Don't miss what they're talking about in the Netherlands! You may have watched all there is to watch on television and Netflix and made yourself almost cross-eyed reading news websites. You may be needing a break from conference calls and Skype group sessions as a way of communicating with the outside world. Try tuning into a local podcast!
Podcasts, based on storytelling in its truest form, bring people closer together. There are so many podcasts to choose from, completely free, in topics as diverse as you can imagine.
Here's a selection of podcasts created in the Netherlands in English, which we recommend for expats and internationals:
Dutch News is an English language podcast introducing news and current affairs in the Netherlands in English, aiming to keep everyone, particularly non-Dutch speakers, up to date on what’s happening in the Netherlands.
Listen to coronavirus updates, political debate summaries, lifestyle tips and the quirks of Dutch life. Find episodes to listen to on Soundcloud via the Dutch News website, or listen to Dutch News on Apple Podcasts.
History of the Netherlands podcast, run by the Republic of Amsterdam Radio, talks about how the country came to be the way it is today. The fact that the hosts describe Amsterdam as “the world’s most influential swamp” will give you an indication of the fun and playful tone of the podcast.
Run by Australians living in Amsterdam who also give tours on the canals, telling tales of the city, they have endless reams of insights. They chronicle different eras in Dutch history, from the Dutch Golden Age to the Second World War. Find it on the Republic of Amsterdam Radio website and listen on Apple, Stitcher, RSS or Spotify.
Broadcast Amsterdam radio station curates its best bits in the form of podcasts, from interviews with the likes of Extinction Rebellion to culinary talks and film reviews. A number of other podcasts have stemmed from Broadcast Amsterdam and continue to bring varied topics to English-speaking listeners in the Dutch capital - two are included below.
Part of broadcast Amsterdam, Amsterdam Kitchen broadcasts about recipes, cooking trends and insights, vegan cookery, chefs, wine, beer, food and drink bloggers, what it’s like to set up as a caterer and food festivals. It’s thoroughly international, with guest appearances from people from all over the world who have settled in the Netherlands to set up their food-related businesses.
Also a constituent of Broadcast Amsterdam, this is just the thing for self-confessed film buffs! On the Amsterdam Film Show, they discuss film releases in the Netherlands and worldwide, documentaries, insights from directors and other professionals from the film industry, Dutch series on Netflix, Netflix originals, movies by Dutch directors as well as international hits and unlocked treasures.
Hosted by Gaudeamus, Curious Ears is a podcast about music - and sound in general. Musicians and composers from different backgrounds give their take on music that inspires them. Gaudeamus is a Dutch music foundation that pioneers new music, and celebrates up-and-coming composers with its yearly festival.
Check out AmsterDames, where strong Amsterdam-based women are share many topics, from running successful businesses to art to activism. Get to know what women near you are doing and get inspired and empowered!
The RSH - Immigration and Relocation Services Podcast is of massive value to internationals in the Netherlands who are looking for an in-depth understanding of important official procedures and rules regarding moving to the Netherlands. Topics like the 30% tax ruling are discussed by experts in the field, who share their knowledge in a friendly and engaging way. RSH is a one-stop-shop to help you with immigration, relocation and housing.
So there you have it, a list of Dutch-based podcasts in English - and that's not even including the many music podcasts and podcasts for learning Dutch. Tune in and keep in touch with your fellow expats!