Podcasts about Slovakia

This week, Chris Murray welcomed in Simon Hankinson is a Senior Research Fellow in the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation to discuss ICE detention centers. From 1999–2022, he was a Foreign Service Officer serving in India, Fiji, Ghana, Slovakia, Togo, Washington, D.C., Marseille, and Nairobi. Prior to entering the State Department, Hankinson worked as a lawyer in London, and then taught history, English, and drama at a private school in Miami.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 21, we mark 146 years since the birth of Milan Rastislav Štefánik — a remarkable astronomer, aviator, military leader, and diplomat who played a crucial role in the founding of Czechoslovakia. Born in 1880, Štefánik lived a life that bridged science and statecraft, sky and soil, ambition and sacrifice. Today, we speak with renowned Slovak historian Michal Kšiňan, author of the first scientific monograph on Štefánik, “Milan Rastislav Štefánik: The Man Who Talked to the Stars,” to explore story, public image, and some of the myths that still surround this important figure even today. In the 50th episode of Slovak Sound Check, Veronika is joined by Lubna and Seán to reflect on their Slovak-learning journey and look back at episodes 41 to 49, revisiting topics from adjectives and summer plans to useful vocabulary and grammar tips.

Tune in and enjoy another edition of our Window to the World series. And, as always, we also devote this Sunday to letters from our listeners.

A look back at the past week in and on Slovakia Today.

As Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, Slovakia's largest summer multi-genre festival finds itself at the centre of debates about its political and socially engaged identity. For more than 25 years, it has combined music with public debate and contemporary art, reflecting the issues shaping society. From Václav Havel's landmark visit in 2008, which reinforced Joan Baez's decision to perform, to the 2026 edition, where Zuzana Čaputová and Petr Pavel took to the discussion stage and The Cure made their Pohoda debut, the programme traces the moments that have defined the festival. Founder Michal Kaščák, Hospitality Manager Barbora Bodnárová and Holger Jens Schmidt, Secretary General of the European Festivals Association, reflect on Pohoda's place among Europe's leading festivals. Meanwhile, The Prodigy return for their third Pohoda performance since 2005, and IDLES share what it means to be back in Trenčín.

As Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, Slovakia's largest summer multi-genre festival finds itself at the centre of debates about its political and socially engaged identity. For more than 25 years, it has combined music with public debate and contemporary art, reflecting the issues shaping society. From Václav Havel's landmark visit in 2008, which reinforced Joan Baez's decision to perform, to the 2026 edition, where Zuzana Čaputová and Petr Pavel took to the discussion stage and The Cure made their Pohoda debut, the programme traces the moments that have defined the festival. Founder Michal Kaščák, Hospitality Manager Barbora Bodnárová and Holger Jens Schmidt, Secretary General of the European Festivals Association, reflect on Pohoda's place among Europe's leading festivals. Meanwhile, The Prodigy return for their third Pohoda performance since 2005, and IDLES share what it means to be back in Trenčín.

Arlington Attack head coach Nick Crimmins joins Adam to discuss his hockey journey, from attending the first Dallas Stars game in Texas to playing and training in Slovakia. They break down why skating is the foundation of player development, how backchecking and gap control support a complete 200-foot game, and why players need unstructured ice time to build creativity and hockey IQ. Nick also introduces Bar Down Hockey, an Arlington training facility designed for shooting, stickhandling, passing, and off-ice skill development.

Step back in time as we explore the rich history of Bratislava's Coronation Days. Learn about the traditions behind the coronation of Hungarian monarchs, discover how these spectacular ceremonies are recreated today, and hear from historians and organizers who bring this remarkable chapter of Slovak history to life. Artificial intelligence is transforming the labour market at an unprecedented pace. In this interview, AI expert Tomáš Gál discusses how these changes are already affecting Slovakia, which professions are most at risk, and what skills people will need to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

Step back in time as we explore the rich history of Bratislava's Coronation Days. Learn about the traditions behind the coronation of Hungarian monarchs, discover how these spectacular ceremonies are recreated today, and hear from historians and organizers who bring this remarkable chapter of Slovak history to life. Artificial intelligence is transforming the labour market at an unprecedented pace. In this interview, AI expert Tomáš Gál discusses how these changes are already affecting Slovakia, which professions are most at risk, and what skills people will need to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

What do a bakery and a textile laboratory have in common? More than it might seem. In this programme, we explore two places where experience, precision and innovation play a crucial role – from the production of bread and pastries in Bratislava to advanced textile research in Žilina.

Medical missionaries are often called upon to provide care that is beyond the scope of their training and previous experience. This interactive case presentation looks at the realities of clinical decision-making in a critically ill snakebitten patient, and offers suggestions on how to navigate similar challenging situations.

What do a bakery and a textile laboratory have in common? More than it might seem. In this programme, we explore two places where experience, precision and innovation play a crucial role – from the production of bread and pastries in Bratislava to advanced textile research in Žilina.

Pastor Freddy gives the GEC audience some history of their monthly support of the Majak Church network in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, & Slovakia.

Former Slovak living abroad, current Slovak citizen, Gregory Fabian sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today. How Mr. Fabian came to be here, what it was like in Meciar times, how learning Slovak is going as well as the changes that have happened over the years he has been here.

Former Slovak living abroad, current Slovak citizen, Gregory Fabian sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today. How Mr. Fabian came to be here, what it was like in Meciar times, how learning Slovak is going as well as the changes that have happened over the years he has been here.

Our Must See Horror feature sees the boys get into a spot of bother whilst backing around Slovakia, as we discuss Eli Roth's Hostel. Arguably one of the biggest horror films of the 2000s, and one of the precursors to the "torture porn" genre that blackened the good name of horror, Hostel takes a look at the dark side of travelling as two American travellers (and one Icelandic charmer), get more than they bargained for when exploring for excitement. Featuring some mystery, foreshadowing and an extremely gory third act that just keeps amping up, the boys find themselves split on their opinions of this mid-2000s horror. There's debates around the intentions of the writing, the rewatchability, the pacing and the overall concept and execution of the film. But the most importantly is Hostel a Must See Horror Remember to hit that subscribe button and leave us a lovely review. There're new episodes every week, and we cover horror movies from new releases with spoiler filled and spoiler free reviews, to old classics and B movie gems.  You can find us on twitter and instagram @cmthpodcast or check out our website at https://castmetohell.podbean.com Theme by Dan Motti   

Colleen opens up the show with an Ireland review and Gavin continues tour talk with the Open'er and Werchter festivals, plus the Cure's first show ever in Slovakia!#thecure #robertsmith #thecure2026 #thecureslovakia #werchter---- 2026 Euro Festivals Apple Playlist (in progress):https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-cure-2026-euro-summer-festivals-playlist/pl.u-MDAWM5JtaXAVMLike & Subscribe:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holy-hour/id1073013033 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/55NTfq3OEz6aj32xH8GqZI?si=1aa4fb82a23249f4YoutubeSocial Mediayoutube.com/@TheHolyHourTheAllCurePodcast  https://www.instagram.com/theholyhourpodcast/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/theholyhourpodcast Visit:THE HOLY HOUR MERCH STORE! https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-holy-hour-podcast-merch-storehttps://theholyhourpodcast.creator-spring.com/The Holy Hour Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/theholyhourpodcastContact/Follow Gavin at:gavinconner@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/gavinconnerContact/Follow Chaz at:https://www.instagram.com/seventeen_seconds?igsh=MWprdHhxanAwdGk5cA==https://www.instagram.com/jamesdobsonsbastardkids?igsh=ZWFhb2c5aGllb21iContact/Follow Antonio at:https://linktr.ee/kultleader?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Pohoda, Slovakia's largest multi-genre festival, reached new heights in 2025, with director Mišo Kaščák calling it the best edition yet. Iggy Pop delivered an unforgettable show, while Africa Express took the stage not only in solidarity with their fellow musicians from Massive Attack—who couldn't attend this year—but also as a gesture of deep respect for the audience. The legendary Queens of the Stone Age from the U.S. ignited a wild mosh pit, as did local punk powerhouse Fvck_Kvlt from Trnava. Renowned American jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and Slovakia's own jazz icon Peter Lipa each received standing ovations for their sets. Other standout live performances included female performers Skye from Morcheeba, Anoushka Shankar as well as Slovak musicians Jana Kirschner, and Katarzia, all of whom captivated the crowd. The Czech band Dukla surprised fans with a duet alongside Ela Tolstova, lead singer of the Slovak band Tolstoys, who recently performed at Glastonbury for the second year in a row. The festival's atmosphere and unforgettable moments were captured over four days in a special report and series of interviews by Martina Greňová Šimkovičová.

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for July 9, 2026. We open with Mayor Zoran Mamdani's map of immigrant neighborhoods in New York City — and a glaring omission that Louis takes personally. Little Italy isn't on it. Neither are the Irish neighborhoods or the Jewish neighborhoods. What is on it? Little Palestine, Little Pakistan, Little Odessa, and 27 other enclaves — a deliberate cartography of division that tells certain communities where they belong and erases the immigrant story that built New York in the first place. We make the distinction between a melting pot — where you bring your culture and become American — and a mixing bowl, where a city planner plants a flag and tells you to stay in your lane. Put Little Italy on the map. Put the whole beautiful, messy, glorious immigration story on the map. That is New York. That is America. In our Top 3 Things You need to Know, fresh explosions hit southern Iran — but CENTCOM says the U.S. was not behind them, and Israel said the same, as Iranians buried their former Ayatollah Khomeini for the first time since his death in March, having been too afraid to hold the funeral until now. Then Graham Plattner dropped out of the Maine Senate race after a fourth woman came forward with sexual assault allegations — with the Maine Democratic Party now scrambling to name a replacement by June 27th, having defended Plattner right up until the moment the polls shifted against him. The Democrats didn't discover morality. They discovered math. And an illegal alien from Slovakia was arrested in New Jersey for registering to vote and casting a ballot in the 2022 elections — proof once again that the thing that never happens keeps happening, and that the Save America Act cannot wait. We also cover Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum threatening legal action against the United States after ICE officers shot a Mexican national who allegedly used his vehicle as a weapon against federal agents in Houston. We have a suggestion for President Sheinbaum — if she is genuinely concerned about how Mexican citizens are being treated during U.S. immigration enforcement operations, she could simply tell them to go home. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson answer the listener question of why it's so hard to find couple friends — and the answer turns out to be equal parts logistics, life seasons, and the quiet devastation of watching a couple you love fall apart. Teri and Kimberly talk about the friends they found through their children's sports, the couples who drifted away when the games ended, the dream scenario of children who marry each other's best friends' children, and the husband-centric theory of male friendship — guys don't have friends, they have wives, and their wives have friends, and those friends have husbands. We enter week four of the Mitch McConnell hospital saga — still no quotes, still no specifics, still no clarity on why he's there or what his condition actually is. We contrast this with John Fetterman, who disclosed his stroke within 48 hours of it happening and his clinical depression diagnosis the day after checking himself into Walter Reed — even though depression was far more politically embarrassing than a stroke. The public doesn't need every medical detail. It needs to know which box to put its senator in. Four weeks in, we still don't know. In our Digging Deep segment, a Real Clear Investigations report compares U.S. crime rates to Canada and Australia using victimization surveys rather than police reports — and the results demolish the international media's narrative. Overall violent crime in Canada is 295% higher than in the U.S. In Australia, assaults are 227% higher and rape is 355% higher. The reason U.S. crime statistics look worse is that Americans are far more likely to call the police when they become victims. We make the case that the anti-American crime narrative isn't about journalism — it's about political control. If Canadians and Australians found out they would be safer with guns, their governments would have a much harder time keeping them disarmed. We also note that the conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination appear to be collapsing under the weight of Tyler Robinson's own confessions — three separate admissions that he planned and carried out the murder deliberately over a period of weeks. We say what needs to be said about the people who spent the last ten months spinning elaborate alternative theories: if you ever thought Candace Owens was onto something, you need a new way to filter your news sources. For our Bright Spot, John Fetterman's transparency about his own medical crises — stroke disclosed in 48 hours, depression disclosed the day after hospitalization — stands as a model of what elected officials owe the people they serve. We don't have to agree with his politics to recognize that walking in integrity looks exactly like that. And we close with words of wisdom on honesty — from Thomas Jefferson, William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Benjamin Franklin, and Billy Joel. Honesty is such a lonely word. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slovakia is considering a potential ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. The proposal has sparked debate about whether stricter regulation can truly protect young people in the digital age or whether education and smarter platform rules would be more effective than prohibition. In this programme, we explore the risks children face online, the psychological impact of social media, and whether a legislative ban is a realistic and enforceable solution in Slovakia with IT and cyber security expert Jozef Filko and child psychologist and director of the Private Centre for Counceling and Prevention in Topoľčany Jana Merašickár.

In this episode of Peace Matters, we discuss the historic opening of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in 2026 and the dramatic shift in the European Union's approach to enlargement.For years, the expansion of the Union was stalled by hesitation and "enlargement fatigue," but the geopolitical realities of 2026 have forced a breakthrough. Now, the EU faces the unprecedented challenge of integrating a nation still at war, raising fundamental questions about security guarantees, legal borders, and the very definition of European sovereignty.How can Ukraine realistically reform its judiciary and strengthen the rule of law under the constraints of martial law? We also examine the "veto problem" and how political shifts in Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are reshaping the path to membership. Finally, we explore the future of millions of Ukrainian refugees and whether Kyiv is prepared to accept a "phased" membership in exchange for a faster seat at the table.Guests:Anastasiia Hraur is a Ukrainian professional specializing in international relations, political science, project management, and international education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and a Master's degree in International Relations from Andrássy University Budapest. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at Andrássy University Budapest and the University for Continuing Education Krems.Her professional experience includes work in government institutions, international organizations, research centres, and the private sector. She has worked with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Eurac Research, the United Nations Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention, and Hoffmann-La Roche. In 2026, she completed an internship at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.Since 2025, Anastasiia has worked as a Credential Officer at ENIC NARIC Austria within OeAD, where she assesses foreign higher education qualifications and analyses international education systems. Stepan Rusyn is the Coordinator of the German-Ukrainian Partnership Program at the Transatlantic Dialogue Center. In this role, he manages projects that promote German-Ukrainian cooperation, organizes visits by German politicians, analysts, journalists, youth activists, and business leaders to Ukraine, and coordinates advocacy events in Germany. He also contributes to the Center's research activities on German foreign and internal policy, transatlantic relations, and European security.Before joining the Center, he worked at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions under the Office of the President of Ukraine, and the Office of the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine. He also completed an internship at the NATO Representation to Ukraine.His analyses have been published by leading German think tanks, including Zentrum Liberale Moderne, Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft, German Council on Foreign Relations, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. He has provided commentary for German-language media outlets such as Die Zeit, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Table.Briefings, Behörden Spiegel, RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland, and Europäische Sicherheit & Technik.He is currently based in Germany, where he is pursuing his doctorate at European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), focusing on Germany's foreign policy towards Central and Eastern Europe. He holds a BA and an MA in International Relations, with a specialization in Strategic and Security Studies, from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.Moderation:Gjergj Loka, Project Coordinator at the IIP. This episode was recorded on 26 June 2026.

https://youtu.be/kiaY0bw-4KQ Vasily Petrenko, CEO of Another World, is passionate about making immersive free-roam virtual reality accessible to everyone. Guided by Why-Who-What-How Management, a scientific mindset, and a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, Vasily has grown Another World from a university escape room startup into a global VR entertainment company with more than 400 signed locations across 50 countries.  We explore Vasily’s Scientific Entrepreneurship Framework: Learn How to Delegate, Hire People Better Than You, Figure Out Your Sales Formula, Grasp the Big Picture and Manage the Why, Who, What & How. Vasily explains why entrepreneurs should treat business like a scientific experiment, using failures as data to improve future decisions, and why delegation is essential to overcoming founder bottlenecks. He also shares how hiring specialists who outperform you accelerates growth, why scalable communication systems are critical for global teams, how Another World is democratizing immersive VR for communities of every size, and his vision for partnering with major entertainment brands to create the next generation of immersive experiences. — Why-Who-What-How Management with Vasily Petrenko  Good day. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast, and today my guest is Vasily Petrenko, the CEO of Another World, a company that offers a solution for opening VR arenas all around the world. Vasili, welcome to the show.  Hello. Thank you for the invitation. Yep.  Yeah, it’s awesome to have you. You’re calling in from Miami, and you just showed me through the window the beautiful weather and the skyline, which is quite impressive. So what’s your story? How did you end up here, on this side of the ocean?  Yeah, thank you for asking. Actually, I started my first business in 2014 with my friends. We were thinking about starting something new, some fresh idea, and we thought about what we could do. At that time, we were writing different scenarios, participating in comedy shows, and searching for different business ideas. We found out that, at that time, classical escape rooms were very popular. We thought, “Wow, it’s entertaining people. It’s something about puzzles.” We were studying at the university at that time, and we were like, “Okay, it’s something scientific.  Make some electronics, puzzles, and so on. You need to think, you need to be smart, you need to be funny.” So it was a perfect match between me, my friends, and the business idea. The thing is, we built our first escape room, and all the money that we collected from our parents and friends—we got back all of the investment in two months. I cannot imagine a business right now where you invest money and get all of that back in two months. The thing is, that’s the main thing that allowed us to evolve in the future: we did not stop at that moment. We decided that we would invest all this money back into the business, and we started searching for new ideas.  First of all, we continued to build the best escape rooms in our city and in our country. Other owners saw that and were like, “Oh, we see your success. We want that too.” So they started calling us, like, “Can you build that business for us in another city?” So from one little business, we opened another one at the same time, which was the B2B solution—opening this type of business for others. Again, we were searching for new ideas, for new products.  Two years later, we thought, “Okay, let’s add a new product: virtual reality.” It wasn’t trending at that moment. The thing is, we hadn’t found anything that would be good for us. We were like, “Wow, this is low quality. We don’t like this.” Basically, there were so many dislikes about everything on the market that we decided we needed to make our own product. It took us about two more years to think about this idea, and in 2018 we came up with the idea of a free-roam virtual reality arenas.Share on X  So I want to correct you a little bit here. In the introduction, you said Another World VR arcades. It’s not exactly arcades. It is virtual reality arenas. And free roam, for those who might not know, means that you don’t have any limitation with wires. So it’s not like playing VR at home, where you put on the headset, sit on the couch, and play. No. Our VR arenas are from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, and the player can explore the whole arena from one corner to another. They can run, they can jump, they can interact with each other, and there can be up to 20 players simultaneously. We started this business in 2018 as an additional product for our escape room owners. It was an additional game for them. But again, over time, more and more of our partners—and we realized this ourselves—decided that this could be a separate business. Not the escape room, but the VR arena could be a business by itself. And we started doing that.  We did a rebranding, and we started providing not only the best games in the world for our partners, but also the design, brand, website, booking system, and all of that.Share on X So basically, we packed our product into the franchise. By now, this year will be the eighth year of the company, and we have 400 signed contracts all around the world in 50 countries. That means our partners either already own and operate our locations or they’re in the process of opening. They’re doing the construction and opening the business, and we’re helping them with that. So yeah, that’s the story.  That’s fantastic. So are you a licensing business, or are you a franchise business? That’s a really good question. Right now, we’re registering the franchise. I know that in some countries there are strict regulations. So today, we’re licensing our technology and games to our partners. But we want to become an official franchise, so we’re working on that right now and preparing everything for it.  That’s super exciting. So let me ask you my favorite question. What is your personal “why,” and how are you manifesting it in this business?  This is a really good question. For anything that you do, for any of your daily tasks, you should ask yourself: “Why am I doing this and not that?” So why will this idea work? It’s a really good question for you to ask yourself all the time. I’m kind of, in this case, a perfectionist. That’s both the good and the bad side of my personality. I’m also into marathons and triathlons. I’ve already done many ultras. So the good side is that I'm very intense when it comes to working hard. I will do everything so that my business succeeds. I will do everything so that I finish this marathon.Share on X  But after I finish the marathon, the next second I’m asking myself, “Where can I be better? Why did I do this or that?” It’s always about balance. It’s not about work-life balance, but even inside your work, you need to find the right balance between good and bad. I’ve been learning that over the past few years, trying to get better at it. So I think that’s the question. But still, asking yourself, “Why am I doing this and not that?” is always important, in my opinion. So your “why” is to always get better?  I would say yes. Well, okay, let me also add to that. To get better—and there’s no ideal—but there is a way to get on that path. So that’s the first thing. The second thing is that your “why” also describes how you feel about what you’re doing. It might be your work, it might be your business, it might be whatever you’re doing. Actually, my graduation was absolutely not about business. I started at the university studying cytology and genetics. So I used to be in molecular biochemistry, biology, and all of that. I was the kind of guy who was doing research for PCR tests. You might be familiar with them from the Covid..  Oh, yeah. Yeah, the Covid era of those PCR tests. So I was developing stuff like that. I know how to do that. I know all of that. But right now I’m in the entertainment business. The thing is that I really like to consider business with a scientific approach. What I mean is that business is also something where you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. So there are a lot of hypotheses. There are a lot of ideas that you get when you’re brainstorming, alone or with your team. The thing is, first of all, there might be mistakes. There will be mistakes, and that’s absolutely normal.  Like we say in science, a negative result is also a result. So it’s all about experiments. You change one factor, you test one hypothesis, you run the experiment, you see the result, and you make a conclusion from that. If it’s a negative result, okay, don’t do that anymore. If it’s a positive result, okay, how do we scale that and do it better? Again, we might consider that as a “why” question. 342: Why-Who-What-How Management with Vasily PetrenkoShare on X  Yeah. I saw your post about the five things that you learned as an entrepreneur. That was pretty interesting. It kind of shows your scientific way of thinking about business as well. So, talking more about the science of business, this podcast is called The Management Blueprint, and what I’m looking for in every conversation is a framework that you’ve discovered while building your business that you could share with the audience, so they can maybe apply it to their own business. So think of something like three to five steps, or a mental model, or a way of thinking about things. Anything come to mind?  Yeah, actually, as I said, first of all, the scientific approach—and don’t be afraid of mistakes. I think this is mostly for young entrepreneurs. Even right now, my little kids are going to some sports, and sometimes they’re upset if something goes wrong, right? I’m trying to teach them not to be afraid. If something goes wrong, it’s just a way for you to get better. That’s the first thing. The second thing is, when you’re trying to scale, I know it’s also a mistake that many entrepreneurs or managers make.  You always think you know better how to do something, and you’re afraid to let someone else do it. I know that from my own experience. As I said, I’m a perfectionist, and if I see some task, I’m thinking, “Okay, nobody will do that better.” So first of all, try to teach yourself how to delegate. Because without that, you cannot evolve. You cannot scale. If you're doing everything by yourself, you'll be a solo entrepreneur.Share on X  You can do only one thing, and that might be enough for somebody, but you cannot build a big business that way. At some point, I realized that if I hire people and they do those challenges—those tasks that I’m giving them—even if they do them at 70% of my ideal, it will still be okay. Because five of them will do five different challenges. I’ll just check their work, save tons of my time, and give them feedback. Yes, maybe it won’t be 100% ideal in the end, but it will get closer to 80% or 90%, which is already very good. For me, it would take weeks to finish those five challenges by myself. With five different employees, it will be five times faster. Okay. So learning to delegate—that’s important. So what else is in your framework?  About delegation, the other thing I learned is to hire professionals. That’s the next step: hire those people who know better than you. Why would you hire somebody who knows less than you? Hire professionals in their areas so that they can bring value into your company. So that’s the second step after delegation. Again, for me, it’s always about finding a new idea, experimenting, and if it’s a positive result, scaling it. Then back again to a new idea. So it’s always constant loop of coming up with new hypotheses. Again, don’t sit in one place just doing what you’re already doing.  Okay. So experiment and scale what works. That’s great. That’s it? So: delegate, hire people… technicians, I think you called them? Or specialists?  