Upsticks to Spain

In this very special and incredibly cute episode, Chris sits down with a brilliant co-host—his 9-year-old daughter, Ayla! Ayla was born in Spain and attends a local public school. While helping her with her schoolwork, Chris realized that what Spanish kids are learning in the classroom is actually gold dust for expats moving over here. Together, they take a look at her geography homework to give you a fun, lighthearted peak into the Spanish school system, while breaking down how local population data impacts everyday expat life.

Ayla takes the lead to explain her school project on the Spanish population, looking at how towns use the padrón and the census (censo) to track who lives where. Chris connects this right back to his daily work at Up Sticks, explaining why the padrón is the ultimate foundation for your Spanish visa, residency, TIE card, healthcare setup, and driving license exchange. It is an eye-opening reminder of how a piece of paperwork you hear about constantly is actually a massive part of the way Spanish society is organized from the ground up.

The duo also chats about population density, with Ayla sharing a brilliant, down-to-earth analogy about upstairs and downstairs neighbors to explain why the coast and big cities like Madrid and Barcelona are so bustling compared to the quiet interior. They even tackle a tricky Spanish vocabulary word—envejecimiento—as they discuss Spain's aging population, before testing Ayla's memory to see if she can list off all eight beautiful provinces of Andalusia. To wrap things up, they look at how Spain fits into the European Union and the shared Euro currency, leading to a funny look back at the old Spanish pesetas with holes in the middle that Chris remembers using when he first arrived.

In this episode, we dive into the fast-growing world of walking football in Spain with Mark Kavanagh, director of Spain Walking International Football Teams SL. Mark shares how Spain went from fielding its first walking football team at the Nations Cup in the UK to now hosting the biggest walking football tournament ever, taking place in Alicante in October 2025.

We talk about the journey of building teams across Spain, the incredible support from sponsors and local authorities, and how the sport is opening doors for players of all ages and abilities — from retirees looking to stay active, to kids discovering the game for the first time. Walking football is more than just sport; it’s community, health, and fun.

As proud sponsors, we’re excited to bring you behind-the-scenes insights into how this movement is growing across Spain and what to expect at the upcoming World Cup.

In this episode, Chris Goodacre from Upsticks talks about expat life in Torrevieja, Spain, with Mike and Ivon, the creators of the popular YouTube channel Between the Lakes. With over 9,000 subscribers and 1.5 million views, their channel has become a trusted window into daily life on the Costa Blanca.

Chris dives deep into their journey—from buying a €59,000 property in 2017 to watching it rise by nearly 50%, and how their unscripted, high-quality videos have helped thousands considering a move to Spain. Together, they unpack major developments in the area, like the 25-year La Hoya megaproject, rising costs of living, and local infrastructure changes like the N-332 road upgrade and new harbour shopping centre.

They also explore what it’s really like living "between the lakes"—flamingos, pink water, rubbish jokes and all—while navigating bureaucracy, seasonal stays, and a supportive community of fellow YouTubers. If you're curious about Torrevieja, moving to Spain, or what life feels like after Brexit as a part-time expat, this episode is packed with honest insights, humour, and practical advice.

Join elite ultra-runner Lee Grantham as he reveals his transformative journey from a high-pressure corporate career in the world of ultra-running. In this inspiring episode, Lee dives into the mindset, high-altitude training techniques, and relentless passion that fueled his groundbreaking win at the Pico Valeta race in Granada, Spain—a race hailed as one of the toughest and most beautiful 50K challenges in the world.

Explore the powerful role of community in running, the secrets behind conquering extreme conditions, and the psychological strategies that drive peak performance. Whether you're a seasoned ultra marathoner or new to the sport, this podcast is your go-to resource for expert insights, motivational stories, and practical tips to push your limits and achieve greatness.

Tune in now and get inspired to transform your passion into performance!

Podcast Episode: Living with Cancer in Spain – A Conversation with Skatz from YouTooSpain

Hi, I’m Chris Goodacre, and in this powerful episode of the Upsticks Podcast, I sit down with Skatz from the popular YouTooSpain YouTube channel to discuss his deeply personal journey with cancer while living in Spain. Skatz shares his candid experiences navigating the Spanish healthcare system, the challenges he faced, and how he’s adapting to life after cancer surgery.

Skatz begins by recounting the initial hurdles in getting a diagnosis—despite having concerns about cancer, it took nearly a year to secure a colonoscopy. His story highlights the importance of persistence within the healthcare system to ensure urgent medical attention when it’s needed. From his own experience and those of others, Skatz emphasises the need to advocate for yourself or have someone do so on your behalf.

Following his diagnosis, Skatz describes the treatment process, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He shares the physical side effects, the emotional toll, and the realities of undergoing treatment in Spain. A major aspect of his journey was learning to live with a stoma bag post-surgery. Skatz opens up about managing the bag, maintaining his skin’s health, and the practicalities of adjusting to this life change.

Throughout the episode, Skatz underscores the value of having a strong support system—whether it’s family, friends, or someone to accompany you during hospital visits and advocate for your needs. He also speaks about the critical role a positive mental attitude played in his recovery and ongoing journey.

As we wrap up, Skatz reflects on how this experience has shaped his outlook on life and shares exciting plans for the future of his YouTooSpain YouTube channel. His resilience, honesty, and optimism shine through, filling this episode with valuable insights and inspiration.

Whether you’re navigating the Spanish healthcare system, supporting a loved one through cancer, or simply looking for a story of hope and determination, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in now on Spotify!

You can support YouTooSpain and Skatz here:

Hi, I’m Chris Goodacre, and in this heartwarming episode of the Upsticks Podcast, I chat with Stu, Jo, and their lovable dog, Waffles, about their big move to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa. Their story is more than just a guide to paperwork—it’s about dreams, determination, and embracing a new way of life.

Stu and Jo share the motivations behind their move: escaping the UK’s harsh winters and finding a more affordable lifestyle. Their journey to Spain was the result of a five-year plan filled with research and preparation, including purchasing a property in the vibrant community of Campasol. With its mix of English-speaking residents and proximity to Spanish culture, Campasol offered the perfect balance for their new life. Brexit was a catalyst that sped up their decision, and their meticulous planning even included a practice shopping trip to calculate costs.

The couple describe the rollercoaster of emotions they experienced along the way. After paying their deposit to Upsticks, excitement built as the process began, but nerves were unavoidable when it came to their visa application. Saying goodbye to family and friends was more emotional than they had anticipated, but they felt supported by the Upsticks team, who handled their situation with sensitivity and care, going beyond just processing paperwork. Fortunately, their visas were approved quickly, a relief that allowed them to focus on the next steps of their adventure.

Stu and Jo’s journey to Spain was made seamless by pet transporter Bobby, who they highly recommend. With dog-friendly hotels along the way, Waffles had just as smooth a transition as his owners. Once in Spain, the couple faced the essential steps of registering their visas, obtaining their padrón, and exchanging their UK driving licences. They recount their experiences at Cartagena’s lime-green police station, the challenges of obtaining a medical certificate, and how a rude doctor taught them the importance of crossing their sevens on forms!

Despite the occasional hiccup, Stu and Jo are thriving in Spain. They’ve fully embraced their new life, exploring local areas and immersing themselves in the culture. Jo has taken up volunteer work, while Stu has discovered a passion for pottery. They’re grateful for the support they received from Upsticks and reflect on how their dreams have become a reality.

Their story is a testament to the rewards of careful planning, persistence, and a positive attitude. Whether you’re considering a move to Spain or love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is for you. Tune in now on Spotify!