Best Slavic Languages Podcasts (2026)

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817 Budget Travel Tips; Moonlight Express; Hola South America 52:00

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1m ago52:00

52:00

A budget-minded travel blogger shares timely tips for keeping costs down — so that you can keep your travel dreams alive. Then a British journalist with a passion for rail travel enthuses about the special magic of the sleeper train. And an American writer based in Chile tells us what he loves about living in South America. For more information on …

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816 Vesterheim; Atlas Obscura Curiosities; Lessons Learned 52:00

7d ago52:00

52:00

Celebrate Norwegian roots in America as we mark the 200th anniversary of a major wave of immigration to the US from the Scandinavian nation. Then join an expert of the offbeat as he delves into some of the more curious places and things held dear by people around the world. And listen in as callers share their favorite travel memories of the year b…

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427c Christmas in London, Umbria, France, Norway, Greece, Basque Country 52:00

5d ago52:00

52:00

Christmas is a little different across the pond — where Santas dwell on farms or in the woods, festively decorated boats stand in for sleighs, and fermented trout is a must-try treat. Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy, as a slate of Rick's guides share their c…

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815 Sacred Paris; Newgrange Solstice; Finnish Sauna; Christmas in Estonia, Rome, Venice 52:00

12d ago52:00

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Hear a Francophile's recommendations for some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris. Then vicariously experience a winter solstice ritual from inside an ancient tomb in Ireland, and warm up to the custom that's central to life in Finland: the sauna. Plus, kick off the Christmas season with local holiday traditions from …

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814 Tuesdays at the Louvre; Stone 52:00

19d ago52:00

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A Paris-based journalist lets us in on what happens behind closed doors at the city's grandest museum when it shuts to the public each Tuesday. And the last apprentice to be trained in the medieval techniques of masonry in Tuscany reveals how ancient secrets help to turn stone into masterpieces of art and architecture. For more information on Trave…

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495b National Parks Dinner Party; The Great Southwest; Utah's Craziest Bike Ride 52:00

26d ago52:00

52:00

Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on …

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813 20th-Century France; Finest Hotel in Kabul; Photogenic Scotland 52:00

1M ago52:00

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Historian Colin Jones has managed to distill centuries of French history into just 250 pages, and he leads us through significant sights from the mighty nation's recent past. Then a veteran BBC correspondent recalls turbulent times in 1980s Afghanistan and the hotel that still stands as a symbol of the country's resilient people. And a photographer…

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812 What's New in Venice; The Senior Nomads Come Home; Food Tours in Europe 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

One of Rick's favorite Venice tour guides lets us in on changes afoot in Italy's city of dreams. Then the tireless Senior Nomads share lessons from a dozen years on the road as they unpack their suitcases and settle down for good. And a gastronomic guide invites us to dig into the best bites from across the continent. For more information on Travel…

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811 Slavic Europe; Running with the Bulls; Checking In 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Guidebook researcher Cameron Hewitt opens our eyes to the history, nature, and genuine welcome that await travelers venturing to the Slavic nations of central and eastern Europe. Then a tour guide from Switzerland explains what compels him to run with the bulls in Pamplona each summer, as he's done for five decades. And listeners chat with Rick abo…

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810 Gothic Literary Tourism; Mexico's Day of the Dead; Spooky New Orleans 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Hear how Gothic literature uses scary stories and the supernatural to explore human nature. Then learn about the origins and traditions of Mexico's annual celebration of departed loved ones. And get a New Orleans tour guide's take on the uniquely spiritual culture of her city as well as some of its most haunted sights. For more information on Trave…

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809 Women of Pompeii; Lesser-Known Greek Isles; Weird Ireland 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Learn about the societal roles and everyday lives of the women of Pompeii. Then get recommendations from a Greek tour guide for some islands that should be on your radar for your next visit. And take a walk on the Emerald Isle's weird side with a local collector of all things offbeat, outlandish, and delightfully Irish. For more information on Trav…

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679a Nordic Roots; Dutch Towns; Bridge to Nicaragua 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Hear how the characters of Nordic mythology can help you better understand the past, and how they influence the epic tales that entertain us today. Discover Dutch towns to explore beyond Amsterdam where you can view technological marvels as well as medieval charm. Also, find out how tourism in Nicaragua is trying to rebound from multiple setbacks, …

