Best catalannews Podcasts (2025)

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Catalan Week in Japan - Celebrating culture at Osaka World Expo 22:48

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5d ago22:48

22:48

This year, Catalonia and Japan are strengthening their ties with a yearlong celebration, including Catalan Week in Japan, taking place from May 27 to June 1 at the Universal Expo in Osaka. This week on Filling the Sink we explore the relationship between both territories and visit the Expo to find out how Catalonia is promoting its culture. Head of…

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Stories of motherhood - Maternity in contemporary Catalonia 24:15

12d ago24:15

24:15

According to the UN, birth rates have been declining globally since 1963, and Spain has the second-lowest fertility rate in the EU. Economic instability, difficulty in accessing housing, an inability to reconcile work and family life, and a lack of support have been pinpointed as deterring factors. We meet women from different backgrounds to hear t…

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Catalonia calling – Eurovision, identity and song 25:06

19d ago25:06

25:06

This week the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland. To celebrate, we look back over the history of the competition and explore Catalonia’s involvement, from Catalan language entries to the stories of Catalan artists who’ve graced the Eurovision stage. We interview Jordi Ramos, a journalist for the Catalan ra…

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Neus Català - Fighting fascism across borders in WWII 24:23

26d ago24:23

24:23

On May 8, 1945, the second world war came to end in Europe. 80 years on, we reflect on how Catalonia was affected by the conflict and highlight the remarkable story of Neus Català, an anti-fascist resistance fighter and holocaust survivor from Tarragona. Reporters Lea Beliaeva Bander and Cillian Shields join host Beth Cohen to discuss the effects o…

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Pope Francis - The Catalan Church, Gaudí and Messi 23:21

1M ago23:21

23:21

Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion and emphasis on social justice. This week we’ll be dedicating an episode of Filling the Sink to the memory of this popular spiritual leader and exploring his relationship with Catalonia. Catalan News travels to the Vatican to attend the Pope’s funeral and meet some of the 250,000 mourners who have…

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A day in the dark - Catalonia left powerless after blackout 25:15

1M ago25:15

25:15

On April 28, 2025, a massive blackout affected Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France, leaving over 50 million people without power for up to 12 hours. This week on Filling the Sink, we investigate the causes and find out how it affected people across Catalonia. Catalan News journalists Gerard Escaich Folch, Lorcan Doherty and Cillian Shield…

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In other words - Catalan literature in translation 25:05

1M ago25:05

25:05

Sant Jordi is a Catalan cultural celebration held on April 23. It’s Catalonia's Valentine’s Day and it served as the inspiration for World Book Day. Couples, friends, and families give each other gifts of roses and books, commemorating the legendary slaying of the dragon by Sant Jordi - Saint George, in English. In this week’s podcast, we delve int…

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Sweet heritage - Chocolate art and the mona de Pasqua 19:58

2M ago19:58

19:58

At Easter time, bakery windows across Catalonia are filled with the most spectacular chocolate sculptures. These “Mones de Pasqua” are traditionally given to children by their godparents on Easter Monday, a festive day known as "Dilluns de Pasqua" in Catalonia. Originally simple sweet breads topped with hard-boiled eggs, modern versions have evolve…

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City roots - Barcelona’s urban farming movement 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

Urban farming is the practice of growing food in cities instead of in rural areas. In this week’s episode of Filling the Sink we investigate the legislation surrounding urban food production and find out how community gardening projects are benefitting residents in unexpected ways. Reporter Gigi Giulia visits two of the leading urban farms in Barce…

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Small villages, big challenges - A closer look at Catalonia's micropobles 25:42

2M ago25:42

25:42

The term "micropobles" refers to small villages in Catalonia with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. There are more than 480 micropobles in the territory, representing nearly one-third of all Catalan municipalities, yet they are home to only 2.5% of Catalonia’s population, many of whom are already over 65 years old. Gigi Giulia and Lorcan Doherty join h…

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Depression in focus – Causes, consequences and care 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. However the stigma surrounding depression often leads patients to suffer in silence, without adequate support from family, friends and healthcare professionals. On this week’s podcast we discuss what depression is, what the major causes…

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Global voices, local impact – How expats are shaping Barcelona 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

Barcelona has a growing community of international residents, which for better or for worse is changing the face of the city. This week on Filling the Sink we find out who they are, why they chose this part of the world to start a new life and what impact they are having on the city. Lorcan Doherty sits down with host Beth Cohen to discuss the prol…

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Pandemic perspectives - Five years of Covid-19 in Catalonia 25:52

3M ago25:52

25:52

On March 14, 2020, Spain entered a state of alarm in the face of the coronavirus health crisis, placing the nation in lockdown and ordering the population to stay at home. Five years later, we look back on the pandemic and analyze the long term effects of Covid-19 in Catalonia, exploring the ongoing presence of the virus and talking to some of the …

