Latvia Weekly

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A weekly podcast that discusses the latest happenings in Latvia, hosted by Otto Tabuns and Joe Horgan

Latvia Weekly


    • Jun 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 289 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Latvia Weekly

    June 12th, 2025: Interview with Composer Scott Brickman and Local Election Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 71:00


    Joe breaks down the biggest takeaways from the muniicpal elections that happened Saturday as well as the aftermath before interviewing composer and professor of music and education Scott Brickman about his experiences reconnecting with his Latvian roots in a big way over the past few years. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Middle song courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Cheesy harp sound effect courtesty of the freesound community via pixabay.com

    May 6th, 2025: Interview with Artist Katrīna Tračuma, Old Town Banditry, Traffic Towards Tallinn, and Jelgava's Market Nightmare Nearly Over

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 56:39


    Latvia Weekly is back in a new format, with Joe covering some main happenings of the week and then interviewing Jelgava artist Katrīna Tračuma about the opening of her solo exhibition in Jelgava "Zemnieki. Zeme. Nieki. Zemieši. Zemgale." or "Farmers. Earth. Nothings. Zemgale. Earthlings." Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Middle song courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #233: Budget Pain, Drug Busts, and News from October 5th - 16th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 67:18


    As Latvia's coalition forces compromise on a budget, law enforcement crack down on one of the largest drug producing operations in Latvian history. Otto and Joe discuss these and other stories such as a smartphone ban, the announcement of candidates for the upcoming Riga city council election, and important trip to Moldova, and more!

    LW #232: One Year for Siliņa, Drone Disconnect, and News from September 4th-19th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 49:26


    As the Siliņa government celebrates its one year anniversary, Otto joins Joe from Budapest to discuss major issues such as fallout after an explosive-packed Russian drone landed in Rēzekne, bad news for Latvia's health sector, major updates to the Rail Baltic implementation plan, post-flood repairs, and more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Image: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/54001945739/ Used with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

    LW #231: School Days, Poetry Days,and News from August 30th - September 3rd, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 47:24


    As Otto and Joe begin the new year of studies, they sit down to discuss a number of stories related to education, Air Baltic's financial trouble, the upcoming Riga City Council election, Paralympic success, and more!

    LW #230: Revenge of the Mosquitos, Farewell Kariņš, and News from August 20-29, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 74:23


    As Latvia suffers from an unusual amount of "odi," Otto and Joe discuss major stories such as growing criticism of the tax reform and budget formation process, former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš's surprise decision to step away from politics, steps forward and back for the Rail Baltic project, a costly scam, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #229: Flood Damage Fallout, Stranded in Spain, and News from August 7-15, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 49:05


    As the high costs of rebuilding after devastating floods in southern Latvia become increasingly clear, Otto and Joe discuss the implications as well as other major stories such as a tour group of Latvian youth stranded in Spain, parliament's investigation into Rail Baltica's troubles, changes to gambling and tax laws, Latvian drones to Ukraine, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #228: Zemgale Soaked and News from July 22nd - August 1st, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 62:44


    As Latvia's top athletes compete in the Olympics, much of the country continues cleaning up after a historic storm that left much of southern Latvia drenched and littered with fallen trees. Otto and Joe discuss these major stories along with a few others including data from the first month of civil partnerships, a bizarre escape across the Eastern border, modern trams at long last to Ķengarags, and much more! Photo credit: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja. Used with a Creative Commons ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC license. https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53891146929/in/photostream/ 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Joe Horgan's personal archive

    LW #227: International Aspects and News from

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 74:23


    As Otto continues his time in Washington DC following the NATO summit, he joins Joe to discuss issues such as European Union leadership appointments, major decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, decoupling from the Russian energy grid, excellent news from train lovers, an Olympic anniversary, and much more! Photo: Baltic Security Foundation 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #226: Otto at the NATO Summit, Deadly Drivers, and News from June 28th - July 4th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 67:25


    Before getting ready to celebrate America's independence day, Otto and Joe sit down to discuss some major stories of the week such as planned tough new road safety measures following a week of deadly crashes, the first few days of same sex partnerships in Latvia, more plans for renewable energy, the NATO summit, and much more! Opening and closing music: "Materna", performed by the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band of Cherry Point, North Carolina, available in the Public Domain

    LW #225: Midsummer in Maine, Boston and Latvian Sports Glory, and News from June 14th-27th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 48:33


    Having just celebrated midsummer Līgo/Jāņi celebrations in the US state of Maine, Joe sits down to talk about major stories such as more headaches for both rail and road travel, Kristaps Porzinģis' success on the Boston Celtics, a final goodbye to Rezekne City Council, coalition shakeups, plant protein plans in Liepāja, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Joe Horgan's personal archive

    LW Interviews: Sea Buckthorn Garden "ZELT" Co-founder Eduards Vilks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 37:39


    To get into the midsummer spirit, Joe drives a bit outside of the city to sit down with "ZELT" Sea Buckthorn Garden co-founder Eduards Vilks to discuss his and partner Elīna's experiences in setting up a major agricultural endeavour as well as some of the most interesting aspects of the not yet so well known sea buckthorns, or smiltsērkšķi in Latvian. Opening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Photo: Mike Pennington, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 license

    LW #224 Results of the European Parliament Election and News from June 7th-13th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 54:07


    With the results of the European Parliament election in, Otto and Joe break down the biggest takeaways and discuss a few other stories such as the mounting costs of the Rail Baltic project, possible prosecution for a controversial former member of European Parliament, the passing of a literary giant, and more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #223: Summer Arrives and News from May 20th - June 4th

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 31:55


    With temperatures above 30 degrees in some places, Joe discusses the hot weather as well as a few other important stories from the week. He also sits down with a few students who have participated in the ENGtegrationForUkraine project's free English lessons for Ukrainian refugees that Otto and Joe have been organizing. If you have not yet done so, please share the donation link! https://gogetfunding.com/help-ukrainian-refugees-in-latvia-continue-learning-english-2/ 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Image: CipherN https://www.flickr.com/photos/nikmay/9174955397 Used with a Creative Commons ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC license

    LW Interviews: The Organizers of ENGtegrationForUkraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 23:59


    Please support our project by sharing this link as widely as possible! https://gogetfunding.com/help-ukrainian-refugees-in-latvia-continue-learning-english-2/ Joe sits down with co-host and fellow project organizer Otto Tabuns, head teacher Kris Akenfelds, and volunteer Sydnee Wilke to discuss the ENGtegrationForUkraine project to provide free English lessons for Ukrainian refugees. Opening and closing music: Austra Apsīte

    LW #222: Northern Lights, International Success, and News from April 1st-14th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 36:35


    The "ziemeļblāzma" (northern lights) shining above Latvia last weekend seem to have been a good sign, with singer Dons securing Latvia's best Eurovision result since 2016 and a string of victories to open the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation Championships. Otto and Joe discuss these and other issues including more headaches for Rail Baltic, important international meetings, common sense behavior when visiting forests, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #221: As the Winter Tire Turns and News from April 16th - 23rd, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 40:11


    Those who took their winter tires off might have done so too soon as winter returned with a vengeance early this week. Otto and Joe discuss the strange weather along with new developments in the plan to move away from Russian as a second foreign language in schools, Minister of Culture Agnese Logina surviving a no confidence vote, military training for hunters, a possible new football stadium, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #220: New Foreign Minister and News from April 1st - 16th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 48:47


    As Latvia's likely new foreign minister gets introduced to the public, Latvia's previous foreign minister deals with the continued fallout from a questionable amount of state and EU funding being used on private jet flights. Otto and Joe meet to discuss the newest developments to this story as well as going through good news for animal rights activists and environmentalists, possible exciting developments in Liepāja, a farewell to a regional mayor who became a household name for all the wrong reasons, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #219: The Trouble with State-Provided Transportation and News from March 18th-30th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 57:29


    While Krišjānis Kariņš has resigned from the post of foreign minister after mounting criticism over his use of private jets while prime minister and the announcement of criminal proceedings for those involved with arranging them, Mayor of Jelgava District Madars Lasmanis hangs onto his position despite a widely spread video of seemingly indecent behavior during an online meeting led from his state-provided car. Otto and Joe meet to discuss these issues and a number of others including a dangerous 240 kph joyride though Tinuži, the moving ahead of new restrictions on alcohol, difficult times for rapeseed farmers, major steps forward in Latvia's defense sector, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    "Go and (Don't) Burn (Grass)" and News from March 1st - 11th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 49:12


    Otto and Joe explain the difference between the Latvian words "degt" and "dedzināt," especially in the context of one dangerous tradition, before discussing major stories of the week such as the rapid approval and beginning of border defense construction, a major resignation in the wake of passenger rail difficulties, criminal proceedings for a former parliamentarian, a unique chance to celebrate Spring Equinox, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #217: A Heavy Day and News from February 16th - 24th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2024 54:24


    On a gloomy day that marks two years since Russia's unprovoked wide-scale invasion of Ukraine, Otto and Joe discuss major stories of the week such as Latvia's massive assistance to Ukraine, a new depth to Rēzekne's financial governance troubles, a farewell to one of Latvia's most controversial members of parliament, and much more! Photo: Valsts kanceleja / Evija Trifanova, used with a Creative Commons BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic license 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #217: Somewhat Spring and News from February 6th - 15th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 59:18


    LW #217: Somewhat Spring and News from February 6th - 15th, 2023 by Latvia Weekly

    LW #215: Weather Fluctuations and News from January 6th - 11th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2024 46:37


    With temperatures fluctuating between around -30 and +5 degrees Celsius throughout Latvia over the past week, Otto and Joe discuss the effects on infrastructure as well as a number of other news stories from the week. Photo: Emilian Robert Vicol, used with a Creative Commons BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic license 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #214: 2023 Year in Review and News from December 2023 - January 5th, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 73:12


    After briefly discussing the bitter cold that's caused more than a few problems for Latvia's new electric trains, Otto and Joe count down the top 10 biggest stories of 2023 and announce the Latvia Weekly person of the year. "Auld Lang Syne" performed by Starlifter and Roots in Blue of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. Track 11 from the ensembles' 2020 album The Spirit of the Season.

    LW #213: On One Train and News from November 22nd - December 28th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 47:02


    It's an exciting time for Latvian passenger rail, as not only long promised new electric trains are finally in service, but daily train service to Vilnius has finally been reestablished! Joe discusses the exciting news along with a number of other news stories from the past month while he was recovering from illness including the ratification of the long-discussed Istanbul Convention, better than expected economic news, more trouble for Rezekne, pricier passports, and much more! Make sure to also let us know your nominations for the Latvia Weekly person and stories of the year here! https://forms.gle/VD2gBYiEqLWdHf9r9 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license. https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53423988023/

    LW Presents: The Holiday Season in Latvia with Musician Jöran Steinhauer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 48:15


    Every Saturday until December 23rd, German musician Jöran Steinhauer will be playing a series of free holiday season concerts at St. Peter's Church in Riga that all are welcome to attend. Joe sits down with Jöran to discuss German, Latvian, and American holiday traditions, the internationalization of the holiday season, and much more! Music: Jingle Bells, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

    LW Interviews: Artists Eamonn Shanahan and Katrīna Tračuma

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 30:52


    Joe sits down with Eamonn Shanahan (IE) and Katrīna Tračuma (LV), artists of the international "Nua Collective" which will be opening an exhibition called "Blackout" about climate change and the energy crisis on December 9 in the Jelgava Old Town House. To find out more about the exhibition, you can visit their website here! https://nuacollective.ie/blackout/ Opening and closing music by Austra Apsīte

    LW #212: Frosty Windshields and News from November 16th - 21st, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 31:20


    As temperatures drop to -10 Celsius in parts of Latvia, Otto and Joe discuss major stories such as Sigulda's renewed Olympic dreams, President Rinkēvičs' trip to Israel and the West Bank, the strangest police confiscation of white powder imaginable, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #211: Proclamation, Pause on Partnerships, and News from November 10th - 15th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 46:24


    Otto and Joe sit discuss the meaning of the 18th of November in Latvia along with some major stories from the previous week, such as the passing and then pausing of new amendments to the civil partnership laws, the announcement of major new transit infrastructure projects in Riga, sentencing for two badly behaved former parliamentarians, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: ScAvenger. This image is used with a Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike License v. 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ noteikumiem.

    LW #210: Commemoration, Controversy, and News from October 26th - November 9th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 70:43


    Otto is back with Joe to discuss commemoration of Latvia's most important military victory in its history, as well as other stories such as controversy over a new sign for Riga Central Station, Major new legislation projects over hot button issues, the dismissal of Rezekne's mayor, good news for regional train service, and much more! With Otto in America, Joe takes a look at some of the biggest stories of the week including new survey results regarding language, the opening of a new high speed road, troubles with teacher salary calculations, the shelving of a chaotic income declaration proposal, help from Estonia for Latvia's border situation, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Toms Norde, Valsts kanceleja, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license

    LW #210: Commemoration, Controversy, and News from October 26th - November 9th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 70:43


    Otto is back with Joe to discuss some of the biggest happenings over the previous weeks, such as a controversy over the spelling of a new sign for Riga Central Station, the 2024 budget, major new legislation projects, the dismissal of Rezekne's mayor, and much more! Otto also explains the significance of the 11th of November in Latvia. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Toms Norde, Valsts kanceleja Used with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license. https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/10807076385

    Winter Tire Time, Teacher Salary Trouble, and News From October 13th - 25th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 47:35


    With Otto in America, Joe takes a look at some of the biggest stories of the week including new survey results regarding language, the opening of a new high speed road, troubles with teacher salary calculations, the shelving of a chaotic income declaration proposal, help from Estonia for Latvia's border situation, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #208: A Dark and Stormy Night, Bomb Threats, and News From October 5th - 12th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 54:52


    With the first snow having fallen in Latvia as part of a weekend storm, Otto and Joe discuss seasonal issues such as the lowering of speed limits throughout the country along with other major stories like bomb threats to schools and kindergartens Latvia's support for Israel following Hamas' attacks, and more expensive alcohol taxes over the next few years. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #207: Speaker Surprise and News from September 15th - October 4th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 36:18


    Otto and Joe look back on the biggest stories of the last few weeks, including the surprise election of Daiga Mieriņa as the new Speaker of Parliament, major developments in the criminal processes for two long-controversial politicians, harsh new penalties for intoxicated drivers, a major honor for the town of Kuldiga, and much more! heme 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Ieva Ābele, Saeima Used with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) license https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/53201228471/in/photostream/

    LW #206: New Coalition and News from September 6th - 14th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 80:06


    "Jauns" is the Latvian word of the week as Otto and Joe discuss the newly agreed upon coalition before taking a look at a number of important stories from regions all over Latvia, such as Valmiera's local government under investigation for corruption, an eye-raising 1.7 million euro playground in Ogre, a requirement for all municipalities to have their own local police forces, and much more! They also celebrate the Latvian men's basketball team's historic success at the FIBA world cup. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Image: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja Used with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) license https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53185930942/

    LW #205: New School Year, New Coalition, and News from August 22nd - September 5th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 72:07


