Mon, 19 May 2014
Having just co authored and released the immensely successful book, “Colombia a Comedy of Errors”, Sergio Lievano took the time to chat with us here at Colombia Calling to give us an insight into the inspiration for this new publication. We talked about what it means to be a Colombian, the trauma of the national identity, the language and finally the “beautiful” errors in life that make us take decisions as we do. Alongside former interviewee Victoria Kellaway (www.bananaskinflipflops.com) they have created what could conceivably be the blueprint text for all of those interested in learning about this country. There are chapters on the regions, on justice, on famous Colombians and what’s more they tell it as it is. A wonderful read. |
Mon, 12 May 2014
On Colombia Calling we are continually on the lookout for people really making a life of it here in Colombia and this week we are particularly pleased to have Briton Tom Willat on the show telling us about how he saw an opening in the market while working in Bogota for multinational, subsequently opened his own publishing house and now produces the only spanish language magazine dedicated to the energy sector (www.colombiaenergia.com). He is also working on a “Best of Colombia” book and in his spare time, with his business associate Jack Ruane, on the road to producing Colombia’s first cider brewery. Talk about making a go of it in Colombia. We’ll be toasting him long in the future should the cider be a flavoursome and refreshing product!
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Mon, 5 May 2014
This week we get together with US citizen and resident of Bogota, Matt Rines, who, after three years working in a location independent capacity, has decided to take the plunge and open his own restaurant in Cota on the outskirts of the Colombian capital city. We talk about the proposed menu (American), the decor, the setup, his business plan and of course, we get to wade a little through the legal intricacies here in Colombia and the paperwork required of a small business owner. His restaurant, “American Kitchen” can be found on Facebook and will be opening in May, so watch this space and check back on the website (www.colombiacallingradio.com) to find out all of the up to date news and insights about Matt’s new venture here in Colombia. |
Mon, 28 April 2014
Are you struggling to understand the miasma surrounding the upcoming presidential elections in Colombia? If so, then we have a warts and all interview with the editor of Colombia Politics magazine (www.colombia-politics.com) Kevin Howlett all about how to better undestand the intrigue and complexities of Colombia’s elections. Will it be the incumbent President Santos again or will the Green Party’s Enrique Peñalosa come good. What of former president Alvaro Uribe’s protege Oscar Zuluaga? We’ll be discussing the candidates, the ongoing saga surrounding Bogota’s Mayor Gustavo Petro and further points of interest. |
Mon, 21 April 2014
Having met journalist Wesley Tomaselli (http://wesleytomaselli.com) when he passed through my hotel in Mompos some months ago, there was something about his manner and carefully sculpted turns of phrase. You could tell that this guy from a small town in upstate New York had something going for him and I knew he would be right for the show. So, be sure to listen in and hear a fascinating interview with a genuine up and coming writer whose work can be read at the highly recommended Beacon project (http://www.beaconreader.com/ |
Mon, 14 April 2014
Argentine Lorena Waserman is an expert in the tourism industry and she brings her knowledge to Colombia Calling talking about Colombia, improvements, the cities, what may be done, what has been done and how we can enjoy Colombia to the fullest. As the brains behind the Linkedin Group “Profesionales de Turismo en Colombia” Lorena brings her know how to the show and shares with us her insights. So, for those people involved in the industry and enjoying Colombia this is a fascinating show with unlimited opportunity to hear the informed opinions of Lorena Waserman. |
Mon, 7 April 2014
Based in the city of Popayan in southern Colombia, Australian born Alex Egerton (http://ladichadelgallo.com/) is a world traveller, journalist, adventurer and Lonley Planet author. Colombia Calling had the opportunity to get together with the author of the Lonely Planet Guide to Colombia over tea on a rare trip to Bogota and chat. We talk shop, travel, security in Colombia and how we can see the evolution of the travel industry here in Colombia. To enjoy a frank conversation with a true expert on Colombia tune in to hear tales from this outspoken travel personality. As they say here in Colombia: “Alex no tiene pelos en la lengua.” |
Mon, 31 March 2014
Speaking with Canadian journalist Mark Kennedy of www.NTN24.com/news we discuss the ongoing and troubling situation in Venezuela and how this is affecting Colombia. Being an election year in Colombia, violence and unrest in Venezuela is becoming a campaign issue in Colombia and yet President Juan Manuel Santos has failed to make mention of the tensions in our sister country. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro continues at the helm but could he be be ousted, we discuss this and more with Mark Kennedy and the realities of the situation. |
Mon, 24 March 2014
Out of the blue Colombia Calling was contacted by Kai Whiting who enquired whether we would like to hear from a British Muslim in Bogota. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity. So, this week we find out about the Muslim religion here in overwhelmingly Catholic Colombia, do they suffer discrimination, what is the reaction when he tells people that he is Muslim and what are his challenges as a Muslim here? We speak about where to practice Islam in Colombia and where Colombian Muslims come from and if there’s a big muslim expat community here. |
Mon, 17 March 2014
Sometimes people think it’s all too difficult to start a life overseas and so we take this opportunity to talk to a veritable “jack of all trades”, Hannah Matthews from the UK. A unrepentant Colombiaphile Hannah decided to take matters into her own hands and head out to Bogota by any means necessary. When she’s not rushing about the city teaching English classes, she’s contributing at a national NGO or writing for various media outlets. We talk to Hannah to find out how life is for her in Colombia, why she has moved out this way, about her writing and how to go about finding legal and meaningful employment here in Colombia. We also take the time to hear how this new Human Rights expert views the political situation in Colombia. |
Mon, 10 March 2014
Can cacao cultivation be the next big thing in Colombia? This week we sit down with Australian chocolatier Suzie Hoban (www.ChocoQ.com) and talk about the economy of cacao production, what is required to make upscale and quality chocolate and the regions in Colombia where this is done. Sharing invaluable insights into the chocolate trade, Suzie tells us about the university course she is teaching here in Bogota, about her private lessons and chocolate tasting classes and finally, how she came to be a chocolatier and be in Colombia. Quite simply this show is an example of everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate but were afraid to ask! |
Mon, 3 March 2014
This week we have the opportunity to speak to an expert in the field of Colombian tourism, Laura Cahnspeyer. As one of the pioneers in the tourism industry in Colombia, Laura talks about her background, the growth of tourism here, the realities of the industry and the challenges facing tourism to Colombia. Tourism was virtually non existant in Colombia until 2005 and now it is a huge source of income. Tune in and hear us speak about Laura’s various projects, not least as the Dicrector of Acotur (www.acotur.co), a society of socially responsible tourism operators and as the owner of a charming tea house in the comfortable Bogota barrio of Chapinero. (www.tallerdete.com) |
Mon, 24 February 2014
Held hostage by a splinter group of the FARC guerrillas for almost a year in 2000, we get to speak to co author of bestselling book “The Cloud Garden” (http://www.thecloudgarden.com |
Mon, 17 February 2014
Talking to Nick Pickthall of CPLAromas (www.cplaromas.com) we learn about the intricacies of Colombian bureaucracy when it comes to running a business here. We hear workplace anecdotes, stories of best practice and how to hire staff in Colombia avoiding the inevitable traps of elitism found here. Based in Bogota since 2002 Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and provides us with an informed and humourous show and shares invaluable insights and predictions for the Colombian economy. |
Mon, 10 February 2014
Having previously worked in regions such as the Congo and Afghanistan we get to talk to the Director of War Child in his office in Bogota. We learn about the realities and the problems facing Colombia's youth which have been caught up and affected by the violence and the creative psychosocial manner in which War Child is trying to give children their lives back. Working with local NGOs War Child is directed at providing an education and protecting and promoting child rights the world over. Shahzamani talks about the peace process and some potential solutions for the Colombian situation and the clear divide between rural and urban Colombia. |
Mon, 3 February 2014
Having spent a year in Tunja the capital of the department of Boyaca teaching English at university as a Fulbright scholar and working for a local NGO, Kyra Gurney has since moved on and extended her sojourn in Colombia. Kyra is now writing for the City Paper in Bogota and living in the capital. We talk about her articles, in particular about the ongoing peace dialogues in Colombia, the importance of social media to the FARC guerrillas and what is going on with the Mayor of Bogota. Tune in for an informative and thought provoking show. |
Mon, 27 January 2014
Colombians are known for studying abroad and so what of those foreigners that come to study degree programs in Colombia? This week we talk to Briton Tara Daze who moved with her Colombian husband to Bogota and has been studying for a Masters in Journalism at perhaps the country's most prestigious university. How does it rate, what does she think of the course, has it been worthwhile, how is she treated as the only non Hispanic student in the class? We discuss these issues and her current challenge of learning to drive in Colombia and the bureaucracy involved in taking the driving test. Check out further updates at www.colombiacallingradio.com |
Mon, 20 January 2014
Intent on making the most of his imminent move to Barranquilla, the Colombian Caribbean's most dynamic business city, Nicaraguan emigre to Toronto, Canada Will Castillo (http://www.iwilltravelblog. |
Mon, 13 January 2014
Dutchman Tim Buendia was so captivated by the town of Aracataca, the birthplace of the Colombian Nobel prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, that he decided to make it his home. Working with local politicians and tourism offices this unlikely Dutchman became the new face of Aracataca, appearing in the national and international press, he opened a hostel (www.thegypsyresidence.com), he started giving tours and making appeals for a more just and inclusive society for the town but now, after years of struggle, we speak to Tim and his decision to call it a day and move on. Tim will not be abandoning Aracataca but he will start to promote the region from overseas. Tune in to hear about the “100 Years of Solitude” affecting Aracataca. |
Mon, 6 January 2014
Easing in to 2014 we sit down with British writer and expat Vicki Kellaway here in tropical Mompos (hence the crickets in the background!), better known perhaps as blogger at Banana Skin Flip Flops (www.bananaskinflipflops.com) and we talk about the creative process behind writing, how Colombia aids this, her impending book launch at the Bogota Book Fair in March and all about the "Group of 13". Vicki regales us with anecdotes, speaks of her experiences of being a TEDx speaker in Bogota in 2013 and about life in general and her hopes for Colombia in this year of presidential elections. |
Mon, 16 December 2013
As Colombia becomes an acceptable travel destination and backpackers continue to pave the way for more conservative visitors, this week we take a glimpse into the world of the independent traveler and how they choose to travel when they come here. Who better than Inge Swinnen, a belgian national living in Puerto Colombia, who is shortly publishing the 2nd edition of her guide to Colombia appropriately entitled “Colombia Facil” (www.colombiafacil.com). Available in English and in Spanish and as an Ebook you too can benefit from the countless hours and thousands of miles this intrepid young lady has covered to make this guide a reality. Found in participating businesses, Colombia Facil is leaves no stone unturned. |
Mon, 9 December 2013
The Career Break Traveler’s Handbook is your indispensable tool for dreaming, planning, and finally taking your trip of a lifetime and so we are very pleased to have found time to talk to Jeff Jung the founder of Career Break Secrets (www.careerbreaksecrets.com). Armed with tips and anecdotes about the book, his TV show and life in Colombia, Jeff will be setting off on a book tour in the US in 2014, so, listen in to find out where you can hear him speak of his experiences and how you too can make a life changing decision. Leave the 9 to 5 and live that dream, learn from the man who has lived it all and can share with you some serious advice. An ideal show for those people considering living an expat lifestyle. |
Mon, 2 December 2013
This week we speak to creator and director of the Fundacion Hilo Sagrado (http://www.hilosagrado.org/) Sabrina Priolo. Working with members of the fascinating Wayuu community in Colombia's northeastern Guajira region, Prioli is working towards rescuing vital elements of the Wayuu culture including the traditional weaving and storytelling practices. Prioli's charity now exports these fashionable products all over the world so tune in and find out about the Wayuu culture and its desert environs and how you can get your hands on some quality, locally sourced hammocks and mochilas. Priolo has been working to empower Wayuu women and in this revealing interview she lets us know how she became accepted within the community. |
