Durada: 33 min

100 years since the death of architect Antoni Gaudí, his vision, the Sagrada Família, is almost complete. This episode marks several milestones: the centenary of Gaudí's death, the Pope's inauguration of the Sagrada Família's Tower of Jesus, and the 250th episode of Filling the Sink. Lorcan Doherty explores the life and work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and his masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, in conversation with Marta Otzet, Director of Culture and Social and Educational Outreach at the basilica. Cillian Shields takes viewers on a tour of Gaudí's Barcelona, exploring his dragon-inspired designs, fascination with the natural world, and the tragic accident that ended the architect's extraordinary creative life. Anna Glass looks at the relationship between Gaudí and Eusebi Güell, the industrialist whose financial support helped bring many of the architect's ambitious ideas to life.

Durada: 33 min

Happy Sant Jordi to everyone! Celebrated on April 23, Saint George's Day honors the patron saint of Catalonia and transforms the region into a vibrant celebration of love, literature, and tradition. Often compared to Valentine's Day ¿but richer in cultural meaning¿, it fills the streets with roses, books, and the legend of dragons. In this episode, we explore the global reach of Catalan literature with special guest Izaskun Arretxe, Director of the Literature Department at the Ramon Llull Institute, reflecting on whether Sant Jordi helps project Catalan writing beyond its borders. We highlight recent international successes such as Eva Baltasar's "Boulder" and Irene Solà's "When I sing, mountains dance", asking whether global audiences connect more with contemporary voices or classic works. We also hear Oriol Escudé debunk common myths about the day, and visit two English-language bookshops in Barcelona that are building a sense of community among international readers.

Durada: 22 min

At a time when immigration is a political flashpoint across much of Europe and beyond, Spain appears to be taking a different approach. Around half a million undocumented migrants, including up to 150,000 in Catalonia, are set to benefit from the extraordinary regularisation announced by the Spanish government. But why now? And how will it actually work? Blanca Garcés, researcher at CIDOB, explains how the plan is expected to benefit domestic care and hospitality workers in Catalonia and enable irregular residents to obtain permits without a job offer. Alicia Andersson reports on informal work in Catalonia, featuring insights from Oscar Riu (UGT), Fany Raquel Galesas Sánchez (CCOO), and Nuria Soto (Riders X Derechos) on the challenges faced by undocumented workers. Cillian Shields joins Lorcan Doherty to give a breakdown of who is eligible for regularisation, how the process works, and what sets Spain apart on the European stage when it comes to migration policy.

Durada: 26 min

Street names offer a window into every town's history, culture, and identity, honoring important figures, historical events and places. In this week's podcast, we discover the stories behind some of Catalonia's street names. Journalists Oriol Escudé and Guifré Jordan join host Beth Cohen to look back through the history of urban toponyms and share a glossary of Catalan street vocabulary. Miquel Parella, Head of Toponymy at the Catalan Institute of Cartography and Geology, explains how street nomenclature has evolved over time, influenced by politics, Catalan language normalization and events such as the 2017 referendum. We also take to the streets of Barcelona to test people's knowledge of street names, hear about their personal favorites and discover what names they would choose if given the chance. This week we have a double Catalan phrase, "Anar pel bon camí" versus "Anar pel pedregar". They have opposing meanings;:"To be on the right track" versus "To be on the road to ruin".

Durada: 26 min

Natural wine is a growing movement in Catalonia, rooted in tradition and innovation. With diverse terroirs and a long winemaking history, regions like Penedès, Alt Empordà, Conca de Barberà and Terra Alta & Priorat have become hubs for natural winemakers. On this week's podcast, we explore what natural wine is, who makes it and why Catalonia is gaining recognition on the global scene. Producer Rafa Camps from La Natural shares the challenges of small-scale natural wine production, including climate change and spontaneous fermentation. Experts Benji Sher and Ida Mogren from SucSuc explain the philosophy behind natural wine, rooted in ethics and sustainability. Plus, we visit Amateur restaurant in Barcelona to discover the cuisine and aesthetic that accompany the natural wine trend. This week, our Catalan phrase is "Bon vi fa bon cor" ¿ "Good wine makes a good heart." It's a classic saying expressing the belief that wine, enjoyed in moderation, brings joy and warmth to the soul.

Durada: 25 min

Catalonia has become a popular location for contemporary international film and TV productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes, strong production incentives and experienced crews. On this week's podcast we review the history of international filmmaking in Catalonia and discover some of the most iconic movies and series filmed on Catalan soil. Montserrat Guiu from Barcelona Film Commission and Laia Boixader from Catalunya Film Commission explain what draws contemporary producers from around the world to shoot here and the effect on the local economy. We travel to Terrassa to take a tour of Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya with managing director Cristina Brandner. Plus reporter Lorcan Doherty joins host Beth Cohen to discuss the Catalunya Media City plan and the future of the audiovisual sector in Catalonia. This week, our Catalan phrase is"Llums, càmera, acció" which translates as "Lights, camera, action!" and is the classic cue used on film sets to signal the beginning of a take.

Durada: 21 min

A year after it came into effect, the amnesty law related to Catalonia's independence push has been upheld by the Spanish Constitutional Court. Whilst the pardon of over 300 activists and officials has eased tensions, the cases of many high-profile leaders are unresolved and its long-term impact remains unclear. Head of Catalan News, Gerard Escaich Folch, joins host Beth Cohen to discuss this controversial piece of legislation, review its implementation and analyze the ongoing debate about its constitutionality. Professor Josep Lluís Martí, from the Faculty of Law at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, explains the three key exceptions and specific cases which remain unresolved. This week, our Catalan phrase is "El més calent és a l'aigüera", which literally means "The hottest thing is in the sink" and is the equivalent to the English expression "It's still up in the air". It's often used with frustration or impatience to describe a situation that is far from being concluded.

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: 32 min

Solar, wind, fossil fuels, nuclear. Energy makes the world go round. But, on an ever-warming planet, the question of where it comes from is increasingly urgent. As well as the green energy transition and the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions and energy sovereignty are also shaping the debate. On this episode of Filling the Sink, we're looking at the state of play in Catalonia, just over a year on from the blackout that hit the Iberian Peninsula. Catalonia is still heavily reliant on nuclear power and lags behind Spain and the EU on renewable energy, with only around 20% of electricity coming from green sources. From a low base, solar capacity is now expanding, and energy communities are growing rapidly in Catalonia. Batteries are emerging as a key solution to balancing supply and demand, although progress remains limited. Lorcan Doherty is joined by Cillian Shields with additional reporting from Telma Altes Safont.

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: 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.