Connecting to Apple Music.
Interviews with Kristína Gendová Ružíková and Marion Jansen of the OECD at Agrokomplex 2026. These were originally broadcast by Andrej Ševčenko.
Ben Pascoe talks with Mária Modrovichová one of the organizers of the literary festival NovoTvar which brings literarture and poetry from around the world to Bratislava.
Every September, the President of the European Commission delivers the State of the Union (SOTEU) address to the European Parliament, outlining the EU's main challenges, priorities and initiatives for the year ahead. Following this year's address, we spoke with Peter Stano, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia, about what the SOTEU means beyond Brussels — also for a smaller Member State such as Slovakia. We discussed the EU's competitiveness and the push to reduce bureaucracy, climate resilience and opportunities for Slovak innovators, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, as well as Europe's changing security environment. We also looked at the EU's proposed closer partnership with Canada and what it could mean for Slovak businesses and the country more broadly. With the new academic year underway, the latest episode introduces useful Slovak vocabulary related to student life to help you navigate the Slovak university environment.
In this Sunday show we are going to read some of the letter from our listeners and then talk about the 70th anniversary of Slovak Television with a mnumber of prominent Slovak Television figures.
In local and regional elections in Slovakia, foreign nationals with residence permits can vote. As a build-up to these elections, slated for 24 October 2026, Ben Pascoe met with some of the candidates running for mayor of the Slovak capital, Bratislava. Patrícia Polakovičová introduces a new musical project bringing together one of Slovakia's most prominent poets, Ivan Štrpka, and the jazz musicians of Altar Quartet. Veronika Ščepánová marks the 280th anniversary of the birth of Móric Beňovský, a glamorous 18th-century soldier, traveller and author.
On Thursday, 24 September, Slovak cinemas welcomed "For Love", the latest feature film by acclaimed director Marko Škop. The filmmaker, who won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival for "Eva Nová", returns with his third feature film — and the final chapter of his trilogy exploring relationships between parents and children. Culture tips invite to JUNIOR DIZAJN FEST 2026, festival tRADOVANIE or INTERNATIONAL GLASS SYMPOSIUM RONA 2026 among others.
In her show, Patrícia Polakovičová introduces a new album bringing together renowned Slovak poet Ivan Štrpka and Altar Quartet. She also looks back at the 36th Days of ÚĽUV Craftsmen in Bratislava, which this year highlighted wirecraft, its history and its place on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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 project tells us. We are going to be talking to the representatives from Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences in Košice who conducted the project and the director of desegregated elementary school Alma in Zvolen.
At the end of October, Slovakia will go to the polls to vote in Local and Regional Elections. In the first of a series of shows about the upcoming elections Ben Pascoe meets 2 of the candidtates for Mayor of Bratislava, incumbent Matus Vallo and candidate Martin Winkler.
On the occasion of the 280th anniversary of the birth of Móric Beňovský, we explore the extraordinary life of the 18th-century soldier, traveller and author who journeyed from Central Europe to Kamchatka, across the Pacific and eventually to Madagascar, where he claimed the title of “Ampansakabé,” or “King of Kings.” How much of his remarkable story is historical fact, and how much is legend? What do his memoirs reveal — and conceal — about the man behind the myth? We discuss Beňovský's life, ambitions, expeditions to Madagascar, colonial context and enduring place in Slovak history with Miroslav Musil, diplomat, historian, author and traveller, who has spent decades researching Beňovský and following his footsteps around the world.
This Sunday, we'll open another Window to the World, taking you to the Czech city of Zlín and the Slovak city of Trenčín, two cities connected by a long-standing partnership and a growing number of cross-border projects. We'll also share greetings and messages from our dear listeners. And we'll round off the programme with music from Slovak singer Mirka Záhumenská and her new album Počúvaj, počúvaj, celebrating the rich and distinctive traditions of Slovak folk music.
A recap of the past week in Slovakia and a look back at some of our recent reports.
In this Friday show, we are bringing an extensive report from the 21st International Film Festival Cinematik with the focus on premiers of internationally acclaimed Slovak films and films shot in Slovak co-production. "Lover, not a fighter", "If pigeons turned to gold" or "Becoming Emma" among them. Culture tips invite to several festivals in Slovakia and a few shows abroad.
What do the latest PISA results reveal about the skills of Slovak students? The OECD's 2025 assessment points to some stabilisation, but also persistent challenges in reading, mathematics and inequalities linked to students' backgrounds. Slovakia's Education Minister Tomáš Drucker discusses the results, the impact of the digital world and how ongoing education reforms aim to respond. Extreme heat is becoming an economic challenge for Slovak businesses, affecting productivity, revenues and the everyday operation of companies. Looking back at the summer of 2026, Vladimir Otrachshenko from the National Bank of Slovakia explains which sectors are most vulnerable to rising temperatures and why investing in adaptation could help firms reduce future losses.
This week the 21st Fjuzn Festival kicks off in Bratislava. Fjuzn is unique and is the largest multi-genre and multicultural event focused on migration and foreigners in Slovakia with national and international significance. Ben Pascoe sat down with one of the organizers, Veronika Fishbone Vlčková, to find out more about this year's festival.
In honour of the special day in Slovakia, we take a look back at some interviews explaining where this tradition comes from and why it is celebrated here.
The fourth edition of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava brings together three women whose lives took very different paths, yet each left a lasting mark in our Capital. Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová introduce us to Helena Turcerová Devečková, a pioneering scholar, author and translator; Zdenka (Cecília) Schelingová, a religious sister who became a symbol of courage and resistance under the communist regime; and Erna Masarovičová, an influential sculptor who challenged the conventions of a male-dominated art world. As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner, Slovak Sound Check.
As we celebrate 90 years of shortwave broadcasting abroad from what was then Czechoslovakia, I'll be talking to our devoted listener Murali in Sweden and his family about the significance of DXing in the age of AI. Later, RSI music director Rado Mešša will invite you all to the London concert of Prešov based band IMT SMILE.
Breaking headlines of the week and feature teasers from RSI English section editors.
Throughout the summer, RSI has been running a series of readings from Slovak literature in English translation. For our English-speaking audience, we've been bringing you The Book of Bratislava, an anthology published in the UK by the independent publishing house Comma Press. Now, we're bringing the series to a close with an excerpt from Eva Vozárová's story-essay Summer in Bratislava, translated by Paul Kaye. This reading will feature a special guest and a special audio recording. The culture tip for English speakers is the Bratislava World Music Festival. Inviting is its co-founder and programming director Vladimir Potančok.
REPRÍZA: Marking the 30th anniversary of Child Safety Helpline, this programme examines the current state of mental health among children and minors in Slovakia. Through insights from child helpline professionals, special education teacher Jana Merašická, and a researcher from The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology, we explore how children's psychological needs have changed over the past decades, what challenges dominate today, and where the system still falls short.
The new school year has brought several changes to Slovakia, including the launch of the country's biggest education reform in the past 20 years. At a press conference, Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, Petra Fridrichová, Director of the Formal Education Support Department at NIVaM and co-author of the new State Educational Programme, Chairwoman of the Association of Primary Schools of Slovakia Eva Horníková, President of the Slovak Chamber of Teachers Jarmila Javorková, and other experts discussed why the reform was needed and what it will mean for pupils, teachers and schools. Educators from the field also shared their perspectives and experiences with the changes. Octavia McKenzie premiers her new series Slovakia Through My Eyes
Ben Pascoe visits the special centenary exhibit at the Slovak Radio building with a special guest and introduces you to our newest colleague Octavia.
Why do people give? What does generosity really mean, and what shapes charitable behavior in Slovakia compared to other countries? To explore these questions, we speak with experimental and behavioral economist Matej Lorko. We discuss what behavioral economics reveals about human decision-making, how economists study altruism in laboratory settings, and whether charitable giving is driven more by empathy, moral values, or subtle forms of self-interest. We also examine how experimental research can inform public policy, support the nonprofit sector, and deepen our understanding of cooperation, trust, and prosocial behavior in modern societies. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary for outdoor activities — from cycling and hiking to swimming, camping and outdoor grilling.
RSI Sunday, music, letters from listeners and the 8th round of the Ziva Voda competition.
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
Roman Bomboš brings another story linked to the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia. This time, he focuses on the first professional symphony orchestra in the country. Culture Tips feature two invitations – one to the international film festival Cinematik, which starts in Piešťany on 8 September, and the second to LingvaFest, a festival of foreign languages that can be studied in Slovakia.
How much can a simple conversation, a cup of coffee or just a little attention mean to an older person? In this programme, we meet Kristína Holecová, the creator of the Instagram profile Senior ťa potrebuje – Senior Needs You. She shares her experiences and friendships with seniors, explains why our presence can sometimes be the most valuable thing we can offer, and tells the remarkable story of an unexpected encounter that took her all the way to India.
As housing prices continue to rise in Slovakia, finding an affordable place to live is becoming increasingly difficult. At the same time, the environmental cost of conventional construction is prompting more people to question how — and from what — we build our homes. In this edition of Green Slovakia, we explore some of the ideas behind natural, low-impact construction. Our story takes us to Zaježová in central Slovakia, where Paul, a former volunteer at the Sekier Eco-village, found himself looking for an alternative to conventional housing. His search led him to an unusual approach known as Kerterre — a small, organic form of natural building that uses materials such as earth and natural fibres. We hear how the project began, what he learned along the way, and what building a home can mean beyond simply putting a roof over your head.
In honour of the anniversary of the Slovak Constitution, Ben Pascoe brings you interviews with constitutional experts Radoslav Prochazka and Vincent Bujňák.
Experts say that walking to school independently helps children develop self-confidence, responsibility and social skills. Yet many parents remain hesitant, concerned that public spaces and traffic conditions are not safe enough for their children. The Metropolitan Institute of Bratislava's Mesto pre deti (City for Children) project aims to change that by combining urban planning, traffic solutions and community participation to create safer and more accessible streets for everyone. Today, we talk with the project's lead urbanist Sandra Štasselová, MIB architect Marianna Páleníková, and parenting counsellor Martina Vagačová. In a playful Children's Day episode of Slovak Sound Check, we learn useful vocabulary connected to playground activities while keeping things fun, and beginner-friendly.
In 2026, Slovak Radio is marking 100 years since broadcasting began in what was then Czechoslovakia. For most of that time—90 years, in fact—broadcasting to audiences abroad has been an essential part of its story. While Radio Prague International is celebrating its 90th anniversary, Radio Slovakia International is marking 33 years since launching its own international service. This program is dedicated to this shared 90th anniversary.
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
Martina Greňová Šimkovičová revisits a report from Banská Bystrica, from Professor Ladislav Sára Street, home to a Slovak Radio studio. The report recalls Anton Prídavok and features an archival appeal from Slovak Radio urging listeners, in the final days of August 1944, not to tune in to broadcasts from Bratislava, but instead to listen to the Free Slovak Broadcaster.
In today's programme, we will mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, a turning point that profoundly reshaped Central Europe and the territory of present-day Slovakia. We will look at the battle itself, the subsequent Ottoman expansion and its lasting military and cultural impact on the region, while also exploring the Mohács 500 SK exhibition at Zvolen Castle. Our guests are historian Michal Duchoň from the Military History Institute and Denis Haberland, curator of the Mohács 500 SK exhibition.
The Pohoda Festival is known not only for its music, but also for its atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to help. What creates this exceptional atmosphere? Is it the result of the festival's organization or the visitors themselves? And what does this tell us about the kind of community people long for today? Together with sociologist Dr. Zuzana Kusá, we seek answers to the question of why the crowd at Pohoda becomes a community.
Nova Trznica, the new market hall, is the futuristic looking building at Bratislava's Trnavské mýto. In the past, it was a bustling market hall, an architectural wonder, the place to be in Bratislava. Recently it had fallen on hard times. Those times are past. Ben Pascoe visited the market hall and met with vendors, and organizers Peter Briatka and Illah Van Oijen, who are working hard to rebuild the nova trznica community and breathe new life into the new market hall.
Slovakia's labour market is entering a period of profound change. An ageing population, labour shortages, migration, new technologies and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way we work, while the country's traditional economic model is coming under increasing pressure. In this interview, Monika Uhlerová, President of the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic, discusses some of the biggest challenges facing Slovakia's workforce — from demographic change and the future of pensions to skills, labour migration and the changing expectations of younger workers. She also explores how workplaces, employers and social-security systems will need to adapt to a rapidly evolving world of work. In the latest episode of Slovak Sound Check, we cool down with one of summer's greatest pleasures: ice cream! Learn useful Slovak phrases for ordering at an ice-cream shop, from choosing a cone or a cup to asking for scoops and your favourite flavours.
In this sunday show, we are going to read some of the letters that our listeners have sent to us, you are going to learn about the partnership between Slovak and Czech towns Šenkvice and Velké Bílovice and last but not least, we are going to pay tribute to late renowned Slovak folklorist Darina Laščiaková.
Saturday´s frontpage once again brings you an overview of what made headlines this week in Slovakia. Later in the programme, we´ll hear excerpts from this week´ features produced by our English section.
Summer Reading with RSI is a series spotlighting Slovak literature in translation. Published in 2026, The Book of Bratislava brings together ten stories by contemporary Slovak writers. Today's episode features "A Fee from Britain" by Rudolf Sloboda, translated by David Short. Also this summer, as Pohoda—the longest-running multi-genre festival in Slovakia—celebrates its 30th anniversary, we're bringing you a series of interviews with both international and Slovak artists from the anniversary lineup. Today, INSO-Lviv Symphony Orchestra from Ukraine. As part of Culture tips for the upcoming weekend and next week, curator Gabriela Garlatyová invites you to see Maria Bartuszová in Olomouc.
What does humanitarian aid really mean, and who are the people behind it? On World Humanitarian Day, we look at the different forms humanitarian work can take – from helping people affected by war and natural disasters to supporting children and vulnerable communities. The programme features among others Stanislav Bielik, Director of ADRA Slovakia; Dominika Gablíková, Head of International Humanitarian and Development Programmes at Caritas Slovakia; Zuzana Chudobová, Chair of the Board of the Slovak Foundation for UNICEF; and Katarína Barošová, Communications Manager at People in Need Slovakia.
The first Vietnamese migrants began arriving in what was then Czechoslovakia nearly seventy years ago. Today, around 10,000 Vietnamese people live in Slovakia, yet their journey toward recognition as an established and valued part of Slovak society has been a long one. One group working to strengthen that recognition is Vietnamske Korene, or Vietnamese Roots. Led largely by members of the second generation, the organization created Vietnam Day—a festival celebrating Vietnamese culture and the ties between Vietnamese and Slovak communities. In this program, we visit this year's festival to meet organizers, participants, and attendees and explore how the event is introducing Vietnamese culture to a wider Slovak audience, building bridges between communities, and bringing together generations of Vietnamese living in Slovakia.
In September, Bratislava region will host Shalom Chaverim, the 3rd edition of the Jewish Cultural Festival. Concerts, exhibits, events and even a festival celebrating the traditional Slovak Jewish cuisine will be held from the 2nd to the 9th of September in Bratislava, Cunovo, Senec and Svaty Jur. Today we will talk to talk with one of the organizers Petra Barkanyi, Rabbi David Adri and Samo Alexander from the Pressburger Klezmer band.
The third edition of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava shines a light on three extraordinary women whose lives were shaped by courage, creativity and a deep connection to Bratislava. Together with Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová, we meet Hana Gregorová, one of Slovakia's earliest and most outspoken advocates of women's rights and education; Alžbeta Güntherová-Mayerová, a pioneering art historian who helped preserve Slovakia's cultural heritage; and Beatrix “Trixi” Čelková, an anti-fascist resistance fighter whose courageous work in Bratislava contributed to the Allied bombing of the Apollo refinery during the Second World War. In the latest colourful episode of Slovak Sound Check, we explore the names of common colours and learn how to describe different shades.
Sundays with RSI. Music, good vibes and good wishes from our listeners.
Weekly digest of the news and features aired on Radio Slovakia International. Patrícia Lucia Balajová takes listeners on a journey through the House of the Albrechts and Romer House in Bratislava, Patrícia Polakovičová explores the Slovak Central Bank's take on crypto assets and Veronika Ščepanová is introducing fruit vocabulary in another part of the Slovak Sound Check series.
In this interview, conducted on the occasion of the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia, former RSI English Section member Warren Turner brings to life his memories of the station. As part of our tips on Slovak culture for foreigners living in or visiting Slovakia, P. M. Bohúň Gallery director Richard Gregor invites you to a unique exhibition tracing the development of tapestry in Slovakia throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. And there are several more tips waiting for you too!
Slovakia is experiencing a continued decline in birth rates, with fewer children being born each year and noticeable changes in the country's demographic structure. The report from the Statistical Office of Slovak Republic says, the birth rates recorded for the year 2025 were the lowest since the World War II. What is behind this trend, and how will it shape the future of Slovak society? In today's programme, we take a closer look at the latest data and long-term projections with demographer Boris Vaňo. Secon part of the show looks at the growing popularity of crypto-assets in Slovakia and what the introduction of new regulation means for ordinary investors. As a part of the economic segment Young Money we spoke to National Bank of Slovakia about the risks of investing in crypto, Slovaks' level of knowledge about digital assets, and what people should know before deciding to invest.
History, innovation and culture come together in this three-part feature exploring the many ways Slovakia is shaping its future while preserving its past. Step inside Bratislava's restored Albrecht House, once a unique meeting place for musicians, artists and free thinkers. Discover the hidden stories of the recently reopened Romer House, one of the city's oldest historic buildings, where centuries of history are gradually being uncovered. Finally, travel to Žilina to learn how an international research project is using smart technologies to make urban transport more sustainable, efficient and people-friendly. From cultural heritage to cutting-edge innovation, these stories reveal how places gain new purpose when passionate people bring them back to life.
The annual Slkno v Siete awards, recognizing the best in Slovak cinema were recently handed out. Ben Pascoe brings you interviews and sounds from the gala event.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
