Explore Finland – Explore Finland Radio Show

This episode is something a little different, I hope you enjoy it. In partnership with Into Seinäjoki & E-P WIISE ry, I interviewed my friend Mohammed Al-Marrani about his journey from the countryside of Yemen to the plains of South Ostrobothnia. He explains his dream of being an entrepreneur, his integration into Finnish society, the help and guidance he received to start his business and his plans to grow Mokka Market in the future. Guest: Mohammed Al-Marrani, Mokka Market https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057121463256 Into Seinäjoki video: https://youtu.be/uCkU1GB0SVE Audio/video: Glenn Murray ----more---- FEELING SOCIAL? Facebook page www.facebook.com/explorefinland Instagram www.instagram.com/markwiltshear/ YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzxW3QitfJtfFVwDfmAzGw  

Part two of a two-part episode... When I asked about visiting the "Terwaviikko" (Tar Week) event in Kuortane, I was quickly introduced to Michael Hutchinson-Rees, a fellow Londoner in Finland, who is now firmly involved in the Lions Club of Kuortane that organises the weeklong tar-making event that takes three years of preparation. Michael invited me to visit the tar pit in Kuortane a few times across the week, to learn how tar is made and to witness different stages of the tar-making process. In this episode, Michael tells me how the Kuortane "Terwaviikko" event comes together, why it takes three years of preparation, how wood-tar is made and what to expect when I visit during the week of festivities. This episode ends with an audio description of the event. If you want to see the video version (and you probably should) you will find it here: Blog: show notes and links https://explorefinlandpodcast.com/2022/10/16/history-of-tar-making-and-kuortane-terwaviikko/ Guest: Michael Hutchison-Reis and Kuortane Terwaviikko ----more---- FEELING SOCIAL? Facebook page www.facebook.com/explorefinland Instagram www.instagram.com/markwiltshear/ YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzxW3QitfJtfFVwDfmAzGw

Part one of a two-part episode... When I asked about visiting the "Terwaviikko" (Tar Week) event in Kuortane, I was quickly introduced to Michael Hutchinson-Reis, a fellow Londoner in Finland, who is now firmly involved in the Lions Club of Kuortane that organises the weeklong tar-making event that takes three years of preparation. Michael invited me to visit the tar pit in Kuortane a few times across the week, to learn how tar is made and to witness different stages of the tar-making process. In this episode, Michael explains how wood-tar is produced and the great cultural and historical importance this industry has for the village of Kuortane. Blog: show notes and links https://explorefinlandpodcast.com/2022/10/16/history-of-tar-making-and-kuortane-terwaviikko/ Guest: Michael Hutchison-Reis and Kuortane Terwaviikko ----more---- FEELING SOCIAL? Facebook page www.facebook.com/explorefinland Instagram www.instagram.com/markwiltshear/ YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzxW3QitfJtfFVwDfmAzGw

I was invited by Päivi Nurmikoski, to visit SF-Camping-Kalajärvi in nearby Peräseinäjoki. She introduced us to the caravan park itself and all the facilities , activities and entertainment for her family, that make them return here almost EVERY weekend, all year long. They love it here, maybe you would too. Blog: show notes and links  Guest: Päivi Nurmikoski at SFC Kalajärvi www.caravan-kalajarvi.fi/ ----more---- FEELING SOCIAL? Facebook page www.facebook.com/explorefinland Instagram www.instagram.com/markwiltshear/ YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzxW3QitfJtfFVwDfmAzGw  

Recorded back in summer 2019, I was welcomed to experience my first sauna festival by the organiser of Kalajärven Saunafestarit, Tero Knaapila. Tero talked me through the origins of this event and what one can expect from a sauna festival. He then took me into his converted motor home sauna (which is still road legal!) before a cooling dip in Lake Kalajärvi. Blog: show notes and links https://explorefinlandpodcast.com/2022/05/09/finnish-sauna-festivals-kalajarven-saunafestarit/ ----more---- FEELING SOCIAL? Facebook page www.facebook.com/explorefinland Instagram www.instagram.com/markwiltshear/ YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzxW3QitfJtfFVwDfmAzGw  

In this episode, I am joined again by Craterologist, Teemu Öhman, to revisit the subject of Pyhävuori. It's an area overlooking Lake Lappajärvi, that is full of geological interest and historical mythology, featuring trolls, hermits and a sacrificial stone. From the ice age to modern days. Following this recording, Glenn Murray and I went out to explore (and as you can see in the video) get slightly lost on) the holy mountain, Pyhävuori. 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:15 Where is Pyhävuori 0:01:15 The Preserved Rim of Pyhävuori 0:03:10 The Geology of Pyhävuori 0:07:48 Uhrikivi - the sacrificial stone 0:10:12 The ice age 'Baltic Lake' at Pyhävuori 0:14:09 'Pirun pesä' caves - the Devil's nest 0:15:39 Jaakko Reipakka - the hermit and his hut 0:17:09 Kalliomaalaus – rock paintings 0:19:22 Impact Craterlake Geopark, Lappajärvi 0:21:28 Outro   Show notes and links: https://explorefinlandpodcast.com/2022/02/17/pyhavuori-the-holy-mountain-of-alajarvi/ The Nordic Tourist video "Pyhävuori: Human Sacrifice and the Finnish Mountain Man" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQQIxcXF2OI

Part two of a two part episode (you should probably listen to part one first!) In April 2021, myself and Glenn Murray visited Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta in Seinäjoki. This building has a varied history, an re-invigorated present and, surely, a long future bringing art, craftwork, culture and community to Seinäjoki. In this episode,  Päivi Alaniska and Elina Teitti take me on a tour of the venue. Starting with the areas that are always open to the public; the art & craft workshops, the Taito art shop and Äärella restaurant, we then make our way upstairs and visit the contrasting exhibition spaces Halli and Vintti. Show notes and links

Part one of a two part episode. In April 2021, myself and Glenn Murray visited Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta in Seinäjoki. This building has a varied history, an re-invigorated present and, surely, a long future bringing art, craftwork, culture and community to Seinäjoki. In this episode, I am introduced to the history of Kalevan Navetta by Päivi Alaniska (Project Coordinator at  Seinäjoki City Cultural Services) and Elina Teitti, art educator and acting Exhibition coordinator at Kunsthalle Seinäjoki. Show notes and links

What's On... Southern Ostrobothnia now lives on its own, dedicated feed https://whatsonsouthostrobothnia.podbean.com/ Welcome to this new series in which Mark Wiltshear and Glenn Murray (The Nordic Tourist) shine the spotlight on events, activities and events in the Etelä-Pohjanmaa/Southern Ostrobothnia region of Finland. Whether you live in the area, are paying a short visit or are staying here for a holiday, this essential guide will help you find a variety of new ways to pass your time. In this episode Mark and Glenn go from one extreme to another. Glenn introduces a high-octane skydiving course in, while Mark opts for a, more cultured, visit to a museum. Our guest this time is Lina Mattsson from Selmu ry, who tells us about the Rytmis Junior event at Rytmikorjaamo. Show notes with links to events .

On Saturday 27th February 2021, myself and Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, were invited to a special event on Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, to witness an attempt at the world record biggest ice carousel. What is that? Listen in as I interview Janne Käpylehto, the modern-day father of ice carousels, who will explain all... Show notes & links

Meet Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, who will be my collaborator during the upcoming season of Explore Finland Radio Show. In this episode, Glenn introduces me to Katikankanjoni in Finland's Wild West, a natural canyon with running water all year round, even during months of sub-zero temperatures. Katikan kanjoni is located in the area near the Kauhanevan-Pohjankangas National Park in Etelä-Pohjanmaa. This podcast recording has a companion video, in which Glenn and I visit Katikankanjoni. This is published on The Nordic Tourist YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/mDcnqx-DQGc Check out Glenn's VLOG, as we walk through the area to show what the canyon has to offer; beautiful Nordic winter wilderness travel hikes and wonderful ice waterfalls. It really shows that the landscape in the Southern Ostrobothnia region in Finland (Suomi) is more diverse than people believe. Show notes & links

As part of my guided tour around Culture Centre 'Vanha Paukku' in Lapua, we stop for an extended visit in the Lapuanjoki Museum. Museum Director, Sakari Hanhimäki and Cultural Director, Susanna Oversteyns regale me with historical tales of Espionage, Poisoning, Fascism, An Attempted Coup... and Photography!? Includes an intriguing revelation from Susanna's family history. Show notes & links

Episode 44 As part of my guided tour around Culture Centre ‘Vanha Paukku’ in Lapua, we stop for an extended visit in the Lapuanjoki Museum. Museum Director, Sakari Hanhimäki and Cultural Director, Susanna Oversteyns regale me with historical tales of Espionage, Poisoning, Fascism, An Attempted Coup… and Photography!? Includes an intriguing revelation from Susanna’s family history. … Continue reading “Ammunition, Fascism, Photography” A Few Steps Through the History of Lapua

Episode 43 Part one of a two-part episode, I undertake a tour of the Kulttuurikeskus ‘Vanha Paukku’ with two expert guides; Susanna Oversteyns, Cultural Director and Sakari Hanhimäki, Museum Director. HUGE thanks also to Anu Haavisto, Leena Sarjola and Anniina Kivimäki for the impromptu, live performance of some haunting Finnish folk music. Mahtava! Play the … Continue reading A Guided Tour of Culture Centre ‘Vanha Paukku’ in Lapua

Part one of a two-part episode, I undertake a tour of the Kulttuurikeskus 'Vanha Paukku' with two expert guides; Susanna Oversteyns, Cultural Director and Sakari Hanhimäki, Museum Director. HUGE thanks also to Anu Haavisto, Leena Sarjola and Anniina Kivimäki for the impromptu, live performance of some haunting Finnish folk music. Mahtava! Show notes & links

  Download MP3 File of #VisitSeinajoki – Exciting Days Out for Families and Teenagers at Theme Parks and Activity Centres Original Blog Posts 5 Exciting Days Out at Nearby Theme Parks & Activity Centres 5 Events & Activities for teenagers 5 Summer Sports & Games in the Seinäjoki Region

Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links

I speak with Olli-Pekka Tuomaala & James McDade from Seinäjoki Rugby club talk about rugby in Finland; the history of the game in Finland, the development of rugby in Finland as a summer contact sport and how Finland is no longer the worst National rugby team. We also discuss the annual snow rugby competition because, if rugby isn't a tough enough sport, the Finns have found a way to take it up a notch. Show notes & links

Episode 42 I speak with Olli-Pekka Tuomaala & James McDade from Seinäjoki Rugby club talk about rugby in Finland; the history of the game in Finland, the development of rugby in Finland as a summer contact sport and how Finland is no longer the worst National rugby team. We also discuss the annual snow rugby … Continue reading Finnish rugby. Seinäjoki Rugby. Snow Rugby!

Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links

Listen to the show Download MP3 File of #VisitSeinäjoki – Shopping For Interesting Gifts & Locally-produced Textiles Original #VisitSeinäjoki Blog Posts: Top 5 Shops in & around Seinäjoki 5 Places to Buy Locally Made Homewares and Textiles Links: https://visitseinajoki.fi/en/ Textile Manufacturers Jokipiin Pellava Lapuan Kankurit Amfora Design from Scandinavia Lankava Shops Rustoopuori Craft Shop Holmström … Continue reading #VisitSeinäjoki: Shopping For Interesting Gifts and Locally-produced Textiles

In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What is malting? And what are the 'heads and tails'? Show notes & links

Episode 41 In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What is malting? … Continue reading A Guided Tour of Kyrö Whisky and Gin Distillery

In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history of the village of Isokyrö, including the bloody Battle of Napue. Bringing things into modern times, he explains the origins of Kyrö Distillery, the ups-and-downs of a start-up company and their future plans to become the biggest rye whisky producer. Show notes & links

Episode 40 In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history of the village of Isokyrö, including the bloody Battle of Napue. Bringing things into modern times, he explains the origins of Kyrö Distillery, the ups-and-downs of a start-up company … Continue reading The Bloody History of Isokyrö Village & the Origin of Kyrö Distillery

Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links

Listen to the show Download MP3 File of #VisitSeinäjoki – Nature Trails, Beaches & Foraging in the Forest Original #VisitSeinäjoki Blog Posts: Nature Trails, Running Tracks & Foraging Top 5 Nature Trails in Seinäjoki Top 5 Beaches in Seinäjoki Links: http://www.capitalofspace.com/en/

In Winter 2018, I was commissioned to make a pilot series of a new podcast; The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast. This episode is a selection of stories from the first three interviews with people powering Ähtäri Zoo: Satu Keski-Valkama, Tourism Development Project Manager Heini Niinimäki, Zoological Director, Anna Palmroth, Panda Keeper I'm sure you will find this a fascinating look, at the workings of a modern-day zoo, search for Ähtäri Zoo Podcast on your podcast player to find all available episodes. Show notes & links

Play the Podcast Download an MP3 of A Winter Visit to Ähtäri Zoo & Snowpanda Resort Subscribe to the new Ähtäri Zoo podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/fi/podcast/%C3%A4ht%C3%A4ri-zoo-explore-finland-radio-show/id1451443467?mt=2 Episode 39 In Winter 2018, I was commissioned to make a pilot series of a new podcast; The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast. This episode is a selection of stories from the first three … Continue reading A Winter Visit To Ähtäri Zoo & SnowPanda Resort

Season 3, Episode 39 For this episode, I am grateful to Engel Jones for allowing to rebroadcast an interview that first went-out on his 12 Minute Convos podcast in January 2018. Engel is an Entrepreneur & Podcast Host who set himself a goal: 800 recorded conversations in 12 weeks from Sep 19th – Dec 12th 2017. … Continue reading Mark Wiltshear’s 12 Minute Conversation with Engel Jones

For this episode, I am grateful to Engel Jones for allowing to rebroadcast an interview that first went-out on his 12 Minute Convos podcast in January 2018. Engel is an Entrepreneur & Podcast Host who set himself a goal: 800 recorded conversations in 12 weeks from Sep 19th - Dec 12th 2017. In this conversation, hear me on the other side of the mic (for a change) talking about why I make the Explore Finland Radio Show, the motivation behind founding Xport, writing a blog for Visit Seinäjoki and the relevance of the Diana Ross song ‘Chain Reaction'. If you know me, you won't be surprised that my #12minconvo lasted 18 mins! Show notes & links

Recorded in 2016, I speak to Marjo Matikainen-Källström, Satu Hallonberg and Markku Pulli about Karjalaisetkesäjuhlat; the commemoration of the evacuation of 430,000 people from Karelia after World War 2 and a celebration of continuing Karelian culture. I then speak to Satu (nowadays, Mrs Wiltshear) who shares some of her family's memories as evacuees from Karjala. Show notes & links

Season 3, Episode 38 Recorded in 2016, I speak to Marjo Matikainen-Källström, Satu Hallonberg and Markku Pulli about Karjalaisetkesäjuhlat; the commemoration of the evacuation of 430,000 people from Karelia after World War 2 and a celebration of continuing Karelian culture. I then speak to Satu Pihlajaniemi who shares some of her family’s memories as evacuees from Karjala. … Continue reading Preserving the Culture of a Lost Karelia

I speak to Teemu Öhman who is a Craterologist or, to be more precise, an Earth and planetary scientist and lecturer at Arctic Planetary Science Institute. Teemu explained about the creation of Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, and then gave some recommendations of places to visit in the Lappajärvi area. All of which you can discover for yourself, using the new virtual Craterlake Geotrail commissioned by Järviseutu-Seura ry Show notes & links  

Season 3, Episode 37 In this episode, I speak to Teemu Öhman who is a Craterologist or, to be more precise, an Earth and planetary scientist and lecturer at Arctic Planetary Science Institute. Teemu explained about the creation of Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, and then gave some recommendations of places to visit in the Lappajärvi area. All … Continue reading A Tour Around Lappajärvi, Europe’s Largest Crater Lake

I visit Sankta Maria church in Närpes/Närpiö, and speak to town guide, Marianne Winter. I learn why the church is surrounded by over 100 stables, about the unique Swedish dialect in Närpes and why the Vietnamese name, Nguyen, is the most common surname in Närpes. Show notes & links

Season 3, Episode 36 I visit Sankta Maria church in Närpes/Närpiö, and speak to town guide, Marianne Winter. I learn why the church is surrounded by over 100 stables, about the unique Swedish dialect in Närpes and why the Vietnamese name, Nguyen, is the most common surname in Närpes. MP3 Player   Download an MP3 … Continue reading The Mysterious Church Stables in Närpes

I discuss the traditional Finnish Puukko knife with Ethnologist and Bushcraft champion, Marcus Lepola. We talk about it's importance in the history of  violence, love & marriage, and everyday life in Finland. Show notes & links

Season 3 Episode 35 I discuss the traditional Finnish Puukko knife with Ethnologist and Bushcraft champion, Marcus Lepola. We talk about it’s importance in the history of  violence, love & marriage, and everyday life in Finland. MP3 Player   Download an MP3 of Tradition & ‘Magic’: Finnish Puukko Knives Video of Marcus’ victory in the Bow Drill … Continue reading Tradition & ‘Magic’: Finnish Puukko Knives

Season 3 Episode 34 As a companion to my interview with Kristina Vänni in episode 33. Here is a replay of my conversation with restauranteur, Miia Keski-Nikkola. We talked about Finnish food, busting some myths, discussing Mother Nature’s offerings and looking at traditional Xmas food. MP3 Player   Download an MP3 file of Episode 34 – Finnish Food – The … Continue reading [Replay] Finnish Food: The Good, The Bad & The Weird

I speak to internationally recognised culinary authority and TV host, Kristina Vänni, who is also a food writer, TV host, recipe developer, cooking contest expert. We discuss her upcoming cookbook, Homefarm, but also her Finnish roots in Peräseinäjoki, Etelä Pohjanmaa. She tells the  the story of her Great-Grandmother, Josefiina Pitäkranta's emigration to the USA in 1899 and how Kristina came to connect with her distant relatives, her 'return' to Pitkäranta Farm and the inspiration for her book. Show notes & links

Season 3, Episode 33 I speak to internationally recognised culinary authority and TV host, Kristina Vänni, who is also a food writer, TV host, recipe developer, cooking contest expert. We discuss her upcoming cookbook, Homefarm, but also her Finnish roots in Peräseinäjoki, Etelä Pohjanmaa. She tells the  the story of her Great-Grandmother, Josefiina Pitäkranta’s emigration to … Continue reading Kristina Vänni’s ‘Homefarm’ Cookbook: Taking Finnish Cuisine into American Kitchens

Season 3 Introduction Hi everyone, it’s Mark here. I’m back and I just wanted to take a few minutes to explain where I’ve been, what (or rather who) inspired me to get back behind the microphone, and to introduce to you a few of the upcoming subjects. In this episode, I ask for some introductions to potential … Continue reading Explore Finland Podcast Season 3 Starts Now!

In this episode I speak to Jaakko and Martti Koskenkorva about the most recognisable Finnish word in the world, Sauna. I visited them at Koskenkorva Trahteeri to talk about the history, the traditions and why the sauna is so important to the Finns. Guests: Jaakko & Martti Koskenkorva Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher … Continue reading Summer Replay: Just Why Is The Sauna So Important To Finns?

Brewmaster Jyri Ojaluoma takes me back in time to the re-birth of Mallskoski and their Kuohu beer. We discuss brewing techniques and tricks and review the 1st Lakeuden Panimojuhlat (Beer Festival) in Seinäjoki.   Guest: Jyri Ojaluoma, Brewmaster Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay – Beer Tasting … Continue reading Summer Replay: Beer Tasting at Mallaskoski Brewery

Päivi explains how ice cream is made at Wirtalan Jäätelö and gives a surprising answer to the question ‘What is South Ostrobothnia’s favourite flavour?’   Guest: Päivi Virtaniemi, Entrepreneur and co-founder of Wirtalan Jäätelö Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay – How Much Does Finland Love Ice Cream? Show … Continue reading Summer Replay: How Much Does Finland Love Ice Cream?

Guest: Emilia Uutela, Andrenalin-junkie Jokkis Driver Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay- Jokkis : Finnish Folk Racing – Motor Sport for ‘Everyman’ Show Notes I think that, for this subject, pictures speak a thousand words, so there are many photos and videos below. That said, in this … Continue reading Summer Replay: Jokkis / Finnish Folk Racing – Motor Sport for ‘Everyman’

Lari talks about the origins of football culture in Finland, and the history of Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho (SJK) Guest: Lari Paski, Supporters Liaison Officer at SJK and football fanatic Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay- Finnish Football Culture and the Rise of SJK Seinäjoki Show Notes In this episode I talk to … Continue reading Summer Replay: Finnish Football Culture and the Rise of SJK Seinäjoki

Juha talks about more Finnish festivals. From the Heavy Metal Midsummer through the invasion of camper vans for Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat and on to newer, urban events for HipHop and EDM.   Guest: Juha Koivisto – Festival promoter, Agent Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay – Other … Continue reading Summer Replay: Festivals: Midsummer Metal & Tango Camper Vans

Pekka explains the rules, techniques and tactics of Frisbee Golf, before I join him on the course in the CityFrisbee Golf competition in Seinäjoki Guest: Pekka Hautala, Football commentator and Frisbee Golfer Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay: In Competition on the Frisbee Golf Course Show Notes … Continue reading Summer Replay: In Competition on the Frisbee Golf Course

Juha talks about the history of the Provinssirock Festival, and the popularity of domestic music making it possible for Finnish-only events to sell-out. Guest: Juha Koivisto – Festival promoter, Agent Listen to the show  on your preferred podcast player  – iTunes or Stitcher radio or Feedburner Download an MP3 file of Summer Replay: Provinssirock Festival & the Finnish Music Scene Show Notes Guest: Juha … Continue reading Summer Replay: Provinssirock Festival & the Finnish Music Scene