Podcasts about Latvia

Country on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea

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Latest podcast episodes about Latvia

An Englishman in Latvia
On Sir Isaiah Berlin

An Englishman in Latvia

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 36:18 Transcription Available


Sir Isaiah Berlin was one of the 20th century's most influential British philosophers and political theorists. He was born in 1909 in Rīga, Latvia, and his childhood had a lasting influence on his life and academic work. We explore Sir Isaiah's connections to Rīga with some interesting, relatively unknown stories.  Thanks for listening!

Web3 with Sam Kamani
259: Market Making Mastery: Martins from Gravity Team on Trading, Liquidity, and Web3 Investments

Web3 with Sam Kamani

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 27:47


Martins from Gravity Team joins Sam to discuss the evolution of market making in Web3. Starting as a prop trading desk in 2017, Gravity now trades 1% of all spot crypto volume, provides liquidity to token projects, and invests in Web3 infrastructure. Martins explains what founders should look for in a market maker, why stablecoins and payments are the next wave, and how Gravity is building a global trading platform with offices from Latvia to Singapore.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Martins from Gravity Team and outlines the episode's topics. [00:01:00] Origin Story: Martins shares how he discovered Bitcoin in 2017 and launched a trading desk. [00:02:00] Early Arbitrage: Realizing inefficiencies in the Thai crypto market sparked Gravity's beginning. [00:04:00] What is Gravity: Martins explains Gravity's transition from prop trading to market making and investments. [00:05:30] Differentiator: Gravity's strength lies in bridging Web2 ↔ Web3 through tech-driven liquidity services. [00:06:30] Market Making 101: Why projects need market makers and what they should look for. [00:09:00] One-Stop Shop: Gravity offers OTC, treasury, and even investment—beyond just spreads. [00:11:00] Regulation Shift: Why 2025 will mark the rise of stablecoins and Web3 payment rails. [00:14:00] Prop Trading Arm: Gravity still runs HFT strategies, not just market making for clients. [00:16:00] Investment Focus: Gravity's criteria for backing projects like Cookie3 and Usual Labs. [00:18:00] Strategic Synergies: Gravity looks to invest in other trading teams and infrastructure. [00:19:30] Key Trends: The stablecoin surge and institutional interest in payments. [00:20:30] Infrastructure Gap: Web3 needs a “Stripe for stablecoins” to reach mass adoption. [00:21:00] Biggest Lesson: Martins would've scaled faster and taken more risk early on. [00:23:00] Managing Risk: Why mission-aligned strategies beat short-term gains. [00:25:00] Final Ask: Gravity is hiring globally, investing in trading talent, and open to partnerships.Connecthttps://gravityteam.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gravity-team-ltd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martins-benkitis/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

Season's Eatings podcast
Season's Eatings - Piragi

Season's Eatings podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 24:54


This savoury treat has its origins in pagan Europe and dates back to a time where each ingredient symbolized abundance and prosperity. It's a dish with similarities to other countries, by name and ingredients, but there's no true comparison to Latvia's version.  Filled with smoked meat, onions and a little seasoning, this simple dish a certainty on Christmas eve tables.  We're exploring the history and origins of piragi. Festive Foreign Film Fans: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/festive-foreign-film-fans Website: https://www.seasonseatingspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasonseatingspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonseatingspod Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seasonseatpod.bsky.social Email: seasonseatingspodcast@gmail.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@seasonseatings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/seasonseatings

Economist Podcasts
Suspicious mines: Putin-proofing the Baltics

Economist Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 23:45


Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia know their borders may be the next front for Russian aggression. They do not want to deploy mines and razor wire—but they must. Our correspondent visits the American city of Baltimore to investigate a national drop in violent crime (9:46). And a sweeping new biography of Mark Twain, who created a uniquely American style of fiction (17:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Intelligence
Suspicious mines: Putin-proofing the Baltics

The Intelligence

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 23:45


Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia know their borders may be the next front for Russian aggression. They do not want to deploy mines and razor wire—but they must. Our correspondent visits the American city of Baltimore to investigate a national drop in violent crime (9:46). And a sweeping new biography of Mark Twain, who created a uniquely American style of fiction (17:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Eurovangelists
Episode 69: Live from Basel, Part 2

Eurovangelists

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 93:43


Our time in Switzerland is over, and a new Eurovision winner has hoisted the glass microphone! We talk through all performances from the Grand Final and those that didn't make it from Semi 2, as well as break down the voting from this year's contest. Jeremy votes in Eurovision for the first time ever, Dimitry finally gets the better of Stefan Raab, and Oscar celebrates JJ, wasted love or not. Watch the Grand Final and the Semis on SVT Play: https://www.svtplay.se/video/8rQdwrw/eurovision-song-contest/final?video=visaThis week's companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PTGP49h5yyjxJ6TWYPMWs The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!

(Un)informed Handball Hour
Episode 292 - Dainis Kristopans on his long and winding handball road and fighting for titles with Melsungen

(Un)informed Handball Hour

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 49:45


It's a massive week in the history of MT Melsungen as they compete for a European League title this weekend in Hamburg, then head to Berlin for a Bundesliga title eliminator on Thursday, so who better to speak about it than their biggest man - Dainis Krištopāns. We speak to Dainis about his unusual journey in handball, from Latvia via Slovakia, his development as an all-round player, the greatest weekend with Vardar in 2019 and why his inner-underdog led him to his current home in Melsungen. We also look forward to the title run-in in Germany and this weekend's EHF Finals, where Melsungen take on Flensburg, Montpellier and Kiel.  

Anxiety at Work with Adrian Gostick & Chester Elton
Transform Your Work Relationships by Active Listening

Anxiety at Work with Adrian Gostick & Chester Elton

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 25:46 Transcription Available


These days, with everyone multitasking and constantly plugged in, real connection can feel rare. But what if the key to resilience and healthy relationships wasn't about talking more, but listening better? In a world filled with noise, distraction, and division, could the simple act of truly listening be the key to deeper connection, better mental health, and greater understanding—even across opposing viewpoints? In this powerful and timely episode, Chester and Adrian are joined by journalist and workplace mediator Emily Kasriel, whose upcoming book, Deep Listening, explores how we can transform our relationships by listening not just to others—but also to ourselves.Emily shares her 8-step method rooted in science and real-world examples—from Nelson Mandela's reconciliation efforts to Indigenous listening rituals—showing how active listening can ease anxiety, bridge divides, and foster psychological safety at work and at home.What You'll Learn:Why deep listening is a radical act in today's distracted worldHow leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplaceThe surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listenerWhy listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying presentA real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communitiesNotable Quotes:“We rarely listen to understand. We listen to respond.” – Emily Kasriel “Listening does not signal agreement. It signals respect.” – Emily Kasriel “Being curious is the gateway to empathy and connection.” – Adrian GostickSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

HARDtalk
Dovilė Šakalienė, Defence Minister of Lithuania: uncertain times for Europe

HARDtalk

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 22:58


BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale speaks to Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania's Defence Minister.The Baltic nation, along with its neighbours Latvia and Estonia, share a border with Russia, and have nervously watched the invasion of Ukraine, fearing they could be next.All three countries have had turbulent relationships with their much larger neighbour, Russia. They were annexed by the Soviet Union during the Second World War, and were subject to decades of rule from Moscow up until the end of the Cold War.In 2004, Lithuania joined both the European Union and NATO, and just over a decade later, adopted the Euro as its currency. But despite looking westwards, the country has always kept one eye on developments over its eastern border in Russia.Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014 set off alarm bells in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, and when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia began in 2022, Lithuania and its neighbours began fearing - and preparing - for the worst.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Jonathan Beale Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

The Holocaust History Podcast
Ep. 55- Holocaust Photographs with Hilary Earl and Valerie Hébert

The Holocaust History Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 80:52


Send us a textIn December 1941,  an SS man took a series of 12 photographs of an Einsatzgruppen killing in Latvia.  The negatives were stolen by a survivor who had copies made and retrieved them after the war.In today's episode, we explore what we can learn about the Holocaust from these photographs and, indeed, from photographs in general.  I talk with Hillary Earl and Valerie Hébert who have written in depth about these images.Hilary Earl is a professor of history at Nipissing University.Valerie Hébert is a professor of history and interdisciplinary studies at Lakehead University.Follow on Twitter @holocaustpod.Email the podcast at holocausthistorypod@gmail.comThe Holocaust History Podcast homepage is hereYou can find a complete reading list with books by our guests and also their suggestions here.

THE EXPLODING HUMAN with Bob Nickman
ANTRA GETZOFF & MARIA ENSEBELLA: REINVENTING COOL WITH CRYOTHERAPY: EP. 271

THE EXPLODING HUMAN with Bob Nickman

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 48:41


ANTRA GETZOFF & MARIA ENSEBELLA discuss the healing power of cryotherapy and their new book, “Reinventing Cool: How to Make COLD Your Best Ally Against Inflammation, Pain and Aging,” in which they  explain the science behind why modern-day whole-body cryotherapy is not like ‘an ice bath on steroids' and just why it really is the best option for your health.   Antra Getzoff, born and schooled in Latvia, has been a cryotherapy & wellness entrepreneur for more than 13 years of her diverse career in business.   Like most cryotherapy aficionados, she first discovered the power of cold on her own body, finding stress relief, energy boost and sleep improvement in the difficult times of running a 250-people company through the 2008 financial crisis.   In 2018, Antra founded the International Alliance for Cryotherapy Professionals (CryoProsUnited) – an industry-unifying resource and training platform and community that soon grew to several thousand members worldwide. Reborn into GetResultsCo, her company keeps educating cryotherapy providers and promoting the best practices in the industry. She is also a Vice-Chair of the Global Wellness Institute Cryotherapy Initiative.   Maria Ensabella had always had a keen eye for health and fitness; actually, more aesthetics and fitness than health. Weight training, marathons, yoga, boxing etc.   At the heart of her journey was the amazing concept of Cryotherapy, the centerpiece of her life, and the backbone of her health optimisation and wealth accumulation.   While visiting New York City, Maria was introduced to Whole Body Cryotherapy and decided to research it and try out a session; it felt amazing, like a million bucks. The positive experience with Cryotherapy led to trying further sessions in Melbourne and Sydney, again resulting in amazing results, Maria felt like she was walking on air. So, upon her return to London, she was disappointed to discover that this renewing therapy was simply not accessible. She immediately quit her job and decided to establish a clinic where others could enjoy the numerous benefits of this rejuvenating therapy. It was a huge risk, but one worth taking and so, LondonCryo was born.   In their book they also describes unique client case studies and little-known scientific research.   

Zero Pucks Given
Checking In On Swayman & Locmelis at World Championships

Zero Pucks Given

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 27:13


Ep 441, pt 3: Discussing Jeremy Swayman's 2 starts for USA and Dans Locmelis's production for Latvia. Plus, what kind of player could Locmelis be as a pro? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trent Loos Podcast
Rural Route Radio May 14, 2025 JC Cole shares what he experienced in Latvia with one day built homes.

Trent Loos Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 47:58


The critical infrastructure and supply chain is collapsing right in front of us. How do we prepare for the future and what it might bring us.

Eurovision Radio International
Radio International - The Ultimate Eurovision Experience (2025-05-14): LIVE FROM ESC 2025 IN BASEL: Meet the Eurostars of Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final, and more etc...

Eurovision Radio International

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 235:13


Radio International - The Ultimate Eurovision Experience is broadcast from Malta's Radio 105FM on Tuesday evenings from 2100 - 0059 hours CET. The show is broadcast live on Wednesday evenings from 1900 - 2300 hours CET on the Eurovision Radio International Mixcloud Channel as well as on the Facebook Page of Eurovision Radio International with an interactive chatroom.     AT A GLANCE - ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK Eurovision 2025 - The Radio International Voting Results will be revealed during the show this week. Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Parg (Armenia 2025) done at Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Go-Jo (Australia 2025) done at the London Eurovision Party Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with JJ (Austria 2025) at the London Eurovision Party 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Erika Vikman (Finland 2025) done at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Louane (France 2025) done at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Emmy (Ireland 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Katarsis (Lithuania 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Interview with Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal Songwriters of the the Luxembourg 2025 entry done at Eurovision in Concert 2025, Amsterdam Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Nina Žižić (Montenegro 2025) at MancHagen 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Princ (Serbia 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Zoe Me (Switzerland 2025) done at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025: Interview with Remember Monday (United Kingdom 2025) done at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam Eurovision Birthday File with David Mann Eurovision Cover Spot with David Mann Eurovision Calendar with Javier Leal     Meet the Eurostars 2025: After the National Final Season to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 the PreParty Season started which serves as a promotion tour for the delegations taking part and fans have the chance to see the Eurovision Stars at those events and even have their Meets and Greets with the artists that will perform on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest. There was Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam, The Madrid PreParty ES, the London Eurovision Party and Manc - Hagen in Manchester just to mention a few. The voices of Radio International have been at those parties and interviewed many of the artist and you can hear those interviews on the show in the run up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. Not long to go now       Revealing the International Jury Results for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 - Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final: After the National Final Season it is a tradition that the Team of Radio International, selected fans of the Eurovision Song Contest and Experts are voting for the songs that are competing at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 per Semi Final 1, Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final Songs. This week Radio International will be broadcasting the result of that voting on the show this week revealing how the Jury voted. Also there are still some interviews with the Eurostars 2025 that are competing in Semi Final 2 and the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 which will be broadcast along with the results of the voting.  MEET THE EUROSTARS OF SEMI FINAL 1 AND GRAND FINAL OF EUROVISION 2025     Parg (Armenia 2025) with JP at the Madrid PreParty Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Parg (Armenia 2025):  Following Ladaniva who represented Armenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is Parg who will perform the song "Survivor" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Semi Final 2 Song Number 5. Radio International's JP, Marc and Alexander had the pleasure to meet and interviewed Park at the MadridPreParty 2025.   Go-Jo (Australia 2025) at Eurovision in Concert, Amsterdam Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Go-Jo (Australia 2025): The entry from Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is Go-Jo who will perform the song "Milkshake Man" in Semi Final 2 Song Number 1. Radio International's JP met and interviewed the singer at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.   JJ (Austria 2025) at the London Eurovision Party 2025   Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with JJ (Austria 2025):  JJ alias Johannes Pietsch represents Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel in Semi Final 2 Song Number 6 with the song "Wasted Love". Radio International's Salman met the young and very talented singer at the London Eurovision Party 2025 and conducted an interview you can hear on the show this week. Austria is one of the strong favourites to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.      Erika Vikman (Finland 2025) at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam   Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Erika Vikman (Finland 2025):  The Winner of the National Final 2025 in Finland called UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) is Erika Vikman who will represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel with the song sang partly in German called "Ich komme" and will be in Semi Final 2 Song Number 16 closing out the Semi Final 2. Radio International's JP, Marc and Alexander had the pleasure to meet and interview Erika at the Turquoise Carpet of the Madrid PreParty 2025 Erika has previously taken part in UMK with the song "Cicciolina" coming second in UMK 2020.     Louane (France 2025) at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Louane (France 2025):  Following Slimane's amazing result in 2024 at the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2025 it will be Louane representing France in Basel with the song "Maman". France is part of the Big Five countries contributing the biggest amount of money to the Eurovision Song Contest Louane does not need to go through the Semi Finals. Radio International's Salman had the pleasure to meet Louane at Eurovision in Concert 2025 for an interview you can hear on the show this week.       Emmy and Star Guy (Ireland 2025) at MelFstWknd 2025, Stockholm Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Emmy (Ireland 2025):  At the recent edition of the Madrid PreParty 2025 over the Easter Weekend Radio International's JP, Marc and Alexander had the pleasure to meet once again Emmy and Star Guy (who actually is Emmy's brother) for extensive interview. Emmy, although being Norwegian, will be representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Semi Final 2 Song Number 3. The song is called "Laika Party".  Enjoy the interview on the show this week.        Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025): The six lovely ladies from the Group Tautumeitas will be representing Lativa at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Semi Final 2 Song Number 4 which is called "Bur man laimi". The Radio International Madrid Team had the pleasure to meet and interview the ladies at the Madrid PreParty which will be shared on the show this week. Get to know Tautumeitas. Katarsis (Lithuania 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Katarsis (Lithuania 2025):  Neighbouring to Latvia is Lithuania and Katarsis are four young musicians winning the Lithuanian National Final and representing their country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Semi Final 2 Song Number 8 entitled "Tavo Akys". Radio International met the young musicians at the recent edition of the Madrid PreParty 2025 to get to know Katarsis.       Songwriters Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal (Luxembourg 2025) with JP at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam   Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Songwriters Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal (Luxembourg 2025):  Luxembourg's second entry after returning for a long absence to the Eurovision Song Contest is performed by Laura Thorn in Semi Final 2 Song Number 13. The song is called "La poupée monte le son" written by two songwriters from France, Julien Salvia and Ludovic-Alexandre Vidal. Radio International already broadcast the interview with Laura previosuly, however, did not yet broadcast the interview with the creators of Luxembourg's entry 2025. Enjoy the interview and find out more about the creation of "La poupée monte le son".       Nina Žižić (Montenegro 2025) with Salman   Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Nina Žižić (Montenegro 2025):  Already in 2013 Nina Žižić represented Montenegro at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö as part of Who See performing the song "Igranka" being ahead of their time. Sadly the song only ended up at Number 12 in the first Semi Final . This time Nina is back after coming second in the Montenegri National Final 2024 as the winner declined to represent Montenegro at Eurovision 2025. Nina's entry is called "Dobrodošli" and will be in Semi Final 2 Song Number 2. Radio Inetrnational's rowing reporter Salman had the pleasure to meet and interview Nina at MancHagen Eurovision Event 2025. Enjoy the interview with Nina on the show this week.  Princ (Serbia 2025) at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Princ (Serbia 2025): Representing Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is Royalty from from Serbia: Princ who'll perform the nice power ballad called "Mila" in Semi Final 2 Song Number 15.  Radio International's JP and Alexander had the pleasure to meet and interview Princ at the Madrid PreParty 2025. You can hear the interview on the show this week.     Zoe Me (Switzerland 2025) with JP at the Madrid PreParty 2025 Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Zoe Me (Switzerland 2025): The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Host Nation entry is performed by Zoe Me who actually is from Basel, the Home of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The song is called "Voyage" and is directly qualified for the Grand Final of the contest on Saturday, 17 May 2025 at Number 19 due to Nemo's Victory in 2024. The Radio International Madrid Team had the pleasure and honour to meet Zoe Me at the Madrid PreParty for an interview about her career and how ready is Basel for Eurovision 2025? Enjoy this interview on the show this week.     Remember Monday (United Kingdom 2025) at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam Meet the Eurostars 2025 - Interview with Remember Monday (United Kingdom 2025): Last but not least on the list of Eurovision 2025 particpants are the lovely harmonies of three lovely ladies from the United Kingdom. The trio is called Remember Monday and they will be representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in the Grand Final directly qualified as being part of the Big 5 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). The song in the running is called "What the hell just happened" and Radio International's JP had the big pleasure to meet the singers at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam earlier on in April 2025. Enjoy the bubbly characters of Remember Monday (Lauren Byrne, Holly-Ann Hull and Charlotte Steele).   Also JP will be joined by David Mann for the Eurovision Birthday File and Eurovision Coverspot.  Javier will be updating us on the upcoming Eurovision events in the Eurovision Calendar. For full details of this week's Show Content and Play List - click here

Thoughts on Illustration
A 100% Analogue Illustration Process with Roberts Rurans

Thoughts on Illustration

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 105:32


In this episode, I share my conversation with Roberts Rurans, a Latvia-based illustrator who creates all his work using traditional materials — literally painting his images with acrylics. When Roberts talks about his brushes, he means the actual ones lying on his table, not virtual tools in a menu! His process is physical, full of quirks, accidents, and unexpected moments — and yet, his work feels fresh and totally at home in today's digital illustration landscape.Roberts has worked with clients like Hermès, Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola, but his artistic integrity shines through no matter the project. In our conversation, we talk about evolving your style, the tension between old and new work, the difference between art and design, and what it's really like to work 100% analog in a mostly digital world.Toward the end, Roberts answers questions submitted by my Patreon supporters — including whether he secretly uses any digital tools (you'll have to listen to find out). I wrap things up with some community notes and another “Embarrassing Story of the Episode,” featuring me, a trail run, some hikers caught unawares, and a well-placed band-aid.IN THIS EPISODEHow Roberts Rurans keeps his fully analog style feeling freshThoughts on evolving your style without disowning the pastThe line between art and design in illustrationAnalog tools vs. digital tools — which gives you the edge?PLUS - Embarrassing Moment of the Episode: Shirtless in the ForestSHOW LINKSRoberts Rurans on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/robertsruransRoberts's website – https://www.robertsrurans.comHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic

ScuttlePuck NHL Hockey Podcast
Episode Marc Savard (499): Round 2 Continues as Leafs let Panthers off the mat and the Oilers force to rely on a struggling Skinner.

ScuttlePuck NHL Hockey Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 64:52


In a crazy 2nd round, the Leafs open up a 2 game lead on the Panthers and then give it back when they go to Florda. The Oilers are up 2-1 but an injury to Calvin Pickard has forced them to rely on Stuart Skinner who is struggling. Connor Hellebuyck has been up and down like a toilet seat. Which Hellebuyck will they get in game 4? The Canes look set to go up 3-1 over the Caps.  Listen Here:  Apple Podcasts   Direct MP3   iHeart Radio

Media & Monuments
Words of War: Refusing to Silence Press Freedom (Part 2)

Media & Monuments

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 37:09


In this second episode of a special two-part series, host Sandra Abrams chats with Maxine Peake about her portrayal of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian-American journalist, in the film Words of War. Maxine shares what it was like to play the real life reporter, wife, and mother of two who risked her life to uncover the truth about the Chechen War. Anna was assassinated on October 7, 2006, the same day as Vladimir Putin's birthday. The international cast for this geo-political thriller includes Ciaran Hinds as her editor, Dimtry, Jason Isaacs as her husband, Sasha, Harry Lawtey as her son, Ilya, and Naomi Battrick as her daughter, Vera. Maxine says she loved filming on location in Latvia and shares which scene she and Jason did some improvising. Sean Penn serves as executive producer. The film is now in theaters. Part one of this series (episode 97) features Mark Maxey, President of Rolling Pictures, WIFV board member, and one of the producers of the film. To learn more about Words of War, visit: https://www.rollingpictures.com/You can watch the film's trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pui6KMbHECM#WordsOfWar---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

THAT Eurovision Podcast
TEP Interviews: Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) in Basel

THAT Eurovision Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 3:57


Ahead of their performance at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Rory was able to have a chat with Tautumeitas. They are representing Latvia at the Contest with their entry “Bur man laimi”. Together, Rory and Tautumeitas chat about their rehearsals and how they felt stepping onto the Eurovision stage. They also touch on bringing Latvian folklore […] The post TEP Interviews: Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) in Basel appeared first on That Eurovision Site.

EZ News
EZ News 05/09/25

EZ News

Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 6:03


Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 147-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,691 on turnover of $4.8-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan saw earlier gains erased to close little changed Thursday as contract chipmaker TSMC suffered last-ditch selling amid lingering concerns over the possibility of tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Non-tech stocks largely moved in weakness, but so-called "military concept stocks continued to attract rotational buying as aircraft maintenance services provider Air Asia Co. soared 10 percent, the maximum daily increase. Analysts say caution about Trump's tariffs on semiconductors remain, prompting (推動) investors to lock in profits with TSMC as their major target. Taiwan and Estonia sign MOUs on aerospace and defense collaboration A Taiwanese business delegation has signed two memoranda of understanding with Estonia to facilitate collaboration between aerospace and defense industries. According to the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, the delegation signed the M-O-Us with the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association and the Estonia Aviation Cluster in Tallinn. Taiwan's top envoy to Estonia, Andrew Lee is describing the signing of the deals as an important step for collaboration (合作) between the two countries - and one that opens a new chapter for collaboration between the two countries on drones, aerospace and related industries. The delegation to Estonia was led by Hu Kai-hong of the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance. Israel Closes UNRWA Schools Israel has closed six U.N. schools in east Jerusalem, forcing students to leave early and throwing the education of more than 800 students into question. Last month, heavily armed Israeli police and Education Ministry officials ordered six schools in east Jerusalem to close within 30 days. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, called UNRWA, runs the six schools. UNRWA also runs schools in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which continue to operate. Israel claims that UNRWA schools teach antisemitic content and anti-Israel sentiment (觀點), which UNRWA denies. US FEMA Head Dismissed The acting director of the US's Federal Emergency Management Agency is out of a job, a day after he told lawmakers he didn't support disbanding the disaster relief agency. US President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have both recently suggested the agency known as FEMA should be eliminated (廢止). Ira Spitzer reports. Peru Elated on Election of Pope Peruvians are elated after a Catholic cardinal who spent years guiding the faithful in the South American country was elected pope. Pope Leo XIV, elected Thursday, is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as an archbishop. That made him the first pope from each country. In Peru's capital, Lima, the bells of the cathedral rang after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as Pope Francis' successor. People outside the church quickly expressed their desire (希望,想要) for a papal visit at one point. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. ----以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供---- 早餐是補充蛋白質的黃金期,吃錯食物小心可能吃進精緻澱粉、加工品、油脂、熱量…等隱形負擔早餐補充蛋白質,首選統一陽光,嚴選非基改黃豆、植物性大豆蛋白、零膽固醇,營養少負擔! https://sofm.pse.is/7ktyqv -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Bad at Sports
Episode 902: David Schilter and Pedro Vieira de Moura

Bad at Sports

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 61:31


Recorded live at the Comics Without Borders / Sans Frontières gathering at Rice University, this episode dives deep into international comics publishing, aesthetic risk-taking, and how underground networks drive a truly global comics culture. David Schilter, publisher and editor of Latvia's acclaimed kuš! comics, joins us alongside Pedro Vieira de Moura, Portuguese critic, writer, and co-founder of the bookstore/gallery Mundo Fantasma. We talk about how a small-format anthology changed Latvian comics forever, why RAW magazine changed Pedro's life, and how comics have always been a place for outsiders to find their people. It's about pornographic comics, lipstick in mirrors, misnumbered anthologies, institutional resistance, aesthetic weirdness, bookstores as public educators, and why no one in Latvia is publishing Maus.   Guest Links: kuš! comics (David Schilter): https://www.komikss.lv Pedro Vieira de Moura: http://www.laboratori.net Mundo Fantasma (Porto bookstore/gallery): https://www.mundofantasma.pt   Names Dropped: Art Spiegelman – Creator of Maus, influence on RAW magazine: Art Spiegelman on Wikipedia Barbara Shermund – queer comics history: Barbara Shermund Basil Wolverton – Iconic MAD magazine illustrator: Basil Wolverton on Wikipedia Charles Burns – Known for Black Hole and RAW magazine: Charles Burns on Wikipedia Gary Panter – RAW magazine artist, punk comics icon: Gary Panter on Wikipedia Al Jaffee – Fold-in master at MAD Magazine: Al Jaffee on Wikipedia Frank Miller & David Mazzucchelli – Daredevil and Batman: Year One: Frank Miller David Mazzucchelli Moebius – Legendary French comics artist: Moebius on Wikipedia Neil Adams, George Pérez, Jim Lee –  Scott McCloud – Author of Understanding Comics: Scott McCloud Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro – Early Portuguese cartoonist and comic pioneer David B. – French cartoonist and co-founder of L'Association: David B. on Wikipedia Adrian Tomine – Acclaimed alternative cartoonist: Adrian Tomine Marjane Satrapi – Creator of Persepolis: Marjane Satrapi Brian Baynes – Publisher of Bubbles Zine: Bubbles Zine

Eurovangelists
Episode 67: Nostradumbass 2025

Eurovangelists

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 80:14


We are at last joined by perhaps the most illustrious guest in the American Eurovision firmament, the co-host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and Eurovision fan extraordinaire Glen Weldon. We take a look at both semis and predict who will move forward and who will not, and who could take it all at the Grand Final. Jeremy joins a chant for happiness, Dimitry might get another chance to stick to Stefan Raab, Glen thinks it might be time for a sauna, and Oscar might be tempted by some frosting.Check out our song explainer post and more the week of the finals on PopHeist: https://popheist.com/New bingo cards for this year's contest: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12aftMDpu6QHiKLnzN7bFgyWNfnk1vPFP/view?usp=sharingThis week's companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qpokLJu4SObEYg9Wz1OIN The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!

What Most People Think with Geoff Norcott
LABOUR'S GROOMING GANG GAFFE & TRUMP'S MOVIE TAX with Francis Foster

What Most People Think with Geoff Norcott

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 55:18


Francis Foster returns this week for more sibling bickering (we almost had a punch up over films). We talk about Lucy Powell's horribly flippant remarks about a C4 doc on grooming gangs, plus how Labour were considering fudging their winter fuel snafu. In Donald world there are movie tariffs which threaten global production but I also get angry thinking about Harry Potter being made in Latvia.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There's No Bloke Without Fire'. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 Watch my STAND-UP SPECIAL 'Basic Bloke' on ITVX:  https://www.itv.com/watch/geoff-norcott:-basic-bloke/10a6363a0001B/10a6363a0001 Order the PAPERBACK EDITION of my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/British-Bloke-Decoded-Everything-explained/dp/1800961308/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Watch my COMEDY SPECIAL on YouTube https://youtu.be/YaxhuZGtDLs  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The K League United Podcast
The Vladislavs Gutkovskis Interview

The K League United Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 33:40


In this episode of the K League United Podcast we kick off interview season for 2025, starting with Daejeon Hana Citizen's Latvia international striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis, aka Gutek. Hear Gutek talk about the best players he's played with, against, whose shirt he got in the recent trip to Wembley, how his injury problems are behind him, what it's like competing with Joo Min-kyu for a starting berth, and whether the Daejeon players are talking about the K League 1 title. Watch in full on Patreon.com/KLeagueUnited 

An Englishman in Latvia
On Cēsis

An Englishman in Latvia

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 22:51 Transcription Available


Nestled in the heart of Latvia's Gauja National Park, the small but historically significant town of Cēsis offers a wealth of fascinating stories spanning over eight centuries. With its medieval castle ruins, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage, Cēsis blends history, architecture, legends, and living traditions.Join me as we visit and explore Cēsis. Thanks for listening!

Target USA Podcast by WTOP
478 | The Baltics issue a warning to Putin

Target USA Podcast by WTOP

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 24:22


Artis Pabriks is the former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister for Latvia. He's currently chairman of the “Northern Defence Policy Centre.” He warns that "if somebody will cross our border, we are gonna shoot immediately to kill" and "we will fight to the end."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Visioncast With JC & Preston
Abbie's Debut Interview, And Random Fun, VisionCast April 22, 2025

Visioncast With JC & Preston

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 115:36


We have not done any interviews in a while on vision cast, but the waiting is over!Last week, we got to sit down to talk to a well-known songwriter and author in the Blind community named Abby Johnson Taylor. Visit her website pasted below this description for more information and her offerings.We also have lots of fun and randomness in the second hour.Thanks to our web developer guy from Latvia, here is a full description of last week's episode.Thanks for listening!Get ready for a fascinating conversation! This week, the Vision Cast Network crew sits down with the multi-talented author and musician, Abby Johnson Taylor. Dive deep into her latest book, "Living Vicariously in Wyoming," a collection of captivating short stories offering unique slices of life.Abby shares insights into her writing journey, revealing how a creative writing camp and a pivotal Mac computer sparked her passion. Learn about her transition from registered music therapist to full-time author, encouraged by her late husband. She discusses her vibrant musical side, performing with her guitar and keyboard at various venues, including senior center groups with fun names like the 'Hubcaps' and 'Lugnuts'! Discover where her stories come from, her experiences living across the US (from NYC to Wyoming!), and how you can get your hands on her books, including accessible formats on Bookshare and Bard. Abby even gives details on her upcoming poetry collection!Of course, it wouldn't be Vision Cast After Dark without some crew chaos! Hear Angela announce her own newly finished book, "Whispers of Freedom." Listen in as George surprises Angela with a custom song (and catch the hilarious fallout!). The team discusses the upcoming "cringe songs" karaoke theme (Aqua vs. Shakira?), laments the potential loss of Starbucks brownies, and shares updates on JC's upcoming travels and recital. There's even a quick dive into a potential new AI voice assistant for Mac. And, as always, expect plenty of laughs, friendly banter (especially aimed at George!), and unexpected tangents, including a memorable moment involving a baby stroller!Join us for an episode filled with creativity, inspiration, music, and the signature Vision Cast blend of fun and randomness. Hit play now!https://www.abbiejohnsontaylor.com/wp/

The Euro Trip | Eurovision Podcast
How did Remember Monday's Húsavík cover happen?

The Euro Trip | Eurovision Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 57:05


This week we're heading to Iceland to find out how the UK entry ended up in a tiny Icelandic town on their pre-Eurovision promotional tour. We meet the man who organised their music video as they covered the iconic track from the Eurovision movie, and hear more gossip about what they got up to on their Icelandic adventure. Later in the podcast we also meet Latvia's representatives, Tautumeitas, and we launch the Basel Briefing.Head to Patreon to sign up to access our exclusive Basel Briefing bonus episodes & to support the podcast, head to Buy Me A Coffee.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram & TikTok or email hello@eurotrippodcast.com, and find us online at eurotrippodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
The challenges of covering Russia and Syria from exile

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 33:29


In this episode of Fellowship Takeaways we hear from two journalists whose work and lives has been shaped by displacement. In this episode of Fellowship Takeaways we hear from two journalists whose work and lives has been shaped by displacement. They discuss the challenges of building trust, maintaining sources' anonymity, the emotional toll of their work and what newsrooms can do better to support journalists in exile. Speakers: Asmaa Al-Omar is a Syrian journalist who has reported on human rights violations, migration, and conflict in the Middle East for publications such as The New York Times, The Financial Times, and The Guardian. Her investigative work focuses on refugee issues and regional corruption. Maria Kiseleva is a journalist and video producer from Russia, who relocated to Riga, Latvia, after the invasion of Ukraine to escape military censorship laws. Before the invasion, Maria was working for the BBC's Russian Service in Moscow. She currently works for Current Time TV station, part of RFE/RL. Our host Caithlin Mercer is the Associate Director of the Journalist Fellowship Programme at the Reuters Institute. Previously she was Managing Editor at Yahoo UK where spearheaded their move into audio. Resources: Transcript of the podcast: https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/news/our-podcast-challenges-covering-russia-and-syria-exile Thomson Reuters Foundation report on Strengthening Exiled Media https://www.trust.org/initiative/supporting-media-in-exile/ Thomson Reuters Foundation report on Supporting Media in Exile https://www.trust.org/initiative/supporting-media-in-exile/

Aussievision - Eurovision from Down Under
Eurovision 2025 Semi 2 First Half - Review and Predictions

Aussievision - Eurovision from Down Under

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 49:36


Dale and Emma from the Aussievision team review the first half of semi-final 2 which includes Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece and Lithuania They give their own views of each song plus analyse how it can go at Eurovision. This is the fourth episode in our series looking at all 37 songs on top of our weekly episode.

Middle East Brief
The Feminists Defending Ukraine

Middle East Brief

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 26:47


Ukrainians have resisted Russia's aggression for years. Since the full-scale invasion of their country in 2022, Ukrainian women in particular have taken on important roles on the frontlines, in civil society, and at home. Gražina Bielousova's research examines how Ukrainian leftist feminists advocate for their causes at home and abroad, facing distinct challenges as they attempt to defend their country. The Ukrainian case is also distinct from Latvia and Lithuania, whose organizing takes on different shapes for the same cause. Bielousova joins Ben Gardner-Gill to explain these interactions and discuss the ongoing process of decolonization in Baltic Studies.Transcript Ben Gardner-Gill: Hello, and welcome to Baltic Ways. I'm your co-host, Ben Gardner-Gill. Today we're talking with Gražina Belousova. Gražina is a feminist scholar of race, religion, and gender in post-Soviet Europe. She earned her PhD from Duke University in 2022. Currently, she is a postdoctoral scholar at Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science and a researcher at Vytautas Magnus University.Her current research project focuses on leftist feminisms in East Europe in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, which will culminate in her first book, What's Left of Feminism in East Europe.Gražina, welcome to Baltic Ways.Gražina Belousova: Thank you so much for having me, Ben.BGG: So let's kick off by just hearing a little bit more about your background. I know you finished your PhD pretty recently. Could you tell us a little bit more about how you got into academia, sort of your research interests, and what you're working on at the moment?GB: Right. Yes, I just defended my PhD in 2022. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly three years now. In my PhD, I focused on historical matters. My PhD was in religion and cultural anthropology. And one of the things that I found missing when I was trying to theorize the part of the world that I call home and that most of the world calls Eastern Europe—I realized that I was lacking a solid theory that would bridge economics, anthropology, and religious studies.I wanted to understand how religious difference, especially perceived religious difference, played a role in creating the space that we call Eastern Europe today. And that took me to 18th and 19th century travel writings by Western travelers, oftentimes who were on an official mission, to the edges or to the depths of the Russian Empire.So I've read a lot of ambassadors' letters. I've read a lot of dispatches from St. Petersburg and Moscow, trying to understand how Westerners thought about that religious difference and how that thinking structured their understanding of what this place was and why it was different. What I tried to argue is actually that perceived religious difference was at the root of thinking of Eastern Europe as something different.Now, when I chose to embark on that topic, I had to put another topic aside, which was the question of very contemporary matters, the question of leftist political thought and feminism. At that point, it felt to me more pertinent to write the kind of theory that I felt was missing. When I was given the opportunity to pursue a postdoctoral position at Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science, I pitched this idea to them.And we very quickly pulled together the application. And the next thing I knew, I was embarking on a project on leftist feminisms in Eastern Europe in light of the war in Ukraine. So, the path was windy, but here I am today, knees and elbows deep, in the project on leftist feminism.BGG: Wonderful. I mean, a windy path is going to be familiar to so many people listening.So, no surprise and no surprise as well that the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has really impacted your work and your life as it has for many of us. So tell us a little bit more about that.Over the last three years, we've been watching and seeing the horrors in Ukraine. From your perspective, from your academic work, what are some of the main things that you're looking at?GB: One of the things that I'm particularly interested in is the way that groups that are on the edges of society, on the margins of society, such as leftists, such as feminists, and especially leftist feminists—when the two come together and try to articulate their social and political vision and explain to themselves and to their fellow compatriots and oftentimes foreign donors, in my case, also Western leftist feminists, their relevance, how they're trying to articulate their position.War has a penchant for heightening nationalist tendencies. And this is not some kind of particular Eastern European pathology. War anywhere is going to produce these results. That is normal. People defend themselves and articulate themselves on the basis on which they're being attacked, on the basis on which they're being bombed.So this is what we are seeing in Ukraine. Leftism in Eastern Europe, because of the Soviet past, is often associated with Soviet nostalgia. Feminism, on the other hand, is oftentimes seen as something antithetical to national identity, something that is imported from the West, and something that either has no relevance or can be dangerous, especially when questions of national unity, questions of national defense come about.That is one of the reasons why I embarked on this journey, and this is one of the reasons why Ukraine had to be part of this picture. Because while the other countries that I'm looking at—Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Moldova—experience the threat of invasion, Ukraine is under attack.And one of the things that I'm finding is that Ukrainian leftist feminists are incredibly resourceful and incredibly gifted at articulating their relevance.One of the things that I'm going to say that stems from that understanding of leftist feminism that's erroneous, but that's pervasive, is that Ukrainian leftist feminists do not debate the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state. What is in question is the way things are happening under the conditions of war.The questions of most vulnerable people—so questions of what happens with people with disabilities, questions of what happens to single mothers, questions of what happens to the elderly people who are maybe unable to evacuate, questions of what happens to the working class people—all of these things are at the forefront of their minds. They're trying to be the advocates of their pleas to the larger society, while at the same time trying to articulate Ukraine's right to self-defense to Western leftist feminists.BGG: So they have both this tension, maybe tension is the wrong word, tell me if it isn't, but they have this tension internally where they're trying to advocate for what they see as justice or what is right with a domestic audience who, understandably, may be more frequently focused on what's happening at the front lines.And then there's also this international question, the foreign audience for these Ukrainian leftist feminists, who have a very different perspective on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. And I specifically use that verbiage instead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine because they're going to think about it very differently.So let's split those out a little bit, and I want to start with the domestic. You talked about the advocacy of these leftist feminists for the most marginalized groups in society, for those who are most vulnerable.In your view, where have they been most successful, perhaps? Where have they seen actual progress happen from their advocacy?GB: One of the things that immediately comes to mind, and many of my interlocutors were directly involved with, is the nurses' movement–the unionization and self-organization of the nurses.There is a movement called Be Like Nina, referring to one of the nurses seen as a pioneer of resisting exploitation. And, of course, under the conditions of war, the labor of nurses is incredibly valuable and needed, but not always appropriately compensated. This is what we can call essential labor, especially when we talk about the front lines, where people are wounded.Many of them are wounded very badly on a daily basis. However, there are other things that are happening in the background as well. While a lot of the resources are pulled to the front, there are people who are experiencing regular daily struggles with their health. And the nurses are being stretched very thin.And this was something that was really amazing to me. This was really one of the very few instances where I saw academics who are leftist feminists actually touching the ground with their ideas: where they got involved with helping the nurses organize, but not taking the center stage, where they acted as support, as a resource, but not overtaking the movement, rather creating the conditions under which nurses themselves could articulate what it was that they needed, what their goals were.And that was incredibly impressive to me because healthcare is severely underfunded across the whole region, and to achieve such tangible goals as wage increases and regulations that empower nurses to do their job was truly impressive. With every conversation with a woman—because I specifically talk only to women—I just felt sheer amazement, because this is so contrary to so many imaginations of what civil society, self-organization, or networks are like in Eastern Europe.This is so contrary to what some have called ‘uncivil' society. What is happening is really self-organization and civil society at its best, organized by women who are oftentimes stretched very thin, not just at work, but also at home, women whose husbands are potentially on the front lines.So to me, I really cannot think of anything else that, in terms of real life impact and in terms of transforming people's lives, has been grander (I'm going to go for that word) than this.BGG: That's remarkable, and thank you for bringing that. I had very little idea of this progress and this happening.So you use the term civil society, which I think is quite apt, and Western conceptions of civil society in the region that we call Eastern Europe can be highly misguided. Let's just put it like that. I think back to a webinar that the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS) hosted on Ukrainian civil society, democratization, responses to the war, and we have this comparative Ukrainian and Baltic perspective, where we looked at how Ukrainian civil society was responding.We looked at how Baltic civil society was responding, and you're doing something similar in your research here. You're looking at Latvia and Lithuania as two of the other case studies, in addition to Poland, Moldova, and, of course, Ukraine. One thing that I think we can all observe just from watching the news, let alone being in the countries as well, is that civil society across the region has had this really robust response in the last few years.So could you speak a little bit more to that in the comparative cases outside of Ukraine that you're looking at in your research, especially Latvia and Lithuania?GB: For sure. I think that in order to theorize civil society and the region in general, we need better theory than has been used often to talk about civil society at large.Here, for example, I'm thinking about Emily Channel Justice and her work and the way that she articulates the notion of self-organization. The way that she thinks about Ukraine, especially in the context of Maidan. The way that it left a self-organization, but that can be applied also to any form of civil society, regardless of ideology, is really a network of decentralized, self-organized people's groups.If you were to look for some kind of central organizing pattern, or some kind of centralized way of doing things, most likely you're not going to find it because it's based on personal network, connections, and localized issues. And I think that's definitely something that I'm seeing in Ukraine.One of the things that I'm seeing in Lithuania and Latvia is that it's going to differ slightly because there are going to be more central organizing figures. If we talk about organizing support for Ukraine, one of the things that we're going to see is that people are going to point to nationwide initiatives.Right now in Lithuania, there is an initiative called Radarum, which is a play on words, on radar and on darom, which is a Lithuanian word for let's do it. And it's a nationwide initiative to collect funds to purchase drones and anti-drone equipment for Ukraine. And there are particular faces that we associate with this initiative.National television is running ads for it. So there's a little bit more of a centralized sense to it. But once again, I would say that this is the mainstream way of organizing civil society, which, of course, with Westernization, has taken on some of the patterns that are similar to the West.If we look towards the left, we're going to see very much that it is self-organized, small groups of people who take different initiatives, such as raising funds for medical care, such as raising funds for queer people in Ukraine. So the more mainstream we go, the more patterns that are akin to those that we see in the West we're going to see.That is also going to be true in Latvia. The further left we go, the more organic, grassroots, self-organized cells of people we're going to find who participate in smaller, less visible initiatives. So that's probably the best way that I can explain the difference.BGG: Got it. We see this distinction of centralization and decentralization.One could consider these different types of movements organic in their own ways, but different in different ways. When one thinks of leftist organizing, which has a long and rich history, organic is sort of one of the key words.It's perpetual, and these society-wide initiatives, like what's currently going on in Lithuania, that we've seen across other countries over the last few years, are maybe a little bit less frequent and less common. So there's an important distinction there.So I want to pivot to the international dimension of how the Ukrainian leftist feminists are talking, especially with Western counterparts. And by Western, we mean Western Europe. We mean American and Canadian. We mean Western, as in not Eastern Europe. So could you talk a little bit about the challenges they're facing there?I think I alluded to it earlier. You alluded to it earlier, but could you dive a little bit more into that discourse, that dialogue between the Ukrainians and their counterparts?GB: This is the main point of contention. What does it mean to be leftist? How much does local experience shape being leftist?What is the relationship of the left to the national question? And I think this is where we are seeing the real tension. Underlying this tension, of course, is the question of Russia. Let me try to unpack this. And I'm going to start from the other end than I listed, which is with the question of Russia.Eastern European in general, and Ukrainian in particular, leftist feminists have a very different understanding as to what Russia is in terms of geopolitics than the Western counterparts are going to have. This stems from very different histories. Western leftism—especially the new wave of leftism that arose in the sixties and the seventies—in many ways has redefined itself not just through the questions of class, which I would argue were lost to some extent. They lost their centrality.And they redefined themselves through the anti-colonial, anti-racist struggle. And that struggle was particularly important because after the fall of the formal colonial system, the colonial patterns of economic exploitation, of social exploitation, of brain drain still very much persisted. And naming that and defining themselves against Western neoimperialism or neocolonialism in the Global South was one of the most defining features of the Left, both in the Global South and in the West. Now, Russia at that time had positioned itself as the ally of the colonized countries. And some of it was pure show, and some of it was actual money, resources, and help that were sent, for example, to Angola. And that made a real difference. Whether that was genuine concern for the colonized people or whether that was an ideological tool is a matter of debate.Whatever it was, it had a profound impact on the way that Western leftists relate to Russia. They continue to see Russia out of that tradition, in many ways, as an ally against Western capitalism and imperialism. Their empire, against which they define themselves, continues to be in the West, and oftentimes is seen as centered on the United States.The empire against which we define ourselves in Eastern Europe is Russia, because Russia was the colonizing power in a very real sense in the region. It was our empire that subjugated us. It was the colonial power that engaged in just about every single practice in which any colonial power engages in the region.For us, if we think outside of ourselves, Russia continues to be the colonial power in the way that it relates to Central Asia, in the way that it relates to the indigenous people of Siberia, in the way that it continues to conduct business. So both the left in the West and the left in the East continue to define themselves against the empire, but disagree on who the empire is.The fundamental difference is the question of Russia. Because of the way that Western leftists, and particularly Western leftist feminists, have been taught to see the world, the way that they have been habituated to see the world, they're unable to see Russia as an aggressor. They're unable to change their narrative about how NATO might act.And of course, the criticisms of continued Western abuses of power, especially when they center on the United States—such as Afghanistan or such as Iraq, but also here in the European context, intra-European context, Serbia is another context in which that comes up—are highly debatable questions, but they're seen a certain way. They're understood in a certain way by Western leftists. And because of Russia's criticism of the West, Western leftists see it as a natural ally, or at least as an equally guilty party.BGG: That's a really great explanation. I think the way that you've laid that out makes a lot of sense.It also harkens back to where I want to bring this, which is the debate that has been going on in Baltic studies and other academic fields, especially those focusing on the region, about thinking about Baltic history in particular as a colonial history and thinking about what it means to decolonize Baltic studies as a field, to decolonize our academic thinking. There have been a lot of discussions.I know that we were in the same room at the AABS panel at Yale last year on that fantastic panel about decolonization. Where do you think this leads with regard to your research specifically? There's already this trend in this field. I get the sense that you are an advocate and moving forward in land seeking for the field as a whole to move in that direction.What do you think the next steps are? What paths do you think could be taken? What do people need to be thinking about that they may not already be thinking about?GB: Well, I think for me, the key question when we are talking about Baltic studies and decolonization is what is it that we talk about when we talk about decolonizing Baltic studies or Baltic countries?Because I think sometimes we're talking about four different things. We are talking about the question of colonialism and coloniality. That's one. We are talking about imperialism, Russian imperialism, and Russian imperiality. We are talking about Russification and what it means to de-Russify. And we are also talking about Sovietization and what it means to de-Sovietize.And I would argue that while these four concepts are very much interrelated, they have very different agendas. So, I think it's a question of definitions. How do we define what our agenda is? Which of the four do we have in mind when we talk about decolonizing Baltic countries, Baltic studies, or anything else?And I would say that each of the four has its place and is significant. But the flip side of that, especially if we stay with the question of decolonization, is the question of Western theory, practice, and scholarship as it relates to Baltic studies. Because if we go back to the early questions in the conversation of what is civil society and whether there is a civil society, Baltic countries and the region as a whole are pathologized.Because the concept of what civil society is, or is not, was based on Western understandings and Western practices. And it rendered civil society in the region invisible. In what ways does the production of scholarship and knowledge about the region continue to be based in very unequal power relationships, in such a way that it continues to pathologize the region?And these are very uncomfortable questions, because much like, you know, in the late eighteenth century when the Lithuanian Polish Commonwealth was divided between the three powers, we're facing the same question: Who is our ally? Because we have learned that Russia is definitely not, but the West is also a problematic ally.This is where I think the question of what it means to center the study of the region in the theory, in the practice, in the questions that actually originate from the ground up, are so important. And I'm not ditching all Western scholarship out the window. That would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.But I'm saying, what does it mean to balance? What does it mean to center? What does it mean to change the parameters of the conversation?BGG: Those are some weighty questions. I think they're good questions that the field is, I would say not even starting to engage with, but is engaging with, which is really excellent, but it's a long path.As anyone who is a scholar of decolonization will tell you, it doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't happen over a decade. It's sort of a continuous process. So, I think that is where we're going to have to leave it, knowing that there is so much more we could have talked about. But, Gražina, thank you so much.This has been a fascinating conversation. Thank you for joining Baltic Ways.GB: Thank you so much for having me, Ben. It's been a privilege.BGG: Thank you for listening to this episode of Baltic Ways, a co-production of the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies and the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI). A note that the views expressed in this and every Baltic Ways episode do not necessarily reflect those of AABS or FPRI.To ensure you catch the next episode of Baltic Ways, make sure you're subscribed to your podcast feed or wherever you get your shows. Thanks so much, and we'll see you next time. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Morning Reel
"Flow" - 147

Morning Reel

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 14:26


"Flow" is an Academy Award-winning animated film directed by Gints Zilbalodis. He earned it, plain and simple. Shout out to him and the country of Latvia. It's Latvia's first Academy Award, respectfully. This is a film created with the application called Blender. Imagine that? A film created by Blender, beat Disney AND DreamWorks at their own game. Millions upon millions of dollars, and "Flow" took the cake. Bravo. This is a film about a cat who joins other exotic animals as they journey to find a better place for their lives as it was disrupted by a crazy environmental event. There is no dialog, only sound. IMAGINE THAT? Only sound effects of the animals and the environments they go through and music definitely plays along with it, definitely adds to feel of the film. You care for these animals, you want to know what happens next. That's their dialog and how the journey flows from one place to another, and as we learn about these animals who are the characters themselves, dissecting different personalities and how they with one another. It's crazy how universal it is to be that self-aware about yourself when you look at the mirror. When you do that type of action, you gain a great level of consciousness and these animals did that. Not an easy thing to pull off but Zilbalodis did that. I talk about how animal actions drive the plot forward. I talk about the characters of the film, how they act on a very animal-like level but all that is so relatable as how we humans interact with each other. Its as if we are all one, but in bits and pieces. At some point, they become the humans and we wish we can be there to witness half of it. Finally, a film where all audiences that enjoy but it also challenges the viewers - to look ourselves and at each other and be aware of what we have and how we can make it slightly better.Four out of four tokes.

New Books in Biography
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books in Biography

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

The Basketball Podcast
James Jones on Yale's Basketball Culture and Success (EP369)

The Basketball Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 49:53


In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Yale head coach James Jones joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on Yale's basketball culture and success.Jones is Yale's all-time winning coach and the longest tenured coach in the Ivy League. He has led Yale to seven Ivy League titles, three Ivy League Tournament championships and five NCAA tournament appearances.Jones has an impressive career record of 418-319 (.567). His championship pedigree includes seven Ivy League regular season titles (2002, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2025) and four Ivy League tournament championships (2019, 2022, 2024, 2025). He has been at the helm for the two NCAA Tournament victories in school history - upsets of Baylor in 2016 and Auburn in 2024. He has guided Yale to multiple postseason appearances, compiling a 2-5 record in NCAA Division I Tournament play, a 1-2 mark in the NIT, and a 4-2 record in the CIT.His coaching excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Hugh Durham Award in 2016 and the Ben Jobe Award in 2019. Jones has also been named Ivy League Coach of the Year four times (2015, 2016, 2020, 2023), cementing his status as one of the conference's most accomplished coaches. Five assistant coaches who worked under Jones went on to become head coaches - Rob Senderoff (Kent State), Isaiah Cavaco (Oberlin), Mark Sembrowich (Academy of Arts University), Mark Gilbride (Clarkson) and Ted Hotaling (New Haven).Jones has enjoyed remarkable success against major conference opponents. In 2008-09, Yale knocked off Oregon State, the school's first win ever over a Pac-12 opponent. The Bulldogs also beat Cal in the Pac-12 China Game in Shanghai in 2018. In addition, Jones has enjoyed victories over schools from the ACC (Miami, Clemson twice, Boston College), Big 12 (Baylor) Big East (Rutgers), Big Ten (Penn State) Atlantic 10 (Rhode Island), WCC (Santa Clara) during his tenure.Jones has gained experience with USA Basketball in his time at Yale as well. He served as an assistant coach for the United States team that captured the gold medal at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup for men in Riga, Latvia. He also was as an assistant coach to Villanova's Jay Wright for the 2007 USA Basketball Men's Pan American Games Team, helping tutor Georgetown's Roy Hibbert, Michigan State's Drew Neitzel and Indiana's D.J. White. In 2006, Jones was selected by the USA Basketball Men's Collegiate Committee, chaired by Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, as a court coach for the 2006 USA Men's U18 National Team Trials.

New Books Network
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books Network

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

New Books in Literary Studies
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books in Literary Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

New Books in Jewish Studies
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books in Jewish Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

CILVĒKJAUDA
#224 CILVĒKJAUDA BIZNESĀ: Komunikācijas spēks biznesa veidošanā un pienesums valsts komercvides izaugsmē - IEVA TREIJA

CILVĒKJAUDA

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 60:25


Šajā CILVĒKJAUDA BIZNESĀ epizodē tiekamies ar Ievu Treiju, Finday.lv līdzdibinātāju un Labs of Latvia redaktori. Sarunas mērķis ir parādīt komunikācijas spēku biznesa veidošanā un tā ietekmi uz biznesa izaugsmi. Ievas ieteikumi noderēs kā atspēriena punkts, ja domā par sava uzņēmuma izveidi un ja vēlies izkļūt no ierobežojoša uzskata par Baltijas valstīm kā biznesa "sērdienīšiem".Ieva parādīja "zirnekļa efekta" nozīmi uzņēmumu un sabiedrības attīstībā. Viņa pieminēja praktiskus padomus, kā pārvarēt bailes par sevi komunicēt, kādi jaunuzņēmumi Latvijā gūst starptautiskus panākumus, un kādas atbalsta vides pieejamas Latvijā. Ieva aicina ikvienu uzdrošināties runāt par savām idejām, pat ja tās sākotnēji varētu šķist nepietiekami labas.Iegūsti BEZMAKSAS mājaslapas analīzi 300 EUR vērtībā no Cilvēkjaudas atbalstītāja Premium Solutions. Viņu speciālisti izpētīs tavas mājas lapas ātrdarbību, lietojamību, vizuālās un funkcionālas nepilnības. Saņemsi ieteikumus vismaz 10 risinājumiem bez tehniska žargona, kā tava mājas lapa var strādāt labāk, lai sasniedz savus biznesa mērķus. Piesakies ps.lv/jauda!Šo epizodi filmējām izcilā vietā – Power-Up SPACE Rīgas centrā. Šeit atgriezīsimies vēl un iesakām arī tev, ja meklē vietu, kur īstenot savus radošos projektus. Te ir viss, kas nepieciešams – moderni aprīkotas studijas, kur ierakstīt video vai audio, un arī daudzpusīgas telpas pasākumiem, kur vari rīkot apmācības, prezentācijas, filmu vakarus un pat konferences ar skaistu skatu uz Rīgu. Visa komanda ir atsaucīga un profesionāla. Apmeklē powerupspace.eu un piesakies iepazīšanās tūrei!Ieteiktos resursus un saites uz tiem atradīsi šīs sarunas lapā.SARUNAS PIETURPUNKTI00:00 Ievads - Ieva Treija no Finday.lv02:38 Kā Ievas darbs biznesa informācijas apkopošanā var noderēt citiem, it īpaši, ja interesē dažādas biznesa iespējas06:50 https://labsoflatvia.com/ - projekts jaunām biznesa idejām un to popularizēšanai10:21 “Nu neesam mēs nekādi sērdienīši!” Jaunuzņēmumu vides veiksmes stāsti Balstijas valstīs.15:16 Par biznesa veiksmes faktoriem16:56 Kas ir “zirnekļa” efekts un kāds tam sakars ar uzņēmuma un sabiedrības izaugsmi22:06 Piemērs, kā un kāpēc uzņēmumumiem vajadzētu par sevi komunicēt plašāk26:36 Praktisks ieteikums, kā pārvarēt bailes publicēt vizuālo saturu ar sevi sociālajos tīklos28:23 Kādas ziņas cilvēkiem patīk lasīt - finday.lv pieredze30:21 Tendences un iespējas interneta komunikācijai par sevi33:28  Bezmaksas mājas lapas efektivitātes analīze, lai tavs bizness aug - Premium Solutions piedāvājums ps.lv/jauda34:27 Kāpēc ir vērts komunicēt par to, kas tevi interesē, arī ja tā ir ļoti specifiska tēma38:11 Par mēģināšanu darīt pat tad, ja nav vajdzīgo prasmju41:51 Ar kādiem jaunuzņēmumiem mēs Latvijā varam lepoties44:42 Kādas startup vides ir pieejamas Latvijā un ar ko tās savstarpēji atšķiras46:57 Mūsu “pašu čaļi no biznesa inkubatora”, kas ir nonākuši videospēļu nozares milžu TOP 10 50:02 Iedvesmojošs stāsts par jaunuzņēmuma panākumiem aizsardzības tehnoloģiju jomā, iegūstot Eiropas līmeņa inovāciju atzinību51:51 Pūļa finansējums kā izaugsmes iespēja savas trakās idejas attīstīšanai54:01 Zinātnes komercializācija un kā tajā var iesaistīties ikviens, kuru tas interesē58:07 Power-Up S

New Books in Eastern European Studies
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books in Eastern European Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

New Books in Ukrainian Studies
Alexandra Popoff, "Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century" (Yale UP, 2019)

New Books in Ukrainian Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:42


Memory and truth are malleable and nowhere more so than in the Soviet Union.  To be a writer in that country was to face an ongoing dilemma: conform to State-mandated topics and themes, or consign oneself to obscurity, writing only for “the desk drawer” or “without permission.” Vasily Grossman challenged that binary choice, creating some of the most compelling and uncompromising fiction and journalism of the century, but also enduring heartbreaking censorship. Her excellent new biography, Vasily Grossman and the Soviet Century (Yale University Press, 2019) brings the life and work of this often-overlooked writer into brilliant focus. Biography of a writer — particularly one with Grossman's output — can be tricky to pull off, but Popoff's extensive research is elegantly arranged into a very readable narrative, in which we follow Grossman through the harrowing experiences of witnessing first hand, famine in the 1920s, the Terror of the 1930s, the carnage of World War II, and the dull ache of censorship in the post-war Soviet Union. Jennifer Eremeeva is an American expatriate writer who divides her time between Riga, Latvia, and New England.  Jennifer writes about travel, food, lifestyle, and Russian history and culture with bylines in Reuters, Fodor's, The Moscow Times, and Russian Life.  She is the in-house travel blogger for Alexander & Roberts, and the award-winning author of  Lenin Lives Next Door:  Marriage, Martinis, and Mayhem in Moscow.  Follow Jennifer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit jennifereremeeva.com for more information.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The EuroWhat? A Eurovision Podcast
Episode 265: Do Re Mi

The EuroWhat? A Eurovision Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 41:01


Critic and educator Maura Johnston joins us again to chat about the Eurovision entries from Finland, Latvia, Malta, Lithuania, and Armenia. Maura Johnston Maura Johnston is a writer and editor who teaches at Boston College. She lives in Allston Rock City with her cat, Nuno. Her favorite Eurovision song of recent years is Margaret Berger's "I Feed You My Love." Do Re Mi Summary Finland - Erika Vikman - "Ich Komme" (1:17) Latvia - Tautumeitas - "Bur man laimi" (8:18) Malta - Miriana Conte - "Serving" ("KANT") (14:59) Lithuania - Katarsis - "Tavo akys" (23:13) Armenia - PARG - "Survivor" (30:41) Final Thoughts (37:53) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here (https://www.eurowhat.com/subscribe). Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email (mailto:eurowhatpodcast@gmail.com) or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/eurowhat.bsky.social). Basel 2025 Keep up with Eurovision selection season on our Basel 2025 page (https://www.eurowhat.com/2025-basel)! We have a calendar with links to livestreams, details about entries as their selected, plus our Spotify playlists with every song we can find that is trying to get the Eurovision stage. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you would like to help financially support the show, we are hosting the EuroWhat AV Club over on Patreon! We have a slew of bonus episodes with deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics. Special Guest: Maura Johnston.

Baltic Ways
The Feminists Defending Ukraine

Baltic Ways

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 26:47


Ukrainians have resisted Russia's aggression for years. Since the full-scale invasion of their country in 2022, Ukrainian women in particular have taken on important roles on the frontlines, in civil society, and at home. Gražina Bielousova's research examines how Ukrainian leftist feminists advocate for their causes at home and abroad, facing distinct sets of challenges as they attempt to defend their country. The Ukrainian case is also distinct in comparison to Latvia and Lithuania, whose organizing takes on different shapes for the same cause. Bielousova joins Ben Gardner-Gill to explain these interactions and discuss the ongoing process of decolonization in Baltic Studies.TranscriptBen Gardner-Gill: Hello, and welcome to Baltic Ways. I'm your co-host, Ben Gardner-Gill. Today we're talking with Gražina Belousova. Gražina is a feminist scholar of race, religion, and gender in post-Soviet Europe. She earned her PhD from Duke University in 2022. Currently, she is a postdoctoral scholar at Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science and a researcher at Vytautas Magnus University.Her current research project focuses on leftist feminisms in East Europe in light of Russia's war against Ukraine, which will culminate in her first book, What's Left of Feminism in East Europe.Gražina, welcome to Baltic Ways.Gražina Belousova: Thank you so much for having me, Ben.BGG: So let's kick off by just hearing a little bit more about your background. I know you finished your PhD pretty recently. Could you tell us a little bit more about how you got into academia, sort of your research interests, and what you're working on at the moment?GB: Right. Yes, I just defended my PhD in 2022. It's hard to believe that it's been nearly three years now. In my PhD, I focused on historical matters. My PhD was in religion and cultural anthropology. And one of the things that I found missing when I was trying to theorize the part of the world that I call home and that most of the world calls Eastern Europe—I realized that I was lacking a solid theory that would bridge economics, anthropology, and religious studies.I wanted to understand how religious difference, especially perceived religious difference, played a role in creating the space that we call Eastern Europe today. And that took me to 18th and 19th century travel writings by Western travelers, oftentimes who were on an official mission, to the edges or to the depths of the Russian Empire.So I've read a lot of ambassadors' letters. I've read a lot of dispatches from St. Petersburg and Moscow, trying to understand how Westerners thought about that religious difference and how that thinking structured their understanding of what this place was and why it was different. What I tried to argue is actually that perceived religious difference was at the root of thinking of Eastern Europe as something different.Now, when I chose to embark on that topic, I had to put another topic aside, which was the question of very contemporary matters, the question of leftist political thought and feminism. At that point, it felt to me more pertinent to write the kind of theory that I felt was missing. When I was given the opportunity to pursue a postdoctoral position at Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science, I pitched this idea to them.And we very quickly pulled together the application. And the next thing I knew, I was embarking on a project on leftist feminisms in Eastern Europe in light of the war in Ukraine. So, the path was windy, but here I am today, knees and elbows deep, in the project on leftist feminism.BGG: Wonderful. I mean, a windy path is going to be familiar to so many people listening.So, no surprise and no surprise as well that the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has really impacted your work and your life as it has for many of us. So tell us a little bit more about that.Over the last three years, we've been watching and seeing the horrors in Ukraine. From your perspective, from your academic work, what are some of the main things that you're looking at?GB: One of the things that I'm particularly interested in is the way that groups that are on the edges of society, on the margins of society, such as leftists, such as feminists, and especially leftist feminists—when the two come together and try to articulate their social and political vision and explain to themselves and to their fellow compatriots and oftentimes foreign donors, in my case, also Western leftist feminists, their relevance, how they're trying to articulate their position.War has a penchant for heightening nationalist tendencies. And this is not some kind of particular Eastern European pathology. War anywhere is going to produce these results. That is normal. People defend themselves and articulate themselves on the basis on which they're being attacked, on the basis on which they're being bombed.So this is what we are seeing in Ukraine. Leftism in Eastern Europe, because of the Soviet past, is often associated with Soviet nostalgia. Feminism, on the other hand, is oftentimes seen as something antithetical to national identity, something that is imported from the West, and something that either has no relevance or can be dangerous, especially when questions of national unity, questions of national defense come about.That is one of the reasons why I embarked on this journey, and this is one of the reasons why Ukraine had to be part of this picture. Because while the other countries that I'm looking at—Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Moldova—experience the threat of invasion, Ukraine is under attack.And one of the things that I'm finding is that Ukrainian leftist feminists are incredibly resourceful and incredibly gifted at articulating their relevance.One of the things that I'm going to say that stems from that understanding of leftist feminism that's erroneous, but that's pervasive, is that Ukrainian leftist feminists do not debate the legitimacy of the Ukrainian state. What is in question is the way things are happening under the conditions of war.The questions of most vulnerable people—so questions of what happens with people with disabilities, questions of what happens to single mothers, questions of what happens to the elderly people who are maybe unable to evacuate, questions of what happens to the working class people—all of these things are at the forefront of their minds. They're trying to be the advocates of their pleas to the larger society, while at the same time trying to articulate Ukraine's right to self-defense to Western leftist feminists.BGG: So they have both this tension, maybe tension is the wrong word, tell me if it isn't, but they have this tension internally where they're trying to advocate for what they see as justice or what is right with a domestic audience who, understandably, may be more frequently focused on what's happening at the front lines.And then there's also this international question, the foreign audience for these Ukrainian leftist feminists, who have a very different perspective on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. And I specifically use that verbiage instead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine because they're going to think about it very differently.So let's split those out a little bit, and I want to start with the domestic. You talked about the advocacy of these leftist feminists for the most marginalized groups in society, for those who are most vulnerable.In your view, where have they been most successful, perhaps? Where have they seen actual progress happen from their advocacy?GB: One of the things that immediately comes to mind, and many of my interlocutors were directly involved with, is the nurses' movement–the unionization and self-organization of the nurses.There is a movement called Be Like Nina, referring to one of the nurses seen as a pioneer of resisting exploitation. And, of course, under the conditions of war, the labor of nurses is incredibly valuable and needed, but not always appropriately compensated. This is what we can call essential labor, especially when we talk about the front lines, where people are wounded.Many of them are wounded very badly on a daily basis. However, there are other things that are happening in the background as well. While a lot of the resources are pulled to the front, there are people who are experiencing regular daily struggles with their health. And the nurses are being stretched very thin.And this was something that was really amazing to me. This was really one of the very few instances where I saw academics who are leftist feminists actually touching the ground with their ideas: where they got involved with helping the nurses organize, but not taking the center stage, where they acted as support, as a resource, but not overtaking the movement, rather creating the conditions under which nurses themselves could articulate what it was that they needed, what their goals were.And that was incredibly impressive to me because healthcare is severely underfunded across the whole region, and to achieve such tangible goals as wage increases and regulations that empower nurses to do their job was truly impressive. With every conversation with a woman—because I specifically talk only to women—I just felt sheer amazement, because this is so contrary to so many imaginations of what civil society, self-organization, or networks are like in Eastern Europe.This is so contrary to what some have called ‘uncivil' society. What is happening is really self-organization and civil society at its best, organized by women who are oftentimes stretched very thin, not just at work, but also at home, women whose husbands are potentially on the front lines.So to me, I really cannot think of anything else that, in terms of real life impact and in terms of transforming people's lives, has been grander (I'm going to go for that word) than this.BGG: That's remarkable, and thank you for bringing that. I had very little idea of this progress and this happening.So you use the term civil society, which I think is quite apt, and Western conceptions of civil society in the region that we call Eastern Europe can be highly misguided. Let's just put it like that. I think back to a webinar that the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS) hosted on Ukrainian civil society, democratization, responses to the war, and we have this comparative Ukrainian and Baltic perspective, where we looked at how Ukrainian civil society was responding.We looked at how Baltic civil society was responding, and you're doing something similar in your research here. You're looking at Latvia and Lithuania as two of the other case studies, in addition to Poland, Moldova, and, of course, Ukraine. One thing that I think we can all observe just from watching the news, let alone being in the countries as well, is that civil society across the region has had this really robust response in the last few years.So could you speak a little bit more to that in the comparative cases outside of Ukraine that you're looking at in your research, especially Latvia and Lithuania?GB: For sure. I think that in order to theorize civil society and the region in general, we need better theory than has been used often to talk about civil society at large.Here, for example, I'm thinking about Emily Channel Justice and her work and the way that she articulates the notion of self-organization. The way that she thinks about Ukraine, especially in the context of Maidan. The way that it left a self-organization, but that can be applied also to any form of civil society, regardless of ideology, is really a network of decentralized, self-organized people's groups.If you were to look for some kind of central organizing pattern, or some kind of centralized way of doing things, most likely you're not going to find it because it's based on personal network, connections, and localized issues. And I think that's definitely something that I'm seeing in Ukraine.One of the things that I'm seeing in Lithuania and Latvia is that it's going to differ slightly because there are going to be more central organizing figures. If we talk about organizing support for Ukraine, one of the things that we're going to see is that people are going to point to nationwide initiatives.Right now in Lithuania, there is an initiative called Radarum, which is a play on words, on radar and on darom, which is a Lithuanian word for let's do it. And it's a nationwide initiative to collect funds to purchase drones and anti-drone equipment for Ukraine. And there are particular faces that we associate with this initiative.National television is running ads for it. So there's a little bit more of a centralized sense to it. But once again, I would say that this is the mainstream way of organizing civil society, which, of course, with Westernization, has taken on some of the patterns that are similar to the West.If we look towards the left, we're going to see very much that it is self-organized, small groups of people who take different initiatives, such as raising funds for medical care, such as raising funds for queer people in Ukraine. So the more mainstream we go, the more patterns that are akin to those that we see in the West we're going to see.That is also going to be true in Latvia. The further left we go, the more organic, grassroots, self-organized cells of people we're going to find who participate in smaller, less visible initiatives. So that's probably the best way that I can explain the difference.BGG: Got it. We see this distinction of centralization and decentralization.One could consider these different types of movements organic in their own ways, but different in different ways. When one thinks of leftist organizing, which has a long and rich history, organic is sort of one of the key words.It's perpetual, and these society-wide initiatives, like what's currently going on in Lithuania, that we've seen across other countries over the last few years, are maybe a little bit less frequent and less common. So there's an important distinction there.So I want to pivot to the international dimension of how the Ukrainian leftist feminists are talking, especially with Western counterparts. And by Western, we mean Western Europe. We mean American and Canadian. We mean Western, as in not Eastern Europe. So could you talk a little bit about the challenges they're facing there?I think I alluded to it earlier, and you alluded to it earlier, but could you dive a little bit more into that discourse, that dialogue between the Ukrainians and their counterparts?GB: This is the main point of contention. What does it mean to be leftist? How much does local experience shape being leftist?What is the relationship of the left to the national question? And I think this is where we are seeing the real tension. Underlying this tension, of course, is the question of Russia. Let me try to unpack this. And I'm going to start from the other end than I listed, which is with the question of Russia.Eastern European in general, and Ukrainian in particular, leftist feminists have a very different understanding as to what Russia is in terms of geopolitics than the Western counterparts are going to have. This stems from very different histories. Western leftism—especially the new wave of leftism that arose in the sixties and the seventies—in many ways has redefined itself not just through the questions of class, which I would argue were lost to some extent. They lost their centrality.And they redefined themselves through the anti-colonial, anti-racist struggle. And that struggle was particularly important because after the fall of the formal colonial system, the colonial patterns of economic exploitation, of social exploitation, of brain drain still very much persisted. And naming that and defining themselves against Western neoimperialism or neocolonialism in the Global South was one of the most defining features of the Left, both in the Global South and in the West. Now, Russia at that time had positioned itself as the ally of the colonized countries. And some of it was pure show, and some of it was actual money, resources, and help that were sent, for example, to Angola. And that made a real difference. Whether that was genuine concern for the colonized people or whether that was an ideological tool is a matter of debate.Whatever it was, it had a profound impact on the way that Western leftists relate to Russia. They continue to see Russia out of that tradition, in many ways, as an ally against Western capitalism and imperialism. Their empire, against which they define themselves, continues to be in the West, and oftentimes is seen as centered on the United States.The empire against which we define ourselves in Eastern Europe is Russia, because Russia was the colonizing power in a very real sense in the region. It was our empire that subjugated us. It was the colonial power that engaged in just about every single practice in which any colonial power engages in the region.For us, if we think outside of ourselves, Russia continues to be the colonial power in the way that it relates to Central Asia, in the way that it relates to the indigenous people of Siberia, in the way that it continues to conduct business. So both the left in the West and the left in the East continue to define themselves against the empire, but disagree on who the empire is.The fundamental difference is the question of Russia. Because of the way that Western leftists, and particularly Western leftist feminists, have been taught to see the world, the way that they have been habituated to see the world, they're unable to see Russia as an aggressor. They're unable to change their narrative about how NATO might act.And of course, the criticisms of continued Western abuses of power, especially when they center on the United States—such as Afghanistan or such as Iraq, but also here in the European context, intra-European context, Serbia is another context in which that comes up—are highly debatable questions, but they're seen a certain way. They're understood in a certain way by Western leftists. And because of Russia's criticism of the West, Western leftists see it as a natural ally, or at least as an equally guilty party.BGG: That's a really great explanation. I think the way that you've laid that out makes a lot of sense.It also harkens back to where I want to bring this, which is the debate that has been going on in Baltic studies and other academic fields, especially those focusing on the region, about thinking about Baltic history in particular as a colonial history and thinking about what it means to decolonize Baltic studies as a field, to decolonize our academic thinking. There have been a lot of discussions.I know that we were in the same room at the AABS panel at Yale last year on that fantastic panel about decolonization. Where do you think this leads with regard to your research specifically? There's already this trend in this field. I get the sense that you are an advocate and moving forward in land seeking for the field as a whole to move in that direction.What do you think the next steps are? What paths do you think could be taken? What do people need to be thinking about that they may not already be thinking about?GB: Well, I think for me, the key question when we are talking about Baltic studies and decolonization is what is it that we talk about when we talk about decolonizing Baltic studies or Baltic countries?Because I think sometimes we're talking about four different things. We are talking about the question of colonialism and coloniality. That's one. We are talking about imperialism, Russian imperialism, and Russian imperiality. We are talking about Russification and what it means to de-Russify. And we are also talking about Sovietization and what it means to de-Sovietize.And I would argue that while these four concepts are very much interrelated, they have very different agendas. So, I think it's a question of definitions. How do we define what our agenda is? Which of the four do we have in mind when we talk about decolonizing Baltic countries, Baltic studies, or anything else?And I would say that each of the four has its place and is significant. But the flip side of that, especially if we stay with the question of decolonization, is the question of Western theory, practice, and scholarship as it relates to Baltic studies. Because if we go back to the early questions in the conversation of what is civil society and whether there is a civil society, Baltic countries and the region as a whole are pathologized.Because the concept of what civil society is, or is not, was based on Western understandings and Western practices. And it rendered civil society in the region invisible. In what ways does the production of scholarship and knowledge about the region continue to be based in very unequal power relationships, in such a way that it continues to pathologize the region?And these are very uncomfortable questions, because much like, you know, in the late eighteenth century when the Lithuanian Polish Commonwealth was divided between the three powers, we're facing the same question: Who is our ally? Because we have learned that Russia is definitely not, but the West is also a problematic ally.This is where I think the question of what it means to center the study of the region in the theory, in the practice, in the questions that actually originate from the ground up, rather than are solely important. And I'm not ditching all Western scholarship out the window. That would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.But I'm saying, what does it mean to balance? What does it mean to center? What does it mean to change the parameters of the conversation?BGG: Those are some weighty questions. I think they're good questions that the field is, I would say not even starting to engage with, but is engaging with, which is really excellent, but it's a long path.As anyone who is a scholar of decolonization will tell you, it doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't happen over a decade. It's sort of a continuous process. So, I think that is where we're going to have to leave it, knowing that there is so much more we could have talked about. But, Gražina, thank you so much.This has been a fascinating conversation. Thank you for joining Baltic Ways.GB: Thank you so much for having me, Ben. It's been a privilege.To ensure you catch the next episode of Baltic Ways, make sure you're subscribed to your podcast feed or wherever you get your shows. Thanks so much, and we'll see you next time.(Image: Facebook | Феміністична майстерня)Baltic Ways is a podcast from the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, produced in partnership with the Baltic Initiative at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AABS or FPRI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fpribalticinitiative.substack.com

Sustainability In The Air
How a pilot-turned-CEO transformed air travel in the Baltics

