Colombia Calling is your first stop for everything you ever wanted to know about Colombia. Colombia Calling is hosted by Anglo Canadian transplant to Colombia, Richard McColl and the Colombia Briefing is reported by journalist Emily Hart. Tune in for politics, news, reviews, travel and culture stories, all related to Colombia.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 1:12:17
In this episode, Dr. Gwen Burnyeat explores the fascinating relationship between horses, politics, and identity in Colombia, revealing how equestrian practices reflect broader…
Sep 22, 2026 · 54:27
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl chats with Eric Tabone about his entrepreneurial journey in Colombia, the nuances of hiring across Latin America,…
Sep 15, 2026 · 52:47
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, freelance journalist Katharine Houreld discusses the complex involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudan conflict, the…
Sep 8, 2026 · 1:01:15
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Brian Murphy O'Neill shares the story of La Leyenda, a multi-stage mountain bike race in Colombia, celebrating its 10th…
Sep 1, 2026 · 1:03:02
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl interviews Simon Faulkner - Senior Lecturer of Academic Excellence at University College Birmingham - about the…
Aug 25, 2026 · 1:02:06
In this week's discussion on the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl reconnects with Jenny Pearce, a visiting professor at the International Inequalities Institute at the…
Aug 18, 2026 · 54:36
For this week's episode, Richard McColl and Emily Hart connected with two humanitarian organisations working on the ground in the wake of last Monday's earthquake. Today, they…
Aug 11, 2026 · 58:50
On this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Gwen Weber discusses her master's thesis on the digitalization of conflict in Colombia, focusing on TikTok's role in recruitment…
Aug 4, 2026 · 58:59
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl hosts Sergio Guzmán and Kirra Moore of Colombia Risk Analysis to discuss Colombia's political landscape, upcoming…
Jul 28, 2026 · 59:50
In this episode of the Colombia Calling Podcast, Richard McColl speaks with Kristian Erskog, a Colombian adoptee raised in Sweden. Kristian shares the emotional journey of…
Jul 21, 2026 · 37:13
La Escombrera, a vast rubble pile overlooking Medellín, is considered to be Colombia's largest urban mass grave. Its excavation this year has unearthed the remains of people…
Jul 14, 2026 · 43:38
When British foreign correspondent Richard McColl purchased, on a whim, a ruined colonial building in the rural Colombian town of Mompós, he imagined a lifestyle of relaxation,…
Jul 7, 2026 · 1:14:40
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…
Jun 30, 2026 · 1:10:15
Jun 23, 2026 · 43:54
On this week's Colombia Calling podcast, we make in-depth analysis of Colombia's recent presidential election, voter turnout, regional voting patterns, and the implications for…
Jun 16, 2026 · 45:44
In this latest update from Colombia Calling and Colombia Reports, we look at the most recent developments in the lead into the second round of the presidential elections on 21…
Jun 9, 2026 · 1:03:26
Join us for an insightful conversation with Juan Pablo Puentes, a long-time listener and expert from Neiva in Huila, Colombia. We explore Colombia's regional potential,…
Jun 2, 2026 · 46:43
On this week's episode, Richard McColl of Colombia Calling and Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports dissect the results of Colombia's first round of presidential elections, so you…
May 26, 2026 · 54:36
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, social entrepreneur Francis Gillis shares his journey from the medical cannabis industry in Canada to establishing a premium…
May 19, 2026 · 54:50
Join us as we explore the critical state of Colombia's tropical dry forests with researcher Maria Isabel Arce Plata. Discover the ecosystem's unique characteristics, the threats…
May 12, 2026 · 1:40:58
This episode of the Colombia Calling podcast explores the complex relationship between Canadian mining interests and Colombia's post-conflict landscape, highlighting historical…
May 5, 2026 · 46:03
Explore how Boris Spiwak, CEO of Qash, is transforming Latin America's financial landscape with US dollar accounts using blockchain technology. Discover the impact of…
Apr 28, 2026 · 1:06:03
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…
Apr 21, 2026 · 50:26
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…
