The Olive Press News Podcast

Ceuta is turning into a humanitarian and political flashpoint, and the details on the ground are far more alarming than the headlines suggest.
Jon Clarke is in the middle of it, reporting on the chaos in Spain's North African enclave, while Alessio uncovers a separate expat fraud case that could leave people with unexpected tax debts years later.
Jon paints a vivid picture of Ceuta under strain, with thousands of migrants gathering on beaches and in makeshift camps, a heavy military presence on the streets, and growing fears that the situation is only getting bigger.
He also explains how the Gibraltar border, now tied into Schengen, adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile story.
We break down:
What Jon saw in Ceuta, including the scale of the migrant surge and why local residents are worried
How asylum rules, age checks, and the fate of minors shape what happens next
Why social media posts may have helped trigger the crossing
What the Gibraltar border change could mean if pressure spreads
Alessio's investigation into a British fixer in Alicante accused of taking tax money from expats without paying it on
The warning signs expats should look for when trusting gestors, lawyers, and property advisers
Alessio's story is especially important if you live in Spain or are buying property there, because the fallout from bad paperwork can surface years later as fines, debt, and legal headaches.
The episode also turns to the tragic and still-mysterious death of 17-year-old Nicoline Piwani on the Costa del Sol, where new leads raise more questions about what happened in her final hours.
This is essential listening if you follow Spain, live as an expat, or want the kind of reporting that connects the headlines to the human cost behind them.
Three very different stories, one episode, and plenty of reasons to keep listening.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.es#ceuta #migrants #migrantes #marbella #expatlife #expat #alicante #spain #podcast #theolivepress #spainnews #StaysureExpat #realeseguros

Most expats and anyone interested in Spain's shifting political landscape are in for a wild ride. This episode uncovers the startling story of a U.S. trans woman seeking asylum in Spain—a move that could set a historic precedent—and reveals the seismic changes underway in Andalusia’s policies and border agreements.Discover the unprecedented case of Kate Iset from Texas, a transgender woman fleeing Texas’s harsh anti-trans legislation and US government crackdowns equating trans activism with terrorism. We break down the complex asylum process and Spain’s potential role as a refuge for those fleeing repressive policies. This story isn’t just about one woman; it’s about the future of human rights and asylum in a polarized world. You’ll see why Spain’s decision could ripple across borders, setting a new global standard—if it happens at all.Next, we explore Spain’s upcoming political shifts: the controversial deal between the Partido Popular and Vox in Andalusia. You’ll learn how their policy pact could redefine regional social policies—from prioritizing Spanish nationals over foreigners for healthcare to outlawing headscarves in public places. We break down what this means for expats, immigrants, and the broader fight over cultural identity in Spain.And it doesn’t stop there. From potential changes to Gibraltar’s border after 300 years, to a high-profile Swedish mafia case involving Marbella’s mayor’s stepson—this episode shines a spotlight on Spain’s hidden power struggles, crime networks, and international tensions. You’ll hear exclusive insights into one of Europe’s most intriguing criminal cases and Spain’s evolving diplomatic landscape.This episode is essential listening for anyone planning to live, work, or invest in Spain—or simply curious about the bold political and social experiments unfolding. Navigate the upheavals, understand the stakes, and stay ahead of the story shaping Spain’s future. Whether you’re an expat, an observer, or a policymaker, don’t miss this eye-opening deep dive into Spain’s most pressing issues.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats travel with confidence: https://www.staysure.com/expatThis episode is in conjunction with Reale Seguros Expat - https://www.reale.es/expats/enMore from The Olive Press here: https://www.theolivepress.es#SpainPodcast #ExpatLife #TravelSafety #StaysureExpat #spain #lgbt #gibraltar #bizum