Not only technicians. I mean, it could be in marketing, it could be in sales, it could be in tech… So yeah, there are so many people in my company right now who know better than I do. I don’t know how to set up a CRM system. I don’t know how to set up a Google campaign. I know, in general, some of those things, especially at the beginning when you’re hiring your first people.  You might need to dig a little bit into the area. But after some time, you just need to… I remember there was a movie—I think it was about the financial crisis of 2008—and I remember one scene. The first employee who found the problem was explaining it to his boss with too many parameters, saying, “Oh, we have an apocalypse here. That’s a crash.” His boss was like, “Oh yeah, that’s a crash.” Then his boss went to his manager and explained it in, like, three sentences. Then the top manager explained it to the CEO in two words, and the CEO was like, “Okay, I got it.”  So it’s pretty much the same thing. It’s always like that. I really like that idea of how it’s structured. In our case, again, I don’t know exactly how everything is arranged in the details, but in general, I keep it all in mind.  You see the big picture. You see the big picture, and you can communicate it.  Exactly.  Maybe that’s also another step: grasp and communicate the big picture. From that idea, I just realized one more thing—the environment for your employees, your staff, your partners. It’s really important to give them the proper instruments for how they’re going to work. Actually, you can describe the structure of the company this way: The first employees know how to do things.  The next level asks, “What are we doing?” The CEO asks, “Who is doing that?” So at some point, as the CEO, you’re deciding who will be doing those things. Top managers are thinking about what we’re going to do. Employees are thinking about how to do it and working with the tools. In this case, it’s really important to put all of this into a workable… I don’t know how to describe it… an environment that will be feasible for everybody.  If your company is growing, you need to work on the communication between different departments, between different people, and so on. Because there might be a mistake in the tech department or on the website that doesn’t allow sales or marketing to develop future things, and so on. So you need to give your team the appropriate instruments to work with. As you asked me at the beginning, yes, my team right now is around 70 or 80 people. I don’t know the exact number right now. The thing is, about half of them I don’t know personally.  I haven’t seen them in person, or even online, and they’re in different countries and different cities. So we’re working hard to make sure that, for these tasks, we have this type of CRM system. For this one, we have this type of platform. It might also be different depending on what your team is doing. For the sales department, we have one set of needs. For our tech team, it’s absolutely different. So yeah, that also matters.  Yeah. So I was thinking about what you explained—the who. The person at the top decides who will do it, then the who decides the what, and the what people decide the how. But I would say maybe above the who, you have the why.  Why. Yeah, that’s good. Why are we doing it? So this is about the mission of the company, the initial idea. So this is something, okay, maybe not the CEO. This is something the board of directors, the investors—they’re thinking, “Why are we doing that? Why are we investing our time and money into that?” So that’s absolutely true. That’s absolutely right.  Yeah. Love it. Let me switch gears here. So what drives growth in your particular company, Vasily?  We are family-friendly, so we are spreading joy and fun for people. Actually, this was one of our ideas at the very beginning when we started thinking about VR.Share on X We saw that there were some competitors, and they were doing a pretty similar product. But the thing is, they were selling their franchise for millions of dollars. Moreover, just the equipment they were using to build their arena cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. We looked at that and realized, okay, this type of business is still a business. You need to earn money. Of course, it’s fun to give people joy, but it’s a business, and a business should earn money, right?  We realized that if we made a product like that, then you could open it only in major cities like New York or Los Angeles because only there would you have enough customer traffic, market size, and money for people to get their investment back. So that’s millions of dollars of investment that you would eventually recover from this type of park or arena. We realized that our mission would be to make the same quality product—high-end, immersive virtual reality.  Virtual reality is still something that not many people have even tried, so it still looks futuristic to a lot of people. Our mission is for every kid and every adult in the world to have the opportunity to play this type of experience.Share on X How do we do that? Basically, by opening locations not only in Los Angeles and New York, but also in smaller cities. So we had to find a way for business owners to open our business. Not for millions of dollars, but for tens of thousands, or $100,000 to $200,000. That could be opened in any city—even a small city—with a little arena, a little family entertainment center (FEC), where people come, have fun, celebrate birthday parties, hold corporate events, and spend time together. What still drives us—and I’ll be honest with you—is when we get a new opening.  Just today, I had a call from Vietnam. I had a call from China. People there want to open our locations, and I’m happy about it. Not only because it helps us grow the business. The bigger the market we have, the more games we can develop, and the better we can make our product. But it’s also another point on the map. We can see, “Oh, we’re getting there.” So that’s the first thing—that more people can experience highly immersive, high-end entertainment. The other thing is, from the very beginning, I remember it was my dream that someday we would work with huge companies like Disney and Warner Bros., and develop games based on their IPs.  Just imagine creating a Harry Potter game. That would be a different level, right? That was my dream, and it still is. Only now am I getting closer to those companies and having some negotiations. That’s what drives me personally. That’s what drives us emotionally to wake up every day and do this business—for me, my employees, and everyone else. I don’t know if this question was about that…  I think that’s more of the “why” question that I asked you earlier.  Okay. So that’s the why for the company, and that’s very exciting. You’re basically democratizing this whole experience. You’re bringing it to people in smaller cities, and that’s always a huge idea. I had a client years ago who was in the floor-covering and home-decoration business. That was in Eastern Europe as well—in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.  He figured out a way to franchise it to people who didn’t even own real estate, who were just family businesses. He figured out a way to lease them the location and make it a viable franchise in towns with only 10,000 people. He basically cornered the market in that segment. So that’s super exciting. So, Vasily, let me ask you: What’s the one thing that you’re trying to figure out in your business right now? As I said, this big challenge of getting a famous IP… I just came back from Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, and I had a few productive meetings there with some companies. So I see a lot of business opportunities there, but it also makes me feel… I mean, when we make this kind of game, I feel proud. I feel that little Vasily—the little boy inside of me—feels like, “Oh…” If somebody had told me 20 or 25 years ago that I would be making computer games, VR games, and especially a game based on a famous Disney or other IP, I would not have believed it.  And this is what I really love. I mean, for some people it might sound like a dream. For me, it’s still a dream, even though I’m getting closer to it. So that’s my main challenge right now, to be honest. But also, I’m doing a lot of other stuff in the company. So yeah, distribution is another big challenge. Also, new markets. There are pros and cons. We’ve been growing rapidly. It’s great to have 50 countries on the map with our locations.  But just imagine that each country has a different language, mentality, and everything that comes with it. So you need to prepare additional websites, tools, CRM systems, marketing materials, videos, training—everything. It’s crazy. First of all, we need to help our partners in all of those countries grow their businesses. That’s important. Also, when I get calls and requests from new countries and new regions—like Latin America right now—we have a distributor in Latin America, so that’s a new market for us.  Of course, we’re not starting from scratch. We have some background, right? But still, in that particular territory, you need to build the business from zero. So that’s also a challenge. I gave you a few, but those are the things I’m working on every day.  Yeah, that’s fantastic. So what’s something that you would like our listeners to learn about your company, or maybe do and explore around what you’re doing? First of all, Google Another World VR. Find a location in your city or nearby. Come and try our games. Your kids will love them. I know that not all adults are gamers or whatever, so it depends on the person. But everybody should definitely try it. I’ve seen a lot of people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s playing our games multiple times and having a lot of fun. We have PvE games, which means player versus environment, where you’re on one team. For example, you and I are in one squad, and we’re killing zombies or aliens, trying to survive.  We also have PvP games, or player versus player, where we’re on different teams competing against each other. That’s a lot of fun. It’s also very competitive. We also have features like playing against other locations. Just imagine that a location in Toronto, Canada, can play against Atlanta, Georgia. We have a location there. We already have that technical feature, and we’re adding tournaments. So you can participate in tournaments locally and then play internationally. So yeah, first of all, Google our company and try our games.  You’ll love them. As I said, we’re already in 50 countries, so I think you might find a location near you—or one will be opening soon. The other thing is, if you’re a business owner looking for something to invest in, or you’re looking for new ideas, contact me or contact our company, and we’ll show you what our business consists of. Yeah, we have something to offer you. And the last thing: if you’re in the industry and you’re connected to the big players in entertainment—companies like Netflix and others—call me as well.  We’ll find a way to collaborate, cooperate, and make the best game based on those IPs and trademarks, so everybody benefits. The people who want to play our games will have even more fun playing their favorite characters. That’s what it’s all about.  Yeah, that’s amazing. So, Vasily Petrenko, CEO of Another World. Google Another World VR, check out the locations, and try these VR games. I definitely think the wind is in your sails because the younger generations grew up with games. I was on a Commodore 64 when I was a kid, but the younger generations actually grew up with VR games. So it’s going to be a great experience for all of you. And those of you listening, if you liked the show, make sure you follow us on YouTube, subscribe, and leave us a review, because every week I bring an amazing entrepreneur like Vasily onto the show. So thanks for coming, and thanks for listening. Important Links: Vasily's LinkedIn Vasily's Website

