Issue 20: August 2023

Welcome to another issue of URSA, Europe’s audio magazine!

In this first section you’ll hear the latest news headlines from Europe, including the story of the viral ‘#10secondi’ trend from Italy, updates on the Quran burnings in Sweden, and a lovely story about a group of Parisian neighbors who have built a truly inspiring community.

You’ll also hear climate updates, including the wildfires blazing in southern Europe, Greta Thunberg being fined and some macabre but positive news in the realm of death.

In the second section, you’ll hear two fantastic original pieces. The first piece comes from Bear Radio School Alum Kerra Schanofski and her brand new podcast about food, family and everyday life, called “Be My Gast.”

The second piece comes from our friends at Radio Spaetkauf and their latest mini-series about Germany’s climate movement, Sticking Point. We also touch base with the series’ producers, Anne-Marie Harrison and Izzy Choksey, about the making of the series.

The food section brings another adventure with foodie Will Maidment! This time it’s all about NATURAL wine! Julia and Will were joined by Emidio of Forever Thirsty for a private wine tasting on a random Tuesday, to learn the ins and outs of natural wine and why it has become so popular in Berlin.

In the Culture section we visit an icon in Berlin’s culture: Kino Babylon. We speak with the General Director of the Kino and even get to see a showing of the 1927 silent film “Berlin - die Sinfonie der Großstadt” accompanied by a live orchestra!

This is followed by a packed August event roundup with LOLA Magazine’s Alice O’Brien.
Finally, for our Artist Spotlight, Julia speaks with Jembaa Groove, an incredible Berlin-based Afro-Soul group.

Our theme music is from Lucas Carey, with audio from Epidemic Sound. Cover art by Sian Amber Fletcher.

This episode is brought to you by Bear Radio.

If you’re a producer based in Europe and have an idea for an URSA story, we’d love to hear from you! We’re always accepting new pitches.

Support for this podcast comes from our Patreon - if you like URSA and all the incredible stories that come with it - then please consider supporting us at patreon.com/ursapodcast. The price you’d spend on a coffee would go to supporting us and our contributors each month.