Edgelands

Ash Bhardwaj sets out on a remarkable journey along a frontier that has shaped history and headlines, tracing Europe's extensive and often tense border with Russia. This Edgelands podcast from The Telegraph is more than a travelogue; it’s a deep, ground-level exploration of the places, people, and cultures existing in the shadow of a geopolitical giant. Over three and a half thousand miles and through eight different countries, Ash moves beyond the simple narratives, uncovering the complex realities of life in these contested regions. Each episode immerses you in the sounds and stories of communities living on this edge, where history feels immediate and the future is constantly being negotiated. You’ll hear from locals, historians, and experts, gaining a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional understanding. It’s a series about how borders-both physical and ideological-are lived, defended, and crossed. For anyone curious about the forces shaping modern Europe, this documentary-style podcast offers an essential, humanizing listen, full of unexpected encounters and rich detail that only firsthand reporting can provide.