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On The Sofa With Rouge
WTF! - Eloise Durante
Living with a disability comes with its own set of challenges, and on my podcast, I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stories of several neurodivergent friends from our community. This week, I’m joined by Eloise Durante. Eloise was born with aniridia—a rare genetic condition that affects the eyes—and is one of the few people in Gibraltar living with it. Partially sighted, she refuses to let her condition define or limit her. From completing school to earning a university degree, Eloise has shown remarkable determination. She now works at the post office and lives independently. In this episode, we talk about the obstacles she’s overcome and the resilience and strength that keep her moving forward. It’s a truly inspiring story of courage and resiliance, proudly sponsored by Holland & Barrett.
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5. On the Menu - Piece of Cake Bakery
39:07||Season 5, Ep. 5I was so excited to welcome back the amazing Sharon Garcia from Piece of Cake Bakery on the podcast! It’s been such a treat to catch up and see just how far she’s come. Over the past three years, Sharon has navigated challenges with grit, grace, and an unstoppable work ethic — and she’s still at the helm of her thriving catering business, baking up success.This episode is a celebration of her resilience, creativity, and passion for her craft. Tune in to hear how Sharon continues to evolve, grow, and inspire through every piece of cake she makes.🍰 Proudly (and sweetly!) sponsored by Piece of Cake Bakery.
3. Marine Biologist - Professor Alan Deidun
13:59||Season 1, Ep. 3This week we’re joined by Professor Alan Deidun, a renowned Marine Biologist from the University of Malta and head of the Oceanography Malta Research Group. Professor Deidun has devoted his life to exploring and protecting our oceans. His fascination with the sea began during his undergraduate studies when a diving course opened his eyes to the incredible underwater world — a moment that shaped his lifelong dedication to marine research and conservation.In this episode, we dive into his inspiring collaboration with The Nautilus Project on their groundbreaking Seagrass Restoration Project. This partnership was born from an enthusiastic conversation with Lewis Stagnetto, where shared passion sparked a mission to revive a once-lost species of seagrass in the Mediterranean.Join us for a brilliantly emotive and important conversation about marine restoration, collaboration, and hope for our seas. This episode is proudly sponsored by The Nautilus Project.
1. On The Sofa with Rouge @ GIBLDN25
20:00||Season 1, Ep. 1The inaugural #GIBLDN25 Gibraltar London Business Conference was held on 21st October 2025 at the prestigious Oxo Tower Brasserie, bringing together key voices from Gibraltar’s business and creative sectors. This landmark event offered Gibraltarian podcasters a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and spotlight the vibrant diversity of our business community.I was proud to represent "On the Sofa with Rouge" and host a special edition of the podcast "Where Lifestyle Meets Business", featuring in-depth interviews with two prominent entrepreneurs: Mike Balfour, founder of the Infinity Group, and Mike Nicholls, CEO of Chestertons Gibraltar. Our conversation explored the many advantages of doing business in Gibraltar, enriched by personal stories and insights that reflect their long-standing contributions to the local economy.The event was a tremendous success, with enthusiastic feedback highlighting the podcast’s impact and reinforcing Gibraltar’s reputation as a dynamic place to live and do business. It was a true honour to be part of this initiative.Special thanks to Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar, especially The Hon. Minister for Business, Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez MP, and Mr. John Paul Fa, CEO for Business and the Office of Fair Trading, for their vision and support in making GIBLDN25 a reality.
4. On The Menu - Edinburgh Arms Gastro Bar
31:49||Season 5, Ep. 4The Edinburgh Arms brings a burst of flavour and passion to Gibraltar’s South District! A beloved local pub with years of history, has now been transformed into Ian Estella’s culinary dream — a vibrant gastro haven where classic dishes meet creative twists and bold fusions.Inspired by his grandmother and mother, Ian and his partner Head Chef Luisa serve up a unique dining experience designed to tantalize your taste buds. From signature rice creations and Catalan-inspired favourites to hearty meats and fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone — and yes, everything is completely gluten-free, even the home made desserts!Ian and Luisa’s love for food and hosting shines through every plate, every smile, and every conversation. Come experience the energy, the passion, and the flavour — and join the chat “On the Menu with Rouge.”
2. Conservationist Veta Wade
14:56||Season 1, Ep. 2In this episode, we chat with Veta Wade, Founder and Director of Fish N’ Fins, an NGO on the island of Monserrat in the Caribbean, empowering youth through marine education and turtle conservation. Veta is on a mission to inspire the next generation to protect our oceans, one turtle at a time!Through hands-on learning and global collaborations, like with the Nautilus Project, Veta is building a community of passionate conservationists across borders. Get ready for a powerful conversation on marine science, youth engagement, and how we can all make a difference. This episode is proudly sponsored by the Nautilus Project.
3. On The Menu - With Gastro Rob, Rob Lomax & Davina Barbara
49:00||Season 5, Ep. 3Food, friends, and a whole lot of flavour! Recording a podcast with your mates is always a blast — but when the convo’s all about food, things really start cooking! From diving into what makes Gibraltar cuisine unique, to swapping stories about our grandmas’ legendary recipes, to figuring out how to snap that perfect Insta-worthy food shot 🍴📸 — it’s all on the table.Join Dav & Rob on the Menu with Rouge for a mouth-watering Episode 3 that’s equal parts chat, laughs, and deliciousness.This episode is proudly sponsored by Holland & Barrett Gibraltar.
2. On The Menu - El Kasbah
37:07||Season 5, Ep. 2Tucked away up La Calle Comedia or Castle Street, Rouge sits down with Lauren, the passionate powerhouse behind El Kasbah. From taking over the reins to transforming the menu into a vibrant explosion of colour, creativity, and bold flavours—Lauren’s journey is as inspiring as the dishes she serves.Think Middle Eastern fusion, fresh local ingredients, and unforgettable Moroccan desserts that’ll have your taste buds dancing. With something for every palate, El Kasbah is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience and Lauren’s dream brought deliciously to life.Tune in to this flavour-packed episode of On the Menu with Rouge and discover how Lauren is spicing up the food scene in the old town.Proudly sponsored by El Kasbah.
1. Mentors: Alex Sanchez Soiza & Mikey Rugeroni
11:14||Season 1, Ep. 1This is the Nautilus Project Podcast.Here in Gibraltar, at the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, we’re proud to keep exploring, learning, and protecting the marine world that connects us all.Today’s episode features Alex Sanchez Soiza & Mikey Rugeroni 2 students currently studying Marine Biology and Geography respectively. They give an insight into what their role is within this NGO and how they are helping to change minds and gather momentum to help raise awareness about our fragile marine environment in Gibraltar through the Nautilus Project.If you enjoyed today’s conversation, be sure to subscribe, share the podcast, and leave us a review—it really helps more ocean-minded people find us. You can also follow our work, from citizen-science initiatives to seagrass restoration, by visiting our website or connecting with us on social media.This podcast is sponsored by The Nautilus Project
1. On The Menu - Curry & Sushi & Fern’s Restaurant
49:51||Season 5, Ep. 1Step into the kitchens of two family-run restaurants whose flavors tell a story of love, resilience, and community. Welcomed into our community with open arms, these culinary dreamers have become local legends—not just for their handcrafted spice blends and unforgettable dishes, but for the way they treat every customer like family.Their journey is steeped in passion and perseverance, a pursuit of a better future built on hard work and heart. From humble beginnings to beloved neighborhood staples, they’ve poured their soul into every plate. They invite you to taste that journey, On the Menu with Rouge—one dish, one story, one spice at a time.With thanks to the Fernandes family for sponsoring this first episode in the series.