Durada: 23 min

The Sixena murals are 12th-13th century Romanesque wall paintings from the Monastery of Santa María de Sixena in Aragon. They were moved to Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War for preservation and are currently on display at the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. On this week's podcast, we explore the ongoing debate over their place of exhibition, which highlights deeper regional and cultural tensions in Spain. Reporter Cillian Shields visits the MNAC to learn more about the history, restoration, and conservation of the frescoes. Art historian Albert Velasco explains the current controversy, and host Beth Cohen draws parallels with other relocated artworks, raising questions about the responsibility to protect cultural heritage regardless of political disputes. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Compartir és viure" - "To share is to live". It expresses the idea that sharing is an essential part of a meaningful life, fostering a sense of community and human connection.

Durada: 24 min

Catalonia frequently faces forest fires, which threaten ecosystems, wildlife and communities. This situation has been aggravated in recent years by climate change, drought and human activity, and throughout the summer months fire risk is at its peak. On this week's podcast we discover how firefighters and forest rangers use drones, AI and new technologies to prevent and control summer forest blazes. We meet David Borrell, head of the Bombers, who explains the advanced tools used for real-time monitoring and predictive analysis. Chief inspector Antoni Mur from the Agents Rurals explains the role of Catalonia's forest rangers in maintaining natural areas to reduce fire risks. Plus, reporter Oriol Escudé joins host Beth Cohen to review Catalonia's wildfire history and share this summer's fire forecast. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Qui juga amb foc, es crema" - "He who plays with fire gets burned". It's a proverb warning against taking risks or behaving recklessly.

Durada: 25 min

Raised in Catalonia to international parents, new generation migrants are a growing demographic in Catalonia, however they often navigate dual identities, balancing their family's cultural heritage with local traditions. On this week's podcast we explore the challenges faced by this significant collective and analyze how Catalonia's migration history has shaped the current social reality. Zenia Hellgren, Doctor of Sociology and a Senior Researcher at Pompeu Fabra University, discusses what identity is and how young people with a migrant background may find it hard to achieve a true sense of belonging in any one place. Plus teacher Mariona Jorba Solsona highlights the importance of education in breaking down language barriers and creating an inclusive environment which nurtures hybrid identities. This week, our Catalan phrase is "És tard i vol ploure" - "It's late and it wants to rain". It's an expression that is used when time is running out or something is too late to fix.

Durada: 26 min

Every summer, Catalonia hosts a wide range of music festivals, from large international events in Barcelona to smaller coastal concerts. On this week's podcast, we offer a guide to what's on and discuss Sónar+D, a technology festival at the forefront of musical innovation. Head of Catalan News Gerard Escaich Folch visits Primavera Sound to meet fans from around the world and find out what's so special about Catalonia's biggest summer music event. Reporter and festival fiend Cillian Shields sits down with host Beth Cohen to talk through the headline acts at festivals such as Sónar, Cruïlla and Vida. Plus we take a deep dive into Sónar+D and meet the festival's director as well as some of the researchers, musicians and performers who are exhibiting their work. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Fer ballar el cap" - "To make someone's head dance", which means to get on someone's nerves or annoy them, rather like the English expression "To make someone's head spin".

Durada: 22 min

This year, Catalonia and Japan are strengthening their ties with a yearlong celebration, including Catalan Week in Japan, taking place from May 27 to June 1 at the Universal Expo in Osaka. This week on Filling the Sink we explore the relationship between both territories and visit the Expo to find out how Catalonia is promoting its culture. Head of Catalan News Gerard Escaich Folch joins host Beth Cohen to explore the concept of the Universal Exposition and its impact on the host cities. We look back over the historical relationship between Catalonia and Japan, which dates back to the 16th century with a visit from Japanese Christian travelers Tensho Ken-oh Shisetsu dan to the Montserrat monastery. Plus we find out what's happening at the Expo and hear from some Japanese citizens celebrating Catalan culture in Osaka. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Fer-ne cinc cèntims - "To make five cents of it," which means to briefly resume something, keeping it short and sweet.

Durada: 24 min

We meet women from different backgrounds to hear their experiences of maternity and the challenges they have overcome. From raising a child with disabilities to single mothers coping alone, diverse families overcoming stigma, international mothers searching for a community and grandparents who play a key role in childcare, there is no one way to raise a family. We discover the multiple realities of contemporary maternity and gain an insider's perspective on one of life's most universal roles. Reporter Lea Beliaeva Bander joins host Beth Cohen to explore the legal framework for supporting mothers and discuss the realities of modern-day motherhood in Catalonia. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Mare només n'hi ha una" - "There is only one mother". It's a traditional expression emphasizing the irreplaceable role of a mother, however, it overlooks adoptive, LGBTQI+, and non-traditional families, where children may have more than one mother, or no mother at all.

Durada: 25 min

This week the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland. To celebrate, we look back over the history of the competition and explore Catalonia's involvement, from Catalan language entries to the stories of Catalan artists who've graced the Eurovision stage. We interview Jordi Ramos, a journalist for the Catalan radio station, Rac1, and an expert on Eurovision. Reporter Gigi Giulia catches up with Alfred García, who represented Spain in Eurovision in 2018 with the duet Tu Canción. Plus, reporter Lorcan Doherty analyzes Catalonia's push to become a member of the European Broadcasting Association and compete independently, and host Beth Cohen explores the importance of Eurovision for Catalonia's LGBTQI+ community. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Cantar com els àngels" - "To sing like the angels", a metaphor used to describe someone who sings exceptionally well, with a voice so beautiful and pure that it seems almost heavenly.

Durada: 24 min

On May 8, 1945, the second world war came to end in Europe. 80 years on, we reflect on how Catalonia was affected by the conflict and highlight the remarkable story of Neus Català, an anti-fascist resistance fighter and holocaust survivor from Tarragona. Reporters Lea Beliaeva Bander and Cillian Shields join host Beth Cohen to discuss the effects of WWII in Catalonia and discover the story of a Catalan woman who dedicated her life to fighting fascism. We meet Ricard Ribera Llorens, president of the Fundació Neus Català, who recounts Neus Català's journey from rural Catalonia to the concentration camps of Ravensbrück and Holleischen. Plus historian Dr. Alejandro Acosta analyzes the ongoing presence of fascist politics in contemporary society and the conditions which favor its' expansion. This week, our Catalan phrase is a quote from Neus Català herself: "L'única mort que em preocupa és la mort de la memòria" - "The only death which worries me is the death of memory."

Durada: 23 min

Pope Francis was known for his humility, compassion and emphasis on social justice. This week we'll be dedicating an episode of Filling the Sink to the memory of this popular spiritual leader and exploring his relationship with Catalonia. Catalan News travels to the Vatican to attend the Pope's funeral and meet some of the 250,000 mourners who have flocked to Rome to pay their last respects. We meet Míriam Díez Bosch, a journalist specializing in religion and founder director of the Blanquerna Observatory on Media, Religion and Culture in Barcelona, who analyzes the Pope's relationship with Catalonia. And reporter Gerard Escaich Folch joins host Beth Cohen to discuss the current religious panorama in Catalonia, including rapid secularization and the diversification of religious beliefs due to immigration. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Per l'amor de Déu!" - "For the love of God!", which despite its reference to the divine is used in everyday conversation to express strong emotions.

Durada: 25 min

On April 28, 2025, a massive blackout affected Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France, leaving over 50 million people without power for up to 12 hours. This week on Filling the Sink, we investigate the causes and find out how it affected people across Catalonia. Catalan News journalists Gerard Escaich Folch, Lorcan Doherty and Cillian Shields join host Beth Cohen to relive some of the darkest moments of Monday's blackout. The outage halted trains, disrupted airports, and cut telecommunications and internet services. We analyze the government response and political fallout, as well as discussing how citizens should prepare for possible future events on this scale. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Estar com un llum" - which translates as "to be like a light" and means to be unstable or even a bit crazy. It originates from the early days of electricity, when light bulbs used to flicker and fade rather than providing a constant glow.

Durada: 25 min

Sant Jordi is a Catalan cultural celebration held on April 23. It's Catalonia's Valentine's Day, and it served as the inspiration for World Book Day. Couples, friends, and families exchange gifts of roses and books, commemorating the legendary slaying of the dragon by Sant Jordi - Saint George, in English. In this week's podcast, we delve into Catalan literature and analyze its translation into English. Cillian meets Peter Bush and Laura McGloughlin, two of the most notable contemporary Catalan-to-English translators, who discuss the art of translation and reflect on some of their most iconic works. We also analyze current trends and highlight emerging voices in Catalan literature. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Un llibre és com un jardí que es porta a la butxaca," a proverb of Arabic origin that translates as "A book is like a garden carried in your pocket." Just like a garden, books are full of life and beautiful details - but small enough to carry with you wherever you go.

Durada: 19 min

At Easter time, bakery windows across Catalonia are filled with the most spectacular chocolate sculptures. These 'mones de Pasqua' are traditionally given to children by their godparents on Easter Monday, a festive day known as 'Dilluns de Pasqua' in Catalonia. Originally simple sweet breads topped with hard-boiled eggs, modern versions have evolved into elaborate chocolate creations, often shaped like animals, cartoon characters, or famous landmarks. Reporters Gigi Giulia and Lorcan Doherty visit Natcha patisserie in Barcelona, to meet manager Marta Massagué and discover this year's Easter chocolate trends. Plus, World Chocolate Master Lluc Crusellas gives us a tour of Eukarya, his chocolate workshop based in Vic, and we indulge in a tasting session of some of the best Easter eggs in Catalonia. This week our Catalan phrase is "Pensar en la mona de Pasqua", which means to think about your Easter cake and is used to describe someone who's distracted, absent-minded, or daydreaming.

Durada: 20 min

Urban farming is the practice of growing food in cities instead of in rural areas. In this week's podcast we investigate the legislation surrounding urban food production and find out how community gardening projects are benefitting residents in unexpected ways. Reporter Gigi Giulia visits two of the leading urban farms in Barcelona, The Rooftop Garden and L'Hort del Mercat, to understand how these initiatives work. Robert Strauss, an American living in Barcelona, takes us on a tour of his own thriving rooftop garden. And we go to La Rural de Collserola, a cooperative located just outside Barcelona dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Finally, host Beth Cohen examines the environmental impact of urban agriculture and questions the contamination risks involved. This week our Catalan phrase is "Qui té un hort té un tresor," which translates as "He who has a garden has a treasure". It is a positive expression for those who appreciate gardening and all the rewards it can bring.

Durada: 25 min

The term "micropobles" refers to small villages in Catalonia with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. There are more than 480 micropobles in the territory, representing nearly one-third of all Catalan municipalities, yet they are home to only 2.5% of Catalonia's population. Gigi Giulia and Lorcan Doherty join host Beth Cohen to discuss the pros and cons of country living. Joan Solà, president of the Associació de Micropobles de Catalunya, explains the importance of rural communities in preserving Catalan cultural heritage. Plus we explore some of the government initiatives which are being implemented to protect remote villages from depopulation. Whatever challenges Catalonia's micro villages may be facing, they continue to be unique places to reside for those who seek an alternative lifestyle far from the city. This week our Catalan phrase is "Fotre el camp," which is a rude expression commonly used to tell someone to go away or "get lost!" but can be translated as "go to the countryside".

Durada: 21 min

Depression is a leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, however the stigma surrounding the disease often leads patients to suffer in silence. On this week's podcast we discuss what depression is, what the major causes are and how it can be treated. Lea Beliaeva Bander talks to psychologist Dr. Gemma Parramon Puig, president of the Catalan Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health of the Catalan Medical Sciences Academy and psychiatrist at Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron Hospital. We meet some patients who are suffering with depression to hear their perspectives. Plus founder and director of Therapy in Barcelona Leigh Matthews explains how mental health issues affect the international community and where to find professional support in Catalonia. This week our Catalan phrase is "veure la llum al final del túnel," to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For any of our listeners who are struggling with depression, or supporting someone who is, we encourage you to seek help.

Durada: 25 min

Barcelona has a growing community of international residents, which for better or for worse is changing the face of the city. On this week's podcast we find out who they are, why they chose Catalonia to start a new life and what impact they are having on the city. We meet professor Brian Rosa from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, who has done specific research on the topic. Toni Coll, from the Poblenou residents' association, explains the difficulties caused by the influx of expats. And Marta Gràcia, CEO of the co-working Cloudworks, outlines the benefits that the international community bring to Barcelona, particularly from a business perspective. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Val més un veí a la porta que un parent a Mallorca," which translates as "A neighbor at the door is worth more than a relative in Mallorca." For expats, having connections locally can be more helpful than having the support of relatives who are far away.