Latvia Weekly

"Pludmale" is the word of the week, with many of Latvia's most popular beaches closed to swimmers due to low water quality amid a series of heatwaves. Otto and Joe discuss this and a number of other stories including high costs for the planned Soviet monument demolition, possible changes to Latvia's parental leave system, the trashiest criminal in Jēkabpils, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārz...

"Iesaukt" (conscript) is the word of the week as Minister for Defense Atis Pabriks announces plans for obligatory military service that could be introduced as soon as next year. Otto and Joe discuss the implications for Latvia's society and security situation along with other major stories from the previous week such as cyberattacks on Latvian infrastructure, new poll data on attitudes towards Rus...

As Latvia suffers through a massive heatwave, Otto and Joe discuss some of the biggest stories of the week including a looming teacher's strike, trouble with KNAB for Ainārs Šlesers LPV party, new electric trains (finally!) and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attributi...

Now that Otto and Joe are back from a number of "komandējumi" (business trips) and the busy school year is over, they sit down and take a look back through some of the biggest stories of the past few weeks! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free...

"Skriet" (to run) is the word of the weeb in honor of Otto's and Olevs's participation in Riga Marathon events. Before running to go run his distance, Otto joins Joe via audio call to run through the biggest stories of the week including planned demolition of Riga's major Soviet war memorial, political fallout from events on the 9th and 10th of May, promised electric train deliveries, Liepāja bein...

"Atjaunot" is the word of the week as Latvia celebrates 32 years since the restoration of independence. Otto and Joe discuss the meaning of the 4th of May in Latvia along with other major stories such as alternative heating and electricity to Russian gas, the dismantling of more Soviet monuments, donated bussed to Kyiv, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with perm...

As the typical smell of grass fires fills the spring air despite the unusually cold weather, Otto and Joe discuss some of the biggest stories of the week such as new cycling routes, the establishment of natural gas reserves, war supporters potentially being stripped of citizenship, possible dismantling of "victory" monuments in Ogre, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki,...

"Nojaukt" is the word of the week as the governing coalition begins seriously discussing proposals to take down the controversial Soviet war memorial in Rīga which has been temporarily blocked off for "safety concerns". Otto and Joe discuss this issue along with new party ratings, liquid natural gas plans, bridge closure headaches for rīdzinieki, a whale of a tale, and much more! Theme song "Mēs e...

"Piegāde" (delivery) is the word of the week as the Baltic states lead the way in ending natural gas imports from Russia. Otto and Joe break down this major action as well as amendments banning "Z" and "V" symbols, the end (for now) to most COVID restrictions, speed cameras checking for expired technical certificates, the closure of Russian consulates, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemniek...

For the show’s 200th total episode, Joe sits down with none other than Mike Collier, editor of the English language version of Latvian Public Media (eng. LSM.lv) to discuss a range of topics including the role of humor in the news, comment section soap operas, the hierarchy of mushroom pickers, countryside living, killer beavers, and his experience integrating into Latvian culture. Opening and clo...

"Vējš" is the word of the week as wind causes trouble all throughout Latvia, including for the crew of a ferry blown into Ventspils port's promenade. Otto and Joe discuss this along with potential plans for an LNG terminal in Latvia, signs from the national government that large 9th of May gatherings could be banned, pre-election political intrigue in the governing coalition, and much more! Theme...

"Uzvarēt" (to win) is the word of the week, as the controversial 9th of May "Victory Day" celebration of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany has come into question after statements from the newly politically independent Mayor of Rīga Martiņš Staķis as well as State Police Chief Armands Ruks. Otto joins Joe back in person to discuss the possible implications, as well the latest developments in Latvia'...

Joe sits down with fellow English language Latvia-based podcaster Fabrizio Marciante to discuss the challenges of interviewing, national identity in an increasingly global world, and life in Lativa. You can find the Kūla podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR85s1UcKcGFginjLz_-v5w Opening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma Apsīte

"Uzņēmt" is the word of the week as Latvia takes in thousands of refugees fleeing the horrors of war in Ukraine. Otto calls into Joe from Vilnius to discuss the process of providing refugees with shelter, measures to ensure safety in the Baltics, the continuing fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme s...

Sveicam Svētā Patrika dienā! For this year's special St. Patrick's Day episode, Joe sits down with Ms Eimear Friel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to Latvia, to discuss the meaning of St. Patrick's Day, how people can celebrate it across the world, some interesting connections between Latvia and Ireland, and much more! Opening and closing music: GalwaySession1 by Gaillimhc...

"Saistības" is the Latvian word of the week as NATO allies reaffirm their commitments to collective security as well as their commitment to providing supplies to the Ukrainian army. Otto and Joe discuss the flurry of diplomatic visits in Latvia as well as the continuing fallout from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as a few other local stories. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by A...

"The Eastern Border" podcast host Kristaps Andrejsons once again is back on the show, this time calling in from the border of Ukraine and Poland where he has been spending the last few days reporting on the situation for Latvian media and working together with Latvian relief workers providing aid for the countless refugees seeking safety. Kristaps tells about the situation he's been seeing on the...

As the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia continues, Otto and Joe break down Latvia's support measures for Ukraine, reactions against supporters of the Russian regime, and measures to defend the Baltic states from further aggression. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attributio...

Otto and Joe discuss the shocking actions taken by Russia in launching a seemingly full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the response by Latvia and the rest of the western world. They also call expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to discuss ways that Ukrainian refugees can seek safe haven in Latvia before discussing a few other important stories from the last week here in Latvia. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemniek...

While the world holds its breath as the situation in Ukraine unfolds, Otto and Joe discuss the latest developments as well as other important stories closer to Latvia such as more school closures, a new Eurovision challenger, relaxation of COVID restrictions, and much more! Joe then calls into expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to discuss red flags to look out for when reading through job postings, as well...

Despite record case numbers, the Latvian government seems to be signalling that most COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted in the next few months. Otto and Joe discuss the implications of this potential decision as well as the other most important stories of the week. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com...

"Pārstrādāt" is the word of the week in honor of Latvia finally kicking off its long-discussed container deposit system. Otto and Joe discuss this along with other stories such as a draft civil union law, a step forward towards an acoustic concert hall, a potential loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, and much more before calling into expat lawyer Rick Jacobus in Lipeāja to find out what first-time...

As Latvia implements major changes to its making requirements, Joe and Otto call expat lawyer Rick Jacobus to clarify what people can and cannot wear. They also discuss major stories such as sky high energy costs, the situation in Ukraine, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Com...

With 2021 in the rear view, Otto and Joe take their annual look back at the top 10 biggest stories of the year as well the Latvia Weekly staff and listeners' choices for "Person of the Year".

After an extended holiday break, Otto and Joe are back to break down the government's new COVID mitigation strategy as well as other stories such as goodwill compensation for Holocaust victims, potential new emissions regulations in Riga, support for a ban on fur farming, a bananas cocaine bust, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song...