Apr 14, 2026 · 1:17:20
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…
Apr 7, 2026 · 1:05:16
An in-depth analysis of Colombia's upcoming presidential elections, polling dynamics, candidate strategies, and potential US intervention impacts. We speak to Sergio Guzman,…
Mar 24, 2026 · 1:04:48
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…
Mar 17, 2026 · 1:03:17
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,…
Mar 10, 2026 · 46:00
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…
Mar 3, 2026 · 1:07:13
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…
Feb 24, 2026 · 1:07:49
On the Colombia Calling podcast this week, we join forces with Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports to discuss the Nueva Junta del Narcotráfico and its origins. Discover the…
Feb 17, 2026 · 1:09:08
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Alex Diamond, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University, about his book…
Feb 10, 2026 · 51:50
The much-anticipated visit of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House couldn't have gone better given the circumstances. Let it not be overlooked that President…
Feb 3, 2026 · 1:19:35
In this celebratory 600th episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, hosts Richard McColl and Emily Hart reflect on the evolution of their podcast, the significant political…
Jan 27, 2026 · 1:01:52
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…
Jan 20, 2026 · 1:06:11
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…
Jan 13, 2026 · 1:05:17
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,…
Dec 16, 2025 · 1:09:56
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with author Natascha Scott-Stokes about her journey from Germany to the UK and eventually to Chile.…
Dec 9, 2025 · 1:06:50
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Bruce McLean and Marcel Reina about traveling in the largely unknown department of Guaviare,…
Dec 2, 2025 · 1:08:38
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…
Nov 25, 2025 · 1:00:05
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl reconnects with Lorna Phillips, (last on the podcast in Episode 173: "The Dating in Colombia episode.") who…
Nov 11, 2025 · 1:05:46
Magdalena: River of Dreams, A Story of Colombia, is a captivating and essential book from Wade Davis--renowned, award-winning, bestselling author and photographer, and National…
Nov 4, 2025 · 1:17:13
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Karol Lopez of the Fundación Las Fuertes joins Richard McColl and Emily Hart to discuss the misconceptions surrounding the onset…
Oct 28, 2025 · 57:14
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl interviews Dutch journalist Robert Friele about his book on the Pizarro family, exploring their significant…
Oct 21, 2025 · 58:51
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl engages with academics David Anderson (Associate Professor in Analytics at Villanova University in PA) and…
Oct 14, 2025 · 1:00:01
Where is Matavén, you may well ask? So, this week on the Colombia Calling podcast, we discuss an award-winning community tourism project with people of the Piaroa indigenous…
Oct 7, 2025 · 57:44
In this second part of our conversation with Oliver Treviso, we explore his experiences in the final two countries of Colombia and Venezuela. By all accounts, Colombia and…
Sep 30, 2025 · 1:07:57
I came into this conversation thinking that I'd be chatting about the trivialities of an expedition through South America and I left in a state of absolute disbelief and awe.…
Sep 23, 2025 · 55:21
This week, Colombia's special peace tribunal, the JEP, handed down its first sentences to the soldiers who murdered and framed civilians to boost military statistics – killings…
Sep 16, 2025 · 57:54
Cartagena is the eternal city of Colombian tourism. The Old City, the UNESCO World Heritage ramparts and colonial streets are protected from the ills befalling contemporary…
Sep 9, 2025 · 1:55:12
Following fast in the footsteps of Episode 1: "Alvaro Uribe the Early Years and Rise to Power, 1952-1994," Adriaan Alsema of Colombia Reports and myself have now completed…
Sep 2, 2025 · 1:26:56
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl and Emily Hart engage with Professor Nicolas Forsans of the University of Essex, a Latin America specialist, to…
Aug 26, 2025 · 1:08:43
This week, Emily Hart speaks to Lucas Marin Llanes - the director of development at the Latin American Drug Studies Network, and a research affiliate at the Andes University's…
Aug 19, 2025 · 1:24:34
This week, Emily Hart speaks to Abby Reyes – human rights lawyer, environmental activist and author, as well as Director of Community Resilience Projects at the University of…
Aug 12, 2025 · 1:12:42
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl discusses the upcoming elections in Colombia with Sergio Guzmán and Isy Hawes from Colombia Risk Analysis.…
Aug 5, 2025 · 1:15:05
This week, Emily Hart speaks to multi-award-winning translator Frank Wynne about Latin America's most beloved cartoon - Mafalda - and how he brought her to life in English.…
Jul 29, 2025 · 58:04
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…
Jul 22, 2025 · 1:10:00
In order to understand the issue of the cocaine trade in Colombia, we need to look at three factors: 1. Drugs Policy as a Geopolitical tool. 2. Markets: A Political Economic…
Jul 15, 2025 · 1:07:17
This conversation on the Colombia Calling podcast delves into the complexities of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization that has evolved significantly over the…
Jul 8, 2025 · 1:03:36
In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, host Richard McColl speaks with Andres Gomez Suarez about his new book 'We Are Not Made of Sugar', which reflects on his…
Jul 1, 2025 · 51:23
When British foreign correspondent Richard McColl purchased, on a whim, a ruined colonial building in the rural Colombian town of Mompós, he imagined a lifestyle of relaxation,…
Jun 24, 2025 · 1:45:02
Few figures in Latin American politics polarize opinion like Colombia's former president, Álvaro Uribe. Right now, Uribe, Colombia's president from 2002 to 2010, faces charges of…
Jun 17, 2025 · 1:10:39
Remember the story that made the headlines for several weeks about the four Huitoto children, lost for forty days in the Colombian Amazon after the aircraft they were travelling…
Jun 10, 2025 · 1:04:01
Former DEA agent Chris Feistl and literary collaborator Jessica Balboni discuss the new book: "After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug…
Jun 3, 2025 · 36:48
La Escombrera, a vast rubble pile overlooking Medellín, is considered to be Colombia's largest urban mass grave. Its excavation this year has unearthed the remains of people…
May 27, 2025 · 1:01:43
Heather Luna, a native of Michigan with strong ties to Colombia, spent a significant time in the UK before moving to Tabio. Since then, she has been working remotely offering…
May 20, 2025 · 1:25:40
It's an absolute honour to welcome author Jennie Erin Smith on the Colombia Calling podcast this week to discuss her latest book in which she investigates and chronicles her…
May 13, 2025 · 1:17:49
What explains selective violence against social and community leaders in the aftermath of war? Why does the killing of community and social leaders continue unabated in Colombia?…
May 6, 2025 · 1:01:56
Victoria was never meant to come to Colombia, in fact, had things gone according to plan she would be in China right now. But, fate had a different path in mind for this native…
Apr 29, 2025 · 1:02:36
There's so much to say about the Latin American Boom in literature, but how can we possibly discuss it at this point in time without mentioning Mario Vargas Llosa and his recent…
Apr 22, 2025 · 1:02:31
This week we speak to Camila Gonzalez Rosas, Director and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Los Andes University in Bogotá and Researcher at the the Centre for…
Apr 8, 2025 · 1:14:07
Colombian energy giant Ecopetrol has polluted hundreds of sites with oil, including water sources and biodiverse wetlands, the BBC World Service has found. However, as detailed…
Apr 1, 2025 · 1:05:33
In today's episode, Emily Hart speaks to archaeologist Daniella Betancourt: the woman decoding the enigma of Colombia's mummies. Mummification is a practice which has been…
Mar 25, 2025 · 50:50
Barry Max Wills, author of: "Better than Cocaine: Learning to Grow Coffee, and Live in Colombia," and Richard McColl of: "The Mompos Project: A Tale of Love, Hotels and Madness…
Mar 18, 2025 · 1:13:52
On this week's Colombia Calling podcast, we speak to James Bargent, an investigative journalist for Insight Crime about his work putting together the new podcast: "the Shadow of…
Mar 11, 2025 · 57:28
Today, we go back many millennia in order to protect ourselves for the coming centuries: Emily Hart speaks to two Colombian scientists, Carlos Jaramillo and Camila Martínez,…
Mar 4, 2025 · 1:10:58
President Petro's Disastrous Televised Cabinet Meeting or The Petro Presidency Meltdown. Pause for breath if you can, but we've been experiencing a barrage of negative headlines…
Feb 25, 2025 · 1:10:51
This week on the Colombia Calling podcast, we speak to Lorena Estupiñán-Pedraza, a professor of international relations and political science from Boyaca, but resident in the…
Feb 18, 2025 · 1:05:12
A new documentary, in the making, seeks to document the sacred nature of an ancient medicine. We're all familiar with vivid tales of projectile vomiting and the complete loss of…
Feb 11, 2025 · 1:10:49
Jonathan Swift, "Falsehood flies, and truth comes limping after it." … never truer than in 2025 This week on the Colombia Calling podcast Emily Hart and Richard McColl tackle the…
Feb 4, 2025 · 52:11
Sometimes, it's just fun to have an agreeable conversation, and this is why I enjoyed chatting to Vivek Jayaraman. Vivek was born in Tamil, India and in the way life takes its…
Jan 28, 2025 · 1:17:14
In order to understand the issue of the cocaine trade in Colombia, we need to look at three factors: 1. Drugs Policy as a Geopolitical tool. 2. Markets: A Political Economic…
Jan 21, 2025 · 1:10:00
Brendan Corrigan has had multiple jobs in his time in Colombia (dating back to 2011), and his most constant has been that of a contributing writer of acerbic observations for the…
Jan 14, 2025 · 1:01:02
As there are now a growing number of people considering moving to Colombia, and where better than the country's enticing Coffee Region, we decided to focus on this topic for this…
Jan 7, 2025 · 1:00:29
Have you heard of "destination duping," "rosy retrospection," "JOMO," or "trailblazer hotels?" Well, with Colombia of course in mind given that this is the Colombia Calling…
Dec 10, 2024 · 53:02
Well, where to start with this interview?! It's that time of year when we endeavour to discuss more hopeful and positive episodes and then an email hit my inbox from Rick…
Dec 3, 2024 · 41:52
We've never done this before, but heck, why not?! So, here is the first ever Colombia Calling Christmas Appeal in our 11 plus years of being on the air. Cartagena Paws and their…
Nov 26, 2024 · 1:01:55
The journey of making Torah Tropical began in 2021, in the midst of Colombia's historic civil unrest. Despair at the Duque government's policies and botched implementation of the…
Nov 19, 2024 · 1:14:14
'Romantic, adventurous and thrilling ... remarkable' Telegraph 'Vivid, fast-paced and wonderfully ambitious … Patria teems with alternative stories of a continent's life and…
Nov 12, 2024 · 1:06:00
It has become a cultural phenomenon in Colombia, beginning first in Bogota before branching out to Medellin, Cali, Lima (Peru) and now Cartagena...everyone knows all about Gringo…
Nov 5, 2024 · 1:07:39
After nine years away, Tim Buendia, has made it back to the town of Aracataca - birthplace of Gabriel Garcia Marquez - and it seems timely with a new series based on the author's…
Oct 29, 2024 · 1:00:36
Hello and welcome to another episode of Colombia Calling – I'm Emily Hart and this week we have something a little bit different – the radical linguistic technique which is…
Oct 22, 2024 · 49:19
On Episode 541 of the Colombia Calling podcast, and given the current COP16 in Cali, we revisit our conversation with special guest Ole Reidar Bergum - Counsellor for Climate and…
Oct 15, 2024 · 49:14
Colombia stands out for its excellent healthcare and is rapidly becoming another destination for medical healthcare. Thinking of a tummy tuck, a hair implant, some dentistry or…
Oct 8, 2024 · 1:15:43
This week we get on the line to Naresh Dahal in Kathmandu to compare and contrast the tourism practices and politics in both Nepal and Colombia. Naresh is local travel specialist…
Oct 1, 2024 · 1:01:21
"South London has a serious problem with knife crime." This week we discuss how Henry May arrived in Colombia and ended up being a mover and shaker in the education world here.…
Sep 24, 2024 · 56:35
Petro's first two years as president have been marked by tension between him and various media sectors. He has repeatedly denigrated journalism critical of his government,…
Sep 17, 2024 · 1:14:21
Angela Alvarez is a natural-born storyteller, her latest venture of the podcast: "When Home is a Foreign Word" is testament to this. In fact, there's no way we can keep on topic…
Sep 10, 2024 · 1:02:05
As the United States prepares for its pivotal presidential election on November 5, 2024, we join our friends at Colombia Risk Analysis to discuss their new report: "The Future of…
Sep 3, 2024 · 56:00
With a hypnotising mix of charming coastal cities, world-class cuisine, and lush landscapes hiding immense biodiversity have made the bicoastal country of Colombia one of the…
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