Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

April 2026
S	M	T	W	T	F	S

			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

Tue, 28 April 2026

611: A Conversation with Colonel John Blashford-Snell, explorer and author

Colonel John Blashford-Snell is a renowned former British Army officer, explorer, and author, celebrated for his extensive expeditions around the globe. With over 100 expeditions under his belt, he founded Operation Raleigh and the Scientific Exploration Society, and he was awarded the CBE for his services in scientific research. On this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we discuss his various expeditions in Colombia, such as in 1971, Colonel John Blashford-Snell led an expedition through one of the world’s most challenging terrains—from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in. Range Rover. Imagine navigating dense jungles, swamps, and the unknown risks of the Darien Gap! With the help of a dedicated team and local scouts, they faced challenges that would leave many in awe. They encountered everything from treacherous mud to wild animals, all while ensuring the safety and respect of local communities. We also discuss his expeditions to Colombia's Sierra Nevada in 2016, the Colombian Amazon in 2017 and searching for New Caledonia, the former Scottish settlement in Panama, in 1977.

The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

Direct download: RCC_611.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 21 April 2026

610: Bogota as a destination for incentive travel

Colombia is emerging as a prime destination for incentive travel, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse activities. Think about the possibilities available in Bogota:

**Culinary Tours**: Employees can indulge in Colombia's vibrant food scene, learning to cook traditional dishes with local chefs.
**Adventure Activities**: From hiking in the Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest, Colombia offers thrilling adventures that promote teamwork and bonding.
**Wellness Retreats**: Companies can organize wellness-focused trips that include yoga sessions, meditation, and spa treatments to promote relaxation and mental health.

And so, we talk to Bruce Mclean of Incentive Travel Colombia and BNB Colombia Tours about this new opportunity for Colombia as a destination for incentive travel. What is Incentive Travel? Incentive travel refers to trips that companies offer to employees as a reward for achieving specific goals or milestones. This can include vacations, team-building retreats, or unique experiences designed to foster camaraderie and motivation among teams. It’s not just about a break from work; it’s a strategic move to enhance productivity and company culture. https://bnbcolombia.com https://incentivetravelcolombia.com

The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com

Direct download: RCC_610.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 14 April 2026

609: “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.

UN warns: over 10,000 Colombians recruited as mercenaries in the past decade.

Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing.

https://substack.com/@ehart?

Direct download: RCC_609.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT

Tue, 7 April 2026

608: Colombia's 2026 Election: Looking at the Polls

An in-depth analysis of Colombia's upcoming presidential elections, polling dynamics, candidate strategies, and potential US intervention impacts. We speak to Sergio Guzman, director of Colombia Risk Analysis (www.colombiariskanalysis.com) about the candidates and their vice presidential picks, the government of Gustavo Petro, outlook for the elections, US interference in Colombia's elections and further items of interest. In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, we're breaking down the latest polling data and its implications. Polls have changed significantly since new regulations were introduced, creating confusion and speculation. Many candidates are vying for attention, but how accurate are these polls? The reality is that the upcoming elections are unpredictable. The difference between urban and rural polling could distort the real sentiments of voters. With a mix of new candidates and political dynamics, it’s crucial to assess the actual voting trends rather than just relying on polls.

The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart: https://harte.substack.com/

Direct download: RCC_608.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT