Spanish Practices – Living in Spain: Real Life, Real Spain
John Metson, a former London radio producer, shares his real-life adventures after moving from a Victorian house in Essex to a tiny flat in an Andalusian village. He recounts his encounters with celebrities like Richard Hammond and J.K. Rowling, and offers a brash, colorful perspective on life in Spain. The podcast blends personal anecdotes with observations about Spanish culture, sometimes fictionalizing events for effect.
Episodes
Can You Really Live Rent-Free in Spain in a Motorhome?
Live Rent-Free in Spain? The Motorhome Loophole That Isn't Buy a motorhome. Drive to Spain. Park beside the Mediterranean. Open the door, make a coffee and congratulate yourself on discovering the ultimate way to live in Spain without paying rent. Simple. Except Spain may have a few questions. Motorhome and campervan living is booming, fuelled by rising property prices, scarce rental accommodation
Goats, Romans & the Spanish Inquisition: Spain in 10 Minutes
Three thousand years of Spanish history. Ten minutes. What could possibly go wrong? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I'm attempting the almost certainly foolish task of explaining the history of Spain without drowning you in kings, dates or men with impressive facial hair pointing at maps. Instead, we're following the ordinary people who didn't make history — they simply had to survive it. Me
Want to Live in Spain? The Digital Nomad Visa Could Be Your Ticket
Spain Wants Digital Nomads – But Is It Really That Simple? Imagine swapping the commute for a laptop overlooking the Mediterranean. Spain has become one of the world's most attractive destinations for remote workers — and its Digital Nomad Visa offers non-EU professionals a legal route to actually live here while working abroad. But before you pack the laptop and sunglasses, there's rather more to
Carry on Abroad - The Return of the Package Holiday - Real Life, Real Spain
OR - The Bikini That Changed Spain: How the Package Holiday Conquered the Costas! OR - Bikinis, Benidorm & Brits Abroad: How Tourism Changed Spain How did Spain go from a buttoned-up dictatorship suspicious of bikinis to one of the world's great holiday destinations — and have we now loved it a little too much? In this summer repeat of Spanish Practices, I travel back to the birth of the great Bri
Why Everyone in Spain Ends Up Loving Mercadona
Ever wondered why Mercadona is often called one of the most profitable supermarkets in the world? In this light-hearted episode of Spanish Practices, we explore its fascinating history—from a humble family butcher's shop in Valencia to a retail powerhouse across Spain. We dive into how Mercadona has reinvented the supermarket experience with energy-efficient stores, hot takeaway food, and even pla
Thunderbirds over Franco's Spain – When British TV Invaded Spain - ExPat life in Andalusia
What was it like watching television in Franco's Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices – Real Life, Real Spain, John looks back at the early days of Spanish TV and the surprising influence of British favourites including Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, The Avengers, The Prisoner and Doctor Who. Plus, a personal encounter with Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson — and the day Lady Penelope and
THE SHOCKING BEEHIVE - Episode 5 - A Bolt from the Blue, The Finale - The Marlborough Court Mysteries
A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices. When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station. Ruled by the ch
THE SHOCKING BEEHIVE - Episode 4 - Short Back and Sides - The Marlborough Court Mysteries
A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices. When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station. Ruled by the ch
THE SHOCKING BEEHIVE - Episode 3 - The Blue Nun - The Marlborough Court Mysteries
A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices. When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station. Ruled by the ch
THE SHOCKING BEEHIVE - Episode 2 - Have You Tried Radio? - The Marlborough Court Mysteries
A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices. When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station. Ruled by the ch
THE SHOCKING BEEHIVE - Episode 1 - Miss Helena Hart! - The Marlborough Court Mysteries
A glamorous London television presenter. A deadly accident. Or the perfect murder? Your holiday audiobook from Spanish Practices. When a visit to the exclusive Lady Dorothy Boutique Hair Salon ends with a daytime television star being electrocuted, private detectives Horace Finch and Violet Hart are drawn behind the bright lights of Metrovision, London's weekday television station. Ruled by the ch
The Gruesome Prisons of Franco's Spain
What was life really like inside Franco's Spanish prisons? As Busman's Holiday reached its dramatic conclusion, we step away from the beaches of the Costa del Sol and behind the walls of one of the darkest chapters in modern Spanish history. In this special episode of Spanish Practices, we explore the harsh reality of Spanish prisons under General Franco's dictatorship. Discover how political pris
THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 5 - the Finale
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets aw
THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 4 - A Bus Tale
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets aw
THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 3 - Liar Liar
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets aw
THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 2 - The Mijas Drop
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets aw
THE BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY - Episode 1 - Sun Sea and Sir Basil
Spanish Practices is taking a short summer break, so enjoy another FREE audiobook from The Marlborough Court Mysteries. In Busman's Holiday, Horace Finch, Violet Hart and Leslie Brown swap London's fog for the sunshine of Spain when a seemingly ordinary package holiday to Torremolinos takes an unexpected turn. Beneath the glamour of the Costa del Sol, espionage, murder and Anglo-Spanish secrets aw
Package Holidays, then and now! ExPat life in Spain Andalusia
Let me take you back sixty years to some of the first Package Holiday's to Spain, Malaga airport is nothing more than a terracotta roofed whitewashed building a rusty Pegaso coach takes you to your hotel, your bed is weirdly firm and breakfast is just coffe, rolls and jam. So much has changed. This is an introduction to another FREE Audiobook, while we take a little break, maybe walk across the n
DEAD AIR - Episode 5 - The Finale
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. P
DEAD AIR - Episode 4 - Roll Out The Barrel
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. P
DEAD AIR - Episode 3 - A Tender Moment
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. P
DEAD AIR - Episode 2 - You Hurt Me!
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. P
DEAD AIR - Episode 1 - Tulipa from Amsterdam
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. P
DEAD AIR - The Prologue
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. P
The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 5 - The Finale
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 British detective storyte
The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 4
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 British detective storyte
The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 3
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 British detective storyte
The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 2
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 British detective storyte
The Vicar's Last Confession Episode 1
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 British detective storyte
Sunshine, Secrets and Carnaby Street Sleuths
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 crim
The Great Spanish Summer Getaway
What really happens in Spain after San Juan? In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore the great Spanish summer getaway — from midnight sea rituals and bonfires on the beach to empty town halls, vanished officials, delayed paperwork, Amazon delivery chaos, packed beaches and fiestas everywhere. A funny, affectionate look at why Spain seems to shut down for summer… and why normal lif
The Customer Is Always Wrong in Spain? Tales of Fridges, Refunds and Red Tape
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, bureaucracy and cons
Why Is There a Cow Outside Every ALE-HOP? And Who Owns Spain's Chinese Stores?
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 week I explore two of the most familiar sights in modern Spain: the famou
In praise of ibérico ham - ExPat life in Spain
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 playe
Barcelona Is Killing Airbnb? Where Smart Holiday Let Investors Are Moving Next - Real ExPat Life - Real Spain
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 holiday let investing still makes sens
Smoking in Spain: Cigarettes, Cannabis and Chaos
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, health risks, cigarette smuggling, and the devastating wildfires caused by d
The Great Paella Scandal – Spain vs Jamie Oliver!
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 the pan. But who creates the MOST authentic Paella? I
The Dark Side of Benidorm, Drugs, Muggings and Prostitution
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 spiking concerns, and w
The Biggest Mistake Visitors Make at the Alhambra in 2026
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 Generalife Gardens, the ancient fortress of the Alcazaba and why the Alhambra is considered a true wonder of the world. I also reveal pra
"Wish You Were Here" – From Prawn Cocktail Spain to Infinity Pools - Judith Chalmers
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 does Granada keep shaking? The Hidden Fault Line beneath the Costa Tropical
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. Discover the science behind the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, the recent
Spain Just Shifted Right… Should British Expats In Andalusia Be Worried? Special Edition
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 forced into a deal with Vox? And what might that mean for British and Irish
Drug Boats on the Costa Tropical - Why smugglers are moving further along Spain's Coast
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 hear how increased policing around Tarifa may be pushing traffickers further along the Andalusian coast, why the rugged coastline offers perfect hiding places, and what the Guardia Ci
Don Quixote - Spain's First Soap Opera - ExPat life in Andalusia
It was the very first Spanish Soap Opera. I am on a journey through Spain exploring the hilarious world of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes — reimagined as a dramatic Spanish soap opera. I explore the history behind Spain's most famous novel, the legendary windmill battle, Sancho Panza's endless suffering, impossible romance, and why Don Quixote remains one of the funniest and most important cha
In Praise of Spanish Cooking and an encounter with three celebrity chefs
In this episode of Spanish Practices, I explore how authentic Spanish cooking really is when it passes through the hands of celebrity chefs. From Keith Floyd's unexpected take on Gambas al Ajillo, to Mary Berry's "Smoky Spanish Hot Pot," and Jamie Oliver's version of Crema Catalana, I compare their recipes with the real flavours of Spain. Along the way, I share some behind-the-scenes encounters, a
Killer Wild Pigs of Spain - ExPat life in Andalusia
Wild boars—jabalíes—are no longer just creatures of Spain's forests. In this episode, I explore how these powerful animals have moved into cities like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, why they're losing their fear of humans, and the growing خطر they pose—from street encounters to deadly traffic accidents. I look at the history of wild boar in Spain, their role in hunting and food culture, and what
Spain's Super El Niño Summer - how hot is it getting? ExPat life in Andalusia
Spain is heating up—fast. In this episode, I explore the growing risk of a Super El Niño summer and what it could mean for life, travel, and extreme heat in Spain. With record-breaking temperatures, longer heatwaves, and rising night-time heat, is this the new normal? Plus, the best times to visit Spain—and practical tips to survive the summer like the locals. 🌞
New Spain Travel Rules: What British Visitors Need to Know in 2026
Spain is rolling out major changes to how Brits travel, and airport queues are right at the centre of it. In this episode, I break down the new Entry/Exit System (EES), what biometric data you'll need to provide, and why you can't register in advance. I also explain how the new ETIAS travel authorisation—costing €20 for three years—will affect UK travellers heading to Spain and across Europe. With
USA Drops Nuclear Bombs Over Spain
Four nuclear bombs. One small Spanish village. In 1966, disaster fell from the sky over Palomares. From fear and secrecy under Franco to a missing bomb in the Mediterranean, this episode of Spanish Practices uncovers the human impact of a Cold War accident that still lingers today.
Spain's Dirty Little Secret – The filthy red dust from above
What is Calima — and why does it turn rain into mud in Spain? In this episode of Spanish Practices, we explore the Saharan dust storms that sweep across Spain, turning skies orange, coating homes in red grime, and impacting air quality. From the dramatic March 2022 "mega-Calima" to the strange reality of "mud rain," this is Spain's dirty little secret explained. Learn what causes Calima, the healt
