In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, we sit down with JM Dieke, a London-based data analyst and fashion enthusiast who self-taught his way into the tech world.

JM explores the intersection of his Afro-Italian roots and his professional life in the UK, explaining how he uses his creative background to build unique and curated data dashboards. This conversation dives into the practicalities of career pivoting, the resilience required to handle political shifts like Brexit, and the beauty of forging a hybrid identity in a globalized world. We will also touch on applying for British citizenship.

You may know him from the Vabbè podcast or from his YouTube videos. He is our host’s favorite podcaster, and the enthusiasm in this episode will make it quite obvious.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: JM Dieke

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Welcome back to a brand new season of United Citizens of Europe Podcast!

For our first episode, Luca sits down with Francesca Romana D'Antuono, the Co-President of Volt Europa, to explore the evolution of pan-European politics and the future of our continent.

Francesca shares her unique trajectory, moving from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to the front lines of European activism. Together, they lay out a bold roadmap for a more democratic, accountable, and inclusive Union. Francesca talks about the necessity of reform, arguing that building a grassroots, diverse political movement is the only way to ensure the EU remains effective. She emphasizes that establishing a fiscal and monetary union is a vital first step toward stability, while also tackling the modern challenges of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

Throughout the discussion, she returns to a central theme: Europe is built throughout the continent with the people and will only succeed if it happens alongside them.

Whether you are interested in the mechanics of EU governance or the personal journey of a leader shaping a pan-European movement, this season premiere provides a comprehensive look at the reforms needed to make the Union more citizen-centric.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Francesca Romana D'Antuono, Volt Europa

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💘 Love Across Borders | Valentine’s Special

In this Valentine’s Day episode of United Citizens of Europe, we welcome back Dr. Jupiter Wang for a thought-provoking and lively conversation on cross-border marriage and dating in the Global South.

What happens when love moves across borders? How do migration, cultural expectations, gender norms, and global inequalities shape intimate relationships? And why are cross-border unions often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes?

Dr. Wang helps us unpack the social, political, and emotional dimensions of international dating and marriage, offering deeper insight into the realities couples face when navigating culture, identity, opportunity, and belonging in a globalised world.

Blending academic perspective with real-world dynamics, this episode challenges simplified narratives and invites listeners to rethink what love looks like in an interconnected era.

Honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun — this Valentine’s special reminds us that love is never just personal; it is also shaped by the world around us.

Tune in and explore what it truly means to love across borders.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Dr. Jupiter Wang

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In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro interviews Ken Krell, a digital nomad and founder of PrideNomad.

They discuss Ken's journey as a traveler and entrepreneur, the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ digital nomads, and the importance of community and connection while traveling. Ken shares insights on navigating relationships, the creation of the Pride Nomad Index, and the impact of politics on travel.

The conversation emphasizes the value of exploring offbeat destinations and the importance of being flexible and open-minded as a traveler.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Kenneth Krell, PrideNomad

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What happens when China invests in Africa?

Beyond economic growth and geopolitical influence, what happens when a Chinese worker falls in love with an Ethiopian colleague? What do everyday encounters tell us about power, culture, and globalization?

In this episode of the United Citizens of Europe Podcast, we explore the human side of China–Africa relations with Dr. Wei Wang (Jupiter), postdoctoral fellow at the University of Amsterdam. Drawing on years of ethnographic research, Dr. Wang takes us beyond headlines to examine how Chinese soft power operates through culture, intimacy, labor, and creativity.

We discuss cross-border marriages between Chinese men and Ethiopian women and the growing China–Africa fashion industry as a lens to understand global influence from the ground up. The conversation challenges traditional Global North / Global South narratives, highlighting China’s complex role as a rising Global South power rather than a conventional Western actor.

The episode also reflects on Europe and the EU’s role in these dynamics: how China–Africa relations are perceived from Europe, what is often misunderstood, and why European audiences need new frameworks to understand global power shifts.

A thought-provoking conversation for anyone interested in Chinese soft power, globalization, China–Africa relations, the Global South, fashion and culture, migration, and Europe’s place in a changing world.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Jupiter Wang

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In this inspiring episode of the United Citizens of Europe podcast, host Luca De Cristofaro sits down with Kasia Kowalewska to unpack the realities of life and work inside the so-called EU bubble. With nearly a decade of experience across EU institutions, Kasia brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what it really means to build a career in Brussels.

Kasia’s journey is anything but linear. From growing up in Pomerania, Poland, to discovering a passion for the EU as her country prepared for accession, she followed opportunities that often appeared by chance — a path many newcomers to Brussels will find familiar. Her early traineeship at the European Parliament in Warsaw set her on an unexpected trajectory into the heart of the EU institutions.

Throughout the conversation, Kasia paints Brussels as a vibrant ecosystem full of opportunities, diversity, and creative energy. From NGOs and think tanks to institutions and advocacy groups, the city thrives on its unique mix of people and ideas. But Kasia also acknowledges the challenges: fast-paced work, frequent burnout, and the pressure to constantly be visible. Her advice? Stay authentic. Set your own goals. Build genuine connections instead of transactional ones.

Kasia also breaks down the myth of the EU bubble as a single, homogeneous space. In reality, it’s made up of countless micro-bubbles: communities, networks, and sectors that often never interact. For newcomers, exploring these different circles can open the door to unexpected opportunities — and a better understanding of what Brussels has to offer.

Whether you’re dreaming of a career in the EU, recently arrived in Brussels, or simply curious about how Europe’s political capital works from the inside, this episode offers valuable lessons on ambition, curiosity, and resilience.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Katarzyna Kowalewska, Unbubble

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In this episode of United Citizens of Europe, host Luca De Cristofaro speaks with MEP Lukas Sieper, one of the youngest Members of the European Parliament, about what it truly means to navigate European politics at just 28 years old. Lukas Sieper recounts the emotional rollercoaster of his election night, when uncertainty gave way to unexpected victory, revealing the unpredictability and intensity of political life. The conversation dives into the complexities of building genuine relationships in an environment where everyone arrives with ambitions and expectations. MEP Sieper reflects on how hard it can be to form real friendships in the Parliament and shares how this shapes the daily experience of young politicians eager to find their place.

The discussion also explores why so many young Europeans feel disconnected from political institutions and how a generation that increasingly identifies as European is reshaping the meaning of political engagement. Mr Sieper offers a candid look behind the scenes of parliamentary work, describing chaotic agendas and inefficient processes that young MEPs must learn to navigate quickly.

Throughout the episode, MEP Sieper’s passion for human rights comes through clearly. With a background in international law and a role in the Committee on International Trade and the LGBTQIA+ Intergroup, he explains how his academic path informs his political work and why human rights remain the unifying thread across all his efforts.

This conversation highlights the hopes, challenges, and determination of a new generation stepping into European politics. MEP Sieper’s story is a reminder of why young voices matter — and how they are already shaping the Europe of tomorrow.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: MEP Lukas Sieper

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In a world where activism, volunteering, and creative work often come with emotional and physical exhaustion, how do we stay energized without burning out? In this episode, Luca sits down with Joseph Redsure — singer-songwriter, activist, and lifelong community-builder — to explore what it truly takes to maintain energy, passion, and purpose in challenging times.

Joseph shares powerful tips that have shaped his approach to wellbeing and resilience.

Whether you’re an activist, volunteer, creative, or someone trying to stay afloat in a demanding world, this episode offers a reminder:Your energy matters: protect it, nurture it, and surround it with the right people.

🎙️ Listen now and rediscover the art of staying energized

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Joseph Redsure

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In this episode, we speak with Angelos Pastras, civil and environmental engineer and a veteran COP participant, who joins us to unpack the key outcomes of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. From the Amazon’s unprecedented role as host to the creation of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility and the agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators, Angelos explains why this year’s conference felt more urgent than ever.

We discuss the role of the EU’s leadership in climate negotiations, the commitment to triple adaptation financing, and the persistent challenges around fossil fuel phase-out, where strong language once again failed to land despite global pressure. Angelos also reflects on Europe’s evolving role in climate diplomacy and why “shared but differentiated responsibilities” must guide global action moving forward.

If you want a clear, accessible breakdown of what truly happened at COP30, this conversation is for you.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Angelos Pastras, Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum for Southeast Europe

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 #ClimateAction #COP30 #TropicalForests #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAwareness #ProtectourPlanet #ClimateCrisis #GreenFuture #EcoFriendly #Belem #ClimatePolicy #ClimateExpert #UnitedCitizensofEurope #AmazonRainforest #ClimateNegotiations #ClimateCrisis #EuropeanCitizens

In this COP30 special, Luca speaks with Paolo Destilo, climate activist representing United for Climate Justice and Debt for Climate in Belém, Brazil. Paolo shares how his journey - from Dutch-Italian student to frontline climate organizer - led him to COP30.From the sudden pavilion fire that forced thousands to evacuate, to the political tensions around the Belem Declaration on phasing out fossil fuels, Paolo gives a rare insider perspective on what’s really happening at COP30. We dive into Brazil’s complex role as host, the struggle of Indigenous communities who had to storm the venue to demand access, and the powerful People’s March that united over 35,000 people calling for climate justice and debt cancellation for the Global South.

Host of the episode: ⁠Luca P. De Cristofaro

Guest: Paolo Destilo, United for Climate Justice & Debt for Climate

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