The Almanac

Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication

From climate change to gender inequality, from democracy to wars, the Almanac explores big world challenges through honest conversations with researchers from the humanities and social sciences. We translate complex research into something clear, engaging, and relevant, so you can understand the past, question the present, and think more critically about the future. Produced by Natália da Silva Perez and Pieter van den Heede

Episodes

  1. 06/25/2025

    The Governance of the Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

    In this episode, Rima Rassi discusses how Lebanon's political structure, shaped by sectarian differences and the memory of the Civil War, influenced the country's response, or lack thereof, in addressing Syrian refugee influx. Join us as she delves into the "policy of no policy," investigates the classification of refugee status, and looks at how Lebanon's parliament impacted national reaction.

    39 min

  2. 06/25/2025

    Is the Behaviour in Online Gaming Trangressive Play or Playful Transgression?

    In this episode, Vivian Chen discusses whether gaming is truly toxic or if the conversation around toxicity is oversimplified. Tune in for a critical look at the complexities of online play as she dives into the social dynamics of gaming and how context, gender, and friendships shape interactions and the surprising ways these behaviors spill over into workplaces.

    24 min

  3. 06/25/2025

    The Political, Cultural and Economic Influence of Fandoms

    In this episode, Simone Driessen explores how fandoms, once celebrated for their creativity and engagement, have grown to shape cultural narratives, influence power structures, and even fuel polarization. Join us as she unpacks how fandoms engage with extremism, cancel culture, and how subtle cues become markers of allegiance.

    27 min

  4. 06/25/2025

    Decolonial Approaches in Latin American, Caribbean, and European Museums

    In this episode, Camila Andrea and Naomi Oosterman explore the complications of decolonial techniques in Latin American, Caribbean, and European museums. Tune in to look at how decolonization involves more than just restitution of stolen goods and the Silence and Discomfort strategy, which aims to promote difficult conversations regarding colonialism, community involvement, and cultural narratives.

    30 min

  5. 06/27/2024

    The Development of the Dutch Gaming Industry

    In episode 1, Anne Heslinga joins us to discuss the gaming industry in the Netherlands, from its beginnings to the present. We explore issues faced by game developers and the future prospects for the industry. Find more about Anne Hesliga's work here.

    20 min

  6. 06/27/2024

    Rotterdam and Slavery

    In the next episode, we sit down with Alex van Stipriaan, emeritus professor and specialist in Afro-Caribbean history, to talk about Rotterdam's past with slavery, which has been neglected within history. To find publications, media products and more, visit Alex van Stipriaan's website

    29 min

  7. 06/27/2024

    How is History Represented in Textbooks?

    In the second episode, we interview Dr. Tina van der Vlies and discuss whether historical narratives in history textbooks are really neutral. Join us for this episode for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges what you know about the past and its implications for the future. You can find more about Dr Tina van der Vlies' work here.

    34 min

  8. 06/05/2024

    The Racialization of British Women during the Long Nineteenth Century

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Toni Weller, a research fellow in history at De Montfort University, who explains how complicated it was to be a woman during a time when sexually transmitted illnesses and wars reduced female bodies to the status of information items. Find more of Dr Toni Weller's work here

    34 min

  9. 11/08/2023

    How Can We Productively Engage with Historical Analogies?

    In episode 4, Pieter van den Heede discusses how we can productively engage with historical analogies. He does so by introducing the 'Magic Yarn Ball' as a metaphorical intervention. Check out his article (co-written with Sara Polak) in Journal of Applied History.

    30 min

  10. 11/08/2023

    Europe's Migration Crisis on Twitter

    In episode 3, Maria Avraamidou discusses how Europe's migration crisis in 2015 was debated on Twitter. Check out her article in the European Journal of Cultural Studies.

    21 min

  11. 11/08/2023

    The Migration History of Rotterdam

    In episode 2, Paul van de Laar discusses the migration history of Rotterdam from the 1600s to the present. Check out the book De Echte Rotterdammer komt van buiten - Rotterdam migratiestad 1600-2022 by  Peter Scholten and Paul van de Laar.

    23 min

  12. 11/08/2023

    The History of Rotterdam's Entertainment Culture

    In episode 1, we are joined by Vincent Baptist! Vincent will discuss the history of Rotterdam's entertainment culture and the history of the Zandstraat-neighbourhood. Check out Vincent's article:Nostalgia for Urban Vices: Cultural Reminiscences of a Demolished Port City Pleasure Neighborhood

    27 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

From climate change to gender inequality, from democracy to wars, the Almanac explores big world challenges through honest conversations with researchers from the humanities and social sciences. We translate complex research into something clear, engaging, and relevant, so you can understand the past, question the present, and think more critically about the future. Produced by Natália da Silva Perez and Pieter van den Heede

Information

  • Creator
    Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication