Explore every episode of the podcast Low Country Lowdown
Dive into the complete episode list for Low Country Lowdown. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–21 of 21
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Coalition Talks Face Issues & Maternity Care Crisis in Poor Neighborhoods
14 Nov 2025
00:24:21
On today's Lowdown, the last one of Season 2, the D66 and the CDA political parties have been tasked with drafting the blueprint for a new government, a fragile starting point that excludes major players and leaves the country staring at two messy, uncertain coalition paths.
Our second segment discusses a stark new investigation that reveals collapsing maternity-care access in poorer neighbourhoods, where infant mortality is higher and commercial providers are pulling out.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
Our guest Ned wonders what the Dutch think of the anglicization of the Netherlands in general and their language in particular.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Ned Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Migrant Workers Protection Axed, Ozempic in the Netherlands, and the Dutch Welfare State - Lowdown #20
07 Nov 2025
00:25:18
Today on Lowdown, two quiet policy shifts with big consequences: the Dutch caretaker government has scrapped long-promised protections for low-paid migrant workers and, at the same time, approved new public insurance coverage for costly weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
We dig into what these choices expose about who really benefits from Dutch policy--from exploited workers to those at the front of the health queue--and what it all says about power and inequality in the Netherlands today.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
After Mamdani's win in New York, our guest Kristo is curious about the Dutch welfare system.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kristo Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
The Election: Rob Jetten's D66 Wins Big & Geert Wilders' PVV Suffers Defeat - Lowdown #19
31 Oct 2025
00:24:10
The election results are in, and they’ve shaken up Dutch politics. Under Rob Jetten’s leadership, the center-left D66 surged from 9 to 26 seats, overtaking Geert Wilders’ PVV to become the largest party in parliament. Wilders’ PVV saw a dramatic drop, slipping from 37 to 26 seats, just a few thousand votes shy of D66.
But beneath the headlines, the broader story is one of shifting ground: a continued normalization and entrenchment of the (far) right across the political landscape. For parties to the left of D66, the night proved to be a historic defeat.
In this episode, we unpack what drove these results by running you through the six most important points, from campaign strategies to voter behavior, and what challenges lie ahead in forming a new cabinet after one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Eleni Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Dutch Election Special with Political Reporter Coen van de Ven - Lowdown #18
24 Oct 2025
00:52:16
This week, we're shaking things up a bit: we're doing an extra long special on the October 29th election! We've invited Coen van de Ven, a political reporter, investigative journalist and published author on Dutch politics. Coen has been writing for many different newspapers and magazines for over a decade, and is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable journalists on the topic.
We're starting off with an overview of the fundamentals of Dutch politics:
How does the system work? What are the pro’s and cons? Why are there that many parties ? Why do elections take forever?
Then, we'll dive into the failure of the last cabinet, and talk about what went wrong there and what it might teach us.
Finally, we discuss what's ahead. What are the polls and trends saying, and what should we expect of the elections and the cabinet formation that comes after?
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Ned Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
China and US Fighting over Chips & More Violent Extreme Right Protests - Lowdown #17
17 Oct 2025
00:25:47
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss how Dutch companies keep getting caught in the trade war between China and the US, putting the Dutch economy at risk. Also, we'll talk about yet another round of violent extreme right protests across the country, seemingly part a spiral of violence.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Ned's question is about how the 'water boards' (Waterschappen) work.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Ned Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Taxes and Power: Power Grid Crisis & How Does the Expat Tax-Ruling Work? - Lowdown #16
10 Oct 2025
00:24:53
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the crisis in the Dutch power grid, an impossible puzzle which is costing billions a year. Then, we'll talk about the Supreme Court its ruling in a years-long legal battle between the state and three human rights NGOs, who demand an export ban on fighter jet parts to Israel.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Abhinav's question is about how the 30 percent tax cut ruling for expats works.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Abhinav Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000 @undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Tata Steel Promised Billions & Renting a House without a Floor? - Lowdown #15
03 Oct 2025
00:23:36
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the 2 billion euros in subsidies controversially promised to Tata Steel, who run the largest plant in the country, in order to produce steel more sustainably. Then, we'll talk about the largest pension fund in the Netherlands its decision to divest from Caterpillar, the company that supplies Israel with the bulldozers it uses against civilian targets in the West Bank and Gaza.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Kat's question is about why you can rent an apartment with a floor here in the Netherlands.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kat Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Massive Right-Wing Riots & Where Have Cigarettes Gone? - Lowdown #14
26 Sep 2025
00:22:45
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the massive right-wing riots in the Hague last Saturday and the political right's frantic attempts to disown their own role in the outburst of political violence.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Juliette's question is about where all the cigarettes have gone.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Juliette Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Murder and Wolves: Wolf Culling Plan Blocked & Sammy Baker's Murder Settled - Lowdown #13
19 Sep 2025
00:24:55
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the latest instalment in the national drama about wolves, as a top court has rejected a new proposal to shoot the animals. Then, we'll talk about the settlement between the Amsterdam police and the parents of Sammy Baker, the German man who was shot to death by police officers - a case which has haunted the police for years.
After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Eleni's question is about why there is so much roadwork being done all the time.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Eleni Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Late Summer Political Chaos & What's the deal with Frisians? - Lowdown #12
12 Sep 2025
00:25:49
Howdy! We are back for Season 2 after our summer break!
On this week's Lowdown, we'll discuss the further disintegration of the already collapsed cabinet. Then, we'll talk through the renewed debate in politics and society about the safety of women in the Netherlands. After running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Kat's question is about the history of the Frisians.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kat Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
This is our final episode before we take a summer break until the end of August!
On this week's Lowdown, we'll take some extra time to discuss this this week's pure drama for the national railway company NS. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Jack's question is about why the Dutch don't wear helmets while cycling.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Jack Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Wilders' PVV Refuses to Work & Why Amsterdam’s Houses Are Sinking - Lowdown #10
11 Jul 2025
00:24:40
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first discuss the extreme right PVV and how their wholesale refusal to do their job is affecting politics and parliamentary work. After that, we'll talk about Dutch companies, headquartered in the Netherlands, are killing off their corporate diversity initiatives because Trump's legislation in the US. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Kat's question is about why houses in Amsterdam are so expensive in light of the climate risks.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kat Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Antisemitism Clash Between Politician and Singer & Why is Dutch Food so Bland? - Lowdown #9
04 Jul 2025
00:25:48
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the costs incurred because of the long-standing stalemate concerning the nitrogen crisis. After that, we'll discuss the false allegations of antisemitism by the leader of the Liberal Conservatives, Dilan Yesilgöz, against a singer, Douwe Bob. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Juliette's question is about why Dutch food is so bland.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Juliettte Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Israel Vote by Greens and Labour Party & Segregation in Dutch Schools - Lowdown #8
27 Jun 2025
00:26:10
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the motion by the Greenleft-Labour party to ban weapons exports to Israel, leading to a media storm and consternation at their party conference. After that, we'll discuss a newly released report on the 350.000 unemployed immigrants in the Netherlands. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Aitan's question is about segregation in Dutch schools.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Aitan Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Magical Billions for Defense & How Does the Public Broadcaster Work? - Lowdown #7
20 Jun 2025
00:24:15
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about parliament agreeing to spend 19 billion euros more on defence, without actually having that money readily available. After that, we'll discuss the disappearance of crucial video footage in two court cases against violent Israeli hooligans in Amsterdam last November. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Eleni's question is about how the Dutch public broadcasting service works.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Eleni Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
On this week's Lowdown, we'll first talk about the city of Amsterdam its plans for a new programme for expat integration. After that, we'll discuss Syrian refugees in the Netherlands, as the cabinet now assumes Syria is safe enough for most of them to return. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Nilufer's question is about the Netherlands' role in the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa, and what we can learn from it.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Nilufer Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
The Fall of the Cabinet & Does the Netherlands Have a Heroin Problem? - Lowdown #5
06 Jun 2025
00:23:12
On this week's Lowdown, we're covering the fall of the cabinet: how it happened, why it happened, and what will happen next. Then, after running through a handful of other headlines, we get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guest gets to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Juliette's question is on whether the Netherlands has issues with heroin or opioids.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Juliette Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Geert Wilders in Trouble & Why Do the Dutch Swear with Diseases - Lowdown #4
30 May 2025
00:20:54
This week, we're covering Geert Wilders' struggles to dominate the discourse, about which we spoke with political journalist Coen van de Ven, and a Russian hack on the Dutch police. Next, after quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
In this episode, Kristo's question is about the origin of the Dutch preference to use diseases as swear words.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kristo Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Will Gaza Protests Be Effective & Drought Keeps Worsening - Lowdown #3
23 May 2025
00:20:06
This week, we'll cover this year's drought, which has scientists and farmers alike worried. Next, after quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
This week, Nilufer's question is about the relationship between the Netherlands and Israel.
Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Daniel da Costa Guest: Nilufer Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
www.lowdown.nl
Trump Shock Hits Dutch Academia & Water Pollution Worsens - Lowdown #2
16 May 2025
00:20:27
This week, we'll touch on two themes. Firstly, a new investigation shows how the Trump administration's first months already disrupt academic work in the Netherlands, and we'll talk about a new, much-discussed lawsuit against oil giant Shell.
After quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
This week, Kristo's question is about the water quality of Dutch rivers, lakes and canals.
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Kristo Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan
Political Shift on Gaza & Should Women Be in Politics? - Lowdown #1
09 May 2025
00:23:47
For this week, we'll touch on a seemingly major shift in Dutch policy on Gaza, and a Christian political party's internal conflict about women in politics.
After quickly running through a handful of other headlines, we'll get to the Holland Hotline, where our international guests get to ask their most pressing question about Dutch society.
This week, Juliette's question is about whether Dutch culture wars are as preoccupied with Trans rights as they are in the UK and US.
Dutch news Who cares? You do.
-------------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on Instagram! @lowdown.nl Email us for inquiries and tips: info@lowdown.nl
Host: Allart van der Woude Guest: Juliette Duffy Production: Daniel da Costa & Allart van der Woude Music + Recording/Editing/Mixing: David Coehorst & Andrés Aracena @davidcoehorst1000@undres.a Graphic Design: Linus Bonduelle @studio.lieneman Social Media: Marguerite Nolan @margueritennolan