Mon, 25 November 2013
Tackling one of the most sensitive subjects regarding the ongoing conflict in Colombia, we host Colombia expert Paula Delgado Kling (www.talkingaboutcolombia.com) on to the show to talk about the Peace Dialogues between the government and the FARC guerrillas, her book on the touchy subject of the recruitment and demobilization of child soldiers by the guerrillas and President Santos' gamble on granting impunity to ex-combatants and how this may well pan out for him on Wall Street. This is a highly charged and emotional show and will change the way you look at the Colombian conflict. |
Mon, 18 November 2013
Showing true star quality we host author Carolina Doherty de Novoa from Northern Ireland on Colombia Calling to discuss her highly praised novel "Dancing with Statues" (http:// |
Mon, 11 November 2013
Visitors to Bogota always comment on the high quality graffiti or urban art they see covering the city’s walls, in fact, there is even an immensely popular Graffiti Tour (http://bogotagraffiti.com/) to take in some keys sites in the downtown Candelaria district. So, on the strength of this art scene, we invited famed old school Bogotano street artist DjLu (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ |
Mon, 4 November 2013
In a profoundly personal and humorous show, we talk to Briton Claire Austin (http://clairejayne.wordpress. |
Mon, 28 October 2013
In a show dedicated completely to property investment in Colombia, we call on the expertise of Sam Miller, Director of Colombia International (www.colombiainternational.co) a multinational real estate company located in Bogota. They pride themselves on providing simplified, professional and tailored services for real estate transactions and investments in Colombia. And this being Colombia, it pays to go to a middle man who knows the finance structures, the legal requirements and the potential bureaucratic pitfalls. We talk prices, is there a property bubble in Colombia, real estate in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena and all about the new requirements for constructions in the capital city. Thinking of investing in real estate here? Tune in! |
Mon, 21 October 2013
Thinking of opening or taking on a business in Colombia or perhaps even of teaching English as a foreign language, we talk to Briton Mark Firth about the realities and cultural conflicts that exist in Colombia. With years of experience under his belt Mark Firth (www.markrfirth.com) is a qualified Business Trainer with a decade of experience from London's square mile, but now, looking for a new lifestyle and challenges, he is here in Colombia, living in Bogota and offering his services to enable the smooth running and transition for international companies thinking of branching out here. Don't miss this show and Firth's invaluable insights into the cultural nuances of business in Colombia. |
Mon, 14 October 2013
Having been on the road since 2007, Tampa native Jasmine Stephenson now calls the vibrant and enticing city of Medellin her home. Jasmine, through her blog (www.jasminewanders.com) and her online business Virtual Employee Genius (http://www. |
Mon, 7 October 2013
Meet Gringa Colombiana (www.gringacolombiana.com), an Anglo Colombian lady who, after a lifetime of living in London, decided to try moving to Colombia and getting in touch with her Colombian roots. Here at Colombia Calling we get to speak to her one year after her arrival and hear of her likes and dislikes, the challenges faced and bested and why moving to Colombia was definitely the right decision for her at this stage of her life. Half Colombian, half English and raised in London, this is the story of her journey to live in Colombia and discover her heritage. As always, it's the little things that become the most trying as an expat and for both your host and GC, the absence of good cheddar cheese in a Bogota supermarket is most upsetting |
Mon, 30 September 2013
We all strive for editorial integrity and this week's show is a stand out as we have Nicholas Gill (http://nicholas-gill.com) a freelance travel, culture and culinary journalist originally from Ohio but now resident of Brooklyn, NY here with Colombia Calling in Mompos, Colombia. Gill contributes frequently to the New York Times, CondeNast Traveler, New York Magazine, in fact, check out any quality travel publication and his byline is bound to pop up. He is also the author of various travel guides. We talk about the recent restaurant awards in Lima and the evolution of the Colombian food scene. It is a real pleasure to speak to someone so committed to complete and accurate travel journalism, check out his blog atwww.newworldreview.com |
Mon, 23 September 2013
Tony Clark and his partner Kim both from Scotland decided to settle in Popayan, Colombia roughly seven years ago. They first started the incredibly successful Hosteltrail website (www.hosteltrail.com) providing unheard of as yet information about how to travel in South and Central America, then they set up a hostel and then another one! If you thought that this resourceful would stop there, no, they have created the region's first "off-grid" home where they live just outside of Popayan and started the town's bicycle share scheme. We managed to get to speak to Tony in one of his few moments of downtime. We talk about life and travel in Colombia, their projects and really, how the last seven years have panned out for them in this country. |
Tue, 17 September 2013
In the wake of the nationwide strikes which paralyzed Colombia for a fortnight and in some regions continue, with the ongoing peace dialogues between the Government and the FARC guerrillas, unrest in most sectors of the country from the teachers to the miners and the truck drivers, we at Colombia Calling feel that it is high time to focus on the political angle once more with our friendly expert and pundit Kevin Howlett of www.colombia-politics.com. Howlett will clarify some of the political intrigue taking place at the moment and set the scene for the presidential elections in 2014. Never a dull moment here on Colombia Calling. Tune in and don't miss out! |
Mon, 9 September 2013
This week we get to talk to Briton Vicki Kellaway the author behind the BananaSkinFlipFlops blog (www.bananaskinflipflops.com) about living in Colombia, travel in Colombia and her very erudite and observational writing style. Do you know that her blog has won awards? That she is creating a map for the different districts in Bogota regarding their commerce (Buttons, pets, nuts and bolts, leather jackets and so on), and we feel honoured to speak to this established writer and listen to her opinions and views. And in case you are in two minds about the show, we get an exclusive from Vicki. Look out for this writer, you heard it here first on Colombia Calling, she’s going places. |
Mon, 2 September 2013
This week we interview two Englishmen Tim Woodhouse and Milo Butterick who gave up everything in the UK and came out to start life in Bucaramanga, Santander. Amongst their projects a hostel called Kasa Guane Bucaramanga (http://www.kasaguane.com/) and a foundation called Goals for Peace International - Goles por la Paz in Spanish - (www.facebook.com/pages/Goals- |
Mon, 26 August 2013
Not all tales from Colombia re rosy and this week we talk to Chicago native Justin Cohen. Formerly a teacher in various international schools and now a guidebook writer. After publishing the "Explore Travel Guide Colombia" (http://www.gotocolombia.com) he had to flee Colombia for reasons unknown to us. Cohen is putting the finishing touches to his story of the debacle: "My Epic Failure And Slow Rise From The Abyss" He describes it as an inside look into his story including experiences from when he left the United States to when he traveled and lived in Honduras, Colombia, Taiwan, and Cambodia. Fund his project on Indegogo (http://www.indiegogo.com/ |
Mon, 19 August 2013
In a colourful and insightful show we get to speak to Dutch citizen and Medellin resident Adriaan Alsema who after arriving in Colombia saw the need for an all-encompassing news site in English to cover the reality of Colombia. In 2008 Adriaan set up Colombia Reports (www.colombiareports.com) which is now the number one independent news portal for the country. Routinely taking on international journalism interns, Adriaan talks about his thoughts on news reporting in Colombia, the peace dialogues currently taking place in Havana between the FARC guerrillas and the government and his hopes for the future in Colombia. This is a no holds barred interview where no topic is left untouched. Internationalists and journalists should not miss this! |
Mon, 12 August 2013
As anyone who has been to Bogota recently will know, ¡Gringo Tuesdays! (www.gringotuesdays.com) is a huge success. Hundreds of people attend this social language event every week - students, young professionals, established business people, backpackers, traveling business people all flock to ¡Gringo Tuesdays! to practice their English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Italian and talk about life and their experiences in foreign climes, to dance, to party and to generally have a good time. It is with great pleasure that we at Colombia Calling were able to carve out a moment with one of the founders, US citizen Tiffany Kohl, and talk about this phenomenon and how she and her team revolutionized the Bogota nightlife scene. |
Mon, 5 August 2013
In this unmissable show, Colombia Calling gets the opportunity to speak exclusively to Richard Emblin of the City Paper Bogota (www.thecitypaperbogota.com) Colombia’s largest English speaking newspaper. We discuss the newspaper, his editorial line, life in Colombia and the real need for an independent English language publication in Bogota and Colombia. Grappling with the tough issues of how to run a newspaper in today’s economic climate and indeed in Colombia, Richard generously shares his insights on the country and offers advice to those wishing to come to visit or to stay. An important show for journalists and expats alike and for all of those with any interest in Colombia. |
Mon, 29 July 2013
This week we invite football journalist Carl Worswick onto the show to talk all things Colombia and in particular about the beautiful game here. Carl tiptoes around the topic of Colombia reaching No 3 in the FIFA World Rankings, where to catch a national team game and discusses some of the more sinister aspects of the sport here such as money laundering and the murder of Andres Escobar in Medellin. Carl brings to life the significance and importance of football and politics here and we gain invaluable insights into society and the state of Colombia as a whole through the sport. Not to be missed for football fans and those interested in Colombia. |
Mon, 22 July 2013
In April of 2006 travelers Karen Catchpole (writer) and Eric Mohl (photographer) left their jobs and apartment in New York City and embarked on the Trans-Americas Journey (http://trans-americas.com/), a 200,000 mile cross-country and cross-continental overland drive down the Pan-American Highway. We caught up with them for an interview when they came to host Richard McColl's hotel La Casa Amarilla in Mompos, Colombia. Hear about their epic journey - more than 2400 days on the road - and their thoughts on Colombia. We discuss the challenges faced, the challenges to come and their findings on the road in a tanked up silverado truck. For avid travel enthusiasts, this episode of Colombia Calling is not to be missed. |
Mon, 15 July 2013
This week we detail the story of Courtenay Strickland (www.barranquillaorbust.com) who upped sticks with her husband and infant son to leave life in the US and move to Barranquilla, Colombia. We talk about culture shocks, the differences between parenting in the US and Colombia, the life she has chosen for her family in Colombia and the staggering lack of Pinot Grigio in Barranquilla. Tune in to learn about life in the Colombia Caribbean's most dynamic city. |
Tue, 9 July 2013
This week we detail the remarkable story of See Colombia Travel, one of the most successful blog sites (http://seecolombia.travel/ |
Tue, 2 July 2013
This week we try a different tact and interview a member of the Colombia diaspora in the USA, Luis Eduardo Villamizar. Many Colombians reside abroad and may be do not have the contact that they so crave with the homeland, Luis falls into this category as a first generation Colombian citizen in the USA. Luis is currently putting together the final plans for his long overdue visit to Colombia, the first time in some 40 years and will go in search of his father’s roots on the Colombian Caribbean coast and in to Bogota. He has been putting in the groundwork and Luis’ voyage is being made into a documentary named: “A Journey to Colombia”. Colombia Calling interviews Luis and asks him about his Colombian heritage and hopes for the trip. |
Mon, 24 June 2013
Talking about all things Colombian and to why Spanish Blogger (www.quepenaconusted.com) and American expat Barbara Smalley (www.vacationrentalscartagena.com) decided to move to Bogota and Cartagena respectively. We discuss security, places to travel, travelling with family and dispel a whole plethora of myths and speak of the realities of life in Colombia.
Direct download: Colombia_Calling_Radio_Show-2013-06-24.mp3
Category:Talk Radio -- posted at: 12:00am EDT |
Tue, 18 June 2013
Tackling the always tricky subjects of where to eat and drink in Bogota (there’s now almost too much choice) Diana Holguin of Bogota Eats and Drinks (http://bogotaeatsanddrinks.com/) talks about the internationalization of the the selection of restaurants in Bogota and what to do during Colombia’s 19 long weekends! We are accompanied by Juan Manuel Robledo of Laika Bikes Bogota (www.facebook.com/pages/Laika-Bikes) offering tours around this capital city and determined to show the visitor to Bogota the good side of this many faceted place. |