Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia
Colombia Calling is your first stop for everything you ever wanted to know about Colombia. Colombia Calling is hosted by Anglo Canadian transplant to Colombia, Richard McColl and the Colombia Briefing is reported by journalist Emily Hart. Tune in for politics, news, reviews, travel and culture stories, all related to Colombia.
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607: Small Earthquakes and what we never learnt in school about South America
03/24/2026
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. And, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Grace Brennan.
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606: Unveiling the Wayuu Culture: Language, Traditions, and Modern Challenges
03/17/2026
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: The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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605: Colombia's Election Results Explained
03/10/2026
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.
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604: Traveling to Colombia with Kids: A Family's Adventure
03/03/2026
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.
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603: The War on Drugs: The Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico (Part 1)
02/24/2026
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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602: Governing the Excluded: Insights from Briceño, Colombia
02/17/2026
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.
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601: President Petro's Trip to the Trump White House
02/10/2026
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.
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600: Episode 600 of the Colombia Calling podcast with Emily Hart and Richard McColl
02/03/2026
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
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599: The Art of Rebellion in Bogotá
01/27/2026
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.
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598: The Quest for the Nicaragua Canal: A Historical Perspective
01/20/2026
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:
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597: My Mother Was Raised by Monkeys in Colombia: A conversation with musician Vanessa Forero
01/13/2026
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:
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596: Exploring the Heart of Chile with Natascha Scott-Stokes
12/16/2025
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: And the Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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595: Guaviare: A Journey Through Time and Culture
12/09/2025
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: The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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594: “Kolumbiytsi”: The thousands of Colombians holding the Ukrainian Front
12/02/2025
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.
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593: From Bogotá to Tabio: A Journey of Transformation
11/25/2025
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. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart
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592: Author and legend Wade Davis speaks about his book Magdalena
11/11/2025
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. And please consider supporting us at:
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591: Redefining Womanhood: with Karol Lopez of the Fundación Las Fuertes
11/04/2025
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. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. -- Check out the longest-running English-language podcast about Colombia. Richard McColl's latest book Richard McColl's book on Colombian history and politics
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590: The Pizarros: A Reflection of Colombian History
10/28/2025
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 the longest-running English-language podcast about Colombia. Richard McColl's latest book Richard McColl's book on Colombian history and politics
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589: Unlocking Colombia's Historical Memory with Data
10/21/2025
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." Tune in to this and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart. Only for subscribers this week.
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588: Where is Matavén? Community Tourism in Colombia's distant Orinoco Region
10/14/2025
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. And this week, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Sophie Foggin. Support us:
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587: The Final Stretch: Hiking the Andes from Argentina to Venezuela
10/07/2025
587: The Final Stretch: Hiking the Andes from Argentina to Venezuela
In this second part of our conversation with Oliver Treviso, we explore his experiences in the final two countries of Colombia and Venezuela. By all accounts, Colombia and Venezuela were believed to be the most risky countries to hike the Andes in, but what did Oliver experience? And so, Richard McColl of the Colombia Calling podcast continues his conversation with Ollie Treviso, who shares his incredible journey hiking through South America. They discuss Oliver's experiences in Ecuador, the challenges he faced while crossing into Colombia, and the kindness he encountered along the way. Oliver reflects on the dangers he encountered, including a mugging, and the resilience he found in the people he met. The conversation also touches on his experiences in Venezuela, where he was welcomed warmly and even invited to speak at universities. As Oliver contemplates his future adventures, he emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the lessons learned from his journey. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart:
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586: 7 countries, 8000 miles, 21 months and 9 pairs of shoes: How Oliver Treviso hiked the Andes
09/30/2025
586: 7 countries, 8000 miles, 21 months and 9 pairs of shoes: How Oliver Treviso hiked the Andes
I came into this conversation thinking that I'd be chatting about the trivialities of an expedition through South America and I left in a state of absolute disbelief and awe. Oliver Treviso is a fascinating and incredible individual who has become the first person ever to hike the length of the Andes through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. In this first episode, we discuss how this adventure came to be...his experience sailing in a catamaran across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Brazil, and by all accounts the boat was hardly seaworthy. Then, a love for South America was kindled and before long, he was back on the continent and hiked for 21 months, for 8000 miles and wearing out nine pairs of shoes. The journey was not without its hazards and dangers, but he made it. We'll record a second episode with Oliver to hear more about his time in Colombia and Venezuela, but for the time being, tune in to an amazing story of human kindness and spirit. Oliver is raising money for, Mind Ystradgynlais, a mental health charity and you can donate here: The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: Support us:
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858: 'A truth which cried out loud' - the families still seeking justice for the 'false positives' murders
09/23/2025
858: 'A truth which cried out loud' - the families still seeking justice for the 'false positives' murders
This week, Colombia’s special peace tribunal, the JEP, handed down its first sentences to the soldiers who murdered and framed civilians to boost military statistics – killings which came to be known as the ‘false positives.’ The court has ordered those who committed atrocities to work on community projects, to build works in the territories where they left scars, and to face the communities whose rights they violated, as agreed in the 2016 Peace Accord. I’ll be explaining the ruling in this week’s Colombia Briefing along with this week’s other headlines. To mark this historic ruling, this week’s episode will be an extended and updated audio version of Emily Hart's investigation into those war crimes and the families still seeking justice – an article first published in DG Magazine - read by the author herself. During Colombia’s civil conflict, the army murdered thousands of civilians - framing them as guerrillas and criminals to boost statistics. In exchange for ‘combat kills,’ soldiers received cash, holidays, and promotions. The official number is 6,402 – though many estimate that the real number is closer to 10,000.
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584: Authentic Cartagena
09/16/2025
584: Authentic Cartagena
Cartagena is the eternal city of Colombian tourism. The Old City, the UNESCO World Heritage ramparts and colonial streets are protected from the ills befalling contemporary Colombia and so, this picturesque and sophisticated destination, with direct international flights from Europe and the United States, is frequently adorning the covers of glossy travel magazines. However, there is more to Cartagena, beyond the chic rooftop bars, the colonial architecture and the incredible restaurants. Travel is different now visitors demand authenticity and experiential options. And, this is where Nina Schlieper of Alternate Travel Cartagena and Bruce McLean of BNB Colombia Tours come in. Working with the local communities and within the area of La Boquilla - a small fishing village outside of Cartagena - Nina's agency works to empower women, teach the heritage and history of the region and generate income and employment in this part of the Caribbean coast. Tune in to this excellent and upbeat episode of the Colombia Calling podcast. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.
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583: The Hidden History of Alvaro Uribe, part 2
09/09/2025
583: The Hidden History of Alvaro Uribe, part 2
Following fast in the footsteps of Episode 1: Adriaan Alsema of and myself have now completed Episode 2 for you of this series entitled: "The Hidden History of Alvaro Uribe," part 2. All Colombia-watchers are well aware of the polarising nature of the former two-time president and so Alsema and I have been putting together this series, citing documentation that is all in the public domain as so many of the actual facts are lost in the incessant noise surrounding Uribe. As events have been moving fast surrounding Uribe and his sentencing last month, Alsema and myself also put out an "explainer episode" which can also be accessed here on . The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. Please subscribe to her Substack:
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582: Neo-Liberalism in Downward Dog - Gentrification, Inequality, and Crime in Colombia's Cities
09/02/2025
582: Neo-Liberalism in Downward Dog - Gentrification, Inequality, and Crime in Colombia's Cities
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl and Emily Hart engage with Professor Nicolas Forsans of the University of Essex, a Latin America specialist, to discuss the multifaceted issues facing Latin American cities, including violence, inequality, urbanization, and gentrification. Together, they explore the historical context of these challenges, the role of grassroots communities, and the pervasive issue of extortion. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of organized crime, the impact of gentrification, and potential solutions to these pressing problems, emphasizing the need for economic growth and stronger state institutions. Check out Nicolas Forsans' substack: and The Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart:
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581: Cultivating Justice? How cannabis regulation might transform Colombia
08/26/2025
581: Cultivating Justice? How cannabis regulation might transform Colombia
This week, Emily Hart speaks to Lucas Marin Llanes - the director of development at the Latin American Drug Studies Network, and a research affiliate at the Andes University’s Center for Security and Drugs Studies (CESED). There are already some allowances for personal and medicinal use, but last month, Lucas and CESED proposed a whole new framework for legalised commercialisation. The first question is of course, why do it? Lucas proposes that regulation (done right) might be a way to take power from Colombia’s armed groups, and to ensure decent working conditions for rural farmers; it could also ensure the quality and content of the cannabis people are consuming – as well as contributing to a realistic public health policy on the issue. But is it too soon for Colombia – are the security guarantees in place to avoid retaliation against those who want to join legal markets? Is the market built to ensure social justice outcomes - and inclusion for those who have long been a part of the chain of production? And - crucially - is there the political consensus to drive the policy through? And, somewhat paradoxically, is it too late? Has President Gustavo Petro’s government – despite radical work at international bodies – fumbled the project, leaving no time in the remaining year of his mandate to make real change in the country? So how might it be done? And what are the stakes? We’ll be getting into all of it in today's episode. And since Emily Hart is hosting the podcast again – the Colombia Briefing will be subscriber only this week – if you want to make sure you never miss an update, you can head to and sign up to get the news as text and audio every Monday.
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580: Truth Demands: Murder, Oil Wars, and Climate Justice
08/19/2025
580: Truth Demands: Murder, Oil Wars, and Climate Justice
This week, Emily Hart speaks to Abby Reyes – human rights lawyer, environmental activist and author, as well as Director of Community Resilience Projects at the University of California. Abby was inextricably drawn into Colombian history in 1999 by the murder of her partner, Terence Freitas. Terence was kidnapped and killed by the FARC guerrilla, alongside two other indigenous rights activists - killings which sent shockwaves through political and activist circles both here and in the United States. The three had been working with the U’wa indigenous community in the northeast of the country, where Occidental Petroleum - a US-based corporation - was threatening to start operations in ancestral U’wa territory. In the years following, as well as grappling with grief, Abby joined in activism with the U’wa from the United States, facing Occidental on Capitol Hill: she later even testified as an accredited victim at the Colombian peace tribunal, the JEP. The dense interweaving of the personal, political, and historical, make for a moving and unique set of experiences which Abby narrates in her extraordinary new book: ‘Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice.’ The Colombia Briefing will be subscriber only this week – so those of you who have already signed up will be getting it through WhatsApp and email as usual - but if you’re missing your hit of news and want to be sure you never skip an update, you can head to the Colombia Calling Patreon or to Emily's Substack – . -- Check out the longest-running English-language podcast about Colombia. Richard McColl's latest book Richard McColl's book on Colombian history and politics
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579: Looking Ahead to Colombia's Presidential Elections
08/12/2025
579: Looking Ahead to Colombia's Presidential Elections
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl discusses the upcoming elections in Colombia with Sergio Guzmán and Isy Hawes from Colombia Risk Analysis. They delve into the political landscape, the challenges of analyzing the elections, the key candidates, and the impact of security concerns. The conversation also touches on the role of the United States in Colombian politics, the importance of coalition building, and the potential legacy of President Petro. The discussion highlights the fragmentation and polarization within Colombian society as the country approaches a pivotal election year. This episode was recorded before the events of 11 August when Senator Miguel Uribe died from his injuries sustained from an assassination attempt on 7 June in Bogota. The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart. Read the report in English and Spanish here: 🇪🇸ESP: 🇬🇧ENG:
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578: Translating Mafalda
08/05/2025
578: Translating Mafalda
This week, Emily Hart speaks to multi-award-winning translator Frank Wynne about Latin America’s most beloved cartoon - Mafalda - and how he brought her to life in English. Dubbed ‘a hero of our time’ by Italian philosopher Umberto Eco and ‘Charlie Brown with Socialism’ by the New York Times, Mafalda is a precocious six-year-old girl living in 1960s Argentina - full of questions and observations about the world and the adults who surround her. She loves democracy; she hates soup and yoyos. Though often lighthearted and sprinkled with slapstick and wordplay, her curiosity and questions are more than they initially appear: illustrator Joaquín Lavado, known as ‘Quino’ uses her seemingly innocent interrogations to skewer the hypocrisies and nonsense of contemporary politics. In the voice of a cartoon child, these questions and criticisms ran under the radar, but in 1970s Argentina, even her voice felt too critical: Quino left the country, which then suffered a coup and a subsequent military junta. He later said he would have been arrested had he continued to publish Mafalda; many of his friends and collaborators were. Though the cartoon strip only ran for ten years, and Quino himself died in 2020, Mafalda has a huge and lasting legacy across the world - from Argentina where it began, to Chile where it was banned, and here in Colombia too: you can see statues and graffiti of her in Buenos Aires, and buy her merchandise down the banks of the River Seine. Frank will be telling us about this Latin American icon and the process of translating her into English – the first translation ever published, which came out in June of this year. He'll be tackling the tensions inherent in translating comedy – especially in cartoon strip form – as well talking about the stealthy satire and societal critique which Mafalda was able to enact: a crucial humanist and critical voice, disguised as a child. We’ll also talk about how Mafalda’s relevance reaches way beyond her context and time, about modern censorship and satire amid deepening repression, and why now is the perfect time for Mafalda to reach English-speaking audiences - particularly (perhaps) in the United States. Frank also tells us who Mafalda would have been if she was born today, and who she’d have been if she grew up… Plus the Colombia Briefing - also reported by Emily Hart.
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