The Low Countries Radio

Uncovering Amsterdam’s Queer Histories

Dutch history, as we know it, leaves a lotunsaid. The voices of women, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ communities are toooften missing from the mainstream narrative. Elyzabeth Gorman is here to changethat. A former New York theatre professional turned Amsterdam tour guide, shedigs through the city’s archives to uncover the hidden and erased stories of the past. With her company Badass Tours, she brings these powerful narratives back to life. In this podcast, Gorman takes us deep into the queer history of the Netherlands.www.the-low-countries.com/podcast

Decolonising the AfricaMuseum

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Tervuren just outside Brussels, the AfricaMuseum has long stood as a monumental symbol of Belgium’s colonial past. Founded in 1898, the museum once served as a powerful propaganda tool in the service of King Leopold II’s imperial ambitions in the Congo and Central Africa. Today, however, the institution finds itself at the centre of a very different mission: decolonisation. In this podcast, Bart Ouvry, Managing Director of the Africa Museum, speaks candidly about the challenges of leading this transformation.

The Toll Privilege: Amsterdam’s 750th Birthday in a Hidden Treasure

On a crisp October morning, history came alive under the vaulted ceilings of Amsterdam's City Archives. A modest parchment, locked away for centuries, brought us face-to-face with the city's ancient origins. Known as the Toll Exemption Privilege, this document—dated 27 October 1275—marks the very first mention of Amsterdam. In this podcast, senior curator Erik Schmitz explains the significance of the Toll Privilege, describing it as "a tangible link to the foundation and resilience of the city," that now celebrates its 750-year jubilee. www.the-low-countries.com/category/podcasts

Exploring Dutch Culture with Greg Shapiro, the American Netherlander

What is the difference between 'Dutch direct versus Midwest nice'? How do I survive the citizenship test in the Netherlands? What does the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (Act of Abjuration) have to do with the American Declaration of Independence? Why is pinda kaas not actually cheese? Is there such a thing as a single Dutch identity? Why is modern American culture more indebted to the Netherlands than we might think? Get the answers from comedian and author Greg Shapiro a.k.a. The American Netherlander a.k.a. the voice of Donald Trump in the "America First, the Netherlands Second" video. Greg shares his uniquely American insight into the Netherlands' history and culture, especially how the country relates to the United States. www.the-low-countries.com/podcast www.gregshapiro.nl photo Greg Shapiro © Adrie Mouthaan

The Curious Life of Rembrandt and His Forgotten Painter Friend Jan Lievens

They both lived during the Dutch Golden Age, grew up in Leiden, were taught by the same painter, shared a studio, received all the praise, and painted the rulers of their time. And yet, Jan Lievens is not as famous today as his friend Rembrandt. In this episode of The Low Countries Radio, we reconstruct the lives and works of these two giants of art, showing how trends and the zeitgeist can drive or hinder an artist's career, but how their legacy is bound to the whims of fate and fortune. Welcome to the world of the Dutch Masters. www.the-low-countries.com/podcast