In this special reflective episode, I step beyond the familiar landscapes of the Balkans to the vibrant and complex South Caucasus.
Originally recorded in Tbilisi, Georgia nearly a decade ago, in 2015, this reflective and timely story explores how online radio became a revolutionary tool for connection, culture, and civil change.
Join me on the ground with media teams from Georgia, Armenia, and Abkhazia under the visionary “Radio Without Borders” project.
Hear how independent voices are harnessing digital airwaves to promote women’s rights, civil society, and even introduce the world to Georgian reggae.
Through candid conversations and powerful personal stories, you’ll meet resilient broadcasters and activists pushing back against censorship, overcoming geopolitical tension, and using media to bridge seemingly impossible divides.
🧭 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
The role of online radio in conflict zones
Women-led media innovation in the Caucasus
Georgian reggae: yes, really!
Youth media empowerment in Armenia and Azerbaijan
Why independent voices matter, then and now
Whether you’re passionate about media freedom, international collaboration, or simply want to hear stories of hope in unlikely places, this episode will leave you inspired by the power of sound and the spirit of solidarity.
🎧 Tune in—and discover the radio revolution you probably never heard about.
Update – A Year Later in Tbilisi
Since first sharing my reflections on media training in Georgia back in 2015, I’ve had the chance to find another podcast episode that was recorded during a follow-up visit in 2016, where I reconnected with some of the original participants and met new voices shaping the future of digital media across the region.
Their stories offer a raw and hopeful glimpse into grassroots media activism in the South Caucasus. I thought it only fitting to include it here as a companion to the original episode.
From Tbilisi to Baku. Stories of activism, hope, and media freedom in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Behind the Scenes Content ⬇️ (from July 2015)
🗣️ Join the Conversation:
“How do you think online radio or independent media can make a difference in regions facing conflict or limited press freedom?”
Drop me a comment on Substack, reply to this episode, or find me on YouTube.
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