Pastor Freddy gives the GEC audience some history of their monthly support of the Majak Church network in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, & Slovakia.

Ben Pascoe talks with security expert Brano Tichy about how to prepare your own 72 survival kit in Slovakia today as well as gets some helpful hints on how to best enjoy summer festivals.

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 the latest episode of Slovak Soundcheck, we head to the theatre with a special vocabulary toolkit for performance enthusiasts.

pWotD Episode 3350: Vozinha Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 506,757 views on Saturday, 4 July 2026 our article of the day is Vozinha.Josimar José Évora Dias (born 3 June 1986), commonly known as Vozinha, is a Cape Verdean professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Cape Verde national team.Vozinha's club career has consisted of spells in Cape Verde, Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus, and Slovakia. A full international since 2012, and the second-highest caps earner in the history of the Cape Verde national team, he has played in five major international tournaments: the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Vozinha attracted significant international attention and acclaim for his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, keeping clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia as well as leading Cape Verde in a highly-lauded bout against defending champions Argentina in the knockout phase.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:46 UTC on Sunday, 5 July 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Vozinha on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm long-form Gregory.

Where we look back at the most important headlines from the past week and reports from RSI English section.

Peter Pecze je marketingový riaditeľ pretekárskeho okruhu Slovakia Ring, ktorý okrem organizácie veľkých i menších pretekov vo veľkej miere dbá aj na edukáciu verejnosti o bezpečnosti. Práve bezpečnosť v cestnej premávke je jednou z troch tém novej epizódy podcastu portálu Autobazar.EU.Každý rok na slovenské cesty prichádza 60-tisíc nových vodičov, ktorí nemajú skúsenosti, im nové asistenčné funkcie v moderných autách rozhodne pomáhajú, hovorí Pecze v rozhovore, ktorý sme zrealizovali koncom júna.Túto epizódu podcastu som rozdelil na tri tematické časti, ktoré považujem za veľmi aktuálne: práve prebiehajúca letná sezóna Slovakia Ringu, bezpečnosť v cestnej premávke a manažérsky vhľad do prevádzky motoristického okruhu na Slovensku. Zaujímala ma finančná aj personálna stránka manažmentu tohto veľkolepého multifunkčného areálu, ďalej či dostáva podporu od štátu, keďže prevádzka podobných okruhov je aj v záujme verejnosti.Okruh sa napríklad v záujme popularizácie rozhodol sprístupniť trať pre peších a kolobežkárov, môžu si prejsť celý šesťkilometrový okruh zadarmo. Aký má tento program v čase vyťaženej letnej sezóny zmysel?A ako s týmto všetkým súvisí edukácia verejnosti o bezpečnosti? Vôbec sa to nevylučuje, tvrdí Pecze. Svojím spôsobom v Orechovej Potôni ukazujú štátu, ako má vyzerať správne koncipovaná autoškola. Je to model prebratý z Rakúska, spomína Pecze, pričom práve v zahraničí vidí pozitívny vzor pre efektívnejšiu prípravu mladých vodičov na krízové situácie na cestách.Bezpečnosť na cestách je priestor, v ktorom majú Slovakia Ring ako značka a Pecze ako osoba vybudovanú silnú autoritu pre početné vyjadrenia predstaviteľov okruhu v médiách, ale aj pre prevádzku školy bezpečnej jazdy. Od júna sa do metodiky tréningov zvládania krízových situácií pridal aj workshop správnej manipulácie s detskými sedačkami - Slovakia Ring vytvoril partnerstvo s výrobcom Cybex.V rozhovore mi Peter Pecze povedal aj o tom, čo je problémom mladých vodičov a prečo sa vlastne o nich hovorí ako o probléme. Táto epizóda je dlhšia ako obyčajne, pretože som sa rozhodol nevystrihnúť žiadnu z preberaných častí, všetky som považoval za dôležité. Zvlášť odporúčam vypočuť si časť o bezpečnosti, ktorej sme venovali najviac pozornosti - tento okruh začína od 27. minúty.Erik Stríž

The smile hasn't left the face of Jets third-round pick Samuel Hrenak since Winnipeg selected him in the 2026 NHL Draft this past Saturday, and he's still beaming at Development Camp. We caught up with him after today's skate to discuss the whirlwind since the Draft in Buffalo, what made his conversation with Moose goalie coach Drew MacIntyre so meaningful, reaction to his being drafted from his family in Slovakia, and more.

