Low Country Lowdown
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Low Country Lowdown is the podcast for internationals in the Netherlands who want to stay in the loop.
Every Friday morning, we deliver a 20 minute explainer on the past week’s most important stories in Dutch news, politics, and society. We go beyond the breaking news by picking the major themes that will continue to shape the country.
Whether it's the ever-worsening housing crisis, consequential political feuds or the slow-burn disaster in the prison system, we explain why each story matters now and how it may play out in the months and years to come.
Every week, we're joined by an expat guest who shares their view and voices their most pressing questions.
Production & Presentation: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl
Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
www.lowdown.nl
22 Episodes
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On today's Lowdown, the last one of Season 2, the D66 and the CDA political parties have been tasked with drafting the blueprint for a new government, a fragile starting point that excludes major players and leaves the country staring at two messy, uncertain coalition paths. Our second segment discusses a stark new investigation that reveals collapsing maternity-care access in poorer neighbourhoods, where infant mortality is higher and commercial providers are pulling out.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.Our guest Ned wonders what the Dutch think of the anglicization of the Netherlands in general and their language in particular.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: NedProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
Today on Lowdown, two quiet policy shifts with big consequences: the Dutch caretaker government has scrapped long-promised protections for low-paid migrant workers and, at the same time, approved new public insurance coverage for costly weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.We dig into what these choices expose about who really benefits from Dutch policy--from exploited workers to those at the front of the health queue--and what it all says about power and inequality in the Netherlands today.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.After Mamdani's win in New York, our guest Kristo is curious about the Dutch welfare system.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KristoProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
The election results are in, and they’ve shaken up Dutch politics. Under Rob Jetten’s leadership, the center-left D66 surged from 9 to 26 seats, overtaking Geert Wilders’ PVV to become the largest party in parliament. Wilders’ PVV saw a dramatic drop, slipping from 37 to 26 seats, just a few thousand votes shy of D66.But beneath the headlines, the broader story is one of shifting ground: a continued normalization and entrenchment of the (far) right across the political landscape. For parties to the left of D66, the night proved to be a historic defeat.In this episode, we unpack what drove these results by running you through the six most important points, from campaign strategies to voter behavior, and what challenges lie ahead in forming a new cabinet after one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: EleniProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
This week, we're shaking things up a bit: we're doing an extra long special on the October 29th election! We've invited Coen van de Ven, a political reporter, investigative journalist and published author on Dutch politics. Coen has been writing for many different newspapers and magazines for over a decade, and is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable journalists on the topic. We're starting off with an overview of the fundamentals of Dutch politics:How does the system work? What are the pro’s and cons? Why are there that many parties ? Why do elections take forever?Then, we'll dive into the failure of the last cabinet, and talk about what went wrong there and what it might teach us.Finally, we discuss what's ahead. What are the polls and trends saying, and what should we expect of the elections and the cabinet formation that comes after?Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: NedProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss how Dutch companies keep getting caught in the trade war between China and the US, putting the Dutch economy at risk. Also, we'll talk about yet another round of violent extreme right protests across the country, seemingly part a spiral of violence.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Ned's question is about how the 'water boards' (Waterschappen) work.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: NedProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the crisis in the Dutch power grid, an impossible puzzle which is costing billions a year. Then, we'll talk about the Supreme Court its ruling in a years-long legal battle between the state and three human rights NGOs, who demand an export ban on fighter jet parts to Israel.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Abhinav's question is about how the 30 percent tax cut ruling for expats works.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: AbhinavProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the 2 billion euros in subsidies controversially promised to Tata Steel, who run the largest plant in the country, in order to produce steel more sustainably. Then, we'll talk about the largest pension fund in the Netherlands its decision to divest from Caterpillar, the company that supplies Israel with the bulldozers it uses against civilian targets in the West Bank and Gaza.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Kat's question is about why you can rent an apartment with a floor here in the Netherlands.Dutch newsWho cares?You do. --------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KatProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the massive right-wing riots in the Hague last Saturday and the political right's frantic attempts to disown their own role in the outburst of political violence. After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Juliette's question is about where all the cigarettes have gone.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: JulietteProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the latest instalment in the national drama about wolves, as a top court has rejected a new proposal to shoot the animals. Then, we'll talk about the settlement between the Amsterdam police and the parents of Sammy Baker, the German man who was shot to death by police officers - a case which has haunted the police for years.After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Eleni's question is about why there is so much roadwork being done all the time. Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: EleniProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
Howdy! We are back for Season 2 after our summer break!On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the further disintegration of the already collapsed cabinet. Then, we'll talk through the renewed debate in politics and society about the safety of women in the Netherlands. After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Kat's question is about the history of the Frisians.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KatProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
This is our final episode before we take a summer break until the end of August!On this week's Lowdown, we'll take some extra time to discuss this this week's pure drama for the national railway company NS. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Jack's question is about why the Dutch don't wear helmets while cycling.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: JackProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first discuss the extreme right PVV and how their wholesale refusal to do their job is affecting politics and parliamentary work. After that, we'll talk about Dutch companies, headquartered in the Netherlands, are killing off their corporate diversity initiatives because Trump's legislation in the US. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Kat's question is about why houses in Amsterdam are so expensive in light of the climate risks.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KatProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the costs incurred because of the long-standing stalemate concerning the nitrogen crisis. After that, we'll discuss the false allegations of antisemitism by the leader of the Liberal Conservatives, Dilan Yesilgöz, against a singer, Douwe Bob. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Juliette's question is about why Dutch food is so bland.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: JuliettteProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the motion by the Greenleft-Labour party to ban weapons exports to Israel, leading to a media storm and consternation at their party conference. After that, we'll discuss a newly released report on the 350.000 unemployed immigrants in the Netherlands. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Aitan's question is about segregation in Dutch schools.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: AitanProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about parliament agreeing to spend 19 billion euros more on defence, without actually having that money readily available. After that, we'll discuss the disappearance of crucial video footage in two court cases against violent Israeli hooligans in Amsterdam last November. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Eleni's question is about how the Dutch public broadcasting service works.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: EleniProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the city of Amsterdam its plans for a new programme for expat integration. After that, we'll discuss Syrian refugees in the Netherlands, as the cabinet now assumes Syria is safe enough for most of them to return. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Nilufer's question is about the Netherlands' role in the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa, and what we can learn from it.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: NiluferProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
On this week's Lowdown, we're covering the fall of the cabinet: how it happened, why it happened, and what will happen next. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Juliette's question is on whether the Netherlands has issues with heroin or opioids. Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: JulietteProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
This week, we're covering Geert Wilders' struggles to dominate the discourse, about which we spoke with political journalist Coen van de Ven, and a Russian hack on the Dutch police. Next, after quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.In this episode, Kristo's question is about the origin of the Dutch preference to use diseases as swear words.Dutch newsWho cares?You do.--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KristoProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
This week, we'll cover this year's drought, which has scientists and farmers alike worried. Next, after quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.This week, Nilufer's question is about the relationship between the Netherlands and Israel.Dutch newsWho cares?You do?--------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Daniel da CostaGuest: NiluferProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
This week, we'll touch on two themes. Firstly, a new investigation shows how the Trump administration's first months already disrupt academic work in the Netherlands, and we'll talk about a new, much-discussed lawsuit against oil giant Shell.After quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.This week, Kristo's question is about the water quality of Dutch rivers, lakes and canals.Dutch newsWho cares?You do. --------------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nlEmail us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nlHost: Allart van der WoudeGuest: KristoProduction: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der WoudeMusic + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.aGraphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lienemanSocial Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolanwww.lowdown.nl
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