Sanna Marin’s viral dancing video sparked a global debate about misogyny, media scrutiny and the double standards faced by women in politics. But what did the controversy reveal about leadership in the public eye?

In this episode of the Talking Foreign Affairs podcast, Adil Cader speaks with the former Finland Prime Minister (2019–2023) who at the time became the youngest-ever head of government at just 34 years.

Marin reflects on leading Finland through the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the country’s decision to join NATO. She discusses resilience when the stakes are high and public scrutiny is intense.

She also revisits the dancing controversy and its wider impact on women leaders. Marin speaks about solidarity with leaders such as Jacinda Ardern and balancing political leadership with motherhood.

The conversation explores social media, online harassment and the emotional toll of constant public scrutiny. Marin also explains why protecting young people from online hostility matters.

Drawing on her book, Hope in Action: A Personal Account of Leadership and Resilience, Marin shares why hope is not simply something we feel. It is something we act on.

Listen to a candid conversation about leadership, women in politics, Finland, Ukraine, NATO, social media and the power of hope.

The ocean shaped the sound of a generation. Today, Al Jardine believes protecting it is one of the most important challenges we face.

As part of a special World Oceans Day campaign with Talking Foreign Affairs, Beach Boys founder Al Jardine joins Adil Cader for a conversation on music, surf culture, and the future of our oceans.

From the early days of California surf culture and working alongside Brian Wilson to witnessing the decline of marine ecosystems and the challenges facing the world's oceans today, Al shares never-before-heard stories about what motivated some of the biggest hit songs of a generation and why he remains passionate about protecting the ocean.

Topics include Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, surf culture, California, the Great Barrier Reef, ocean conservation, climate change, and World Oceans Day.

Is being a microstate a limitation or a hidden advantage?

As a nation of just 40,000 people, yet one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, Liechtenstein makes a compelling case that even the smallest states can think, and act, big.

In this episode, Brigitte Haas, the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, joins Adil Cader for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to lead a microstate in an increasingly complex world order.

#Leadership #Liechtenstein #BrigitteHaas #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #InternationalRelatoins #ForeignPolicy #Multilateralism #UnitedNations #ForeignAffairs

Is Swiss neutrality still real, or is it being redefined in real time?

In this episode, Adil Cader speak with Doris Leuthard who served twice as President of Switzerland, about what neutrality actually means in today’s shifting global order. And some important life lessons she has learnt from it.

From its roots after the Battle of Marignano in 1515 and formal recognition at the Congress of Vienna in 1815 , neutrality has shaped Switzerland’s identity for centuries.

But in a world marked by trade tensions, rising great power rivalry and pressure on multilateral institutions, how does Switzerland interpret neutrality today?

#Leadership #Switzerland #DorisLeuthard #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #ForeignPolicy #Diplomacy #Multilateralism #UnitedNations #PoliticalLeadership #GlobalAffairs

You may know her as Ashley from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or as a Grammy-nominated artist. But today, Tatyana Ali is here to talk about something very few people expect. In this episode, Tatyana joins Adil to share her own childbirth experience and the moment she realised she was not being listened to. What followed was not just frustrating. It was frightening. And it opened her eyes to a much bigger problem facing mothers around the world.

Across countries and health systems, women of African descent face far higher risks during pregnancy and birth. Being dismissed, ignored, or not taken seriously is part of that story. This is not rare. It is happening every day.

As part of her campaign with the UNFPA, Tatyana speaks honestly about birth trauma, medical bias, and why motherhood is still dangerous for too many women worldwide.

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How Space Became a Tool of Diplomacy

What does space exploration have to do with global diplomacy?

In this episode of Talking Foreign Affairs, host Adil Cader sits down with Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator and veteran astronaut, for a rare look into how science has shaped international cooperation at the highest levels.

From commanding shuttle missions to leading NASA during one of its most politically complex periods, Bolden reflects on how space became a channel for peacebuilding — particularly between the United States and Russia. He shares gripping stories from space and beyond, including efforts to preserve ISS cooperation even as political relations back on Earth grew tense.

This conversation unpacks the quiet power of science diplomacy, why space still matters in foreign affairs, and how global collaboration is possible even in divided times.

A must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of exploration, leadership, and diplomacy.

Tune in, share it with a friend, and explore more episodes in the Talking Foreign Affairs series — where world leaders and changemakers share the stories behind the headlines.

In this episode, former WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy joins Adil Cader for a candid conversation on why trade is about peace, power, and the planet, not just money.

From the collapse of WTO dispute mechanisms to the fragile balance between climate policy and international commerce, Lamy unpacks the future of multilateralism, the risks of nationalism, and why global trade rules need a serious reboot.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in international relations, diplomacy, climate policy, and economic justice.

#TalkingForeignAffairs #WTO #PascalLamy #GlobalTrade #ClimatePolicy #InternationalRelations #Diplomacy #Multilateralism #PeaceThroughTrade #EconomicJustice

Former WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo speaks with Adil Cader about how global trade intersects with climate action, public policy, and the power of the private sector.

They explore the broken consensus model at the WTO, how developing countries are carrying the cost of climate rules, and why private corporations might just lead the next big wave of climate action.

🎧 From WTO reform to regenerative agriculture, this episode is packed with insight on where global trade is heading and who’s shaping it.

#TalkingForeignAffairs #WTO #RobertoAzevêdo #GreenEconomy #TradeAndClimate #GlobalTrade #PrivateSectorLeadership #SustainableDevelopment #InternationalPolicy #EconomicReform

In light of Professor Joseph Nye's recent passing, Talking Foreign Affairs is spotlighting our 2021 conversation with "the architect of modern international relations".

He gave us the language of soft power and smart power — ideas that remain foundational in diplomacy today.

In a world of rising tensions and blurred alliances, Nye leaves us asking:

What kind of power will really matter in the 21st century?

We were honoured to feature his voice on the podcast.

It was fierce, it was viral and it still shakes up the internet over a decade later. 💥

The Hon Julia Gillard reflects with Adil Cader on the speech that made history, the generational divide on gender equality, and what we can all learn from the fight for inclusion and respect.

🎙️ A powerful episode on feminism, politics, and legacy, from one of the world’s most trailblazing leaders.

#TalkingForeignAffairs #JuliaGillard #MisogynySpeech #GenZ #Leadership #GlobalSouth #GenderJustice #WomenWhoLead