IT’S hard to believe The Rest is Spain podcast is already old enough to vote and order a drink – at least if you count its age in episodes.
This month marks our 20th episode, officially making the show a legal adult across most of the world (though it’ll still need a fake ID in the US).
How time flies! Was it really just over a year ago that we recorded our debut episode at the start of a long, dusty summer on the Costa del Sol?
Teaming up with Caroline Lips from travel insurance specialists Staysure Expat, we set up camp in the expansive meeting room at Centro House in Marbella.
There, we began the tumultuous process of mastering cameras, lighting, and audio gear.
In those early days, Olive Press Editor Jon Clarke and Digital Editor Walter Finch sat opposite each other at the mics.
Channeling a blend of Holly Willoughby and Susanna Reid, Caroline would gaze straight down the camera lens to welcome viewers and listeners to each new show.
Looking back at the news agenda from the summer of 2025 is wild. Some issues now feel like ancient history, while others are still burning just as brightly.
In our early episodes, we covered the uncertainty surrounding the Gibraltar deal (now three months post-ratification), Cordoba’s Adamuz train disaster, and charity fraudsters operating along the costas.
But we also tackled ongoing stories that remain front-page news today – from Estepona’s controversial mayor and Andalucia’s relentless organised crime to the enduring notoriety of Tommy Robinson, who features in this very edition.
The podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look into our newsgathering process.
It’s a space where we can cut loose and speak freely about the details that didn’t make it into print.
By autumn, when Walt relocated to Barcelona, we transitioned to filming remotely from our homes.
The shift dramatically reduced the burden on our production team and the steadfast Keith Franks, who runs the show behind the scenes.
Keith has so far declined every invitation to appear on air – despite being the biggest and most opinionated talker in the company.
Our recent episodes have tackled major boots-on-the-ground stories:
- The Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Jon reported directly from his car while queueing for the ferry
- The Granada Earthquake: Reporter Alessio delivered firsthand coverage right from ground zero
- US Expat Trends: An inside look at the growing surge of Americans seeking refuge and asylum in Spain.
Over its 20-episode run, The Rest is Spain has grown steadily, racking up hundreds of thousands of views across Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
What started with baby steps has turned into confident strides – and we have no intention of slowing down.
Now it’s time to start galloping.
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