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Tech tales - Women sparking change at MWC 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

One of the UN's 17 goals for sustainable development is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, we dedicate an episode of Filling the Sink to female entrepreneurs, particularly those in traditionally male-dominated fields such as technology. Lea Beliaeva Bander visits the Mo…

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MareNostrum and quantum computing - bits, qubits and 314 petaflops 26:11

3M ago26:11

26:11

Located at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, MareNostrum 5 is part of a network of European supercomputers and is used to conduct research in fields such as biomedicine, geophysics, atmosphere, energy, society and economy, providing valuable data to the international scientific community. Gerard Escaich Folch visits the picturesque chapel Torre …

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The purchase of Casa Orsola - groundbreaking housing initiative or dangerous precedent? 20:21

3M ago20:21

20:21

Casa Orsola was built in the early 20th century by Italian businessman Joan Orsola; it is a beautiful modernist apartment building, located in the Eixample district in central Barcelona. However, in recent years it has become a symbol of the housing crisis, as tenants have been priced out by real estate speculation. In an unprecedented move, Barcel…

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Gaudís and Goyas - New golden age for Catalan cinema 20:02

4M ago20:02

20:02

The Goya awards ceremony held on February 8 was a testimony to the rising success of Catalan cinema, with prizes, applause and a feeling that Catalonia is one of the driving forces of world-class film production. This week on Filling the Sink we put our finger on the pulse of modern Catalan cinema, look back over its history and analyze future tren…

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Concentration camp imposter - Enric Marco’s life of lies 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

Barcelona-born Enric Marco was celebrated as a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, being awarded Catalonia’s highest civil distinction, the Creu de Sant Jordi, publicly sharing his experiences and even representing a survivors’ association. However in 2005 the historian Benito Bermejo discovered that Marco’s life story was a monumental lie. Alth…

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Dragon Ball - the anime that made Catalan cool 24:35

4M ago24:35

24:35

Dragon Ball - or Bola de Drac Catalan - was created as a manga, a style of comic or graphic novel, by Akira Toriyama in 1984, and was later made into an animated television programme, also known as an anime. It was the first Japanese series of its kind to be dubbed into Catalan and is etched in the memory of generations of Catalans who grew up watc…

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Trump’s trading tactics - US tax policies threaten Catalan economy 23:28

4M ago23:28

23:28

As Donald Trump returns to the White House, new US trading policies are predicted to bring increased tariffs on imports from Europe. On this week’s podcast, reporters Coralie Moreau and Gerard Escaich Folch join host Beth Cohen to discuss the future of the US trade relationship with Catalonia. We talk to Cristina Serradell, director of internationa…

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Els Tres Tombs - Saint Anthony and the feast of the animals 24:43

5M ago24:43

24:43

Saint Anthony, Catalonia’s protector of animals, is honored with a feast day on January 17 every year. The festival is known as Els Tres Tombs, or 'the three laps' in English, and is celebrated in honor of both animals and the saint. This year marks the bicentenary of the Tres Tombs festival in Barcelona. Andreu Bernadàs, president of the Catalan T…

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Cooperative housing - Working together to combat the housing crisis 24:32

5M ago24:32

24:32

A housing cooperative is a property owned by a business or housing association in which the residents gain equity by buying shares. It’s a distinctive form of home ownership which is gaining popularity across Catalonia in the face of the housing crisis. This week on Filling the Sink we take a closer look at the pros and cons of cooperative housing.…

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Still on track: Barcelona’s metro celebrates its centenary 25:42

5M ago25:42

25:42

On December 30, 1924, the first section of Barcelona's city metro was inaugurated, running between Plaça Catalunya and Lesseps. Thousands of Barcelona residents continue to commute daily along this section of what is now line 3, perhaps unaware that they are travelling through tunnels with one hundred years of history. As the metro’s centenary appr…

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Beating the odds: Spain’s Christmas lottery tradition 26:55

6M ago26:55

26:55

Spain’s annual Christmas lottery will take place on December 22; it is the biggest and most popular draw of the year and an event of great cultural importance for many Catalan citizens. This week on Filling the Sink we’ll be exploring the history of this festive prize draw and discovering how it is celebrated. The Loteria de Nadal has been celebrat…

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2024 in Catalonia: A year in news 21:44

6M ago21:44

21:44

As Christmas time approaches and 2024 draws to a close, we’ll be dedicating an episode of Filling the Sink to an annual review, summarizing some of this year’s most important news and taking a look at what is on the cards for Catalonia in 2025. Host Beth Cohen sits down with Catalan News journalist Lorcan Doherty to look back over the major events …

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A new language, a new life - Learning Catalan goes viral 26:18

