Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy

Episode: La última y nos vamos | Sergio Castro vs Pascual Donate
Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló (SER Podcast)
Notable Guests: Sergio Castro, Pascual Donate, [Female Participant/co-host], David Trueba

Episode Overview

This episode blends playful rivalry and deeper conversation. Central to the show is the build-up to a friendly badminton match between Sergio Castro and Pascual Donate, explored with humor and camaraderie. The latter part features a thoughtful interview with writer and filmmaker David Trueba, delving into the challenges of adapting literature to cinema. The episode encapsulates Hoy por Hoy’s trademark blend of light-hearted discussion and cultural insight.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Badminton Showdown: Sergio Castro vs Pascual Donate

Theme: Friendly Office Rivalry and the Spirit of Competition

• [00:44–03:28]
  The team stirs excitement about an upcoming badminton match between Sergio Castro (“el local” and supposed favorite) and Pascual Donate.
  • Betting talk humorously frames the showdown:
    • Sergio Castro: “Por eso las casas de apuestas están 51 % a favor mío.” [01:29]
  • Playful banter about home advantage vs. actual training:
    • Pascual Donate: “Porque tú juegas en él juega en casa. Tú llegas entrenado.” [01:32]
  • The group reminisces about playing badminton with improvised equipment:
    • Sergio Castro: “...a veces cojo incluso la raqueta de ping pong y jugamos con eso.” [01:51]
  • Mock-serious rules review and escalation around competitive spirit.
  • Poking fun at potential for drama or injury:
    • Sergio Castro: “...veo más factible que alguno termine tirándole la raqueta al otro.” [03:02]
  • Anecdotes about attitudes towards losing:
    • Female Participant: “Me han dicho eso, pero para eso tengo que perder.” [03:12]
    • Sergio Castro: “Claro. Sergio, sepas que no hay enemigo pequeño.” [03:14]
  • Agreement that “sea como sea, va a acabar mal esto” — a running joke that highlights the friendly rivalry’s stakes. [03:21–03:23]

2. Literary Adaptation: Conversation with David Trueba

Theme: Transforming Novels to Screenplays

• [03:44–04:49]
  Àngels Barceló introduces David Trueba, who shares insights on adapting his novel for the new film “Siempre es invierno,” premiering soon.
  • Trueba reflects on adaptation’s challenges:
    • David Trueba: “La novela siempre va a estar en un estante, en una biblioteca pública en tu casa y la vas a poder leer. Lo que ha propuesto el director... es algo que vuele autónomamente como película...” [04:05]
    • On the creative independence required in film:
      • David Trueba: “Yo muchas veces lo que detecto es una especie de director de rodillas y de rodillas no te sale una película bien, con ese respeto reverencial.”
    • Memorable metaphor:
      • David Trueba: “Es como si te enamoras de una estatua griega, o sea, dices sí, sí, está muy bien, es bellísima, pero cada vez que la vas a besar te rompes un diente.” [04:05–04:49]
  • This segment offers a nuanced look at how artistic works change between mediums and why adaptation is both risky and rewarding.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Competition:

  • Sergio Castro (joking on odds): “Por eso las casas de apuestas están 51 % a favor mío.” [01:29]
  • Sergio Castro: “Yo esto he jugado con mis sobrinos al pueblo.” [01:46]

• On Adaptation:

  • David Trueba (on reverence vs. creativity):
    “...lo que detecto es una especie de director de rodillas y de rodillas no te sale una película bien...” [04:25]
  • David Trueba (on the perils of idolizing the source):
    “Es como si te enamoras de una estatua griega... pero cada vez que la vas a besar te rompes un diente.” [04:41]

Important Timestamps

• 00:44 – Start of badminton match buildup: odds, training, and rivalry banter.
• 01:51 – Improvised village badminton stories.
• 03:02 – Concerns about injury (or drama) in friendly rivalry.
• 03:44 – Segue to interview with David Trueba.
• 04:05–04:49 – Trueba’s reflections on adapting a novel for film and maintaining creative freedom.

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is lively and humorous, with plenty of good-natured teasing between participants. The badminton segment exudes friendly competitiveness, while the literary discussion brings a tone of thoughtful reflection. Throughout, Àngels Barceló and the team keep the mood accessible, warm, and engaging.

Summary

This Hoy por Hoy episode offers both laughter and insight. The engaging setup for the Sergio Castro vs. Pascual Donate badminton match provides a window into the program’s dynamic team spirit, while David Trueba’s interview delivers substantial artistic reflection on novels and cinema. Listeners enjoy both entertainment and food for thought, true to the show’s mission of keeping audiences informed and intellectually engaged.