In late 2021, Carnegie Europe—a leading think tank on European foreign and security policy analysis—faced a familiar challenge: how to communicate complex geopolitical issues in a way that resonates beyond the policy and academic bubble. They wanted to reach a broader, younger audience, demystify foreign policy topics, and ultimately, unpack Europe’s global role in a more dynamic and accessible way.
They decided to create Europe Inside Out, a monthly podcast offering insights on Europe’s greatest foreign policy challenges.
Challenges: breaking out of the academic bubble
Carnegie Europe aimed to expand its reach beyond the usual suspects—academics and policymakers—to connect with a broader audience. They wanted to make complex geopolitical topics accessible and engaging while capturing the attention of younger listeners passionate about international affairs.
To bring this vision to life, they needed a partner with deep expertise in European issues and the production know-how to craft professional, captivating content. This is where Europod stepped in.
From podcast idea to execution
Europod worked closely with Carnegie Europe to shape Europe Inside Out into a polished, engaging platform. Together, they developed a podcast with a distinct identity and a strong format that keeps listeners coming back for more. Here’s how:
🎨 A cohesive identity
From the podcast’s name and logo to its music, Europod helped create a consistent and memorable brand.
🗂️ A clear structure
Every episode follows a simple yet effective format:
- What’s the matter? (Current issues)
- How did we get here? (Historical context)
- What’s next? (Future insights)
This structure ensures complex topics are presented in a digestible and engaging way.
🎙️ Refined production
Europod supported everything from script refinement to recording and editing, ensuring high-quality episodes every time.
🔄 Adapting along the way
As the podcast evolved, so did the format. Initially a two-scholar discussion, Europod suggested introducing a fixed host to guide conversations and make the content even more accessible to a wider audience.
The impact
Since its launch, Europe Inside Out has become a cornerstone of Carnegie Europe’s communications strategy. The results speak for themselves:
📈 Growing audience
The podcast continues to build a loyal following, particularly impressive given its niche subject matter.
🌍 Reaching new listeners
While Carnegie Europe traditionally saw most engagement from the U.S. and U.K., Europe Inside Out has brought other European countries to the forefront of its listeners. This shift highlights its success in reaching Brussels-based policymakers and European listeners.
🔗 Integration in the communications mix
The podcast doesn’t just stand alone—it complements Carnegie Europe’s reports and articles, driving engagement on like social media and newsletters.
Key takeaways: why this worked
From this partnership, 3 key takeways can be found:
- Flexibility matters: Adjusting the format and approach ensured the podcast stayed fresh and accessible.
- Podcasts open a brand to new audiences: Podcasts open doors to audiences who prefer listening over reading dense reports. As such, they have a key role in the full communication mix.
- Partnership is key: The strong collaboration between Carnegie Europe and Europod has resulted in a well-oiled process, ensuring the podcast’s continued success and smooth production.
“To bring Europe Inside Out to life, we needed a partner who truly understood Europe—its complexities, its audience, and its stories. Europod brought creativity, flexibility, and a Brussels-based perspective that aligned perfectly with our vision. Together, we transformed a concept into a polished podcast that’s now a core part of our communication strategy.”
— Mattia Bagherini, Communications Coordinator at Carnegie Europe
