EPICO's summer list: books, podcasts, and TV series we love!

It's Summertime! After two eventful months that saw the creation of a new European Parliament, the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President, and the adoption of a strategic agenda for Europe, it’s finally time to slow down during the hot days of August. Even though we will take a short break from publishing, the EPICO team has curated a thought-provoking reading list to keep you company on your holidays. Wherever you are in the world, dive into our favourite books, TV series, and podcasts. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Ingrid Bunker
Policy Specialist Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
I read this book a while ago (or rather listened to it - I can certainly recommend the audiobook) and it has really stuck with me. Through interviews with experts from around the world and (often funny) personal stories, Johann Hari investigates why we are losing our focus and which solutions are being developed. The take-home message(s) will likely be a little different for everyone, and for me it has above all reminded me of the importance of mindfulness in everyday life.

Nyad by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
This film is perfect if you are looking for something inspirational to watch. It tells the remarkable story of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, who at the age of 60 set out to cover the 177-kilometer distance between Cuba and Florida in the open sea. While this film is centred around marathon swimming, it's main themes are more about determination and friendship than the sport itself.

Agata Gurgenidze
Germany Communications Specialist

The Bear by Cristopher Storer
I recommend the series "The Bear". I'm currently watching the third season. The dialogues are sharp and often intense, perfectly capturing the fast-paced nature of kitchen life. I love how well-developed the characters are, and the series is incredibly funny. My favourite episode so far: Season 2, Episode 6, "Fishes".

Noon by Meike Peters
Since I’m always on the lookout for good recipes, I'd recommend the cookbook "Noon" by Meike Peters. I might be biased since Meike is a good friend of mine, but I'm truly impressed by Meike’s light, summery, and healthy meals. Especially the Polish cold soup, which is perfect for a hot Summer day – my kids love it too!

Image: Download Pressefoto

Bernd Weber
CEO and Founder

Growth for Good: Reshaping Capitalism to Save Humanity from Climate Catastrophe by Alessio Terzi
This book makes a convincing case that economic growth can be a force for good and should be enrolled in the fight against climate change. Alessio Terzi accompanies the reader on a journey into the socioeconomic, evolutionary, and cultural origins of our need for growth.

Think Again by Adam Grant
This book examines the art of rethinking: learning to question your opinions and open other people’s minds. Through ideas and evidence, Grant shows how we can embrace the joy of being wrong, strengthen our mental flexibility, and change our way of feeling.

Image: Jens Schicke

Barbara Vanotti
EU Communications Specialist

Homelands by Timothy Garton Ash
Drawing from people’s stories, Timothy Garton Ash narrates the history of Europe from World War II to the present, considering the lessons learnt from the past. Unlike other history books, Garton Ash revisits history through his encounters and conversations with European citizens and policymakers. This personal history of our continent invites us to reflect on the decisions, actions, and events that led to the creation of the European Union and why it is important to defend it.

Free by Lea Ypi
In this coming-of-age memoir, Lea Ypi ponders over the paradoxes of freedom as she narrates her childhood at the collapse of communist Albania in December 1990. This book is a real page-turner, allowing the reader to reflect on the different ways of looking at history, not just from the Eastern and Western perspectives, but also from the eyes of a child to those of an adult.

Image: Jens Schicke

Julian Parodi
EU Policy Specialist

“Summer Series: Radical Nerds: A Conversation with Rutger Bregman”, an episode of Pushback Talks by Fredrik Gertten and Leilani Farha
In this great podcast episode, Dutch author Rutger Bregman, Swedish filmmaker Fredrik Gertten, and Canadian Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, discuss how to combat the awareness-behaviour gap and how individuals and social movements can force institutions to change.

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman
This book by the famous Dutch author reframes history by giving a new perspective to events that happened in the last 200,000 years. With this optimistic and refreshing narrative, Bregman makes a new argument: that humans are inherently good.

Breaking Social by Fredrik Gertten
This documentary by Fredrik Gertten explores the social tipping points that make people organise and protest. This deep but hopeful movie shows us that, despite the many challenges we face today, there are still people who want to stand up for their beliefs.

Image: Jens Schicke

Yoali Sandoval
Executive Assistant

Science Vs. by Gimlet
Science Vs takes on fads, trends, and the opinionated mob to find out what's fact, what's not, and what's somewhere in between.I enjoy listening to this podcast because it discusses the science behind everyday topics. It provides the opportunity to look at things from different perspectives and encourages curiosity of our surroundings in an informative and playful way.

Se regalan dudas by Dudas Media (in Spanish)
“Se regalan dudas” is a podcast in Spanish and English that started as a project of two Mexican friends in search of answers. I really enjoy listening to this podcast because it seeks to answer everyday questions in a playful and relaxed way. It brings together international experts and celebrities to discuss topics of general interest.

Image: Jens Schicke

Sam Williams
EU Policy Manager

The King of Oil by Daniel Amman
This book by author Daniel Amman narrates the biography of billionaire oil trader, Marc Rich. The book follows Rich’s rise from his early trading days to becoming one of the most controversial businessmen of all time.

The World for Sale by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy
Journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy expose the workings of billionaire commodity traders who buy, hoard and sell earth’s natural resources. The book reveals these businessmen’s untold political and economic power in the current geopolitical sphere.

"New regulation for the transition from natural gas to hydrogen in Europe", an episode of OIES Podcast
In this episode by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, James Henderson talks to Prof. Jonathan Stern and Maria Olczak about the EU Methane Regulation, its impact, and timeline.

Image: Jens Schicke