Best Slovak Culture Podcasts (2025)

1
The first English translation of "René, or: A Young Man's Adventures and Experiences", plus Slovak Sound Check & Culture Tips (30.5.2025 16:00) 28:59

21h ago28:59

28:59

The first novel ever written in the territory of present-day Slovakia has just been released in its first English translation. Martina Greňová Šimkovičová speaks with Dobrota Pucherová, one of the editors of René, or: A Young Man's Adventures and Experiences. Meanwhile, Veronika Ščepánová explains the difference between masculine and feminine natio…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 22 (31.5.2025 16:00) 26:56

4h ago26:56

26:56

Weekly news digest combined with some of the stories from the past week.By STVR

1
Slovak ECB governing council member convicted of bribery 5:03

1d ago5:03

5:03

The Slovak central bank governor, Peter Kažimír and member of the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, you know the body that decides monetary policy for 20 eurozone countries, has just been convicted of bribery. Yes, he has been convicted and fined €200,000 and with a warning that if he doesn’t pay, he’s looking at a year behind bars. But ho…

1
Pushing limits: Slovak female triathlete makes XTRI history. (29.5.2025 16:00) 25:03

2d ago25:03

25:03

In this interview, Romana Grajcarová speaks with Slovak triathlete Nikola Čorbová, the first woman ever to win Himalayan Xtri. Čorbová reflects on this historic achievement—conquering one of the most demanding endurance races in the world—and shares what it took to prepare both physically and mentally for such an extreme challenge.…

1
Period poverty is real. Why is the EU still ignoring it? 4:48

2d ago4:48

4:48

Yesterday was International Menstrual Hygiene Day, and chances are, it passed without much notice. But something that affects nearly half the population, every single month, for around 40 years, deserves a bit more attention. Periods might still be treated like an uncomfortable secret, but they’re not. And the most important thing isn’t the discomf…

1
Virologist Dr. Boris Klempa on zoonotic viruses, the European Virus Archive, & combating misinformation in science (28.5.2025 16:00) 34:22

3d ago34:22

34:22

In Slovakia, research is underway both in laboratories and even on farms, as scientists work to better understand and combat infectious diseases. One of the most prominent figures in this effort is Dr. Boris Klempa, a virologist at the Institute of Virology within the Biomedical Research Center at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. In our conversation…

1
The EU is gearing up for an anti-Orbán pushback 5:24

3d ago5:24

5:24

The rule of law and democracy were the two topics at the heart of the General Affairs Council this week in Brussels, and Hungary was once again the elephant in the European room. This time, the vibe was already set by many EU countries who called Hungary to reverse the ban on Pride celebrations and scrap the law that cracks down on independent medi…

1
How to say “Let me introduce“ in Slovak; Slovak Jazz; Slovak Jazzman Peter Lipa; S8 E17 22:50

3d ago22:50

22:50

Today's episode is about jazz in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn some words from today’s topic. You will also learn how to say “Let me introduce... “ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue about Slovak jazz. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about jazz in Slovakia. In the Slovak less…

1
Are Europe’s culture wars just a distraction from class struggle? 16:31

3d ago16:31

16:31

In this episode of Europe Talks Back, we explore how Europe's so-called culture wars are used to divert attention from structural economic issues. With insight from political scientist and member of the Social Democrats Justus Seuferle and Politics Professor at the University of Bath, Aurélien Mondon, the episode examines how political and media di…

1
Part II: International summit Start with Children hosted by Bratislava (27.5.2025 16:00) 32:37

4d ago32:37

32:37

Continuing with interviews from the Start with Children summit recently held in Bratislava. Today Ben Pascoe talks with keynote speaker Eva Kail from Vienna and Sandra Stasselova from the Bratislava Metropolitan Institute. Also Tomas Peciar from cykloloalicia tells us about critical mass and kidical mass.…

1
Germany lifts range limits on weapons sent to Ukraine, but what does it mean? 4:57

4d ago4:57

4:57

Germany has just joined the US, the UK, and France in lifting range restrictions on the weapons it sends to Ukraine. Which means that Kyiv is now officially allowed to hit targets inside Russia using Western-supplied weapons. But why is this decision coming now and what does it mean for the war? Join us on our journey through the events that shape …

1
Project Disconnect: Exploring loneliness and social isolation in Slovakia (26.5.2025 16:00) 7:09

5d ago7:09

7:09

RERUNProject Disconnect aims to comprehensively and interdisciplinaryly explore loneliness and social isolation in Slovakia. In this show, we are going to talk to researcher and doctor from Psychiatric Clinic at the Slovak Medical University, Jakub Januška.By STVR

