Europe on Track Podcast
During the 11th edition of Europe on Track, a podcast was created. This podcast series focuses on intersectionality and its growing importance in understanding the realities of diverse communities across Europe.
Throughout the series, María and Joe, online ambassadors for Europe on Track 11, host conversations with a wide range of experts, activists, and practitioners working in the field. Together, they explore what intersectionality means in practice, how different identities intersect to shape lived experiences, and why inclusive approaches are essential when addressing inequality and social justice. By combining expert knowledge with accessible discussions, the podcast offers listeners both theoretical insights and real-world examples. Europe on Track aims to encourage critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration by highlighting multiple perspectives and voices. Ultimately, the podcast invites listeners to reflect on their own roles in creating a more inclusive society, one that recognises, respects, and values all identities.
Episodes:
Episode #0 – Pilot episode with Yannis and Leo
In the pilot episode of the Europe On Track Podcast, hosts Joe and María interview their fellow ambassadors Yannis and Leo about the EoT11 topic: Intersecting Realities – Youth Redefining Europe’s Inclusive Civic Narrative.
Episode #1 – Board of European Student Technology (BEST)
In this episode, we have two presidents from an NGO of Board of European Student Technology (BEST), Katrijn Vandenborne and Ana Costa. Their work includes the fight against social inequalities and the amplification of diverse voices across communities. Aligned with their mission to provide inclusive education and intercultural experiences for youth, this conversation dives into the topic of intersectionality and the innovative ways NGOs are driving change across Europe. Tune in to hear how advocacy, equity, and education intersect in meaningful work that inspires a more inclusive future.
Episode #2 – Paula Bravo Sánchez
In this episode, María interviews Paula Bravo Sánchez. With a solid academic background in Health Psychology and Applied Anthropology for Development – enhanced by specialized studies in decolonial feminisms and gender in humanitarian action – Paula has dedicated her career to international cooperation since 2015. She brings extensive experience in managing projects across diverse cultural settings, having held key roles in supranational organizations and international NGOs in countries such as Jordan, Morocco, and the Dominican Republic. Her work is marked by strong organizational skills, strategic partnership development, and a focused commitment to child protection, intersectional approaches, and humanitarian response.
Episode #3 – Tamara Makoni
Today, Joe is joined by Tamara Makoni, an inclusion and culture specialist who in 2024 was named one of Europe’s leading voices on diversity, equity and inclusion. She works extensively on inclusive community building, intersectionality and gender equality, and her thought leadership has been featured by several leading publications. In 2025, Tamara published her book Women, Intersectionality and Europe, which forms the basis for this discussion.
Episode #4 – Nella Van den Brandt and Giorgio Millesimi
Today, both hosts speak with two academics from KU Leuven, Belgium, whose research ties closely to the subject of intersectionality: Nella Van den Brandt and Giorgio Millesimi. Nella is a critical researcher of gender, religion and race who earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Sciences of Cultures in 2014. She recently published a book called Religion, Gender and Race in Western European Literature and Culture and is currently conducting a research project called ‘Unequal Partners’, which focuses on the unique dynamics in the lives of interfaith couples. Giorgio is a doctoral researcher in the field of Theology and Religious Studies. His research focus is the relationship between Catholic religious identity and LGBTQ+ identities.
Episode #5 – Ariam Tesfazghi
In this episode, both hosts are honored to welcome Ariam Tesfazghi, a passionate advocate for social justice, equity, and systemic change. With a strong background in community engagement and activism, Ariam’s work centers on intersectionality and identity, bringing a unique and powerful perspective to our conversation. Her advocacy highlights the importance of accessibility and representation within broader social movements, including disability rights, racial justice, and gender equity. Ariam’s insights shed light on how overlapping identities shape lived experiences and why inclusive activism is essential for meaningful change.
Episode #6 – Mie Oestergaard
Today, Joe is joined by Mie Oestergaard, a diversity, equity and inclusion specialist who has worked with organisations like Skyscanner and Sky News. Specifically, Mie designed a TV series called Tackling Racism for Sky Sports, which started many important conversations about racism in the sporting world. Here she discusses this project, alongside her wider work.
Episode #7 – Prof. Tahir Abbas
In this episode, Maria talks to Professor Tahir Abbas discovering the impact of Islamophobia and radicalisation on intersecting identities. Tahir Abbas, FRSA, FAcSS, is Professor of Criminology and Global Justice in the Department of Society and Politics and Director of the Centre for Radicalisation, Inclusion, and Social Equity at the School of Law and Social Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK. Here he delves into how discrimination works and how it influences marginalized communities.
Episode #8 – David Ripley, Stonewater
In this episode, Joe talks to David Ripley, a representative of Stonewater. Stonewater is one of the largest providers of social housing in the UK and takes a person-centred approach to all its work by offering a variety of specialised services for minority and vulnerable groups. Here, David gives more detail on some of these services and how they intertwine with intersectionality.
