Europod • English

Reupload - Best episode of the week - Briefed

Discover Briefed, Europod's new daily European Podcast

Discover Briefed, Europod’s new daily podcast covering stories around Europe.

In just five minutes, host Léa Marchal brings a fresh perspective on European politics and major news happening in European countries.

On issues like tech sovereignty, climate scepticism or the rise of the extremes, the podcast brings you a different angle than your national one.

Starting January 22nd, episodes of Briefed will be released at 6:00 AM CET, Monday through Friday.

Reupload - Part 2 - Dieselgate Reloaded

Reupload - Part 1 - Dieselgate Reloaded

Reupload - Part 2 - AWARD WINNING INVESTIGATION - Investigating Green Finance made in Europe: the Michelin case - Part Two

Reupload - Part 1 - AWARD WINNING INVESTIGATION - Investigating Green Finance made in Europe

To celebrate the New Year, we invite you to listen again to one of our best podcasts of 2024, based on an award-winning investigation

A huge congratulations to Stefano for this well-deserved recognition, and a big thank you to the team for helping bring this important investigation to our listeners!

Stefano investigated a case of greenwashing involving the French tyre producer Michelin for the pan-European online media, Voxeurop.

This episode explores Stefano’s groundbreaking work and emphasises the importance of tackling environmental challenges and the efforts being made to drive change. A huge congratulations to Stefano for this well-deserved recognition, and a big thank you to the team for helping bring this important investigation to our listeners!

Reupload - Best Podcast of the Year 2023 : Disability in Times of War (Award winning podcast)

As the end of the year approaches, we invite you to listen again to one of our best podcasts of 2023, winner of the Hostwriter Award.

Reupload - AI And You - Episode 10 : The Future of AI

The final episode of AI and You casts a light on the disadvantages and the advantages of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors. A hope-filled potential for the future exists but AI could also bring some dangers. For now, what we do know is that our intelligence is real, and if we combine our human intelligence with compassion, ethics, transparency and the right political will, we might just be able to create a brighter future.

Reupload - AI And You - Episode 9: How important is AI regulation?

AI is one of the most hotly debated topics in parliaments, governments, and European and international institutions currently. At the end of 2023, 31 countries had already passed some form of AI legislation, and 13 were actively debating new laws. The recently passed EU AI law has caused quite a stir in recent months. All eyes are now on the US as the 2024 elections may impact the generative AI legislation.

Sources:AI Regulation is Coming- What is the Likely Outcome? : CSISCurrent US AI regulation means adopting a strategic — and communicative — approach : Thomson ReutersEU’s AI Act Falls Short on Protecting Rights at Borders : Just SecurityBrussels EU Quarter : Lobby PlanetBig Tech lobbying should not derail the AI Act : Corporate Europe ObservatoryMicrosoft partners with Mistral in second AI deal beyond OpenAI : The VergeMicrosoft's deal with Mistral AI faces EU scrutiny : Reuters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload - AI And You - Episode 8: How secure is AI?

AI systems can search through enormous volumes of personal data, including criminal histories and other characteristics deemed to be "risk factors”. Recently, organisations have voiced worries about the French government's intention to utilise AI monitoring in the run-up to the Olympics in Paris. The most dreaded development in the near future is the emergence of deadly weapons driven by AI that are autonomous.

Sources: There’s software used across the country to predict future criminals. And it’s biased against blacks : Pro PublicaA new look at the intersection of predictive policing, poverty and stress in LA : Centre of Health JournalismLAPD ended predictive policing programs amid public outcry. A new effort shares many of their flaws : The GuardianPredictive policing: When AI predicts criminal activity : Digital WorldLondon Underground Is Testing Real-Time AI Surveillance Tools to Spot Crime : WIREDParis 2024 Olympics: Concern over French plan for AI surveillance : BBCRussia illegally used facial recognition to arrest protestor, human rights court rules : Politico‘The Gospel’: how Israel uses AI to select bombing targets in Gaza : The GuardianIsrael under pressure to justify its use of AI in Gaza : Politico Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reupload - AI And You - Episode 7 : Can AI solve the climate crisis?

Can technology participate in solving the climate crisis? When it comes to energy waste optimisation, AI can step in and help. It can also optimise energy grids and make renewable energy sources more efficient. However, AI can’t tackle all problems related to the climate crisis and it is more often a short-term solution to a long-term problem. 

Sources:

Reupload - AI And You - Episode 6 : AI and Equality

Have you already heard about AI-powered hiring practices?

Is this common practice reducing inequality or reinforcing discrimination? 

Some tech experts argue that AI can also be an opportunity to overcome all forms of bias, even those within humankind. 

Sources:

Reupload - Episode 5 : Can AI help us take better care of ourselves?

AI has the potential to make certain diagnoses earlier and more accurately than human beings. However, some AI deployments in healthcare could harm us more than help us. 

For what concerns mental health care, the use of AI has revealed that there are still “significant gaps” in our ability to apply these models for this purpose. Nonetheless, people are already turning to AI chatbots for mental health support.

Sources:

Reupload - Episode 4 : Can you learn with AI?

How AI can impact education? In some places like China, Artificial Intelligence already plays a role in teaching, grading and planning lessons for students. However, while navigating through AI, it is important to learn to discern what is trustworthy and what is not.

Sources 

Reupload - Episode 3 : Will AI replace your job?

With the development in technology and implementation of Artificial Intelligence all over different sectors, some of us are left with the fear that our jobs will be replaced by technology. Is that the case? Maybe. But certain skills like critical thinking, interpersonal skills and empathy, are out of AI’s reach.

Sources: 

Reupload - Episode 2 : My AI friend?

Reupload - Episode 1 : Evolution of AI

It was in the 1950s that the term “Artificial Intelligence” was first coined at a research conference, and ever since then, till today, humans have been obsessed with one question: Will AI surpass humans? This episode takes you through the origin and development of AI from the early 1950s to the present.

Reupload - AI And You - Trailer

AI and You is a 10-episode-long podcast series answering the burning questions revolving around the present and future impact of artificial intelligence on our lives.

A series hosted by Madeleina Kay.

Should we stop travelling?

After five episodes focusing on Santorini, I now take a step back and take a look at overtourism on a European scale.

Dr. Antonio Paolo Russo shares his expertise on the problem, telling us that there is still a long way to go before effective policies are put into place at the European level.

So, could we do anything to solve the problem, as European citizens who love to travel? I invited my friends Lea & Melissa to share their points of view.

Who even cares?

In this episode, we talk about responsibility. Who should act to save Santorini? What are politicians doing? Who even cares?

When activists are doing most of the work voluntarily and without much resources, when municipalities are blocked by national governments, when investors are still building hotels in protected areas and individuals think saving Santorini is a lost battle, the island is certainly in need of a strong and collective movement to guarantee its sustainability.

Typical Greekness

What happened to authenticity? When people start comparing some areas of Santorini with Disneyland, it is not a good sign.

This episode is about the impact that overtourism has on the local culture of Santorini. 

Locals highlight how important is to share with tourists the true richness of the island, for them to learn about its culture, its past, its traditions, its arts and crafts, its music, its essence. We also learn about the damage tourism has on the social fabric of Santorini, and how locals try to keep a sense of belonging to the island.

The art of killing what you love

What’s the actual impact of over-tourism on the environment of Santorini? 

In this episode, activists, politicians and locals sound the alarm on the disaster created with the progressive loss of natural land and the pollution of its waters. The endless growth of Santorini is stretching the island’s capacity and resources far beyond their limits. 

Santorini is a whore

“Everyone will get something from her, but no one will love her.” As tourist arrivals keep growing and attain dramatic numbers, the quality of life on the island is negatively impacted. How do inhabitants deal with the presence of tourists on a daily basis? Is there even a choice, now that the tourism industry is what feeds the whole island?

A dream destination was born

How did Santorini get here? How did this once small and quiet island become the host of millions of tourists every year?

Sharing their archives and memories, locals tell us about the rapid transformation that Santorini experiences, and how the focus on tourists might have become a bit excessive.

Hypertourismos [Teaser]

Dream destination Santorini is now a victim of its own success. Hypertourismos is a podcast that hands the mic to the locals, exploring how over-tourism on the island is threatening its sustainability. How is the triangle “planet, profit, people'' affected by the sunset-loving crowds? A creation by Maëlle Julou, who takes a step back to rethink the way we travel.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

When the Wolves Came: A Tale of Two Churches

Pastor Caleb Campbell leads an evangelical church in Phoenix. After Trump’s first election, Caleb became alarmed at rising religious extremism in evangelical spaces. And he should know: before he returned to the church, Pastor Caleb was a neo-Nazi skinhead.

One line summary: A Phoenix pastor and former-Neo Nazi skinhead realizes that many of his fellow evangelicals have embraced religious extremism after the 2016 election. There’s a lot at stake here for all Americans.

The Drying Plain: Home sweet inefficiency 6/6

The last episode of The Drying Plain looks into the business and economy of renewable energy installations in Serbian citizens' homes.

However, throughout the episode, it becomes clear that sustainable development cannot stop at households; it must also be an important consideration in urban planning more broadly.

This is not particularly evident in Subotica, located a few kilometres from the Hungarian border, where green spaces are a chimera. 

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Mina Delic.

Editing of scripts: Janos Toke.

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar.

Adaptation of scripts into English: Futura D’Aprile.

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original cover artwork by Qubit.

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective.

Producers: Mina Delic and Janos Toke.

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain: The dark side of batteries 5/6

Despite local protests, CATL Debrecen, one of Europe's largest battery factories, which has been under construction since 2023, may start operations in the coming months, while battery production in Hungary is in a deep slump compared to last year.

The factory, worth three thousand billion Hungarian forints, will have an initial production capacity of 40 gigawatt hours, rising to 100 gigawatt hours in the long term – which will require enormous amounts of energy and water, most of which will be used for cooling.

How sustainable is the battery-focused development policy of the Hungarian government actually?

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Zsuzsanna Balázs and András Tóth.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci and Andras Toth.

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar.

Adaptation of scripts into English: Futura D’Aprile.

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original cover artwork by Qubit.

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective.

Producers: Zsuzsanna Balázs and András Tóth.

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain: The city of stench 4/6

Located 45 minutes by car from the Hungarian border, the Serbian town of Topola in Vojvodina has become notorious in recent years for the stench spreading throughout the area, caused by nearby poultry farms, processing plants and sewage flowing into the local river.

This not only makes life miserable for the people of Topola, but is also a chronic source of stress, which is damaging the residents' resistance to disease.

But Topola's problems are not unique in Vojvodina, and highlight how uncontrolled environmental pollution, poor water management and the effects of global warming can add up.

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Orsolya Seregély and Mina Delic.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci and Janos Toke.

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar.

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original cover artwork by Qubit.

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective.

Producers: Orsolya Seregély.

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain: If invasive mosquitos take over 3/6

The Asian tiger mosquito appeared in Europe in the 1970s due to increasing global commercial exchanges.

This invasive mosquito species now has stable populations in Hungary, where it is finding an increasingly hospitable environment thanks to global warming.

Invasive insect species are not only an annoyance and a threat to our health, but also cause damage to agriculture when they appear in large numbers in a new area.

The spread of invasive pests is facilitated not only by globalisation and climate change, but also by the drastic decline of natural habitats.

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: András Tóth.

Editing of scripts: András Tóth, Gergely Nagy, Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar.

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

Original cover artwork by Qubit.

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective.

Producers: András Tóth.

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain: When farming becomes a gamble 2/6

In this episode, we look at how climate change is transforming Vojvodina, known for its endless plains and fertile soil.

We meet with farmers who are on the front line of climate change. For them, global averages and dire predictions for the end of the century are not abstract concepts, but concrete threats to their livelihoods in the form of increasingly hot, dry and extreme weather conditions. 

This is the case in Hungary, where air masses of Arctic origin recently damaged fruit orchards, and in Vojvodina, where farmers have had to contend with four consecutive years of drought and shifting harvest seasons since 2020.

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Gergely Nagy, András Tóth, Orsolya Seregély, Margaréta Tomó, Teodóra Szalai, Mina Delic.

Editing of scripts: Orsolya Seregély, András Tóth, Gergely Nagy, Tőke, Péter Kókai, Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci and Daniel Gutierrez Ortega.

Original cover artwork by Qubit

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective

Producers: Orsolya Seregély, Mina Delic, András Tóth, Zsuzsanna Balázs

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain: Conceptualising Climate Change 1/6

With the help of scientist György Kroel-Dulay and visual artist Kitti Gosztola, we explore the concepts of climate change and adaptation. What are we talking about when we talk about the environment? What do we actually perceive when we look at the landscape? Do we have useful concepts to describe the characteristics of a changing landscape?

The concept of landscape is also associated with many myths and misconceptions. We are not conscious of the fact that the landscape we think we must preserve in its current form is already the result of human intervention. The myth of “untouched nature” is just that: neither the elements of the landscape nor the vegetation are independent of human intentions and actions.

Independently of each other, György Kroel-Dulay and Kitti Gosztolathey are also self-critical, as they examine whether science and art are capable of offering solutions and alternatives to the current situation. 

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Gergely Nagy, András Tóth, Orsolya Seregély, Margaréta Tomó, Teodóra Szalai, Mina Delic.

Editing of scripts: Orsolya Seregély, András Tóth, Gergely Nagy, Tőke, Péter Kókai, Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar

Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci and Daniel Gutierrez Ortega.

Original cover artwork by Qubit

Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective

Producers: Orsolya Seregély, Mina Delic, András Tóth, Zsuzsanna Balázs

Executive producer: Ana Ribera.

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Drying Plain : [Trailer]

Global temperatures have risen to levels not seen in 125,000 years. Rivers and lakes are drying up. Wildlife is in obvious distress. Invasive pests are taking over. And even the energy transition to reduce emissions is putting a strain on our environment. 

These problems, which are becoming increasingly tangible in the The Great Hungarian - or Pannonian - plain, as well as  the potential solutions to them, are the subject of our new six-part podcast series, The Drying Plain, produced in partnership with Qubit and the Press Freedom Foundation in Vojvodina. 

With the help of local residents, farmers, artists, experts and researchers, The Drying Plain sheds light on the environmental changes caused by human activity in Hungary and Vojvodina (northern Serbia).

This podcast is part of WePod, a collaborative project funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

• Hosting and narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci
• Journalistic research, fieldwork, interviews and original scripts: Gergely Nagy, András Tóth, Orsolya Seregély, Margaréta Tomó, Teodóra Szalai, Mina Delits.
• Editing of scripts: Orsolya Seregi, András Tóth, Gergely Nagy, Tőke, Péter Kókai, Alexander Damiano Ricci
• Original sound track and sound editing: Dominik Tar
• Sound editing of the English version: Alexander Damiano Ricci and Daniel Gutierrez Ortega.
• Original cover artwork by Qubit
• Adaptation of the cover artwork for the English version: Watermelon collective
• Producers: Anari Berta, Orsolya Seregi, Mina Delits, András Tóth, Zsuzsanna Balázs
• Executive producer: Ana Ribera.
• Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci.

This co-production was supported by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the granting authority can, therefore, be held responsible for said opinions and viewpoints.

The Right Kind of Family : A Wave of resistance 6/6

In episode 6 of The Right Kind of Family, we travel to Warsaw, where a group of activists has opened the first clinic offering free access to medical abortion, right in front of the Polish parliament. We will learn about the work of Women Help Women, a group that supports women who want to have an abortion in countries where it is illegal or very difficult to do so.

From Warsaw to Budapest, we will attend Pride in the Hungarian capital, which has been outlawed by Orban but attended by tens of thousands of people from all over Europe.

But if resistance is transnational, so is the network opposing the network of parties and organisations working to erode rights. A network that follows a precise strategy, financed with millions of euros.

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : The Great Replacement conspiracy 5/6

In episode 5 of The Right Kind of Family, we tackle the Great Replacement theory, a conspiracy theory that is very present in the politics of far-right parties and has now infiltrated mainstream political debate.  It is yet another piece in the puzzle of discriminatory policies in the name of defending "the natural order".

Our reporters will travel to Bag, about 35 km from Budapest, to see how these policies that exclude certain categories, such as migrants and Roma communities, work in practice. And, still in Hungary, we go to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest in May 2025. A stage where theories such as the "Great replacement" have had a place of honour.

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : Destroying gender 4/6

In episode 4 of The Right Kind of Family, our reporters travel back to Spain, a country which has become a model in the development of progressive transgender rights at the national and regional level. In 2023, the Spanish Congress passed the so-called Trans Law, which focuses primarily on allowing individuals to change their name and gender on ID cards without requiring medical reports. 

However, Spain is also a country which saw the birth of the VOX, a party whose political platform hinges about the concept of "gender idoleology". Crucially, VOX is also one of the initiators of the Political Network for Values. Understanding the rise of the Political Network for Values implies understanding how gender politics has shaped Spain and Europe over the past two decades. 

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : The abortion playbook 3/6

In episode 3 of The Right Kind of Family, we travel to Italy, a country which has become a model for how it has been limiting access to abortion for women in subtle ways. 

In fact, the country ruled by Giorgia Meloni's Brother of Italy, represents a playbook for how it is possible to curtail abortions in a context where the Law formally provides free access to it. Starting from Naples, through Rome and reaching the north-western city of Turin, the reporters uncover how the anti-abortion playbook unfolds and impacts women's lives.  

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : A family-friendly country 2/6

In episode 2 of The Right Kind of Family, our reporters travel to Hungary, a country ruled by Viktor Orban's Fidezs party since 2010. This relatively small central European country has surged to the role of ideological cornerstone for the Political Network for Values and its members. 

In particular, our reporters focus on one specific dimension of the policies enacted by the Orban over the past decade: family policies as a tool to stop population decline.

The Hungarian government proudly defines its country as a family-friendly land. But what exactly are the famed policies of the Hungarian government, and how do they affect Hungarian households and women? What do Hungarians think about them, and ultimately, are they effective in halting population decline? 

The Right Kind of Family is a podcast co-produced by El País Audio, Chora Media, Europod, and 444.It was created within the framework of the WePod project, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission.

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : A very bright future 1/6

In episode 1 of The Right Kind of Family, reporters Claudia Torrisi, Elsa Cabria, Francesca Berardi and Lili Rutai are in Madrid, in the Spanish Senate. They follow the works of the "VI Transatlantic Summit for Freedom and the Culture of Life", a closed session “in defence of life and the natural family.” The meeting serves also as the sixth international gathering of the Political Network for Values, a network established in 2014 in a room at the UN headquarters, in New York. 

The reporters follow the debates and key note speeches of the participants, uncovering the international reach of this network as well as its rhetoric and political ambitions. 

Far from being a EU-focused network, the Political Network for Values has strong US- and Latin Amrican-connections. However, one specific European country appears to play a leading role. 

The Right Kind of Family is a podcast co-produced by El País Audio, Chora Media, Europod, and 444.It was created within the framework of the WePod project, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission.

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The Right Kind of Family : [Trailer]

"The Right Kind of Family" is a podcast co-produced by El País Audio, Chora Media, Europod, and 444.It was created within the framework of the WePod project, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission.

The English version is written and narrated by Lili Rutai

Research and fieldwork: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria and Manuel Tomillo

Script in original language: Francesca Berardi, Claudia Torrisi, Lili Rutai, Elsa Cabria.

Editing of scripts: Alexander Damiano Ricci, Ana Ribera and Sabrina Tinelli

Original sound identity: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega and Mattia Liciotti, based on ‘The Devil You Know’ soundtrack, licensed by Machiavelli Music.

Additional musical curation, editing and sound design: Jeremy Bocquet.

Original graphic design: Ruth Benito and Rebecca Grassi

Graphic design adaptation for the English version: Watermelon collective

Executive production: Ana Ribera

Editorial coordination and production: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

A Grain of Power: Who controls the grain? 6/6

In the last episode of A Grain of Power, we cast a light on the functioning of the market of grain and wheat at the global level. Until now, this series has focused on the responsibilities of nations and supranational institutions, but in this sixth episode, we focus on the power of private companies and, also, financial markets. 

Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South.

Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances.

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Reporting and field research: Futura D’Aprile

Author: Futura D'Aprile

English adaptation: Futura D’Aprile and Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original soundtrack: Epidemic Sound

Original Sound Editing: Jeremy Bocquet

Sound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega

Cover artwork : Watermelon Collective

Editor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Production: Futura D'Aprile 

Executive producer: Ana Ribera

Editorial and production coordination: Alexander Damiano Ricci

A Grain of Power  is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. 

A Grain of Power : The governance - Bruxelles 5/6

After analysing the impact of the lack of grain and wheat on the global South, in the 5th episode of A Grain of Power, we look at the impact an abundance of the same can have on economies. In 2024, farmers’ movements across Europe took the streets of their capitals and Brussels. To some, it looked like the Kremlin had been able to spur these protests through its geopolitics of grain. What was that really the case? And, more globally, what role does the EU play in wheat trade? 

Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Reporting and field research: Futura D’Aprile

Author: Futura D'Aprile

English language adaptation: Futura D’Aprile and Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original soundtrack: Epidemic Sound

Original Sound Editing: Jeremy Bocquet

Sound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega

Cover artwork: Watermelon Collective

Production: Futura D'Aprile 

Executive producer: Ana Ribera

Editorial and production coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci

A Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. 

A Grain of Power : The void - Cairo, Egypt 4/6

With the fourth episode of A Grain of Power, the reportage trip which started in Ukraine and passed along the Western coast of the Black Sea reaches its final destination. In the Egyptian town of Mansoura and the capital city Cairo, bread maker Zainab and restaurant owner Kamal share their views on the importance of bread in their society. The episode analyses the impact of the shortage of wheat due to the war in Ukraine on the Egyptian economy. But by moving back to Europe, the episode also tackles the effect that an abundance of imported grain can have on economies.

Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Reporting and field research: Futura D’Aprile and Matteo Garavoglia

Author: Futura D'Aprile

English adaptation: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original soundtrack: Epidemic Sound

Original Sound Editing: Jeremy Bocquet

Sound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega

Cover artwork : Watermelon Collective

Production: Futura D'Aprile

Executive producer: Ana Ribera

Production and editorial coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci

A Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. 

A Grain of Power : The ports - The Black Sea 3/6

In the third episode of A Grain of Power, the team of reporters behind this documentary travels from Odessa, in Ukraine, towards Istanbul, in Turkey, passing through Constanza, in Romania. The trip sheds light on the impact of the war on Ukraine on the transport infrastructure of grain from Europe to the global South. 

Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances.

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Reporting and field research: Futura D'Aprile

Author: Futura D'Aprile

English adaptation: Futura D’Aprile and Alexander Damiano Ricci

Editor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original soundtrack: Epidemic Sound

Original sound editing and mixing: Jeremy Boquet

Sound editing and mixing of the English version: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega

Cover artwork: Watermelon Collective

Production: Futura D'Aprile

Executive producer: Ana Ribera

Editorial and Production coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci

A Grain of Power s a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. 

A Grain of Power : The fields - Mykolaiv, Ukraine 2/6

The second episode of A Grain of Power brings you to Ukraine. More specifically, we get to know the story of farmers in the Southwestern region of Mykolaiv, where families have suffered the destruction of their fields of wheat through bombs and mines. We also discuss the history of the weaponisation of grain through the voice of historian and professor Steven Kaplan.

Through 6 episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

Narration: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Reporting and field research: Futura D'Aprile and Diana Lanovets

Author: Futura D'Aprile

English adaptation: Futura D’Aprile

Editor-in-chief: Alexander Damiano Ricci

Original soundtrack: Epidemic Sound

Original Sound Editing: Jeremy Bocquet

Sound editing and mixing English version: Daniel Gutierrez Ortega

Thumbnail illustration: Watermelon Collective

Production: Futura D'Aprile and Diana Lanovets

Executive producer: Ana Ribera

Production coordinator: Alexander Damiano Ricci

A Grain of Power is a six-episode documentary series produced by Europod and Outriders, as part of the WePod project, funded by the European Union. 

A Grain of Power: The bakery - Trevignano, Italy 1/6

The first episode of A Grain of Power starts in Trevignano, near Rome, Italy. It starts with the story of Culetti, a small modern bakery led by Mirko Magnano, who discusses the philosophy behind the business. More than 2000 kilometres away, Zainab describes the visceral relationship between Egyptian people and bread, as well as the challenges the local population encounters to access this essential good. How and why are the stories of Mirko and Zainab connected?

Through 6 episodes,  A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

A Grain of Power: [Trailer]

Through six episodes, A Grain of Power is a documentary podcast that takes you on a journey from the heart of Ukraine to the markets of Egypt, passing through Romania, Italy, and Brussels. It explores how an essential commodity – seeds, wheat, bread – has become a weapon of power, playing a crucial role both in the North and the South. Discover how these resources nourish nations, provoke conflicts, and reshape alliances.

And you? Would you be willing to fight for a piece of bread?

SLAPPed: journalists against strategic lawsuits

Very recently, Greece learned the meaning of the term SLAPP, short for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. It was not because Greeks read it in a book but because several journalists have been targeted by companies with lawsuits because of their investigative reporting and are thus called upon to face powerful giants in courtrooms. As explained during the last episode, this practice happens not with the aim of financial compensation for defamation but all for legal bullying and the gagging of the journalist. 

There are three major SLAPP cases in Greece at the moment. The victims are featured in the latest episode of the podcast. 

Show notes:

For this episode, our guests are the three journalists victims of SLAPP, Thodoris Chondrogiannos, Stavroula Poulimeni and Yannis Stevis; Babis Kouroundis, a lawyer and adjunct professor in Constitutional Law; Christina Ad. Vrettou, a Doctor of Constitutional Law; Peter Chantilas, a lawyer representing the Greek hospital administrator; and Kostas Papadakis, Stevis’ lawyer.

Follow the money: The Petsas’ List

In the context of COVID-19 and its very special circumstances, the Greek government decided to give a huge amount of money, around 20 million euros, to friendly media to promote the messages of Civil Protection to deal with the pandemic. The media outlets that received the money were gathered in the so-called Petsas’ list, named after the respective minister’s last name. The press critical of the government received less than 1% of the total amount. To this day, there has been no official response answering the question of what criteria were used to award the money. 

Show notes:

For this episode, our guests are Stefanos Loukopoulos, ​​co-founder of Parliament Watch; Dimitris Kanellopoulos, a journalist and former director of the newspaper EfSyn; and Dimitris Galamatis, Secretary General for Communication and Information.

Inside the newsroom: stories of self-censorship

News manipulation and censorship have been done in many indirect ways, mainly economically. But sometimes, it is crude and overt in Greece: journalists cannot publish what they want, or they might lose their jobs. Even if they wanted to take the risk, the content never reaches the recipient because it is cut off by the editorial staff. 

In episode 4, the interviews we hear from fellow journalists who have spoken publicly about stories of censorship in their everyday job and others who have agreed to speak anonymously about the pressures they face in the newsroom. 

Show notes:

For this episode, our guests are Mahi Nicolora, a journalist working at the public broadcaster ERT, and three journalists who are dubbed by actors to preserve their anonymity.