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Recent episodes
612: Revolutionising Latin America's Fintech: The Qash Story
May 5, 2026
Unknown duration
611: A Conversation with Colonel John Blashford-Snell, explorer and author
Apr 28, 2026
Unknown duration
610: Bogota as a destination for incentive travel
Apr 21, 2026
Unknown duration
609: "Kolumbiytsi": The thousands of Colombians holding the Ukrainian Front
Apr 14, 2026
Unknown duration
608: Colombia's 2026 Election: Looking at the Polls
Apr 7, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5/26 |  612: Revolutionising Latin America's Fintech: The Qash Story | Explore how Boris Spiwak, CEO of Qash, is transforming Latin America's financial landscape with US dollar accounts using blockchain technology. Discover the impact of stablecoins, regulatory compliance, and the rapid growth in digital financial services across Colombia, Venezuela, and beyond. Learn how stablecoins can provide financial stability in Latin America amidst economic challenges. Hear insights from Boris Spiwak, CEO of Qash, on democratising US dollar access on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast. In Latin America, financial instability is a pressing issue that affects individuals and businesses alike. With high inflation and currency devaluation, many are searching for reliable solutions to safeguard their wealth. In this episode we'll explore how stablecoins, particularly through the innovative platform Qash, are revolutionising access to US dollar financial services in the region. We'll uncover key insights from my conversation with Boris Spiwak, the CEO and co-founder of Qash, which is making strides in democratising financial access for everyday people. https://www.qash.ai/ The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | 611: A Conversation with Colonel John Blashford-Snell, explorer and author | Colonel John Blashford-Snell is a renowned former British Army officer, explorer, and author, celebrated for his extensive expeditions around the globe. With over 100 expeditions under his belt, he founded Operation Raleigh and the Scientific Exploration Society, and he was awarded the CBE for his services in scientific research. On this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we discuss his various expeditions in Colombia, such as in 1971, Colonel John Blashford-Snell led an expedition through one of the world's most challenging terrains—from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in. Range Rover. Imagine navigating dense jungles, swamps, and the unknown risks of the Darien Gap! With the help of a dedicated team and local scouts, they faced challenges that would leave many in awe. They encountered everything from treacherous mud to wild animals, all while ensuring the safety and respect of local communities. We also discuss his expeditions to Colombia's Sierra Nevada in 2016, the Colombian Amazon in 2017 and searching for New Caledonia, the former Scottish settlement in Panama, in 1977. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 4/21/26 | 610: Bogota as a destination for incentive travel | Colombia is emerging as a prime destination for incentive travel, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse activities. Think about the possibilities available in Bogota: **Culinary Tours**: Employees can indulge in Colombia's vibrant food scene, learning to cook traditional dishes with local chefs. **Adventure Activities**: From hiking in the Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers thrilling adventures that promote teamwork and bonding. **Wellness Retreats**: Companies can organize wellness-focused trips that include yoga sessions, meditation, and spa treatments to promote relaxation and mental health. And so, we talk to Bruce Mclean of Incentive Travel Colombia and BNB Colombia Tours about this new opportunity for Colombia as a destination for incentive travel. What is Incentive Travel? Incentive travel refers to trips that companies offer to employees as a reward for achieving specific goals or milestones. This can include vacations, team-building retreats, or unique experiences designed to foster camaraderie and motivation among teams. It's not just about a break from work; it's a strategic move to enhance productivity and company culture. https://bnbcolombia.com https://incentivetravelcolombia.com The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com | — | ||||||
| 4/14/26 | 609: "Kolumbiytsi": The thousands of Colombians holding the Ukrainian Front | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Emily Hart about her extensive reporting - for a piece in Delayed Gratification magazine - on the phenomenon of Colombian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of recruitment, the motivations behind these young men joining foreign conflicts, and the harsh realities they face on the battlefield. The conversation also touches on the economic factors driving these decisions, the impact on families left behind, and the ethical implications of such recruitment practices. Emily shares poignant stories from her interviews, highlighting the human cost of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of these conflicts and the importance of human stories in journalism. UN warns: over 10,000 Colombians recruited as mercenaries in the past decade. Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing. https://substack.com/@ehart? | — | ||||||
| 4/7/26 | 608: Colombia's 2026 Election: Looking at the Polls | An in-depth analysis of Colombia's upcoming presidential elections, polling dynamics, candidate strategies, and potential US intervention impacts. We speak to Sergio Guzman, director of Colombia Risk Analysis (www.colombiariskanalysis.com) about the candidates and their vice presidential picks, the government of Gustavo Petro, outlook for the elections, US interference in Colombia's elections and further items of interest. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we're breaking down the latest polling data and its implications. Polls have changed significantly since new regulations were introduced, creating confusion and speculation. Many candidates are vying for attention, but how accurate are these polls? The reality is that the upcoming elections are unpredictable. The difference between urban and rural polling could distort the real sentiments of voters. With a mix of new candidates and political dynamics, it's crucial to assess the actual voting trends rather than just relying on polls. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com/ | — | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | 607: Small Earthquakes and what we never learnt in school about South America | Blending travel writing, history and reportage, our guest on this week's Colombia Calling podcast is award-winning journalist and author Shafik Meghji who tells a tale of footballers and pirates, nitrate kings and wool barons, polar explorers and cowboys, missionaries and radical MPs. From a ghost town in one of the world's driest deserts to a far-flung ranch in the sub-polar tundra; rusting whaling stations in the South Atlantic to an isolated railway built by convicts. '[An] appealing fusion of travelogue and history, excavating the roots and remnants of British influence in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.' - The Observer 'This is travel writing as much as history. Meghji has the true travel writer's eye for the comic, pathetic and tragic, and for the places where they collide. . . This is writing full of rust, wind and sadness. It captures splendidly the air of South America and the long, withdrawing roar of an empire whose influence once reached far beyond its political borders.' — The Times So tune in to hear our conversation with Shafik. https://www.shafikmeghji.com/ And, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Grace Brennan. | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | 606: Unveiling the Wayuu Culture: Language, Traditions, and Modern Challenges | Join host Richard McColl as he explores the rich Wayuu culture and language of the Guajira region in Colombia with Dr. Paul McAleer. Discover insights into indigenous traditions, linguistic preservation, and community impact through innovative workshops and cultural projects. Check out the Akuaipa Artisans store: https://akuaipaartisans.com The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | 605: Colombia's Election Results Explained | On 8 March, Colombians voted in primaries and congressional elections — electing candidates for 102 Senate seats, 182 House seats. Turnout in the election was notably low but marked a slight increase from the 2022 elections. Colombia's leftist ruling party, the Pacto Histórico, won the majority of seats in the Senate — 4.3 million votes (22.8 per cent) that translates to 25 seats. They were followed by the rightwing Centro Democrático which increased its representation to 17 seats in the Senate, with 15.6 per cent of the vote. But neither secured a majority, highlighting the fragmented nature of Colombia's political landscape. The next president, whoever it is, will have to negotiate with lawmakers to push through a legislative agenda. Richard McColl of Colombia Calling and Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports discussed the results on this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast. The Colombia Briefing by Emily Hart is for subscribers only this week. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | 604: Traveling to Colombia with Kids: A Family's Adventure | Learn how a family navigated their journey to Colombia with kids, from planning to experiences in diverse ecosystems. Discover tips for family travel in Colombia! Traveling with children can be daunting, especially to a country like Colombia, which many people still view through a lens of caution. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we'll explore the inspiring journey of Mae Star and Matt from Vermont, who made the bold decision to homeschool their children while traveling through this beautiful and biodiverse country. You'll learn about their motivations, planning strategies, and the unforgettable experiences they had along the way. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | 603: The War on Drugs: The Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico (Part 1) | On the Colombia Calling podcast this week, we join forces with Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports to discuss the Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico and its origins. Discover the secrets behind one of the most enigmatic drug trafficking organizations in Colombia: La Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico, now the most powerful cartel in the country. | — | ||||||
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| 2/17/26 | 602: Governing the Excluded: Insights from Briceño, Colombia | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Alex Diamond, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University, about his book 'Governing the Excluded: Rural Livelihoods Beyond Coca in Colombia's Peace Laboratory.' They explore the complexities of Briceño, a rural community in Colombia that serves as a peace laboratory for the coca substitution program. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by local farmers, the importance of infrastructure, the dynamics of authority between state and guerrilla forces, and the impact of national politics on local communities. Through personal anecdotes and ethnographic insights, Diamond shares his experiences living in Briceño and the hopes and struggles of its residents as they navigate the transition from coca cultivation to legal livelihoods. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | 601: President Petro's Trip to the Trump White House | The much-anticipated visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House couldn't have gone better given the circumstances. Let it not be overlooked that President Trump needs an ally in Colombia now that he is "running" Venezuela. This week, Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports and Richard McColl of Colombia Calling provide an analysis of Colombian President Gustavo Petro's trip to meet President Trump and also, why former Colombian president Andres Pastrana is in hot water over the Epstein files. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | 600: Episode 600 of the Colombia Calling podcast with Emily Hart and Richard McColl | In this celebratory 600th episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, hosts Richard McColl and Emily Hart reflect on the evolution of their podcast, the significant political changes in Colombia, and the lessons learned from living in the country. They discuss the impact of a left-wing president, the changing landscape of podcasting, and offer advice for newcomers to Colombia. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about the country and predictions for its future. In this engaging conversation, Emily Hart and Richard McColl explore various themes surrounding Colombia, including cultural representation in media, personal anecdotes, travel advice, and the political landscape. They discuss the misconceptions about Colombia, the challenges faced by foreigners, and the importance of understanding the local context. The conversation also delves into the security concerns during elections, the accuracy of polling, and the ambitious political vision of President Petro. Throughout, they share personal stories and reflections on their experiences in Colombia, making for a rich and insightful dialogue. There are comments added in from long-term transplants to Colombia such as author Barry Max Wills and journalist Mat DiSalvo. ENJOY! "600 is a crazy number." And support us www.patreon.com/colombiacalling | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | 599: The Art of Rebellion in Bogotá | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Eric Stone, a journalist and photographer, about the vibrant graffiti scene in Bogotá. They explore the evolution of graffiti as an art form, its political significance, and the cultural exchange between Bogotá and Clarksdale, Mississippi. Eric shares personal anecdotes from his experiences with local artists (Toxicomano, Guache, Leela, DJLu, Erre, Stickfish amongst others) and discusses his upcoming book project that aims to capture the essence of Bogotá through its graffiti. The conversation delves into the freedom of expression found in Bogotá, the divide in the city's graffiti scene, and the role of art in social commentary. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | 598: The Quest for the Nicaragua Canal: A Historical Perspective | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl interviews Jessica M. Lepler, Associate Professor of History at the University of New Hampshire, about her new book 'Canal Dreamers.' The conversation delves into the historical attempts to build a canal across Lake Nicaragua in the 1820s, the geopolitical interests of foreign investors, and the complexities of Central American history. Lepler shares insights from her extensive research, including the role of families in uncovering historical documents, the impact of the 1825 financial crisis, and the perspectives of indigenous nations like the Miskitu and Rama. The discussion also touches on the fascinating adaptability of sharks in Lake Nicaragua and the importance of integrating animal history into broader historical narratives. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 | 597: My Mother Was Raised by Monkeys in Colombia: A conversation with musician Vanessa Forero | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with musician Vanessa Forero about her unique journey as a singer-songwriter, her family's history, and the impact of the music industry on artists. Vanessa shares her experiences of accidentally becoming a singer, her diverse musical influences, and the challenges she faced in the industry. They also discuss her mother's incredible story of survival - raised by monkeys in Colombia -, the process of capturing family memories, and the search for identity and family connections. The conversation highlights the emotional resilience required to navigate both personal and professional challenges, as well as the importance of storytelling in music and life. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com | — | ||||||
