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Brussels Unplugged!

Pietro Moro

Brussels, as you have never heard. Brussels Unplugged is a casual podcast about Brussels, the EU, and beyond, with no strings attached. Each month, Pietro is joined by a guest driving the talk of the town. Tune in as they unpack Brussels while sipping a beer.

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22 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 34 min
English

Episodes 22

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S3 · E2
Friday · 56 min
Think European, Act Local with Alberto & Valentina
I’m joined by Alberto Spatola, treasurer of Volt Europa, and Valentina Caracci, policy advisor in the European Parliament, for Brussels Unplugged!’s first-ever live recording at Volt Italy’s Scuola Politica in Brussels. Can you think European and act local at the same time? We get into why they joined Volt, why it wasn’t the first party to try this (blame Erasmus), and whether Italy is ripe for it. We also talk about connecting the Union to the local level, checking our privilege as Italians abroad, breaking the EU’s democratic deficit, and what our grandchildren will see when they look at Europe. And of course, we zoom out: where to play beach volleyball in Brussels, and the big question: are millennials still young?
S3 · E1
September 25 · 20 min
Wine & Politics with Gilhean
Gilhean Slater is the Founder and Host of Wine & Politics, Brussels' invite-only real-talk on what's driving European and global politics. Before going solo, she worked in embassies, media, and the private sectors - what's transversal, and what isn't? Tune in to find out!
S2 · E20
July 10 · 30 min
Democratic Fear with Sóler
Sóler Cardenas has been covering Europe for 20+ LATAM countries, and LATAM for Italy. In this episode, we dive into the recent Colombian elections, take a look at what happened in Hungary, and compare how fear and polarisation, sometimes, manifest differently. Hungry for Colombian food? Check out her favourite spots in Brussels!
S2 · E19
June 26 · 53 min
Storytelling from Tehran to DC with Sasan
Sasan Mousavi is an Iranian-American professional storyteller and lecturer at KU Leuven. We the difference and overlap with being Persian, and the importance of storytelling in geopolitics. Of course, how he unplugs - do you know what geocaching is?
S2 · E18
June 12 · 32 min
The Election Job with Fabio
Fabio Bargiacchi founded the European Centre for Electoral Support and has been leading it for 15 years. He has been to 120+ countries (51 in Africa), supporting democracy in action. So, we chat about the differences between election support and observation; countering misinformation and the impact of AI; and the EU's flagship Global Gateway project. And of course, how he unplugs!
S2 · E17
May 22 · 33 min
Governing AI with Luana
Luana Lo Piccolo is a seasoned AI expert who has advised global firms, consultancies, and the European Commission on the AI Act and its legislative ecosystem. So of course, we jump into tech, but also how she manages to work in Brussels from Barcelona. Finally, how she unplugs whilst on the road!
S2 · E16
May 8 · 27 min
The Future of Journalism with Kait
Kait Bolongaro has been covering politics around the globe - Europe, Asia, Africa, and more - and now manages MLex's Brussels editorial team. Join us as we chat about media freedom, the impact of AI on the industry, and the rise of non-traditional journalism. And finally, how she unplugs from it all.
S2 · E15
April 24 · 17 min
Building Bridges with Matteo
Matteo Brizzi is a young European activist who, alongside working in the European Commission and his local town council, works tirelessly to bring Europe and its citizens closer. Join us, as we dive into his work and chat about ways to bring the Union closer to its people!
S2 · E14
April 10 · 37 min
Media Alliances with Michal
Michal Beneš started the alliance representing Czech influencers, creators, and online personalities who are facing increasing pressure from the Babiš government. We chat about this, as well as his time as speechwriter for the Foreign Minister during the Ukrainian war, the Brussels Effect in VDL II, working in Brussels versus Prague - and who has the best beer, the Czechs or the Belgians?
S2 · E13
March 27 · 25 min
Brussels Living with Andrea
Andrea Bittnerova's a veteran of Brussels' event scene, having organised all sorts and scales at the Centre for European Policy Studies, and now, has decided to follow her family's footsteps into entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she has launched Living Brussels, the premier newsletter for lifestyle in Europe's capital. Join us as we unpack Brussels' event sphere, and discover new ways to unplug!
S2 · E12
March 13 · 20 min
From London to Brussels with Frank
Francesco Caracuta spent 22 years in London's sprawling innovation and AI industry, and now helps governments and companies navigate Brussels' ecosystem. Moreover, he decided to continue his family's legacy of oil production. Join us as we chat about AI, London, the role of agriculture in hedging economic risks, and how he unplugs.
S2 · E11
February 27 · 26 min
Sweet Home Europe with Nathan
Nathan Shepura, originally from Alabama USA, has been in Brussels for a decade, first in the European Parliament and now leading Inline Policy's Brussels office. But before coming to Europe, he also lived and worked in Saudi Arabia. Join us at the Stanhope Hotel as we chat transatlantic relations, crypto, and of course, how he unplugs!
S2 · E10
February 13 · 58 min
School's Out with Stephane
Stephane de Schutter left his legal career to become a high school teacher. He's a born and raised Bruxelloise, so we chatted about the impact the Belgian government's policies are having on education and the children, the political divisions in Belgium, and why chose this career shift. Of course, how he unplugs as well!
S2 · E9
January 23 · 34 min
The State of Democracy with Monica
Monica Frassoni and democracy go hand-in-hand. After a decade in the European Parliament and leading the Greens, she presides over the European Centre for Electoral Support, promoting sustainable democratic development, and the European Alliance to Save Energy, where she works on advancing energy efficiency. Join us as we unpack the EU's omnibus trains, US voting accessibility, and more, while sipping a drink.
S2 · E8
January 9 · 34 min
Down Under with Ben
Ben Cuzzupe's story takes us from Malta and Sicily to Australia and back to Europe. We chat about Australia's geopolitical conundrum between the US and China, its melting pot make-up, and the importance of public transportation. And of course, how he unplugs in Brussels.
S2 · E7
Dec 12, 2025 · 20 min
Freedom Fighting with Marco
Marco Cappato started Eumans to respond to modern-day problems which know no boundaries. Through civic participation, his organisation seeks to empower citizens; advancing abortion, rendering democracy AI-proof, and helping those suffering most relieve their pains. When not fighting for liberty, you can find him sipping a cold blanche - but how was the techno scene in the 90s? Tune in and find out!
S2 · E6
Nov 28, 2025 · 29 min
Theatre and Diplomacy with Edward
Edward McMillan decided to leave the EU institutional and diplomatic life to return and pursue his passion full-time: theatre! But what are the overlaps? And what's the scene like in Brussels? Is it better than London? We dive into these questions and more!
S2 · E5
Nov 14, 2025 · 20 min
Birds & Poetry with Emma
Emma Woodford, when she's not busy managing the day-to-day operations of the European Policy Centre, she's unplugs by writing poetry. A passion of hers, which she merges with bird watching and life. In fact, her passion started out of necessity, but quickly grew into love.
S2 · E4
Oct 24, 2025 · 32 min
RPG Cappuccinos with Alex
Alex Borum has lived many lives already - from serving his country in battle, to teaching in academia, and now bridging differences in diplomacy. We chat about his time in the Horn of Africa, coming back to Europe and starting one of the most popular LinkedIn newsletters!
S2 · E3
Oct 10, 2025 · 42 min
Bulgaria and the Euro with Chavdar
Chavdar Vlachkov Chavdar Vlachkov, a true jack of all trades, joins us to chat about what's going on in Bulgaria, and its path on joining the Euro - which it will, s tarting January 2026. We talk about media freedom, the rule of law, the unfolding water crises, and the unfortunate role the EU is playing is fueling its sprawling oligarchy. Moreover, how does he enjoy Brussels after 15 years in Europe's capital?

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