Best Slovak Culture Podcasts (2025)

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Window to the World and Culture Tips (26.9.2025 16:00) 27:30

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2h ago27:30

27:30

In this edition of the Window to the World series, Tatiana Žitníková from the Russian section joins Michal Herceg from Rádio Regina Západ to explore the collaboration between the UNESCO-listed town of Levoča in eastern Slovakia and the city of Perechyn in western Ukraine. In Friday's show, we also highlight cultural events in Slovakia that are perf…

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Week in Slovakia No. 38 (27.9.2025 16:00) 24:02

1h ago24:02

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We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR

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How Mathematics is Taught in Slovakia; New Trends in Waste Management; and an episode of "Who Was That?" (25.9.2025 16:00) 25:07

3d ago25:07

25:07

RERUN: How is mathematics taught in Slovakia? And how to teach it in a way that entertains and inspires children? Mathematician Zbynek Kubáček reveals. Dušan Polačik, a representative of WAMA, talks about new trends in waste processing. Finally, a new episode of the Who was that series reveals who Janko Alexy was.…

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Mysterious Slovakia Round 8, plus Window to the World: Naperville-Nitra (24.9.2025 16:00) 25:04

4h ago25:04

25:04

Don't miss your final chance to participate in the 8th round of the RSI competition series for 2025. In this episode, Peter Sabaček from the Spanish section uncovers the mystery of the Tribeč hills near Nitra. While in Nitra, we also revisit the partnership between this town in western Slovakia and Naperville, Illinois.…

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How to ask “Do you like wine?” in Slovak; Grape Harvest (Vinobranie) in Slovakia; S9E8 22:59

40m ago22:59

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Today's episode is about the traditions of a grape harvest and wine celebration in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my “vinobranie” vocabulary. You will also learn how to ask “Do you like wine?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find a few short sentences about the grape harvest in Slovakia. Episode n…

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The Slovak National Gallery Today (23.9.2025 16:00) 37:59

21h ago37:59

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Ben Pascoe talks with recently appointed Director of the Slovak National Gallery Juraj Kralik as well as co-organizer of the free SNG initiative Andras Csefalvay about how the see the Slovak National Gallery today. He also attended the recent opening of SNG's newest exhibit and heard from protesters and attendees about how they seen SNG today.…

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World Car-Free Day, plus Slovak Sound Check (22.9.2025 16:00) 28:35

2d ago28:35

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Every year on 22 September, cities across the world celebrate World Car-Free Day, encouraging people to leave their cars at home. The event highlights the benefits of car-free living — from cleaner air and safer streets to more space for walking and cycling. In Europe, it marks the finale of European Mobility Week (16–22 September), a campaign prom…

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Week in Slovakia No. 37 (20.9.2025 16:00) 24:25

4d ago24:25

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After our regular news digest covering the past week, we now bring you another part of our 2025 series, Window to the World. Today, our colleague from the Russian section, Tatiana Žitníková, takes you on a journey to Spišské Podhradie in Slovakia and Perečín in Ukraine.By STVR

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Chinese-Slovak Cultural Insights, plus Culture Tips (19.9.2025 16:00) 31:30

5d ago31:30

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In his remarks regarding his visit to China in September 2025, Robert Fico also expressed his hope that a Slovak Cultural Institute would soon be established in Beijing, alongside a Chinese cultural presence in Bratislava. In today's show, you’ll hear from a Slovak interpreter who has been traveling to China for the past 30 years as well as a Chine…

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Alka: Inclusive Education in Slovakia (18.9.2025 16:00) 23:04

6d ago23:04

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RERUN: In today’s program, we once again explore inclusive education in Slovakia through the experiences of Mária Reviľáková and Michaela Vlasáková, two friends and visionaries behind the project Alka. They share how personal stories, collaboration with institutions, and dialogue across generations are shaping a more inclusive society.…

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How Conspiracy Theories Threaten Sustainability Efforts (17.9.2025 16:00) 35:53

7d ago35:53

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In this episode, we speak with researcher Jakub Šrol about how conspiracy theories threaten sustainability efforts. Drawing on his new paper published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, he discusses how belief in conspiracy theories erodes confidence in science and institutions and how social media accelerates misinformation. The conversation co…

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How to say “I won’t talk to you about it!” in Slovak; Autumn in Slovakia; Slovak Personal Pronouns in Instrumental; Autumn Traditions of our ancestors; S9E7 24:55

7d ago24:55

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Today's episode is about autumn traditions of our ancestors. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn about instrumental case of the Slovak personal pronouns. You will also learn how to say “I won’t talk to you about it!” in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my summary of autumn traditions of our ancestors. Episode notes In today's episo…