    The first of September is "Zīnibu diena" (Knowledge day) in Latvia, and Otto and Joe are back in Jelgava for not just the beginning of a new school year, but also to discuss stories such as the formation of a new three-party coalition, Latvia's jaw-dropping performance at the FIBA World Cup, the planned resumption of rail service between Latvia and Lithuania, financial trouble in Latvia's eastern cities, good and bad news for Liepāja's industrial sector, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW Interviews: "An Englishman in Latvia" Podcast Host Alan Anstead

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2023 32:10


    Joe sits down with Alan Anstead, a former British diplomat who lived in Latvia in the 1990s and returned to live in Latvia last year and start producing the "An Englishman in Latvia" podcast. The two discuss connections between the UK and Latvia, how things have changed since the 1990s, some of the best places to visit in the country, and much more! Make sure to listen to Alan's podcast here! https://open.spotify.com/show/0FMLAT1VGPxKWn8RTQxUuH Opening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma Apsīte

    LW #204: Ķirsis Gets His Turn and News from August 17th - 21st, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 68:48


    After years of climbing the ladder of Rīga city government, Jaunā Vienotība's Vilnis Ķirsis gets his turn in the big chair as the new chair, or priekšsēdētājs, of city council — but how long will he able to manage a rowdy coalition of factions already sharpening their knives ahead of the 2025 municipal elections? Otto and Joe break discuss his prospects as well as a number of other stories including the arrest of a suspected taxi driving spy, the planned closure of train stops, a deteriorating bridge near the border of Estonia, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja. Used with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/51264097019/in/album-72157719453255107/

    LW #203: Kariņš steps back, Siļiņa steps forward, and News from August 9th - 16th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 72:47


    After making history as the first ever Latvian prime minister to last from one regularly scheduled election to another, Krisjānis Kariņš has finally announced his resignation while his party has put forward Minister for Welfare Evika Siliņa as their nominee to replace him. Otto and Joe break down the dramatic developments as well as the possible election of Vilnis Ķirsis as the new mayor of Rīga, the activation of "average speed" cameras throughout the country, more delays to new electric trains, the return of bears as permanent Latvian residents, and much more! Note: We apologize for a technical issue with Joe's microphone that lead to decreased audio quality when he is talking during this episode. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja. Used with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53115872060/in/photostream/

    LW #202: Hail, Wind, Torrential Rain, and News from August 2nd - 8th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 73:12


    As much of Zemgale and Latgale starts cleaning up after an unusually powerful and devastating storm, Otto and Joe discuss the impact on residents, nature, and the agriculture sector along with a few other major stories from throughout the week. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja. Used with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53103238463/

    LW #201: The Worst Kind of Neighbors and News from July 24th - August 1st, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 66:30


    "Kaimiņš" is the Latvian word of the week as Latvia's neighboring countries of Russia and Belarus continue to make life difficult for Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland with the arrival of Wagner Group militants close to the EU border. Otto breaks down the security threat and discusses a number of other important stories with Joe such as amendments to alcohol law that are moving forward, the possible distribution of Ukrainian grain through Latvia, two surprising breakouts by fugitives, more than 100 years of friendship between Latvia and the USA, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #200: Coming Full Circle and News from July 18th - 23rd, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 74:44


    Otto and Joe celebrate 200 numbered episodes by getting back to the first topic they ever discussed on the podcast — a messy and complicated coalition building process, this time on Rīga City Council. They also discuss issues related to energy and food security, new scooter regulations, a proposal to unify high school entry requirements, the latest in the intractable conflict between the education ministry and teachers' union, and much more! Thank you so much to all of you who have been listening throughout the last 200 episodes! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #199: Daily Trains to Liepāja and News from July 10th - 17th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 32:23


    With Otto away in Argentina, Joe looks through some transit-related stories in Latvia such as the reestablishment of daily passenger train service between Rīga and Liepāja, the seizure of drunk drivers' vehicles, delay in implementing "average speed" cameras, penalties for reckless scooter drivers, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo credit: Jānis Vilniņš, via Wikimedia commons. Used with a CC-BY-SA-3.0 license. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:D%C4%ABze%C4%BCvilciens_pie_Gl%C5%ABdas.jpg

    LW #198: Latvia Sings and Dances, and News from June 27th - July 9th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 67:23


    As tens of thousands of Latvians perform impressive songs and dances in Rīga's capital and many tens of thousands more spectators take in the experience, Otto and Joe break down the biggest happenings of the XXVII Nationwide Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival and other major stories from the previous week such as the inauguration of President Edgars Rinkēvičs, resignation of Mayof Mārtiņš Staķis, a deepening conflict between the teacher's union and the education union, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Photo credit: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja, use with a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) license https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/53029436884/

    LW Presents: Continuing the ENGtegrationForUkraine project with head teacher Kris Akenfelds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 16:18


    Joe checks in with ENGtegrationForUkraine head teacher Kris Akenfelds as they prepare for a sixth round of free English courses for Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. Please help spread the word about our project, and share the donation link. Every bit helps. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped! https://gogetfunding.com/help-ukrainian-refugees-in-latvia-continue-learning-english/ Opening music by Austra Apsīte

    LW #197: The Shortest Night and News From June 14th - 26th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 36:50


    While much of the world was reeling from events in Russia that took place on the 23rd and 24th of June, Latvia celebrated midsummer Līgo/Jāņi festival — some more responsibly than others, unfortunately. With Otto away in Naples, Joe breaks down the biggest stories of the week here in Latvia including the latest developments in coalition talks, a failed vote of no confidence vote, more money allocated to health care, licenses finally to be required for electric scooters, more drought headaches for farmers, the upcoming Song and Dance Festival, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #196: Seeking Coalition Clarity and News from June 9th - 13th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 50:13


    As murky coalition negotiations drag on, Otto and Joe evaluate the overall situation and look at a number of other important stories such as increasing pain for the agriculture sector, a chronic lack of teachers, the return of the #11 tram, a larger footprint for Latvia in European Parliament, training Ukrainian soldiers in Latvia, and much more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #195: President Rinkēvičs, "Widening" the Coalition, and News from June 1st - 8th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 56:48


    The election of Edgars Rinkēvičš as president has led to questions about the current coalition and whether or not it will stay as is, invite in opposition parties, or be replaced with a new alliance of parties that voted for the president-elect. Otto and Joe break down this political puzzle along with other major stories such as the largest ever pride parade, heat taken by the mayor of Rīga for displaying pride flags on public buildings, a possible measure to close supermarkets on Sundays, a threat from the teacher's union to call for Minister Čakša's resignation, and more! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #194: Hockey Madness, End of the School Year, and News from May 18th - 31st, 2023and News from

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 44:55


    "Beigas" is the word of the week as the end of the school year coincides with not just the presidential election, but the dramatic end of the IIHF Championships in which Latvia's National Men Hockey Team won their first even bronze metal. Joe discusses these stories along with a number of other important happenings from throughout the week. 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #193: Karaļauči, Election Excitement, and News from May 13th - 17th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 51:16


    With the presidential election campaign season having begun in earnest, Otto is back in Latvia to discuss with Joe the latest developments both in the election and throughout Latvia! 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

    LW #192: Levits' Dramatic Decision and News from May 4th - 12th, 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 52:10


    With Otto on a trip for his work with the Baltic Security Foundation, the Latvian word of the week is "vientuļš" as Joe covers the major events of the week by himself — including President Levits' dramatic decision to not run for a second term after all, harsher sentences planning on being introduced for stalkers in the wake of the tragic murder in Jēkabpils, a relatively calm 9th of May, and much more! (Note: We apologize for an uploading error with a previous version of this episode 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 Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

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