In this week's programme, we speak with American author, journalist, and disability rights advocate Elizabeth Sammons about accessibility, inclusion, and her recent visit to Slovakia as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program. In the second half, we turn to our economics segment with Peter Majer, spokesperson for the National Bank of Slovakia, who looks back at the institution's history, its role in shaping modern Slovakia, and some of the country's key economic milestones.

やすよさんのインスタグラムJoin our community Japanese Together「旅モード」と「日常モード」の違いは、本当に場所によって決まると思いますか。建築や空間のデザインが、人の感情や考え方に与える影響についてどう思いますか。「世界があなたの庭」という考え方から、どのような生き方を想像しますか。旅行中に仕事を続けるスタイルには、どんなメリットやデメリットがあると思いますか。歴史や芸術を事前に学んでから旅行することは、体験をどのように変えると思いますか。In this episode, Yasuyo returns as a guest to talk about her busy April and her recent trip through Central Europe. She visited Vienna in Austria, Budapest in Hungary, and also took a day trip to Bratislava in Slovakia. Although the trip lasted only about ten days, it felt unique because she mixed travel with online teaching. Sometimes she would go to an opera or museum and then teach a lesson shortly afterward, creating a strange feeling where travel and daily life blended together.A major highlight of the trip was architecture. Yasuyo was especially inspired by the work of Austrian architect Otto Wagner in Vienna and by the “House of Music” designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto in Budapest. She describes how certain spaces gave her emotional energy and made her reflect on ideas like freedom, perspective, and how “the world can become your garden.”The conversation also explores the meaning of travel itself. Yasuyo talks about how continuing her normal routines abroad—such as working, going to concerts, or even using saunas—made her question what really separates “travel mode” from “daily life.” The episode becomes a thoughtful discussion about mindset, borders, culture, history, and the joy of seeing the world with curiosity.久しぶり（ひさしぶり）- after a long time落ち着く（おちつく）- to calm down録音（ろくおん）- recording日帰り（ひがえり）- day trip首都（しゅと）- capital city感覚（かんかく）- sensation, feeling歴史（れきし）- history都（みやこ）- capital実験的（じっけんてき）- experimental体力的（たいりょくてき）- physically深夜（しんや）- late at night寝不足（ねぶそく）- lack of sleep憧れる（あこがれる）- to admire建築家（けんちくか）- architect郵便局（ゆうびんきょく）- post office豪華（ごうか）- luxurious地下鉄（ちかてつ）- subway溶け合う（とけあう）- to blend together文化施設（ぶんかしせつ）- cultural facility緩やか（ゆるやか）- gentle, gradual景色（けしき）- scenery意識（いしき）- awareness引き寄せられる（ひきよせられる）- to be attracted温泉（おんせん）- hot spring哲学的（てつがくてき）- philosophical日常（にちじょう）- everyday life配慮（はいりょ）- consideration移動（いどう）- movement, travel雰囲気（ふんいき）- atmosphere賑やか（にぎやか）- lively

Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.

Schopp and the Bulldog welcome former colleague Greg Bauch to the studio to discuss his new book, 'Unbelievable', which details a perfect 100-point basketball game. They also look back on his time at the station, his popular Greg Buck radio persona, and the legendary 82-0 women's hockey game between Slovakia and Bulgaria. 01:18 - Greg Bauch In Studio 04:36 - Unbelievable Book Plot 07:57 - Book Signing Event 10:05 - Greg Buck Character 17:51 - Slovakia Vs Bulgaria

In honour of Canada and the founding of the Canadian-Slovak Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Slovakia, Karen Mollica, visits the RSI studio. On this special occasion Ben Pascoe and Jacques Hoflack, from the French section of RSI, talk Canada and Slovakia in English and French.

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/TODDStorm the theaters on July 4 and help make Young Washington the #1 movie in America. Join the Angel Guild today for $15/month and receive two free tickets to see Young Washington this Independence Day.Absolute Ministries https://AMgive.org/TODDYour gift helps people overcome addiction, find hope and purpose, and experience lasting change through a Christ-centered system of care. Together, we can support sustainable transformation that goes far beyond temporary sobriety. Alan's Soap https://AlansSoaps.com/Todd Honor John's memory and the legacy he created for Ian and Alan with Alan's Artisan Soaps “John's Favorites” bundle.  Get one bar of each of his favorites for only $28.99. Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeI just watched a movie that was effectively banned by Germany. Citizen Vigilante. They are wise to shut it down, because they aren't willing to take the necessary steps to change to make the movie less relevant…A shop owner in my constituency was ignored by the police when he reported shoplifting. But when he displayed pictures of the thieves, the police showed up - to tell him that those pictures violated GDPR. Madness. A free run for criminals, while normal people get crushed. This beautiful and talented young Irish teacher went for a run one morning and was brutally stabbed to death in the neck by an immigrant on benefits from Slovakia. His family, also on benefits in Ireland, tried to hide his crime. The British and Irish media and governments tried to downplay the crime and instead tried to destroy the life of her grieving boyfriend because he stated that neither the man or his family should have been in Ireland in the first place. Citizen Vigilante is an action thriller described as a modern-day riff on "Death Wish." Germany refused to give it a rating, effectively denying its release. Director of the film Uwe Boll said: "...It was a deliberate censorship decision. I hired a lawyer to complain about it, but we lost in a six-two vote as I was told that the film was inciting violence against migrants."A 12-year-old boy accused of holding a girl down by shoving rocks in her mouth so his buddy could rape her was just let go by a judge.  Time to prosecute this little monster and jail the woke judge? The whole story is even crazier. According to reports, an African migrant began publicly masturbating in front of children in an Italian public swimming pool. He was then confronted by an Italian and started a brawl, which he lost. Suddenly, a white woman threw herself protectively in front of him. A symbol of our society. Suicidal empathy.HOLY SMOKES! It's been confirmed that the man in Chicago who set a woman on fire had 72 ARRESTS - not the initially thought 49 WHAT THE HELL?!!!!! - A group of six "teens" SHOT FIREWORKS INTO A CROWD OF FAMILIES outside of DC at a "family friendly" movie night. They aimed the fireworks directly at CHILDREN!!!! BLANKETS WERE CAIGHT ON FIRE and the crowd, including small children began RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES!!! One brave man stepped in, grabbed a firework before it exploded, and HURLED it away from children. Not a SINGLE ARREST has been made and police have not released any descriptions of the "teens" who did this…In Brooklyn, NY, Dir. of the Muslim American Society, Mohammad Badaway says, “As a Muslim, my life's mission is to fight the US Government, US Army and ICE until my last breath…. the reason for my existence.” A former Air Force engineer in Virginia has been arrested after he allegedly damaged / destroyed over a dozen Flock cameras. When asked why, he said the Flock cams were, "unconstitutional and a violation of my and others' Fourth Amendment rights."

What really happened to the children of Hamelin on June 26, 1284? This June on Monthly Spooky, Henrique and Michelle follow the real history behind the Pied Piper of Hamelin—from the medieval town chronicle and the legend of 130 missing children to theories involving plague, the Children's Crusade, dancing mania, mass migration, and a brightly dressed recruiter known as a “locator.” Then the show takes its usual turn into the month's funniest, creepiest, and most bewildering paranormal news, bizarre archaeology, weird science, unexplained mysteries, strange animals, haunted houses, and new horror movies.Inside this episode:The Pied Piper of Hamelin, June 26, 1284, and the earliest surviving evidence behind one of history's darkest fairy talesWhy plague, the Children's Crusade, medieval dancing mania, German migration, and supernatural forces have all been proposed as explanationsA 7,000-year-old mass grave at Vráble, Slovakia, containing 78 bodies—and 77 headless skeletonsReported ghostly child footprints, handprints, and unexplained noises inside an appliance shop in Mendoza, ArgentinaUnited Airlines Flight 236 turning back toward Newark after a Bluetooth device appeared under the alarming name “BOMB”The still-unfolding search for Gracie, the giraffe who escaped Cedar Hollow Ranch and disappeared into the rugged Texas Hill CountryScientists baking sourdough bread with yeast recovered from Ötzi the Iceman's 5,300-year-old mummyThe Ocean Census announcing 1,121 strange marine species—including a ghost shark and a mysterious worm living inside a deep-sea “glass castle”A live frog named Greg discovered inside a sealed Woolworths bag of lettuce in Esperance, Western AustraliaAustralia's record seizure of 100,000 illegal Madagascar hissing and Dubia cockroachesVirginia's allegedly haunted Octagon Mansion, a Civil War-era paranormal landmark listed for only $295,000Henrique's spoiler-light theater reactions to Scary Movie (2026), Passenger, and The Death of Robin HoodA terrifying Reddit “glitch in reality” story about a finished basement that suddenly ceased to exist—and the disturbing gas-leak explanation behind itHenrique's growing Dayton folklore TikTok audience, local urban legends, and the viewers determined to correct every detailNew here? Monthly Spooky is the paranormal comedy and weird-news companion to Weekly Spooky, hosted by filmmaker Henrique Couto and Michelle. Every episode mixes haunted history, creepy folklore, unexplained mysteries, bizarre science, strange but true news, horror movie reviews, and the kind of late-night conversation that makes frightening stories even more fun.Follow or subscribe so you never miss the last Monday of the month. Which mystery gets under your skin most: Hamelin's missing children, Slovakia's headless dead, Mendoza's phantom footprints—or the house whose basement seemingly vanished? And seriously—how do you lose a giraffe?

RERUN: On the occasion of International Women in Diplomacy Day (June 24), a public discussion was held at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Bratislava. In this follow-up, we bring you highlights from the event and conversations with both the organizers and guests about the importance of women's representation in diplomacy and other high-level leadership positions. Among the speakers are former Slovak ambassador, former State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and two-time Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OECD in Paris, Ingrid Brocková; former ambassador, chief of protocol, and director of the Press Department at the Office of President Michal Kováč in the 1990s, Anna Tureničová; and Zuzana Maďarová, a researcher at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at Comenius University. Together with the event organizers, they share personal stories from their diplomatic careers, reflect on how the profession has evolved over the years, and speak candidly about the challenges and progress in achieving gender equality in diplomacy and society at large. The latest episode of the Slovak Sound Check introduce the conjugation of the verb mať – to have.

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

Artists in residence. Scientists coming and going. Plenty of children. Two dogs. Caravans lined along the edge of the woods surrounding the meadows. That was Kvantum festival in 2026. Tips for other cultural events suitable for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia included too.

What happens when a simple hint on your family tree uncovers a decades-old secret?In this episode of Stories That Live In Us, host Crista Cowan (The Barefoot Genealogist) sits down with nurse, history lover, and content creator Jessica Rae to discuss a discovery that changed her life forever. While researching her maternal line, Jessica stumbled across a U.S. federal census record that listed her great-great-grandmother, Susan, not in a household, but as an "inmate" at Mayview State Hospital—a historic mental institution in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.What followed was a deep dive into an incredible story of immigration, extreme poverty, domestic abuse, heartbreaking loss, and a system that often silenced vulnerable women. Jessica shares how Susan immigrated alone from Slovakia at just 17, lost four babies to the hardships of early 20th-century Pittsburgh, and was ultimately committed to an institution for over 30 years—a fact hidden from her own grandchildren.In this episode, you'll discover:The Census Clue: How a routine search on Ancestry unspooled a massive family secret.Susan's Resilience: The harsh realities faced by immigrant women in the Pittsburgh steel mill era.The Stigma of Mental Health: How the 1930s medical and legal systems dealt with trauma, abuse, and poverty.Healing Generational Trauma: Why breaking the silence and sharing these difficult stories on social media breeds healing rather than shame."I come from thousands of years of women who have survived and overcome the odds that were against them... I have found myself in this work." — Jessica RaeWhether you are hitting a brick wall in your own genealogy research or hesitant to wade into the "messy" branches of your family tree, Jessica's journey will inspire you to reclaim your ancestors' truth with empathy and courage.Links & Resources:Follow Jessica Rae on TikTok/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_jessica_rae/Learn more about Stories That Live In Us and celebrate America's 250th birthday with us: https://www.cristacowan.com/blog?tag=podcast〰️

More than three decades after the fall of communism, the stories of those who suffered under the regime continue to shape Slovakia's understanding of freedom and democracy. In this programme, we mark the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Communist Regime, which falls on June 24, by exploring how political repression affected ordinary lives and why these memories still matter today. This programme looks back at the lives affected by political repression and asks why these stories still matter today. You will hear from Radoslav Ragač of the Nation's Memory Institute, as well as Pavol Hric and Martin Klimza from the Museum of Victims of Communism in Košice, who discuss persecution, resistance, and the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered under the communist regime.

Show Notes:River cruising has officially gone mainstream — and a recent US News & World Report ranking proves it. For the first time, they ranked river cruise lines based on expert and traveler ratings, industry awards, pricing, and itineraries. AmaWaterways took the top spot, followed by Uniworld Boutique and Viking River Cruises. Ryan and Julie dig into what makes river cruising so compelling, and then go beyond the basics to highlight four specialty cruise experiences that match your interests — not just your dates.Christmas Market Cruises If you've ever considered river cruising, this has probably crossed your mind. AmaWaterways' Taste of Christmas sailings take you along the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, stopping in Cologne, multiple German towns, and Strasbourg, France — famously described as the real-life town from Beauty and the Beast. Each stop features multiple Christmas markets, onboard holiday celebrations, and seasonal local events. Pack an extra bag.Golf Cruises AmaWaterways' golf itineraries let you play up to five championship courses in Europe with a dedicated guide, luxury Mercedes transfers, club care, and lunch with beer and wine included at each course. Along the Seine, courses include Paris Saint-Germain Golf Club — ranked 14th in Europe and host to the French Open nine times. You'll go home with a scorecard and some serious bragging rights.Oktoberfest & Beer Cruises This seven-night Danube sailing from Germany to Slovakia weaves Oktoberfest experiences into every port. Think underground tours of historic beer tunnels, monastic brewery visits, cellar tastings, and — yes — a hike up to a castle (optional, apparently). The beer comes to you in Passau, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.Smithsonian Journeys For the intellectually curious traveler, AmaWaterways partners with the Smithsonian Institution to offer sailings with two onboard Smithsonian experts for the entire cruise. Exclusive excursions include a behind-the-scenes tour of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, a visit to the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, and a guided tour of the UNESCO-designated Neuf-Brisach Citadel. Same river, deeper experience.Where in the World? Ryan is sending a couple on an incredible Canadian Rockies adventure — Rocky Mountaineer, Banff, Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield Skyway, and Glacier National Park in Montana. A trip built for a photography-obsessed traveler and his wife.Next week: stay tuned for another episode of All Things Travel!Wonder and Beyond Travel → wonderandbeyondtravel.comSupport the showLove the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/newReady to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

In this episode of our Green Slovakia series, we explore how the Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO) is helping to educate the next generation of Slovak conservationists. We speak with Vice-Dean for International Relations Tomáš Lepeška about the university's history, its environmental science programmes, and the opportunities available to students. We then head into the Tatra Mountains for a field excursion, where we meet students and Professor Michal Wiezik, environmental scientist and Member of the European Parliament. Together, they discuss the value of hands-on learning, the realities of conservation work in the field, and the challenges facing the environmental movement across Europe.