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Loom: A Center for People of Foreign Origin Living in Slovakia (16.9.2025 16:00) 27:27

11d ago27:27

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Recently in Bratislava, the city opened Loom, a center for people of foreign origin living in Slovakia. In addition to basic info, foreigners can find social, psychological, legal and employment counselling, in addition to finding community activities. Ben Pascoe visited the center to find out more.By STVR

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The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (15.9.2025 16:00) 17:56

9d ago17:56

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On September 15, Slovakia commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the country’s patron saint. To mark this occasion, we have prepared a special programme exploring the origins of this powerful tradition, the meaning of “sorrow” as an expression of love, and the depth of maternal love as the strongest human emotion. The broadcast will revisit…

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Week in Slovakia No. 36 (13.9.2025 16:00) 22:05

11d ago22:05

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Weekly roundup of news and stories from RSI English.By STVR

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Slovak Name Day: Mária, the 47th Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey, and other Culture Tips (12.9.2025 16:00) 24:33

12d ago24:33

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September 12th marks the name day of Mária in the Slovak calendar. To celebrate the occasion, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová asks: which Slovak Mária do you know? As part of our cultural tips for English speakers at home and abroad, Marek Soltis invites you to the 47th Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey. Other cultural highlights include the Cinem…

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The 10th Edition of the World Music Festival in Bratislava, plus "Who Was That?" Pavol Dobšinský (11.9.2025 16:00) 23:45

17d ago23:45

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Do you know the genre World Music? It blends classical musical traditions with modern elements, creating something that feels both new and yet familiar. Which Slovak bands have made their mark on the global World Music scene? Radio FM editor Vladimír Potančok, who has been following this topic for years, will tell us more — and he’ll also invite yo…

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Window to the World: Bojnice-Rosta, plus LingvaFest (10.9.2025 16:00) 21:33

14d ago21:33

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In the next episode of our Window to the World series, we’ll visit the Slovak town of Bojnice – famous for its beautiful castle and zoo – and the Italian town of Rosta to explore their partnership and shared activities. Later, we’ll take you to a unique event, LingvaFest, a festival that brings together language lovers and polyglots from near and f…

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How to say “Respect Traditions” in Slovak; Beyond Banská Bystrica; Exploring Nature, Tradition, and Hidden Gems; S9E6 23:23

14d ago23:23

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Today's episode is about some interesting places around Banska Bystrica. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn some words from my travel vocabulary. You will also learn how to say “Respect traditions“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my day trips itinerary and tips for travelers to Banska Bystrica. Episode notes In today's episode…

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Upcoming Events: [fjúžn] festival 2025 and the Fall Edition of Dobrý trh (9.9.2025 16:00) 30:13

15d ago30:13

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Ben Pascoe meets the organizers of two upcoming events aimed at helping everyone better enjoy Slovakia. Director of the Milan Simecka foundation, Veronika Fishbone Vlčková, introduces the 20th edition of Fjuzn festival. Illah van Oijen one of the founders and organizers of Dobry Trh lets us know what we can look forward to at the fall edition.…

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Window to the World: Banská Štiavnica-Hünenberg, plus Slovak Sound Check (8.9.2025 16:00) 25:45

16d ago25:45

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The eighth episode of the Window to the World series takes us to the historic Slovak town of Banská Štiavnica. From there, we travel nearly 1,000 kilometers west to its twin town, Hünenberg, in Switzerland’s canton of Zug. Along the way, we’ll explore how the two towns have built a lasting partnership — through cooperation in areas such as social s…

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Week in Slovakia No. 35 (6.9.2025 16:00) 20:45

22d ago20:45

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Week in Slovakia. Window to the World: Bojnice - Rosta.By STVR

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Syrian musician Lara Abou Hamdan, plus Culture Tips (5.9.2025 16:00) 22:51

23d ago22:51

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Gigi Green sat down with Syrian musician Lara Abou Hamdan, who moved to Slovakia at 18 and has since made her mark on the local music scene. In their conversation, Lara reflects on her upbringing in Syria, her journey to Slovakia, and how she bridges cultures through her music. Looking for cultural events this weekend and next week? Don’t miss what…

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Diaspora on the Airwaves: The Vatican, plus Who Was That? Evangelical Pastor Samuel Zoch (4.9.2025 16:00) 17:53

24d ago17:53

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Today we’ll take you to the final stop in our Diaspora on the Airwaves series — this time to the Vatican, where, surprisingly, you can also hear broadcasts in Slovak. In the second part of the program, we’ll turn to our series Who Was That and introduce you to the Evangelical pastor Samuel Zoch. We’ll look at his life story and the important role h…

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Pope Francis's 2021 Visit to Slovakia, plus Diaspora on the Airwaves: Szeged, Hungary (3.9.2025 16:00) 31:14

25d ago31:14

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In September 2021, Pope Francis made his first—and only—visit to Slovakia. Despite strict COVID-19 restrictions, thousands of Slovaks traveled across the country for a chance to see the beloved pontiff. Among them were filmmakers Stanislav Piatrik and Mária Piatriková, who documented the historic visit through powerful footage and interviews with n…

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How to say “I don’t care” in Slovak; Banská Bystrica Must-See Spots; Tips and Notes to Walking Tour in Banska Bystrica; S9E5 26:26

25d ago26:26

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Today's episode is about the must-see places in Banska Bystrica. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn about the dative case of the Slovak personal pronouns. You will also learn how to say “I don’t care “ in Slovak. At the end of this episode are my tips and notes to my walking tour in Banska Bystrica. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking a…

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Chuť žiť: An Organization Dedicated to Helping Those Suffering from an Eating Disorder (2.9.2025 16:00) 6:43

26d ago6:43

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Eating disorders have long been a problem. After covid, with so much social media it seems they are more prevelant and problematic than ever. Eating disorders are not just the problem of young girls, unfortunately they don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even someone close to us. Ben Pascoe sat down with Veronika Kolejáková a psychologist fro…

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September 1: Constitution Day, plus the start of the new school year on Slovak Sound Check (1.9.2025 16:00) 32:48

27d ago32:48

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On Constitution Day, we bring you an interview with Marián Giba, head of the Department of Constitutional Law at Comenius University in Bratislava. Together, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of Slovakia’s Constitution, its frequent amendments, the role of the Constitutional Court, and how politics and ideology shape constitutional debates. A…

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Week in Slovakia No. 34 (30.8.2025 16:00) 20:14

29d ago20:14

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Diaspora on the Airwaves - part 8. Slovak Sound Check. Slovak music.By STVR

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The 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (29.8.2025 16:00) 21:35

30d ago21:35

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On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP), Martina Greňová Šimkovičová visits the SNP Museum in Banská Bystrica, while Kerstin Plaschke Jakubik speaks with the daughter of Anton Ivan Szekely, the uprising’s only official photographer. The program will also feature music from the time of the rebellion.…

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Diaspora on the Airwaves: Ukraine, plus theatre artist Andrej Bagar (28.8.2025 16:00) 18:09

1M ago18:09

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In today’s programme, we bring you the seventh part of the series Diaspora on the Airwaves, this time dedicated to Ukraine. Afterwards, we’ll look at the life and work of theatre artist Andrej Bagar and also talk about the theatre in Nitra that bears his name.By STVR

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A Look Back with Kamila Galjuš (27.8.2025 16:00) 22:57

1M ago22:57

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A re-run of some of the interviews published in the previous years by our colleague Kamila Galjuš.By STVR

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How to ask “Who are you waiting for?“ in Slovak; The History of Banska Bystrica; Accusative case of Slovak personal pronouns; S9E4 25:54

1M ago25:54

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Today's episode is about the history of Banská Bystrica in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn about the accusative case of Slovak personal pronouns. You will also learn how to ask “Who are you waiting for?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is my short overview of the history of Banská Bystrica in Slovak. Episode notes In today's ep…

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A conversation with Boris Zala: Former MP, MEP and founder of political party SMER (26.8.2025 16:00) 30:57

1M ago30:57

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Ben Pascoe talks with former MP, MEP and founder of political party SMER, Boris Zala. They discuss how and why SMER was formed, how it has changed over the years and how Slovakia in the 1990's has an influence on Slovakia today.By STVR

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Diaspora on the Airwaves Episode 6, plus Slovak Sound Check (25.8.2025 16:00) 23:14

1M ago23:14

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For the sixth installment of our summer mini-series Diaspora on the Airwaves — originally produced by Ingrid Slaninková from RSI’s Slovak section — we head to the Austrian city of Eisenstadt to meet Mirka Špring and Monika Caudr, members of the editorial team behind the local Slovak radio programme Rádio Dia:tón and the TV show Czech and Slovak Ech…

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Week in Slovakia No. 33 (23.8.2025 16:00) 27:19

1M ago27:19

27:19

Diaspora on the Airwaves - 7th round. Liptovská Mara dam and its hidden histories. Slovak Sound CheckBy STVR

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Remembering 21 August 1968. (22.8.2025 16:00) 19:25

1M ago19:25

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On the 57th anniversary of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová reflects on the memories of those who were in their twenties at the time, filled with hopes for a better future. Radio broadcasts played a crucial role during those days when tanks rolled through the streets of former Czechoslovakia. The bravery of radio wor…

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Hidden Stories of Liptovská Mara Dam. Who Was That: Mária Rázusová-Martáková. (21.8.2025 16:00) 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the construction of the Liptovská Mara dam. On one hand, the reservoir offers numerous opportunities for recreation, water sports, or relaxing by the water with views of the Tatras. On the other hand, this water reservoir on the Váh River also carries the story of 13 villages and their inhabitants who lost th…

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The Future Sounds of Slovakia with Cristian Estrella (20.8.2025 16:00) 30:20

1M ago30:20

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This year, Mira Tus Manos — the solo project of Argentine producer Cristian Estrella — released a new album titled The Future Sounds of Slovakia. The record journeys through Slovakia’s rich folkloric traditions and regional cultures, but with a modern twist. Each expansive track, created in collaboration with musicians from around the globe, fuses …

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How to ask “How do I learn about this?“ in Slovak; Červený Kameň Castle; Festival Letobranie; S9E3 28:16

1M ago28:16

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Today's episode is about Červený Kameň castle in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few words from my festival vocabulary. You will also learn how to ask “How do I learn about this? “ in Slovak. At the end of this episode is the information about the festival LETOBranie in Červený Kameň castle. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m ta…

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A conversation with Ivan Mikloš, former Slovak Minister of Finance (19.8.2025 16:00) 46:39

1M ago46:39

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Ben Pascoe talks with former Slovak Minister of Finance and architect of the flat tax in Slovakia, Ivan Miklos, to discuss the not so distant past so we can better understand how we got to Slovakia today.By STVR

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Summer Workshop "Beyond Borders with Music", Serendipity Day, and Slovak Sound Check (18.8.2025 16:00) 25:17

1M ago25:17

25:17

In today’s episode of Slovakia Today, our colleague Gigi Ann Green takes us inside "Za Hranice s Hudbou" (Beyond Borders with Music), a summer workshop bringing together young musicians to explore jazz and contemporary genres. From harmony and vocal courses to late-night jam sessions, she also talks with co-founders Ester Wiesnerová and Lenka Molčá…

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Week in Slovakia No. 32 (16.8.2025 16:00) 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR

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An exclusive interview with Slovak basketball coaching legend Natália Hejková (15.8.2025 16:00) 33:16

1M ago33:16

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In this exclusive interview in English, the best Slovak female coach, Natália Hejková, talks about her career in Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Russia and Spain.By STVR

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Mysterious Slovakia Part 7: Rabbi Chatam Sofer, plus "Who Was That?": Ján Palárik (14.8.2025 16:00) 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Today you are going to hear another round of our competition series Mysterious Slovakia – this time dedicated to the life and legacy of Rabbi Chatam Sofer. Then you will find out what is new on the Slovak culture scene and finally there is another episode of Who Was That – this time dedicated to Ján Palárik.…

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How to say “Be polite” in Slovak ; A Survival Guide to Slovak Work Etiquette; Dialogue; S9E2 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

Today's episode is about work etiquette in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn how to ask “Be polite“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue between two colleagues who just started to work at a Slovak company. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about work etiquette in Slovakia. In the Slovak less…

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Interviews Across the Years with Kamila Galjuš (13.8.2025 16:00) 6:18

2M ago6:18

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A re-run of some of the interviews published in the previous years by our colleague Kamila Galjuš.By STVR

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45 Years of Kremnické Gagy: The European Festival of Humour and Satire (12.8.2025 16:00) 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

The 45th edition of the Kremnicky Gagy European Festival of humour and satire will take place at the end of August in Kremnica. To find out more about this unique, world famous festival Brielle Zahn met with organizer Veronika Chrienova and Ben Pascoe talked with performers Tomas Hudak and Michal Hvorecky.…

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Atmosféra 2025 (11.8.2025 16:00) 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

This week, we bring you the sounds and stories from the magical meadow of Hontianske Nemce, where every August, people of all generations gather for one of Slovakia’s most charming summer festivals — Atmosféra 2025. Here, music, community, and nature come together in a unique celebration of life, creativity, and connection.In this special broadcast…

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Week in Slovakia No. 31 (9.8.2025 16:00) 28:15

2M ago28:15

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We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.By STVR