Brussels Unplugged!

Nathan Shepura, originally from Alabama USA, has been in Brussels for a decade, first in the European Parliament and now leading Inline Policy's Brussels office. But before coming to Europe, he also lived and worked in Saudi Arabia. Join us at the Stanhope Hotel as we chat transatlantic relations, crypto, and of course, how he unplugs!

Stephane de Schutter left his legal career to become a high school teacher. He's a born and raised Bruxelloise, so we chatted about the impact the Belgian government's policies are having on education and the children, the political divisions in Belgium, and why chose this career shift. Of course, how he unplugs as well!

Monica Frassoni and democracy go hand-in-hand. After a decade in the European Parliament and leading the Greens, she presides over the European Centre for Electoral Support, promoting sustainable democratic development, and the European Alliance to Save Energy, where she works on advancing energy efficiency. Join us as we unpack the EU's omnibus trains, US voting accessibility, and more, while sipping a drink.

Ben Cuzzupe's story takes us from Malta and Sicily to Australia and back to Europe. We chat about Australia's geopolitical conundrum between the US and China, its melting pot make-up, and the importance of public transportation. And of course, how he unplugs in Brussels.

Marco Cappato started Eumans to respond to modern-day problems which know no boundaries. Through civic participation, his organisation seeks to empower citizens; advancing abortion, rendering democracy AI-proof, and helping those suffering most relieve their pains. When not fighting for liberty, you can find him sipping a cold blanche - but how was the techno scene in the 90s? Tune in and find out!

Edward McMillan decided to leave the EU institutional and diplomatic life to return and pursue his passion full-time: theatre! But what are the overlaps? And what's the scene like in Brussels? Is it better than London? We dive into these questions and more!

Emma Woodford, when she's not busy managing the day-to-day operations of the European Policy Centre, she's unplugs by writing poetry. A passion of hers, which she merges with bird watching and life. In fact, her passion started out of necessity, but quickly grew into love.

Alex Borum has lived many lives already - from serving his country in battle, to teaching in academia, and now bridging differences in diplomacy. We chat about his time in the Horn of Africa, coming back to Europe and starting one of the most popular LinkedIn newsletters!

Chavdar Vlachkov

Chavdar Vlachkov, a true jack of all trades, joins us to chat about what's going on in Bulgaria, and its path on joining the Euro - which it will, s tarting January 2026. We talk about media freedom, the rule of law, the unfolding water crises, and the unfortunate role the EU is playing is fueling its sprawling oligarchy. Moreover, how does he enjoy Brussels after 15 years in Europe's capital?

I'm joined in the European Parliament by three brave women, who risked it all to help bring change and democracy in Iran. Whilst doing so, they lost everything and had to move to Europe. We chat about this, but also what Europe could do. And no worries, the few sentences in Farsi are translated live.