Europe Talks Back: Recent Episodes
Alexander Damiano Ricci
Europe Talks Back shines a light on the lesser-known, but equally as influential events going on around Europe. Major news often goes unreported in mainstream media or key details are shadowed by the headlines. Europe Talks Back restores the balance in reporting, discussing what other news sources may have missed. Not only will host and journalist Alexander Damiano Ricci speak with expert guests each episode, he will also invite citizens of all European countries to join the podcast and share their thoughts on the important topics. Starting on July 28, a new Europe Talks Back conversation will drop every Thursday.
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In this episode we'll be commenting on the results of the EU elections and try to make sense of the results and what this could mean for our future and rights. We'll speak with Quentin Aries, a journalist based in Brussels and the editor of Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
Tune into episode 11 now!
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In this episode, we delve into the crucial role that the EU elections could have in combating racism across Europe. We'll be speaking with two inspiring young activists, Ebu and Zaineb, who bring diverse experiences as women of colour living in different parts of Europe. They'll share their insights on institutional racism, the importance of voting, and the power of youth activism in driving change.
Tune into episode 11 now!
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In this episode we’ll be speaking with 2 experts from the human rights space to unpack what we mean by our digital rights, how they are being protected or violated and who gets to decide what technology is needed for or against whom. Kahina Rabahi representing the European Anti-Poverty Network and Bibbi Abruzzini representing Forus, a global network of civil society organisations — will help us uncover how digitalisation impacts essential services and civic space.
Tune into episode 10 now!
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This episode uncovers the real threat trans- and non-binary persons face, often due to the actions of far-right groups and a climate of hate which can also be traced back to political discourses. We hear from Patricia Reguero, a Spanish journalist from El Salto, and her Greek colleague, Anastasia Vaitsopoulou, who work for the media outlet Propaganda.
Tune into episode 9 now!
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In this episode, we delve into what unites far-right groups in Europe and how they have been capitalising on cultural tools like social media and aesthetics to particularly target and successfully recruit young men and women.
We hear from Michael Colborne, a journalist and researcher with Bellingcat, an investigation journalism organisation based in the Netherlands. His work focuses on the far right where he oversees and leads investigations and trains journalists in digital investigative techniques.
Tune into episode 8 now!
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In today’s episode we'll look into the new generation of student, university and worker led protests that are shaping up across Europe, from France to Poland. And we’ll also discuss how this trend relates to a global narrative change around the future of work.
We'll hear from journalists Samuele Maccolini from the Italian outlet VD News and Maciej Domagała, from the Polish outlet Krytyka Polityczna. We met with them in Budapest, during a live show produced by the Sphera Network project to discuss this topic.
This is the first episode of a special series dedicated to themes relevant to the run-up and context of the upcoming European elections.
Tune into episode 7 now!
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In this episode, we’re going to tackle the rapid spread of gentrification. Let’s deconstruct this term and look at the human impact of taking from communities to serve mostly financial interests.
Join our host of Europe Talks Back season 3, Gail Rego as she has a conversation with our guest activists and scholars activists and scholars Jordi González Guzmán and Rita Silva.
Tune into episode 6 now!
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Artificial Intelligence is all the rage and most of us use it every day knowingly whether it's to get music recommendations or unlock our phones. But how far has IA gotten? Do we know when AI is being used and by whom? And most importantly is AI neutral?
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According to the UN, 73% of women worldwide have experienced digital gender-based abuse: non-consensual intimate image-sharing, gender-based slurs or threats, online harassment, and unsolicited pornography. The consequences of this type of abuse go beyond the digital space, posing a threat to victim’s rights, health and safety both online and offline.
Join our host of Europe Talks Back season 3, Gail Rego as she has a conversation with our guest activists and scholars Lilia Giugni and Silvia Semenzin.
Tune into episode 4 now!
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White feminism is a self-proclaimed feminism shaped by the priorities of white, upper-middle-class, cisgender women. It assumes that all women experience misogyny in the same way - but it’s not.” What’s the point of breaking the glass ceiling if other women are left to pick up the pieces?
Join our host of Europe Talks Back season 3, Gail Rego as she has a conversation with our guest French activist, feminist, journalist, filmmaker and writer Rokhaya Diallo. Tune into episode 3 now
This series is produced in partnership with Sphera Network.
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In your opinion, can protesting change anything?
Many protests have been organized in Europe and the UK to denounce the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Despite the worsening of the situation, these mobilizations don’t seem to have a real impact, as the situation on the ground remains catastrophic.
This leads our host Gail Rego to ask whether mobilization makes any difference.
She discusses this with our guests Shabbir Lakha and Blackbird!
Find the new episode on our website and listening platforms.
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What is integration? What does it mean to you and the people who are expected to “integrate” into our societies?
Having been born and raised as a migrant for her whole life, join our new host Gail Rego of Europe Talks Back as she unfolds the harmful and unreasonable expectations placed on people with a migration history and how this term is often used against people who migrate.
Tune in and join our guests Razan Ismail and Hasnain Syed in this episode!
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Join Gail Rego on Season 3 of Europe Talks Back as she speaks with grassroots activists to shed light on the stories that should matter, from gender to sex, digital to migration and everything in between.
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Once the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, people with disabilities suffered tremendously. And amid the panic and chaos that followed the invasion, many were unable to evacuate from their homes. This left people trapped in the crossfire without access to bomb shelters. In the first episode of the second season of Europe Talks Back, host Juli Simond tells the story of Tetyana Herasymova, who is one of the approximately 2.7 million Ukrainians with disabilities. Tanya is one of those who managed to flee. Ever since, she’s been helping fellow Ukrainians with disabilities stuck near the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. As the director of the Ukrainian NGO, Fight for Right, Tanya is committed to championing the needs and rights of disabled individuals, particularly during times of conflict. Drawing from her own experiences as a person with a disability navigating the challenges of war, Tetyana's dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality is unwavering and deeply impactful.
We need to change and nobody will make these changes without us. - Tetyana Herasymova
Key moments00:00:01 - Evacuation,
00:04:21 - Disability during war,
00:09:20 - Advocacy and recovery,
00:14:25 - Inclusion in Ukrainian politics,
00:20:32 - Challenges faced by disabled Ukrainians,
00:21:06 - Conclusion.
