Shows
Mark Nolan's PodcastNew Spanish Driving Tests, UK Senior Licence Changes, and the Fight Against 'Ghost Plates'This week on the N332 Driving in Spain podcast, we dive into major developments impacting drivers across Spain and the UK.Mark Nolan covers the DGT's significant revamp of the Spanish driving theory test, which now incorporates new road signs and plans for video-based questions to better test real-world judgement.We also look at the UK Government’s introduction of a new mandatory digital renewal process for driving licences for those aged 70 and over.In crime and enforcement news, Spain is imposing tougher penalties—up to a six-point deduction—for mobile phone use at the whee...
2025-11-0212 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastJane Mansfield’s Legacy on the Road: How a Hollywood Tragedy Saved LivesJane Mansfield’s untimely death in 1967 was one of Hollywood’s darkest moments. Yet her legacy endures in a surprising way: through a life-saving feature on lorries and trucks seen every day across the UK and Spain. The post Jane Mansfield’s Legacy on the Road: How a Hollywood Tragedy Saved Lives first appeared on Mad Black Cat.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-10-0304 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastHow Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?How many ZX Spectrums would it take to draw a cat? Millions. A ZX81? Forget it, you’d still be waiting. This episode puts AI image generation into context, comparing today’s technology with the computers many of us grew up with — a fun reminder of how far we’ve come.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-10-0102 minMark Nolan's PodcastHow Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat?An AI image of two cats took 30 seconds to generate. On a ZX Spectrum it would have taken millions of machines working together, and on a ZX81… well, you’d still be waiting. A light-hearted look at how far computers have come in just a few decades. The post How Many ZX Spectrums Does It Take to Draw a Cat? first appeared on Mad Black Cat.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-10-0102 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastOctober Social Media Content Planner for BusinessesA lively social media planner for October, prioritising Spain, the UK and Europe. Creative Instagram-first ideas include Halloween fun, cosy autumn themes, and a nod to World Food Day, with a featured ODC and Lanson image concept and a ready-to-use radio script.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-2902 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastYou Can Swear at ChatGPT As Much As You Want…A light-hearted look at why you can swear at ChatGPT all you want — and why it never swears back. We explore how AI interprets swearing as playful, emphatic, or hostile, and what that says about human frustration with technology.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-2901 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead: 29 September to 5 October 2025From Spain’s legislative push to Labour’s final conference speeches, and from the European Political Community Summit to global cultural launches, the week of 29 September to 5 October is rich with major events affecting many people.With Taylor Swift’s album release, the Ryder Cup’s close, and international summits, it is a week defined by major global developments.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-2803 min
N332 Driving in SpainEES Border Rollout, School Bus Checks, and The 50% Vulnerable User Shock | N332 Driving in Spain PodcastThis week on the N332 Driving in Spain Podcast, Mark Nolan delivers urgent safety information and traffic alerts as Spain heads into autumn. We dissect the DGT’s latest, worrying statistics showing that vulnerable road users now account for half of all road fatalities, underscoring the vital need to eliminate distraction, alcohol, and speed. A critical warning is issued regarding the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), scheduled for a phased rollout starting October 12th, which is set to fundamentally change how non-EU citizens cross the border, with potential for significant travel delays.We a...
2025-09-2807 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastEES Border Rollout, School Bus Checks, and The 50% Vulnerable User Shock | N332 Driving in Spain PodcastThis week on the N332 Driving in Spain Podcast, Mark Nolan delivers urgent safety information and traffic alerts as Spain heads into autumn. We dissect the DGT’s latest, worrying statistics showing that vulnerable road users now account for half of all road fatalities, underscoring the vital need to eliminate distraction, alcohol, and speed.A critical warning is issued regarding the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES), scheduled for a phased rollout starting October 12th, which is set to fundamentally change how non-EU citizens cross the border, with potential for significant travel delays.We also detail the...
2025-09-2807 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastVans, Cyclists, and School in the Spotlight - The N332 Driving in Spain PodcastThis week we bring you urgent lessons from tragedies and policy changes across Europe, combined with fresh initiatives here in Spain. Our September focus continues: school run safety, cycling protection, and safer mobility for all.Our main articles on N332.es this week focus on essential topics for autumn: a detailed guide to road safety near schools, a stark reminder that the only safe limit for alcohol and driving in Spain is zero, and vital tips for staying visible as the days get shorter.Plus, we'll take a trip back in time to this week in...
2025-09-2108 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead: 22 to 28 September 2025The week of 22 to 28 September delivers major events affecting many people: Spain’s political return, the UK’s conferences and inquiries, and Europe’s policy signals, all set against a crowded UN General Assembly.From the Ryder Cup to the Labour conference protests, and Barcelona’s potential Camp Nou reopening, the week embodies the weight of major global developments.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-2102 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastTikTok Trends: Paloma Blanca Dance, Trainspotting Sounds and AutumnCozy RoutinesThis week on TikTok Trends: a quirky new Paloma Blanca dance takes off with stiff synchronised moves, while nostalgia re-emerges through Trainspotting’s Born Slippy and the Choose Life monologue.AutumnCozy routines, retro 2000s vibes, and soft fitness trends rise, as The Chair challenge fades. All the new, rising and fading trends—explained.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-2101 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe EU Data Act: What It ACTUALLY Means for Small BusinessesFrom 12 September 2025, the EU Data Act became law across all EU countries, including Spain. It is a big new framework for how companies handle data from connected products and cloud services. For large tech firms it means major change, but what about the smallest businesses—like a café with a website, or a local service provider with a Facebook page and a list of customer contacts?For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-1901 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastWhy Facebook Organic Reach is Weaker Than You ThinkIn this episode, we bust the myth of Facebook’s organic reach for small businesses in Spain.Many cafés, bars, and local services believe that posting on their Page will reach all their followers. In reality, organic reach is down to one to three percent — meaning most posts are never seen.Using the example of a Costa Blanca café, we show how only a handful of followers may ever notice a post, while a small paid boost can reach thousands of local English-speakers.Essential listening for any business owner still relying on Facebook as the...
2025-09-1503 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastOur Story, Your Health: 25 Years of Medical Innovation at Quirónsalud Torrevieja HospitalTo celebrate 25 years of excellence, Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital has unveiled a commemorative mural tracing its most important milestones.From pioneering cancer treatments and robotic surgery to embracing artificial intelligence in healthcare, the hospital has consistently led the way in medical innovation.In this episode, we take a closer look at the anniversary celebrations, the stories behind the breakthroughs, and the ambitious plans for the future.Read the full story at MadBlackCat.comFor more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-1502 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead: 15 to 21 September 2025The week of 15 to 21 September brings high politics, economic decisions and public demonstrations. Spain resumes its full autumn agenda, the UK hosts a Trump state visit amid crucial data releases, Europe braces for strikes, and global courtrooms deliver historic rulings.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-1402 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastMore on the School Run Safety from N332In this week's episode, we put the spotlight on the school run, delving into the rules and responsibilities for all road users. We cover essential safety tips for parents and children who walk or cycle to school, including the legal requirements for helmets and lights, and the importance of visibility. We also provide clear guidance for drivers on how to interact safely with vulnerable road users, such as the 1.5-metre overtaking rule for cyclists and the need to slow down near schools. We break down common misconceptions about pedestrian priority under Spanish law and remind everyone that road safety is...
2025-09-1407 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastGood News for Earth, Environmental Education, and Beyond - The News You May Have MissedFrom record‑clean electricity in Britain to Spain’s surge in travellers and classroom resilience lessons, it has been a week of practical progress. Here are the stories worth your time.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-1402 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastRegulatory scrutiny testing boundaries of trust in advertising and streaming services continue to accelerate their business modelsThis week on Advertising Trends Weekly: Spain’s streaming shift as Netflix removes its ad‑free Basic plan; the UK’s ASA faces criticism over claims about its regulatory reach; and ad‑tiers continue to surge across Western Europe. Mark Nolan explores what these changes mean for viewers, brands and regulation.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-09-1302 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead - 8 September 2025The week ahead in the news from the UK and Spain, plus driving in Spain, and the road traffic forecast.A busy early-autumn agenda led by Spain, with corporate results and a grand-tour finale, while the UK weighs key debates and data, Europe focuses on policy signals, and the rest of the world delivers headline political and cultural moments.This week marks a significant shift in Spain's road traffic dynamics as the "back-to-school" period begins. Expect increased congestion on urban and commuter routes, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours. This week's driving weather a...
2025-09-0714 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastWildfire Driving Safety, The Rebound Effect, and SEAT's AnniversaryIn this week's N332 Driving in Spain Podcast, we dive into the latest road safety news and traffic updates from Spain and the UK, including the DGT's "Special August Operations" and a Bank Holiday traffic warning in the UK.Our main features include crucial advice on what to do if you are caught in a wildfire while driving, an explanation of the dangerous "rebound effect" of stimulants like coffee on long journeys, and a simple guide to essential summer car fluid checks you can do yourself.We also take a look back in motoring history to...
2025-08-2408 min
N332 Driving in SpainWhat to do in a wildfire, summer care care, coff, and the latest from around Europe!This week on the N332 Driving in Spain Podcast, Mark Nolan looks at three essential topics from Spain: how to keep your car in top shape during the summer heat, why relying on coffee to fight fatigue can be dangerous, and what to do if you are caught driving near a wildfire. Plus, we explore Europe’s latest road safety headlines, including sweeping new driving laws in the UK, a major airbag recall affecting Citroën drivers, and the EU’s stand on keeping vehicle safety standards high in trade talks.
2025-08-2408 minMark Nolan's PodcastAdvertising Trends Watch - From Thin Models to TV Ad Sales DeclineThis week on Advertising Trends Weekly: UK regulators clamp down on thin-model imagery and ban a Sanex ad over racial stereotyping. Spain proposes a bold ban on fossil-fuel advertising, while traditional television struggles and digital ad spend soars. A two-minute snapshot of the headlines reshaping advertising in the UK and Spain.For more like this, visit MadBlackCat.comFor more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-08-2301 minMark Nolan's PodcastTikTok and Instagram Trends – Late August 2025This fortnight’s trends highlight the continued evolution of short-form content. TikTok thrives on movement, storytelling, and confessions, while Instagram leans into humour, drama, and fashion-forward reveals.Dance routines and transformation edits remain as popular as ever, but there’s also a noticeable move towards storytelling, comedy, and even a bit of nostalgia. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new, what’s on the rise, and what might be fading.For creators and brands, the lesson is clear: be authentic, give audiences a simple format they can copy, and don’t be afraid to laugh at...
2025-08-2203 minMark Nolan's PodcastA Cycle Race and Busy Roads - The Week AheadLate summer warms up with Spain’s Vuelta start, Málaga’s street fair, and rising travel alerts.Across Europe, diplomats, festivals, and economic indicators keep communities alert—and connected. I also have the driving weather and road forecast from N332.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-08-1706 minMark Nolan's PodcastCourts, Sports, and Goth Humour! It;s The Week Ahead in News and Entertainment in the UK and Spain!Inb the news for the week of 11 to 17 August, we will see major court rulings, key economic updates, and international sports fixtures across Spain, the UK, and Europe.With Spain marking Assumption Day on Friday as a national holiday, the week closes on a positive note with cultural celebrations such as Málaga’s August Fair bringing colour and energy to the height of summer.From the world of entertainment, this week sees the continuation of the triumphant return of Wednesday: Season 2 (Part 1) on Netflix, gripping new political drama in Hostage, and favoured UK series like Ann...
2025-08-1005 minMark Nolan's PodcastThis Week on Mark Nolan’s Podcast: What to Watch, Where to Drive, and How to Stay Safe - The Week Ahead - 04 Aug 2025From summer storms and travel chaos to international road safety updates and what’s happening this week across the UK and Spain, Mark Nolan delivers a fast-paced podcast packed with useful insight, helpful advice, and breaking news.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-08-0313 minMark Nolan's PodcastListen to the Latest in Road Safety from Around the World - Week ending 01 August 2025This week’s road safety podcast covers some of the best recent developments in global projects — from a VR-powered traffic park in India to reduced crash rates in Texas and Glasgow’s expanding 20 mph zones. Then, we head over to Spain to look at what’s been featured on the N332 website: why giving way to pedestrians is more than just a zebra crossing rule, how to spot tyre trouble before summer trips, and what to do if you see a dog locked in a hot car.Plus, we mention a new free service from N332 delivering...