This episode is brought to you in association with:
Stay Sure Expat - https://www.staysure.com/expat/
Reale Seguros - https://www.reale.es/expats/en
The Olive Press - https://www.theolivepress.es/This episode covers intriguing stories from Spain, including a bizarre car ram raid at Malaga Airport, the impact of expats on local communities, and safety tips for travelers in Barcelona. Join us for insights into local culture, crime, and the positive influence of British expats.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:46 The Airport Car Incident
07:12 The Impact of British Expats in Spain
12:08 Cultural Integration and Acceptance of Expats
14:19 Exploring Barcelona's Neighborhoods and Safety Concerns
15:18 The Vibrant Yet Risky Beach Life
17:58 Navigating Safety in Barcelona
21:26 Understanding the Underworld of Barcelona
23:57 Street Smarts: Tips for Tourists
26:31 Cultural Nuances and Residency in Catalonia

keywords

Spain, Malaga Airport, car ram raid, expats in Spain, Barcelona safety, local communities, crime, travel tips, British expats, Spanish culture

Ex-Premier League & England Footballer David Bentley joins us for an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud episode of the Rest is Spain podcast! 

From the highs of playing with the iconic Arsenal 'Invincibles' squad and signing with Tottenham to becoming the first-ever Englishman to play in the Russian Premier League (with some unbelievable cash-in-hand stories from Rostov-on-Don 🇷🇺), David doesn’t hold back. 

We dive deep into:
👉 Moving to Marbella at 26 and building La Sala Group—arguably the most successful expat business on the Coast.
👉 Hilarious practical jokes, from the infamous Harry Redknapp ice-bucket prank to raiding Mikel Arteta’s fridge in a Spurs shirt!
👉 The truth behind his viral Cheltenham dancing clip and playing golf with Jimmy Bullard.
👉 Important reflections on Louis Theroux’s Manosphere documentary, toxic masculinity, and his work advocating for young men’s mental health. 
👉 Why he loves Spain (from San Sebastián to Formentera) and why he'll inevitably move back for good.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Staying Insured with StaySure ExPats
01:02 - Building the La Sala Group Expat Empire in Marbella
07:24 - Playing in Russia: Paid in Cash & Rostov Life
09:50 - Going Viral: The Cheltenham Dancing Queen
11:07 - Exposing the Manosphere & Supporting Men's Mental Health
29:14 - Growing up with Gazza & Crossing the North London Divide (Arsenal & Spurs)
37:29 - Pranking Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium
40:12 - Drenching Harry Redknapp & Golfing with Jimmy Bullard
44:29 - For the Love of Spain: Best Food, Cities, and Island Escapes

🌍 Looking for the ultimate peace of mind while traveling or living abroad? Get your expat travel insurance from our amazing title sponsor, StaySure ExPats:
👉 https://www.staysure.com/expat-travel-insurance/

📰 Stay up to date with the latest breaking news, culture, and investigative journalism in Spain. Visit Spain's leading English-language newspaper, The Olive Press:
👉 https://www.theolivepress.es/

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more celebrity guest episodes on the Costa del Sol! 🌴 
#DavidBentley #PremierLeague #Marbella #Arsenal #Spurs #LaSala #ExpatLifeSpain #TheRestIsSpain

Welcome to the latest episode of the Olive Press Mafia Podcast 🇪🇸This week, the conversation gets personal as Alessio shares stories and insight into his Sicilian roots, growing up around the culture and legacy of the Mafia in southern Italy. We explore how organised crime evolved from Sicily to Spain’s Costas, and how criminal networks established themselves along the Mediterranean coast.The episode also dives into the background of the Kinahan cartel, where key figures are believed to be now, and the long-running feud involving the Lyons gang and the infamous MGM gym in Puerto Banús. From international drug trafficking to the Costa del Crime era, we unpack the stories, rivalries and power structures that continue to shape organised crime in Spain today.🎙️ Listen now and subscribe for more deep dives into crime, corruption and life in Spain through the Olive Press lens.📰 Olive Press: https://www.theolivepress.es/This episode is brought to you in partnership with Staysure Expat, helping expats across Spain with specialist insurance and support.https://www.staysure.com/expat/