Best Transformation Of European Politics Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Fraud in Academia with Ben Landau-Taylor 1:02:16

2h ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja are joined by Ben Landau-Taylor, a Senior Analyst at Bismarck Analysis. Ben recently published an article in Palladium Magazine about the pervasive problem of fraud in academia. They discussed how fraudulent activities, particularly in medical research, often go undetected due to flawed…

1
Mass Immigration Won't Save Europe 51:40

6d ago51:40

51:40

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja explore why mass immigration may not solve Europe's economic woes. They talk about cultural assimilation difficulties, political tensions, and potential long-term consequences for European societies. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, …

1
The Eastern European Experiment 59:12

7d ago59:12

59:12

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the complex transformation of Eastern Europe since the fall of communism. They discuss the region's economic evolution from small business-driven economies to potential tech hubs, examine how countries like Poland balance traditional values with Western influences, and an…

1
Episode 189: Ukraine continues the fight 1:00:59

13d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Adam and Alexandra open this episode with a few updates on the news from the region, including in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Serbia. Next, Adam is joined by Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, journalist and writer and Editor-in-Chief of Ukraine World (https://ukraineworld.org/en). Volodymyr gives his insights on the current situation …

1
EU in Flux 1:02:29

19d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into the European Union. They examine the bloc's historical foundation centered on peace and economic prosperity, contrasting its ambitious goals with its current realities. They discuss EU's challenges, including a fragmented digital market, inconsistencies in labor and defen…

1
Episode 188: Hungarian politics heat up 53:42

19d ago53:42

53:42

In this episode, Adam and Nina start by sharing some good news from Armenia, where the EU Commission has announced the start of a dialogue on visa liberalisation with the country. They also cover the latest developments in Russia, Poland, and Serbia. The main interview features Zsuzsanna Végh, an analyst specialising in the European and foreign pol…

1
Advice for the Next US President 56:21

26d ago56:21

56:21

In this episode of Live Players, Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja tackle the pressing challenges for the next U.S. president, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need for reform. They discuss foreign policy, including managing relations with China, reassessing military strategies, and fostering economic alliances. They also address the ine…

1
Brazil: A Country of the Future? 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse. Despite having immense natural resources, a large population, and a favorable geographic position, Brazil's industrialization has been stymied by high crime rates, severe corruption, and political dysfunction. They dig in…

1
Episode 187: NATO Celebrates its 75th anniversary amidst war in Ukraine 58:47

25d ago58:47

58:47

In this episode Adam and Nina start with some of the recent developments including the return of Robert Fico after an assassination attempt in Slovakia which also gives added context to the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump in the United States. They also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and finally Trump’s pick for Vice Pres…

1
Episode 186: How the CEE region sees its place in the EU and NATO 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina discuss recent horrific attacks on Ukraine, Orbans' visit to Kyiv and Moscow, and the Washington NATO summit. They also commemorate the July 11th Srebrenica massacre remembrance day and recommend a film Qua Vadis, Aida? which dramatizes events of the Srebrenica massacre. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined…

1
Can China Power its Rise? 56:39

1M ago56:39

56:39

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China's energy strategy and its broader geopolitical implications. Contrary to popular belief, China is not aggressively pursuing energy independence but remains reliant on imports despite significant domestic oil production. The conversation delves into China's geopolitical strategy, its milit…

1
Episode 185: Lithuania as an outpost for global democracy 55:36

2M ago55:36

55:36

In this episode, the three hosts finally get back together and discuss the results of the Bulgarian elections, celebrate the opening of accession talks for Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro and speak about the recent developments in Georgia, Ukraine and Russia. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Žilvinas Švedkauskas, a PhD candidate at Tübingen …

1
Finding Rich Stories in my Garden and Personal Milestones 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a Viking garden might surprise you? In this episode, join me as I return from a refreshing break filled with travel and new adventures to discuss the unexpected herb knowledge of Vikings and debunk the myth of their all-meat-and-beer diet. That is one of 5 stories I talk about in based on the herbs in my ga…

1
Episode 184: LGBTQI+ activism and advocacy in Bosnia and Herzegovina 50:59

2M ago50:59

50:59

In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start by reviewing some of the latest developments in the region, including the start of the Hungarian presidency of the EU, new sanctions against Bosnia and Herzegovina's Respublika Srpska officials, developments in Ukraine and Moldova. Later, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Emina Bošnjak, Executive Director of…

