Questonia

Questonia Culture 2: Ingrid Lukas, new album 'Elumeloodia'

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 23:00:09 +0000

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 under licence from the artist, courtesy of Ronin Rhythm Records.
Listen to more on Spotify

4-5: Lehtme & Slava Ukraini; Opposition Obstruction in Riigikogu

Tue, 23 May 2023 18:35:48 +0000

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: https://www.pagulasabi.ee/en/help-ukraine
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

Questonia Culture 1: Britta Virves on her new album, 'Juniper'

Tue, 02 May 2023 17:30:09 +0000

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 legendary jazz musicians in Sweden.

Music: 'Downton', 'Saaremaa', and 'Interlude' by Britta Virves, used under licence from the artist, courtesy of Heartcore Records.
Listen to more on Spotify
Learn more about Britta

4-4: Who's Worst Hit by the Tax Rises, and Why?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:25:00 +0000

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 NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

4-3: The Marriage Equality U-Turn, with Vootele Päi

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:44:24 +0000

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 Läänemets. Päi had set out the reasons why he felt Kaja Kallas's Reform Party wouldn't adopt marriage equality in the new governing coalition in an incendiary social media post, which was later reproduced by Estonian media.

Here, he explains what he feels has changed, and why, to inspire this apparent u-turn. Recorded on 6 April 2023.

Read Vootele Päi's post here (in Estonian, link to Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/vootele.pai/posts/pfbid02BNmTMozAiWaXYpdZ2rBoejhFRzGGd9omrRipXZyXakjtg6N6rcYu6y7x4ePz8ov3l
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

4-2: Estonia, e-Voting, and Cybersecurity, with Karoliina Ainge

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 20:32:07 +0000

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 Estonia became the centre of NATO's cybersecurity efforts.

Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

4-1: Estonia Elects: the Results, and the New Government

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:23:07 +0000

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 Estonia get energy security and LGBT rights?

Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

3-5: A Russian-Estonian Talks Narva, Putin, and Integration

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 15:05:42 +0000

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 pro-Putin when it comes to the war in Ukraine.

Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

3-4: Over 23% Inflation, and What the Narva Tank Tells Us

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:47:07 +0000

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 on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/questonia
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4
Ilmar Raag opinion piece (in Estonian): https://www.err.ee/1608705547/ilmar-raag-kas-riik-voib-inimestele-nende-vaateid-ette-kirjutada

3-3: LGBTQ+, Pride, and the Need for Progress

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 23:30:40 +0000

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 coalition government negotiations. Recorded on Monday 27 June 2022.

Subscribe to Questonia on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/questonia
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4
Estonian LGBT Association: https://www.lgbt.ee/
Ida Raadio: https://idaidaida.net/

3-2: Stopping Deforestation, and the Far Right

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 10:58:36 +0000

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 episode, subscribe to Questonia on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/questonia
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4
Estonian Fund for Nature in English: https://elfond.ee/elf-en
Koos Loodus in English: https://koosloodus.ee/in-english/

3-1: 'The Press in Estonia - How Free is it Really?'

Thu, 26 May 2022 06:58:41 +0000

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 has serious implications for journalism's ability to express truth about power.

This comes in the same month that Estonia was named the country with the fourth-freest press of those surveyed by Reporters Without Borders.

Notes

The methodology behind the 2022 World Press Freedom Index
Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

2-2: 'What Happened to the Estonian e-State?'

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 20:08:36 +0000

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: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2021/03/11/image-of-digital-baltics-cracks-under-weight-of-pandemic/

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

2-1: 'The New Government: Explained'

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 18:44:01 +0000

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"

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 19:11:30 +0000

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 Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

12: "Bike Locks or Parking Lots: Tallinn as a "Green" City?"

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:42:59 +0000

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: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

11: "Veljo Tormis 90" - Kadri Voorand on the legendary composer

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 09:46:11 +0000

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 filmed for YouTube, performed by Estonian Voices in 2016. Used under licence courtesy of Maris Aljaste and Linda Liis Eek formerly of Viljandi Vibes.

10: "Hands Across the Baltic" - the Latvian View

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:18:02 +0000

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

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:59:27 +0000

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 music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

8: "Estonia: Making Contact?"

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:17:40 +0000

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 been slow in development, and they look into reasons for this.

They also talk to SALTO 'Hack the Virus' Hackathon winner Sophie Wharrie, whose team developed a contact tracing app in the Estonian tech event, but whose experience was not used by the government in spite of an offer allegedly being made by her team. She discusses the need for reliable contact tracing in all countries. Sophie's Medium article: https://medium.com/the-innovation/beyond-the-contact-tracing-app-fd6930a4c934

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

7: "He Hired the Law, and the Law Won?"

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:05:42 +0000

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 discuss the fallout of this scandal, its long-term repercussions, and what is likely to happen next.

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

6: "Radio Free Europe & Estonian Independence"

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 13:10:00 +0000

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 future for the United States Agency for Global Media under the Trump Administration. Recorded on 15 July 2020.

Music and news clips: taken from original studio recordings of Radio Free Europe, provided by Maris Hellrand.

Radio tuning sound: Creative Commons, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cowZPPHGBpA

5: "LGBT in Estonia"

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:05:00 +0000

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 celebrate Pride Month in a socially-distanced world. Recorded on 1 July 2020.

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

4: "Black Lives Matter"

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:33:57 +0000

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 from Last Laugh ft. Moeazy from Illusions by Yasmyn, used under licence and with permission from the artist. https://open.spotify.com/track/6inICCNw4goRA7xGA4KqIk?si=nsQM5el0TFKzsAvWRqpyMw

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

3: "From a Discord"

Wed, 27 May 2020 22:27:30 +0000

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 Matthijs Quaijtaal and Tartu University student Sille Võsaste about how they have adapted to distance learning, and what the education system can learn from the developments of recent months. Recorded on 27 May 2020.

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

2: "Throwing shale"

Wed, 13 May 2020 22:38:44 +0000

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 alternatives. Recorded on 13 May 2020.

Support Kuressaare Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/saarehaigla

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

1: "Back to the island"

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:52:13 +0000

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 Move. Recorded on 29 April 2020.

Support Kuressaare Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/saarehaigla

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Kuressaare advert: Serenity by JayJen [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/VhfJo-CRbkA Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/Serenity