With nearly 1.3 billion disabled people in the world, we assume that the medical community focuses on physical health. But who is helping people with the emotional and spiritual impact of disability? In this session, we will explore the emotional and spiritual impact of disability and how the church and global workers can effectively support the disabled community with this critical need.

Growing up wasn't easy for Daniel Harcar, but choosing to believe in Jesus led to a life dedicated to making disciples.  "I want to make disciples. I want to see the fruit of my ministry, but I want that fruit to last." -Daniel Daniel accepted Christ as his Savior when he was 16 years old. A year later, he began serving at his local church in Prešov as a member of the youth group, and soon became a leader of both the high school youth group and the English camp outreach ministry called KECY. In 2013, he passed the leadership role of the local youth group to the next generation and later joined the Training Center Kompas (Josiah Venture's partner organization in Slovakia), where he now serves as the KECY coordinator. He married his wife Denisa in the fall of 2012. Together, they share a heart for making disciples who make disciples. They currently live and serve in Drienovská Nová Ves, Slovakia, along with their daughters, Luna and Mila. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Prayer Room App Summer Internships Mission Trips Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

On this episode of the Conscious Living Podcast, I'm joined by the remarkable Gideon—a modern-day wanderer whose life has been shaped by curiosity, courage, and a deep willingness to trust the unknown.Gideon has spent over sixteen years traveling the world and living across multiple countries including the United States, Slovakia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. But his real journey has never just been external—it has been an inner pilgrimage of awareness, surrender, and awakening.Through marathons, 10-day silent retreats, Ayurveda immersions, and other profound physical and spiritual practices, Gideon has continually asked life a deeper question: Is there another way to live—one guided by presence instead of pressure?Then in 2020, everything shifted.While standing by the ocean, he heard an inner voice ask: “Why don't you walk from Denmark to Santiago?” Two weeks later—during the uncertainty of a global pandemic—he set off on an epic solo pilgrimage across Europe with no roadmap for the outcome, only a willingness to trust each step.That walk changed everything.It opened the door to unexpected synchronicities, including a meaningful connection with an author who later became his writing mentor—and eventually led him to meeting the love of his life in 2023.Today, Gideon is the author of The Pilgrim Spirit, releasing June 22, 2026—a reflection of his lived truth that walking long distances can transform not just the body, but the soul.As he beautifully shares: “The longer you walk, the deeper you go.”Here's what you'll discover:1. The power of listening to intuition—even when it doesn't make logical sense2. Living consciously from the inside out, rather than the outside in3. The transformative role of surrender, trust, and acceptance4. How presence itself becomes a pathway to healing5. Why humility naturally arises when awareness expandsIf you've ever felt the quiet nudge that there's more to life than striving, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and maybe even take your own symbolic (or literal) pilgrimage.Explore Gideon's work and journey here:The Pilgrim Spirit Official Website: https://thepilgrimspirit.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thepilgrimspiritFree Chapter Download: https://thepilgrimspirit.com/free-chapter/Ready to go deeper? You can also purchase The Pilgrim Spirit here:USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 EU: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 Australia: https://www.amazon.au/dp/B0H5CNPQ52 India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H5CNPQ52Instagram: @thepilgrimspiritLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gideon-nielsen-85810b33/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepilgrimspirit

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

Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine, damaging Kyiv's UNESCO-listed Pechersk Lavra monastery while Ukraine continues striking military infrastructure inside Russia.In this week's Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Nina Panikova discuss:- Russia's latest missile attacks on Ukraine and the damage to one of the country's most important cultural landmarks.- Ukraine's growing campaign against Russian oil infrastructure and Crimea.- What came out of the G7 summit and whether diplomatic efforts could restart negotiations.- The shocking murder of Russian dissident cartoonist Robert Kuzovkov in Poland and what it says about Russia's reach inside Europe.- Why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Slovakia – and what it means for Central Europe.- An update on rising tensions in Polish-Ukrainian relations.Plus: Adam previews his exclusive interview with former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt.❓ What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Europe today? Let us know in the comments.Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholarsEvery Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe

The Hands From Under the Bed | Paranormal Podcast This week, we've got two listener submissions. First from Rebecca in Texas, who as a terrified little girl forced to watch Salem's Lot by her dad couldn't shake the vampires long enough to sleep, prayed desperately in the dark, and then had an experience in that darkness that she still remembers in perfect detail decades later. Then we got into Chloe's story, which genuinely had us putting the phone down — she traveled to Slovakia to help refurbish an old building that turned out to have been a Nazi stronghold during WWII, was given a candle and a warning by a local woman who claimed she could see what was still lingering there, and then fell asleep in an isolated outbuilding with music in her ears and felt two cold hands grab both her ankles and drag her down the bed. The marks were still on her ankles when she turned the light on, the room was completely empty, the door was locked, and the candle had gone out halfway — and that wasn't even the last time it happened.

— Today, it is a joy to welcome Gideon Enok to A Quest for Well-Being. Since 2010, Gideon has traveled the world, lived in multiple countries, and walked more than 7,000 kilometers with a backpack. He describes himself not simply as a traveler, but as a pilgrim on a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. Gideon is the author of The Pilgrim Spirit: The Longer You Walk, The Deeper You Go, a powerful memoir inspired by an extraordinary 3,500-kilometer walk from Denmark to Santiago de Compostela during the height of the 2020 pandemic. At one of the lowest points in his life, he heard an inner calling that led him on a five-month pilgrimage across Europe—a journey that ultimately brought him greater serenity, purpose, self-understanding, and even true love. At the heart of Gideon's work is a beautiful message: that life itself is a pilgrimage, that every person we meet is a fellow traveler, and that what matters most is not where the journey takes us, but who we become along the way. Today, we'll explore the lessons he learned through millions of steps on the Camino de Santiago, the transformative power of trusting life's callings, the wisdom of the pilgrim spirit, and how courage, resilience, gratitude, and openness can guide us toward a more meaningful life. Valeria interviews  Gideon Enok — He is the author of  "The Pilgrim Spirit: The Longer You Walk, The Deeper You Go - Walking 3,500 km Toward a New Life on the Camino de Santiago." Gideon has traveled the world since 2010 and has lived in several countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Spain. He has walked over 7,000 km with a backpack and considers himself a pilgrim on a lifelong pilgrimage. A couple of years before the long journey, Gideon had written down a bucket list of over 100 things he wanted to learn, experience, accomplish, and places he wanted to visit, as well as people he wanted to meet. At the top of the list, he wanted to have dinner with his favorite author, Gregory David Roberts, who is the author of the International Bestselling book Shantaram. It was an impossible task, because he was no longer in public life.  Nevertheless, Gideon often looked for when Gregory got online again, and when he did, he began following him, and eventually Gideon and Gregory found each other and amplified the maxim that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear, and how the starting point for the book The Pilgrim Spirit began. A few years later, when the finishing touches was made on the book, Gideon was in Finisterre again, and on a walk toward the 0,0 km marker at The End of The World, he laid eyes on K, found true love and they are still together. To learn more about Gideon Enok and his work, please visit: https://thepilgrimspirit.com/