6M ago26:18

26:18

Catalan is currently spoken by more than 10 million people in four different countries: Spain, Andorra, France and Italy. This week on Filling the Sink we reveal what it’s like to learn Catalan as a foreign language, find out who is studying it and why and discover the importance of our national language. Catalan News journalist Cillian Shields tal…

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Valencia floods one month on - Is Catalonia prepared for extreme weather? 23:16

6M ago23:16

23:16

On October 29, an isolated upper-level depression affected Spain, causing heavy rain and floods. One month on, we discuss the tragedy, explore whether Catalonia is prepared for this kind of meteorological phenomenon and question why these slow-moving storm systems are becoming increasingly frequent. Catalan News journalist Oriol Escudé talks to sci…

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Priced out: Tenants threaten rent strike as housing crisis worsens 25:39

6M ago25:39

25:39

This Saturday November 23 the Tenant’s Union accompanied by dozens of housing activism organizations have planned a protest in Barcelona to demand a significant reduction in rents. We discuss the housing crisis, analyze the reasons behind rising prices and find out how tenants are fighting back. Host Beth Cohen is joined by Catalan News journalist …

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Battle of the breakfasts - Brunch versus the esmorzar de forquilla 25:45

7M ago25:45

25:45

Everyone loves a good breakfast, and in this week’s episode of Filling the Sink we’ll be investigating two different traditions, the Catalan 'esmorzars de forquilla' versus the international trend of brunch. Over the last few years, brunch bars have opened up all over central Barcelona, particularly in tourist hotspots such as the area around the S…

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The 2014 Catalan self-determination vote - 10 years on 23:48

7M ago23:48

23:48

November 9 is the tenth anniversary of the 2014 Catalan self-determination vote and to mark the occasion we’ll be looking at the independence push over the last few years. Catalan News Agency journalist Guifré Jordan gives us an overview of the events leading up to the 2014 self-determination vote, the unofficial referendums between 2009 and 2011 a…

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Medical marijuana - New highs for the health industry? 23:26

7M ago23:26

23:26

Despite its popularity as a recreational drug, cannabis has also been used throughout history to relieve pain and aid relaxation. Beth Cohen and Emma Monròs investigate the uses of this controversial plant in contemporary medicine, discovering its effects, benefits and contraindications. Emma talks to doctor Magí Farré, head of clinical pharmacolog…

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Cemeteries and Chestnuts: Tots Sants in Catalonia 20:32

7M ago20:32

20:32

As All Saints Day approaches on November 1, many Catalan families will be visiting the graves of their loved ones, taking flowers and paying their respects to the dead. To mark the occasion, Beth Cohen and Emma Monrós dive into the history of two of Barcelona’s most iconic cemeteries, Poblenou and Montjuïc. Emma talks to Adrià Terol, cultural manag…

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Battling breast cancer - survivors' stories and experts insights 23:12

8M ago23:12

23:12

October 19th is the World Health Organization’s International Day Against Breast Cancer. In 2022, more than 2 million people worldwide were diagnosed with the illness, while the number of diagnoses here in Catalonia last year was around 5,400. Although breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in women, it has one of the highest…

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Taking the wheel - Inside the 1971 SEAT strike in Barcelona 20:00

8M ago20:00

20:00

SEAT is known as one of the largest companies in Catalonia and one of the biggest car manufacturers in Europe, selling over half a million cars in 2023 alone. The classic SEAT 600 was more than just a car - it was the model that democratized driving in Spain, got millions of people on the road, and served as a symbol of a rapidly industrializing co…

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The big move to Barcelona - Expectations versus reality 18:35

8M ago18:35

18:35

Last Saturday, around 5,000 people gathered for the 11th edition of the Barcelona International Community Day at the Maritime Museum, just off the famous La Rambla boulevard. The annual event welcomes the international community for a day of talks, workshops, and networking activities to help newcomers to Catalonia settle in, meet people, and get t…

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Key to the safe? The new Catalan financing model explained 22:24

8M ago22:24

22:24

While most people were away on vacation this summer, it was announced that the Catalan Socialists had made a deal with the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana to create a new financing model in Catalonia. If approved, it will be implemented in 2026. The deal would, among other things, give Catalonia more economic independence and create what some…

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‘El 47’ - Barcelona’s hidden story of resilience and community 21:43

9M ago21:43

21:43

The Catalan capital on the Mediterranean coast has always been a city that attracts immigration, whether people come in search of a better job, a better life, or just an adventure. Barcelona inhabitants - old and new - are also known as people who are always ready to fight for their rights. The latest movie, ‘El 47’, tells one of these stories. Set…

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Back to school - the rise of international schools in Catalonia 23:43

9M ago23:43

23:43

This week marks the official back-to-school week in Catalonia. According to official figures, 1.3 million Catalans have started or returned to classrooms, noisy schoolyards, and the routine of heavy backpacks and homework. While the vast majority of Catalan students attend public schools, a growing number are enrolled in private institutions, parti…