1
Trump delays threatened 50% EU tariff after call with Von der Leyen 4:57

5d ago4:57

4:57

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that he will delay the implementation of a 50% tariff on European Union goods. The tariffs were originally set to take effect on June 1 in a few days, but the new deadline is now moved to the 9th of July. But what does this signal for the future of the trade relations between the EU and the US? Join us…

1
A Grain of Power : The governance - Bruxelles 5/6 25:46

6d ago25:46

25:46

After analysing the impact of the lack of grain and wheat on the global South, in the 5th episode of A Grain of Power, we look at the impact an abundance of the same can have on economies. In 2024, farmers’ movements across Europe took the streets of their capitals and Brussels. To some, it looked like the Kremlin had been able to spur these protes…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 21 (24.5.2025 16:00) 20:05

7d ago20:05

20:05

Weekly news digest followed by some of the topical stories of the past week.By STVR

1
WHO Pandemic Agreement: Slovakia’s abstention explained. Culture tips. Usefull Slovak phrases. (23.5.2025 16:00) 24:54

8d ago24:54

24:54

Professor Jozef Šuvada, Slovakia's representative in the WHO Executive Board, explains what it means that Slovakia abstained form the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Culture tips invite to Night of Churches, Circus l'Art and BRaK among other events. Veronika and Sean dive into another Slovak phrases usefull for English speakers.…

1
Civil society to EU: Stop Hungary’s independent media and NGO crackdown 5:19

8d ago5:19

5:19

329 civil society organisations across Europe issued a very clear call to Brussels: stop Hungary’s latest attempt to silence pluralism. In a public letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, the signatories urge the EU to act immediately against a new Hungarian law that could destroy what…

1
International Day for Biodiversity with EMYS, a project focusing on biotope restoration (22.5.2025 16:00) 22:39

9d ago22:39

22:39

In the interview with Andrea Froncová, we discussed biodiversity and a new project called EMYS, which focuses on biotope restoration and the protection of the European pond turtle, in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity.By STVR

1
EU reviews ties with Israel amid Gaza crisis. Is it too late? 5:47

9d ago5:47

5:47

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the UN warning that 14,000 babies could die within 48hours if aid does not reach communities in the Strip, finally, pushed the European Union into a moment of reckoning. But this comes after more than 19 months of Israeli military operations in Gaza and three months of suspended humanitarian aid, prompting s…

1
The Slovak Theatre in London, plus two young filmmakers from eastern Slovakia (21.5.2025 16:00) 26:34

10d ago26:34

26:34

In this episode of the Slovakia Today programme, we bring you the interview with the founder and manager of the Slovak Theatre in London Simona Vrabcová and her colleague and co-manager Rebeka Jurčacková about its history, activities and future. Next up are two young filmmakers from eastern Slovakia Matúš Chovanec and Adam Šoltés sharing their insi…

1
What Poland’s Presidential runoff means for women’s rights 4:43

10d ago4:43

4:43

Last Sunday, Poles voted in the first round of presidential elections. Leading were Rafał Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and candidate of Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Platform, and Karol Nawrocki of the conservative Law and Justice party. A runoff is set for 1 June. The race highlights Poland’s deep divisions. And this also has something to do …

1
How to say “Keep calm”; How to say “Be alert!”; What’s Up with the Bears in Slovakia? What to Do if You See a Bear; S8 E16 24:26

10d ago24:26

24:26

Today's episode is about the bear situation in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn some words from today’s topic. You will also learn how to say “Keep calm” and “Be alert!“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find the main points of today’s episode in Slovak. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about the bear…

1
Part I: International summit Start with Children hosted by Bratislava (20.5.2025 16:00) 30:33

11d ago30:33

30:33

Bratislava played host to the international summit Start with Children. Experts from around the country and the world met to discuss how thinking about children when planning cities can make them better places for everyone to live.By STVR

1
The fossil fuel PR machine Europe doesn’t want to talk about 10:15

11d ago10:15

10:15

They say money talks. But sometimes, it whispers, behind closed doors, in Brussels boardrooms, and inside sleek offices of public affairs firms you’ve probably never heard of. While the world tries to phase out fossil fuels, a handful of lobbying and law firms are working hard to protect them. Not because it’s good for the planet, but because big o…

1
Exploring the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia (19.5.2025 16:00) 6:47

12d ago6:47

6:47

Recent data from Eurostat show that over 14% of Slovak population lives on the poverty line. In this show, we are going to explore the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia. You are also going to hear from experts: sociologist from SAV Zuzana Kusá and trade unionist, activist and analyst Ján Košč from initiative Pracujúca chudoba.…

