On The Sofa With Rouge

Lee Whitwell’s journey from Gibraltar to becoming a world-renowned Senior Pro pickleball player is nothing short of inspiring. She initially excelled in tennis, seeing it as a pathway to new opportunities, which led her to the USA. There, a friend's suggestion to try pickleball opened doors to an entirely new level of athletic success, ultimately leading her to claim the title of the #1 ranked female Senior Pro Pickleball player.Lee’s life now revolves around more than just competition; she's dedicated to building and fostering pickleball communities worldwide and has recently started a pickleball community in her homeland, Gibraltar. Besides her athletic prowess, Lee is a seasoned corporate leadership consultant and event coordinator, bringing people together on and off the court. Known for her humor and wit, she often brings laughter to those around her—a bit of a comedian, indeed!To hear more about her journey, what she’s currently working on, and how life is treating her, catch her on this engaging podcast episode, sponsored by Infinity Aesthetics Gibraltar.

What a privilege to interview Professor Elena Seaone, a linguistics expert from La Universidad de Vigo. Her research on World Englishes led her to explore Gibraltar English, a lesser-studied variety with distinctive phonological and grammatical features. During her time in Gibraltar, she discovered its rich multilingual culture, characterized by the use of Yanito, as well as its vibrant local literature and unique cultural identity.However, she has also observed that Yanito is at risk of extinction, as its transmission from parents to children has diminished over time. She greatly admires the efforts of those working to raise awareness within Gibraltarian society about this alarming shift toward monolingualism, and strives to support their cause.One of the ways she has contributed is by providing a platform for Gibraltarians to express their thoughts on language in the book Gibraltarians and Their Languages – 22 Linguistic Biographies, which she co-edited with M.G. Sanchez, Lucía Loureiro, and Cristina Suárez. The book, published by the University of Vigo Press, will be launched this week in Gibraltar.

On the Sofa this week, we have two seriously loyal Gibraltarians who are insanely creative and just a little bit eccentric: Alex Menez and Stefano Blanca, the dynamic duo behind Blanca y Menez.Join us as they shed light on how they met, what inspires them, and what's next for their artistic journey. These two aren't just fun and quirky; they bring art, joy, and color into our lives in the most unexpected ways. Don't miss this lively conversation! This podcast is sponsored by The Paint Shop.

Facial aesthetics is the latest trend for enhancing your appearance in just a short amount of time, helping you look and feel younger. At Infinity Aesthetics, located on the stunning Ocean Village Promenade, more and more people are dropping in to get their beauty fix. But what exactly is the secret behind this surge in youthful, vibrant looks?Today, Rouge speaks to Amy Mesilio Peralta, Dental Therapist at Infinity Aesthetics, who shares insights on the rise of these treatments and why she believes everyone deserves a little self-care. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation covering everything you've ever wanted to know about the newest cosmetic procedures available at Infinity Aesthetics.This podcast is proudly sponsored by the Infinity Group.

In "Six Windows," a dance production taking place at Inces Hall this week, Jade Federico Marzan, a seasoned dancer and instructor, showcases her passion for dance alongside her wife, Mel. This event is a collaboration with Dramatist Personae & GibSams, emphasizing mental health and community support through the arts.Jade, a mentor and role model, has devoted her life to dance, inspiring her students with her dedication and creativity. Together with Mel, she is cultivating a dance community that values diversity, unique styles, and innovative ideas. They encourage their dancers to embrace differences and express themselves fully.This week Rouge chats to Jade and Mel who shared insights into what this production represents for them. They talked about how "Six Windows" is not just a dance performance but a ‘support group’ a reflection of their commitment to fostering an inclusive and creative environment. Through their work, they hope to inspire others to be confident in their individuality and to explore new creative possibilities. This production is a testament to their belief in the power of dance to bring people together, to support each other and to express the richness of being part of this dance group that goes beyond dancing.

Introducing Joshua Harold Neal Downey. The creator, writer and host of the “JD Dragon Disability Rights Podcast”, the show where he explores how disability and diversity are connected.Josh was born three months prematurely and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia) at the age of two.He love’s Gibraltar’s history and culture and by virtue having the honour to appear on the “On the Sofa with Rouge” podcast Gibraltar helped make my dreams come true!Please check out his website for more information:https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/the-jd-dragon-disability-rights-podcast-exploring-how/id1493666442

Welcome to our series of podcasts, brought to you by On the Sofa with Rouge and the Specialist Medical Clinic / GibMed International Hospital. Situated at the heart of the community, these installations offer specialized and bespoke care to patients. Exciting developments are underway with the opening of a new private surgical unit, providing state-of-the-art operating facilities for day and short-stay patient care in Gibraltar.In this series, we delve into all there is to know about these incredible facilities. We'll showcase how they are poised to serve and enhance the community’s health care. You'll also get to hear from the specialists and their teams, offering you the chance to get to know them better and make informed choices about your treatment, aiming for care that is truly beyond better.These podcasts are proudly sponsored by the Specialist Medical Clinic and GibMed International Hospital. Tune in and discover the future of health care in your community.

Nick Pitaluga faced a critical moment when he needed emergency surgery, a true life-or-death situation. His unwavering faith in God, coupled with incredible family support, helped him overcome the daunting odds. Nick has dedicated part of his life to giving back to the community and this involves being part of the Catholic Prison Ministry. Life in prison is undeniably tough, but Nick, alongside a group of lay volunteers, brings a glimmer of hope and light to those who need it most. His journey is a remarkable story, offering a unique perspective on prison life that resonates with the potential challenges any of us could face.