Spainfully Honest

Spainfully Honest
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The Spainfully Honest podcast is your friendly guide to moving to Spain, living in Spain, and actually feeling at home once you arrive. We talk openly about Spanish visas, paperwork, working in Spain, relationships, and everyday life in Spain. No hype, no horror stories for clicks, just real conversations, honest advice, and the things we wish we’d known earlier. Hosted by two friends and long-term residents of Spain, Catherine and Paul, the podcast is based on their real experience of relocating to Spain, settling in, and building a life here.

  1. Episode 34: Driving in Spain: How to Get Your Spanish Driving Licence After Moving

    2D AGO

    Episode 34: Driving in Spain: How to Get Your Spanish Driving Licence After Moving

    Thinking about driving in Spain or stressing over Spanish driving license paperwork? This week’s episode is your practical guide to understanding how driving licenses actually work when you live here. We chat through the real steps, real timelines, and real experiences behind getting or renewing a Spanish driving licence, so you know exactly what to expect before you start the process. We break down the rules for EU and non-EU residents and walk through the key stages like medical exams, booking appointments, and submitting documents. If you’ve ever felt confused by Spanish admin, this episode will clear things up in plain English. We also talk honestly about everyday life realities, like when you really do need a car in Spain, why public transport isn’t always reliable outside cities, and how local driving lessons can actually make the transition much smoother, even if you’ve been driving for years. If you’re living in Spain, moving to Spain, or planning the expat life soon, this episode is packed with useful tips to help you drive stress-free on Spain's roads. To get the help sheet created for this episode completely free, just email us at hello@spainfullyhonest.com Here is the link to the DGT website we speak about during the episode: www.dgt.es Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences and general research while living in Spain. We’re not legal or driving licence professionals, and requirements can change or vary depending on individual circumstances. Always check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before making decisions or starting any application process.

    43 min
  2. Episode 33: Finding love in Spain & Carnaval in Spain

    FEB 10

    Episode 33: Finding love in Spain & Carnaval in Spain

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about two things that are hard to miss right now: Carnaval and Valentine’s Day. With Carnaval taking over towns and cities across Spain, we look at what it’s all about, how it’s celebrated, and why it’s such a big part of Spanish life. From costumes and parades to the social side of it all, it’s a chance to let go, have fun and spend time with other people. We also chat about finding love in Spain, especially as Valentine’s Day is coming up. From dating and relationships to cultural differences and expectations, it’s an honest conversation about what it can really be like when you’re living here. Let us know if you celebrate Carnaval in Spain and how they celebrate in your town. Email us at hello@spainfullyhonest.com

    1 hr
  3. Episode 32: Digital Certificates and Signatures in Spain

    FEB 3

    Episode 32: Digital Certificates and Signatures in Spain

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine break down digital certificates and digital signatures in Spain. They cover why they matter, how they work, and why they can feel especially confusing when you’re a foreigner dealing with Spanish bureaucracy. Along the way, there are a few cultural observations, personal stories, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, from finding love in Spain to Carnaval season. Of course, there is the usual chit chat about life in Spain, including Catherine recording a segment for an Irish TV show! For the printed guide about this topic, email them at hello@spainfullyhonest.com Here is the link to the website mentioned in the podcast: Cert. Electrónico Ciudadano - Sede And here are the numbers to book a Cl@ve appointment 912901340 and 901200351 Disclaimer This podcast is based on the personal experiences of the hosts living in Spain as foreigners. The information shared is intended to be helpful, but it should not be taken as legal, administrative, or professional advice. Rules and procedures can change and may vary depending on where you live. Listeners are encouraged to check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before starting any administrative process.

    48 min

  4. JAN 27

    Episode 31: The Padrón in Spain Explained

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a look at the Padrón in Spain and why it matters more than many people realise when living in Spain. They talk through what it is, why you need it, and how to register, including the documents you’ll be asked for and what can catch people out. While the process is undeniably bureaucratic, the conversation focuses on how being prepared makes things far less stressful. And of course, it wouldn’t be Spainfully Honest without the usual banter between the hosts and a few real-life experiences that should help make everything a bit clearer.For our printed guide all about the Padron in Spain, email hello@spainfullyhonest.com Please note: this episode is intended as a general guide only, based on personal experience. It is not legal or professional advice, and we are not lawyers, gestors, or immigration specialists.

