@Bernard-clabots, you make an interesting point about being neutral about a country when learning a language but I think that has much to do with personal preference. Even culture and history can be contentious if you start to analyse how it came about. I find myself more engrossed in learning Russian exactly because the topics Max covers are so real. Max’s podcasts provide a good balance of information, analysis, and opportunities to learn beyond what you can find in a textbook or the dictionary. I only wish I could write this in Russian.