Sustainability In The Air

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 39:46


In this episode, we speak with Martin Gauss, former CEO of airBaltic, who transformed the Latvian flag carrier into one of Europe's most innovative airlines while connecting the entire Baltic region.Gauss discusses:The benefits of operating a single-fleet airline with the highly efficient Airbus A220-300, resulting in 30% lower fuel consumption than older generation aircraft and contributing to airBaltic's path to carbon neutrality by 2050.airBaltic's innovative dual business model that combines scheduled operations with wet lease services for major carriers like Lufthansa Group, creating flexibility and financial resilience.The airline's commitment to sustainability through fleet modernisation, gradually increasing SAF usage, and partnerships with innovative manufacturers like Fokker NextGen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.How airBaltic established itself as an industry leader in adopting new technologies, from becoming the first airline to accept Bitcoin in 2014 to pioneering Starlink internet service in Europe.His perspective on balancing growth with sustainability, emphasising that connectivity is essential for economic development while working toward emission-free aviation.The Baltic states' capacity for innovation, demonstrating how a small country like Latvia can lead the way in aviation technology and sustainability.As an airline pilot-turned-CEO, Gauss offers valuable insights into how smaller airlines can lead industry change through bold technology choices and business model innovation.If you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversation we had with Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), who shares the airline's ambitious sustainability initiatives. Check it out here. Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry's challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air'. Click here to learn more.Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It's about time.Links & More:ESG - airBaltic Fokker Next Gen partners with airBaltic on new liquid hydrogen powered commercial aircraft – GreenAir News airBaltic achieves one-Year milestone in increased SAF implementation - Travel And Tour World airBaltic to Expand Training Fleet With All-Electric eD40 - FLYING Magazine 

Trent Loos Podcast
Rural Route Radio April 16, 2025 JC Cole goes back to ground zero, literally how he found himself in former Soviet Union country in 1992.

Trent Loos Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 48:04


From 1992 -2010 this trained Civil Engineer at Lehigh University spent time in Latvia building a country from nothing.

Hoop Heads
Dyami Starks - Trainer & Player Development Coach for All Iowa Attack - Episode 1084

Hoop Heads

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 80:47 Transcription Available


Dyami Starks is one of the Midwest's premier basketball trainers. His approach to training combines professional-level insights with data-driven development strategies. Starks also serves as the player development coach for All Iowa Attack, the director of Starks Elite AAU program, and as an assistant women's basketball coach at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.Dyami was a Division I standout at Bryant University and enjoyed a professional career that included stops in Australia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Latvia.On this episode Mike and Dyami discuss his unique training philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of fostering a player's intrinsic understanding of the game through inquiry and self-discovery rather than rote instruction. Dyami articulates the necessity of adapting training methodologies to suit individual players, highlighting that player development is predicated on providing clarity and establishing a rapport that encourages confidence and growth. Moreover, we explore the evolving landscape of basketball recruiting, particularly in light of the recent changes brought about by the introduction of NIL and the transfer portal, which have significantly altered the dynamics for high school athletes. Throughout our conversation, Starks underscores the essence of cultivating a love for the game, encouraging young players to embrace the journey of growth and improvement while navigating the challenges that lie ahead.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Be sure to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Dyami Starks, trainer & player development coach for All Iowa Attack.Website – https://dyamistarks.com/Email – dyamistarks@gmail.comTwitter/X - @dyamistarksVisit our Sponsors!Dr. Dish BasketballOur friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are doing things a little differently this month with $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish Rebel+, $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish All-Stat+, AND $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish CT+ during their first ever Semi-Annual Sales Event. Shop now and have your team more ready for the upcoming season than ever before.GameChangerIntroducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at

Bad at Sports
Bad at Sports Episode 899: Jessica Snow & Liga Spunde

Bad at Sports

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 52:02


Gremlins, Borders, and Recipes for Resistance This week we're joined by Jessica Snow and Liga Spunde, two artists navigating the world through comics, street theater, and occasionally letterpress and photoshop. Jessica Snow walks us through her wide-ranging practice—from illustration and letterpress to building massive puppets and organizing street performances to attempting to confronting the entangled realities of border politics, ecological collapse, and resistance. Her work with Kitchen Table Press and collaborative projects like Recipes of Resistance blend protest and performance into shared, tangible experiences that challenge the quiet violence of contemporary life. Meanwhile, Liga Spunde brings us deep into a psychological terrain. Working with a unique computer-generated drawing style, Liga explores the emotional weight of the traumas of contemporary life—from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the various ways we experienced the pandemic to the existential task of making a 6 page comic. Her work resists tidy narratives, instead making room for ambiguity, emotional excess, fragile and detailed humor, and a specific fascination with Gremlins. This episode was recorded as part of Chris Sperandio's Comics Without Borders (but say it in French) event at Rice University—an international gathering of artists, publishers, and thinkers reframing what comics can do in turbulent times. (More here: Comics Without Borders.) We cover a lot of ground—Latvia's premier comic publisher, post-crisis psychology, DIY print culture, and why strange books and big puppets might still save us all. This is Bad at Sports at its finest: loose, live, urgent and embedded, and full of strange joy. Links & Projects Mentioned: Jessica Snow: jessicasnowart.com Kitchen Table Press: kitchentablepress.org Recipes of Resistance: recipesofresistance.com Liga Spunde: ligaspunde.com kuš! komikss: https://komikss.lv/ Comics Without Borders @ Rice University: https://cats.rice.edu/comics-sans-frontieres-march-20-24-2025/ Christopher Sperandio: https://pinkojoe.com/

Ukraine: The Latest
Tank traps, tripwires, trenches: secret war plans of NATO's eastern flank 'revealed'

Ukraine: The Latest

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 38:16


Day 1,142.Today, as a new helicopter drone is spotted flying over the Moscow region, we assess movements on the frontlines and ask why Japan is offering to provide increased support for Ukraine. Then later we discuss the new defence line the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are building against Russia. Do they think an invasion is imminent?Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X.Iona Cleave (Foreign Reporter). @cleaveiona on X.Content Referenced:The Baltics are building a defensive line against Russia. Can they do it fast enough? (Iona Cleave in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/07/baltic-secret-defensive-line-keep-russia-out-europe/Hungary could turn on Russia by backing US sanctions (James Crisp in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/08/hungary-could-turn-on-russia-by-backing-us-sanctions/The Telegraph's Ukraine Live Blog:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/10/russia-ukraine-zelensky-putin-war-latest/ Video shows 4 captive Ukrainian troops killed by men identified as Russian forces (AP):https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-pows-war-crimes-putin-zelenskyy-a2185297338af410fb5122448e62db76 NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them, or click the links below.Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestLearn more about the tech: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/24/ukraine-the-latest-podcast-russian-ukrainian-ai-translation/Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trent Loos Podcast
Rural Route Radio April 9, 2025 JC Cole do we have market manipulation on Gold to Silver price ratio?

Trent Loos Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 48:01


Did you know that the gold to silver ration in earth is 15:1 but the current market price is 100:1 , what does that mean? JC once again taps into the years of trying to build an infrastructure in Latvia post Soviet Union.

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson
Spain, France, Germany & Portugal progress on epic Nations League night

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 55:58


Jimbo welcomes Daniel Storey, Tom Williams and Seb Stafford-Bloor into the pod after an incredible weekend of international action.Germany throw away a 3-0 lead against Italy but still earn the right to compete in the Nations League finals and indeed to host them. But what happened with the Jamal Musiala goal that embarrassed the Azzurri?Cristiano Ronaldo's on the scoresheet for Portugal in their extra-time victory over Denmark. France win on penalties against Croatia as Michael Olise really steps up for his country.Spain also progress on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Netherlands. Pol Ballus was there and is full of praise for Lamine Yamal and Spain debutant Dean Huijsen.Thomas Tuchel's England beat Albania and welcome Latvia to Wembley. The panel ask whether we will ever see the best of Phil Foden in an England shirt.Plus Motta, Matondo, Mexico and the Marshall Islands.Produced by Charlie Jones.RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: Germany 3-3 Italy (06.00)• PART 1b: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (11.00) • PART 1c: France beat Croatia on penalties (13.00)• PART 1d: Spain beat Netherlands with Pol Ballus (17.30)• PART 2a: Elsewhere in the Nations League (24.00)• PART 2b: England ready for Latvia (30.00)• PART 2c: Bellamy's Wales win again (37.00)• PART 3a: Motta sacked by Juventus (40.00)• PART 3b: New Zealand qualify for the World Cup (43.00)• PART 3c: Lee Wingate from The Sweeper joins us (45.00)• PART 3d: Mexico win the Nations League (53.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gaslit Nation
A Love Letter to Canada

Gaslit Nation

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 66:22


What's the easiest way for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to invade Canada? Simple: Have voters sit out the upcoming election and let Pierre Poilievre become Prime Minister. If you're Canadian—especially if you live abroad—now's the time to get organized. Make sure you and at least five of your family and friends have a plan to vote. Not sure if you're registered? Check here! Voting from abroad? Double-check your registration and make sure you've got everything you need by visiting this link. In this week's Gaslit Nation Canada Super Special, we're joined by the amazing Leigh McGowan from Politics Girl, plus Marcus Kolga, a Canadian writer, filmmaker, and human rights advocate. Marcus is an expert on Russian and Central/Eastern European issues and Kremlin disinformation. He regularly shares his insights in top publications like The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, Maclean's, and The Atlantic Council. Marcus also played a crucial role in the Canadian campaign for the Magnitsky human rights sanctions and has helped drive similar efforts in Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, and Australia. His expertise has taken him to testify before parliaments in the UK, Australia, and Canada, covering everything from Russian disinformation to Interpol reform. Currently, he's a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute's Centre for Advancing Canada's Interests Abroad. This week's bonus show will be our live discussion with Dr. Lisa Corrigan, author of Prison Power: How Prison Politics Influenced the Movement for Black Liberation and Black Feelings: Race and Affect in the Long Sixties. Dr. Corrigan is the Director of the Gender Studies Program at the University of Arkansas and also teaches in both African & African American Studies and Latin American and Latino Studies.   Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit!   EVENTS AT GASLIT NATION: March 17 4pm ET – Dr. Lisa Corrigan joins our Gaslit Nation Salon to discuss America's private prison crisis in an age of fascist scapegoating  March 31 4pm ET – Gaslit Nation Book Club: From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Conceptual Framework for Liberation, which informed revolts in Ukraine, the Arab Spring, Hong Kong, and beyond  NEW! April 7 4pm ET – Security Committee Presents at the Gaslit Nation Salon. Don't miss it!  Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join, available on Patreon.  Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group, available on Patreon.  Have you taken Gaslit Nation's HyperNormalization Survey Yet? Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and the first ~40 minutes are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community    Show Notes: Ways to Vote in Canada https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=vote&document=index&lang=e How Canadians Can Vote Abroad https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/living-abroad/elections-faq Meet Politics Girl https://www.politicsgirl.com/ Meet Marcus Kolga https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/cm-expert/marcus-kolga/ Nadia Guerrera for Parkdale–High Park https://nadiaguerrera.ca/  Clip: Dropkick Murphys call out a Nazi at their Boston show https://bsky.app/profile/meidastouch.com/post/3lkhxscnvws2x Clip: Stephen Marche on why the US can't occupy Canada https://bsky.app/profile/jimmyalto.bsky.social/post/3lkgixldo6s2t Want to topple a dictator? Gaslit Nation Book Club: From Dictatorship to Democracy by Gene Sharp https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480x270/p08qz3w0.jpg.webp