Resources* Donate to Fight for Right's GoFundMe campaign to support their work with disabled individuals in Ukraine.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Anna Romandash.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego continues to dig into the investigation by Stefano Valentino published by the pan-European online media, Voxeurop, on how the European car industry has lobbied EU institutions to weaken Euro Seven, the next European Emission Standard.
Over the years, the EU has adopted progressively more stringent regulations on car emissions, but establishing this new standard is proving to be more difficult than in the past.
This story is part of an investigation conducted with Voxeurop and supported by the Journalismfund Europe, the European Excellence Exchange in Journalism (E³J) and Free Press Unlimited.
“If there is no Euro Seven with stringent rules they will keep polluting the air that citizens breathe.” - Stefano Valentino
About the author of the investigation: Stefano Valentino.Key moments00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:00 - Thierry Breton
00:05:15 - Decision 2035
00:08:43 - An unspoken deal
00:10:35 - Another year
00:13:05 - Outro
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer and executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The script was written by Daniele Ruzza and edited by Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host and narrator of this episode is Gail Rego.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Boquet.
The author of the investigation is Stefano Valentino.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego takes us inside the investigation by Stefano Valentino published by the pan-European online media, Voxeurop, on how the European car industry has lobbied EU institutions to weaken Euro Seven, the next European Emission Standard.
Over the years, the EU has adopted progressively more stringent regulations on car emissions, but establishing this new standard is proving to be more difficult than in the past.
This story is part of an investigation conducted with Voxeurop and supported by the Journalismfund Europe, the European Excellence Exchange in Journalism (E³J) and Free Press Unlimited.
“If there is no Euro Seven with stringent rules they will keep polluting the air that citizens breathe.” - Stefano Valentino
About the author of the investigation: Stefano Valentino.Key moments00:00:04 - Intro
00:02:22 - European Emission Standards
00:06:00 - Dieselgate
00:11:57 - A path to zero emissions
00:14:34 - Recap
00:15:50 - Outro
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer and executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The script was written by Daniele Ruzza and edited by Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host and narrator of this episode is Gail Rego.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Boquet.
The author of the investigation is Stefano Valentino.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego tells the story of Liina Steinberg and her fight against the Estonian booming biomass industry. In the decades since independence from the Soviet Union, Estonia started relaxing its forest management practices, and large-scale logging has boomed to meet the demand for renewable energy and has become one of the EU’s largest exporters of wood pellets.
As Liina saw the forests around her shrinking, she took her fight from the streets to the courts. With the NGO she founded in 2020 - Save the Estonian Forest - she is campaigning against the pace of logging and promoting conservation. Her crusade is just getting started. Reporting on the ground by Isabelle de Pommereau.
“I’m not inclined to use the word ‘war’ easily because of what’s happening in Ukraine, but I can’t like describe it any other way than war on nature” - Liina
Key moments00:00:04 - Intro
00:02:36 - Into the woods
00:05:44 - Birds at risk
00:06:43 - Past till now
00:08:50 - Industrial logging rumps up
00:10:03- Activism
00:13:52 - Pressure on authorities
00:15:37 - Credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer and executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The editor of this episode is Andrew Connelly.
The host and narrator of this episode is Gail Rego.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Boquet.
Reporting for this story by Isabelle de Pommereau.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego tells the story of Elmi, a 60-year-old man who emigrated to Poland twenty-seven years ago from Somalia. Elmi started a new life in Poland's capital Warsaw and in 2007 established the Foundation “Good Start” in order to help newly arrived migrants with navigating the complex asylum process, translating official documents, arranging hospital visits, and organising Polish language courses.
Almost three decades after arriving in Warsaw, he had to deal with the ruling Law and Justice Party's hardline on immigration. Still, the opposition's victory in the October elections is giving him fresh hope for the future. Reporting on the ground by Maria Dybcio.
“Most of the people are like me, running from wars. First of all, you have to listen to them, and then you can decide what to do with them. Give them a chance” - Elmi
About our reporter: Maria Dybcio.Key moments00:00:03 - Intro
00:02:34 - Elmi’s story
00:04:45 - The journey to Europe
00:06:04- A “Good Start” in Poland
00:09:17 - A new refugees’ crisis
00:11:57 - Anti-immigrants’ narration
00:14:25 - Today, before and after the elections
00:18:38 - Outro and credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer and executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The editor of this episode is Andrew Connelly.
The host and narrator of this episode is Gail Rego.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Maria Dybcio.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
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This special episode of Europe Talks Back is the second part of the recording of a panel debate held on the 12th of October at Bozar in Brussels, moderated by Alexander Damiano Ricci and organized by Sphera Media Lab and Arty Farty.
Today, Alexander Damiano Ricci and his guests discuss how podcasts have increased the quality of information in the European media landscape and how to save them from misinformation. Also in the show, an interesting discussion between the panelist and the audience on the podcasting landscape.
The guests are:
Ana Ribera García-Rubio (Editor in chief at PRISA Audio I ES)
Jenny Tsiropoulou (freelance journalist and independent podcaster I GR)
Evi Kiorri (podcaster, host of Beyond the Byline - Euractiv I NL)
Key moments00:00:04 - Intro
00:00:42 - Q&A for the panelist
00:02:48 - Jenny Tsiropoulou responds
00:07:15 - Quality information
00:08:25 - Evi Kiorri and misinformation
00:10:30 - Ana Ribera Garcia-Rubio's point of view
00:12:00 - Jenny and quality information
00:13:02 - Alex summarizes
00:14:00 - Comments from the audience
00:15:00 - Panelists respond
00:20:10 - Credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with @Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The host of this episode is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The producer and executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this special episode of Europe Talks Back, Alexander Damiano Ricci and his guests discuss how podcasts incorporate alternative and independent points of view and how they improve the quality of the information in the European media landscape, but also how podcasting has changed the professional mindset of the panelists.
Today’s episode is the first part of the recording of a panel debate held on the 12th of October at Bozar in Brussel, moderated by Alexander Damiano Ricci and organized by Sphera Media Lab and Arty Farty.
The guests are:Ana Ribera Garcia-Rubio (Editor in-chief at PRISA Audio I ES)
Jenny Tsiropoulou (freelance journalist and independent podcaster I GR)
Evi Kiorri (podcaster, host of Beyond the Byline - Euractiv I NL)
Key moments00: 00:04 - Intro
00:01:19 - How podcasting transformed carriers
00:01:35 - Ana Ribera Garcia-Rubio, from TV to podcasting
00:04:20 - Jenny Tsiropoulou, podcasting for freelancers
00:08:50 - Evi Kiorri, why is radio different from podcast
00:11:10 - Alternative viewpoints or quality information?
00:12:06 - Evi Kiorri responds
00:13:40 - Jenny Tsiropoulou’s viewpoint
00:16:40 - Ana and the mainstream media
00:19:10 - Debate
00:23:22 - Credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The host of this episode is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer Alexander Damiano Ricci invites April Clare Welsh to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for the previous podcast episode “Porto, please don’t stop the music”. April Clare Welsh recalls how she got in touch with an underground music community and hub in Porto, called STOP. She also talks about the systemic deficiencies of public funding in the cultural sector in Portugal, highlighting differences and similarities between cultural sector in Portugal and in the UK.
About April Clare WelshApril Clare Welsh is a freelance journalist based in Portugal, but she was born in the UK. She moved to Portugal five years ago to cover cultural issues.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producers of Europe Talks Back are Maria Dios and Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host of this episode is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Bruno Costa, a Porto-based musician who has become the president of a musicians, artists, and shopkeepers association called Alma Stop. The association was set up to protect the interests of the people who use the spaces at CC Stop -or just Stop - a four-story shopping centre that has been sustaining Porto’s underground music scene for more than 20 years and is home to an estimated 500 musicians.
Today, the continued existence of the Stop community is under threat from the local authorities but Bruno Costa and its fellow musicians are fighting to keep it open. Reporting on the ground by April Clare Welsh
“I don't know a place where people can go and establish a community like this at all. There's just something special about this place and about the people here” - Bruno Costa
About our reporter: April Clare WelshKey moments00:00:04 -Intro
00:01:28 -The story of Bruno
00:03:46 - How Stop was born (during the late 80s)
00:06:29 - The risk of shut-down
00:08:15 - Public demonstration of support
00:11:10 - The bigger picture
00:13:08 - The fight must go on
00:16:47 - Credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producers of Europe Talks Back are Maria Dios and Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host and narrator of this episode is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by April Clare Welsh.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer Alexander Damiano Ricci invites Katie Jickling to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, “Being trans in the Catholic Church”. The conversation explores the relationship between the Church and LGBTQ people, the polarization of such issue in politics, and examines what are the costs and challenges of activism at a personal level.
Also in the show, an interview with María Dios, producer of Europe Talks Back.
About Katie JicklingKatie Jickling is a journalist reporting from Belgium but she comes originally from the US. She has spent the last year doing research on activists in the church, both protestant and catholic.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producers of Europe Talks Back are María Dios and Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host of this episode is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/
https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts
https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Phyla Kupferschmidt, a 36-year-old trans woman originally from Canada but now living in Leuven, Belgium. As a transgender and Catholic person, Phyla has had a rough relationship with the Church and the congregation she is part of, but she has managed to bridge cultural divides and challenge stereotypes about gender and faith through activism.
After the first awakenings of her sense of womanhood and the experience of the seminary in Canada she attended when she was still a man, Phyla has come out as trans just months after she got married in Belgium to her wife, Laura, in 2020. For Phyla, the transition is part of her faith journey, not contrary to it. Reporting on the ground by Katie Jickling.
"I honestly believe that the Catholic Church has something to offer if we let it become a space of encounter, not a space of indoctrination" - Phyla Kupferschmidt
About our reporter: Katie JicklingKey moments00: 00:04 - Intro
00:02:04 - Life in the Church
00:03:00 - Faith and first awakenings
00:08:29 - The transition
00:11:08 - Catholic Church and LGBTQ issues
00:14:58 - Activism
00:17:37 - A family reunion
00:18:49 - Outro
00:19:33 - Credits
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producers of Europe Talks Back are Maria Dios and Alexander Damiano Ricci.
The host and narrator of this episode is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Katie Jickling.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer Maria Dios invites journalist Pablo Jiménez Arandia to discuss his work as a reporter and scriptwriter for the previous episode, “Social media and mental health: How being permanently on Twitter can lead to self-destruction”. The conversation explores how platforms like Twitter and TikTok can foster unrealistic expectations and negatively impact self-esteem and self-perception, and the responsibility journalists and media companies have in striking a balance in the content they produce.
About Pablo Jiménez Arandia.Pablo Jiménez Arandia is a journalist based in Barcelona. Through compelling storytelling and intimate interviews, Pablo throws light on the multifaceted relationship between social media and its impacts on mental well-being. His empathetic approach to journalism provides an enlightening lens into the tougher realities of our digital lives.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Pit-Roig Vinyals, a German language teacher based in Barcelona, Spain. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at age 23, Pit-Roig turned her personal battles into a mission, emphasising on mental health stigma dismantlement and open conversations that were once considered taboo. With an experience of over eight years in managing her conditions, Pit-Roig provides valuable insight into how one's mental health can be critically affected by frequent social media usage. Reporting on the ground by Pablo Jiménez Arandia.
"We can channel our anger and anxiety towards positive change, but we must also be mindful of the content we consume online." - Pit-Roig
About our reporter: Pablo Jiménez ArandiaKey moments00:00:04 - Introduction,
00:02:59 - A Day in the Life,
00:06:29 - The Impact of Social Media,
00:09:10 - The Holocaust Remembrance Day,
00:13:49 - The Paranoia and Escape,
00:17:50 - The Concept of Doomscrolling,
00:18:25 - Mental Health Impact of Constant Exposure to Negative News,
00:19:18 - Pit-Roig Vinyals' Use of Twitter and Moral Obligation,
00:21:14 - Ubertamen's Fight Against Mental Health Stigma,
00:24:32 - Balancing Online News Consumption and Mental Well-being.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of this episode of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Pablo Jiménez Arandia.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer María Dios invites journalist Sophie Smith to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, "Post-separation abuse in the UK: The fight for freedom". The conversation explores the dynamics of domestic and post-separation abuse in the UK. Sophie Smith delves into the hurdles that survivors confront within the family court system, unveiling a complex system fraught with challenges.
