Brussels Unplugged!

Sóler Cardenas has been covering Europe for 20+ LATAM countries, and LATAM for Italy. In this episode, we dive into the recent Colombian elections, take a look at what happened in Hungary, and compare how fear and polarisation, sometimes, manifest differently. Hungry for Colombian food? Check out her favourite spots in Brussels!

Sasan Mousavi is an Iranian-American professional storyteller and lecturer at KU Leuven. We the difference and overlap with being Persian, and the importance of storytelling in geopolitics. Of course, how he unplugs - do you know what geocaching is?

Fabio Bargiacchi founded the European Centre for Electoral Support and has been leading it for 15 years. He has been to 120+ countries (51 in Africa), supporting democracy in action. So, we chat about the differences between election support and observation; countering misinformation and the impact of AI; and the EU's flagship Global Gateway project. And of course, how he unplugs!

Luana Lo Piccolo is a seasoned AI expert who has advised global firms, consultancies, and the European Commission on the AI Act and its legislative ecosystem. So of course, we jump into tech, but also how she manages to work in Brussels from Barcelona. Finally, how she unplugs whilst on the road!

Kait Bolongaro has been covering politics around the globe - Europe, Asia, Africa, and more - and now manages MLex's Brussels editorial team. Join us as we chat about media freedom, the impact of AI on the industry, and the rise of non-traditional journalism. And finally, how she unplugs from it all.

Matteo Brizzi is a young European activist who, alongside working in the European Commission and his local town council, works tirelessly to bring Europe and its citizens closer. Join us, as we dive into his work and chat about ways to bring the Union closer to its people!

Michal Beneš started the alliance representing Czech influencers, creators, and online personalities who are facing increasing pressure from the Babiš government. We chat about this, as well as his time as speechwriter for the Foreign Minister during the Ukrainian war, the Brussels Effect in VDL II, working in Brussels versus Prague - and who has the best beer, the Czechs or the Belgians?

Andrea Bittnerova's a veteran of Brussels' event scene, having organised all sorts and scales at the Centre for European Policy Studies, and now, has decided to follow her family's footsteps into entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she has launched Living Brussels, the premier newsletter for lifestyle in Europe's capital. Join us as we unpack Brussels' event sphere, and discover new ways to unplug!

Francesco Caracuta spent 22 years in London's sprawling innovation and AI industry, and now helps governments and companies navigate Brussels' ecosystem. Moreover, he decided to continue his family's legacy of oil production. Join us as we chat about AI, London, the role of agriculture in hedging economic risks, and how he unplugs.

Nathan Shepura, originally from Alabama USA, has been in Brussels for a decade, first in the European Parliament and now leading Inline Policy's Brussels office. But before coming to Europe, he also lived and worked in Saudi Arabia. Join us at the Stanhope Hotel as we chat transatlantic relations, crypto, and of course, how he unplugs!

Stephane de Schutter left his legal career to become a high school teacher. He's a born and raised Bruxelloise, so we chatted about the impact the Belgian government's policies are having on education and the children, the political divisions in Belgium, and why chose this career shift. Of course, how he unplugs as well!

Monica Frassoni and democracy go hand-in-hand. After a decade in the European Parliament and leading the Greens, she presides over the European Centre for Electoral Support, promoting sustainable democratic development, and the European Alliance to Save Energy, where she works on advancing energy efficiency. Join us as we unpack the EU's omnibus trains, US voting accessibility, and more, while sip...

Ben Cuzzupe's story takes us from Malta and Sicily to Australia and back to Europe. We chat about Australia's geopolitical conundrum between the US and China, its melting pot make-up, and the importance of public transportation. And of course, how he unplugs in Brussels.

Marco Cappato started Eumans to respond to modern-day problems which know no boundaries. Through civic participation, his organisation seeks to empower citizens; advancing abortion, rendering democracy AI-proof, and helping those suffering most relieve their pains. When not fighting for liberty, you can find him sipping a cold blanche - but how was the techno scene in the 90s? Tune in and find out...

Edward McMillan decided to leave the EU institutional and diplomatic life to return and pursue his passion full-time: theatre! But what are the overlaps? And what's the scene like in Brussels? Is it better than London? We dive into these questions and more!

Emma Woodford, when she's not busy managing the day-to-day operations of the European Policy Centre, she's unplugs by writing poetry. A passion of hers, which she merges with bird watching and life. In fact, her passion started out of necessity, but quickly grew into love.

Alex Borum has lived many lives already - from serving his country in battle, to teaching in academia, and now bridging differences in diplomacy. We chat about his time in the Horn of Africa, coming back to Europe and starting one of the most popular LinkedIn newsletters!

Chavdar Vlachkov Chavdar Vlachkov, a true jack of all trades, joins us to chat about what's going on in Bulgaria, and its path on joining the Euro - which it will, s tarting January 2026. We talk about media freedom, the rule of law, the unfolding water crises, and the unfortunate role the EU is playing is fueling its sprawling oligarchy. Moreover, how does he enjoy Brussels after 15 years in Euro...

I'm joined in the European Parliament by three brave women, who risked it all to help bring change and democracy in Iran. Whilst doing so, they lost everything and had to move to Europe. We chat about this, but also what Europe could do. And no worries, the few sentences in Farsi are translated live.

Tom Moylan, after nearly 10 years in the European Commission, decided he wanted to build his immediate community: from Brussels to his home. He founded Moylan Communications, Brussels' policy-driven comms agency; spearheaded work Restless Brussels, to get his fellow citizens involved; and became a father of two, perhaps his toughest and most rewarding challenge.

Lena Eisenreich has visited 85 countries and was present alongside Manfred Weber, the European Parliament's candidate, when Ursula von der Leyen was elected as President of the European Commission. When she unplugs, you can find her at Brussels' open-air music events, or reading War & Peace at Park Josaphat.

Jeroen Reijnen has spent nearly 30 years in Brussels, currently in the Commission, but previously in Parliament with the liberals and Guy Verhofstadt. Building upon his experiences and network, he authored Big in Brussels , his reflection and advice on breaching the city's walls and how to remain within them. Of course, he also tells us how he unplugs!

Bruegel's Rebecca Christie joins me to chat about the possible expansion of ESG to include defence and dual-use technology, and living in Europe as an American. Of course, we also dive into transatlantic relations and how she unplugs.

Suriname's Ambassador to the EU, Gilbêrt van Lierop, joins us to chat about the rich cultural heritage of Suriname, the state of global affairs, the impact of technology on society, the importance of environmental sustainability, and how he unplugs by detoxing from tech 🍻

Fidias just joined the European Parliament, and being 25 he is one of our youngest representatives. He's bringing young life to a bureaucratic institution with his digital native approach. He's also Cypriot and adamant about helping his people - how does he do it? What's the day-to-day in Cyprus? And which cuisine is better, Italian or Cypriot? Tune in, unplug, and let us know what you think!