Welcome to Europod & Sphera • News, your essential source for understanding Europe today.
From political shifts and EU policy updates to cultural trends and social challenges, our podcasts bring you closer to the stories that shape the European Union and the people behind it.
Stay informed, engaged, and connected to what’s happening across the continent.
Join us on a journey through the ideas, decisions, and movements that make Europe what it is — and what it’s becoming.
Production: Europod, with Sphera Network
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Europod & Sphera • News, your essential source for understanding Europe today.
From political shifts and EU policy updates to cultural trends and social challenges, our podcasts bring you closer to the stories that shape the European Union and the people behind it.
Stay informed, engaged, and connected to what’s happening across the continent.
Join us on a journey through the ideas, decisions, and movements that make Europe what it is — and what it’s becoming.
Production: Europod, with Sphera Network
Follow us on:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Artificial Intelligence is all the rage and most of us use it every day knowingly whether it's to get music recommendations or unlock our phones. But how far has IA gotten? Do we know when AI is being used and by whom? And most importantly is AI neutral?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: Europod
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According to the UN, 73% of women worldwide have experienced digital gender-based abuse: non-consensual intimate image-sharing, gender-based slurs or threats, online harassment, and unsolicited pornography. The consequences of this type of abuse go beyond the digital space, posing a threat to victim’s rights, health and safety both online and offline.
Join our host of Europe Talks Back season 3, Gail Rego as she has a conversation with our guest activists and scholars Lilia Giugni and Silvia Semenzin.
Tune into episode 4 now!
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: Europod
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White feminism is a self-proclaimed feminism shaped by the priorities of white, upper-middle-class, cisgender women. It assumes that all women experience misogyny in the same way - but it’s not.” What’s the point of breaking the glass ceiling if other women are left to pick up the pieces?
Join our host of Europe Talks Back season 3, Gail Rego as she has a conversation with our guest French activist, feminist, journalist, filmmaker and writer Rokhaya Diallo. Tune into episode 3 now
This series is produced in partnership with Sphera Network.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: Europod, with Sphera
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What is integration? What does it mean to you and the people who are expected to “integrate” into our societies?
Having been born and raised as a migrant for her whole life, join our new host Gail Rego of Europe Talks Back as she unfolds the harmful and unreasonable expectations placed on people with a migration history and how this term is often used against people who migrate.
Tune in and join our guests Razan Ismail and Hasnain Syed in this episode!
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: Europod, with Sphera
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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 provides valuable insight into how one's mental health can be critically affected by frequent social media usage. Reporting on the ground by Pablo Jiménez Arandia.
"We can channel our anger and anxiety towards positive change, but we must also be mindful of the content we consume online." - Pit-Roig
00:00:04 - Introduction,
00:02:59 - A Day in the Life,
00:06:29 - The Impact of Social Media,
00:09:10 - The Holocaust Remembrance Day,
00:13:49 - The Paranoia and Escape,
00:17:50 - The Concept of Doomscrolling,
00:18:25 - Mental Health Impact of Constant Exposure to Negative News,
00:19:18 - Pit-Roig Vinyals' Use of Twitter and Moral Obligation,
00:21:14 - Ubertamen's Fight Against Mental Health Stigma,
00:24:32 - Balancing Online News Consumption and Mental Well-being.
The second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of this episode of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Pablo Jiménez Arandia.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 "Investigating Green Finance made in Europe" and is co-authored by Emanuela Barbiroglio.
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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!
In collaboration with Sphera.
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego continues to dig into the investigation by Stefano Valentino published by the pan-European online media, Voxeurop, on how the European car industry has lobbied EU institutions to weaken Euro Seven, the next European Emission Standard.
Over the years, the EU has adopted progressively more stringent regulations on car emissions, but establishing this new standard is proving to be more difficult than in the past.
This story is part of an investigation conducted with Voxeurop and supported by the Journalismfund Europe, the European Excellence Exchange in Journalism (E³J) and Free Press Unlimited.
“If there is no Euro Seven with stringent rules they will keep polluting the air that citizens breathe.” - Stefano Valentino
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:00 - Thierry Breton
00:05:15 - Decision 2035
00:08:43 - An unspoken deal
00:10:35 - Another year
00:13:05 - Outro
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Gail Rego takes us inside the investigation by Stefano Valentino published by the pan-European online media, Voxeurop, on how the European car industry has lobbied EU institutions to weaken Euro Seven, the next European Emission Standard.
Over the years, the EU has progressively adopted more stringent regulations on car emissions, but establishing this new standard is proving to be more difficult than in the past.
This story is part of an investigation conducted with Voxeurop and supported by the Journalismfund Europe, the European Excellence Exchange in Journalism (E³J) and Free Press Unlimited.
“If there is no Euro Seven with stringent rules, they will keep polluting the air that citizens breathe.” - Stefano Valentino
00:00:04 - Intro
00:02:22 - European Emission Standards
00:06:00 - Dieselgate
00:11:57 - A path to zero emissions
00:14:34 - Recap
00:15:50 - Outro
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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 managed to flee. Ever since, she’s been helping fellow Ukrainians with disabilities stuck near the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. As the director of the Ukrainian NGO, Fight for Right, Tanya is committed to championing the needs and rights of disabled individuals, particularly during times of conflict. Drawing from her own experiences as a person with a disability navigating the challenges of war, Tetyana's dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality is unwavering and deeply impactful.
We need to change and nobody will make these changes without us. - Tetyana Herasymova
00:00:01 - Evacuation,
00:04:21 - Disability during war,
00:09:20 - Advocacy and recovery,
00:14:25 - Inclusion in Ukrainian politics,
00:20:32 - Challenges faced by disabled Ukrainians,
00:21:06 - Conclusion.
The second season of Europe Talks Back is produced in partnership with Sphera Network, the first network of independent media in Europe to reinvent the media space and paint a new picture of the continent through impactful, unbiased, raw and authentic stories.
The producer of Europe Talks Back is Maria Dios.
The host and narrator of Europe Talks Back is Juli Simond.
Sound editing and mixing is by Jeremy Bocquet.
Reporting for this story by Anna Romandash.
The executive producer of Europe Talks Back is Alexander Damiano Ricci.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
COP30 ended with almost no attention to food systems, despite their huge climate footprint. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores the climate cost of the European diet, from high meat consumption to fertiliser-intensive farming, and why efforts like the Farm to Fork Strategy have stalled.
With insights from Olivier De Schutter, co-chair of IPES-Food, and UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, we look at the political reluctance, the role of agri-food lobbies, and what it would take for Europe to make its food system truly sustainable.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Across Europe, traditional news is losing ground and creators are stepping in. From TikTok explainers to YouTube analysts and Instagram storytellers, a new generation of voices is reshaping how young audiences understand politics, culture, and the world around them.
In this episode, Evi Kiorri explores what the rise of news creators means for journalism, trust, and public debate. With insights from Nic Newman of the Reuters Institute, lead author of the report “Mapping News Creators and Influencers,” and from journalist-creator Mirko Paradiso, we dive into why younger Europeans identify more with online personalities than established media, how algorithms shape what becomes “news,” and the growing blur between information and entertainment. Is this a crisis for journalism or its next transformation?
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Across Europe, Millennials and Gen Z are working, studying and saving, yet home ownership is increasingly out of reach. Though housing is officially recognised as a human right under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Pillar of Social Rights, skyrocketing house prices and stagnant wages have created what Eurofound calls a “generation-wide affordability divide.” In this episode, I speak with Ina Delić youth engagement officer at Caritas Europe and part of the very generation she’s advocating for, about the lived reality of Europe’s housing crisis, and what it means for young lives and futures.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Across Europe, a quiet movement is taking shape. From knitting circles in Helsinki to pottery workshops in Brussels, people are rediscovering the simple, grounding act of making things by hand. What began for many as a way to fill the long days of lockdown has grown into something deeper, a form of self-care, a social bond, and even a small act of resistance against the relentless pace of modern life.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore how creative practices such as ceramics, weaving and painting are reshaping wellbeing and community across the continent. We speak with Brussels-based designer and ceramicist Anna Tou, whose workshops offer people a chance to step away from their screens, slow down, and reconnect not just with clay, but with themselves.
Together, they reflect on the tactile joy of creation, the patience that crafting demands, and the way art and tradition continue to bring people together in an increasingly digital world.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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Loneliness doesn’t stop at city limits or country borders. In this episode of Europe Talks Back,we explore how isolation takes root in both Europe’s bustling cities and its quiet rural towns. With insights from sociologist Jasper de Witte, we unpack why loneliness isn’t just about being alone but about social ties, inequality, and the structures that shape our lives.
From young people in fast-paced capitals to older adults in remote villages, millions across Europe are affected. We look at what makes loneliness different in rural and urban contexts, why it matters for public health and democracy, and what solutions from better transport to community spaces might help people feel less cut off and more connected. And today, we’re diving into what loneliness means in rural and urban Europe, why it happens, why it matters, and what can actually make a difference.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.
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They call it Europe’s backbone: the rural heartlands. Covering more than 80 per cent of the EU’s territory but home to less than 30 per cent of its population, rural areas are vital for food, biodiversity, and climate resilience, yet face population decline, ageing communities, poor infrastructure, and limited digital access.
In this episode of Europe Talks Back, Evi Kiorri explores what life is really like far from the cities, speaking with Emanuele Monaco, who left urban life to build a distillery in rural Puglia, Italy. Through his story, we uncover both the challenges and the opportunities of rural life: from revitalising communities and sustainable farming to attracting young families and new ideas. Join us as we examine how policies, investment, and community effort could shape the future of Europe’s countryside.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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Work emails at night. Messages from your boss after dinner. The pressure to be “always on” has become the norm, blurring the line between work and life, and pushing more people toward burnout. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we look at how digital tools, remote work, and workplace expectations are wearing us down and whether the growing push for a legal right to disconnect can turn things around.
We spoke to Professor Claudia Pagliari, an expert in digital health and tech ethics at the University of Edinburgh, to understand how constant connectivity affects our minds, our health, and our relationships and what really needs to change: the law, the culture, or both.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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What does it really mean to be a rainbow family in the European Union? In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore the promise and the shortcomings of the European Certificate of Parenthood, a regulation meant to ensure that parenthood rights are recognised across all 27 EU countries. From Spain to Bulgaria, Italy to Poland, we look at what’s happening when same-sex families cross borders, only to find that their legal status doesn’t always travel with them.
To unpack the legal grey zones, the clash between national sovereignty and EU law, and what all this means for the children caught in between, we spoke with Professor Alina Tryfonidou, an expert in EU law and a leading voice on LGBTIQ+ rights. Despite hopeful rulings from EU courts, many rainbow families remain in limbo, a stark reminder that equality on paper doesn't always mean equality in practice.
Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
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In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore how Europe's so-called culture wars are used to divert attention from structural economic issues.
With insight from political scientist and member of the Social Democrats Justus Seuferle and Politics Professor at the University of Bath, Aurélien Mondon, the episode examines how political and media discourse has shifted away from material concerns like wages, housing, and labour rights, towards debates on identity, migration, and “wokeness.”
Our guests argue that this cultural framing distorts the concept of class and often benefits elite interests, while marginalising those most affected by economic inequality. Through this lens, we question who really shapes the public narrative in Europe, and who is excluded from it.
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Abortion remains illegal in Malta and highly restricted in Poland, despite ongoing pressure from European institutions to uphold reproductive rights. In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we examine the historical and current influence of religious institutions on abortion policy across Europe, and the political forces maintaining these restrictions.
We are joined by Neil Datta, Executive Director and founder of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, and Magdalena Chrzczonowicz, Editor-in-Chief of OKO.press and contributor to the cross-border investigation Exporting Abortion, who share insights on how restrictive laws impact women and how cross-border initiatives are working to protect access to safe abortion care.
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