The European Soapbox: Recent Episodes
European Soapbox
Giving an insight into the ins and outs of European life. Formally looking at the politics, economics, and culture of Europe. Informally documenting the life and experience of two UNC students.
As our final episode of the year, we wanted to sum up all of what we have discussed and discuss its present significance: what is the transatlantic relationship?
Today we talk about what's next: now that the school year is over, we discuss what our post-graduate plans are and what is next for the European Soapbox :)
What do you think you need to know how to do to be a successful student? Successful person? To be able to survive in the wilderness? In this episode, we talk about some of the life skills we feel are important to have, some that may be cool to show off, and those that are very necessary as upcoming professioinals.
Democracy is an incredibly old concept that has been widely accepted as the marker for political stability. However, the history of challenges to democracy run just as deeply and are still present today. What does Democratic Backsliding mean? What are some indicators of this phenomenon? And what can. be done about it?
What does it mean to be a Tar Heel. With Cassandra and Tim graduating what did their time at UNC means to them.
Cassandra and Tim discuss the political theories post functionalism and intergovernmentalism. Where do they fit into modern political theory and what are there aims.
Cassandra and Tim talk about UNC’s incredible March madness run. They share a few heartfelt messages and what it meant to them in their senior year. Go Heels!
What is functionalism? Tim and Cassandra unpack what is functionalism and why it is important.
Cassandra and Tim announce their exciting new plans….GRAD school! What is the TAM program and why is it the fit for Tim and Cassandra?
Do local representatives do anything? Does the federal government control everything? In this episode, we go over how our government is structured and how responsibilities are distributed across different levels of government.
Cassandra and Tim recap their spring breaks! Guess where they did and what their highlights where!
On an international scale, the last few weeks have been absolutely hectic. In this episode, we go back in time to talk about the Cold War and relate it to what is going on between Russia and Ukraine today. It is evident that Geopolitics is at the root of this conflict - hear us out, and listen to our thoughts about the present tensions of this war.
Chapel Hill's iconic Franklin street is home to a TON of restaurants - find out which ones we feel are worth the hype and which ones we feel you could probably pass.
Does every country have a president? Does every country have a prime minister? What does the Queen do? Each European country has a unique government system - listen and find out what some of those most popular systems are!
Learn how Tim and Cassandra plan trips! With spring break and big plans coming up we wanted to share if we are spontaneous or extra planned.
Comparing political parties: could be a bit difficult depending on the criteria you choose to evaluate them on. Luckily for us, there is an existing system that can help us - the GAL TAN scale. Take a look at how monumental this discovery is, and how to properly use it!
Math is red, history is yellow, language is blue, science is green - right? Just like every subject has a different colored notebook, studying for each class looks a little different. Take a look into how we study - sound similar to yours?
In political science, freezing is a way to explain and understand how and why our political parties have gained their constituents. A bit nuanced, but we try to break it down as simply as possible! In addition, freezing is also the transition phase where liquid becomes solid, but that's for another podcast.
Why is the Turkish diaspora in Germany so interesting? Why was I so compelled to write a thesis centered around this population? Take a deep dive into what I am so interested in!
Ever heard of the yips? It's incredibly frustrating, let me tell you. In this episode Cassandra talks about what's going on in her weightlifting life and Tim gives a bit of his friendly advice - make things fun.
In a change of pace let Tim give you a quick introduction into behavioral economics. Tim reviews two of his favorite books pulling funny examples as he lays the framework of Behavioral economics.
In one way or another, you are hours away from staring death in the face. You get one last meal, as elaborate or simple as you want - what are you getting? Take a look into what our last meals would be and at the same time, get an insight into how different we are!
What's cleavage theory? If you ask us, it is an incredibly useful way to predict voting behavior of various blocs of people, of course! This is an especially difficult topic to fathom, so in this episode we try to break it all down!
With the start of the semester comes a variety of pressures that keep our stress levels high. Today we talk about some of the things we do to help reduce the negative stress and take control of the rest of the semester.
Tim and Cassandra discuss what the modern day EU looks like. How have the Euro crisis, migrant crisis, and brexit impacted Europe? What current events challenge Europe today? Listen and learn something...
On this episode, Cass talks about what her semester looks like and what is going on in her life. In addition, as it is her last semester at UNC, she takes a look at all of the eventful things that took place at UNC - a water crisis? Hurricane? Protest? Crazy and memorable 4 years.
Today we discuss Brexit! The challenges this poses to EU and what this means for Britain. Join und us learn about the contentious challenge to the EU.
Join Tim as he tells you about what he has planned for this semester. What is giving him anxiety? What are his goal? His hopes? And so much more.
The years 2015 - 2017 in Europe is characterized, in part, by the introduction of thousands of refugees and migrants. What happened? Who settled where? What have been the effects of the migration crisis?
Is buying a house on your bucket list? Does that even count as something on your bucket list? Let's hear about what qualifies as bucket-list-able as well as some of Cass and Tim's bucket lists!!
2008 - the year of the most devastating financial crisis since the Great Depression. How was Western Europe affected? In 20 minutes, we summarize some of the biggest takeaways from the 2008 recession.
Tim and Cassandra share their experiences with registering for course. What do they look for? What are some of our red flag about professors? Tune in and find out!
The EU is an incredibly powerful economic entity - it makes sense that it would have a defense community , right? Well, let’s delve into why their first efforts at an organized defense community failed.
Cassandra and Tim talk about their Christmas habits. What are important traditions for them? Fitting for the 1st of December!
Bigger is better, right? A larger country and growing economy is great, right? Yes, but sometimes too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing. Learn about the pros and cons to scale, and what makes Europe's integrated markets a real game of balancing the scale!
Cassandra and Tim discuss their graduate school hopes and dreams. Giving insight into the application process.
The concept of multilevel governance is crucial to understanding the vertical and horizontal distribution of power. Who is responsible for what is incredibly important when it comes to managing millions of people!
We discuss our snacking habits! Are we savory, salty, or sweet people? If we had to choose one snack for the rest of our lives and so much more...
Game theory is one of the foundational concepts that can help break down the decision-making process for international relations. We try to break this down as much as we can to help you weigh the solutions to such problems.
Today we try and understand Tim's passion for NBA Basketball. How does it differ from college basketball. And Tim makes some bold predictions.
1989 is significant in areas: Musically, it's an incredibly popular album by Taylor Swift. Historically, it marked an end to Germany's split in two, and the start of a truly unified Europe. We'll focus on the latter.
Are you outdoorsy? Do you prefer mountain views or waterfall destinations? Listen to our conversation talking about our experiences and NC hike locations!
I can make cheese, but you're better at making cheese than I. I can make bread, and you don't know how -- can you make me cheese and I'll make you bread?
Are you scared of the immortal snail? Or is that too abstract? Maybe sharks or heights? Listen as we talk about our own phobias, and then venture into the possibility of apocalypses!
What is the Commission of the European Union? On todays episode we discuss the ins and outs of the EU commison. Where they come from? What they do? And so much more
Today we interview Brett Harris, an alumni of UNC and now grad student at TAM. Today we ask him all about his honors thesis to try to ease Cassandra in her writing process!
Confused about how the Council of the EU and European Council differ? So was I until this episode! Come learn some of the Council's biggest responsibilities!
School, COVID, friends, and trying to figure out the future. It's all super stressful. See how we're doing and maybe some ways to help yourself!
Let's get into the top tiers of the EU government system - what is Parliament? What are its functions? Why are they important??
Cass plays rugby! Tim plays basketball! Maybe they'll form a soccer team? Learn about some of the club and intramural sports offered at UNC!
Cyprus, a country in the Middle East, is in the EU - how? What does it take to become part of the EU? What states could be next?
Come reminisce with us as we talk about what some of our favorite childhood movies! Great time to prep for cold winter nights where all you want to do is snack and watch:)
We know what the Euro is, but where can we use it? Can I go to those countries without having to pull out my passport? Find out what the Eurozone and Schengen area are to help plan your next trip!
Now that Summer is at its end, learn about some of the things we enjoy In the Fall in North Carolina!
What is the Euro? How does it relate to the European Monetary Union? Does everyone in Europe use the Euro?
Post-birthday thoughts for the two of us, plus some of the wonderful traditions UNC students (normally) get to experience each year!
The European Economic Community - the little brother to the ECSC? Find out how the two differ, and what important responsibilities the EEC has!
Your degree can only broaden your opportunities - find out what sort of things we can do with our degrees (and yours), and get an insight to what we hope to study in grad school and beyond :)
The European Coal and Steel Community is one of the first institutions within the EU, and the foundation for economic cooperation. What is it? Why is it important? How did it come about?
Balance in college is hard - find out what we do to stay sane, and remember you’re not alone during COVID/Delta!
What is the EU? In this episode we talk about the history of the EU, creating a timeline that outlines the development of key institutions in modern Europe.
An introduction into who we are and what we're all about - get to know the hosts, Tim and Cassandra on the first installment of the European Soapbox!