The International Schools Podcast
173 - Hearing Young Voices: A Conversation with Jess Bauldry, Vessela Vencheva, and Nick Todorov of EarGlasses
The International Schools Podcast
•February 21, 2026•59 min
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The International Schools Podcast•Feb 21, 2026
Why It Matters
Amplifying youth perspectives through podcasting fosters empathy, cultural understanding, and critical media skills—key competencies in an increasingly globalized world. By showcasing a concrete model for schools, the episode offers educators a timely blueprint for integrating student‑generated audio content into curricula, addressing the growing demand for authentic, student‑centered learning experiences.
Key Takeaways
- •EarGlasses teaches podcasting, intercultural dialogue, media literacy.
- •Mobile studio fits in suitcase, uses low‑cost equipment.
- •Funded by Luxembourg’s Foundation Zoma, expanding to more schools.
- •Ten multilingual primary students produce podcasts, building critical thinking.
- •Project combats misinformation, promotes student voice and cultural pride.
Pulse Analysis
The EarGlasses initiative brings podcasting into Luxembourg primary classrooms, but its ambition goes far beyond recording. By weaving together intercultural dialogue, media literacy and critical‑thinking training, the program gives young learners a structured way to explore their identities, interview peers, and dissect the flood of information they encounter daily. This three‑layer approach aligns with International Baccalaureate and IGCSE mandates for student voice, turning a simple audio project into a catalyst for democratic participation and cultural empathy.
Supported by the Foundation Zoma, EarGlasses operates with a portable studio that fits inside a single suitcase—two microphones, a compact mixer, a laptop and a low‑cost audio interface. Because Luxembourg primary schools prohibit personal phones, the team supplies each child with a small recorder, ensuring autonomy without expensive gear. Ten students, aged ten to eleven, were hand‑picked by teachers for English proficiency and cultural diversity, representing French, German, Russian, Ukrainian, Bangladeshi and Indian backgrounds. The multilingual cohort records, edits, and shares stories, learning open‑ended questioning and source verification along the way.
Early exposure to podcasting equips children with the tools to question bias, recognize misinformation, and celebrate their heritage—skills essential for a polarized digital age. By amplifying authentic student voices, the project not only fulfills curriculum requirements but also nurtures confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging among newcomers to Luxembourg. As schools worldwide grapple with media overload, EarGlasses demonstrates how low‑budget, mobile audio solutions can foster critical discourse, intercultural understanding, and lasting democratic engagement.
Episode Description
Stories, identity, and belonging through student podcasting.
About Jess Bauldry
Jess Bauldry is a British/Luxembourgish writer who has worked for regional and national news outlets for the last 20 years. She currently splits her time between editing Silicon Luxembourg and Forbes Luxembourg, running educational workshops and doing standup comedy.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bauldry/
About Vessela Vencheva
Vessela Vencheva is a cultural manager and producer, media professional with diverse experience and long-time communication expert, with focus on intercultural dialogue and international communication.
Moved to Luxembourg in 2017, currently she is running the cultural association Openscreen asbl. Vessela has initiated and organized various educational projects in the past and has taken different roles in radios and television.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vessela-vencheva/
About Nick Todorov
Nick is a Bulgarian digital marketing specialist who has called Luxembourg home for over a decade. His background includes extensive experience in radio and television, which fuels his passion for sound, recording and audio technology. He contributes technical support to the Earglasses project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolatodorov/
Resources
www.jessbauldry.eu
https://www.linkedin.com/company/earglasses/
https://earglassespodcast.substack.com
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
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Show Notes
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