Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

January 2026
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Tue, 27 January 2026

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.

Direct download: RCC_599.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 20 January 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 Lepler shares insights from her extensive research, including the role of families in uncovering historical documents, the impact of the 1825 financial crisis, and the perspectives of indigenous nations like the Miskitu and Rama.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: https://harte.substack.com

Direct download: RCC_598.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 13 January 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: https://harte.substack.com

Direct download: RCC_597.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT