Dear listener, In this week’s episode I have the great pleasure of speaking with Nabila Freidji, Moroccan Ambassador to Norway. She informs and tells me about the Moroccan - Norwegian relations, both in the past and present: About how our two governments can work together in a variety of different areas, and industries, and create more dynamic and …

PB is back! After a long break… Here is a informal episode of Political Bark as Halvard and I discuss the current multipolar world climate. Hope you enjoy it!

In this conversation we discuss Afghanistan in 2023, the Pashtun way of life, Norway’s failed policy with the Taliban - and the future for Afghan women onwards 🇦🇫

Welcome to a episode of PB; Great with the Israeli Ambassador to Norway. We discussed the ongoing protests in Israel against the governments changes to the judiciary system and appointment of judges, the war in Europe and it’s impact on Israel as well as the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Tune in 💯

Amal has dedicated her life and career to breaking stereotypes about Arabs (especially Arab women) from her native country of Lebanon. This fall, she is releasing a new book that gives the world an intimate glimpse into the “silent” Arab generation that came of political age in the 1980s. Read more about miss Ghandour here: https://amalghandour.com…

Dear listener, thank you for tuning in again to Political Bark, for an interesting and important interview with the Hungarian Ambassador to France. We discuss French-Hungarian relations, the war in Europe, economic changes and political unity in Europe. Most importantly we also discuss what “to tell the youth” about the multiple crisis’ that are on…

“The EU and Türkiye partnership in 2022”

Racism and discrimination are sadly common occurences in France in 2022. Here is an insider conversation on this topic and a snapshot into the life of Algerian born Iskander Ramadan, live from Marseille, France. Tune in!

In this episode of Political Bark I speak with the Egyptian Ambassador to Norway about the Ukraine/Russia War and Egypt's more pragmatic position. As I discuss with H.E the Ambassador, right now, in this intense and volatile global climate, it is required that we look for solutions that lead to peace and communication instead of those leading to wa…

In this week's episode of Political Bark I am speaking with the Hungarian Ambassador to Norway, H.E. Eszter Sandorfi. We are discussing the Hungarian responses to the Ukrainian - Russian war, and the ongoing refugee inflow coming across the border from Ukraine. In only 3 weeks, we see more than 200.000 refugees entering Hungary from Ukraine. This i…

With the Chairman of the Political Science Youth organization of Bulgaria, Sergey Petrov, Political Bark tackles the topic of the ongoing crisis between Ukraine, Russian and the West. In this conversation we discuss a weakened EU, and a tactical and strategic strong Kremlin. The biggest loser is Ukraine, which since the war in 2014 contines to suff…

Hvordan kan vi hjelpe unge ut av gjengmiljøer og ut av kriminelle miljøer? I denne episoden av Political Bark snakker jeg med Usman Ali (Oslo Kommune) som jobber med ungdomskriminelle hver dag, og som vet veldig mye om gjengmiljøer i Oslo etter ti-års erfaring som Politibetjent der (PB3), som vokst opp på Grorud i en Norsk-Pakistansk familie, og so…

Are you curious about the future of the EU? Then you should listen in to this conversation with Politicking me Off (Kaniskh, University of Mumbai), as we discuss potential scenarios for the future of the EU, and the ongoing crisis between Brussels/Von Der Leyen and Poland - Hungary. As all political issues are, this is also a highly complicated and…

Hi listeners! Are you curious about events happening in Afghanistan and in Kabul from a local’s perspective? Then please make sure to listen to this episode where we discuss the Taliban, women’s situation today, every day life with the Taliban, the economy, and how recent events have changed Afghanistan, in just some months. My guest is Karim Kakar…

Are you looking for a full picture of Afghanistan in 2021? Are you looking to get an understanding of the local population, their views on the Talibans & their relation to them? Do you know who the stakeholders in the region are? What about the national interest of Turkey, Qatar and Pakistan in the conflict? Afghan women and the Taliban, or how the…

Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark ! In this episode of Political Bark I speak with writer and presenter Sandra Gathmann (Al Jazeera) about her life, career and perspectives on journalism in 2021. This conversation is a relaxed, informal and friendly chat that I hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as I did recording it! Photo credit: A…

Join me in this week's episode of Political Bark straight from the square outside the Norwegian Parliament where I speak with my good friend Lea, from Beirut.We are gathered today on the 04 of August 2021 to commemorate the tragic event that happened a year ago in Beirut, where 200+ lost their lives and 6500+ were injured. Lebanon is in a deep cris…

Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark In this episode I interview Halvard Wideroe, a political scientists and engineer. We discuss the 'small' topic of the world moving from a 'unipolar setting' to a 'multipolar world order'. We have all seen the cold relationship between China, Russia and the US/West. We are actually in the middle of somewhat…

Are you curious about local events in Russia in 2021? Check out this recent episode that Political Bark has done with an expert in the field: Jakub Godzmirski. I ask Jakub about Russia's place in the world: In terms of the high north (Arctic), the USA, Norway, as a force to be reckoned with, and as a main producer of crude oil and gas. What happens…

In this week's episode of Political Bark, I speak with Ambassador Hesham Youssef (United States Institute of Peace). Right now, Israeli led attacks have started again at holy sites in Palestine, only hours after a much sought after peace agreement between Palestine and Israel was negotiated. The continuous cycle of violence that erupts every few mo…

In this episode of Political Bark, I have the pleasure of having writer and activist Nancy Herz with me as a guest, speaking on the topic of 'Identity in 2021'. Growing up in Norway, with Lebanese parents, Nancy is the product of a multicultural, multi-religious and multi-linguistic background: What effect has that had on her, from a youngster unti…

In this informal chat I speak with Cafecitos Ricos - the new podcast that is going to help thousands of LatinX (and others) in moving forward when it comes to understanding investment, finance, and how to make money - and grow your income. Cafecitos Ricos is a new podcast created by Stef & Betty, two hard working, ambitious and kind women, that wan…

Hello and welcome to a new episode of Political Bark! In this week’s episode I speak with Johnny Abu Issa (Studio Johnny Salon). We talk about the jantelov, discrimination, motivation & hard work. Johnny Is one of thousands of refugees in Norway. This is only one of many succes stories that we discuss. Johnny shares his 3 tips when «making It in No…

Welcome to a new episode of Political Bark. In this special episode for the International Women's day, I speak with Design Anthropologist and psychologist, Anna Kirah (US). We have an open, informal and honest conversation on what it is like to be a foreigner in Norway, seeing the country from a "insider - outsider perspective"; we speak about gend…

Together with the podcast “My New Politics” (London) hosted by Alex Benn Amir, we discuss the important topic of Interfaith Dialogue in 2021. The topic is of high importance right now for a multitude of reasons ranging from the existence and growth of extremism, conflict, and even war (especially outside Europe) - to more institutionalized reasons …

Virginity testing in 2021 - a live conversation with Dehli based @PolitTickingmeOff (India) and Political Bark 🩸

In this episode of Political Bark the show “Food Checking” (Le Parisien) is the topic. The show is hosted and made by Hadrien Gonzales, and throughout this conversation he gives us insights into how he started his show, how he creates it on a weekly basis, and some insight into the different types of journalism that exists these days: we wonder - h…

Yoweri Museveni is a Ugandan politician who has been President of Uganda since 1986. Today he was re-elected as President, serving his 36th year. Tune in and learn about him, his opponent Mr Bobi Wine, and the current democratic situation in Uganda, as I have the privilege to speak with Maren H.Bjørgum live from Nairobi 👌💯…

I speak with political scientist and engineer Halvard Widerøe as we discuss these important questions: especially focusing on Biden’s first steps as the new president, will he be forced to focus on a desperate situation at home (covid19, economy, divisions) or will he be able to re-launch the US as an important and respected (and trusted) world pla…

DONATIONS to: Hayastan All Armenian Fund: https://www.himnadram.org/en • Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Russia are the key actors in the conflict, that was swiftly settled some days ago. Political Bark speaks with Dr. Gevorg Avetikyan about the causes of the conflict and the potential outcomes 🇦🇲 🇦🇿 touching upon a multitude of reasons behind it, …

Multicultural society in Norway:Political Bark podcast in conversation with novelist Ole-Asbjørn NessIn this episode of Political Bark podcast, host Sophie Matláry has invited Norwegian novelist Ole-Asbjørn Ness to discuss the topic of “Multicultural society in Norway in 2020”.In fact, this topic is very relevant right now.These times are extremely…

Join me for this intimate conversation with Mr. Nihal, a refugee from Sudan. He gives us an insight into his journey as a refugee, since the age of 12 years old; walking from Sudan to Ethiopia - having friends being eaten by hyenas; others by deadly bacteria or lack of food. He tells me about his current hardships as a African refugee in an Arab co…

In this informal chat, I speak with some interesting people in Budapest. I am curious to ask what they think about the current political climate in Hungary, and also what they think about the international press and their writings about Hungary. As many have seen or read, Hungary is heavily criticized by the European Parliament for its corona legis…

In this episode of Political Bark I speak with IR & Middle East politics expert, Elias Dahrouge (Corvinus University, HU) about Lebanon in 2020. Dahrouge is of Lebanese-Hungarian origin and therefore gives us an insiders perspective on current affairs in Beirut. We look at questions such as “what lead to the deep economic crisis”, “why is there zer…

In this episode of Political Bark, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ambassador Youssef, currently in Washington D.C (See bio below).I ask about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in regards to Prime Minister Netanyahu's annexation plans. What are the international stances on the annexation? How are France, Germany, Jordan and Egypt fo…

Libya is a battlefield, and many fear that it is becoming the new Syria.What was Libya like during Qaddafi's rule? Some say it was a lot better than the chaos that has taken it today, others say external involvement was necessary. What was President Sarkozy and Berlusconi's roles, and why were they so involved? Who is General Haftar, and what local…

In this week’s episode we ask the Israeli Ambassador to Norway, H.E Ambassador Alon Roth about migration: models, waves and integration, both before and today to Israel - and why migration to Israel is succesful. Where did the first migrants come from, how did the integration occur, does one have to be of Jewish religion to migrate to Israel today?…

We had the pleasure of speaking with Benjamin Haddad, French Scholar and head of the Future Europe Initative for the Washington Based think tank «Atlantic Council». Haddad is originally French and was the Washington DC representative of Emmanuel Macron’s movement En Marche in 2017.

In this episode of Political Bark, we speak with Morten Jentoft, who is NRK´s Moskva correspondent (the Norwegian government-owned radio and television public broadcasting company) since the 80´s. We enjoy a very interesting conversation about Russia before and today, as well as Norwegian-Russian relations, cultural and historical similarities as w…

In this episode of Political Bark we speak with professor Balkan Devlen, professor in Political Science specializing in forecasting of political change and events in society. We analyze Turkey in the Middle-East and on the world scene, specifically asking about President Erdogan´s next move with regards to allies and neighbors. We also learn more a…

Political Bark is thankful for this informing conversation with Ambassador Amr Ramadan as we hear new thoughts on China and international relations (trade-relations, political, economic and cultural), about the Covid19 situation in Egypt, Egyptian-Norwegian relations, as well as on ethnicity and race in Egypt - with reference to the ongoing protest…

Political Bark is very excited to speak with Anita Khron Traaseth in this weeks episode about "Change". Anita is a member of the European Innovation Council Advisory Board (EIC) and former CEO of Innovation Norway and HP Norway. She is a business manager and writer, and started her career as a traineed for IBM in 1996. She has received several awar…

In this episode, Political Bark has a video-conversation with Miss Passand El Hammami, an entrepreneur, business owner and start-up success-story, with her brand and Cafe, Sea Salt Bakery http://www.seasaltbakery.com/ This episode is not an podcast episode, but a video one, so it is shared on our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/politicalb…

In this week´s episode of Political Bark we discuss right wing terrorism and how we talk about right wing terrorists. With us, we have Bjørn Ihler, Utøya survivor, peace activist, and part of the Kofi Annan "Extreme Together" foundation, that works on combatting terrorism. Ihler gives us the necessary perspectives and explanations as to why some ar…

In this week's episode of Political Bark we discuss the personality trait grit and body pressure. We look at what grit is, where it might come from and how it affects our ability to succeed. Moreover, what negative traits might come with grit when it is applied to the world of sports and body-pressure. We raise the question of whether we are traini…

Gangs are unique, and so are their raison d'être. If we want to help young people out of gangs, we need to also come up with tailored and suitable ways to do so. In this episode of Political Bark we discuss criminal gangs. We explore the reasons people, and especially youth decided to join gangs, what they gain from such a membership, and what can …

In this episode of Political Bark, we discuss the debate culture in Norway. We look at a major survey conducted by the Norwegian Media Authority (medietilsynet) in 2019 on "critical media understanding" which concludes that 7 out 10 Norwegians have never participated in debates in media channels, be it on facebook or in the press. We also delve int…

In this episode of Political Bark, we review the different policy alternatives to tackling the pandemic. We examine the particular strengths and challenges that the African continent faces. To gain insight on this topic, we speak The Ambassador for the Kingdom of Morocco to Norway, Madame Lamia Radi, as she gives a national standpoint on what is be…

In this episode of Political Bark, we analyze the possible positive consequences of the corona pandemic and ask Riiber Knudsen about the tech environment and tech eco-system in Norway: where is it at today, what model does it belong to, and will it experience growth in a time of crisis? We are especially interested in analyzing the Norwegian tech e…

This first episode of Political Bark was created in the midst of the Corona pandemic. It features Sophie Matlary and Professor Haaland Matlary, (Political science, University of Oslo) as she answers questions about the pandemic and different international organizations but also nation states´reactions. Some of the questions that are covered in the …