About Sophie SmithSophie Smith is a Belgian-British freelance journalist based in London, England. She has written for national outlets including the Observer and Private Eye magazine.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Charlotte, a resilient mother who battles through the post-separation abuse she endured for over a decade in the UK. Trapped in an abusive relationship, she fought for her newborn child's safety with every ounce of strength she had. But just as she thought she had escaped her abuser's clutches, she stumbled upon a cruel truth. The system that was supposed to protect her failed to recognize her harrowing journey. Little did she know, the unforgiving labyrinth of the UK's legal system held yet another unexpected twist, leaving her and her child's future hanging in the balance. Reporting on the ground by Sophie Smith.
"Even though I left him over a decade ago, he's still managing to harass, intimidate, and abuse me using the family courts." - Charlotte
About our reporter: Sophie SmithKey moments00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:02:45 - Leaving the Abuser,
00:07:56 - Post-Separation Abuse,
00:10:19 - Court Battle,
00:13:12 - Lack of Recognition,
00:15:49 - The Importance of Transparency in Family Courts,
00:17:34 - Fighting for Reform,
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Sophie Smith.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer María Dios invites Italian journalist Maria Colonna to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, "Italy's shrinking lakes: the case of Como". The conversation explores the water crisis at the heart of Italy's climate emergency. Maria Colonna uncovers the hidden impact of climate change on picturesque Lake Como as she highlights the need to raise awareness of the urgent need for action to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Climate change is not just a topic we hear about, it's something you experience and witness with your own eyes. - Maria Colonna
About Maria Colonna
Maria Colonna is a documentary photography assistant and freelance journalist. She is a member of Fuorifuoco, a participatory journalism collective inspired by slow journalism principles, operating in Como, Lombardy. The collective aims to address wide-ranging themes while focusing on their local impacts.
Key moments
00:00:05 - Introduction,
00:02:14 - Slow Journalism Principles,
00:04:49 - The Effects of Climate Change on Lake Como,
00:11:50 - The Hidden Ecosystem of Lake Como,
00:13:50 - Raising Awareness and Education,
00:17:31 - Press Review - Climate Change,
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw, and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Juli Simond tells the story of Filippo, a geologist and environmental guide, living in Como. Filippo discusses the impact of drought on Lake Como's ecosystem. He shares his concerns about the changing rainfall patterns and how they have led to fluctuating water levels, landslides, and floods. These extreme weather events have a significant impact on not only the infrastructure but also on the lake's delicate ecosystem. Filippo emphasizes the importance of changing the negative perception of Lake Como and highlighting the thriving underwater world that exists beneath its surface. He and his wife, Paola, have founded the environmental association Proteus to educate students about the lake's biology, ecology, and geology. Reporting on the ground by Maria Colonna.
A different approach is possible, an approach that could give us long-term satisfaction and that can preserve our landscapes and our future. - Filippo
About our reporter: Maria ColonnaKey moments00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:01:07 - The Beauty and Challenges of Lake Como,
00:06:44 - Drought and Landslides,
00:10:02 - Educating about the Lake's Ecosystem,
00:14:18 - Sustainable Tourism and the Future,
00:17:38 - Challenging Topics: Water Management and Sustainable Tourism
00:18:04 - Reflections on Como Lake's Future.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Maria Colonna.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer María Dios invites Greek journalist Jenny Tsiropoulou to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, "From Ghost Towns to Vibrant Communities: The Musicians ex Machina experience". The conversation centers around a unique music festival held in abandoned villages in Greece. Jenny explains that she chose to focus on Dimitris Mistakivis, a professional musician and social activist, as the main character for the music festival episode. However, concerns about infrastructure, health services, and social isolation in rural areas are raised. Jenny highlights the lack of support from local government for cultural initiatives.
Young people in Greece are rethinking their lives and considering a return to rural areas. It's a courageous decision, but they are concerned about the lack of infrastructure and loneliness. We need government support to address these challenges and encourage this movement. - Jenny Tsiropoulou
About Jenny Tsiropoulou
Jenny Tsiropoulou is a journalist based in Athens. Jenny has mainly been working on stories about refugees, migrants, identities and climate change. Between 2022 and 2023 Jenny has also worked as lead reporter and script writer of the Europod podcast series, "#108 - The Fall of Press Freedom in Greece".
Key moments
000:00:00 - Introduction,
00:01:24 - Jenny's Background and Role,
00:04:07 - The Music Meeting in Abandoned Villages,
00:09:41 - Perception of Ghost Villages,
00:11:32 - Lack of Support from Local Government.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we travel to Greece, where renowned musician Dimitris Mystakidis ignites deserted Greek villages with the power of music, as he resolutely strives to bring life and community back to these abandoned spaces, despite political interference and the challenges of revitalisation. Reporting for this episode by Jenny Tsiropoulou.
Music cannot fix the structural issues that have made them empty in the first place. But what it can do is help shape people who could go on to change the world. - Dimitris Mystakidis
About Jenny Tsiropoulou
Key moments00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:03:42 - The Inspiration,
00:06:16 - The Decline of Greek Villages,
00:09:29 - Supporting Local Communities,
00:11:08 - The Annual Event,
00:17:35 - Dimitris Mystakidis: A Young Musician's Journey,
00:18:47 - The Impact of Music in Helidon,
00:19:17 - Turning Helidon into a Culinary Destination,
00:20:30 - Using Music to Overcome Political Divides.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Jenny Tsiropoulou.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer María Dios interviews Spanish journalist Pablo Jiménez Arandia. Pablo was Europe Talks Back's reporter on the ground for the previous episode, "Youth Homelessness: How to survive the streets when you are under 25". In this podcast, Pablo shines a spotlight on the housing crisis in Europe through the captivating story of Mohammed, a young man who experienced homelessness in Barcelona.
Young people that end up in the streets are growing all around Europe. Every day and every week that they spend in the streets, without shelter, without support, without help, will have lasting consequences. - Pablo Jiménez Arandia
About Pablo Jiménez Arandia
Pablo Jiménez Arandia is a journalist based in Barcelona. His work primarily targets a broad spectrum of social issues. Pablo brings a distinctive angle to his stories, exploring the overlapping realms of technology and social justice. Recently, he has embraced the world of podcasting, sculpting narratives that invite listeners to experience stories in an immersive, personal manner. His current endeavor on youth homelessness uncovers the harsh realities faced by young people, highlighting their resilience and the societal context that underpins their struggles.
Key moments
00:00:50 - Pablo's Background,
00:03:31 - Pitching Mohammed's Story,
00:07:35 - Homelessness in Barcelona,
00:10:34 - Mohammed's Future,
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back host Juli Simond tells the story of Mohammed Bouzghaia, a resilient young man who has faced some of life's most formidable challenges head-on. Born and raised in Morocco, Mohammed chose to set sail for Spain, a trip riddled with adversity, with the hope of a brighter future. He found himself surviving alone on the streets of Barcelona where he faced language barriers and homelessness. His determination, coupled with his optimistic spirit, have allowed him to persevere. Mohammed’s life ordeal provides invaluable insights into the ongoing issue of youth homelessness in Europe.
Homelessness isn't just about lacking a roof, it's about the loss of dignity and opportunities. - Mohammed Bouzghaia
Key moments00:05:38 - Mohammed's Journey and Challenges,
00:11:49 - Mohammed's Life on the Streets,
00:13:32 - Support from Futuro and Co,
00:17:47 - The Impact of Unhoused Life on Mohammed,
00:18:13 - Different Profiles of Unhoused Youth,
00:19:06 - Finding Beauty in Life,
00:19:47 - Addressing Youth Homelessness.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Pablo Jiménez Arandia.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Producer María Dios interviews Italian journalist Irene Fodaro. Irene was Europe Talks Back's reporter on the ground for the previous episode, "The future is now: Closing the age gap in climate action movement". In this podcast Irene delves into the captivating world of climate activism in France, exposing the generation gap and the inspiring fight of a 70-year-old activist facing tear gas, to bridge the divide and unite generations in the urgent battle against climate change.
We should really develop and strengthen intergenerational ties and dialogue and solidarity, because no generation is winning on this issue. We don't have to give a prize to one generation or another - Irene Fodaro
About Irene FodaroIrene Fodaro is a freelance journalist who interprets the world around her with a keen and compassionate eye. Known for her work on environmental topics, Irene's passion for climate change issues sets her apart in the industry. With multiple experiences in different cultural settings like Lebanon and Morocco, she carries a deep understanding of global narratives.
Key moments00:01:21 - Irene's Background,
00:07:56 - Generation Gap in Climate Change,
00:11:05 - Different Perspectives on Climate Change.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back we bring to you the story of Karen from France, who, despite retiring, decided to join Greenpeace. Karen explains why age should not be a barrier to making a difference in societal struggles. As a relatively older activist, Karen also emphasizes the importance of educating people of all ages about the perils of climate change and working together in unity to create a sustainable future. This inspiring story challenges the stereotype that climate activism is only for the young.
We can't wait for the younger generations to be in power and hope that they'll change everything - Karen
Key moments00:01:28 - The Generational Divide,
00:05:13 - Karen's Journey,
00:08:38 - Older Activists in Climate Action,
00:13:18 - Intergenerational Dialogue,
00:15:40 - The Importance of Activism in Retirement,
00:16:33 - French Protests Against Pension Reform and Climate Change,
00:21:49 - Closing Generational Gaps.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Irene Fodaro.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
German journalist Sarah Tekath exposes the ironies of progress and struggle in the Netherlands, discussing the challenges faced by people of color. Sarah is the reporter and scriptwriter behind Europe Talks Back's previous episode, What Color is Dutch? Lifelines twisted by bias. In that episode, Sarah highlighted Marisella de Cuba's activism against racism and colonial history.
About Sarah TekathSarah Tekath is an experienced freelance journalist and foreign correspondent who has made Amsterdam her base since 2014. Specializing in social issues, particularly women's rights, Sarah has collaborated with multiple German and international media organizations to bring vital stories to light. Her podcast, AmsterDames, provides a platform for discussing relevant topics, including institutional racism in the Netherlands.
Key moments00:01:52 - The state of Women Rights in the Netherlands,
00:03:57 - The meaning of Racial Profiling,
00:06:51 - Why the debate on Institutional Racism needs to continue,
00:08:41 - Europe Talks Back press review on current European affairs related to racism.
Resources* Listen to the episode What Color is Dutch? Lifelines twisted by bias on Europe Talks Back. * Check out Amnesty International's analysis on the impact of the upcoming EU A.I Act on racial profiling.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Although the Netherlands is internationally seen as a progressive country, the reality that many ethnic groups experience daily looks very different from the inside. In fact, over the past few decades, an ongoing battle against institutional racism has been taking place in the country. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Juli Simond tells the story of Marisella de Cuba, who was born on Aruba, a Caribbean island facing the coast of Venezuela that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. When Marisella moved to the Netherlands’ mainland at a young age, she found herself confronting a society plagued by racism, which propelled her into activism.
It's time for the Netherlands to confront its colonial past and systemic racism, and work towards a more just and equal society for all. - Maricella de Cuba
Key moments00:02:10 - Black Pete and Racism in Dutch Schools,
00:06:27 - Dutch Colonial Past and Jan Pieterszoon Coen,
00:12:08 - Child Benefit Scandal and Racialised Algorithms,
00:17:21 - The fourth Rutte Cabinet.
Resources* Support organisations like Control Alt Delete, which monitor and support victims of racial profiling in the Netherlands. * Amnesty International's research report on Racial profiling in the Netherlands.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Sarah Tekath.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disability representation is crucial for creating an inclusive society that values diversity and human rights. Disability representation in media and government can help break down social barriers, promote understanding and empathy, and empower disabled individuals to fully participate in society. Guest speaker Anna Romandash - also reporter and scriptwriter of ep1 of Europe Talks Back (Disability in Times of War) - will share why disability representation is essential and how journalists can improve their coverage of disability issues.
About Anna RomandashAnna Romandash is a passionate and skilled Ukrainian journalist with a strong focus on human rights, conflict resolution, and Eastern Europe. Having worked with renowned media outlets such as CNN, Anna brings her deep expertise in reporting from conflict zones to the table, offering unique perspectives on the challenges faced by journalists in these areas.
Key moments00:02:16 - Reporting Challenges in Ukraine,
00:07:21 - Disability in Times of War,
00:11:36 - Ukraine's Reconstruction and Disability Rights,
00:14:57 - Disability Advocacy in Europe.
Resources* Listen to the episode Disability in Times of War on Europe Talks Back. * Check out the video production of El Salto for the Sphera Network on the fight for women with disabilities in Spain. * Learn more about the European Disability Forum and their efforts to push for disability rights in the EU.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The storyOnce the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, people with disabilities suffered tremendously. And amid the panic and chaos that followed the invasion, many were unable to evacuate from their homes. This left people trapped in the crossfire without access to bomb shelters. In the first episode of the second season of Europe Talks Back, host Juli Simond tells the story of Tetyana Herasymova, who is one of the approximately 2.7 million Ukrainians with disabilities. Tanya is one of those who managed to flee. Ever since, she’s been helping fellow Ukrainians with disabilities stuck near the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. As the director of the Ukrainian NGO, Fight for Right, Tanya is committed to championing the needs and rights of disabled individuals, particularly during times of conflict. Drawing from her own experiences as a person with a disability navigating the challenges of war, Tetyana's dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality is unwavering and deeply impactful.
We need to change and nobody will make these changes without us. - Tetyana Herasymova
Key moments00:00:01 - Evacuation,
00:04:21 - Disability during war,
00:09:20 - Advocacy and recovery,
00:14:25 - Inclusion in Ukrainian politics,
00:20:32 - Challenges faced by disabled Ukrainians,
00:21:06 - Conclusion.
ResourcesDonate to Fight for Right's GoFundMe campaign to support their work with disabled individuals in Ukraine.
Credits and staffThe second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Anna Romandash.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Social Media* https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/bulle-media/ * https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/europodpodcasts * https://www.europod.eu/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the second episode of a special series of two, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Stefano Valentino, an investigative freelance journalist who covered a case of greenwashing involving the French tire producer, Michelin, for the pan-European online media, Voxeurop.
In particular, this podcast conversations uncovers the loopholes of green certification processes on financial markets.
The original investigation was published in the form of a 4 article-long series under title "Investigating Green Finance made in Europe" and is co-authored by Emanuela Barbiroglio.
Designed to support sustainable development projects, green finance is not always what it seems. A "green"-certified project led by Michelin in Indonesia may well have contributed to the destruction of the rainforest, thus deceiving its ecologically-minded investors.
In the first episode of a special series of two, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Stefano Valentino, an investigative freelance journalist who covered a case of greenwashing involving the French tire producer, Michelin, for the pan-European online media, Voxeurop.
The original investigation was published in the form of a 4 article-long series under title "Investigating Green Finance made in Europe" and is co-authored by Emanuela Barbiroglio.
In this episode, host Alexander Damiano Ricci and editor Maria Dios look back at the production of Europe Talks Back episodes in 2022. They revisit some topics deal with in the past 20 episodes, and provide updates on some of the most meaningful stories. Europe Talks Back goes on a break until the week of January 16, 2023.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has been making the headlines for weeks now. Just, not really or only for the rolling ball and iconic football stars on the pitch. From allegations of corruption in the process leading up to the awarding of the competition, to accusations of breaches of human rights in the build up of the stadiums hosting the competition: little has been left uncovered by the press. For these and many other reasons, a relevant share of staunch football fans across Europe are boycotting the competition. But what does it take to organise a boycott? And how are football fans living this peculiar moment in the history of sports? On this podcast episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Eliot Dickinson, Chief of staff at Bulle Media and huge football fan who is boycotting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as to Chiara Jaumann, copywriter at Heimat Berlin, the creative agency who, together with Boycott Qatar 2022 and Laut Gegen Nazis, ideated the Football Blackout for Human Rights campaign.
The Football Blackout for Human Rights campaign website: https://footballblackout.org/
The 10th of December is the International Human Rights Day.
Brexit has made the headlines of the European and British press for years. However, today, the relationship between the UK and the EU is less of a central topic in public debates. Nevertheless, many European citizens’ lives have been heavily affected by Brexit. This is mostly due to the lengthy and intricate process for obtaining the UK settlement status. In particular, anecdotal evidence appears to highlight that European citizens of colour are suffering the most from the consequences of Brexit. In October this year, in the UK, a non-profit organisation under the name of “Black Europeans” was established. Black Europeans’ mission is to challenge systemic racism in the post-Brexit migration policies. And to create a safe environment by breaking down barriers for black Europeans to thrive. On this podcast, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Dahaba Ali Hussen and Angelo Boccato - respectively Dutch and Italian freelance journalists in the United Kingdom -, to dissect the impact of Brexit of European citizens of colour.
You can follow Angelo Boccato on Twitter @Ang_Bok.
Likewise, you can follow Dahaba Ali Hussen on Twitter @Dahabaalihussen.
The website of Black Europeans: https://black-europeans.webnode.co.uk/.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
According to Eurostat, 229 million women live in the EU. That’s 4.6% more than men. However, fewer women make it to the top of society. When it comes to decision-making and board levels, women are under-represented. As the Gender Diversity Index shows, there are only 7% of female CEOs and just 35% of women on boards in EU top companies. On the 22nd of November, ten years later than expected, the European Union finally approved a directive that will force all member states to increase the presence of women on boards. Why has it taken so long to have a law aimed at closing the gender gap? How will this help women break the glass ceiling? On this podcast, host Alexander Damiano Ricci and co-host Maria Dios, discuss the approval of the Women on Board Directive in the EU. Also, Maria Dios interviews Hedwige Nuyens, Chair of European Women on Boards, a non-profit association that promotes gender equality in decision making and helps women across the EU accessing board level positions.
The website of the European on Women on Boards: https://europeanwomenonboards.eu/
Spain is one of the healthiest countries in the European Union. It has the longest life expectancy, and its public healthcare service is worldwide recognised. However, the population of its capital region, Madrid, has been suffering from a shortage of medical staff over the past few years. Despite being the region with the highest income per capita, Madrid is also the one that spends the least on primary care. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of the Community of Madrid, led by Isabel Ayuso of the Popular Party, has been criticised for understaffing hospitals and primary care centres. Last November 13, doctors' and neighbours' anger exploded into a massive rally. Thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid to protest against the collapse of primary care. On this podcast, host Marìa Dios talks to Isabel Vázquez Burgos, a doctor in Vallecas, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Madrid and to Ángeles Rodríguez de Cara, an active member of the Regional Federation of Madrid’s Neighborhood Associations, which backed the protest movement of November 13.
On May 9, 2018, as many European citizens were celebrating Europe Day, the dead body of a young black woman was found in the French river of Durance, not far away from the Franco Italian border. It was the body of Blessing Matthew, a Nigerian girl in her early twenties. As many other people from Africa, Blessing crossed the Mediterranean Sea aiming for a better life in Europe. But she encountered death in unclear circumstances. According to some witnesses of the night that led to Blessing’s death, whatever happened needs to be examined in relation to the actions undertaken by the French Police patrolling the border. This year, on October 25th, after investigation by the French police was declared inconclusive and two attempts to bring Blessing’s case to court in France were dismissed, Tous Migrants, a French migrant advocacy organization, announced that it had filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to Janina Pescinski, Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholar at Queen Mary University of London, working on questions related to migration, citizenship, and borders, to understand the critical situation migrants are living along the Franco-Italian border within the European Union.
You can follow Janina’s work on Twitter here.
The blog post by Janina, through which we discovered Blessing’s story, you can find it at Ideas on Europe, the blog of UACES, the association for contemporary European Studies.
The special investigation conducted by the people behind Border Forensics, which led to the association Tous Migrants to file an appeal with the European Court for Human Rights.
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In October this year, the social media giant META, took down a Russian network of social media accounts spreading disinformation on the War on Ukraine.
META says it is the largest network of its kind, the company disrupted since the war in Ukraine began. More specifically, identified social media accounts were sharing false information by relaunching fake articles published on 60 websites impersonating legitimate news organisations. Articles published on these websites were shared on social media and messaging apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and Twitter. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci interviews Marìa Dios, editor at Europe Talks Back, about the pro-Russian disinformation operation taken down by META and Trisha Meyer, Professor of Digital Governance and Participation at the Brussels School of Governance of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Professor Meyer leads the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation, the BA in Communication and Public Relations, and the Jean Monnet Winter and Summer Schools on EU Policy-Making.
Eurofound, the EU agency providing knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies, released the results of an EU wide survey on the living conditions of European citizens during COVID19. Among many results, the study shows that when social media is the preferred news source of people trust in institutions plummets. Meanwhile, in the Austrian city of Graz, an engineer is trying to push public institutions and citizens to adopt alternatives to mainstream commercial social media platforms to interact with their peers online. On this podcast, host Alexander Damiano Ricci talks to André Menrath, administrator of Graz.Social instance on Mastodon, and to Massimiliano Mascherini, Head of the Social Policies unit at Eurofound.
The Mastodon instance Graz.Social.
Eurofound's website.
Requesting an abortion in Europe is legal in most countries. Yet, even if ending a pregnancy is not banned, accessing this right is not always guaranteed.
While the pro-life narratives spread all over Europe, far-right governments tighten abortion rules. Hungary is the latest example. In this country, from September 15, women can request an abortion only if they listen to the fetus' heartbeat. What is behind this new and cruel decree? On this episode of Europe Talks Back, Marìa Dios interviews Júlia Bakó, a Hungarian Budapest-based feminist women's rights activist, and Mara Clarke, founder of Abortion Support Network, an organisation that helps women all over Europe to access safe abortions.
In the Summer of 2020, mass protests shook Bulgaria: citizens were calling for a stop to endless corruption. And a change in the political system. Since the protests of 2020, four Parliamentary elections have been held in the country, the latest of which took place in October this year. However, following any of these elections, no party-negotiations were able to grant a stable government to the country, and one that that would implement the demand for change of its citizens. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci interviews policy analyst, Tania Lessenska, and Zlatina Siderova, a Bulgarian expat living in the Netherlands.
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The War on Ukraine has provoked rising inflation across Europe. For many people, this implied: rising costs to heat homes, buy food, pay for services.
It’s what economists and journalists define “a Cost of living crisis”. These days, nowhere across Europe, the cost of living crisis appears to be as strong as in Ireland. That’s why, recently, the current Irish government, led by a coalition of centre, centre-right and green parties committed 11 billion Euros to fight the cost of living emergency in the country. But will it be enough to help Irish citizens go through winter? On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci discusses the roots and causes cost of today's living crisis in Ireland with Eddie Conlon from the Cost of Living Coalition and with Robert Sweeney, senior policy analyst at TASC - Think Tank for Action on Social Change.
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Over the past few months and years, across Europe, far-right parties have gained electoral support. From recent elections in Italy and Sweden, to France, Germany, Spain, Poland or Hungary: a conservative wind appears to blow over the Old Continent. One narrative all these far-right political forces have in common is a return to traditional gender norms. But why are these narratives so successful? And what does this tell us about the relationship between younger generations, social class and conservative world-views?
After a hectic electoral campaign running over the Summer, this weekend, Italian citizens are called to the ballot boxes to elect a new Parliament. Pundits see the far-right party, Brothers of Italy, leading the contest. And a new leadership is rising: the one of Giorgia Meloni. Should Brothers of Italy obtain most of the votes, it is likely that Giorgia Meloni will try to form a coalition government. Meloni could be the first woman leading an Executive in Italy. However, the International press defined a potential victory of Giorgia Meloni, as a resurgence of modern-fascism in Italy. Meanwhile, only half of the electorate appears to have decided who to vote for. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci discusses the outlook of the Italian elections with Andrea Fioravanti, the editor-in-chief of Linkiesta.
On September 13, 2022, Serbian authorities banned the iconic EuroPride march, which was supposed to take place next Saturday in the country’s capital, Belgrade.
The march would have been the culmination of EuroPride week, the leading yearly event in Europe, through which the LGBTQI+ community gathers and voices its demand for stronger rights and equality. The announcement of the ban came after that, in August, the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, hinted at the likely cancellation of the event. But until this Tuesday, the organizers of EuroPride had re-affirmed it was not up to the President to cancel a public event. In fact, as of September 15, 2022, so also after the official ban, the people behind the EuroPride continue to say that “they will march”. The ban of the EuroPride march inevitably puts Belgrade and Serbia under the spotlight. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, Alexander Damiano Ricci talks about the ban of the EuroPride in Belgrade and the situation of the LGBTQI+ community in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
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Trigger warning: Rape
Sex without consent is rape. Yet, according to the NGO, Amnesty International, in Europe, only 13 countries, feature laws, that define rape, in terms of the absence of consent. The latest country adopting such as a definition of rape is Spain, where, on the 25th of August 2022, the national Congress approved the so-called “Only yes Means Yes Law”. The journey for the approval of this law, began six years ago, after a Spanish court, ruled, that five young men, raping an 18 years old girl, in the city of Pamplona, was only an instance, of sexual abuse. That case - also known as “La Manada case” or, internationally, as "Wolfpack case," literally shocked Spain. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci discusses this law with Maria Dios, junior editor of Europe Talks Back, who is from Spain and has followed the La Manada case from its beginning.
In the past months, teachers in Hungary have been on strike, protesting against a public educational system which, as they say, risks collapse. What teachers complain about is low pay and deteriorating working conditions: the number of working hours for Hungarian teachers is very high while their salaries are among the lowest in the EU. Staff shortage is also an escalating problem in the country. According to the national Teachers’ Trade Union (PSZ), if nothing improves 22,000 teachers will leave the public education system over the next five years. Only 7 percent of educators are under 30. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with teachers in Hungary and Viktória Serdült, journalist at HVG.hu, to discuss the situation of teachers in the country.
The Netherlands is one of the top data center markets in Europe, hosting approximately 200 facilities such as Google and Microsoft hyperscale data centers which exceed 5,000 servers and 3,000 square kilometres. The development of new projects has spurred debate and protests in the country, with local communities opposing the building of such centers, denouncing their effect on the landscape and energy infrastructure. In February, the Dutch government announced a nine-month block on permits for data centers larger than 10 hectares while new stricter rules are worked out. The Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning cited a lack of space in the country and the “disproportionate amount” of renewable energy that hyperscale data centers require. While the government is working on new regulations, local communities fight for their territories. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with Susan Schaap, Chair of the DataTruc Zeewolde Foundation, and Julia Rone, post-doctoral researcher at the Minderoo Centre for Democracy and Technology at the University of Cambridge, to discuss the resistance against data centers in the Netherlands.
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The housing crisis in Lisbon is caused by one of the worst cases of rapid, violent gentrification. Lured by programs to attract foreign investment, new real estate developments and tourist accommodations have multiplied throughout the city. A third of houses in Lisbon’s historical center are listed on websites for short-term rental services such as Airbnb. Over the past twenty years, Lisbon has become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe. This has created what some critics have called the “perfect storm for the real estate sector”. Lisbon’s real estate market is defined by analysts as one of Europe’s “most dynamic”. But at what cost? Around 10,000 people live in a precarious housing situation. According to data from the national statistical institute, reported by Bloomberg, prices of homes rose 13% between the first quarter of 2021 and 2022. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with Mariana, a Lisbon local, and Sarah Gainsforth, freelance journalist, to discuss the housing crisis in Europe.
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As Europe is seeing intense and unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures spiking above 40 degrees, huge wildfires are raging across several countries in the region. Thousands of hectares of land were destroyed, and people had been evacuated from towns threatened by flames. In some areas droughts are making it hard to control the fires. Italy is one of the most affected countries, together with Spain, Portugal and France. The number of wildfires recorded so far in 2022 is already three times higher than average. The Mediterranean area always had to deal with wildfire, especially during summer, but what has changed is the amount, the scale, and the intensity. Huge fires are now becoming more frequent, and they last longer. The answer is linked to depopulation. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with Laura Cocco, sufferer of a wildfire in Italy, and Davide Mancini, freelance journalist, to discuss the relationship between depopulation and wildfires.
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During the month of June, Mary Lawlor, the UN Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, went on a 10-day long mission to Greece. At the end of her mission, in a preliminary observations and recommendation document, Lawlor wrote being “concerned about the increasing criminalization of humanitarian assistance in Greece”. Lawlor also came to understand that the nature of cooperation between the Government and civil society, and the overall perception about the role of civil society and human rights defenders in Greece, has undergone a significant shift since 2019. Lawlor says that since 2019 human rights defenders have found it increasingly difficult to carry out their work. This is particularly tangible in relation to those human rights defenders who defend the rights of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with Dimitris Choulis, lawyer specialized in fighting human rights violations, and Dialekti Angeli, reporter from Greece for EFSYN, to discuss how Greek institutions are criminalizing the work of human rights defenders at the borders of Europe.
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Over the past few weeks, Dutch farmers have been taking to the streets of their country. They are in revolt against their government's plan to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxide and ammonia by cutting the country's livestock by 30%. Farmers claim the government acted top-down on them, imposing targets that are poorly conceived and unfair. On some occasions, the protest turned violent, featuring clashes with the police. Meanwhile, environmental groups and movements oppose the farmers’ protest, claiming the agricultural sector historically benefited from a political system that acted in its favor. On this episode of Europe Talks Back, host Alexander Damiano Ricci meets with Roy Meijers, farmer and chairman of the Dutch Young Farmer Association (NAJK), and Sarah Tekath, freelance journalist, podcaster, and foreign correspondent, to discuss the biggest farmers protests in decades.
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Major events are often left unreported in mainstream media or key details are shadowed by the headlines. That’s why Europe Talks Back was created, the podcast restoring balance in reporting.
If you’re someone who likes to stay up to date on all current events in order to stay in-the-know, listen to Europe Talks Back as we discuss what’s really going on across Europe, not just with experts, but also with people like you, all citizens of Europe. We give regular people a voice to share what they actually care about, what they’re fighting for, and what’s going on in Europe as a whole.
Don’t miss the real conversation about Europe on Europe Talks Back. Starting on July 28, listen to a new episode every Thursday as a light is casted on the lesser-known, but equally influential events going on around Europe.