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...

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...

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 Smith Sophie Smith is a Belgian-British freelance...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Tekath Sarah Tekath is an experienced freelance journalist and foreign correspondent who has made...

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...

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) - shares why disability representation is essential and how journalists can...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...