In Rare Jongens, historian Olivier Hekster of Radboud University talks to Merijn Doggen, editor-in-chief at Universiteit van Nederland, about contemporary problems through Roman eyes. In the - so far - 18 episodes, they discuss topics such as racism, LGBTQI+ issues, influencers and climate issues. How did Romans deal with the same issues we deal with today?
In the first season, listeners could challenge Hekster by coming up with topics Romans had never thought about before, but even AI and emigrating to Mars crossed Romans' minds in some way. In the second season, listeners come to Hekster with their personal problems so that Romans can come up with solutions. For example, how did they deal with children not eating their vegetables?
The Dutch Podcast Awards is an initiative of BNR Nieuwsradio. In an annual awards show, thirteen awards are presented, one of which is an audience award. The category Rare Jongens has been nominated for cannot be voted for. Whether Rare Jongens wins, will be clear on 6 november.