| 12/16/25 | 596: Exploring the Heart of Chile with Natascha Scott-Stokes | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with author Natascha Scott-Stokes about her journey from Germany to the UK and eventually to Chile. They discuss her experiences living in Guatemala during a time of conflict, her transition to life in Chile, and her reflections on the country's culture, landscape, and social issues. Natascha shares insights from her book, 'Tales from the Sharp End: A Portrait of Chile,' exploring themes of inequality, personal history, and the impact of climate change. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity and belonging as an immigrant, as well as the challenges and joys of raising a family in a foreign land. Read her book: https://a.co/d/dVI9QOV And the Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. | — | ||||||
| 12/9/25 | 595: Guaviare: A Journey Through Time and Culture | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Bruce McLean and Marcel Reina about traveling in the largely unknown department of Guaviare, Colombia. They explore the region's rich cultural heritage, accessibility, and the diverse activities available for tourists. The conversation delves into the importance of tourism for local economies, the challenges faced by indigenous communities, and the role of tourism in preserving cultural traditions. The episode highlights the growth of tourism in Colombia and the opportunities for sustainable travel in Guaviare, making it an attractive destination for both local and international visitors. Travel to Guaviare and Colombia with BNB Colombia: http://bnbcolombia.com The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. https://harte.substack.com | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | 594: "Kolumbiytsi": The thousands of Colombians holding the Ukrainian Front | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Emily Hart about her extensive reporting - for a piece in Delayed Gratification magazine - on the phenomenon of Colombian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of recruitment, the motivations behind these young men joining foreign conflicts, and the harsh realities they face on the battlefield. The conversation also touches on the economic factors driving these decisions, the impact on families left behind, and the ethical implications of such recruitment practices. Emily shares poignant stories from her interviews, highlighting the human cost of war and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications of these conflicts and the importance of human stories in journalism. Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing. | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | 593: From Bogotá to Tabio: A Journey of Transformation | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl reconnects with Lorna Phillips, (last on the podcast in Episode 173: "The Dating in Colombia episode.") who shares her journey of moving from Bogotá to Tabio, Colombia, and transforming her life into a sustainable business focused on tourism and community engagement. Lorna discusses the challenges she faced while building her retreat, Tuwa Shima, during the pandemic, and how it became a turning point for her business. She emphasizes the importance of community, cultural integration, and personal growth in her journey as an immigrant. Lorna also shares insights on the spiritual significance of the region (UFOs!) and offers advice for those considering a move to Colombia. https://www.instagram.com/tuwa_shima_santuario/ The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart https://harte.substack.com | — | ||||||
| 11/11/25 | 592: Author and legend Wade Davis speaks about his book Magdalena | Magdalena: River of Dreams, A Story of Colombia, is a captivating and essential book from Wade Davis--renowned, award-winning, bestselling author and photographer, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence for more than a decade-- that brings vividly to life the story of the great Río Magdalena, illuminating Colombia's complex past, present, and future in the process. Also, as Davis is the author of the inimitable book on the Amazon river, One River, it's humbling to have someone of this stature on the show, please enjoy. The Colombia News Brief is brought to you by journalist Emily Hart. https://harte.substack.com And please consider supporting us at: www.patreon.com/colombiacalling | — | ||||||
| 11/4/25 | 591: Redefining Womanhood: with Karol Lopez of the Fundación Las Fuertes | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Karol Lopez of the Fundación Las Fuertes joins Richard McColl and Emily Hart to discuss the misconceptions surrounding the onset of menstruation and the societal expectations placed on young girls as they transition into womanhood, especially in a country like Colombia. Lopez challenges the narrative that menstruation defines womanhood and highlights the pressure young girls feel to conform to traditional feminine roles. Hear about the Fundacion Las Fuertes and Lopez's journey to this point which has taken her from Colombia to the United States, on to Madagascar, then Panama and back to Colombia again. https://www.instagram.com/las.fuertes The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. https://harte.substack.com/ -- Check out Colombia Calling, the longest-running English-language podcast about Colombia. Richard McColl's latest book The Mompos Project: A Tale of Love, Hotels and Madness in Colombia Richard McColl's book on Colombian history and politics Colombia at a Crossroads: a Historical and Social Biography La Casa Amarilla, Mompos Hotel San Rafael, Mompos Colombia Calling podcast Latin News podcast | — | ||||||
| 10/28/25 | 590: The Pizarros: A Reflection of Colombian History | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl interviews Dutch journalist Robert Friele about his book on the Pizarro family, exploring their significant role in Colombian history and politics. The conversation delves into the storied family's legacy, the political landscape of Colombia, and the unique characteristics of the M-19 guerrilla movement. Friele shares insights from his research, the challenges of interviewing family members, and the impact of Carlos Pizarro's assassination on Colombian society. The discussion also touches on the reception of Friele's book and the upcoming launch events in Colombia. Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart. -- Check out Colombia Calling, the longest-running English-language podcast about Colombia. Richard McColl's latest book The Mompos Project: A Tale of Love, Hotels and Madness in Colombia Richard McColl's book on Colombian history and politics Colombia at a Crossroads: a Historical and Social Biography La Casa Amarilla, Mompos Hotel San Rafael, Mompos Colombia Calling podcast Latin News podcast | — | ||||||
| 10/21/25 | 589: Unlocking Colombia's Historical Memory with Data | In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl engages with academics David Anderson (Associate Professor in Analytics at Villanova University in PA) and Galia Benitez (Associate Professor of International Relations at Michigan State University) to discuss their research on using Large Language Models (LLMs) to analyse violence in Colombia. They explore the challenges of data collection, the human impact of their findings, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in social science research. The conversation delves into the complexities of measuring violence, the relationship between coca eradication and violence, and the future of research in this area amidst funding challenges. Read the full report entitled: "Using LLMs to create analytical datasets: A case study of reconstructing the historical memory of Colombia." https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.04523 Tune in to this and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart. Only for subscribers this week. https://harte.substack.com/ | — | ||||||
| 10/14/25 | 588: Where is Matavén? Community Tourism in Colombia's distant Orinoco Region | Where is Matavén, you may well ask? So, this week on the Colombia Calling podcast, we discuss an award-winning community tourism project with people of the Piaroa indigenous community and the Colombian Project. Joining us on the podcast is Camilo Ortega, product manager of the Colombian Project. The Matavén Jungle is the fourth largest Indigenous Reservation in Colombia, with an extension of 1,849,613 hectares and located in the north-eastern area of the department of Vichada, between the Vichada rivers to the north, Orinoco to the east, Guaviare to the south and the Chupave canal to the west. Today it constitutes one of the last refuges of the transition forest between the Colombian Amazon and Orinoquía region. This territory has a great diversity of landscapes and different habitats such as floodplains, large stone hills of the Guyanese shield, or open savannah areas in the middle of its jungles. Its name is due to the Matavén river, which crosses this extensive region in a west-east direction. Approximately 10,500 indigenous people live in the Matavén Jungle, distributed among the Sikuani, Piapoco, Piaroa, Pinave, Curripaco, and Cubeo tribes. This characteristic of multiculturalism that exists in the reservation makes this region a space of great importance for the conservation of the existing natural and cultural heritage. https://www.colombianproject.com And this week, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Sophie Foggin. Support us: www.patreon.com/colombiacalling | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.
Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.