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New Socialist cycle - What’s next for Catalan politics? 23:24

9M ago23:24

23:24

It’s September - a time that means back to work, school, or the start of something new. This year, the same can be said for Catalan politics, as Salvador Illa has been sworn in as the new president of the Catalan government. For the first time since 2010, the Catalan Socialist Party has taken power, but more importantly, the leadership now rests wi…

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Colors of Catalan modernism - brushstrokes of a new era 17:02

9M ago17:02

17:02

Modernism is one of the most important art movements in Catalonia, one that played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of Catalonia at the turn of the 20th century. The movement drew clear inspiration from parallel artistic trends throughout Europe, known by different names such as Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, or Modern Style. While the wor…

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The 'vermut' hour - uncovering Catalonia's timeless tradition 21:13

10M ago21:13

21:13

For centuries, Catalans have enjoyed “la hora del vermut,” or in English “the vermouth hour”, a time during the day when people slow down and sip a cool glass of vermouth while catching up on life. But what exactly is vermouth, where does it come from, and is it difficult to make yourself? Cillian Shields joins Lea Beliaeva Bander to chat about all…

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Carmen Balcells - the woman behind the Latin American literary boom 21:22

10M ago21:22

21:22

Catalan literary agent Carmen Balcells considered a revolutionary in the publishing industry, was single-handedly responsible for turning it on its head. She dignified the writing profession by banning lifetime contracts and ensuring writers could make a living from their craft and negotiate their terms. Through her literary agency, which she found…

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The Tragic Week of 1909 - the birth of revolutionary Barcelona 18:47

10M ago18:47

18:47

Barcelona is the city in the world with the most extensive history of barricade fights. These words come from philosopher Friedrich Engels, and many other thinkers have pointed to Barcelona as the city of revolutions. 115 years ago, on July 25, 1909, the Catalan capital witnessed one of the first popular uprisings of the century, known as the Tragi…

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Barcelona Pride 2024: Advocating for LGBTI+ education 23:02

11M ago23:02

23:02

Every year in Catalonia, the LGBTI+ community celebrates Pride, an almost month-long celebration of events, talks, demonstrations, and more, culminating in the big Pride demonstration or Parade in Barcelona, on Saturday, July 20th. Barcelona Pride Month is not only a celebration of the freedom to be yourself but also a moment when the community rem…

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Forty years of life - the impact of assisted reproduction in Catalonia (part 2) 22:35

11M ago22:35

22:35

On July 12th, 1984, the first baby was born through assisted reproduction in Barcelona and all of Spain, but the path to motherhood is not always as linear and easy as it is portrayed. Fertility treatment is becoming more and more common throughout the world, and in Spain, one in every ten children in the Spanish state is born thanks to this techno…

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Forty years of life - the impact of assisted reproduction in Catalonia (part 1) 27:03

11M ago27:03

27:03

Forty years ago, on July 12th, 1984, the first baby was born through assisted reproduction in Barcelona and in all of Spain. At the time, the news of a couple seeking help to conceive at the Barcelona Dexeus private hospital made headlines everywhere. But a lot has happened since then: in 2006, assisted reproduction became available for free throug…

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Castells - the cross-border and gravity-defying spirit of teamwork 23:36

11M ago23:36

23:36

For more than 200 years, Catalans have celebrated the sky-reaching tradition of castells, literally castles in Catalan, when groups of people gather to climb on top of each other to build the highest castle. Although the tradition suffered waves of decline up to the point of disappearance, it experienced a renaissance in the 1980s, and in 2010 UNES…

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Formula One showdown - will the Spanish Grand Prix remain in Catalonia? 21:45

12M ago21:45

21:45

This year marks the 74th edition of the world’s largest motor racing event, the Formula One World Championship. Since 1991, the Spanish Grand Prix has been held at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit in Montmeló, half an hour north of the Catalan capital. However, this year could be one of the last times the Spanish race is held in Catalonia, as Madrid…

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Disfrutar - inside the World’s Best Restaurant 21:04

12M ago21:04

21:04

Barcelona’s haute cuisine restaurant ‘Disfrutar’ has been named the World’s Best Restaurant in the 22nd edition of the prestigious ranking “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” With this accolade, head chefs and creators Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruch have added another star to the Catalan culinary constellation, joining the ranks of …

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European Election breakdown: What to expect in the next five years 23:42

12M ago23:42

23:42

For the past four days, EU citizens have been casting their ballots in the European Parliament elections. In Catalonia and the rest of Spain, Sunday, June 9th was the big day. Gerard Escaich Folch joins Lea Beliaeva Bander the morning after for a Filling the Sink post-election special to break down the results in Europe, Spain, and Catalonia. Milli…

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