Europe Talks Back

Europe Talks Back shines a light on the stories that matter from across Europe. A new Europe Talks Back episode drops every Wednesday, alternating storytelling podcasts and behind the scenes interviews with reporters. The second and ongoing 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.
2 October 2024
min

S3 Ep 17. Why is sex education not mandatory across Europe?

Sexuality education can play a central role in equipping young people with the necessary tools to further enjoy their sexuality and ultimately their human rights. Education...

12 September 2024
min

S3 Ep. 16 : Should zoos be banned?

Zoos bring us much closer to wildlife, but their existence is a controversial topic. Go online and it’s easy to find groups that advocate for the...

13 August 2024
min

Episode 49 : Looking back at the case of Snæfellsjökull, in Iceland

In May, Tbilisi was shaken by protests against the adoption of a contested ‘Foreign influence bill’. Today, we share insights from whom took part in those...

1 August 2024
min

S3 Ep 15 : The racist origins of fatphobia

The Cambridge dictionary defines fatphobia as the “unreasonable dislike or unfair treatment of 

S3 Ep 14 : The French electoral results as seen through the eyes of independent media

In this episode we’ll be discussing the results of the recent French legislative elections, which defied the predictions of most analysts. More than that, we’ll be...

27 June 2024
min

S3 Ep.13 – Sex trafficking in Europe

In this episode we’ll be discussing the the leading form of exploitation affecting persons who fall victim to human trafficking, that is: sexual exploitation. The term...

13 June 2024
min

S3 Ep.12 – Takeaways from the EU elections

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...

6 June 2024
min

S3 Ep. 11 – Can your vote help tackle racism in Europe?

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...

6 June 2024
min

S3 ep. 10 – Digital rights and the EU

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...

3 June 2024
min

S3 Ep. 9 – The fight of Lgbtq+ people in Europe

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...

23 May 2024
min

S3 Ep. 8 – Far right groups in Europe

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...

16 May 2024
min

S3 Ep. 7 – A new generation of student-led protests

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....

3 May 2024
min

S3 Ep. 6 – Is gentrification a dirty word?

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...

26 April 2024
min

S3 Ep. 5 – The dark sides of the algorithm

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...

2 April 2024
min

S3 Ep 4. Let’s talk about digital gender based violence

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...

19 March 2024
min

S3 Ep 3. Western feminism has a whiteness problem

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...

7 March 2024
min

S3 Ep 2. Does protesting change anything?

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...

6 February 2024
min

S3 Ep 1 : What is Integration?

What is integration? What does it mean to you and the people who are expected to “integrate” into our societies?

Having been...

16 November 2023
17 min

S2 Ep. 24 – Europe’s energy policies fire up Estonia’s woodland warriors – Europe Talks Back

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego tells the story of Liina Steinberg and her fight against the Estonian booming...

2 November 2023
20 min

S2 Ep. 23 – Poland: The border of humanity – Europe Talks Back

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...

27 October 2023
21 min

S2 Ep. 22 – How is podcasting transforming the European Media Landscape? Part 2 – Europe Talks Back

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 

S2 Ep. 21 – How is podcasting transforming the European Media Landscape? Part 1 – Europe Talks Back

In this special episode of Europe Talks Back, Alexander Damiano Ricci and his guests discuss how podcasts incorporate alternative and independent points of view...

11 October 2023
min

S2 Ep. 20 — Behind the scenes of “Porto, please don’t stop the music” — Europe Talks Back

Producer Alexander Damiano Ricci invites April Clare Welsh to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for the previous podcast episode...

4 October 2023
18 min

S2 Ep. 19 — Porto, please don’t stop the music — Europe Talks Back

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,...

29 September 2023
26 min

S2 Ep. 18 — Behind the scenes of “Being trans in the Catholic Church” & A chat with Maria Dios — Europe Talks Back

Producer Alexander Damiano Ricci invites Katie Jickling to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, “Being...

20 September 2023
21 min

S2 Ep. 17 — Being trans in the Catholic Church — Europe Talks Back

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...

14 September 2023
14 min

S2 Ep. 16 — Behind the scenes of “Social media and mental health: How being permanently on Twitter can lead to self-destruction” — Europe Talks Back

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:...

14 September 2023
26 min

S2 Ep. 15 — Social media and mental health: How being permanently on Twitter can lead to self-destruction — Europe Talks Back

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...

14 September 2023
17 min

S2 Ep. 14 — Behind the scenes of “Post-separation abuse in the UK: The fight for freedom” — Europe Talks Back

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:...

14 September 2023
18 min

S2 Ep. 13 — Post-separation abuse in the UK: The fight for freedom — Europe Talks Back

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...

14 September 2023
20 min

S2 Ep. 12 — Behind the scenes of “Italy’s shrinking lakes: the case of Como” — Europe Talks Back

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...

14 September 2023
19 min

S2 Ep. 11 — Italy’s shrinking lakes: the case of Como — Europe Talks Back

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...

14 September 2023
17 min

S2 Ep. 10 — Behind the scenes of “From ghost towns to vibrant communities: the Musicians ex Machina” — Europe Talks Back

Producer María Dios invites Greek journalist Jenny Tsiropoulou to discuss her work as a reporter and scriptwriter for a previous podcast episode, "From...

27 July 2023
23 min

S2 Ep. 9 — From ghost towns to vibrant communities: the Musicians ex Machina — Europe Talks Back

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...

19 July 2023
15 min

S2 Ep. 8 — Behind the scenes of “Youth Homelessness: How to survive the streets when you are under 25” — Europe Talks Back

Producer María Dios interviews Spanish journalist Pablo Jiménez Arandia. Pablo was Europe Talks Back's reporter on the ground for the previous episode, "

13 July 2023
22 min

S2 Ep. 7 — Youth Homelessness: How to survive the streets when you are under 25 — Europe Talks Back

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...

5 July 2023
17 min

S2 Ep. 6 — Behind the scenes of “The future is now: Closing the age gap in climate action movement”, with Irene Fodaro— Europe Talks Back

Producer María Dios interviews Italian journalist Irene Fodaro. Irene was Europe Talks Back's reporter on the ground for the previous episode, "The...

28 June 2023
23 min

S2 Ep. 5 — The future is now. Closing the age gap in the climate action movement — Europe Talks Back

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...

21 June 2023
12 min

S2 Ep. 4 — Behind the scenes of “What color is Dutch? Lifelines twisted by bias”, with Sarah Tekath — Europe Talks Back

German journalist Sarah Tekath exposes the ironies of progress and struggle in the Netherlands, discussing the challenges faced by people of color. Sarah is...

16 June 2023
20 min

S2 Ep. 3 — What color is Dutch? Lifelines Twisted by Bias — Europe Talks Back

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,...

7 June 2023
17 min

S2 Ep. 2 — Behind the scenes of “Disability in Times of War”, with Anna Romandash — Europe Talks Back

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...

7 June 2023
22 min

S2 Ep. 1 — Disability in Times of War — Europe Talks Back

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...

19 December 2022
21 min

Ep. 21 — It’s a wrap! Looking back at Europe Talks Back in 2022 — Europe Talks Back

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...

9 December 2022
22 min

Ep. 20 — How to Boycott the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Human Rights Day — Europe Talks Back

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...

1 December 2022
21 min

Ep. 19 — Post-Brexit UK: no country for Black Europeans?— Europe Talks Back

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...

24 November 2022
24 min

Ep. 18 — Will the Women on Boards Directive finally break the glass ceiling?— Europe Talks Back

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...

17 November 2022
20 min

Ep. 17 — Madrid rises up for public healthcare — Europe Talks Back

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...

10 November 2022
23 min

Ep. 16 — What the death of Blessing Matthew tells us about the Franco-Italian border — Europe Talks Back

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...

3 November 2022
min

Ep. 15 –  The fight against disinformation in Europe — Europe Talks Back

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...

27 October 2022
23 min

Ep. 14 –  News consumption on social media and distrust in institutions — Europe Talks Back

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...

20 October 2022
24 min

Ep. 13 –  The fight for the access to safe abortions in Hungary — Europe Talks Back

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...

13 October 2022
17 min

Ep. 12 –  Bulgaria’s two year long political deadlock — Europe Talks Back

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...

6 October 2022
22 min

Ep. 11 – The Cost of Living Crisis in Ireland – Europe Talks Back

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...

29 September 2022
19 min

Ep. 10 – Modern sexism in Europe – Europe Talks Back

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,...

22 September 2022
19 min

Ep. 9 – The Italian elections and the rise of Giorgia Meloni – Europe Talks Back

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...

15 September 2022
21 min

Ep. 8 – Belgrade Bans EuroPride – Europe Talks Back

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...

8 September 2022
23 min

Ep. 7 – “Only Yes Means Yes” Law Approved in Spain – Europe Talks Back

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...

1 September 2022
25 min

Ep. 6 – Teachers Protest in Hungary – Europe Talks Back

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...

24 August 2022
28 min

Ep. 5 – Resistance Against Data Centers in the Netherlands – Europe Talks Back

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...

17 August 2022
18 min

Ep. 4 – One of the Worst Cases of Gentrification – Europe Talks Back

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...

10 August 2022
25 min

Ep. 3 – Depopulation is Causing Wildfires in Europe – Europe Talks Back

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...

4 August 2022
24 min

Ep. 2 – Greece Criminalizes the Work of NGOs – Europe Talks Back

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...

27 July 2022
26 min

Ep. 1 – Biggest Dutch Farmers Protests in Decades – Europe Talks Back

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...

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