Brussels Playbook Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Introducing: The Brussels Playbook Podcast
Host: Zoya Sheftalovich (Chief EU Correspondent, POLITICO)
Date: February 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This introductory episode gives listeners their first taste of the Brussels Playbook Podcast — POLITICO’s new daily audio briefing dedicated to what’s moving, and mattering, in EU politics. Host Zoya Sheftalovich explains the podcast’s ambitions: fast, insightful reporting-driven coverage that unlocks the real stories and power plays shaping Brussels, all in under 15 minutes. She also shares her own background, bringing a personal touch and setting the conversational, transparent tone that will define future episodes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How EU Stories Really Begin

• Behind-the-scenes reporting: The host emphasizes that the most important Brussels stories rarely start with official announcements. Instead, they often originate from subtle cues:
  • “There's a coffee in Tomeli, a call from a diplomat, a flurry of WhatsApp messages, and then suddenly I start to notice that there's been a shift in tone from EU officials.” (A, 00:09)
• Why this matters: Zoya frames this as the “real reporting” that goes beneath the surface and will become a hallmark of the podcast.

2. What Listeners Can Expect

• Daily, concise briefings: The podcast delivers its core promise — a short, sharp overview of the day’s real political moves in Brussels, “Monday through Thursday in under 15 minutes.” (A, 00:32)
• Depth and clarity:
  • “We’ll take you inside what’s actually driving EU politics. We’ll show you the conversations, the signals, and the power plays.” (A, 00:36)
  • The format: quick but meaningful conversations, sometimes featuring debate between POLITICO’s journalists for added insight.

3. Meet the Host

• Personal and professional background:
  • Zoya Sheftalovich introduces herself as POLITICO’s chief EU correspondent, with 11 years at the publication, a history editing the Playbook newsletter, and time spent both in Brussels and Australia.
  • “That’s where the accent’s from. And I was born in Ukraine, which is where the name is from.” (A, 00:48)
• Anecdotes: She shares small details (“I run on good coffee, cherry gummy bears and borsch.” (A, 00:55)), establishing a warm, personable rapport.

4. Transitioning the Playbook to Audio

• Building on a trusted brand:
  • After years of editing the influential Brussels Playbook newsletter, Zoya is now turning the same “inside track” approach to audio — offering a voice and direct connection for Brussels insiders and those curious about EU politics.

5. Format and Structure

• Convenient listening: Tailored for busy mornings, whether listeners are “stuck in traffic or on your bike.” (A, 01:10)
• Friday deep-dives: On Fridays, the show shifts gears to a longer, more analytical episode “to ease you into the weekend” (A, 01:23), hosted by Sarah Wheaton.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The best Brussels stories don’t start with an announcement. They start quietly.” — Zoya Sheftalovich (A, 00:01)
• “When the real reporting begins, it’s the part of the story you don’t usually see. And it’s exactly what we’ll be bringing you on our new podcast.” (A, 00:21)
• “Short, sharp, insightful conversations about the stories driving the day with the journalists who break them, explain them, and sometimes argue about what it all really means.” (A, 01:15)
• “The Brussels Playbook podcast is launching soon.” (A, 01:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–00:21 – How Brussels stories start and the ethos of the podcast
• 00:22–00:55 – Introducing Zoya Sheftalovich: background and personal anecdotes
• 00:56–01:23 – The daily format, what listeners can expect, and the role of the Friday deep-dive
• 01:24–01:29 – Closing call-to-action

Tone & Style

Zoya’s approach is conversational, accessible, and warm, with an undercurrent of quiet authority rooted in deep reporting experience. The introduction sets an inviting, lightly self-deprecating tone designed to make complex EU politics approachable for both insiders and curious newcomers.

Summary Takeaway

The Brussels Playbook Podcast positions itself as the essential, inside-the-room audio guide to EU politics — blending the trusted reporting of POLITICO’s Playbook newsletter with a friendly, insightful voice in your morning routine. This debut episode promises clarity, context, and candor, delivered every weekday in a format designed for how busy Europeans start their day.