Colombias civil war has claimed over 200,000 lives and has lasted over 50 years. In 2016 the largest and most prominent rebel group, (The Farc), signed a peace treaty with Juan Manuel Santos and the Colombian government. However, there are still dissident guerilla groups and resentment on how to integrate the former rebels into society. Not only is the conflict intricate and complex but the peace process has only made things tougher to swallow. Not all rebel factions and paramilitaries have turned in their weapons and with an upcoming election, Colombians couldn't be more uncertain of their future. 

What is the role of media? Has the media evolved simply to be a source of entertainment for those tired and impatient of a political system that has disenfranchised them?

Que Richard McColl. Based in Bogota, Colombia he is a freelance journalist who specializes in conflict resolution. Through his podcast, Colombia Calling, he interviews experts in the travel industry, dealing with security issues and explaining the cultural nuances of this diverse and complex land that is Colombia. Richard has written for the likes of the Daily Beast, BBC online, Wall Street Journal, CNN Traveller, and BBC Radio.

On this episode, Richard breaks down the history of the Colombia Conflict, from the many different players to the many different stories Richard covers in his podcast. We discuss Colombia's potential future with a strong younger generation disconnected from the violence of war. As well as stronger and more in-depth media coverage that Colombians never experienced before. 

You can listen to Richards podcast here and you can check out some of his writing here.

We recorded this episode via Skype in Quito, Ecuador at the IMAPQTO workspace. 

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On the Bus is a traveling podcast that bought a bus, and hit the road to meet their guests and engage in the experience with them. Brandon and Daniel are early adopters and lovers of the human experience out to share powerful conversations with unique people that are highly successful.

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