1
Episode 183: How Czech activism transformed into global humanitarian relief 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by reviewing some of the latest developments in the region, including the high-level Ukraine Recovery Conference, the results of the European parliamentary elections, and Russian-Armenian relations. Later, Adam and Nina are joined by Šimon Pánek, the Executive Director and one of the founders of the Czech o…

1
The Power Structures of Cities 51:52

2M ago51:52

51:52

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, their political landscape and the legacy of Democratic and Republ…

1
The Turbulence of Boeing: Decline and Future Prospects 49:23

3M ago49:23

49:23

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about the decline of Boeing. They discuss Boeing's recent troubles, including fatal crashes and maintenance problems, and how these issues reflect broader concerns about U.S. industrial and military capabilities. The conversation also covers the impact of globalization on Boeing's manufacturing processes, competit…

1
Episode 182: Georgia’s European future is at stake 47:53

3M ago47:53

47:53

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Adam and Alexandra kick off this episode with a rundown of some of the recent developments in the region, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, recent local elections in Serbia, the upcoming European parliamentary elections and developments in Hungary and Poland. Later, Adam is joined by Vazha Tavberidze, a G…

1
From Dark Cult Shadows to Melodies of Light 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a fresh perspective could change your life? Meet Ruth Iren Holand, a 59-year-old Norwegian singer whose journey of personal growth and creativity has led her to create the inspirational musical piece "Land of Hope." Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams. We'll explor…

1
Beyond Black Gold: Norway’s Commitment to Its People 24:24

3M ago24:24

24:24

Send us a Text Message. Can a single disaster reshape a nation's destiny? Reflecting on the Alexander Kielland oil platform disaster of March 27, 1980, which tragically claimed 133 lives just a day before my birth, I take you through this poignant chapter in Norway's history. This event serves as a sobering backdrop to our exploration of Norway's o…

1
Episode 181: Fiction from Southeastern Europe - both unique and universal 52:41

3M ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Alexandra and Nina start by catching up on news from the Western Balkans. They also discuss the latest developments in Georgia and Alexandra shares her impressions from a recent trip to Tbilisi. For the main interview, Alexandra talked with publisher Buzz Poole about his decades of experience working with authors from Southeastern …

1
Live Players Analysis: Drug Cartels in Mexico 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

In this episode of 'Live Players, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the intricate dynamics of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both Mexico's political and economic landscape. The discussion delves deep into how drug revenues sustain elites, non-state actors, and insurgencies worldwide — with notable examples from the Taliban to Chechen …

1
The Art of Transforming Ordinary Moments into Stories 29:57

3M ago29:57

29:57

Send us a Text Message. Can you imagine the lengths someone would go for a beloved childhood toy? Picture this: my father once drove all the way from Denmark to Germany to retrieve my sister's forgotten stuffed seal. Join me as I recount how this humble seal became the protagonist of my very first stories, recorded on cassettes with lovingly hand-d…

1
How to Find the Frontiers of Knowledge, Samo Burja for The Stoa 56:59

3M ago56:59

56:59

Today we're publishing a talk Samo Burja gave to The Stoa in 2020 all about how to find and advance uncrystallized fields of knowledge. In this discussion, Samo critiques current academia for its inefficiencies and proposes supporting new intellectual endeavors with proper economic and social incentives. The discussion covers the potential for new …

1
Embracing 'Livssorg': Navigating the Twined Paths of Caregiving and Personal Healing 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

Send us a Text Message. Caring for someone is a journey with its own unique grief, a path I've walked down myself. It’s a role that transforms you, one where love and sorrow intertwine, and where feeling overwhelmed is often an understatement. In our latest episode, we introduce the Norwegian concept of "livssorg," or "life sorrow", as articulated …

1
Episode 180: In their own words. Former Belarusian political prisoners share their experiences 1:04:24

3M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

This episode opens with Adam and Nina running down the latest news in the region, including the situations in Georgia and Armenia as well as the new mobilization law in Ukraine. Nina also mentions the assassination attempt of Slovakia's Robert Fico - and we have a special longer update via our patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/exclus…

1
Unveiling the Shadows: A Journey Through Mental Health Awareness and the Struggle for Compassionate Dialogue 27:41

3M ago27:41

27:41

Send us a Text Message. Venturing beyond the safety of scripts and structured dialogues, I embark on a vulnerable expedition into the heart of mental health awareness. Facing the societal whirlwind of stigma and the personal tug-of-war between openness and career vulnerability, I lay bare my own encounters with these invisible battles, hoping to li…

