Best Orinoco Communications Podcasts (2025)

1
566: Peacebuilding Cannot Happen Without Security: Why the Killings of Social Leaders in Colombia Continues 1:17:49

3h ago1:17:49

1:17:49

What explains selective violence against social and community leaders in the aftermath of war? Why does the killing of community and social leaders continue unabated in Colombia? This week on the Colombia Calling podcast, we look at a new academic article entitled: "Delegative peacebuilding: Explaining post-conflict selective violence," written by …

1
565: A Siberian in Colombia: Hearing from the Tabiuna Rusa 1:01:56

7d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Victoria was never meant to come to Colombia, in fact, had things gone according to plan she would be in China right now. But, fate had a different path in mind for this native of a small town near to the city of Perm in Siberia, Russia. And so, on this week's Colombia Calling podcast, we hear from a Tatar far from her birthplace near to the Ural M…

1
Helen Jamison & Claire Bithell | CROSPO Report 48:19

13d ago48:19

48:19

In 2022 the Science Media Centre published an insightful report on the changing role of science press officers at UK universities. In this episode of Research Unravelled Peter speaks with two people who were instrumental to the report's creation: Helen Jamison and Claire Bithell. The conversation reveals the often invisible but critical role these …

1
564: The Latin American Boom in Literature and "that punch" 1:02:36

14d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

There's so much to say about the Latin American Boom in literature, but how can we possibly discuss it at this point in time without mentioning Mario Vargas Llosa and his recent passing. And so, as a Colombia-focused podcast, we take a look at this era and these personalities in the literary world, such as Colombia's inimitable Gabriel Garcia Marqu…

1
563: Tropical Diseases and Disease Ecology in Colombia 1:02:31

21d ago1:02:31

1:02:31

This week we speak to Camila Gonzalez Rosas, Director and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Los Andes University in Bogotá and Researcher at the the Centre for Investigations into Microbiology and tropical parasitology and we discuss tropical diseases in Colombia. Nothing is off the table from chagas, malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis, zik…

1
562: "Exploring the Toxic Record of Colombia's Oil Giant." The BBC speaks to the Colombia Calling podcast. 1:14:07

1M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Colombian energy giant Ecopetrol has polluted hundreds of sites with oil, including water sources and biodiverse wetlands, the BBC World Service has found. However, as detailed in a new documentary produced and directed by Owen Pinnell of the BBC: "Exposing the toxic record of Colombia's oil giant | BBC World Service Documentaries,:" there are far …

1
561: “Silent, but so much to tell.” The mystery of Colombia’s Mummies 1:05:33

1M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

In today’s episode, Emily Hart speaks to archaeologist Daniella Betancourt: the woman decoding the enigma of Colombia’s mummies. Mummification is a practice which has been carried out all over the world, from Chile to China – from the ancient Egyptian pharaohs to Vladimir Lenin and Evita Perón, and - though chronically understudied - right here in …

1
Tracey Brown | Sense about Science 46:58

2M ago46:58

46:58

Why do many risk messages fail to connect with audiences? How can communicators avoid oversimplifying complex risk information while still making it accessible to audiences? What does it mean to take a "public-led, expert-fed" approach to science communication? In this episode Tracey Brown, Director of Sense About Science, talks about the charity's…

1
560: Championing English-language books about Colombia 50:50

2M ago50:50

50:50

Barry Max Wills, author of: "Better than Cocaine: Learning to Grow Coffee, and Live in Colombia," and Richard McColl of: "The Mompos Project: A Tale of Love, Hotels and Madness in Colombia," join editor Dan Cross on this week's Colombia Calling podcast. In a conversation that takes in the topics of culture and identity, immigrants to Colombia, writ…

1
559: Blood Gold in Colombia 1:13:52

2M ago1:13:52

1:13:52

On this week's Colombia Calling podcast, we speak to James Bargent, an investigative journalist for Insight Crime about his work putting together the new podcast: "the Shadow of El Dorado." Along with his colleague Mat Charles, the resulting podcast is a multi-year project which takes the listener into the world of organized crime and how the Gaita…

1
558: Back to the (microscopic) Future: Using Palaeontology, Pollen, and AI to predict and protect our futures 57:28

2M ago57:28

57:28

Today, we go back many millennia in order to protect ourselves for the coming centuries: Emily Hart speaks to two Colombian scientists, Carlos Jaramillo and Camila Martínez, time-travellers of the smallest imaginable time machines: fossilised pollen and tree cells. Climate change has been a constant feature of Planet Earth: at points in history, th…

1
Nick Hillier | The Academy of Medical Sciences 58:23

2M ago58:23

58:23

What counts as a 'meaningful' engagement when involving patients and public with research? How can we elevate the voices of people with lived experience as experts? How can we support those people who agree to tell their own stories for impact? In this episode Peter is joined by Nick Hillier, Director of Communications and Engagement at the Academy…

1
557: The Petro Presidency Meltdown? 1:10:58

2M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

President Petro's Disastrous Televised Cabinet Meeting or The Petro Presidency Meltdown. Pause for breath if you can, but we've been experiencing a barrage of negative headlines surrounding Colombia's President Petro. This began with, at first, the online fracas with President Trump over the treatment of Colombian illegal migrants being returned to…

1
556: The Colombia that is Silenced 1:10:51

3M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

This week on the Colombia Calling podcast, we speak to Lorena Estupiñán-Pedraza, a professor of international relations and political science from Boyaca, but resident in the southern city of Cali. In a far-ranging conversation, we discuss Lorena's PhD studies public policy implementation in Boyaca, local problems with global impacts and all about …

1
555: "The World is Sick," a New Documentary on the Ancient Healing Medicine of Ayahuasca 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

A new documentary, in the making, seeks to document the sacred nature of an ancient medicine. We're all familiar with vivid tales of projectile vomiting and the complete loss of bodily functions during an ayuahuasca ceremony but who, amongst us, has really explored the benefits of a ritual? This documentary seeks to educate us, through a carefully …

1
Research Unravelled Extra 15:46

3M ago15:46

15:46

In these monthly extra episodes Peter is joined by co-host, Bianca Winter, to share listeners' thoughts on our main guest episodes, and to discuss the latest news and trends from the world of research communications. In this episode we... Reflect on the last guest episode with Lorraine Bridges - Head of Campaigns at the National Institute of Health…

1
554: Lies, Damned Lies and Disinformation in Colombia 1:10:49

3M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Jonathan Swift, "Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it.” … never truer than in 2025 This week on the Colombia Calling podcast Emily Hart and Richard McColl tackle the issue of disinformation and fact-checking in Colombia and fortunately, we don't have to take on this task alone but are joined by two experts in the field. Laura Sarabia R…

1
553: From the Indian Plains to the Andes Mountains 52:11

3M ago52:11

52:11

Sometimes, it's just fun to have an agreeable conversation, and this is why I enjoyed chatting to Vivek Jayaraman. Vivek was born in Tamil, India and in the way life takes its unusual routes has ended up living in northern Bogota and with a love of mountains - he's from the plains - and a firm desire to know and understand the regions of Cundinamar…

1
Lorraine Bridges | National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 34:45

3M ago34:45

34:45

What differentiates a 'campaign' from business-as-usual comms? What are the most important ingredients for running a successful communications campaign? How do you build partnerships based on trust and reciprocity? In this episode Peter is joined by Lorraine Bridges, Head of Campaigns and Deputy Director of Communications at the National Institute …

1
552: The Myth of the Narco 1:17:14

4M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

In order to understand the issue of the cocaine trade in Colombia, we need to look at three factors: 1. Drugs Policy as a Geopolitical tool. 2. Markets: A Political Economic issue. 3. Narratives: the Myth of the Narco. On the Colombia Calling podcast this week we speak to Estefanía Ciro Rodríguez, expert on drug politics, the cocaine economy and th…

1
Research Unravelled Extra 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

A 2025 Welcome from Peter and Bianca at Research Unravelled Extra! In these monthly extra episodes Peter is joined by co-host, Bianca Winter, to share listeners' thoughts on our main guest episodes, and to discuss the latest news and trends from the world of research communications. In this episode we... Reflect on Peter's interview with Catherine …

1
551: Following in the footsteps of Roger Casement in Colombia 1:10:00

4M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Brendan Corrigan has had multiple jobs in his time in Colombia (dating back to 2011), and his most constant has been that of a contributing writer of acerbic observations for the El Tiempo national newspaper, with an office job in marketing thrown in for good measure and some forays into the acting world by way of a telenovela (soap opera) appearan…

1
550: Erin Donaldson in Colombia's Coffee Region 1:01:02

4M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

As there are now a growing number of people considering moving to Colombia, and where better than the country's enticing Coffee Region, we decided to focus on this topic for this week. Known for its natural beauty and landscapes, lush countryside, friendly and hard-working people...it's an easy sell. But what happens when you are ready to take the …

1
549: Travel Trends in 2025 1:00:29

4M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Have you heard of "destination duping," "rosy retrospection," "JOMO," or "trailblazer hotels?" Well, with Colombia of course in mind given that this is the Colombia Calling podcast, we leap into 2025 with an upbeat episode discussing travel trends for this year. We mull over each of the aforementioned phrases with Bruce Mclean, travel expert and ow…

1
Catherine Foot | Phoenix Insights 43:14

5M ago43:14

43:14

How can we transform the national conversation around what it means to live longer better lives? How do we avoid drowning in nuance when trying to understand complex systems? What does it take to relentlessly pursue a single issue in order to bring about change? And how can you build a coalition to bring others on board? Join Peter Barker in conver…

1
548: Jazz for Peace with Rick DellaRatta 53:02

5M ago53:02

53:02

Well, where to start with this interview?! It's that time of year when we endeavour to discuss more hopeful and positive episodes and then an email hit my inbox from Rick DellaRatta and Jazz for Peace. And thus the episode came into being. Rick DellaRatta is a multi instrumentalist, pianist, composer and founder of Jazz for Peace and we discuss wha…

1
547: Tu Fiel Amigo, Colombia: the Colombia Calling podcast Christmas Appeal 2024 41:52

5M ago41:52

41:52

We've never done this before, but heck, why not?! So, here is the first ever Colombia Calling Christmas Appeal in our 11 plus years of being on the air. Cartagena Paws and their supported Foundation of Tu Fiel Amigo in Cartagena have been on our radar for some time and a certainly deserving of some welcome help. We speak to Maureen Cattieu about th…

1
Research Unravelled Extra 23:33

6M ago23:33

23:33

Welcome back to Research Unravelled Extra! In these monthly extra episodes Peter is joined by co-host, Bianca Winter, to share listeners' reflections on the latest guest episodes, and to discuss the latest news and trends from the world of research communications. We want this to be a space where the research comms community engages and interacts w…

1
546: Torah Tropical in Cali: How Far Would You Go to Find God? 1:01:55

6M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

The journey of making Torah Tropical began in 2021, in the midst of Colombia’s historic civil unrest. Despair at the Duque government’s policies and botched implementation of the Peace Process boiled until erupting into the tumultuous National Strike of April 2021. The uprising was the defining moment for a generation of young Colombians, a time th…

1
545: South America's Hidden Histories, a conversation with author Laurence Blair 1:14:14

6M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

'Romantic, adventurous and thrilling ... remarkable' Telegraph 'Vivid, fast-paced and wonderfully ambitious … Patria teems with alternative stories of a continent’s life and peoples' New Internationalist In late 1869, Richard Francis Burton stepped ashore in Southampton, fresh from a sightseeing tour of bone-strewn South American battlefields. The …

1
Catherine Gregory | Ada Lovelace Institute 39:20

6M ago39:20

39:20

How do you craft consistent communications in a field as rapidly evolving as AI and data? Can we shift the narrative from perceived future existential risk to actual present day harms? What's the best way of making your messages resonate with policy makers? Join Peter Barker in conversation with Catherine Gregory - Head of Communications and Conten…

1
544: Gringo Tuesdays arrives in Cartagena 1:06:00

6M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

It has become a cultural phenomenon in Colombia, beginning first in Bogota before branching out to Medellin, Cali, Lima (Peru) and now Cartagena...everyone knows all about Gringo Tuesdays. So, this week, coinciding with the launch of Gringo Tuesdays in Cartagena, we speak to co-founder Travis Crockett about how the business has grown, the differenc…

1
543: Returning to Macondo 1:07:39

6M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

After nine years away, Tim Buendia, has made it back to the town of Aracataca - birthplace of Gabriel Garcia Marquez - and it seems timely with a new series based on the author's opus: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" due to be aired on 11 December 2024 on Netflix. Tim, an adopted son of Aracataca, is perhaps singlehandedly responsible for his tirel…

1
Research Unravelled Extra 21:59

6M ago21:59

21:59

Welcome to Research Unravelled Extra! In these monthly extra episodes Peter will be joined by co-host, Bianca Winter, to share listeners' reflections on the latest guest episodes, and to discuss the latest news and trends from the world of research communications. We want this to be a space where the research comms community engages and interacts w…

1
542: Total peace, totally reimagined - Nonviolent Communication in Colombia 1:00:36

7M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Hello and welcome to another episode of Colombia Calling – I’m Emily Hart and this week we have something a little bit different – the radical linguistic technique which is building peace - personal and political - all over the world, and the inspiring woman bringing it to Colombia. This week, I have with me Camila Reyes Azcuénaga – the founder of …

1
541: COP16 in Cali: Looking at Deforestation in Colombia 49:19

7M ago49:19

49:19

On Episode 541 of the Colombia Calling podcast, and given the current COP16 in Cali, we revisit our conversation with special guest Ole Reidar Bergum - Counsellor for Climate and Forests/ Consejero de Clima y Bosque - Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bogotá, who joined us to speak in-depth and openly about the tragedy of the rampant deforestation taking …

1
Join us at Research Unravelled 2:26

7M ago2:26

2:26

Come and listen to our new podcast, Research Unravelled. We'll be digging into the complexity that lies at the heart of research communication and hearing from expert practitioners about how they navigate or unravel that complexity. Research Unravelled is hosted by Peter Barker and brought to you by Orinoco Communications - the creative agency wher…

1
Ali Bailey | The Francis Crick Institute 33:57

7M ago33:57

33:57

How do you communicate science so complex that even scientists find it hard to understand? How can communicators cope with the vast number of digital channels and platforms used today? What does 'values-based communication' mean and how can it help you develop a fantastic relationship with your audiences? Join Peter Barker in conversation with Ali …

1
540: Why You Should Consider Colombia for Medical Tourism 49:14

7M ago49:14

49:14

Colombia stands out for its excellent healthcare and is rapidly becoming another destination for medical healthcare. Thinking of a tummy tuck, a hair implant, some dentistry or more? Take a look at the options, go through a reputable agency and take a holiday at the same time. This week, we speak to Kirby Braddell of Medical Tourism Packages, to ta…

1
539: Comparing politics and tourism in Nepal and Colombia 1:15:43

7M ago1:15:43

1:15:43

This week we get on the line to Naresh Dahal in Kathmandu to compare and contrast the tourism practices and politics in both Nepal and Colombia. Naresh is local travel specialist in Nepal and can assist with customising and tailor-making a tour and holiday suiting your travel needs, so he’s a man in the know. Whilst the countries may seem incredibl…

1
Research Unravelled Trailer 1:29

7M ago1:29

1:29

Welcome to Research Unravelled - a brand new podcast where we take a deep dive into the impactful world of research communications. In particular we’ll be exploring the complexity that lies at the heart of this particular field and hearing from communications experts about how they navigate and overcome or unravel that complexity. Research Unravell…

1
538: From South London to South Bogotá 1:01:21

7M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

"South London has a serious problem with knife crime." This week we discuss how Henry May arrived in Colombia and ended up being a mover and shaker in the education world here. After a life-changing experience involving a tragedy relating to one of his students in South London, Henry questioned his life choices in education, leading him to consider…

1
537: President Petro's Rocky Relationship with the Media 56:35

8M ago56:35

56:35

Petro's first two years as president have been marked by tension between him and various media sectors. He has repeatedly denigrated journalism critical of his government, labelling those responsible as “liars” and “scumbags” who are just trying to undermine his administration. Petro’s attacks began after the Bogotá-based news magazine Cambio publi…

1
536: Death, Syphilis and Stories from Beyond the Grave in Colombia 1:14:21

8M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Angela Alvarez is a natural-born storyteller, her latest venture of the podcast: "When Home is a Foreign Word" is testament to this. In fact, there's no way we can keep on topic - is there ever one? - and we enjoy a far-reaching conversation, a great deal of laughs about life and death in Colombia (the funny side), the origins of the word syphilis,…

1
535: Colombia and the US Elections 1:02:05

8M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

As the United States prepares for its pivotal presidential election on November 5, 2024, we join our friends at Colombia Risk Analysis to discuss their new report: "The Future of U.S.-Colombia Partnership: Impact of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election" which delves into how the election results—whether a second term for former President Donald Trum…

1
534: Colombia Needs Regenerative Tourism! 56:00

8M ago56:00

56:00

With a hypnotising mix of charming coastal cities, world-class cuisine, and lush landscapes hiding immense biodiversity have made the bicoastal country of Colombia one of the most sought-after destinations in the Americas. We speak to Simon Faulkner, Lecturer in International Tourism Management at University College Birmingham about regenerative to…

1
533: The incredible story of Colombia's first Woman Chess Grandmaster 57:10

9M ago57:10

57:10

Nadya Ortiz is Colombia's first woman chess grandmaster. Hailing from humble origins in Ibague, chess became a conduit for her success. By succeeding in the chess world, she won a scholarship to study at university in Texas, later another one to go to Purdue and then by virtue of her excellence in computer science now works for Apple in San Francis…

1
532: Journalism At War In Colombia 1:00:06

9M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Hallo and welcome to another episode of Colombia Calling - I’m Emily Hart and this week I’ll be chatting to Nubia Rojas about journalism at war – how journalists fell victim to, but also took part in, Colombia’s civil conflict. Nubia is a journalist and researcher who has worked on conflicts across the world both as a correspondent and an analyst, …

1
531: Can President Petro Turn Things Around in Colombia 1:07:59

9M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

"From Ambition to Stagnation: the road ahead for Petro's administration," is the title of a new report by Eitan Casaverde and Sergio Guzman of Colombia Risk Analysis and this is what we are discussing this week on the podcast. There are questions that abound: Is the Colombian system structured for radical change? What have been the success stories …

1
530: The Latin American Review of Books 58:16

9M ago58:16

58:16

The Latin American Review of Books – LatAmRoB – has been publishing online continuously since 2005 as a small, independent website based in the UK that reviews books and films. And we are very fortunate to have founder Gavin O'Toole here on the Colombia Calling podcast this week. The Latin American Review of Books is commercially and politically in…

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