Carl Munson on Living and Working in Portugal. Host of Good Morning Portugal
Carl Munson reinvented himself in Portugal, building community through Good Morning Portugal! and embracing adaptability, AI, and expat life’s surprises.
When Carl Munson first visited Portugal in 2007, he dreamed of a quiet life—renovating a rural farmhouse, growing his own food, and embracing the simplicity of the countryside. Nearly two decades later, his reality looks very different. Instead of a secluded quinta, Carl now broadcasts Good Morning Portugal! from a seaside town, connecting expats and locals every weekday at 8 AM. His journey from a pirate radio DJ in the UK to a digital community builder in Portugal is a story of adaptability, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Carl’s move to Portugal in 2017 wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a complete reinvention. With nearly four decades of experience in broadcasting, copywriting, and content creation, he used his skills to create spaces where expats and immigrants could find support, practical advice, and a sense of belonging. Good Morning Portugal! began during the pandemic as a way to foster connection when physical gatherings were impossible. Six years later, it has become a daily ritual for many, offering a mix of news, guest interviews, and the kind of camaraderie that makes living abroad feel a little less lonely. Carl’s approach is simple but effective: routine and systematization. He schedules regular guests—many of whom return monthly—so the show runs like a well-oiled machine. “Externally, it looks busy,” he admits, “but internally, it’s just routine.” This method not only sustains the show but also allows him to focus on what matters most—building a community where people can thrive in Portugal.
Like many expats, Carl arrived with a vision that didn’t quite match reality. He imagined a simple, rural life but found himself in a suburban house, running a business, and raising a family. “It’s not what I imagined in 2007,” he laughs, “but it’s what works.” His story reflects a common expat experience: the gap between expectation and reality, and the need to adapt when life takes unexpected turns. His advice for newcomers is straightforward: pace yourself. Portugal’s bureaucracy, cultural nuances, and business landscape can be overwhelming. “You can’t just take risks willy-nilly,” he cautions. Instead, he recommends observing, learning, and copying what works—advice that mirrors Portugal’s own blend of tradition and ingenuity. “Portugal is a country of contradictions,” he notes. “It’s conservative in many ways, but there’s also this spirit of making things work, no matter what.”
Carl isn’t just a broadcaster; he’s also an innovator. His recent experiment with an AI co-host, affectionately named “Gumpy,” reflects his willingness to embrace new tools while staying true to his mission. “AI can handle the preliminary stuff,” he explains, “freeing us up for more meaningful connections.” His perspective on AI is nuanced. While he acknowledges its potential to disrupt industries, he also sees it as a way to scale creativity and focus on what truly matters—human interaction. For Carl, technology isn’t a replacement for community; it’s a way to enhance it.
Portugal’s expat community is evolving. Once dominated by retirees seeking golf courses and sunshine, it now includes digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and families—many of whom, like Carl, are deeply invested in the country’s future. “We’re part of a wave of immigration that’s changing Portugal,” he reflects. “But it’s not just about us. The Portuguese are also redefining what it means to live here.” His hope for the future? Open dialogue. With foreigners now making up nearly 15% of Portugal’s population, he believes proactive integration—through conversation, representation, and mutual respect—is essential. “We need to talk about how we can all thrive together,” he says. “Portugal has this incredible humanistic culture. Let’s preserve what’s great about it while adapting to the changes ahead.”
Carl’s story is ultimately one of reinvention, resilience, and community. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or simply someone dreaming of a new life abroad, his journey offers valuable lessons. Adaptability is everything. Community matters. Embrace the contradictions—Portugal, like life, is full of them. And above all, stay curious. Whether it’s AI, cultural integration, or personal growth, there’s always more to explore.
As Carl puts it, “Portugal is an amazing place to be in a difficult time. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s worth it.” For anyone considering the move—or already navigating the challenges of expat life—his story is a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination.
You can reach Carl here: carl@carlmunson.com, www.carlmunson.com.
