PODCAST · news
Questonia
by Questonia
News analysis and culture from Estonia, with Tallinn-based journalists S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand, plus guests.
Episodes
-
Questonia Culture 2: Ingrid Lukas, new album 'Elumeloodia'
S. Garlick talks to singer-songwriter Ingrid Lukas about her new album, 'Elumeloodia'. Ingrid discusses her creative process, plus the meaning behind the pastoral, progressive new tracks. Music: 'Strong, Bold and Brave', 'Dignity', 'Analogue Connections', and 'Minu Tänu' by Ingrid Lukas, used…
more -
4-5: Lehtme & Slava Ukraini; Opposition Obstruction in Riigikogu
S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the scandal involving former Riigikogu member Johanna Maria Lehtme and her charity, Slava Ukraini, plus the obstruction tactics by opposition parties that threatens the new government's agenda. Recorded on 20 May 2023. DONATE to Ukrainian refugees:...
-
Questonia Culture 1: Britta Virves on her new album, 'Juniper'
In this first edition of a new series by Questonia, S. Garlick talks to jazz pianist Britta Virves about the inspirations behind new debut solo album, 'Juniper'. Britta explains how the album channels her experiences growing up on Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, and playing with…
more -
4-4: Who's Worst Hit by the Tax Rises, and Why?
S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand analyse the coalition programme for the new government, and the tax rises announced, plus ministerial appointments, and the arrest of pro-Kremlin politician Aivo Peterson. Recorded on 14 April 2023. Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by...
-
4-3: The Marriage Equality U-Turn, with Vootele Päi
It looks, as of the time of publication, as though the new Estonian government may indeed back marriage equality, having seemed against it initially, in a stunning about-turn. S. Garlick talks to Vootele Päi, a Political Adviser to Social Democrat leader and outgoing Interior Minister Lauri...
-
4-2: Estonia, e-Voting, and Cybersecurity, with Karoliina Ainge
In this special interview, S. Garlick talks to Estonian e-Voting and cybersecurity expert Karoliina Ainge, who used to work on those matters for the Estonian Government, and now advises countries all over the world as part of Independent Diplomat. Karoliina explains why e-voting works, and how...
-
4-1: Estonia Elects: the Results, and the New Government
S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand analyse the Estonian 2023 Riigikogu (parliamentary) election results, which saw Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party hold onto power, in a new liberal coalition. What does it mean for Estonia, for Ukraine, and for the far-right EKRE, who were left disappointed? Will...
-
3-5: A Russian-Estonian Talks Narva, Putin, and Integration
S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to YouTuber Artjom Dmitrijev ('Dufftie') about how a younger member of the Russian minority feels about being Estonian. They also talk about Yana Toom memes, government gesture politics, and why so many Russian-speakers in Estonia are still neutral or even...
-
3-4: Over 23% Inflation, and What the Narva Tank Tells Us
S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the latest governing coalition in Estonia and its problems and challenges, plus how the moving of the Narva Tank was both a necessary step and something which highlighted tensions within Estonia. Recorded on Wednesday 7 September 2022. Subscribe to Questonia…
more -
3-3: LGBTQ+, Pride, and the Need for Progress
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Anette Mäletjärv, one of the organisers of Tartu Pride 2022 and an activist for the Estonian LGBT Association. They talk about the changes needed in Estonian law and politics for equal rights to become a reality. Maris and Stuart also discuss the…
more -
3-2: Stopping Deforestation, and the Far Right
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Siim Kuresoo of the Estonian Fund for Nature about the growing deforestation problem in the country. The hosts also discuss in-depth what could happen now the government has collapsed. Recorded on Monday 6 June 2022. For an extended version of this…
more -
3-1: 'The Press in Estonia - How Free is it Really?'
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk again to Eesti Ekspress journalist Holger Roonemaa. Two of Holger's colleagues were recently fined for publishing a story suggesting that managers in Estonia's largest bank were being investigated for money-laundering. The court ruling that led to the fines...
-
2-2: 'What Happened to the Estonian e-State?'
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to academic Keegan McBride, whose research has focused on Estonian e-governance. They discuss why the country's frequently lauded e-state and e-solutions have not been able to ease the impact of COVID-19 as hoped. Read Keegan McBride's article on the topic:...
-
2-1: 'The New Government: Explained'
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the new Estonian government, look at the prospects for cooperation in a Reform-Centre Party coalition, and examine the agenda for Kaja Kallas and her team. Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0
-
13: "The 2020 Wrap"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand sort through the bin-fire that was 2020 for any traces of potential optimism to take forward to 2021, also discussing the Estonian response to the coronavirus second wave, the state of the opposition parties, and the possible marriage referendum. Theme music by...
-
12: "Bike Locks or Parking Lots: Tallinn as a "Green" City?"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss Tallinn's recent unsuccessful bid to be European Green Capital, and the city's green credentials, with urban expert Pärtel-Peeter Pere, in the final episode of Season 1 of the podcast - Season 2 is coming soon. Theme music by Kaiolyn:...
-
11: "Veljo Tormis 90" - Kadri Voorand on the legendary composer
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand are joined by musician and songwriter Kadri Voorand, who discusses inspirational composer Veljo Tormis, who would have been 90 this year, and his importance to modern Estonia. Music: Veljo Tormis, 'Ära Löö Noorikut' - Viljandi Vibes Live Sessions, originally…
more -
10: "Hands Across the Baltic" - the Latvian View
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Mike Collier, a journalist based in Latvia, about the country's coronavirus response, why it has a lower infection rate than Estonia or Lithuania, and the Baltic reaction to protests in Belarus. Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0
-
9: Michelle Obama, "going high", Belarus, & Estonia
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to climate activist Kertu Birgit Anton, as the three of them discuss what goes into a memorable and meaningful campaign in 2020 in the wake of protests in Belarus, and Michelle Obama's speech about campaigning to the Democratic National Convention. Theme…
more -
8: "Estonia: Making Contact?"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Priit Tohver, E-services Development and Innovation Policy Adviser for the Ministry of Social Affairs, who among other tasks is one of the leads for the Estonian contact tracing app, Hoia, due to be released on 20 August on iOS and Android. The app has…
more -
7: "He Hired the Law, and the Law Won?"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to investigative journalist Holger Roonemaa, who broke the story that a lawyer hired by Estonia's Finance Minister Martin Helme to seek reparations for historical money laundering scandals had, himself, defended a company involved in money laundering. They...
-
6: "Radio Free Europe & Estonian Independence"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Dr. James Vaughan of Aberystwyth University. They discuss how Radio Free Europe helped Estonia and other Soviet-occupied countries regain their independence, Maris's recollections of working at the station under Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and the uncertain...
-
5: "LGBT in Estonia"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Kristiina Raud, Communications Manager and board member for the Estonian LGBT Association. They discuss the challenges that may be faced by the LGBT+ community in Estonia in the near future, those faced by young trans people, and what it was like to...
-
4: "Black Lives Matter"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to musician Yasmyn about her experience of being an Estonian person of colour, and there is coverage from the Black Lives Matter protest in Tallinn on 10 June. Recorded 9-10 June 2020, published 11 June 2020. Contains some strong language. Music: Excerpt…
more -
3: "From a Discord"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk about education, specifically the new Estonian Interior Ministry directive that may prevent third-country nationals from coming to the country to study in higher education, and the implications of this for the country. They also talk to schoolteacher…
more -
2: "Throwing shale"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the implications of the Emergency Law that is being heard by the Riigikogu, and talk to Madis Vasser, Advocacy Expert for the Estonian Green Movement, about the €125m government loan to Eesti Energia, the effects of oil shale mining, and renewable energy...
-
1: "Back to the island"
Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the relaxing of aspects of the Emergency Situation in Estonia, the gradual reopening of the major islands, and how fair the restrictions were on Hiiumaa in particular. They also hear from Trad.Attack's Sandra Vabarna on the band's new album, Make Your…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
News analysis and culture from Estonia, with Tallinn-based journalists S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand, plus guests.
HOSTED BY
Questonia
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Questonia have?
Questonia currently has 27 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Questonia about?
News analysis and culture from Estonia, with Tallinn-based journalists S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand, plus guests.
How often does Questonia release new episodes?
Questonia has 27 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Questonia?
You can listen to Questonia on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Questonia?
Questonia is created and hosted by Questonia.
URL copied to clipboard!