Questonia

S. Garlick talks to singer-songwriter Ingrid Lukas about her new album, 'Elumeloodia'. Ingrid discusses her creative process, plus the meaning behind the pastoral, progressive new tracks.

• Music: 'Strong, Bold and Brave', 'Dignity', 'Analogue Connections', and 'Minu Tänu' by Ingrid Lukas, used under licence from the artist, courtesy of Ronin Rhythm Records.
• Listen to more on Spotify

S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the scandal involving former Riigikogu member Johanna Maria Lehtme and her charity, Slava Ukraini, plus the obstruction tactics by opposition parties that threatens the new government's agenda.

Recorded on 20 May 2023.

• DONATE to Ukrainian refugees: https://www.pagulasabi.ee/en/help-ukraine
• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

In this first edition of a new series by Questonia, S. Garlick talks to jazz pianist Britta Virves about the inspirations behind new debut solo album, 'Juniper'. Britta explains how the album channels her experiences growing up on Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, and playing with legendary jazz musicians in Sweden.

• Music: 'Downton', 'Saaremaa', and 'Interlude' by Britta Virves, used under licence from the artist, courtesy of Heartcore Records.
• Listen to more on Spotify
• Learn more about Britta

S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand analyse the coalition programme for the new government, and the tax rises announced, plus ministerial appointments, and the arrest of pro-Kremlin politician Aivo Peterson.

Recorded on 14 April 2023.

• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

It looks, as of the time of publication, as though the new Estonian government may indeed back marriage equality, having seemed against it initially, in a stunning about-turn.

S. Garlick talks to Vootele Päi, a Political Adviser to Social Democrat leader and outgoing Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets. Päi had set out the reasons why he felt Kaja Kallas's Reform Party wouldn't adopt marriage equality in the new governing coalition in an incendiary social media post, which was later reproduced by Estonian media.

Here, he explains what he feels has changed, and why, to inspire this apparent u-turn. Recorded on 6 April 2023.

• Read Vootele Päi's post here (in Estonian, link to Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/vootele.pai/posts/pfbid02BNmTMozAiWaXYpdZ2rBoejhFRzGGd9omrRipXZyXakjtg6N6rcYu6y7x4ePz8ov3l
• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

In this special interview, S. Garlick talks to Estonian e-Voting and cybersecurity expert Karoliina Ainge, who used to work on those matters for the Estonian Government, and now advises countries all over the world as part of Independent Diplomat. Karoliina explains why e-voting works, and how Estonia became the centre of NATO's cybersecurity efforts.

• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

S. Garlick and Maris Hellrand analyse the Estonian 2023 Riigikogu (parliamentary) election results, which saw Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party hold onto power, in a new liberal coalition. What does it mean for Estonia, for Ukraine, and for the far-right EKRE, who were left disappointed? Will Estonia get energy security and LGBT rights?

• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

Sascha Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to YouTuber Artjom Dmitrijev ('Dufftie') about how a younger member of the Russian minority feels about being Estonian. They also talk about Yana Toom memes, government gesture politics, and why so many Russian-speakers in Estonia are still neutral or even pro-Putin when it comes to the war in Ukraine.

• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4

Sascha Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the latest governing coalition in Estonia and its problems and challenges, plus how the moving of the Narva Tank was both a necessary step and something which highlighted tensions within Estonia. Recorded on Wednesday 7 September 2022.

• Subscribe to Questonia on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/questonia
• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4
• Ilmar Raag opinion piece (in Estonian): https://www.err.ee/1608705547/ilmar-raag-kas-riik-voib-inimestele-nende-vaateid-ette-kirjutada

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Anette Mäletjärv, one of the organisers of Tartu Pride 2022 and an activist for the Estonian LGBT Association. They talk about the changes needed in Estonian law and politics for equal rights to become a reality. Maris and Stuart also discuss the coalition government negotiations. Recorded on Monday 27 June 2022.

• Subscribe to Questonia on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/questonia
• Song: Diamond Eyes - Father [NCS Release]; music provided by NoCopyrightSounds; free Download / Stream: http://ncs.io/iFather Watch: http://youtu.be/5NTvXKUXEX4
• Estonian LGBT Association: https://www.lgbt.ee/
• Ida Raadio: https://idaidaida.net/