Daria Gavrilova: “I speak the language that unites — rather than divides”

Daria has lived in Barcelona for over ten years and hosts her YouTube podcast — but not in Russian, as one might expect. The Russian-speaking audience in Spain is too small, and she didn't learn the language just for them. Catalan wasn't her choice either: most of her guests are expats just beginning to navigate the city. Spanish remains the only language where both worlds — local and migrant — can truly meet.
Daria observes two parallel realities in Barcelona: Catalans with their habits, holidays, and cultural code — and a massive community of people born far from Spain. Through her podcast, she invites activists, comedians, and individuals deeply rooted in Catalan culture, alongside those who have lived here for decades while retaining their foreign accents. Through their stories, she shows that migrants are not temporary guests, but fellow citizens.

Daria draws a clear line between the terms "migrant" and "expat," rooted in her own journey. When she arrived on a student visa, she had no right to work. It took four and a half years to obtain a permit, including a rejection and appeals. This period instilled a sense that a job must be held onto at all costs — even when the right to choose finally appeared.
The contrast became stark when her British partner received the same documents in less than a week. It is these systemic differences, Daria says, that define some as "expats" and others as "migrants." While the term "expat" has softened and broadened, the social reality remains distinct.

Daria initially believed she could promote her podcast as creators do in the US or UK: by paying a small fee for ads with other creators. However, the Spanish market is structured differently. As soon as a podcast gains traction, it is often snatched up by large production houses like Podimo or Radio Primavera Sound. For independent creators, the door is often closed unless backed by a major brand.
Instead of expected freedom, she found a tight system where successful projects quickly become part of corporate structures. Against this backdrop, her podcast gained new value: its independence allows her to work directly and authentically with partners. This openness is rare in Spain, and Daria is betting on it while growing her audience organically.