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808 See You in the Piazza; Lagers 52:00

3M ago52:00

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Bestselling author Frances Mayes comes in from the Tuscan sun to tell us about her favorite uncrowded corners of Italy, away from the crush of the country's top tourist destinations. And a certified beer judge explains what makes lager the world's most popular style of the ubiquitous beverage. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - inclu…

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807 Islands of Portugal; Easter Island; Endangered Languages 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

A Portugal tour guide describes the scenic and culinary rewards that await visitors to the country's mid-Atlantic island getaways. Then a Scotsman who spent over two decades living on Easter Island takes us behind the mysteries of its famous stone figures and shares what daily life is like in the remote outpost. And a New York linguist reminds us o…

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Why you sound the same in every language 13:42

3M ago13:42

13:42

When someone has an accent, why can we often tell his/her origin? And why is it that we can hear that person’s origin no matter what language they speak? Why can we tell a French accent in English or in Spanish or in Chinese? More fundamentally, why can we even hear accents? In this episode, I analyze a content creator who created a humorous take o…

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806 Swedish-Norwegian Cousins; The London Tube; Czech Castles 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Get an inside look at the (mostly) friendly rivalries of Scandinavia as a pair of tour guides from Sweden and Norway sit down for a chat. Then hear from a London Blue Badge guide about what to know — and love — about London's famous underground metro system. And listen in as we explore the grand castles of the Czech Republic. For more information o…

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654a Best of Bulgaria; Traveling with Disabilities; Chasing the Sun 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physical disability. And author Richard Cohen describes the varied ways human cultures have long celebrat…

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805 Italy Side-Trip Towns; Overnight; Enjoying Mexico City 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

Who's afraid of the dark? Adventurer Dan Richards shines a gentle light on what goes on in our world after sunset. Then an Italy tour guide looks beyond the crowds of Florence, Venice, and Rome to share her favorite side trips that are worth the diversion. And a Mexico City guide clues us in on the multicultural neighborhoods and cosmopolitan vibe …

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804 Favorite Hot Springs in Europe; Walk Around the World 52:00

4M ago52:00

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A photojournalist lets us in on her favorite European hot springs to visit, from Iceland to Turkey and points in between. And a man who spent seven years traversing the globe on foot — with his faithful pup alongside him — describes how his adventure helped him learn to embrace the now. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including ep…

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803 Ohio's Ancient Trails; Safeguarding Heritage Sites; How to Land a Plane 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian mound-builder cultures. Then get an inside look at the World Monuments Fund's biennial selection of endangered archaeological and cultural sites, whose preservation is vital to our heritage. And what goes up, must come down: Pilot Mark…

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718a Pastas You Should Know; In Sardinia; Gelato 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and Sicily bring us the…

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802 Ladies of the Louvre; The Roma; American Expats 52:00

4M ago52:00

52:00

Author Elaine Sciolino gives us the history behind the famous women — both artists and subjects — to visit in Paris' grand repository. Then a Romani author shares what it was like growing up in her culture as we trace the lineage and influence of the vibrant Romani people. And the well-traveled Paul Theroux provides aspiring expats a realistic asse…

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Episode 36 - Eugenia Tietz-Sokolskaya and John Riedl 28:50

5M ago28:50

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Host Halla Goins chats with Russian-to-English ATA exam graders Eugenia Tietz-Sokolskaya and John Riedl about the session they presented last year at ATA65 in Portland, entitled “I can’t place the accent: Identifying the characteristic traits of machine translation”. You can read a review of John and Eugenia's session here: https://www.ata-division…

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801 Museum Matters with Mary Beard; Fascinating Museums; Soul of South Korea 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Beloved English classics scholar Dame Mary Beard offers wisdom on how to tackle the vast collection of the British Museum, and ponders the ethics and responsibility of retaining the cultural antiquities of other lands. Then a cartoonist shares his love of museums and how they transform us by illustrating memorable moments at his favorites across No…

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800 British Pub Grub; Travel on $75 a Day; Holland 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

Spotted Dick, Eton Mess, Ploughman's Lunch: Two British guides decode the best of England's pub food and explain how far it's come since the days of soggy chips and limp sausages. Then a travel blogger shares tips for exploring the world without breaking the bank. And a pair of Dutch guides illuminate the differences between the fairy-tale province…

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799 Irish Oddities; Viking Sights; Cycling the Silk Road 52:00

5M ago52:00

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Meet an Irishman who scours the Emerald Isle to report on oddities and lesser-known facets of his country's culture. Then learn about the lasting impact of the Viking era in Norway and where to observe it on your next visit. And hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet. For more information on Travel…

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Why don’t dictionaries don’t give the exact pronunciation? 10:55

5M ago10:55

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When you check a word in the dictionary, the transcription it gives is not the full picture. It's just the general reading. If you were to read it exactly as it was transcribed in the dictionary, people would understand you, but you would in no way have a native accent. But why? In this episode, let's find out some reasons why dictionaries can't an…

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670a Weekend in Brussels; The Temporary European; My Town 52:00

5M ago52:00

52:00

A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as lo…

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798 France, North vs. South; Streets of Paris; Loire Valley Chateâu Country 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

A trio of Rick's tour guides banter about the nuances of northern and southern France, from climate and demeanor to food and fashion. Then author Susan Cahill describes how wandering the streets of Paris brings to life the stories of the city's artists, writers, and historical figures. And an expert offers recommendations for enjoying the elegant c…

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797 Kayaking Manhattan; The Wild Mississippi; Happy Travels 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

Journalist Eliot Stein takes us along on the unique adventure of kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan Island and observes some of the pockets of nature that persist within New York's concrete jungle. Then a midwestern author shares his lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and delves into the recreational, ecological, and spiritual facets of Am…

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Analyzing a Polish AI influencer’s accent (vowel length, final devoicing, slavic voicing) 12:20

6M ago12:20

12:20

I found a Polish AI influencer that speaks with a pretty convincing Polish-accented English. Let’s analyze her accentǃ Learn about how Polish vowels differ from English vowels, and how Slavic consonants behave in different waysǃ Join the free Amazing Accenteers Discord community https://discord.gg/N9FDjxS7aB…

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796 Oh Canada! 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

Two prominent Canadian authors share their perspective on today's strained political relationship between the US and its northern neighbor. They reflect on their country's geography, diversity, strength, and identity, and consider the history and attitudes that make Canada distinct from the US. And of course, they talk a bit of hockey. For more inf…

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795 Liverpool; Finding Ancient Roman Art; Home Base Hiking in Europe 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

Find out what makes Liverpool worth at least a day's visit even for those with no interest in Fab Four lore, then hear from renowned classicist Mary Beard about some of the best places outside Italy to see remnants of the ancient Roman empire. And learn why one expert recommends finding a good home base to unlace your boots on a multi-day European …

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447b Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova & the Veneto 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half …

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Contract "Not" to sound more natural 10:30

7M ago10:30

10:30

"Not" — just three little letters, but one of the most common words in English. And yet, many non-native speakers pronounce it in a way that sounds unnatural. In this episode, we break down why that happens, how native speakers actually use and pronounce "not" (hint: they almost always contract it), and how mastering this tiny word can make a huge …

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794 The New Tourist; Training School for Elephants 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

Journalist Paige McClanahan examines recent changes in the travel industry and explains how a more conscientious approach to tourism can make it a force for good. And travel writer Sophy Roberts recounts a curious episode in colonial history when the king of Belgium ordered a group of elephants to be sent from India to Congo — and discusses what he…

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793 Aegean Turkey; Florence & Tuscany; Denmark Beyond Copenhagen 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

Expert tour guides share advice for exploring the ancient ruins and seaside villages along Turkey's Aegean coast, the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside, and charming Danish towns and islands easily reached on day trips from Copenhagen. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode description…

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792 Remember Us; The Greater Journey 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

We hear how the Dutch continue to remember and honor the servicemen who helped liberate their towns in 1945. And we revisit a conversation with the late historian David McCullough about the influential "Americans in Paris" of the 19th century, who returned home with skills that helped transform life in the US. For more information on Travel with Ri…

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"Can" or "Can't" - Why people keep mishearing you 11:50

8M ago11:50

11:50

Do people keep mishearing you say "can't" when you say "can"? Are you unsure if you're even pronouncing it correctly? That's probably because there are TWO pronunciations of "can"- the most common version and the less common version, and you're probably using the less common version when you should be using the other version. In this episode, I'll …

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683a English Country Gardens; On Becoming a Gardener; In Praise of Wasting Time 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

English tour guides share their enthusiasm for enjoying the riot of color and inspiration you'll find in England's best country gardens. Then author Catie Marron explains how she designed and planted a garden as a way to feel a sense of belonging in her new home. And physicist Alan Lightman explains why it's healthy to give yourself a little unstru…

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791 Scottish Castles; Mars on Earth; Checking In 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

Scottish tour guides tell us about the most famous castles in a country that's brimming with the imposing structures. Then a Santiago-based American travel writer embarks on a 1,200-mile odyssey through one of the driest places on earth — Chile's Atacama Desert — as he searches for a deeper understanding of his adopted homeland. And listeners call …

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The two types of "that" - when and how to pronounce them 7:34

8M ago7:34

7:34

The word "that" is a super common word, yet many English learners stress it incorrectly, especially if their native tongue is a language with a rhythm that's different from English's. Speakers of syllable-timed languages such as Spanish, French, Polish, Chinese languages, and other East Asian languages, will pronounce it as the full version but it …

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790 Oneika Raymond's Favorite Destinations; US Aid; A Week in Poland 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

Journalist Oneika Raymond reveals the top countries where, as a black woman traveling solo, she feels a cultural appreciation and connection. Then the head of Bread for the World describes how the organization's advocacy work has stepped up its efforts in the face of cuts to government aid programs. And tour guides from Poland give us a look at how…

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Voicing /b, d, g/ sounds if your language lacks them (e.g. Chinese accents) 16:16

8M ago16:16

16:16

A subtle feature of certain accents is the lack of /b, d, g/ sounds, the voiced counterpart to /p, t, k/. In addition, various languages devoice /b, d, g/ sounds as a feature of their accent in English. In this episode we examine what voicing is and how to do it so you can sound more native when speaking English and other languages with these sound…

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673a Visiting Antarctica; The Journeys of Trees; Italy's Northern Lakes 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

A travel writer shares how a trip to Antarctica helped him see that continent through the eyes of the early polar explorers. Then a reporter focused on climate change and conservation explains how some North American tree species are migrating to survive the planet's rising temperatures. And two Italy-based tour guides take us to the resort lakes o…

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789 Easter in Greece; Pillars of Europe; Easter in Andalucía 52:00

8M ago52:00

52:00

Learn about the customs that Greeks observe as Orthodox Easter draws near. Then contemplate the massive undertaking of building a cathedral centuries ago and how these monuments to faith and devotion helped shape their locales. And get acquainted with southern Spain's elaborate Semana Santa observances, which fill the streets of Andalucía in the we…

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Affrication: why TR and DR are not pronounced how you think they are 17:39

9M ago17:39

17:39

In many languages the letter sequences "tr" and "dr" are fairly simple: it's just a /t/ or /d/ sound followed by an /r/ sound. In English? Not so. Instead, these sounds "affricate", changing to a whole other sound. In today's episode, let's learn what affrication is, show you how to do it, and learn about how this is actually natural process in man…

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Is changing your accent betraying your culture? 20:54

9M ago20:54

20:54

Is improving your accent a betrayal of your culture—or just a form of adaptation? In this episode, I dive into the complex relationship between language, identity, and mindset. From stories about my Russian language partner, my British ex, and a college confrontation over pronunciation, to my own struggles with Cantonese and shifting accents, we ex…

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788 Spain by Train; Foreign Correspondent; The Lines on Our Maps 52:00

9M ago52:00

52:00

Hear from tour guides about Spain's robust high-speed rail network and all the places it can take you. Then hit the road vicariously with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof for a taste of life as a foreign correspondent. And take a closer look at the surprising and fascinating ways in which borders have shaped our world. For more in…