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Week in Slovakia
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.
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.
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 show how dynamic modern dychovka can be. As well, we speak with scholar Benjamin Graf from the University of North Texas about the university's dychovka program and about their newly formed dychovka band. Mr. Graf also talks about meeting Czech dychovka musicians who showed him the musical connections between Czechia, Slovakia, and Texas.
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.
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 discovered by coach Hilda Múdra to an Olympic champion and Sportsman of the Century. The broadcast features voices of film director and screenwriter Gregor Valentovič, producer Ivan Ostrochovský, Czech actor Josef Trojan, and Slovak actress Zuzana Mauréry; lyricist Kamil Peteraj; former skaters Agnesa Búřilová and Jozef Sabovčík; and current rising star Adam Hagara. Thanks to the archives, you'll also hear the late coach and researcher Dr. Ivan Mauer, Nepela's longtime mentor Hilda Múdra — whom he affectionately called "teta" — Ondrej Nepela himself, and more.
RSI Sunday, full of music, letters from listeners and this week we open another window to the world.
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
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 by Comenius University, unveiled during a commemorative event on 4 November 2025. Discussing the inspiration behind this artwork are its designer, Milan Stanco, Daniel's father, Daniel Tupý Sr., and a university lecturer in music history. In remembrance of the innocent victim, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová also revisits her 2019 interview with Teodor Kuhn, director of the film By a Sharp Knife, which was inspired by the murder case. At the end of the show, tips for Slovak culture in and beyond Slovakia such as a public reading in Vienna of the debut novel by Nicol Hochholzerová, which has already been translated into eleven languages.
Window to the world & competition
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 discuss Zvuky demokracie (Sounds of Democracy) – an international, multi-genre, months-long festival that will launch on the occasion of November 17 and continue throughout the next year, marking the days when EU countries commemorate the importance of democracy and the struggle for freedom.
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.
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 contributes to Europe's shared commitment to these fundamental principles. As always, the programme concludes with a new edition of our language corner — Slovak Sound Check.
Competition series: Mysterious Slovakia pt. 10 - Trenčín. Music made in Slovakia.
RSI takes a look back at the past week in Slovakia. Today we focus on All Saint's Day.
Ben Pascoe talks with musicologist, musical journalist, musician and music lover Oliver Rehak to give you an intro to Slovak music today. REPEAT
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 explore beyond Slovakia's well-known destinations, we present our travel series called Country Roads. In this second episode, we journey to Muránska Planina National Park in central Slovakia. Here, we uncover the unique flora, fauna, and geology that make this relatively new national park so special. We also delve into the region's fascinating history and culture—once known as “the iron heart of Hungary.” Along the way, you'll get practical travel tips, discover how Slovak literature can enrich your trip, and even learn how feeding a ground squirrel might just make your adventure unforgettable. (REPEAT)
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 the environmental and social impacts of these practices, RSI spoke with Monika Medovičová from Friends of the Earth Slovakia. To explore potential solutions and alternatives, we also spoke with Ivana Majeleš from the Circular Economy Institute Slovakia.
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 Tuesday special, marking the 210th anniversary of a figure without whom Slovakia might not exist. Explaining the significance of Ľudovít Štúr's life and work to international audiences is Martina Grenova Simkovicova.
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 National Oncology Institute (NOI) shares how Slovakia is advancing prevention and early detection. From the non-profit OZ Amazonky, Zuzana Janovičová speaks about the power of community — how mutual support, technology, and empathy help women rebuild confidence and reconnect with life after diagnosis. And finally, Viera Lipčáková Lacová and Dr. Jaroslava Salman, co-authors of Nádej bez záruky (Hope Without Guarantee), bring deeply human stories of resilience — reminding us that hope, even without certainty, can be one of the strongest medicines of all. In Slovak Sound Check, we hop on board to explore public transport vocabulary in Slovak.
This Sunday, we're opening another Window to the World — this time onto the central Slovak town of Krupina. From there, we'll journey across the western border to its twin town Nepomuk, nestled in Czech Bohemia. The programme also features QSL greetings from our listeners around the globe and a hand-picked selection of Slovak film songs.
RSI looks back at the past week.
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 Slovakia to seek their roots. In 2023, Zuzana Botikova met with Viera Marecová who helps finding Americans tracing their roots.
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. REPEAT
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 mládež mesta Košice to talk about the evolving role of libraries in today's digital age. From fostering literacy and creativity in youth to serving as inclusive community spaces, Lucia Kocáková shares why libraries remain more important than ever.
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.
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 grow over the years, building lasting ties across borders. And later on, in our Slovak Sound Check segment, you'll have a chance to strengthen your language skills as we take a closer look at possessive pronouns — an essential part of everyday Slovak.
Listeners' Tribune. Music.sk: Since many countries in Central Europe celebrate Arbor Day on October 20, a day that encourages individuals and communities to plant trees, today's music is dedicated to songs in which trees take the leading role.
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
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 July and spoke to RSI about their experience at Glastonbury—the largest summer multigenre festival in Europe. This week's culture tips include an invitation to the International Documentary Film Festival One World, as well as screenings of Slovak films in Brazil, among other events.
A tribute to Slovakia's golden voice — in life, in legend, and now on the big screen. As excitement builds around the new film about Karol Duchoň, we bring you the story of one of Slovakia's most beloved singers — a powerful voice and gentle soul who touched generations. Through rare archival recordings, new film interviews, and heartfelt memories from those who knew him best, this special traces Duchoň's meteoric rise, his private struggles, and the timeless legacy now revived for a new generation. Featuring voices from film director Peter Bebjak, actor Vladimír Plevčík, lyricist Ľuboš Zeman, longtime collaborators Marcela Laiferová and Pavol Hammel, his first wife Elena Duchoňová, Karol Duchoň himself – and more. In this episode of Slovak Sound Check, we break down the most essential Slovak courtesy phrases and show you how to use them in everyday situations.
Three years after the start of the war in Ukraine, the flow of refugees to Slovakia has slowed, and many volunteer groups that once mobilized have scaled back. Yet, the needs of Ukrainians—both at home and abroad—remain immense. In this episode, we travel to the village of Moravské Lieskové, where local volunteers with the NGO Žito v Sypke hosted a weekend fundraiser to collect essential aid, including a newly outfitted ambulance for the front lines. We speak with the organizers and volunteers behind the effort to understand what drives them to continue their work, and we ask the question at the heart of their mission: What does Ukraine need most?
Ben Pascoe attended the Eset Slovak Scientist of the Year awards held recently in Bratislava. He brings you interviews with founders, jury members, Slovak scientists and even a former president, as well info on many of the great scientists in Slovakia today.
In this round of Mysterious Slovakia, we travel to Košice, home to the St. Elizabeth's Cathedral — the largest church in Slovakia and the easternmost Gothic cathedral in Europe. Beyond its treasures and relics, the cathedral hides a dramatic story: the legend and legacy of the Urban Bell. Then, we celebrate the 20th episode of Slovak Sound Check — with reflections, recaps, and a look at how far our learners Sean and Lubna have come on their Slovak language journey.
Sunday music, letters from listeners and the newest edition of our series "Window to the world"
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
In this part of our series about names in the Slovak calendar, we're once again catching up with Natália Hejková, the world-famous basketball coach from Slovakia, while playing the song Natália by Robo Opatovský. In Culture Tips, we'll tell you about events happening in Banská Štiavnica, Trenčín, Žilina, and other great spots.
Wolves in Slovakia have a complex and often turbulent history. Once widely persecuted, these wild canines were relentlessly hunted and driven into the remote valleys of the country's east. However, Slovakia's accession to the EU brought stronger conservation policies, allowing wolf populations to make a remarkable comeback. Now, a new wave of fear and controversy threatens their future—not just in Slovakia, but across the EU. To explore the wolf's history, biology, and the resurgence of hunting quotas, RSI spoke with zoologist Jeruš Tesák, Slovak Wildlife Society director Robin Rigg, and Slovak European Parliament member Michal Wiezik.
Today, we explore eco-friendly farming across Slovakia. First, we visit Ovosad Farm in Myjava, where sustainable farming practices are shaping a greener future. Then, we head to Moravské Lieskové to learn about hazelnut farming and its role in the local economy and environment. Next, we check out a prototype electromobile designed to assist farmers in vineyards, reducing emissions and soil disruption. Finally, we travel to Kráľová pri Senci to discover rare beehives and the efforts to preserve pollinators and biodiversity.
Fjuzn festival's konektiv concert evening brings together Slovak and foreign musicians living in Slovakia to make a special concert. Ben Pascoe talked with the organizers and musicians at this year's edition, which was part of the 20th year of this unique multi-genre festival whose slogan this year was “dare to get to know the world we have at home.”
RERUN: Anna Podmanická (19) and Tomáš Čermák (18) are two talented young scientists and global winners of the prestigious Earth Prize 2025. We delve into their innovative project PURA – a groundbreaking approach to water purification. The conversation explores the limitations of current purification methods, particularly the failure of the quaternary phase to remove antibiotic residues, a major contributor to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Anna and Tomáš explain how PURA combines photocatalysis and cold plasma technology to provide an effective and sustainable solution to this urgent global issue. The 8th episode of Slovak Sound Check focuses on the essential verb byť – to be.
This Sunday on RSI, we reveal the winner of the eighth round of our Mysterious Slovakia competition and launch round nine — dedicated to the unique Urban Bell of the Urban Tower, the belfry of St. Elizabeth's Cathedral in Košice. And in celebration of World Teachers' Day, our music segment brings you a special selection of school-themed songs!
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
Professor Anne Tomiche of Sorbonne University in Paris was the keynote speaker at an international symposium exploring various aspects of the norms and transgressions of masculinities in Central Europe — from the 19th century to the present day. Martina Greňová Šimkovičová also spoke with Ivana Taranenková, head of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, and Václav Smyčka of Charles University in Prague. The program includes a brief tribute to Anca Monica Dragu, a longtime member of the RSI English section, who passed away on October 3rd, 2021. This week's culture tips feature: an invitation to Roman Ondák's solo exhibition in New York, the shared Visegrad Stage at the Budapest International Book Festival, and the Bratislava in Movement, the International Festival of Contemporary Dance — among others.
In an interview from 2024 Ben Pascoe talks with cellist and festival organizer Jozef Luptak about that years Konvergencie Festival as well as the past, future and current state of Chamber music. (repeat)
In this episode we travel to the rolling hills south of Zvolen for the fourth edition of the Hurá Von Festival, where educators and lecturers from across Slovakia gathered to celebrate the power of outdoor learning. From workshops on emotional hygiene, apitherapy, and sensory-motor skills to thoughtful discussions on youth mental health, the festival highlights how time in nature can nurture both mind and body. Listeners will hear firsthand from organizers, lecturers, and a special guest researcher from Canada who are rethinking how children play, learn, and grow.
Ben Pascoe visits the pop-up teahouse at Research lab, an experimental space where diverse intersect and they attempt to develop at holistic approach to the co-evolution of human consciousness and AI. He talks with founders/organizers Roman Pii Wagner, Peter Kašpar, and Andrea Kutlikova about AI, community building, keeping young people at home and doing business in Slovakia today.
With over 6,500 languages spoken around the globe, communication across cultures can be a challenge. Translators and interpreters help us overcome these barriers. To mark International Translation Day, celebrated worldwide on September 30, our show pays tribute to Slovakia's language professionals. We meet Pavol Šveda, EU-accredited interpreter, president of the Slovak Association of Translators and Interpreters, and associate professor at Comenius University. He shares insights into the cognitive demands of simultaneous interpreting and the current state of the profession in Slovakia. Also joining the conversation is Miroslava Petrovská, Head of the Slovak Interpretation Unit at the European Parliament, who reflects on the significance of her work within one of the world's most complex multilingual institutions – the EU. And in the new episode of Slovak Sound Check, we dive into core vocabulary: learning the names of family members in Slovak.
Greetings from around the world, music from Slovakia, a relaxing Sunday with RSI
We take a look back at the week's headlines and some of our best stories from the past week.
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 perfect for English speakers — and today, we add an invitation to the international symposium Central European Masculinities, an event to be held in Bratislava and featuring speakers from Charles University in Prague, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Sorbonne University in Paris, and more.
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