Best Slovak Culture Podcasts (2025)

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Slovak Christmas in Ireland starts 6 December. What of Slovak literature for Christmas? Culture tips. (5.12.2025 16:00) 24:09

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4d ago24:09

24:09

Zuzana Botiková met with members of the Slovak ex-pat community in Sandyford, Ireland, to learn that their Christmas celebrations begin this Saturday, 6 December. Karolinum Press editors Martin Janeček and Michael Stein, together with translator Julia Sherwood, share recommendations for Slovak authors available in English translation—perfect as Chr…

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Protecting Rights Across Europe: Slovakia at the European Court of Human Rights. Slovak Sound Check Episode 26. (8.12.2025 16:00) 31:39

1d ago31:39

31:39

Human rights belong to all of us — regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. They include both essential protections, such as the right to life, and the rights that make our lives dignified and meaningful. Ahead of Human Rights Day (10 December), we take a closer look at how these rights are safeguarded at the Eur…

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Week in Slovakia. (6.12.2025 16:00) 26:47

3d ago26:47

26:47

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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Excessive spending of Slovaks during Christmas. (4.12.2025 16:00) 25:29

5d ago25:29

25:29

RERUN: Latest data from Intrum survey about spending in Slovakia shows, that Slovaks are among the top 5 countries ranking the highest in excessive impulse spending. This problem gets even more severe with the upcoming Christmas holidays. We will shine a light on this topic, including expert opinions from the sociology institute of Slovak Academy o…

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Christmas in Bratislava and Košice. Language and translation in the world of AI. (3.12.2025 16:00) 25:44

6d ago25:44

25:44

Today we explore the opening of Christmas markets in Bratislava and Košice. Then we examin how artificial intelligence influences translation and language, with expert insights from translator Marián Kabát. Finally, we look at the life and legacy of Slovak writer Terézia Vansová, a pioneering figure in literature and women’s publishing.…

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How to say “Watch out for thieves!” in Slovak; Tradition and Customs on St. Barbara the Patron Saint of Miners; What is Rhythmic rule in Slovak Language; S9E18 32:21

6d ago32:21

32:21

Today's episode is about traditional and modern celebrations of St. Barbara, the patron saint of Slovak miners. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn about the Slovak rhythmic rule as well as a few new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say “Watch out for thieves!“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue…

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Holiday Markets around Slovakia Today. (2.12.2025 16:00) 27:33

7d ago27:33

27:33

December is Christmas market season in Slovakia. Ben Pascoe brings you info from around the country about the holiday programs that have been prepared for children and adults of all ages!By STVR

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Behind Closed Doors: Understanding Violence Against Women in Slovakia. Slovak Sound Check Episode 25. (1.12.2025 16:00) 30:00

8d ago30:00

30:00

Nearly one in ten women in Slovakia experienced some form of psychological or physical violence in the past year. And while this is slightly below the global average of 14%, the number remains alarmingly high — with experts warning that the true scale is likely much greater, as many incidents go unreported. To mark the International Day for the Eli…

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Pick of the week. (29.11.2025 16:00) 28:48

10d ago28:48

28:48

Pick of the week.By STVR

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Slovak namedays: KATARÍNA. Culture tips. (28.11.2025 16:00) 21:46

11d ago21:46

21:46

25 November is the name day of Katarína in the Slovak calendar. Martina Greňová Šimkovičová once again introduces some of the most notable women in Slovakia who share this name. And in the cultural tips, we bring an invitation to Vienna, where a former Slovak member of the Vienna State Ballet is inviting audiences to a Danish Ballet performance.…

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New Slovak Academy of Sciences project about the well-being of teachers from marginalized Roma communities. (27.11.2025 16:00) 22:05

12d ago22:05

22:05

Although the topic of Roma education has resonated in debates for many years, little attention is paid to the key actors in education – teachers. in this episode we are going to take a closer look at the conditions and struggles the teachers have to face in the marginalized communities in Slovakia and last but not least, their well-being as the SAV…

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Light pollution and Slovakia’s dark East. (26.11.2025 16:00) 26:54

13d ago26:54

26:54

Light pollution is an increasingly widespread problem that has profound, negative effects on the human body and the natural world. This fact has led some to push for measures that aim to mitigate these effects. The first to recognize the problem and call for change were astronomers.In this episode, we travel to the darkest place in Slovakia, Poloni…

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How to ask “Are you going to the Christmas market?” in Slovak; From St. Catherine to Christmas Markets; Traditional and Modern Customs in Slovakia; S9E17 23:40

13d ago23:40

23:40

Today's episode is about Slovaks transition from the end of November to the Christmas celebration. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to ask “Are you going to the Christmas market? “in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m…

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White Crows in Slovakia Today. (25.11.2025 16:00) 27:01

14d ago27:01

27:01

This years Biela Vrana, White Crow awards were recently handed out. The awards recognize those people in our society who defend truth, justice and the public interest. Ben Pascoe talks with the organizers, jury members and this year’s laureates about why these awards are important.By STVR

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November 1989: Echoes of Freedom II. (24.11.2025 16:00) 29:12

15d ago29:12

29:12

In last week’s programme, we looked back at the Velvet Revolution and the events that brought down the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia. This week, we move from history to the present — exploring what the legacy of November ’89 means for Slovakia today.This year, November 17th was no longer a day off work, following government austerity me…

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SPECIAL: Memories of 1989. (21.11.2025 16:00) 32:21

18d ago32:21

32:21

Thomas Lorman, historian of SSEES University College London, talks about 1989 in Central Europe; Jana Kirschner, Slovak star singer living in London, brings back her memories of November 1989By STVR

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Young people vs. electronic cigarettes and their future. (20.11.2025 16:00) 25:00

19d ago25:00

25:00

This show explores the growing use of electronic cigarettes among young people in Slovakia and how the new law proposal on banning the use of electronic cigarettes may affect them, including older generation of smokers and Slovak economy. Experts Filip Kužma from the Smart Consumer Institute and addiction specialist Rastislav Žemlička from Sanatori…

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Mysterious Slovakia pt. 10 - Trenčín. Music made in Slovakia. (19.11.2025 16:00) 20:43

20d ago20:43

20:43

Mysterious Slovakia pt. 10 - Trenčín: In this episode, we journey to the legendary Trenčín Castle to uncover the moving tale behind its famed Well of Love. Listeners will be transported into the 16th-century love story of Omar, a Turkish nobleman, and Fatima, the woman he vowed to save. Captured and imprisoned within the castle walls, Omar undertoo…

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How to ask “What do Slovaks eat?” in Slovak; What Slovaks Eat Every Day; S9E16 23:47

20d ago23:47

23:47

Today's episode is about what Slovaks eat every day. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say “What do Slovaks eat?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short article about what Slovaks eat every day. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about what Slovaks eat …

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Hockey Diplomacy in Slovakia Today. (18.11.2025 16:00) 25:46

21d ago25:46

25:46

United on the ice. This special event which aims to foster inclusion and resilience through sport, brings Slovak and Ukrainian children together on the ice to train with professional hockey players. The is organized by the Canadian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Ukrainian embassies in Slovakia along with the Banska Bystrica Self-governing region,…

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November 1989: Echoes of Freedom I. (17.11.2025 16:00) 28:32

22d ago28:32

28:32

November 17 marks one of the most significant moments in modern Slovak and Czech history. In November 1989, people across Czechoslovakia took to the streets with hope and courage, ringing their keys in a symbolic call for change – and won their freedom. Thirty-six years after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime, our programme takes listen…

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Week in Slovakia. (15.11.2025 16:00) 27:48

24d ago27:48

27:48

Week in SlovakiaBy STVR

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In the memory of WWI. (14.11.2025 16:00) 24:59

25d ago24:59

24:59

In the rerun of 2018 tribute to victims of WWI, we get back to Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Cathedral. While in London, RSI captured the launch of "Bloody sonnets", the Slovak anti-war poetry classics by Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav.By STVR

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New Slovak Academy of Sciences project about the well-being of teachers from marginalized Roma communities. (13.11.2025 16:00) 23:43

26d ago23:43

23:43

Although the topic of Roma education has resonated in debates for many years, little attention is paid to the key actors in education – teachers. in this episode we are going to take a closer look at the conditions and struggles the teachers have to face in the marginalized communities in Slovakia and last but not least, their well-being as the SAV…

1
Exploring Dychovka With a Full Breath. (12.11.2025 16:00) 27:02

27d ago27:02

27:02

Dychovka music is a traditional genre that has been played for centuries throughout Slovakia. In this episode, we explore the variety of styles of dychovka through through the Na Plny Dych festival in Moravske Lieskove. There, members of the band Drietomanka (a regional favorite with a rich history) talk about the origins of Slovak dychovka and sho…

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How to ask “What are the typical expenses?” in Slovak; Living Costs in Slovakia; A Friendly Look at Everyday Costs in Slovakia; S9E15 22:57

27d ago22:57

22:57

Today's episode is about living costs in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from today’s topic. You will also learn how to ask “What are the typical expenses? “ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my overview of typical expenses for residents in Slovakia. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking abou…

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Film Festivals and Charity Bazaars in Slovakia Today. (11.11.2025 16:00) 25:00

28d ago25:00

25:00

November in Bratislava is very busy. Two important long time events are the International Women's Club of Bratislava's Charity Bazaar and the Slovak Queer film festival. Ben Pascoe sat down with the organizers of these events to find out more about them.By STVR

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Ondrej Nepela: Beyond the Golden Ice. (10.11.2025 16:00) 27:43

29d ago27:43

27:43

As a new Slovak moving portrait now in cinemas brings his story to life, we look back at the life and legacy of Ondrej Nepela — Slovakia’s greatest figure skater and one of its most celebrated athletes.Through archival recordings and new interviews with filmmakers, actors, and those who knew him, we trace Nepela’s journey — from a quiet boy discove…

1
Week in Slovakia. (8.11.2025 16:00) 26:53

1M ago26:53

26:53

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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Remembering Daniel Tupý. Culture tips. (7.11.2025 16:00) 29:08

1M ago29:08

29:08

On Tuesday, 4 November, it was 20 years since the death of Comenius University student Daniel Tupý, who was killed in Bratislava in an attack by a group of people described by eyewitnesses as neo-Nazis. Daniel was targeted simply because of his long hair, glasses, and guitar. The guitar has now become the central motif of a new statue commissioned …

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RERUN: On period poverty with Natália Blahová from initiative Dôstojná meštruácia. (6.11.2025 16:00) 23:46

1M ago23:46

23:46

Window to the world & competitionBy STVR

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Irish Theatre in Bratislava. Sounds of Democracy. (5.11.2025 16:00) 24:51

1M ago24:51

24:51

Irish Theatre in Bratislava – The Irish community, in cooperation with the Irish Embassy, is preparing a theatre performance of Moll by Irish playwright John B. Keane. We spoke about the upcoming performance with John Fagan, an Irishman living in Slovakia and a former professional actor who is organizing the event. Later in the program we will disc…

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How to say “I’m trying to save a little” in Slovak; 10 Tips for Effective Savings in the Kitchen; S9E14 23:08

1M ago23:08

23:08

Today's episode is about effective savings in the kitchen. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say “I'm trying to save a little.“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my dialogue. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about how to effectively save some money in the…

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The State of Slovakia Today with Zora Bútorová. (4.11.2025 16:00) 29:30

1M ago29:30

29:30

Ben Pascoe talks with sociologist and founder of the IVO (Institute for Public Affairs) Zora Bútorová about the state of Slovakia today. They discuss what is going right in Slovakia today, the biggest challenges the country and society face as well as some tips about how to better enjoy Slovakia today.…

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Slovakia at the Heart of Europe: Inside the Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe. (3.11.2025 16:00) 27:48

1M ago27:48

27:48

Democracy, rule of law, and human rights — the core values of the Council of Europe reach far beyond Strasbourg. In this episode of Slovakia Today, Oľga Algayerová, Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, explains the Council’s mission, the work of Slovakia’s Permanent Mission, and how Slovakia contri…

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Saturday Front Page. (1.11.2025 16:00) 27:27

1M ago27:27

27:27

RSI takes a look back at the past week in Slovakia. Today we focus on All Saint's Day.By STVR

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Slovak Music 101. (31.10.2025 16:00) 27:46

1M ago27:46

27:46

Ben Pascoe talks with musicologist, musical journalist, musician and music lover Oliver Rehak to give you an intro to Slovak music today. REPEATBy STVR

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Country Roads: Muranska Planina. (30.10.2025 16:00) 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

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 Slovakia’s many majestic mountains, the country is full of hidden gems. For those curious to explor…

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Trash or Treasure? The Future of Waste in Slovakia. (29.10.2025 16:00) 37:52

1M ago37:52

37:52

In 2022, Slovak households generated roughly 478 kilograms of municipal waste per person, slightly below the EU average. However, Slovakia’s recycling rate is also below the European average, standing at just 49.5%. Even more concerning is the country’s continued reliance on landfilling and incineration for the remaining waste.To better understand …

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How to say “We are lost” in Slovak; Spooky Halloween activities in Slovakia; S9E13 27:16

1M ago27:16

27:16

Today's episode is about how Slovaks celebrate the spirit of Halloween. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my dialogue. You will also learn how to say “We are lost“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my Halloween dialogue. Episode notes In today's episode, I’m talking about how Slovaks celebrate the spirit of…

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Ľudovít Štúr 210. (28.10.2025 16:00) 27:31

1M ago27:31

27:31

Why did Ľudovít Štúr choose to codify the Slovak language based on the dialects of Central Slovakia? How did a young man from a small Slovak village become a member of the Hungarian Parliament? And was he more concerned about his appearance because of his female or male students? You’ll discover the answers to these questions and more in this Tuesd…

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Pink October: Voices of Strength and Hope. Slovak Sound Check Episode 22. (27.10.2025 16:00) 36:15

1M ago36:15

36:15

Each year, Pink October unites the world in the fight against breast cancer — raising awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting everyone whose lives have been touched by the disease. In this special broadcast, we explore how awareness turns into action — and how personal stories can inspire real change. Zuzana Bardyová from the Nationa…

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Cleveland agreement. Looking for Slovak roots. Culture tips. (24.10.2025 16:00) 21:54

2M ago21:54

21:54

Historian Michal Kšiňan explains the history behind the Cleveland agreement, the first document on the joint action of the Czechs and Slovaks in the struggle for national liberation in and after WWI. The first Czechoslovak republic was established in 1918 also thanks to Czechs and Slovaks living in the USA. Many of their descendants travel to Slova…

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Canada and Canadians in Slovakia Today. (23.10.2025 16:00) 22:19

2M ago22:19

22:19

Ben Pascoe meets Canadian Ambassador to Slovakia, Karen Elizabeth Mollica, to discuss Canada-Slovak relations as well as what it is like for a Canadian in Slovakia Today. REPEATBy STVR

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How to ask “Do you speak standard Slovak?” in Slovak; Ľudovít Štúr: The Voice of Slovakia; S9E12 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

Today's episode is about one of Slovakia’s greatest legends - Ľudovít Štúr. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my short article. You will also learn how to ask “Do you speak standard Slovak?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find a few short sentences about Ľudovít Štúr and one of his quotes. Episode notes In to…

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From Space Farms to Storytime: Growing Futures. (22.10.2025 16:00) 28:04

2M ago28:04

28:04

Today, we venture beyond Earth and into the future of food as we explore space agriculture—growing crops in space to support long-term human missions. Joining us to unpack this topic are Professor Nigel Mason and Dr. Veronika Medvecká. In the second half of the program, we shift focus back to Earth. We sit down with Lucia Kocáková from Knižnica pre…

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Andrea Najvirtová and Eva Križková of the NGO People in Peril and One World Film Festival (21.10.2025 16:00) 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

Ben Pascoe talks with the executive directors of the NGO People in Peril and the One World (Jeden Svet) film festival, Andrea Najvirtová and Eva Križková about the upcoming film festival and their work in Slovakia Today.By STVR

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Window to the World 8: Leopoldov – Heinersbrück. Slovak Sound Check Episode 21. (20.10.2025 16:00) 23:38

2M ago23:38

23:38

The eleventh episode of our Window to the World series takes us to the western Slovak town of Leopoldov and to the small village of Heinersbrück in eastern Germany. In this instalment, our colleagues Michal Herceg and Juraj Pavlovič explore how this rather unusual partnership began — and how cooperation between the two communities has continued to …

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Week in Slovakia No. 41 (18.10.2025 16:00) 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

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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Gorillaz at Pohoda 2026, plus Culture Tips (17.10.2025 16:00) 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

On Tuesday, 14 October, Michal Kaščák, director of the Pohoda Festival, announced the first headliner for the 30th edition of Slovakia’s largest summer multigenre event. For the first time ever, Gorillaz will perform at Pohoda, marking the strongest booking in the festival’s history.In 2025, the Slovak band Tolstoys performed at the festival in Jul…