1
UK and EU hit reset: what did the summit deliver? 5:16

12d ago5:16

5:16

Today all eyes are on a very complicated relationship that ended with a breakup, the EU and the UK. Keir Starmer wants to reset this relationship and this week, that effort finally takes shape in the form of hosting the first official U.K.-EU summit since Brexit. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António…

1
A Grain of Power : The void - Cairo, Egypt 4/6 25:13

13d ago25:13

25:13

With the fourth episode of A Grain of Power, the reportage trip which started in Ukraine and passed along the Western coast of the Black Sea reaches its final destination. In the Egyptian town of Mansoura and the capital city Cairo, bread maker Zainab and restaurant owner Kamal share their views on the importance of bread in their society. The epis…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 20 (17.5.2025 16:00) 27:12

14d ago27:12

27:12

Slovakia Today takes a look back at the past week. The biggest headlines and highlights from our reports.By STVR

1
Irish playwright Marina Carr, Culture Tips, and Slovak Sound Check (16.5.2025 16:00) 27:49

15d ago27:49

27:49

Famous Irish playwright Marina Carr dropped by Bratislava for a masterclass at the New Drama Festival. She chatted with Martina Greňová Šimkovičová about what it’s like seeing her plays in translation. Our regular Slovak culture tips for foreigners will take you from Cannes and Sao Paulo to Lučenec, Banská Bystrica, and Bratislava. And don’t miss t…

1
Europe’s Super Sunday: What’s at stake in three key elections? 5:01

15d ago5:01

5:01

May 19th is Europe’s Super Sunday with three elections: Romania, Poland and Portugal, that could reshape each country’s national trajectory and reverberate across the continent. Romania’s presidential runoff has exposed deep political divides, with nationalist candidate George Simion facing centrist Nicușor Dan. In Poland, the first round of the pr…

1
ALKA: With authenticity and care. No sense does not mean nonsense. (15.5.2025 16:00) 24:45

16d ago24:45

24:45

Majka Reviľáková and Miška Vlasáková, founders of the ALKA project, talk about the process of including vulnerable children in everyday life at school and within their communities. Soňa Spáčilová presents the exhibition “Zmysel to má aj bez zmyslov”, which helps children and young people better understand the lives of people with disabilities.…

1
Orbán’s government to blacklist critical media and NGOs with new bill 4:39

16d ago4:39

4:39

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, never one to shy away from a bit of authoritarian flair, is back at it. His ruling Fidesz party has just introduced a bill that will be blacklisting and monitoring critical to his government media and NGO’s. But in what ways is the government planning to use this bill? Join us on our journey through the events…

1
Country Roads: Trenčianske Teplice (14.5.2025 16:00) 27:35

17d ago27:35

27:35

As many tourists and foreign residents have discovered, Slovakia is much more than its charming capital, Bratislava. From villages adorned with mysterious folk symbols to castles perched above deep valleys and trails leading into the rocky heights of the Tatras, the country is full of hidden gems. For those curious to explore beyond Slovakia's well…

1
Pfizergate: EU court slams Von der Leyen over secret vaccine texts 4:49

17d ago4:49

4:49

A European Union court has just ruled that the European Commission was wrong, actually, very wrong, to deny access to text messages exchanged between its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. These messages were sent in early 2021, at a time when the EU had fallen months behind the US and the UK in the race to secure Covid-…

1
How to say “Ready, set, go!“ in Slovak; World Athletics Day; S8 E15 19:43

17d ago19:43

19:43

Today's episode is about World Athletics Day. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn some words from my athletics vocabulary. You will also learn how to say “Ready, set, go!“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short summary about the Athletics Day. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about World Athletics Day. In…

1
A visit to the spring edition of Bratislava's Dobrý Trh, the Good Market (13.5.2025 16:00) 23:06

18d ago23:06

23:06

Ben Pascoe visits the spring edition of Dobry Trh, the good market, and shares with you the sounds and feelings that make the event so unique and special.By STVR

1
Putin on a tightrope as Zelenskyy waits in Istanbul for ‘serious negotiations’ 5:00

18d ago5:00

5:00

Busy week this one for the world of diplomacy where moves and decisions made could determine the war in Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accepted Vladimir Putin’s suggestion to have serious negotiations and challenged him to meet for direct peace talks this Thursday, in Istanbul. In this explosive mix add Donald Trump, who is visiting the …

1
The life and work of Slovak musical legend, filmmaker, and thinker Dežo Ursíny (12.5.2025 16:00) 5:50

19d ago5:50

5:50

May 2nd, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of Dežo Ursíny's passing. This radio show looks at the life and work of this Slovak musical legend, filmmaker, and thinker. With the help of his son Jakub Ursiny, poet Ivan Štrpka, film producer Marián Urban and music journalist Marián Jaslovský we explore what made him so special. From his early music to h…

1
Albania’s Rama to secure a 4th term, will he deliver on EU membership? 5:04

19d ago5:04

5:04

Albanians voted this Sunday to decide whether to give Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term or side with his longstanding rival, Sali Berisha. From the current polls it looks like Prime Minister Edi Rama has secured a fourth term in office. His Socialist Party won a bit over 50% of the vote in Sunday’s legislative elections, enough to hold a solid …

1
A Grain of Power : The ports - The Black Sea 3/6 30:30

20d ago30:30

30:30

In the third episode of A Grain of Power, the team of reporters behind this documentary travels from Odessa, in Ukraine, towards Istanbul, in Turkey, passing through Constanza, in Romania. The trip sheds light on the impact of the war on Ukraine on the transport infrastructure of grain from Europe to the global South. Through 6 episodes, A Grain of…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 19 (10.5.2025 16:00) 22:40

21d ago22:40

22:40

Week in SlovakiaBy STVR

1
Slovak anti-war literature in translation: a discussion with Julia Sherwood (9.5.2025 16:00) 27:45

22d ago27:45

27:45

Leopold Lahola was an acclaimed Slovak filmmaker who fled Czechoslovakia in 1949. His only collection of short stories, The Last Thing, is unsettling in the extreme situations in which his characters find themselves during the Second World War. A selection of them has recently been published in English translation, secured by Julia and Peter Sherwo…

1
What is Pope Leo’s stance on LGBTQ+, women’s roles, and migration? 4:52

22d ago4:52

4:52

Habemus Papam! After just two days of deliberations, the Cardinals have chosen their 267th Pontiff: Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo the Fourteenth, the first American Pope in history. Seen as a centrist, Leo inherits a global congregation at a time of deep division and growing calls for reform. But, where does Pope Leo stand on key issues shap…

1
WWII 80: Queer desire in the Holocaust with historian Anna Hájková (8.5.2025 16:00) 27:40

23d ago27:40

27:40

In today’s program, you’ll hear an interview with historian Anna Hájková about her book People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire in the Holocaust, as well as a conversation with historian Peter Šumichrast about the Second World War.By STVR

1
Trump teases UK trade deal amid tariffs. Is it just talk? 4:37

23d ago4:37

4:37

Today’s headline in all caps A “MAJOR TRADE DEAL” is on the horizon, or so says Donald Trump, who posted on social media that he’ll be announcing one at 10 AM sharp, 4pm for us, from the Oval Office. The deal will be with “A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY.” So, which country is getting the Trump treatment this time? And what is this deal actual…

1
East Slovak Gallery in Košice, plus Romani violinist Barbora Botošová (7.5.2025 16:00) 27:40

24d ago27:40

27:40

In this episode, we will bring you two previously-run interviews with the director of the East Slovak Gallery in Košice Dorota Kenderová and Miroslav Kleban, the curator of Rudolf Dzurko’s exhibition titled Only with Me Can You Hear the Grass Grow. We will also revisit the interview with Barbora Botošová, a Romani violinist coming from Slovakia, ab…

1
Inside the Conclave: The lobbying, the votes, and the favourites 5:10

24d ago5:10

5:10

The 76th papal conclave is officially underway, and this one is already being called the most unpredictable in modern Church history. 133 cardinals from across the world have entered the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo’s famous Last Judgment and they’re now sequestered from the outside world to elect the next pope. This is the largest conclave e…

1
How to say “Great Question“ in Slovak; 80 Year Anniversary of the End of the Second World War; Remembering the End of WW II; S8 E14 23:37

24d ago23:37

23:37

Today's episode is about the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my lecture. You will also learn how to say “Great question“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find some Questions & Answers from my lecture about WW II in Slovakia. Episode notes In today's episode…

1
Springtime and the world championship of hockey (6.5.2025 16:00) 31:11

25d ago31:11

31:11

It is spring in Slovakia, which means it is time for the world championship of hockey. To discuss the national sport of Slovakia Ben Pascoe sat down with Slovak Radio sports journalist Martin Kaigl.By STVR

1
State crisis? Merz fails to win Chancellor vote 4:43

25d ago4:43

4:43

Germany has entered unfamiliar territory. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic, a designated chancellor has failed to get elected in the first round of parliamentary voting. So, what happens now that Merz failed to secure a majority? Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Un…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Slovak Culture Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen