Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Sweden's takeover of Eurovision and global pop, in advance of them hosting this year's contest.

Dr. Alban, Hello Afrika, One Love (26:30), Deborah Ann Woll, (HBO's True Blood, Netflix's Daredevil, (37:13)

This week, we're talking about the Swedish domination of pop music. How this tiny country took over one of the world's largest entertainment industries is a story with a ton of twists and turns-- and, of course, Eurovision is at the center of it. First we deep dive into that history and try to figure out what it is about Sweden that has made it such a pop power house.

Then we talk to EuroDance star Dr. Alban, who has sold over 16 million records worldwide, and who was part of the original group of artists at Cheiron studios-- the hit factory that launched Ace of Base, The Backstreet Boys, 'NYSNC, and Britney Spears.

Finally, we sit down with Deborah Ann Woll, star of True Blood and Daredevil, for a game we're calling "Victory is Oh, So Swede," where we try to figure out what gives those Swedish Eurovision songs their extra edge.

VICTORY IS OH, SO SWEDE:

Empty Room, Sanna Nielsen, 2008- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjQFiFXH2IU

Ring Ring, ABBA, 1973- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0EoXdpOqg

Charlotte Nilssen, Tusen och en natt, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtcHdzr1c8

Charlotte Nilssen, Take Me To Your Heaven, 1999 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0xypjODpY4

Mans Zelmerlow, Hope and Glory, 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBifUBqFkwA

Carola, Fangad Av En Stormvin, 1991 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ml6pJqc_bw

Herreys, Diggy-Loo Diggy-Ley, 1984 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls2Lq07iWPM

Loreen, My Heart is Refusing Me, 2011 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjrVoonz4WE

Loreen, Euphoria, 2012 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfo-8z86x80

Loreen, Tattoo, 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vul5zgC5Yvg

Since we're reporting on the ground from Malmo, our regularly scheduled episode will come out at the end of the week to coincide with Eurovision 2024! Until then we'd love to share two previous episodes we think set this year's contest up well. This is our episode about Israel's participation in Eurovision.

Guests:

Paul Jordan (Dr. Eurovision), Dave Keating (Brussels Based EU Reporter), and Elias Jahshan (This Arab is Queer) featured in the Deep Dive - 1:37

Zack Beauchamp (Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent, Vox.com) - 27:24

Professor Shibley Telhami (Brookings Institute, Council of Foreign Relations) - 45:47

This week, we're talking about the controversy surrounding Israel's participation in Eurovision. First we talk about the history of countries being sanctioned by Eurovision, and try to get at the fundamental questions of values that underlie the debate over whether Israel should participate. We turn to Eurovision expert Dr. Paul Jordan, EU expert Dave Keating, and editor of "This Arab is Queer," Elias Jahshan for context.

Daniela Ruah (21:12), Dylan Baker and Becky Ann Baker (36:25)

This week we’re talking about hosting Eurovision. First we deep dive into the ways in which countries have used hosting Eurovision to communicate narratives about their nation’s culture and politics to the wider world. Then we talk to NCIS LA star and Host of Eurovision 2018 in Lisbon, Daniela Ruah. Finally, we sit down with stars of stage and screen, Dylan Baker (Happiness, Dream Scenario) and Becky Ann Baker (Girls, Freaks and Geeks) to explore the acts chosen to represent Eurovision host countries in a game we’re calling “Eurovision Tops and Bottoms: I Can Host Edition”

SONGS FEATURED IN EUROVISION TOPS AND BOTTOMS

Greenjolly, Razom Nas Bahato, Ukraine 2005 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5u6J_mbhLU

Anastasia Prikhodko, Mamo, Russia 2009 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxZGknFxE58

Tajči, Hajde Da Ludujemo, Yugoslavia 1990 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksPXBLCwaL4

Jelena Tomašević feat. Bora Dugic, Oro, Serbia 2008 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3NMkyDSEb0

Salomé, Vivo cantando, Spain, Eurovision 1969 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQgb7QdZIv0

Cláudia Pascoal, O Jardim, Portugal 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHjGbADMcOI