web02.fireside.fm Tue, 05 May 2026 12:42:40 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Eurovision Song Context - Episodes Tagged with “Eurovision Podcast” https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/tags/eurovision%20podcast Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 We start with expertise and end up in Eurovision. It’s kind of our thing. Eurovision Song Context is a monthly podcast that looks at the Eurovision Song Contest through an unexpected lens: expert insight. Each episode, a guest from a different field — psychology, fashion, politics, design, linguistics, and more — talk about their work and how it helps us understand 2–3 Eurovision entries in a whole new light. Are these songs genuinely good? So bad they’re good? Or just weirdly unforgettable? Longform episodes come out on the 12th of every month (the "douzeth"). We're where brilliant minds meet bad key changes. en-us episodic A podcast where we bring in smart people. We talk about smart things, then veer into glitter, wind machines, and geopolitics. Experts. Insight. Eurovision chaos. Bradley Dalton-Oates We start with expertise and end up in Eurovision. It’s kind of our thing. Eurovision Song Context is a monthly podcast that looks at the Eurovision Song Contest through an unexpected lens: expert insight. Each episode, a guest from a different field — psychology, fashion, politics, design, linguistics, and more — talk about their work and how it helps us understand 2–3 Eurovision entries in a whole new light. Are these songs genuinely good? So bad they’re good? Or just weirdly unforgettable? Longform episodes come out on the 12th of every month (the "douzeth"). We're where brilliant minds meet bad key changes. no Eurovision, music, expert analysis, Europe, music, arts, culture, ESC Bradley Dalton-Oates eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com Episode 85: Eurovision 2026 w Suzie: The Good, The Bad, and the Absolute Hell Not https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/85 0db1b3db-169f-4b4d-a891-0bbc95c2a139 Mon, 04 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions. We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant. If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version. 1:05:24 no <p>This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.</p> <p>We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.</p> <p>If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.</p> <p>🎵 Songs Covered<br> Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro<br> Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón<br> Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah<br> Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi<br> Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla<br> Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó<br> Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja<br> Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels<br> Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson<br> San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)<br> United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle<br> Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar<br> Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios<br> Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund<br> Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius &amp; Pete Parkkonen<br> France – “Regarde !” by Monroe </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest 2026, ESC 2026, Eurovision songs, Eurovision entries, Eurovision review, Eurovision reactions, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision rankings, Eurovision favorites, Eurovision flops, Eurovision guilty pleasures, Eurovision commentary, Veronica Fusaro Alice, Simón Paloma Rumba, Lion Ceccah Solo Quiero Más, Satoshi Viva Moldova, Essyla Dancing on the Ice, Cosmo Tanzschein, Vanilla Ninja Too Epic to Be True, Sarah Engels Fire, Felicia My System, Senhit Superstar, Boy George Eurovision, Look Mum No Computer Eins Zwei Drei, Aidan Bella, Akylas Ferto, Soren Torpegaard Lund, Linda Lampenius Liekinheitin, Monroe Regarde This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.

We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.

If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.

🎵 Songs Covered
Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro
Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón
Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah
Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi
Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla
Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó
Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja
Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels
Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson
San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)
United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle
Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar
Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios
Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund
Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen
France – “Regarde !” by Monroe

]]> This week’s episode is a late-night Eurovision catch-up with Suzie from Euro Riffs, as we go through this year’s entries with zero structure and very strong opinions.

We cover the songs we love, the ones that might grow on us, and the ones that absolutely should not be anywhere near the final. Along the way: Switzerland’s “too good for Eurovision” moment, Moldova doing what Moldova always does, staging worries, guilty pleasures, and one entry that sparks a full-on rant.

If you’ve been listening to the 2026 lineup and trying to figure out what actually works, this is the unfiltered version.

🎵 Songs Covered
Switzerland – “Alice” by Veronica Fusaro
Armenia – “Paloma Rumba” by Simón
Lithuania – “Sólo quiero más” by Lion Ceccah
Moldova – “Viva, Moldova!” by Satoshi
Belgium – “Dancing on the Ice” by Essyla
Austria – “Tanzschein” by Cosmó
Estonia – “Too Epic to Be True” by Vanilla Ninja
Germany – “Fire” by Sarah Engels
Sweden – “My System” by Felicia Eriksson
San Marino – “Superstar” by Senhit (feat. Boy George)
United Kingdom – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by Sam Battle
Malta – “Bella” by Aidan Cassar
Greece – “Ferto” by Akylas Mytilinaios
Denmark – “Før vi går hjem” by Søren Torpegaard Lund
Finland – “Liekinheitin” by Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen
France – “Regarde !” by Monroe

]]> Episode 84: Eurovision 2026: This Feels Off- with Mark Bowden https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/84 455f520a-0b7f-4494-82a2-e5149000b1b5 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates Bradley is joined by Mark Bowden to break down key Eurovision 2026 entries through a body language lens. Together, they analyze the UK’s “Look Mum No Computer,” Senhit’s star-powered “Superstar” (and whether bringing in Boy George can succeed where Flo Rida didn’t), and the current front-runners from France and Finland. They explore what performers signal on stage, why some acts connect instantly, and how confidence, authenticity, and staging can make or break a result. 1:08:51 no <p>Episode References</p> <p>United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8</a></p> <p>San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg</a></p> <p>San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg</a></p> <p>Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718</a></p> <p>France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ</a></p> <p>Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q</a></p> <p>Eurovision Odds:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision</a></p> <p>Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a></p> <p>Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4</a></p> <p>Boy George Interview:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&amp;t=13s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&amp;amp;t=13s</a></p> <p>Mark Bowden</p> <p>Official site:<br> <a href="https://truthplane.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://truthplane.com/</a></p> <p>Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking<br> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&amp;qid=1776132760&amp;sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&amp;amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&amp;amp;dib_tag=se&amp;amp;keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&amp;amp;qid=1776132760&amp;amp;sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&amp;amp;sr=8-1</a> </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision performance, Eurovision staging, Eurovision body language, body language in performance, nonverbal communication, Mark Bowden, human behavior, reading people, stage presence, performance psychology, audience perception, jury vs televote, Eurovision predictions, Eurovision insights, why performances succeed, live performance analysis, communication and behavior, signals and perception, Eurovision contestants 2026 Episode References

United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8

San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718

France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ

Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q

Eurovision Odds:
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision

Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2

Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4

Boy George Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&t=13s

Mark Bowden

Official site:
https://truthplane.com/

Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&qid=1776132760&sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

]]> Episode References

United Kingdom – Look Mum No Computer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niMKvJ-Itq8

San Marino – Senhit (Adrenalina, Live 2021):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

San Marino – Senhit ‘Superstar’ (National Performance 2026):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQe-fQSFxg

Boy George – ‘Miss Me Blind’ (see approx. 1:07:12):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDWe3xS718

France – Monroe ‘Regarde !’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujoCYrvvTYQ

Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen ‘Liekinheitin’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfwNIYb96Q

Eurovision Odds:
https://eurovisionworld.com/odds/eurovision

Episode 66, Mark talks ESC 2025:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2

Episodes 38/19, Mark talks ESC 2024:
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=4

Boy George Interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EgT39WsFf0&t=13s

Mark Bowden

Official site:
https://truthplane.com/

Mark's Truth and Lies: What People Are Really Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Lies-People-Really-Thinking-ebook/dp/B072L52J3D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W19IBJF1NRZK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gg3FDkL8MMtgU7OW_-lBvDDi4pT47WY8dCZwgx1HxlIb5pGIsIFV6tA1NDyswSQia-F94q14CLEsOAH839MdIPI9eRDgDHanfTYk6oaLjTM.Ziln-trJvfT61cPzwGZwpGvG5g-3iAzjXHn8W6v3CsI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lies&qid=1776132760&sprefix=mark+bowden+book%2C+truth+and+lie%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

]]> Episode 83: Love It or Side Eye: Eurovision 2026 Breakdown with Russ https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/83 90df2dc7-4558-4379-9ead-5db2fd8fb12a Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates In this episode, Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to go song-by-song through the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. With minimal editing and maximum honesty, they react to this year’s entries using their “love it, hate it, or side eye” framework. They discuss standout tracks like Greece’s “Ferto,” question whether big ballads like Australia’s “Eclipse” can land, and debate which songs risk being repetitive, forgettable, or carried entirely by staging. Along the way, they get into jury vs televote dynamics, qualification chances, and why some entries feel unmistakably Eurovision, while others could come from anywhere. Early predictions, strong opinions, and a few disagreements included. 1:12:19 no <p>Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.</p> <p>Songs:</p> <p>Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender<br> Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year<br> Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify<br> The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging<br> Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere<br> Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through</p> <p>Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.</p> <p>🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode</p> <p>Sarah Engels – “Fire”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇫🇷 France<br> Monroe – “Regarde !”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇨🇾 Cyprus<br> Antigoni – “Jalla”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇧🇬 Bulgaria<br> Dara – “Bangaranga”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga</a><br> 🇫🇮 Finland<br> Linda Lampenius &amp; Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026</a><br> 🇺🇦 Ukraine<br> Leléka – “Ridnym”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym</a><br> 🇵🇹 Portugal<br> Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa</a><br> 🇬🇧 United Kingdom<br> Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei</a> </p> Eurovision 2026, Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision review, Eurovision reactions, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs 2026, Eurovision favorites, Eurovision predictions, Eurovision semi final, Eurovision final, Eurovision staging, Eurovision jury vs televote, Akylas Ferto, Greece Eurovision 2026, Delta Goodrem Eclipse, Australia Eurovision 2026, Vanilla Ninja Too Epic to Be True, Estonia Eurovision 2026, Jonas Lovv Ya Ya Ya, Norway Eurovision 2026, Simon Paloma Rumba, Armenia Eurovision 2026, Alexandra Capitanescu Choke Me, Romania Eurovision 2026, Felicia My System, Sweden Eurovision 2026, Sarah Engels Fire, Germany Eurovision 2026, Monroe Regarde, France Eurovision 2026, Antigoni Jalla, Cyprus Eurovision 2026, Dara Bangaranga, Bulgaria Eurovision 2026, Liekinheitin Finland Eurovision, Leleka Ridnym, Ukraine Eurovision 2026, Bandidos do Cante Rosa, Portugal Eurovision 2026, Look Mum No Computer Eins Zwei Drei, United Kingdom Eurovision 2026 Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.

Songs:

Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender
Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year
Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify
The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging
Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere
Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through

Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.

🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode

Sarah Engels – “Fire”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026
🇫🇷 France
Monroe – “Regarde !”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Antigoni – “Jalla”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Dara – “Bangaranga”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga
🇫🇮 Finland
Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Leléka – “Ridnym”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym
🇵🇹 Portugal
Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei

]]> Bradley is joined by Russ from EuroRiffs to break down the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 lineup. No fluff, no over-editing, just real reactions.

Songs:

Why Greece’s “Ferto” (Akylas) is a top contender
Mixed reactions to Australia’s Delta Goodrem and big ballads this year
Whether songs like Estonia, Norway, and Armenia have enough to qualify
The ongoing debate around lyrics vs performance vs staging
Why some entries feel “very Eurovision”… and others feel like they could come from anywhere
Which songs risk getting lost in the semi-finals—and which might sneak through

Plus: staging worries, jury vs televote dynamics, and early predictions for who could land top 5—or miss the final entirely.

🎵 Songs Covered in This Episode

Sarah Engels – “Fire”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sarah+Engels+Fire+Eurovision+2026
🇫🇷 France
Monroe – “Regarde !”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Monroe+Regarde+Eurovision+2026
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Antigoni – “Jalla”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Antigoni+Jalla+Eurovision+2026
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Dara – “Bangaranga”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dara+Bangaranga
🇫🇮 Finland
Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Liekinheitin+Eurovision+2026
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Leléka – “Ridnym”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Leleka+Ridnym
🇵🇹 Portugal
Bandidos do Cante – “Rosa”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bandidos+do+Cante+Rosa
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Look+Mum+No+Computer+Eins+Zwei+Drei

]]> Episode 82: Festival da Canção / SAMAs 2026: Double Sleepy or Deeply Portuguese? with Sheldon Rocha Leal https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/82 62747d66-26cc-4352-a000-a76fe9c99c2c Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates As part of their Eurovision coverage of national finals, Bradley and Sheldon turn to Festival da Canção 2026, breaking down the winner and standout entries including: Napa – Rosa Denise Motta – Juré Sandrino – Disposto a Tudo João Ribeiro – Canção Silvana Peres – Não Tem Fim Nunca Mates o Mandarim – Fumo Inês Souza – Um Filme ao Contrário They explore Portugal’s selection, questioning whether authenticity alone is enough to succeed at Eurovision, and unpack recurring themes of nostalgia, restraint, and cultural identity—along with a few pointed critiques of a notably subdued year. The episode then expands beyond Europe into the South African Music Awards (SAMAs)—with Sheldon bringing first-hand insight as a SAMA jury member. He explains how judging works, how it compares to the Grammys, and what defines success in the South African music industry. Along the way, they explore amapiano, global music trends, and the challenge of translating local sound to an international audience. Listen first: We recommend listening to the songs using the link before this episode—then come back for the discussion. 1:34:12 no <p>Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs<br> FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026</a></p> <p>NAPA ROSA<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao</a></p> <p>DENISE MOTTA JURE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure</a></p> <p>SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo</a></p> <p>JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao</a></p> <p>SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim</a></p> <p>NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo</a></p> <p>INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario</a></p> <p>SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA</p> <p>KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo</a></p> <p>ZAHARA LOLIWE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe</a></p> <p>MAFIKIZOLO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo</a></p> <p>TYLA WATER<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water</a></p> <p>BEATENBERG<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s</a></p> <hr> <p>Loved Sheldon on this episode?<br> Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:</p> <p>• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 65: (follow-up episode)<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a><br> • Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a></p> Sanremo 2026, Festival da Canção 2026, Eurovision 2026, national finals, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs, Eurovision review, European music, international music, Portugal music, Italian music, South African music, SAMAs, South African Music Awards, amapiano, fado, folk music, world music, pop music, music industry, music awards, music commentary, song analysis, music podcast, Eurovision fans, Eurovision community Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs
FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026

NAPA ROSA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao

DENISE MOTTA JURE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure

SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo

JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao

SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim

NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo

INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario

SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA

KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo

ZAHARA LOLIWE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe

MAFIKIZOLO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo

TYLA WATER
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water

BEATENBERG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

]]> Episode Links - Festival da Canção / SAMAs
FESTIVAL DA CANCAO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Festival+da+Cancao+2026

NAPA ROSA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Napa+Rosa+Festival+da+Cancao

DENISE MOTTA JURE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Denise+Motta+Jure

SANDRINO DISPOSTO A TUDO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sandrino+Disposto+a+Tudo

JOAO RIBEIRO CANCAO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joao+Ribeiro+Cancao

SILVANA PERES NAO TEM FIM
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Silvana+Peres+Nao+Tem+Fim

NUNCA MATES O MANDARIM FUMO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nunca+Mates+o+Mandarim+Fumo

INES SOUZA UM FILME AO CONTRARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ines+Souza+Um+Filme+ao+Contrario

SAMAs / SOUTH AFRICA

KABZA DE SMALL IMITANDAZO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kabza+De+Small+Imithandazo

ZAHARA LOLIWE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Zahara+Loliwe

MAFIKIZOLO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mafikizolo

TYLA WATER
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Tyla+Water

BEATENBERG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FavE84Mmc7s

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

]]> Episode 81: SanRemo 2026: Old-Old vs Young-Old with Sheldon Rocha Leal https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/81 00baa69a-c544-4df5-9b0f-249dfe9be8f0 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates Bradley and Sheldon break down Sanremo 2026, diving into the winner Sal Da Vinci – Per Sempre, alongside standout and controversial entries including: Fulminacci – Stupida Sfortuna Arisa – Magica Favola Fedez & Marco Masini – Male Necessario Serena Brancale – Qui Con Me J-Ax – Italia Starter Pack Ditonellapiaga – Che Fastidio They unpack what worked, what didn’t, and what this year’s more subdued, introspective Sanremo says about Italy’s musical direction—and its Eurovision chances. Along the way: a debate on what it means to be “young-old” vs “old-old”, whether a song can feel too authentically Italian, and how a single performance can spiral from romantic to… slightly alarming. Listen first: We strongly recommend listening to the songs before this episode (see shownotes), then come back for the analysis. 1:26:01 no <p>Podcast Show Notes - Links<br> SANREMO 2026<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sanremo+2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sanremo+2026</a></p> <p>SAL DA VINCI PER SEMPRE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sal+Da+Vinci+Per+Sempre" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sal+Da+Vinci+Per+Sempre</a></p> <p>FULMINACCI STUPIDA SFORTUNA<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fulminacci+Stupida+Sfortuna" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fulminacci+Stupida+Sfortuna</a></p> <p>ARISA MAGICA FAVOLA<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Arisa+Magica+Favola" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Arisa+Magica+Favola</a></p> <p>FEDEZ MARCO MASINI MALE NECESSARIO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fedez+Marco+Masini+Male+Necessario" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fedez+Marco+Masini+Male+Necessario</a></p> <p>SERENA BRANCALE QUI CON ME<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Serena+Brancale+Qui+Con+Me" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Serena+Brancale+Qui+Con+Me</a></p> <p>J AX ITALIA STARTER PACK<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=J+Ax+Italia+Starter+Pack" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=J+Ax+Italia+Starter+Pack</a></p> <p>DITONELLAPIAGA CHE FASTIDIO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ditonellapiaga+Che+Fastidio" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ditonellapiaga+Che+Fastidio</a></p> <p>JONI MITCHELL BOTH SIDES NOW LIVE<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joni+Mitchell+Both+Sides+Now+live" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joni+Mitchell+Both+Sides+Now+live</a></p> <p>WE ARE THE WORLD DOCUMENTARY<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=We+Are+The+World+documentary" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=We+Are+The+World+documentary</a></p> <p>CELINE DION IF YOU ASKED ME TO<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Celine+Dion+If+You+Asked+Me+To" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Celine+Dion+If+You+Asked+Me+To</a></p> <p>WHITNEY HOUSTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Whitney+Houston+I+Will+Always+Love+You" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Whitney+Houston+I+Will+Always+Love+You</a></p> <p>DOLLY PARTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dolly+Parton+I+Will+Always+Love+You" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dolly+Parton+I+Will+Always+Love+You</a></p> <p>Loved Sheldon on this episode?<br> Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:</p> <p>• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 65: (follow-up episode)<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2</a><br> • Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a><br> • Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli<br> <a href="https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3</a></p> Sanremo 2026, Sanremo review, Sanremo songs, Sanremo winner, Italian music festival, Eurovision Italy 2026, Italy Eurovision entry, Eurovision national finals, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs, Eurovision review, Italian music, Italian pop music, Italian ballads, European music, music podcast, song analysis, music commentary, festival music, live music competition, televote jury, music trends, pop music, world music, Eurovision fans, Eurovision community Podcast Show Notes - Links
SANREMO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sanremo+2026

SAL DA VINCI PER SEMPRE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sal+Da+Vinci+Per+Sempre

FULMINACCI STUPIDA SFORTUNA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fulminacci+Stupida+Sfortuna

ARISA MAGICA FAVOLA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Arisa+Magica+Favola

FEDEZ MARCO MASINI MALE NECESSARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fedez+Marco+Masini+Male+Necessario

SERENA BRANCALE QUI CON ME
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Serena+Brancale+Qui+Con+Me

J AX ITALIA STARTER PACK
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=J+Ax+Italia+Starter+Pack

DITONELLAPIAGA CHE FASTIDIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ditonellapiaga+Che+Fastidio

JONI MITCHELL BOTH SIDES NOW LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joni+Mitchell+Both+Sides+Now+live

WE ARE THE WORLD DOCUMENTARY
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=We+Are+The+World+documentary

CELINE DION IF YOU ASKED ME TO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Celine+Dion+If+You+Asked+Me+To

WHITNEY HOUSTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Whitney+Houston+I+Will+Always+Love+You

DOLLY PARTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dolly+Parton+I+Will+Always+Love+You

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

]]> Podcast Show Notes - Links
SANREMO 2026
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sanremo+2026

SAL DA VINCI PER SEMPRE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sal+Da+Vinci+Per+Sempre

FULMINACCI STUPIDA SFORTUNA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fulminacci+Stupida+Sfortuna

ARISA MAGICA FAVOLA
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Arisa+Magica+Favola

FEDEZ MARCO MASINI MALE NECESSARIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fedez+Marco+Masini+Male+Necessario

SERENA BRANCALE QUI CON ME
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Serena+Brancale+Qui+Con+Me

J AX ITALIA STARTER PACK
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=J+Ax+Italia+Starter+Pack

DITONELLAPIAGA CHE FASTIDIO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ditonellapiaga+Che+Fastidio

JONI MITCHELL BOTH SIDES NOW LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Joni+Mitchell+Both+Sides+Now+live

WE ARE THE WORLD DOCUMENTARY
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=We+Are+The+World+documentary

CELINE DION IF YOU ASKED ME TO
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Celine+Dion+If+You+Asked+Me+To

WHITNEY HOUSTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Whitney+Houston+I+Will+Always+Love+You

DOLLY PARTON I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Dolly+Parton+I+Will+Always+Love+You

Loved Sheldon on this episode?
Dive into his past appearances on Eurovision Song Context:

• Episode 64: Bonus: Eurovision 2025 Sanremo / Festival da Canção
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 65: (follow-up episode)
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=2
• Episode 49: (Part 1) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3
• Episode 50: (Part 2) Milli Vanilli
https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/?page=3

]]> Episode 77: [Bonus Content] The JESC Holiday Party Episode, Featuring Very Questionable Gifts https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/77 e72a1502-bcf4-4345-8aca-9bbc453ce980 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates n this special holiday edition of Eurovision Song Context, Bradley gathers a spirited panel of Eurovision aficionados—including Jody, Mies, Mike from The EuroWhat Podcast, Sheldon, and Russ—for a chaotic, cozy, laughter-filled deep dive into Junior Eurovision 2024. Together they break down standout entries from Georgia to San Marino, debate what JESC should be, mourn the unfolding drama in “grown-up” Eurovision, and exchange an unforgettable round of white-elephant gifts ranging from Rolexes to psychedelic Conchita kaftans. Part party, part analysis, part therapy session for Eurovision fans everywhere—this is your festive escape into glitter, culture, and sheer Eurovision joy. 1:27:00 no <p>Welcome to our Holiday Bonus Episode of Eurovision Song Context!<br> This festive special brings together Jody, Mies, Mike from The EuroWhat Podcast, Sheldon, and Russ for a joyful, chaotic, deeply unserious dive into Junior Eurovision 2024—complete with our annual white elephant gift exchange.</p> <p>We break down standout JESC entries, talk about the unfolding drama in adult Eurovision, debate whether kids should be belting for three minutes straight, and unwrap some of the strangest “gifts” ever assembled: cattle-prod wearables, psychedelic Conchita dresses, velvet lions, Eurovision trading cards, milkshake gear, and more.</p> <p>Cozy, nerdy, unhinged, and entirely festive.</p> <p>🎶 Watch All Junior Eurovision 2024 Videos</p> <p>All JESC songs and the JESC show on the big night can be found here:<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@junioreurovision/videos" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/@junioreurovision/videos</a></p> <p>🎁 White Elephant Gift Album (All Fake Gifts)</p> <p>View every gift we exchanged during the episode here:<br> <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jKv-wGWDHk4T2ZwX69YHu-wIZh0qoXRA?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jKv-wGWDHk4T2ZwX69YHu-wIZh0qoXRA?usp=sharing</a></p> <p>🗣️ Guests &amp; Where to Find Them</p> <p>Mike (The EuroWhat Podcast)<br> Website: <a href="https://eurowhat.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://eurowhat.com</a><br> Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/eurowhat" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.patreon.com/eurowhat</a></p> <p>Sheldon<br> Music industry commentary &amp; writing on Medium:<br> <a href="https://medium.com/@sheldon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://medium.com/@sheldon</a></p> <p>Jody, Mies, and Russ<br> Eurovision superfans, returning guests, volunteers, and the backbone of our annual chaos.</p> <p>🇿🇦 South African Music Awards (SAMAs)</p> <p>Sheldon will be presenting at this year's South African Music Awards — South Africa’s equivalent of the Grammys.</p> <p>Official SAMA website:<br> <a href="https://samusicawards.co.za" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://samusicawards.co.za</a></p> <p>South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the network airing the ceremony:<br> <a href="https://www.sabc.co.za" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.sabc.co.za</a></p> <p>A streaming link will be added if/when it becomes available.</p> <p>📌 Episode Highlights</p> <p>Opening discussion: Eurovision countries withdrawing</p> <p>What is Junior Eurovision supposed to be?</p> <p>Which kids scream unnecessarily (a scientific inquiry)</p> <p>Cultural representation &amp; language politics in JESC</p> <p>Predictions for winners, jury favorites &amp; staging</p> <p>National selections we’re excited for (Sanremo, Sweden, Serbia, Spain)</p> <p>The annual White Elephant Gift Exchange — truly unhinged</p> <p>🙏 Support the Pod</p> <p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating to help more ESC fans find us. </p> Eurovision, Junior Eurovision, JESC 2024, holiday special, white elephant, secret santa, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision fans, song review, Europe music, holiday episode, podcast roundtable, JESC review, festive episode, Eurovision Song Context, euro culture, music commentary, panel discussion Welcome to our Holiday Bonus Episode of Eurovision Song Context!
This festive special brings together Jody, Mies, Mike from The EuroWhat Podcast, Sheldon, and Russ for a joyful, chaotic, deeply unserious dive into Junior Eurovision 2024—complete with our annual white elephant gift exchange.

We break down standout JESC entries, talk about the unfolding drama in adult Eurovision, debate whether kids should be belting for three minutes straight, and unwrap some of the strangest “gifts” ever assembled: cattle-prod wearables, psychedelic Conchita dresses, velvet lions, Eurovision trading cards, milkshake gear, and more.

Cozy, nerdy, unhinged, and entirely festive.

🎶 Watch All Junior Eurovision 2024 Videos

All JESC songs and the JESC show on the big night can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/@junioreurovision/videos

🎁 White Elephant Gift Album (All Fake Gifts)

View every gift we exchanged during the episode here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jKv-wGWDHk4T2ZwX69YHu-wIZh0qoXRA?usp=sharing

🗣️ Guests & Where to Find Them

Mike (The EuroWhat Podcast)
Website: https://eurowhat.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eurowhat

Sheldon
Music industry commentary & writing on Medium:
https://medium.com/@sheldon

Jody, Mies, and Russ
Eurovision superfans, returning guests, volunteers, and the backbone of our annual chaos.

🇿🇦 South African Music Awards (SAMAs)

Sheldon will be presenting at this year's South African Music Awards — South Africa’s equivalent of the Grammys.

Official SAMA website:
https://samusicawards.co.za

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the network airing the ceremony:
https://www.sabc.co.za

A streaming link will be added if/when it becomes available.

📌 Episode Highlights

Opening discussion: Eurovision countries withdrawing

What is Junior Eurovision supposed to be?

Which kids scream unnecessarily (a scientific inquiry)

Cultural representation & language politics in JESC

Predictions for winners, jury favorites & staging

National selections we’re excited for (Sanremo, Sweden, Serbia, Spain)

The annual White Elephant Gift Exchange — truly unhinged

🙏 Support the Pod

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating to help more ESC fans find us.

]]> Welcome to our Holiday Bonus Episode of Eurovision Song Context!
This festive special brings together Jody, Mies, Mike from The EuroWhat Podcast, Sheldon, and Russ for a joyful, chaotic, deeply unserious dive into Junior Eurovision 2024—complete with our annual white elephant gift exchange.

We break down standout JESC entries, talk about the unfolding drama in adult Eurovision, debate whether kids should be belting for three minutes straight, and unwrap some of the strangest “gifts” ever assembled: cattle-prod wearables, psychedelic Conchita dresses, velvet lions, Eurovision trading cards, milkshake gear, and more.

Cozy, nerdy, unhinged, and entirely festive.

🎶 Watch All Junior Eurovision 2024 Videos

All JESC songs and the JESC show on the big night can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/@junioreurovision/videos

🎁 White Elephant Gift Album (All Fake Gifts)

View every gift we exchanged during the episode here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jKv-wGWDHk4T2ZwX69YHu-wIZh0qoXRA?usp=sharing

🗣️ Guests & Where to Find Them

Mike (The EuroWhat Podcast)
Website: https://eurowhat.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eurowhat

Sheldon
Music industry commentary & writing on Medium:
https://medium.com/@sheldon

Jody, Mies, and Russ
Eurovision superfans, returning guests, volunteers, and the backbone of our annual chaos.

🇿🇦 South African Music Awards (SAMAs)

Sheldon will be presenting at this year's South African Music Awards — South Africa’s equivalent of the Grammys.

Official SAMA website:
https://samusicawards.co.za

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the network airing the ceremony:
https://www.sabc.co.za

A streaming link will be added if/when it becomes available.

📌 Episode Highlights

Opening discussion: Eurovision countries withdrawing

What is Junior Eurovision supposed to be?

Which kids scream unnecessarily (a scientific inquiry)

Cultural representation & language politics in JESC

Predictions for winners, jury favorites & staging

National selections we’re excited for (Sanremo, Sweden, Serbia, Spain)

The annual White Elephant Gift Exchange — truly unhinged

🙏 Support the Pod

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating to help more ESC fans find us.

]]> Episode 75: (Part 2) Eurovision: When Life Drops a Plot Twist https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/75 eb047707-e2b2-4458-a889-8c29fe137240 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates In this episode we talk with Sheldon about his Journeys I–III essays, identity, alienation, and what it means to belong. We move into a conversation about cancer, resilience, and the books we’re both reading right now — Let Them and Open When. Then we build a Eurovision-powered playlist designed for life’s hardest emotional moments. 1:13:55 no <p>Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes</p> <p>Sheldon’s Journey Articles<br> The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d</a></p> <p>The Journey II – Dec 2023:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc</a></p> <p>The Journey III – Jan 2025:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc</a></p> <hr> <p>PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)</p> <p>A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself</p> <p>The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8</a></p> <p>Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A</a></p> <p>Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE</a></p> <p>KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs</a></p> <hr> <p>B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People</p> <p>Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M</a></p> <p>Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8</a></p> <p>Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8</a></p> <p>Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg</a></p> <hr> <p>C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings</p> <p>Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM</a></p> <p>The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ</a></p> <p>S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk</a></p> <p>Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798</a></p> <p>Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8</a></p> <hr> <p>Bonus Songs Discussed</p> <p>Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)<br> <a href="https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX</a></p> <p>Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)<br> <a href="https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG</a></p> <p>my email: <a href="mailto:eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com</a> </p> Eurovision, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs, Salvador Sobral, S10, KEiiNO, Konstrakta, Loïc Nottet, Michael Schulte, Cesár Sampson, Brotherhood of Man, identity, alienation, feeling displaced, cultural identity, left-handedness, marginalization, music and emotion, comfort songs, resilience, cancer journey, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, creativity, songwriting, music critique, dark humor, candid conversation Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes

Sheldon’s Journey Articles
The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d

The Journey II – Dec 2023:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc

The Journey III – Jan 2025:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc

PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)

A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself

The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8

Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A

Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE

KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People

Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M

Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8

Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8

Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg

C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings

Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM

The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ

S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk

Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798

Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8

Bonus Songs Discussed

Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)
https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX

Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)
https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG

my email: eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com

]]> Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes

Sheldon’s Journey Articles
The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d

The Journey II – Dec 2023:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc

The Journey III – Jan 2025:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc

PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)

A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself

The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8

Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A

Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE

KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People

Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M

Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8

Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8

Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg

C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings

Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM

The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ

S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk

Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798

Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8

Bonus Songs Discussed

Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)
https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX

Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)
https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG

my email: eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com

]]> Episode 76: (Part 1) Eurovision: When Life Drops a Plot Twist https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/76 e61b5415-94c2-413a-82f2-f4a844e14c1a Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates In this episode we talk with Sheldon about his Journeys I–III essays, identity, alienation, and what it means to belong. We move into a conversation about cancer, resilience, and the books we’re both reading right now — Let Them and Open When. Then we build a Eurovision-powered playlist designed for life’s hardest emotional moments. 1:26:34 no <p>Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes</p> <p>Sheldon’s Journey Articles<br> The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d</a></p> <p>The Journey II – Dec 2023:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc</a></p> <p>The Journey III – Jan 2025:<br> <a href="https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc</a></p> <hr> <p>PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)</p> <p>A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself</p> <p>The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8</a></p> <p>Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A</a></p> <p>Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE</a></p> <p>KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs</a></p> <hr> <p>B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People</p> <p>Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M</a></p> <p>Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8</a></p> <p>Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8</a></p> <p>Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg</a></p> <hr> <p>C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings</p> <p>Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM</a></p> <p>The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ</a></p> <p>S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk</a></p> <p>Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798</a></p> <p>Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)<br> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8</a></p> <hr> <p>Bonus Songs Discussed</p> <p>Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)<br> <a href="https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX</a></p> <p>Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)<br> <a href="https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG</a></p> <p>my email: <a href="mailto:eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com</a> </p> Eurovision, Eurovision podcast, Eurovision analysis, Eurovision songs, Salvador Sobral, S10, KEiiNO, Konstrakta, Loïc Nottet, Michael Schulte, Cesár Sampson, Brotherhood of Man, identity, alienation, feeling displaced, cultural identity, left-handedness, marginalization, music and emotion, comfort songs, resilience, cancer journey, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, creativity, songwriting, music critique, dark humor, candid conversation Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes

Sheldon’s Journey Articles
The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d

The Journey II – Dec 2023:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc

The Journey III – Jan 2025:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc

PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)

A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself

The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8

Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A

Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE

KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People

Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M

Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8

Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8

Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg

C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings

Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM

The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ

S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk

Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798

Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8

Bonus Songs Discussed

Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)
https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX

Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)
https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG

my email: eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com

]]> Open When: Songs for Life’s Hard Moments — Episode Shownotes

Sheldon’s Journey Articles
The Journey (I) – Dec 2022:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-decb793f390d

The Journey II – Dec 2023:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-ii-b9c5a37b40cc

The Journey III – Jan 2025:
https://shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-journey-iii-b52fd3ed2fbc

PLAYLIST — YouTube Links (Plain Text)

A. When It’s Hard to Be with Yourself

The Roop – “On Fire” (Lithuania 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EAUxuuu1w8

Diodato – “Fai Rumore” (Italy 2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx3ksX7K-1A

Blanche – “City Lights” (Belgium 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVZvz3j5AgE

KEiiNO – “Spirit in the Sky” (Norway 2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1fl60ypdLs

B. When It’s Hard to Be with Other People

Maraaya – “Here for You” (Slovenia 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lWBDm7bm0M

Konstrakta – “In corpore sano” (Serbia 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr7E8zK5fF8

Loïc Nottet – “Rhythm Inside” (Belgium 2015)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNxeraWCn8

Michael Schulte – “You Let Me Walk Alone” (Germany 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2oS0NzVbg

C. When It’s Hard to Be with Your Feelings

Salvador Sobral – “Amar pelos dois” (Portugal 2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qotooj7ODCM

The Common Linnets – “Calm After the Storm” (Netherlands 2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYOC-wfE5pQ

S10 – “De Diepte” (Netherlands 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tRdbXVHVk

Zibbz – “Stones” (Switzerland 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaI5T0io798

Aisel – “X My Heart” (Azerbaijan 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtG6bUtiE8

Bonus Songs Discussed

Brotherhood of Man – “Kisses for Me” (United Kingdom 1976)
https://youtu.be/6OW1JJwqVRQ?si=9CuhjWPps1zOjmbX

Cesár Sampson – “Nobody But You” (Austria 2018)
https://youtu.be/a8Yvzo1puoE?si=qvBly9XqIkc_CcsG

my email: eurovisionsongcontext@gmail.com

]]> Episode 73: Vienna 2026! Helena Steinhart on Vienna in Culture, Inclusivity & ESC https://eurovisionsongcontext.fireside.fm/73 6c83c853-030f-45c2-a72d-9f62e5315d38 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400 Bradley Dalton-Oates full Bradley Dalton-Oates Vienna has twice hosted Eurovision and remains one of Europe’s great cultural capitals. In this episode, Bradley talks with Helena Steinhart from the Vienna Tourist Board about the city’s food, culture, and inclusivity — and what fans can expect from a future contest in Vienna. They also revisit four iconic songs: Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix”, Loreen’s “Euphoria”, Udo Jürgens’ “Merci, Chérie”, and Teya & Salena’s “Who the Hell Is Edgar?”. 1:11:53 no <p>Museums &amp; Culture<br> Sigmund Freud Museum – <a href="https://www.freud-museum.at/en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.freud-museum.at/en</a><br> Leopold Museum – <a href="https://www.leopoldmuseum.org/en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.leopoldmuseum.org/en</a><br> Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) – <a href="https://www.khm.at/en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.khm.at/en</a><br> Funeral Museum Vienna – <a href="https://www.bestattungsmuseum.at/en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.bestattungsmuseum.at/en</a></p> <p>Cafés &amp; Coffee Culture<br> Café Landtmann – <a href="https://www.landtmann.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.landtmann.at/en/</a><br> Café Bräunerhof – <a href="https://www.cafe-braeunerhof.at/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.cafe-braeunerhof.at/</a><br> Café Sperl – <a href="https://www.cafesperl.at/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.cafesperl.at/</a><br> Café Balthasar – <a href="https://www.balthasar.at/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.balthasar.at/</a><br> Café Ritter – <a href="https://www.cafe-ritter.at/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.cafe-ritter.at/</a></p> <p>Food &amp; Drink<br> Sachertorte – <a href="https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/</a><br> Wiener Schnitzel – <a href="https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/recipes/wiener-schnitzel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/recipes/wiener-schnitzel</a><br> Viennese Coffee Specialties – <a href="https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/coffeehouses/coffee-339182" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/coffeehouses/coffee-339182</a></p> <p>Events &amp; Public Spaces<br> EuroPride Vienna – <a href="https://viennapride.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://viennapride.at/en/</a><br> Life Ball – <a href="https://www.lifeball.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.lifeball.org/</a><br> Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest) – <a href="https://donauinselfest.at/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://donauinselfest.at/</a><br> Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) – <a href="https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/from-s-to-z/rathaus-352254" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/from-s-to-z/rathaus-352254</a></p> <p>Vienna Experiences<br> Vienna Vineyards &amp; Wine (Gemischter Satz) – <a href="https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/viennese-wine-342014" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/viennese-wine-342014</a><br> Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace – <a href="https://www.cafe-residenz.at/en/apple-strudel-show/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.cafe-residenz.at/en/apple-strudel-show/</a><br> Viennese Waltz Lessons – <a href="https://www.viennawaltz.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.viennawaltz.at/en/</a></p> <p>Music Helena Mentioned<br> HVOB – <a href="https://www.hvob-music.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.hvob-music.com/</a><br> Camo &amp; Krooked – <a href="https://www.camoandkrooked.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.camoandkrooked.com/</a><br> Voodoo Jürgens – <a href="https://voodoojuergens.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://voodoojuergens.com/</a><br> Wanda – <a href="https://wandamusik.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://wandamusik.com/</a></p> <p>Eurovision Songs Discussed<br> Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like a Phoenix” (2014) – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY</a><br> Loreen – “Euphoria” (2012) – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80</a><br> Udo Jürgens – “Merci, Chérie” (1966) – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQY-MmfzDY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQY-MmfzDY</a><br> Teya &amp; Salena – “Who the Hell Is Edgar?” (2023) – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmLeV47Au4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmLeV47Au4</a> </p> Eurovision, ESC, Eurovision Song Contest, Vienna, Austria, Conchita Wurst, Loreen, Udo Jürgens, Teya & Salena, Rise Like a Phoenix, Euphoria, Merci Cherie, Who the Hell Is Edgar, Vienna Tourist Board, Eurovision podcast, ESC history, Eurovision culture Museums & Culture
Sigmund Freud Museum – https://www.freud-museum.at/en
Leopold Museum – https://www.leopoldmuseum.org/en
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) – https://www.khm.at/en
Funeral Museum Vienna – https://www.bestattungsmuseum.at/en

Cafés & Coffee Culture
Café Landtmann – https://www.landtmann.at/en/
Café Bräunerhof – https://www.cafe-braeunerhof.at/
Café Sperl – https://www.cafesperl.at/
Café Balthasar – https://www.balthasar.at/
Café Ritter – https://www.cafe-ritter.at/

Food & Drink
Sachertorte – https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/
Wiener Schnitzel – https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/recipes/wiener-schnitzel
Viennese Coffee Specialties – https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/coffeehouses/coffee-339182

Events & Public Spaces
EuroPride Vienna – https://viennapride.at/en/
Life Ball – https://www.lifeball.org/
Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest) – https://donauinselfest.at/
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) – https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/from-s-to-z/rathaus-352254

Vienna Experiences
Vienna Vineyards & Wine (Gemischter Satz) – https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/viennese-wine-342014
Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace – https://www.cafe-residenz.at/en/apple-strudel-show/
Viennese Waltz Lessons – https://www.viennawaltz.at/en/

Music Helena Mentioned
HVOB – https://www.hvob-music.com/
Camo & Krooked – https://www.camoandkrooked.com/
Voodoo Jürgens – https://voodoojuergens.com/
Wanda – https://wandamusik.com/

Eurovision Songs Discussed
Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like a Phoenix” (2014) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY
Loreen – “Euphoria” (2012) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80
Udo Jürgens – “Merci, Chérie” (1966) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQY-MmfzDY
Teya & Salena – “Who the Hell Is Edgar?” (2023) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmLeV47Au4

]]> Museums & Culture
Sigmund Freud Museum – https://www.freud-museum.at/en
Leopold Museum – https://www.leopoldmuseum.org/en
Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Art History) – https://www.khm.at/en
Funeral Museum Vienna – https://www.bestattungsmuseum.at/en

Cafés & Coffee Culture
Café Landtmann – https://www.landtmann.at/en/
Café Bräunerhof – https://www.cafe-braeunerhof.at/
Café Sperl – https://www.cafesperl.at/
Café Balthasar – https://www.balthasar.at/
Café Ritter – https://www.cafe-ritter.at/

Food & Drink
Sachertorte – https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/
Wiener Schnitzel – https://www.austria.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-drink/recipes/wiener-schnitzel
Viennese Coffee Specialties – https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/coffeehouses/coffee-339182

Events & Public Spaces
EuroPride Vienna – https://viennapride.at/en/
Life Ball – https://www.lifeball.org/
Danube Island Festival (Donauinselfest) – https://donauinselfest.at/
Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) – https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/from-s-to-z/rathaus-352254

Vienna Experiences
Vienna Vineyards & Wine (Gemischter Satz) – https://www.wien.info/en/shopping-wining-dining/wine/viennese-wine-342014
Apple Strudel Show at Schönbrunn Palace – https://www.cafe-residenz.at/en/apple-strudel-show/
Viennese Waltz Lessons – https://www.viennawaltz.at/en/

Music Helena Mentioned
HVOB – https://www.hvob-music.com/
Camo & Krooked – https://www.camoandkrooked.com/
Voodoo Jürgens – https://voodoojuergens.com/
Wanda – https://wandamusik.com/

Eurovision Songs Discussed
Conchita Wurst – “Rise Like a Phoenix” (2014) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqNa0rqUtY
Loreen – “Euphoria” (2012) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80
Udo Jürgens – “Merci, Chérie” (1966) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqQY-MmfzDY
Teya & Salena – “Who the Hell Is Edgar?” (2023) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMmLeV47Au4

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