Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

March 2026
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Tue, 24 March 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. https://www.shafikmeghji.com/

And, the Colombia Briefing is reported by Grace Brennan.

Direct download: RCC_607.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 17 March 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: https://akuaipaartisans.com

The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

Direct download: RCC_606.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 10 March 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.

Direct download: RCC_605.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 3 March 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.

Direct download: RCC_604.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT