Before the noise of the new school year begins, take a deep breath, put on those earbuds and tune into something focused and enlightening.
A young woman listens to a podcast as, in the background, people produce podcasts. (Illustration by News Decoder)
Before the bustle begins that is back-to-school, we, at News Decoder, thought we’d provide a little calm. Podcasts can do that. They help focus our thoughts, distract us a little from our problems and keep our minds engaged as we go about some tedious tasks like end-of-summer cleaning or dusting off those school uniforms and supplies you will need.
News Decoder is a part of WePod, an innovative multi-partner, cross-border project to support the growth and sustainability of the European podcasting ecosystem. We see it as a way to help elevate underheard voices around the world.
Over the past year, Andrea Knezevic, the communication manager at WePod has been connecting podcasters across borders and helping to produce new ones that showcase the diversity of conversations on everything from politics and technology to the arts and more.
So for your listening pleasure, Knezevic has offered up seven podcasts worth tuning your earbuds to.
These podcasts, some in English, others in French and even Greek, offer a diverse mix of cultural insights, personal stories and expert analysis that reflect the dynamic landscape of Europe today.
Add your podcast recommendations in the comments below the story, or email them to us at info@news-decoder.com and we’ll find a way to spotlight them. Let’s get more ears to more voices across the globe.
1. Sounds Like Europe | “Branded Podcast in Europe: The Case of Blum” (English)
This episode explores the rise of branded content in podcasts through the lens of “Blum,” an audio thriller sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. Host Javi Caminero sits down with Marcus Hurst, Creative Director of El Extraordinario, to discuss the growing intersection of marketing and audio storytelling in Europe. It’s a look at how brands are using podcasts to creatively engage audiences across the continent.
2. The Europeans | “The most confusing elections of all time?” (English)
Known for its insightful and humorous approach, The Europeans podcast dives into some of the most pressing issues across the continent. In this episode, the hosts tackle the rise of populism in Europe, dissecting how this political shift is influencing the future of the European Union. With a blend of expert analysis and sharp commentary, it’s a must-listen for those following European politics.
3. EU Confidential | “Inside the European Union’s Biggest Challenges” (English)
From the team at Politico, EU Confidential takes a deep dive into the critical issues facing the European Union today. This episode covers the major political challenges and opportunities ahead for the EU, featuring expert analysis and insider perspectives that provide a comprehensive look at the forces shaping Europe’s political scene.
4. Les Pieds sur Terre | “Histoires de migration” (French)
Les Pieds sur Terre is a podcast that shares deeply personal stories from across France and beyond, often focusing on themes of migration and identity. In this episode, listeners hear the poignant journey of a refugee making their way to France, shedding light on the human side of migration and the challenges faced by those seeking a new life in Europe.
5. Europod | “Η επίθεση στην ελευθερία του τύπου στην Ευρώπη” (Greek)
This investigative podcast delves into the alarming decline of press freedom in Greece, which now ranks last among EU countries in global press freedom rankings. Produced in collaboration with ThePressProject and Bulle Media, the series explores the unsolved murder of a journalist, issues of censorship and the troubling conditions faced by Greek journalists. It’s a powerful exploration of the state of media freedom in Europe today.
6. LEGEND | Extraordinary Life Stories (French)
LEGEND is a French podcast that gives a platform to individuals — whether celebrities or everyday people — with extraordinary life stories to tell. Each episode delves into the unique paths people take, sharing inspiring and often surprising journeys that resonate on a deeply human level. It’s a series for anyone curious about the diverse experiences that shape our world.
7. Canapé Six Places | A Safe Place with Lena Situations (French)
Hosted by popular internet personality Lena Mahfouf, also known as Lena Situations, Canapé Six Places is a podcast that creates an intimate and personal listening experience. In her “safe place,” Lena takes time to reflect, dive into details, and share her thoughts—sometimes alone, sometimes with guests. It’s a refreshing and authentic podcast that feels like a conversation with a close friend.