2025-08-0104 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe big reveal - This was the secret!Today, I reveal the secret I couldn´t tell you last time, about what exactly was in the envelope from Amazon. It is something we have been asked for, and now it is a reality, with much more to come!For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-06-2413 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastSummer projects from N332Here is a brief explanation of some of the projects we are developing this summer as part of the N332 Road Safety Campaign.There is also an accompanying video on the website, and YouTube.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-06-1714 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastSpain Traffic Update - 09 April 2025SPEED is the focus of attention by the traffic police all this week, with the Guardia Civil, assisted by colleagues in the Local and Regional Police in places, monitoring for excessive and inappropriate speed more closely.Some schools in the UK have already finished for Easter, and so tourists are arriving in many places in preparation for the celebrations.You can read the full details on the N332 website, n332.es.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-04-0901 minMark Nolan's PodcastSpain Travel Update - From 28 March 2025The weekends will still be busy on the roads of Spain, with traffic heading towards the coast initially, then back inland at the end of the weekend. This weekend also sees the clocks put forward, which can have an impact on driving and road safety.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-03-2803 minMark Nolan's PodcastTraffic Update for Spain from Friday 14 March 2025A holiday weekend for some, with celebrations around St Patrick´s Day which is on Monday, and Father´s Day in Spain on Wednesday, the roads of Spain might be a little busier than usual.We also have the flight update for Spain, the UK and Europe for Friday 14 March 2025.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-03-1404 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastIt's Seat Belt WeekAll this week, as part of a European Traffic Police initiative, the Guardia Civil in Spain will be checking on seat belt use in vehicles.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2025-03-1103 minMark Nolan's PodcastN332 Traffic Update - From Sunday 8 December 2024This is the N332 Traffic Update for week commencing Sunday 8 December 2024. We are just coming out of the first holiday period of the season, with Constitution Day celebrated on Friday and the religious holiday of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, which means the roads will still be particularly busy in places like shopping and leisure facilities, and towns and cities where holidays are celebrated.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2024-12-0807 minMark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead - 30 September 2024It is one of those key weeks this week when we start a new quarter, so lots of financial bodies are preparing with brand new spreadsheets.In the business sector, the results of Solaria and Tesco will stand out, along with Nike, among others.As will the payment of dividends by Banco Sabadell and Ebro Foods.We will break down what is happening in Spain, Europe, the UK and beyond each day this week, as well as what is happening on the roads, as this is The Week Ahead, brought to you by SpanishVida...
2024-09-2914 minMark Nolan's PodcastN332 Traffic Update - Driving in SpainUpdated weekly, on a Sunday, this is the latest N332 Traffic Update for driving in Spain, with information on the planned situation on the roads for the week ahead, and any campaigns that are currently running that might require extra attention, as well as what we have got planned on the N332 website with articles related to driving in Spain and Spanish Traffic Law.For the latest updates, visit the n332.es website.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2024-09-2903 minMark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead - 23 September 2024It’s an important week for the tourism sector in Spain as hotel occupancy figures are published ahead of World Tourism Day, and a big week for Keir Starmer in the UK as he delivers his conference speech before jetting off to the United Nations where the UN General Assembly’s General Debate is set to take place.This is The Week Ahead, back after the summer break, in Spain, the UK, and some parts of the world.Visit marknolanspodcast.com for more details.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2024-09-2210 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead - 3 June 2024Could This Week be Decisive of Divisive for Europe? This is The Week Ahead. As we build up the last leg of the run up to the European Elections, there will be a lot of focus on the candidates this week. There are also elections this week in Belgium, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Hungary.I suppose, on the subject of elections, we cannon not mention the televised debate in the UK this week, although it will no doubt just end up like two pigeons showing their chests rather than actually proposing solutions.For more updates, vi...
2024-06-0208 minMark Nolan's PodcastThe Week Ahead - 27 May 2024We have arrived at the last week of May, before we embark on June at the weekend, a month that sees schools in Spain close for the summer, and one of the biggest celebrations across the Valencia region, which also means another Monday off for many, San Juan.We will talk more about that next week, for now we will return to The Week Ahead. It is largely a quiet week for business, as it’s the end of the month, with little in the way of results or references, but there’s still a bit to keep us o...
2024-05-2609 min
Mark Nolan's PodcastTravel Update - Tuesday 21 May 2024There could be #delays to flights between the UK and Spain this week, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be particularly affected.Military exercises including live missile firing over the Bay of Biscay, industrial action, and other activities all coming together to cause potential flight delays.For more updates, visit Mark Nolan's Podcast!
2024-05-2102 min