Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

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.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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   

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. 

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 

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

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

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

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/

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

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: https://substack.com/@ehart

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: https://minditv.org.uk/walking-the-andes/   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com Support us: https://patreon.com/colombiacalling