RIAS Fireside Chats: Laila Frank
On Wednesday, 2 December 2026, the RIAS will host the first Zeeland edition of the RIAS Fireside Chats, featuring journalist and podcast producer Laila Frank. Please note that this event will be held in Dutch.
About the speaker
Laila Frank is a journalist, speaker and podcast producer specialising in the United States and American politics. She writes for publications including De Groene Amsterdammer and provides commentary on developments in the US for various Dutch and Belgian media outlets. She also hosts Bureau Buitenland, a programme by Dutch public broadcaster VPRO on NPO Radio 1. Her podcast Welkom in Washington won the Herman Wekker Award. Since 2021, she has been a board member of the RIAS.
About the event
How are Americans resisting President Donald Trump’s attempts to consolidate power? Over the past year, journalist Laila Frank has reported on Americans who are standing up and refusing to remain on the sidelines. During this Fireside Chat, she will introduce participants to their stories, lives and experiences. Why do some people take action while others do not? And what does this tell us about the strengths and vulnerabilities of American democracy?
The RIAS Fireside Chats take their inspiration from the famous, informal radio addresses delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt between March 1933 and June 1944, through which he communicated directly with the American people. In the same spirit, these conversations take place in an informal setting, with participants seated around a table, sharing a cup of coffee or tea while asking questions and exchanging ideas. The conversation will be conducted in Dutch.
Event details
Title: RIAS Fireside Chats
Speaker: Laila Frank
Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2026, 14:00–15:00 (doors open at 13:45)
Location: RIAS, Hofplein 16, 4331 CK Middelburg, the Netherlands
Please note: The venue is only accessible via six flights of stairs.
Registration is possible via this link until and including 17 November 2026. Due to limited capacity, advance registration is required. If you are unable to attend after registering, we kindly ask you to let us know in good time.
See the invitation here.