Questonia

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to investigative journalist Holger Roonemaa, who broke the story that a lawyer hired by Estonia's Finance Minister Martin Helme to seek reparations for historical money laundering scandals had, himself, defended a company involved in money laundering.

They discuss the fallout of this scandal, its long-term repercussions, and what is likely to happen next.

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Dr. James Vaughan of Aberystwyth University. They discuss how Radio Free Europe helped Estonia and other Soviet-occupied countries regain their independence, Maris's recollections of working at the station under Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and the uncertain future for the United States Agency for Global Media under the Trump Administration. Recorded on 15 July 2020.

Music and news clips: taken from original studio recordings of Radio Free Europe, provided by Maris Hellrand.

Radio tuning sound: Creative Commons, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cowZPPHGBpA

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to Kristiina Raud, Communications Manager and board member for the Estonian LGBT Association.

They discuss the challenges that may be faced by the LGBT+ community in Estonia in the near future, those faced by young trans people, and what it was like to celebrate Pride Month in a socially-distanced world. Recorded on 1 July 2020.

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk to musician Yasmyn about her experience of being an Estonian person of colour, and there is coverage from the Black Lives Matter protest in Tallinn on 10 June. Recorded 9-10 June 2020, published 11 June 2020. Contains some strong language.

Music:

Excerpt from Last Laugh ft. Moeazy from Illusions by Yasmyn, used under licence and with permission from the artist. https://open.spotify.com/track/6inICCNw4goRA7xGA4KqIk?si=nsQM5el0TFKzsAvWRqpyMw

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand talk about education, specifically the new Estonian Interior Ministry directive that may prevent third-country nationals from coming to the country to study in higher education, and the implications of this for the country.

They also talk to schoolteacher Matthijs Quaijtaal and Tartu University student Sille Võsaste about how they have adapted to distance learning, and what the education system can learn from the developments of recent months. Recorded on 27 May 2020.

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the implications of the Emergency Law that is being heard by the Riigikogu, and talk to Madis Vasser, Advocacy Expert for the Estonian Green Movement, about the €125m government loan to Eesti Energia, the effects of oil shale mining, and renewable energy alternatives. Recorded on 13 May 2020.

Support Kuressaare Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/saarehaigla

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Stuart Garlick and Maris Hellrand discuss the relaxing of aspects of the Emergency Situation in Estonia, the gradual reopening of the major islands, and how fair the restrictions were on Hiiumaa in particular. They also hear from Trad.Attack's Sandra Vabarna on the band's new album, Make Your Move. Recorded on 29 April 2020.

Support Kuressaare Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/saarehaigla

Music:

Theme music by Kaiolyn: https://youtu.be/arD4tfzH3U0

Kuressaare advert: Serenity by JayJen [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/VhfJo-CRbkA Free Download / Stream: http://alplus.io/Serenity