Advertise on podcast: United Citizens of Europe Podcast

In this episode, our host Luca sat down with Bogdan Bratis, founder of SasPod, a podcast production company working with brands across Europe and beyond, for the final chapter of our European Digital Sovereignty series. Bogdan takes us through his own unconventional path, from finding early fame on X Factor Romania at just seventeen, to moving to the UK and rebuilding himself from scratch, to eventually turning his audio and music production skills into a media business built for the global stage. We talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable media company in Europe today, from navigating taxes and remote team structures to staying resilient in an industry being reshaped by AI. Bogdan shares the results of his own research into fully AI-generated podcasts, why he believes the human voice and human connection remain nearly impossible to replace, and where AI genuinely earns its place as an assistant rather than a substitute in podcast production. Bogdan also reflects on why countries like Germany have quietly become podcasting powerhouses in Europe, and closes with honest, hard-won advice for young Europeans looking to start a business, a podcast, or any creative project of their own. Host of the episode: ⁠⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro⁠ Guest: Bogdan Bratis, SasPod Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode, our host Luca sat down with Andrea de Marsi, co-founder of PodSEO, to unpack how European entrepreneurs are learning to crack the podcast algorithm. Andrea takes us through why he started PodSEO and why search optimization has gone from a nice-to-have to a genuinely non-negotiable part of any podcaster's strategy, especially compared to just five years ago. We talk about the challenge of building one SEO strategy that actually works across platforms as different as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and how strong discoverability translates directly into sponsorships and revenue. Andrea also gives us a quick consultancy moment, weighing in on whether European-focused podcasts like ours face unique discoverability challenges compared to shows built around US or global topics, and points out the most common mistake established podcasters make that leaves them exposed to smaller, sharper competitors. The conversation widens out from there into the bigger European picture, from what the EU could do to make it easier for a startup in one member state to sell across all twenty seven, to whether being a European B2B tech company shapes the way you solve problems for a global market, and whether Europe has what it takes to lead in niche digital spaces rather than simply follow the US and Asian giants. Host of the episode: ⁠⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro⁠ Guest: Andrea de' Marsi, PodSEO Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode, our host Luca sat down with Christos Floros, founder of Monnett, an algorithm-free social network built entirely in Europe. Christos walks us through his unusual path from architecture to politics to building a social platform, and why he sees digital spaces as the next frontier for someone who has spent his life designing places for people to connect. We talk about why he chose to build Monnett in Luxembourg instead of Silicon Valley, why the platform deliberately rejects AI, predictive algorithms, and ad-based revenue, and how a simple, chronological, membership-funded model can still compete in 2026. Christos gets candid about the real challenges of raising capital as a European founder, the addictive design behind big tech platforms, and why he believes cognitive warfare through social media is a threat recognized even by NATO. Host of the episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Christos Floros, Monnett CEO&Founder Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode of United Citizens of Europe, our host Luca sat down with Damian Boeselager, Member of the European Parliament and co-founder of Volt Europa, for a deep dive into the future of Europe's digital sovereignty. Damian walks us through what it would actually take for the EU to free itself from technological dependence on the United States, from building sovereign cloud infrastructure to his own work pushing forward the digital euro. We talk about why Europe keeps falling behind in AI and social media innovation, what needs to change in access to venture capital and talent, and how the recent debates around the AI Act and the digital omnibus are reshaping the balance between fundamental rights and competitiveness. Damian also shares a personal take on which digital skill he thinks should be considered essential for anyone entering today's labor market, and reflects on the human transformation that will come alongside the AI revolution. A grounded and fact-based conversation about what it will take for Europe to compete on its own terms in the digital age. Host of the episode: ⁠⁠⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro⁠⁠ Guest: MEP Damian Boeselager Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

For the main Pride Month episode, our podcast host Luca sits down with Priscilla, drag queen, activist, and host of Drag Race Italia, for an open and wide-ranging conversation about what it means to be queer in Europe today. From her many years on stage to her Dragtivism Tour, Priscilla has built a political practice out of performance. In this episode, she reflects on why drag has always been more than entertainment, how living in Greece and South Africa shaped her understanding of equality across borders, and why she chooses to bring her energy to small-city Prides over major events. Luca and Priscilla go deep on the real fault lines threatening LGBTQI+ solidarity right now: the rise of LGB without the T movements, gay conservatism, and the corporate retreat from Pride sponsorships after years of rainbow-washing. They also discuss Palestine, the limits of EU institutions in protecting queer rights, and what genuine intersectionality looks like in daily life. A candid, politically grounded conversation about visibility, responsibility, and why silence always benefits those who want to take our rights away. Host of the episode: ⁠⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro⁠ Guest: Priscilla - Mariano Gallo Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this Pride Month episode, Luca sits down with scholar and LGBTQI advocate Alessandro Marcia to unpack the current landscape of LGBTQI+ rights across Europe. Alessandro breaks down why the European Commission's new LGBTQI+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 represents a step back from its bolder 2020 predecessor, what the over one million signatures on the European Citizens' Initiative against conversion practices actually achieved, and how anti-LGBTQI+ legislation has spread from isolated cases in Hungary and Poland to a growing trend across the Union. They also explore the "LGB without the T" movement and why Alessandro sees internal division as one of the most dangerous threats to LGBTQI+ rights today, the power of financial conditionality as an EU tool (with its limits) and why the fall of Orbán and the repeal of Hungary's censorship law offer real reasons for hope. Tune in to understand the complex intersections of European policy, human dignity, and what it takes to build a truly inclusive Europe for everyone. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Alessandro Marcia Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

To start Pride Month, Luca sits down with Isha, a 21-year-old Portuguese-Indian communications expert and aspiring humanitarian worker, to explore gender identity, feminism, and their deep connection to Pride Month. The conversation dives into how a simple childhood passion for playing football sparked Isha's awareness of old-fashioned gender standards and cultural stigmas within her community. Isha shares the story behind "Gen Fusion," the Spotify podcast she hosts alongside her mother, where they use literature like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's to dismantle extreme stigmas around feminism and bridge generational gaps. Together, they analyze how feminist struggles have evolved from the revolutionary, systemic fights for education and financial independence in past generations to today's focus on identity, self-reflection, and inclusive safe spaces. The discussion also tackles the vital lens of intersectionality for brown and minority women in a European context, the power and dangers of political storytelling in the TikTok era, and the essential conversations families need to have about reshaping traditional household roles. Tune in to discover why creating dialogue across generations offers a powerful beacon of hope for the future of global gender equality. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Ishaa Laximidas Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠⁠

How can Europe move toward a human-centered migration management system? In this episode, human rights expert Clara Zaffino explores the shifting landscape of EU migration policy and the role of social media advocacy in modern humanitarian efforts. We also touch on the impact of AI and biometric tools on border management, the role of Frontex and the legal concerns surrounding the outsourcing of border responsibilities to third countries. Clara explains how bottom-up policy development can transform the future of migration in Italy and across Europe and why we need a federalist approach when it comes to migration policies. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Clara Zaffino Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

What does it mean to build a life across continents, and what happens when you finally decide to return? In this episode, we sit down with digital storyteller Enrico Beyond Borders to unpack his 8-year journey living abroad. From his first steps as a European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Lithuania to speaking at the European Commission, and from working holidays in Australia to launching a freelance career in Lisbon, Enrico shares the raw, inspiring reality of a life in motion. Tune in as we discuss the power of youth mobility, the impact of digital storytelling, and the ultimate question: where is "home" after nearly a decade on the road? Whether you are dreaming of leaving or navigating the reverse culture shock of coming back, this episode is for you. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Enrico Armenia Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, Luca sits down with Alonso de Llanes, Director of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform at the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Alonso shares his journey from practicing law to leading a global initiative that translates Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical into concrete institutional change. We explore how the platform bridges the gap between theology and governance by working with dioceses, schools, and religious congregations to influence land-use and financial decisions. Alonso explains why the ecological crisis is fundamentally a human issue and how the Church provides a "moral compass" to navigate the challenges of energy poverty and climate anxiety. Tune in to learn about the interfaith effort toward stewardship and get ready for Laudato Si’ Week, which begins tomorrow. Discover how you can move from narrative to participation by selecting actions that help creation heal. #LaudatoSi #FaithInAction #Sustainability #UCoE #ClimateHope Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Alonso de Llanes Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, we sit down with JM Dieke, a London-based data analyst and fashion enthusiast who self-taught his way into the tech world. JM explores the intersection of his Afro-Italian roots and his professional life in the UK, explaining how he uses his creative background to build unique and curated data dashboards. This conversation dives into the practicalities of career pivoting, the resilience required to handle political shifts like Brexit, and the beauty of forging a hybrid identity in a globalized world. We will also touch on applying for British citizenship. You may know him from the Vabbè podcast or from his YouTube videos. He is our host’s favorite podcaster, and the enthusiasm in this episode will make it quite obvious. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: JM Dieke Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com ⁠⁠

Welcome back to a brand new season of United Citizens of Europe Podcast! For our first episode, Luca sits down with Francesca Romana D'Antuono, the Co-President of Volt Europa, to explore the evolution of pan-European politics and the future of our continent. Francesca shares her unique trajectory, moving from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to the front lines of European activism. Together, they lay out a bold roadmap for a more democratic, accountable, and inclusive Union. Francesca talks about the necessity of reform, arguing that building a grassroots, diverse political movement is the only way to ensure the EU remains effective. She emphasizes that establishing a fiscal and monetary union is a vital first step toward stability, while also tackling the modern challenges of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Throughout the discussion, she returns to a central theme: Europe is built throughout the continent with the people and will only succeed if it happens alongside them. Whether you are interested in the mechanics of EU governance or the personal journey of a leader shaping a pan-European movement, this season premiere provides a comprehensive look at the reforms needed to make the Union more citizen-centric. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Francesca Romana D'Antuono, Volt Europa Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

💘 Love Across Borders | Valentine’s Special In this Valentine’s Day episode of United Citizens of Europe, we welcome back Dr. Jupiter Wang for a thought-provoking and lively conversation on cross-border marriage and dating in the Global South. What happens when love moves across borders? How do migration, cultural expectations, gender norms, and global inequalities shape intimate relationships? And why are cross-border unions often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes? Dr. Wang helps us unpack the social, political, and emotional dimensions of international dating and marriage, offering deeper insight into the realities couples face when navigating culture, identity, opportunity, and belonging in a globalised world. Blending academic perspective with real-world dynamics, this episode challenges simplified narratives and invites listeners to rethink what love looks like in an interconnected era. Honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun — this Valentine’s special reminds us that love is never just personal; it is also shaped by the world around us. Tune in and explore what it truly means to love across borders. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Dr. Jupiter Wang Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro interviews Ken Krell, a digital nomad and founder of PrideNomad. They discuss Ken's journey as a traveler and entrepreneur, the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ digital nomads, and the importance of community and connection while traveling. Ken shares insights on navigating relationships, the creation of the Pride Nomad Index, and the impact of politics on travel. The conversation emphasizes the value of exploring offbeat destinations and the importance of being flexible and open-minded as a traveler. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Kenneth Krell, PrideNomad Follow United Citizens of Europe:  IG: ⁠@⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠  ⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠

What happens when China invests in Africa? Beyond economic growth and geopolitical influence, what happens when a Chinese worker falls in love with an Ethiopian colleague? What do everyday encounters tell us about power, culture, and globalization? In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe Podcast, we explore the human side of China–Africa relations with Dr. Wei Wang (Jupiter), postdoctoral fellow at the University of Amsterdam. Drawing on years of ethnographic research, Dr. Wang takes us beyond headlines to examine how Chinese soft power operates through culture, intimacy, labor, and creativity. We discuss cross-border marriages between Chinese men and Ethiopian women and the growing China–Africa fashion industry as a lens to understand global influence from the ground up. The conversation challenges traditional Global North / Global South narratives, highlighting China’s complex role as a rising Global South power rather than a conventional Western actor. The episode also reflects on Europe and the EU’s role in these dynamics: how China–Africa relations are perceived from Europe, what is often misunderstood, and why European audiences need new frameworks to understand global power shifts. A thought-provoking conversation for anyone interested in Chinese soft power, globalization, China–Africa relations, the Global South, fashion and culture, migration, and Europe’s place in a changing world. Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro Guest: Jupiter Wang Follow United Citizens of Europe: IG: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unitedcitizensofeurope⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠United Citizens of Europe⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.unitedcitizensofeurope.com⁠⁠⁠