tony Gonçalves, Mariana talks about the calçada portuguesa, the stone pavements that dress up every sidewalk and walking path of Portugal’s cities, hidden in plain sight. She explains how looking at them differently, after living abroad for so long, led to a song, then a documentary, then a deep friendship with the stonemasons that are keeping a dissapearing art form alive. Home, inspiration and saudade: all in that order.

A neurocientist walked into a bar in Scotland. She sang fado into an open mic. Everybody loved it. Mariana Arroja&rsquo;s life changed at that moment: she didn&rsquo;t plan to become a fadista, but then, the best stories rarely go according to plan.
In this conversation with Tony Gon&ccedil;alves, Mariana talks about the cal&ccedil;ada portuguesa, the stone pavements that dress up every sidewalk and walking path of Portugal&rsquo;s cities, hidden in plain sight. She explains how looking at them differently, after living abroad for so long, led to a song, then a documentary, then a deep friendship with the stonemasons that are keeping a dissapearing art form alive. Home, inspiration and saudade: all in that order.

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.

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.

Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive— explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage

The Heart & Hustle of Portugal

The Heart and Hustle of Portugal

In this episode of podcast Heart & Hustle of Portugal: On Location, IPMA award winner Mariana Arroja sits down with Tony Gonçalves to talk about the song that changed everything, what it means to carry Portuguese roots across borders, and why fado doesn't need translation.