Podcast Latvia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe sits down with fellow English language Latvia-based podcaster Fabrizio Marciante to discuss the challenges of interviewing, national identity in an increasingly global world, and life in Lativa. You can find the Kūla podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR85s1UcKcGFginjLz_-v5wOpening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma Apsīte…

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

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

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

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

As the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia continues, Otto and Joe break down Latvia's support measures for Ukraine, reactions against supporters of the Russian regime, and measures to defend the Baltic states from further aggression.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionauti…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Otto and Joe sit down for the 150th time to discuss the latest news of the week and to look forward to the upcoming holidays here in Latvia.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream…

"Pilnība" is the word of the week, with 75% of Latvia's adult population fully vaccinated just as child vaccination starts throughout the country. Otto and Joe break down the current situation along with other stories such as proposed solutions to the energy crisis, legal troubles for two parliamentarians, an international war memorial controversy,…

As Latvia lays blanketed in snow, Otto and Joe discuss the latest stories of the week including the wintry cold, major updates to corruption cases, Omicron variant in Latvia, and much more!Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attributio…

"Pieņemt" is the word of the week after Saeima accepts the 2022 state budget following a relatively quiet debate. Otto and Joe discuss the major takeaways as well as the latest from the Belarussian border and updates to the COVID-19 situation in Latvia.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Ta…

With Latvia's lockdown lifter and things returning to the way they were before the strict three-week measures, Otto joins Joe back in person in the studio to discuss the deepening crisis at the Belarusian border, the banning of St. George's ribbon at public events, a new potential future for Congress Hall, and much more!Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemni…

Joe sits down with Anete Germane from the Irregular Latvian YouTube channel to discuss the origin of her videos, life as an Latvian in France, intercultural customer service, and much more!You can check out her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/GermaneAneteOpening and closing music: courtesy of Ausma Apsīte…

Otto calls into Joe from an overnight train in Finland to discuss the latest major stories of the week, including more layoffs at Latvian Railways, Aivars Lembergs' first place poll finish, the latest COVID updates in Latvia, and much more!With the situation in the health care sector reaching a new critical point, Health Minister has called for the…

With the situation in the health care sector reaching a new critical point, Health Minister has called for the emergency mobilization of health workers. Union leaders have responded by calling for his resignation. Otto and Joe break down this situation and other major news stories including a law to streamline border construction, populist leaders …

As Latvia implements its strictest COVID-19 measures yet, Otto and Joe remember the life of statesman Ojārs Kalniņš after his sudden passing last week and discuss other important stories that have happened here in Latvia.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.co…

Otto and Joe break down the newly declared state of emergency and COVID-19 related restrictions along with a few other important stories from the week here in Latvia.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY …

Joe discusses the newest COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions along with a controversy involving the president's influence, a legal challenge to a mural, increases to energy costs, and a number of other stories from the last week and a half.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by A…

While President Egils Levits visits the US and the UN General Assembly, Ainars Šlesers continues his comeback to Latvian national politics with a number of controversial actions. Otto and Joe discuss these stories and more, such as Minister of Health Daniels Pavļuts surviving a vote of no confidence, the merger of universities, potential new COVID …

As yet another strange school year begins amid the ongoing pandemic, Joe breaks down the biggest stories of the past week and a half.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.l…

As the migrant situation on the Latvian-Belarussian border becomes more complicated and critical, Otto and Joe sit down to discuss the biggest stories of the week from Latvia and the region.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attributi…

Otto and Joe discuss the 32nd anniversary of the Baltic Way, this year marked with a protest against obligatory vaccination, along with other important stories from the week such as a controversial mural in Riga, hope for better management of bus ticketing, and much more!Bởi Latvia Weekly

As the world watches Afghanistan fall back under control of the Talbian, Otto and Joe discuss the long historic connection between the two nations and the possibility of fallout from the new situation being felt as far away as the Baltic region.Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Au…

After a small summer break, Otto and Joe are back to talk about Latvia's results in the 2020 summer olympics, as well as some of the biggest other stories of the week!Bởi Latvia Weekly

Joe sits down with expat lawyer Rick Jacobus who discusses some of the most common issues that new arrivals to Latvia might fact, along with his own experiences living in Liepāja.Bởi Latvia Weekly

Joe calls into Otto from the windy amber coast of Liepāja to discuss the latest vaccination debate in parliament, some major infrastructure plans on the horizon, an escaped wallaby on the loose, and much more!Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permissionClosing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative …

As temperature records are smashed across Latvia, effects such as forest fires and increased hospitalizations are being seen throughout different parts of the country. Otto and Joe discuss the heatwave along with the updated plan for mandatory vaccinations in some professions, the thrilling conclusion to a trashy three-year waste saga, and more!…

As Latvia reels from the tragic loss of hockey goalie Matīss Kivlenieks in a 4th o July fire accident, more serious discussion begins about what measures should be implemented to bring school back to the classroom in fall. Otto and Joe break all this down along with other major stories from this week in Latvia!Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aa…

Joe finally sits down to chat with Japanese musician Masaki Nakagawa and German-born Jorän Steinhauer, both of whom write songs in the Latvian language and are well known throughout the country. Find out how they first came to Latvia, how they were able to learn the language, and the interesting ways they write songs — including their latest track …

As Latvia marks an important holocaust remembrance day, member of parliament Aldis Gobzems uses the infamous Star of David that persecuted Jewish people were forced to wear as a tasteless way to make a point about COVID restrictions. Otto and Joe discuss the fallout from this as well as other stories included a bold new plan to upgrade roads, the c…

Līgo! Līgo! Happy midsummer! Otto joins Joe on one of the shortest nights of the year to talk about stories such as planned urban meadows in Rīga, new debt relief for the needy, some promising COVID-19 related numbers, and much more!Opening music: "Kas to Līgo ielīgoja" performed by Ernests Elks-Elksnītis. Available in the public domain. https://co…

Back in mid-March, Joe interviewed Gary Dickenson from the YouTube channel Baltic Homesteaders about his experience moving from the UK to northern Vidzeme and setting up a completely new, self-sufficient life with his family.Opening and closing music by Austra Apsīte, used with permissionBởi Latvia Weekly

With less people getting vaccinated week-on-week but only 23% of the country vaccinated so far, the government might be running into a wall in terms of convincing more people to get the shot. Otto and Joe discuss this development along with the further reopening of the Latvian economy, some public works dramas in Rīga, the murky future of Aivars Le…

The 2021 municipal elections have resulted in strong showing for older guard parties like the Union of Greens and Farmers and the National Alliance, while big winners from the 2018 national election such as the New Conservative Party and KPV.LV had a much rougher go. Otto and Joe break down the results and implications, along with some other import…

As a bizarre constitutional drama unfolds out east with local elections just days away and KPV LV clutches at its last grasp on power in the coalition, Latvia slowly strips away more COVID restrictions with infections decreasing and vaccinations on the rise. Otto and Joe unpack these stories and more!Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki,…