LW #78: Three Stars for Kārlis and News From April 24th - 30th, 2020

With Joe still on paternity leave following the birth of his new daughter, Otto and Kārlis discuss the planned end to Latvia's state of emergency in early June and other major news stories from the last two weeks. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Weather theme: Smooth Jazz (am) by Backing Track Ninja Source: https://backingtrackninja.bandcamp.com/track/smooth-jazz-am

29 Touko 202055min

Joe sits down with his fellow American-born colleagues Daira, Monika, Lauren, and Ingrida, who also taught English lessons as part of the Tava Klase educational TV channel during the COVID-19 crisis. They discuss their journeys from being born in the USA to ending up on Latvian national television, as well as their experiences initially adapting to life in Latvia. Opening music by Austra Apsīte

22 Touko 202050min

Spring 2020 takes a turn for the even more surreal, with snow blanketing much of Latvia in mid-May. Otto and Kārlis discuss the "sniegs" along with major news about regional reform, the upcoming election, and the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Weather theme: Smooth Jazz (am) by Backing Track Ninja Source: backingtrackninja.bandcamp.com/track/smo…h-jazz-am

14 Touko 20201h 1min

For our 100th uploaded episode, we are joined by Roland Abou Younes, the founder of the popular "Expats in Latvia" Facebook group where Latvia Weekly first began. Roland discusses the ups and downs of moving to Latvia, his philosophy on how to integrate into a new culture, advice for those thinking of coming to live here as well, and much more! Note — Joe apologizes for his low microphone quality at points, as his settings got messed up just before the episode began. Opening theme by Austra Apsīte

14 Touko 20201h 1min

Kārlis Otto and Joe discuss the news of the week including the planned reopening of the Baltic States' borders with one another, a runaway drone, good news for Latvian hockey fans, and the meaning of the 4th of May. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

8 Touko 20201h 11min

Joe checks in with Eastern Border podcast host Kristaps Andrejsons after a rough month involving catching coronavirus and getting his podcast temporarily shut down by trolls. They also discuss the meaning of the 1st of May in Latvia and abroad.

1 Touko 202034min

Otto and Joe are once again joined by Kārlis Streips to discuss new regulations for electric scooters, the final resolution to the Kristīne Misāne saga, more trouble for Latvian football, and the latest coronavirus-related news.

24 Huhti 20201h 19min