エピソード

  • 632: Navigating Business and Life in Colombia
    2026/09/22
    In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl chats with Eric Tabone about his entrepreneurial journey in Colombia, the nuances of hiring across Latin America, and the cultural shifts in Bogota over the years. As a seasoned entrepreneur based in Colombia, Eric shares his experiences and insights from his journey to establish successful businesses in Latin America. Eric's latest venture, Nearshore Business Solutions, aims to bridge the gap between US companies and talent across Latin America. He emphasises the importance of hiring locally to create meaningful opportunities while also helping businesses tap into the rich talent pool in the region. "I started this company about two years ago... we help US companies hire across Latin America." As Eric continues to navigate the complexities of business and life in Colombia, his insights serve as a valuable reminder of the opportunities and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur in a vibrant and evolving market. For more on Eric's journey and to hear his thoughts on the future of Nearshore Business Solutions, check out the full episode.
    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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    54 分
  • 633: Riding Political Identities in Colombia
    2026/09/29
    In this episode, Dr. Gwen Burnyeat explores the fascinating relationship between horses, politics, and identity in Colombia, revealing how equestrian practices reflect broader social and political dynamics. Dr Gwen Burnyeat is Associate Professor in Anthropology and Development at Oxford University. The world of Colombian gaited horses, or cultura caballista (horse-riding culture), is often linked with uribismo, the right-wing identity associated with former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez. Ethnographic fieldwork in conflict-torn Antioquia reveals how horse-human practices of training, breeding, and competition cultivate orientations toward hierarchical authority, disciplined hypermasculinity, and control over land and living bodies. This occurs within histories of racialized regional identity, paramilitarism, and narco-culture. Read the full article: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/cultura-caballista-right-wing-political-identities-and-gaited-hor/ Tune in for this episode and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart.
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    1 時間 12 分
  • 634: Navigating Peace Talks in Colombia: Insights from former peace negotiator Andrei Gómez-Suárez.
    2026/10/06
    In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Andrei Gómez-Suárez discusses the complex peace negotiations with the Comuneros del Sur in Nariño, Colombia, exploring the historical context, recent developments, and the challenges of peace-building in a region deeply intertwined with illicit economies and social fabric. Key topics: Historical background of Comuneros del Sur and ELN in Colombia. Recent peace negotiations and partial agreements. Territorial control and social fabric of Nariño. Illicit economies and drug trafficking. Impact of peace process on local communities. Challenges of implementing peace agreements. Role of civil society and indigenous groups. Political dynamics and regional elections. Read Andrei Gómez-Suárez's book on his childhood in the midst of political violence in Colombia: https://a.co/d/0h94DhJ4
    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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    1 時間 10 分
  • 635: Exploring Colombia's Human Rights Landscape in Catatumbo
    2026/10/13
    Scottish lawyer Heather Bain shares her recent trip to Colombia with the Colombian Caravana, highlighting the challenges faced by human rights defenders, the impact of conflict, and the importance of international awareness and advocacy. Catatumbo has a reputation for being a lawless area, and Heather recounts the realities of being there. The group was advised on the importance of clothing colours, as different colours can signify affiliations with various armed groups. Heather shares a tense moment, "I was told to avoid wearing navy because it could be misinterpreted, and there had been an incident with mistaken identity just before we arrived." This sense of danger was palpable, yet the work they were there to do was vital. Heather emphasized the importance of understanding the local context and being guided by their Colombian counterparts. Heather's experiences illustrate the complex and often dangerous landscape that human rights defenders navigate in Colombia. As she advocates for these defenders from afar, she underscores the importance of international awareness and support. In closing, Heather reminds us that the work of the Colombian Caravana is not just about visiting and observing—it's about forming connections and standing in solidarity with those who risk their lives for justice. https://www.colombiancaravana.org.uk
    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. Support us on www.patreon.com/colombiacalling
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    1 時間 11 分
  • 631: Colombian Mercenaries in Sudan
    2026/09/15
    In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, freelance journalist Katharine Houreld discusses the complex involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudan conflict, the regional and global power dynamics, and the human stories behind the headlines. Key topics include: The current conflict in Sudan and its origins. The involvement of Colombian mercenaries and their recruitment channels. Regional and international powers backing different sides in Sudan. The human stories of mercenaries and civilian victims. The role of external support and sanctions in prolonging the conflict. The impact of the conflict on neighboring countries and regional stability. The legal and moral questions surrounding mercenary participation in war. The future outlook for Sudan and the potential for resolution.
    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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    53 分
  • 630: Celebrating 10 Years of La Leyenda Mountain bike race: A Journey through Colombia
    2026/09/08
    In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Brian Murphy O'Neill shares the story of La Leyenda, a multi-stage mountain bike race in Colombia, celebrating its 10th anniversary. He discusses the race's growth, its role in promoting Colombia as an adventure tourism destination, and future plans including expansion into Aruba, Punta Cana, and on to Asia. The conversation shifts to future plans, focusing on the upcoming race scheduled for July 26-30, 2027, in Cali and the Valle del Cauca. Brian describes the excitement surrounding the event, stating, "Our team... it's always special to come back here." He highlights the unique cycling routes and the vibrant culture of Cali, which he believes offers an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike. https://www.la-leyenda.com
    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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    1 時間 1 分
  • 627: "It's about Colombians supporting Colombians" - Humanitarian Work in the Aftermath of Last Week's Earthquake
    2026/08/18
    For this week's episode, Richard McColl and Emily Hart connected with two humanitarian organisations working on the ground in the wake of last Monday's earthquake.

    Today, they are joined by Juan Camilo Jiménez, currently in Pereira working for World Central Kitchen, and Pamela Londoño, working in Cali for Hope Project Colombia.

    Beyond the drama of rubble and rescue, World Central Kitchen and Hope Project work with food and health to accompany people directly after a disaster but also in the weeks which follow, as they find new homes, rebuild their lives, and process what has happened to their communities.

    World Central Kitchen (WCK) provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian and climate crises: they have set up food trucks and community kitchens, as well as funding local restaurants to cook meals for victims of the crisis which followed the earthquake.

    https://donate.wck.org/campaign/749360/donate

    Project Hope is a global health and humanitarian organisation which has been assessing the impact of the earthquake on local medical facilities and the wider health system.

    https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/responses/colombia-earthquake-how-to-help/

    Juan Camilo and Pamela spoke about the importance of local knowledge and community, especially when it comes to sustainability and getting responses right: they tell us that the humility of arriving with energy and the right questions is crucial to forming a response which not only serves but also makes the most of the community itself, incorporating its existing structures and expertise.

    Tailoring responses to local needs and local wants, the two told us about the importance of adaptation, arepas de chócolo, and creating the conditions for local solutions: Colombians supporting Colombians.

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    55 分
  • 629: Tourism Recovery in Colombia: Insights from the Earthquake Aftermath
    2026/09/01

    In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl interviews Simon Faulkner - Senior Lecturer of Academic Excellence at University College Birmingham - about the impact of natural disasters on Colombia's tourism industry, exploring recovery models, infrastructure challenges, and strategies for building resilient destinations. Key topics: Disaster management frameworks in tourism Impact of earthquakes on Colombian destinations Infrastructure challenges in Colombia's tourism sector Community involvement in recovery efforts Diversification of tourism products post-disaster

    Sustainable tourism development in Colombia. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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    1 時間 3 分