Mysteries of the EuroVerse: A Podcast Journey into Eurovision’s Glittering History

January is almost over, and to send it off with a bang, we’re diving headfirst into the glittery, sequin-studded world of Eurovision with the newest podcast in town – Mysteries of the EuroVerse. 

Mysteries of the EuroVerse is exactly what you imagine: a Eurovision-centered podcast. But this isn’t your typical pod; is a weekly odyssey that takes you on a journey through the vibrant realms of the world’s largest (and let’s be honest, gayest) non-sports television extravaganza. And it’s absolutely brilliant!

Hosted by singer/songwriter Magnus Riise (a fave here at Q+) and writer Charlie Sohne, these incredible folks take the mic to unravel all the mysteries that lie behind the famed singing competition. And what a duo they make! We’re not saying they should start a podcast empire, but hey, we wouldn’t mind spending hours just listening to them chat about anything and everything. They’re fantastic!

But anygays…their sparkling dynamics result in a kaleidoscope of experiences that make this podcast special. Regarding the idea of bringing Mysteries of the EuroVerse to life, in a press release, Magnus expressed his sincere gratitude for Eurovision’s LGBTQ+ friendly environment during his upbringing in small-town Norway. “As a queer kid, growing up in small-town Norway, I am so thankful that I had Eurovision – where even in the ’90s, LGBTQ contestants could win on the world’s largest stage. Ever since moving to the U.S., it became a little mission of mine to bring this campy, wild, and unapologetically queer event to as many Americans as I could.”

Echoing this sentiment, co-host Charlie reminisces about the sheer allure of Eurovision’s sequins, glitter, and unapologetic queer charm. “I can’t believe I only learned about this contest a few years ago. The fact that the world’s most-watched music competition was putting drag queens on stage in the ’80s, had a trans winner in the ’90s, and spent the aughts getting into international incidents in defense of gay rights was mind-blowing to me. And then I saw the amount of sequins, glitter, and sparkle on stage – and my little gay heart fell in love.”

You know we’re nothing if not honest here, and we have to confess that what surprised us most about Mysteries of the EuroVerse is its perfect blend of education and humor. It’s like a crash course in Eurovision’s wild history, with a side of camp and unapologetic queerness — and we absolutely love it! 

As non-Europeans, our first encounter with Eurovision was through social media (think Tumblr), and this podcast is like a nostalgic throwback to those days, bringing the glitz and glam of the past to a more practical platform – podcasts.

And we say practical because living in the era of audio content certainly has its perks. You can multitask while soaking in knowledge, whether you’re commuting, working out, or just chilling. This auditory experience adds a personal touch, making you feel like you’re gossiping about stuff with your besties. And in this case, it’s Eurovision! How cool is that? We’re completely obsessed!

Mysteries of the EuroVerse takes you on a weekly odyssey through Eurovision’s vibrant realms. It’s not just about the catchy tunes and flashy performances (though we can’t get enough of those); it delves into the geopolitical sphere, LGBTQ+ impact, and cross-cultural waves reaching the US. As non-Europeans, we appreciate the effort to showcase Eurovision’s nuances to the American audience, especially shedding light on its rich queer history. Shoutout to Magnus and Charlie for giving us all a front-row seat to Eurovision’s dazzling world. 

Also, kudos for bringing in so many spectacular guests, because they truly have it all – Eurovision legends, entertainment gurus, and even geopolitical whizzes. The vibe is light, fun, and inclusive, even for Eurovision newbies like ourselves. It feels like a celebration of a show that’s been strutting on the world stage since 1956.

So whether you’re a seasoned Eurovision enthusiast or just curious about what all the glitter is about, Mysteries of the EuroVerse is your golden ticket. Tune in, join the party, and let Magnus and Charlie be your guides through the Euro-madness! 

The 2024 edition of Eurovision is set to take place in Malmö, Sweden, with the semifinals on May 7th and 9th, and the grand finale on the 11th. However, it’s crucial to address a growing movement on social media calling for a boycott of the event. The movement is fueled by concerns over Israel’s inclusion in this year’s lineup, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Here at Q+, we stand firm in our commitment against violence, and we express our solidarity with those affected by the current conflict. We join others in urging governments to prioritize peace and demand a ceasefire for the well-being of all. Even though Eurovision claims to be an anti-political event, it’s important to recognize that it is undeniably entangled in political realities. Our hope is for a world where cultural events can be enjoyed without compromising the principles of justice, equality, peace, and, above all, humanity.

---

Mysteries of the EuroVerse is available on all major podcast platforms. Make sure to follow them on their social media channels for updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff! 

Featured image: Photo by Gabriella Spiegel