European Glimpse Podcast

In this insightful interview, Aidan Hoyle, assistant professor at the Univesity of Leiden in disinformation and foreign influence, discusses the mechanisms of disinformation, its subtle techniques, and its impact on European societies. We explore how narratives of decline and chaos are crafted, the role of social media, and strategies for resilience in the digital age. Find more of Aiden's work: *...

In this conversation, Dominika Klimowicz, a political scientist from Poland, discusses the current political landscape in Poland, highlighting the tensions between pro-EU and anti-EU sentiments, the cultural wars affecting generational divides, and the mental health crisis among the youth. She reflects on the historical trauma that shapes the perspectives of millennials and the challenges they fac...

This conversation explores the evolving attitudes towards refugees in Germany, particularly focusing on the pivotal year of 2015, the emergence of solidarity and skepticism, and the impact of significant events like New Year's Eve. It delves into the nuances of public sentiment, the call for order in migration policies, and the implications for political communication in addressing these complex i...

In this reflective episode, Alice reviews her journey with the European Glimpse podcast throughout 2025. She discusses the motivations behind starting the podcast, the importance of nuanced storytelling about Europe, and the diverse perspectives she encountered through her conversations with guests from various countries. Alice emphasizes the need to challenge prevailing narratives about Europe an...

In this conversation, Alice and Polina explore the concept of the European Dream, contrasting it with the American Dream, and discussing the cultural, political, and economic challenges faced by different European nations. They delve into the historical context of the European Union, the ongoing protests in Bulgaria, the welfare state in Sweden, and the community-oriented values in Spain. The disc...

The podcast explores the complexities of European cultural exports, highlighting the contrast between historical perceptions and contemporary creativity. It emphasizes the need to move beyond stereotypes and recognize the dynamic contributions of modern European culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit europe...

Summary In this conversation, Nikoleta Đukanović discusses Montenegro's aspirations for EU integration amidst the backdrop of renewed interest in enlargement following the situations in Ukraine and Moldova. She emphasizes the importance of Montenegro's pro-EU identity and social resilience as foundational elements for achieving institutional change and navigating the challenges ahead. This is a pu...

The conversation explores the limitations of awareness and education in food policy in Denmark, particularly regarding plant-based options. It highlights the value-action gap, where knowledge does not necessarily lead to behavioral change among consumers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit europeanglimpse.substa...

In this conversation, Vladimir Kornev shares his personal journey as a Russian who left his home country amidst the war in Ukraine. He discusses the emotional and practical challenges of leaving, his experiences in Turkey, and the process of settling in Germany. The conversation highlights the cultural adjustments he and his family faced, their aspirations for the future, and the importance of ind...

My Dutch friend Maarten is an independent filmmaker who crowdfunded his recent short fiction film “Homefront” about two Ukrainian brothers. That in itself is quite a move. Enjoy the conversation! You can contact Maarten via mail or LinkedIn: info@vanostadeproducties.nl https://www.linkedin.com/in/maarten-sleegers-b41b3aa0/ Alice : Hey, my friend Maarten is from the Netherlands and we studied toget...

On German Unity Day, Alice reflects on the reunification of Germany 35 years after the Berlin Wall fell, noting that a deep division still exists between the capitalist West and the socialist East. East Germany continues to lag behind in economic and demographic indicators and many East Germans faced hardship in the 1990s as factories closed and people lost their jobs. Guests Kristin and Josefine...

In this podcast episode, Alice discusses the pervasive pessimism in Europe, exploring its roots and implications. She highlights the contrast between personal optimism and national pessimism, the impact of education and political views, and the role of media in shaping perceptions. The conversation delves into the complexities of migration, demographic changes, and the influence of social media on...

This conversation explores the challenges faced by mothers in Germany, particularly in relation to labor market participation, child penalties, tax disincentives, cultural perceptions of motherhood, and the childcare system. The discussion highlights the urgent need for systemic change to support working mothers and families in navigating these complex issues. Music by Jarek Rytelewski This is a p...

In this episode, Alice discusses the pressing issue of demographic decline in Europe, particularly focusing on Bulgaria's changing fertility rates. She explores the historical context of population growth concerns, the economic implications of declining birth rates, and the effectiveness of various policy responses aimed at encouraging higher fertility. Alice also delves into the underlying causes...

In this conversation, Alice and Ruben discuss the unique experience of living and working in Brussels, particularly within the EU institutions. Ruben shares his first impressions as a trainee at the European Parliament, highlighting the sense of detachment from the surrounding city and the culture that develops within the EU bubble. They explore the similarities among individuals working in these...

This conversation migration researcher Dr. Sara Bojarczuk explores the evolving landscape of migration policies in Poland, particularly focusing on the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the changing attitudes towards migrants. It delves into the historical context of migration in Poland, the current labor market dynamics, and the integration challenges faced by various migrant groups. The discussio...

This conversation explores the complex landscape of Bulgarian youth, focusing on their perspectives regarding the Eurozone, political attitudes, migration, and identity. The discussion highlights the optimism among young Bulgarians despite the challenges they face, including political instability and societal divisions. The youth's engagement in political processes and their evolving views on migr...

In this conversation, Dr. Alina Felder-Stindt discusses her research on the intersection of higher education and European Union policy, focusing on the mechanisms through which the EU influences universities. She highlights the importance of coordination in higher education, the role of the European Universities Initiative, and the challenges faced in balancing excellence and inclusion. The discus...

In this conversation, Dániel Kovács discusses the journey of Forum Europeanum ( Forum Europaeum ), a youth-led media platform aimed at fostering a European identity through cultural engagement. He shares insights on the evolution of the platform, the challenges of representing European culture in media, and the importance of dialogue in shaping political perspectives among young people. The discus...

This podcast explores the evolving perceptions of aging and ageism in society, particularly in the workplace. Dr. Trudy Corrigan and Lucie Stecker discuss their insights from the SNAW project, which investigates ageism across various European countries. They highlight the importance of intergenerational collaboration, the need for accessible training opportunities, and the impact of technology and...

In this conversation, Alice and Olga discuss the profound impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Olga's life and her subsequent activism. Olga shares her initial shock and the emotional turmoil she experienced, as well as her determination to take action. They explore the formation of community support in Berlin and Portugal, the challenges of confronting Russian propaganda, and the importan...

In this conversation, Moa Petersén, an associate professor of digital cultures at Lund University, discusses the implications of Sweden's transition to a cashless society. She explores the digital imperative driving this change, the current state of cash and digital payments, and the impact on vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and economically disadvantaged. The conversation highlights t...

This conversation explores the Be Manly movement in Croatia, its roots in Catholicism, and the broader context of masculinist movements globally. Anamaria discusses the historical significance of Catholicism in Croatian identity, the influence of global trends on local movements, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The conversation also touches on the counter movements advocating f...

Welcome to European Glimpse! In this first episode, I will share why I believe it is important to talk about Europe! Here’s the transcript: What does it truly mean to be European? For me, that question is deeply woven into the fabric of my own family history, particularly through the lives of my two grandmothers. In this first episode of European Glimpse, I'll share how their very different worlds...