1
Harmony and Discord: Unveiling Eurovision's Symphony of Politics and Unity 36:57

4M ago36:57

36:57

Send us a Text Message. Join us on an auditory journey through the melodic battleground of the Eurovision Song Contest, where the shimmer of sequins often belies the shadow of political dissent. As a lifelong devotee of the competition, I've witnessed firsthand the transformation of Eurovision from a purely artistic showcase to a stage where politi…

1
Episode 179: Chechnya today and Ramzan Kadyrov’s potential successors 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

In this episode, Adam and Nina open with breaking news from Slovakia and discuss the recent shooting of Slovak’s Prime Minister- Robert Fico. Later, they move to the South Caucasus and comment on protests in Armenia and Georgia. They close with an update about Ukraine and positive news from the Czech Republic. For the main interview, Nina is joined…

1
Episode 178: Anti-Gender Movement in Croatia 53:08

4M ago53:08

53:08

In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EU's 'Big Bang' enlargement. They also discuss Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia and Hungary, the latest news from Russia and Ukraine, and the elections in North Macedonia and Croatia. Later in the episode, Alexandra and Nina are joined by Maja Gergorić, an expert on anti-…

1
Academia's Impact on Society | Rudyard Lynch Interviews Samo Burja 1:03:26

4M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

In this episode of Live Players, Rudyard Lynch (@whatifalthist on YouTube) interviews Samo Burja and covers a range of topics including why Samo left academia, the current state of education, the impact of bureaucratization and managerial ideology on society, and the state of democracy and legislation in modern Western societies. This conversation …

1
Spring's Embrace: A Norwegian Storyteller's Journey from Hamar's Hearth to European Trails 23:53

4M ago23:53

23:53

Send us a Text Message. As the first buds of spring unfurl in the heart of Norway, I, your Norwegian Storyteller, have woven together narratives as rich as the history of Hamar itself. Picture this: a quaint restaurant, the concept of 'hygge' wrapped around us like a warm shawl, and the stunning Lake Mjøsa acting as the perfect backdrop to tales of…

1
Roots and Riches: Tracing the Inspirational Norwegian Journey to American Shores 22:42

4M ago22:42

22:42

Send us a Text Message. ARE YOU AMERICAN WITH NORWEGIAN HERITAGE? I can help you find your roots in Norway. FILL OUT THIS FORM. Imagine your roots intertwining with the stories of those who braved new worlds for a chance at freedom and opportunity. That's the journey we're taking as I share the inspiring migrations of my Norwegian family to America…

1
Cultivating Joy Amidst Global Brain Drain Dilemmas 23:24

4M ago23:24

23:24

Send us a Text Message. Settle into an enlightening exploration of happiness as we're guided by "The Yak in the Classroom," a Bhutanese film that mirrors the contrasting worlds of tradition and modernity. Our narrative begins with Ugyen, a young teacher whose heart is torn between the Western allure and the tranquil simplicity of his Himalayan root…

1
The Future of Democracy 1:14:42

4M ago1:14:42

1:14:42

This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do our economic analyses miss when they do not look inside the inner workings of…

1
Inviting Seoul's Secrets A Journey of Shared Stories 3:37

4M ago3:37

3:37

Send us a Text Message. ARE YOU A SOUTH KOREAN LISTENER? FILL OUT THIS FORM As a storyteller, I've crossed paths with countless tales, but none as intriguing as the silent stories of you, my South Korean listeners. Today, I'm reaching out to the 45% of you, mainly from Seoul, who've become such a significant part of my audience. I'm curious about t…

1
Cultures in Contrast: Tackling Mental Health Stigma from Norway to Nepal 23:54

4M ago23:54

23:54

Send us a Text Message. Navigating the often unspoken realm of mental health, my own journey through the cultural silence of Norway's society reveals the deep-seated challenges and stigma surrounding this issue. As we peel back the layers of discrimination in the workforce and the generational echoes of mental health struggles, this episode offers …

1
Episode 177: Understanding political technology 47:23

4M ago47:23

47:23

This episode opens up with Adam, Alexandra and Nina discussing the latest news developments including the US Congress’s passage of the Ukraine aid bill; political developments in Croatia; the situation in Georgia and the situation of civil society in Azerbaijan. Later, Adam is joined by Andrew Wilson, a professor of Ukrainian Studies at UCL and a s…

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Transformation Of European Politics Podcast

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