    44 min

  5. JAN 20

    Episode 30: TIE Renewal in Spain: A Practical Guide

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk through what renewing your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) in Spain actually looks like in real life, especially if you’ve been here five years or more. They break down what you need to have ready, why being organised really matters, and how having your paperwork in order can save you a lot of stress later on. They also chat about how much of the process has moved online in recent years, and why getting comfortable with Spain’s digital systems is no longer optional if you want things to go smoothly. Along the way, they share personal experiences, practical tips, and a few hard-earned lessons — including the value of keeping everything in one clearly organised folder and not leaving things until the last minute. The episode also looks at how the renewal process can differ depending on where you’re from, with specific mention of British, American, and Irish residents, and the slightly different hoops each group may need to jump through. Overall, it’s a straightforward, honest guide for anyone trying to navigate Spanish residency without feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy. We’ve also put together printable checklists and guides to help you through the process. If you’d like a copy, just email us and we’ll send it over. Email: hello@spainfullyhonest.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest 01:43 Celebrating Episode 30 and catching up 09:18 Understanding TIE Renewal Process 15:51 Documents Needed for TIE Renewal 23:35 Financial Requirements for Residency 24:06 Understanding Autonomous Payments and Digital Processes 25:35 The Importance of Digital Certificates and Signatures 27:54 Making the Fingerprinting Appointment 32:21 Collecting Your New Residency Card 36:35 Renewal Process for Non-EU Residents 40:30 Special Considerations for Irish Residents 41:53 Preparing for Bureaucratic Challenges 49:58 Final Tips for a Smooth Experience Just to be clear, we’re not lawyers, gestores, or immigration specialists. This episode is based on our own experience and research, and is shared for general information only.

    54 min
  6. Episode 29: New Year Resolutions in Spain

    JAN 13

    Episode 29: New Year Resolutions in Spain

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine talk New Year’s resolutions and what they really look like when you’re living in Spain. From keeping fit and making the most of the outdoor lifestyle to tackling harder goals like quitting cigarettes, they discuss how Spanish routines and everyday life can support healthier habits without overcomplicating things. As part of this topic, they also focus on something that often gets overlooked: making friends and building a new community in Spain. As always, Paul and Catherine share their own resolutions alongside plenty of (very) honest chat, differing opinions and their familiar back-and-forth! Email them with your New Year resolutions at hello@spainfullyhonest.com Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest Podcast 02:54 New Year, New You: Resolutions and Reflections 06:00 Paul and Catherine Christmas chat 10:02 New Year's Celebrations 12:58 Setting and Keeping New Year's Resolutions 15:58 Health and Diet: Challenges and Strategies 22:02 Exercise Options in Spain: Gyms and Outdoor Activities 27:53 Social Aspects of Fitness: Making Friends Through Activities 34:07 Exploring Scuba Diving and Other Hobbies 37:09 Health Awareness: Discussing Endometriosis 39:59 Food Culture in Spain: Healthy Eating Habits 42:48 Smoking and Health: Challenges in Spain 51:06 Conclusion and Future Topics

    1h 7m
  7. Episode 28: Living in Spain: Best bits so far

    JAN 6

    Episode 28: Living in Spain: Best bits so far

    In this episode of Spainfully Honest, Paul and Catherine take a step back and reflect on how the podcast has evolved so far. They look back at some of the key topics they’ve covered, from the realities of everyday life in Spain to education in Spain, property in Spain, work and healthcare in Spain, and the cultural stuff you only really learn by living here. Not a culture shock in sight! Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Spainfully Honest05:01 Looking back at how the podcast has grown09:35 Figuring out everyday life in Spain14:50 Talking honestly about education in Spain18:34 Milestones, moments, and the importance of community22:30 More on schools and education in Spain25:26 Why learning Spanish really matters31:59 Making sense of property choices in Spain38:04 Working, retiring, and planning life in Spain42:35 The bits no one warns you about45:10 The legal side of moving to Spain45:55 Dealing with legal admin once you’re here47:07 Healthcare, wellbeing, and looking after yourself49:48 Sorting out furniture and home basics50:58 End-of-life care and planning ahead53:55 What winter in Spain is actually like55:42 Holidays, traditions, and local events56:45 Cost of living and everyday shopping comparisons01:06:58 Wrapping up and what’s coming next Here is the link to the news website mentioned and the articles about the V-16 beacon: https://spanishnewstoday.com/search.html The new VMP law was mentioned in the podcast but since the podcast was recorded there have been some setbacks setting up the insurance and so the law is not being enforced quite yet. Make sure to keep an eye on your city/town hall social media pages. To email Paul and Catherine contact: hello@spainfullyhonest.com

    1h 10m

  8. 12/28/2025

    Episode 27: New Year's Eve in Spain

    New Year in Spain can look very different depending on where you are. In this episode of Spainfully Honest, we talk about Spanish New Year traditions, what Nochevieja in Spain is like in the major cities, and how to find out what’s happening in your own area, including family-friendly activities and events for kids. **Chapters:** 00:00:00 Introduction to Spainfully Honest00:05:00 Exploring New Year's Eve in Spain00:15:00 What's happening on New Year's Eve in Spain from Alicante to Madrid00:30:00 New Year Traditions and Customs00:45:00 Travel Tips and Recommendations for New Year's Eve in Spain01:00:00 Conclusion and Farewell Happy New Year!! To email your questions or suggestions contact us at hello@spainfullyhonest.com

    36 min
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About

The Spainfully Honest podcast is your friendly guide to moving to Spain, living in Spain, and actually feeling at home once you arrive. We talk openly about Spanish visas, paperwork, working in Spain, relationships, and everyday life in Spain. No hype, no horror stories for clicks, just real conversations, honest advice, and the things we wish we’d known earlier. Hosted by two friends and long-term residents of Spain, Catherine and Paul, the podcast is based on their real experience of relocating to Spain, settling in, and building a life here.

Information

  • Creator
    Spainfully Honest
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spainfully Honest
  • Show Website
    Spainfully Honest