About Podcasts of the Forum on Central and Eastern Europe - KU Leuven
In our podcast series, produced by the Forum on Central and Eastern Europe at KU Leuven, we explore the latest academic research on the region. Through 20-minute conversations, researchers share their personal experiences from fieldwork, along with their latest findings and ideas. Tune in to hear captivating stories about politics, history, anthropology, sociology, literature, music, visual arts, and architecture.
John Beachamp on how do you preserve a sound and why does it matter
In this episode, Kris Van Heuckelom, Professor of Polish and Cultural Studies, sits down with John Beauchamp, cultural heritage researcher, broadcaster, and a recognisable voice in Poland's public soundscape.
Together, they explore the growing importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, from historic buildings to the sounds that shape collective memory. Why are contemporary societies increasingly drawn to their past? And why has cultural heritage become such a powerful source of identity and inspiration in Poland, a country that not long ago seemed eager to leave much of its history behind?
The conversation traces Poland's journey towards a more confident relationship with its heritage, examining how history, memory and culture have become meaningful resources in everyday life. They also discuss Europa Nostra, Europe's leading network of heritage organisations.
Drawing on his experience as a journalist, broadcaster and PhD researcher at the Jagiellonian University, John Beauchamp offers insights into the value of preserving sound and the stories embedded in the acoustic landscape.
21 Jul 2026
Olivera Simić on How to Understand the Intellectual Turned War Criminal Biljana Plavšić
In this episode, Peter Vermeersch, Professor of Political Studies at KU Leuven, speaks with Olivera Simić, Professor at Griffith University, about Biljana Plavšić—a respected biologist and university professor who became a senior Bosnian Serb political leader during the Bosnian War and was later convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
At the heart of the conversation is Simić's effort to gain access to Plavšić and build a relationship that led to many hours of conversations - and to the publication of her latest book, Madam War Criminal. Reflecting on this unusual encounter, Simić discusses what it means to listen to, write about, and seek to understand a perpetrator of mass violence without diminishing responsibility for their actions.
The conversation explores human complexity, asking how an accomplished intellectual became involved in a political project that led to the persecution, expulsion, and suffering of thousands.
6 Jul 2026
Katarzyna Wojnicka on How to Dismantle Patriarchy
What would it take to build a more equal society—and what role do men have in making it possible? In this episode of Studio CEE, Maryna Shevtsova of KU Leuven speaks with Katarzyna Wojnicka, sociologist and Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg, whose research explores masculinities, gender equality, and social change.
Drawing on years of work in the field, Wojnicka argues that dismantling patriarchy requires more than engaging men as allies. It demands that we place men themselves within the conversation about unequal power relations and examine how masculinity is shaped by—and helps reproduce—social hierarchies.
The discussion also turns to a distinction often overlooked in public debates: the difference between care and protection. While both may appear benevolent, Wojnicka explains how they relate to power in markedly different ways, with important implications for gender equality and social justice.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
Contact Podcasts of the Forum on Central and Eastern Europe - KU Leuven
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Podcasts of the Forum on Central and Eastern Europe - KU Leuven?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
