In this podcast, you'll get a unique look at my life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through the eyes of an immigrant. Each episode, I share my experiences living in this often misunderstood country, and introduce you to some of the interesting people I have met along the way. From exploring the rich culture and history, to discussing the challenges and joys of immigrating to a new country, this podcast offers a thoughtful and engaging look at life in the Balkans. www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com
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In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database. Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location details of these unique, massive structures. Donald ex…
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The script is an interview with Mile Mićić about his project Bosana, a fantasy world inspired by Bosnia. He discusses his inspirations, cultural heritage, struggles in creation, and the value of financial support through platforms like Patreon. Mile shares his hopes of connecting people through storytelling and invites audiences to join the Bosana …
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This episode of the podcast features an in-depth conversation with Arianna, a vibrant Latin woman who has made Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, her home. Arianna shares her experiences of moving for love, transitioning from a glamorous life aboard cruise ships to setting roots in a new country. With discussions ranging from cultural shocks, embr…
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In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast I talk to Ramajana Mabita, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina but presently living in Harare in Zimbabwe. I find out what, if any, similarities there are between the two countries, Ramajana’s culture shocks, her love of Zimbabwean fashion and also hear one of her favourite music tracks from this A…
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The Remarkable Journey of the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo
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Hello, I’m David and I write about my life and adventures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subscribe for free to enjoy occasional posts, podcasts and vlogs from this much misunderstood heart shaped country in the western Balkans. The National Anthem of the Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia - “Hej Slaveni” The Olympic Games in Sarajevo in Februar…
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It seems that wherever I go in Bosnia and Herzegovina, traditional skills and cultural activities are slowly disappearing. From making instruments, to dancing and much more, the latest generations of young people, don't seem interested, and that could mean a massive impact on the heritage of not only this misunderstood country but also the wider re…
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Exploring the Captivating Lives of Livno's Wild Horses.
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This episode takes us from the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District in the United Kingdom to the rugged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I catch up with equine photographer Ruth Chamberlain, who last year (2022), embarked on a remarkable journey to document the captivating lives of the wild horses of Livno. I find out about how Ruth's ma…
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Banja Luka is the birthplace of Nataša Konjević a female muralist. At the time of recording this episode, Nataša is the only female muralist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, doing big scale murals on buildings. Yes, there are more women and men doing murals, (but none of the other girls paint on a large scale of 10 or 15 meters high In my opinion, Nataša…
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In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a story that I stumbled across online. I have to admit that I have always had an interest in narrow boating, and living on the water in ge…
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Crossing Borders - A Serbian Christmas in England
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In this episode I catch up with Vesna Djukić to find out about how she celebrates Serbian Orthodox Christmas in the United Kingdom. With Vesna's Serbian background and David's enthusiasm for embracing different cultures, they delve into topics such as maintaining cultural identity, introducing Serbian customs to British friends, and the challenges …
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The Wine Culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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In this episode I chat with Bela Dominković, a Swiss wine expert now residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We talk about the unique wine culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country's potential for wine tourism, the unique characteristics of Bosnian wines, and the challenges faced by local winemakers. Bela, an experienced sommelier and food & wine …
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Exploring Travnik: The Heartbeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina
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This episode is about David's adventure to Travnik, a charming town in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the assistance of local guide Ben, David unveils the rich history, mouth-watering cuisine, captivating architecture and stunning nature of Travnik. Highlighting the efforts of passionate locals, this episode explores Travnik's potential as a …
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Sevap Mitzvah - Discovering Sabina Vajrača, a Trailblazing Filmmaker
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Join me in this heart-touching podcast with the inspiring Sabina Vajrača, a Bosnian film director making her mark in the film industry. Sabina shares the trials and tribulations she faced, from fleeing Bosnia on her own at the age of 14, to making it big in Hollywood. She gives a glimpse into her journey and the power of perseverance. During the co…
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Meeting an Englishman who lived in the Jugoslavija of the 80's and 90's.
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A nostalgic dive into the history, culture, and experiences of an Englishman living in the Balkans during Yugoslavia's era. Martin Gannon shares his journey from England to Yugoslavia in the 20th century, his experiences of working in the tourism sector, including establishing a pilgrimage route to Međugorje, and his life in Yugoslav Airlines. He a…
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Sevdah and Ladino Songs - Exploring the Influence of Jewish Culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a rich tapestry of stories, many of which are still undiscovered even by those who live in the country. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the extraordinary connection between Ladino and Sevdah music, and how a Jewish prayer sparked a musical journey that resonates deeply with the soul of this nation. Se…
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Dr. Samir Osmanagić an anthropology professor and pyramid researcher, provides a deep-dive into the pyramids discovered in Visoko, Bosnia Herzegovina. He offers a profound analysis of the pyramid phenomenon worldwide as he unveils the true potential of pyramids, not just as architectural marvels, but as providers of energy and healing forces. Liste…
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Embracing Diversity: From Micronesia to Bosnia with Sheila Savanović
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Today, I have a truly inspiring guest, Sheila Savanović, a resilient lady from Micronesia who has made an extraordinary journey from the eastern Pacific to Southeastern Europe. Sheila shares her fascinating story of meeting her husband in China, settling in Banja Luka, and the cultural adjustments she had to make along the way. From learning the lo…
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Dijana Tepšić - From Radio Presenter to Entrepreneur
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In this compelling podcast, Dijana Tepšić shares her journey; from a radio presenter during demanding times to a successful entrepreneur in the Balkan media industry. I caught up with Dijana on a sunny November day in Banja Luka. Dijana talks about her varied career path, her adventures in radio presenting, her inspiring work in women's rights, and…
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This episode is a bit different from our usual ones. Instead of interviewing fascinating individuals about Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’m sharing some personal experiences and observations from my life in this heart-shaped country. I had an interesting episode planned for you today. I was going to take you on a walk through my village, describing the …
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"Forced Out" - A story of Surviving Conflict
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In this episode I explore the emotional journey of Ivana Štrbac-Alfonso, who was forced to leave her home in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the conflict in the 1990s. Ivana, who was only five to six years old at the time, lived in a village outside Zenica, a moderately large town in middle Bosnia. The episode delves into the pain and struggle of lea…
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This Podcast is 10 Years Old - Throwback to Episode 1
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Welcome to this special throwback episode of the podcast, celebrating 10 years of “An Englishman in the Balkans”. The journey began in 2007 in Canada, and after a brief hiatus, it was relaunched in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013. Over the years, the podcast has evolved, even changing titles a couple of times. This episode revisits the very first on…
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My Two Worlds: The UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Hello, this episode is a bit different from normal, because I’m replaying a podcast episode thats not mine. Let me explain. Back in may I was a guest on a fantastic podcast hosted by Slavenka Vuković- Bryan called Two Worlds, One Me. I think the podcast title is pretty explanatory, but basically my two world have been and are, the UK and my now ado…
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The Power of Audio Storytelling in the Balkans
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Painting Pictures with Words and Sound. In this episode I want to share an intriguing conversation I had with Alexandra Bučko, a passionate podcasting enthusiast in the Western Balkans. In this interview, we delve into the world of podcasting and the challenges and opportunities it presents in the region. The Balkans is a place of rich culture and …
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From Spain to Sarajevo: Tracing the Sarajevo Haggadah's Remarkable Odyssey
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In this special episode, I delve into the captivating world of the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the world's rarest and most significant historical documents. Join me as i unravel the mysteries and stories surrounding this ancient manuscript, which resides in the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My guest for this episode is Aleksandra Bunčić,…
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Van Life Chronicles: Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina with Martin Fletcher
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In this episode I talk to Martin Fletcher, a British traveler and podcaster who is currently on a journey through the Balkans in his van. Martin shares his experiences living the van life and traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as his plans to head to Turkey for the winter. We discuss Martin's reasons for choosing a nomadic lifestyle,…
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In this episode, join me as I explore the captivating journey of Helen Reynolds Brown, a British expat living in Belgium, who found her dream holiday home in the picturesque coastal region of Montenegro, near the ancient city of Kotor. Helen shares her incredible experiences, insights, and adventures in this enchanting Balkan paradise. Discover why…
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Welcome, to a replay edition of the podcast, where we're taking a trip down memory lane to 3 years ago, when Tamara and I sat down to discuss a cherished tradition here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zimnica (or winter food). You can Download Tamara's Recipe HERE Preserving Tradition: Exploring Zimnica in Bosnia and Herzegovina I’ve experienced this tr…
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Is There Such a thing as Independent Media in the Western Balkans
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In this episode of we're delving into a topic that holds immense significance in the region: independent media in the Balkans. Joining me to discuss this is seasoned journalist, media analyst, and Balkans expert, Bojan Stojkovski. Bojan and I embark on a thought-provoking journey through the complex landscape of media independence in the Balkans. W…
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In this episode I give you a brief update about our return from our holiday in Montenegro. I post a weekly newsletter update on my substack and thought that maybe you might like to hear it as a podcast. Let me know what you think of that idea? Thank you for being a part of our podcasting community, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting …
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 3
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Welcome to this final episode of our mini series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the third instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . how difficult it is, or maybe not so, a business in Croatia. Mark gives some valuable insights into daily life living in the north of Cr…
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Following Her Intuition: Nadja Gydat's 'Move to Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Welcome to "An Englishman in the Balkans," the podcast that aims to encourage people to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. We talk to fascinating individuals not only from Bosnia and Herzegovina but also those who have come to this country or, like me, live here. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Nadja Gydat, an extraordinary woman who hails fro…
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The Future of Folklore in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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In this episode of the podcast, ! we are delving into the vibrant world of folklore in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country where culture and tradition play an essential role in its identity. Dita Bajrami-Vrbanjac, the current Director of the folklore troupe based in Travnik, and passionate folklore enthusiast, explains the fascinating realm of Bosnia…
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 2
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Welcome to this edition of "An Englishman in the Balkans," where I am continuing a micro-series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the second instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . how difficult it is, or maybe not so, a business in Croatia. Mark gives some valuable in…
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Join me in this captivating episode as we delve into the fascinating world of self-sustainability in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Ivy Šibinčić. Ivy is at the forefront of the self-sustainability movement in her region, working tirelessly to empower local communities and promote eco-conscious practices. During this conversation, Ivy shares her person…
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Hello and welcome to the podcast, where in this episode we look at the legacy of a group of some 55 Italian families that came to the village of Mahovljani back in the late eighteen hundreds. Today all that remains of that Italian influence is its church, high on the hill, vineyards that those settlers founded (and by the way are still harvested an…
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Living in Croatia with Mark Whitfield - Part 1
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Welcome to this edition of "An Englishman in the Balkans," where I am starting a micro-series about life in Croatia through the eyes of another Englishman, Mark Whitfield. This is the first instalment of a three-part series, where I’ll be finding out about . Marks decision to make Croatia his new home, learning about the intricacies of setting up a…
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Breaking Barriers: Jelisaveta Gluvić-Wragg's Musical Journey
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Welcome to another episode of "An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast," where we traverse the rich cultural landscape of the Western Balkans. In this edition, recorded outside in our garden here in the village of Čardačani, I sit down with the incredibly talented Jelisaveta Gluvić-Wragg, a classically trained violinist, who has embarked on a remarkab…
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Recharged and Revitalised - Our Comeback from a 2 Month Break
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Where have I been for the past two months of not posting a podcast episode? In this episode I bring you up to date an recent events and what you can expect going forward. As an English language podcaster in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I sometimes feel like an outsider, but it also gives me a unique perspective to share with my audience. Living in a sma…
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David Sammel - An ATP Coach Visiting Banja Luka
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In this episode I’m sat in the reception area of the Marriott hotel in downtown Banja Luka. Why? Because at the moment the first ATP 250 Tennis Tournament is under way in Banja Luka. This tournament is also called the Srpska Open, as Banja Luka is in the entity of Republika Srpska. I have managed to get to talk to David Sammel the coach of British …
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The Banja Luka Dajak - Preserving Cultural Heritage.
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In this episode of the Podcast, I talk to Nebojša Ruzicic from The Banja Luka Dajak Club and take a Deep Dive into an aspect of the rich cultural heritage of Banja Luka, the second city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nebojša is an expert on the traditional Dajak boats, a unique watercraft used by the people of Banja Luka for centuries. We'll be discuss…
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In This Episode of the podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with Nermin Numić, the co-owner and founder of a travel agency in Sarajevo called Ćejf, which is based on this very concept. “Numa” (thats his nickname) explained that the word Ćejf is derived from the Arabic word kayf, which means pleasure. It's a way of life that is all about finding …
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In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Martine McNee, a former British military Public Affairs officer, to hear about her 8-month deployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina from late 1997 to mid 1998. Martine shares her experiences during this time, giving us insight into the work she did and the challenges she faced. She also d…
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In This Episode. In this episode of the podcast I get to know Bella Dominković and to find out so much I never knew about the wines of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It really is a fascinating insight into the wine culture of this country and how Bella is trying to put Bosnia on the world wine map as a high quality boutique wine area. Get full access to 🏴…
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Tourism Trailblazer - Kathrin Numić in Sarajevo
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In This Episode Join me as I chat with Kathrin Numić, a German tourism entrepreneur based in Sarajevo. Hear her inspiring story of her journey from Germany to Cape Town and finally to Sarajevo where she has established a small tourist agency with her husband. Discover her experiences of living in a new culture and find out what her future plans are…
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In this episode I catch up with Danilo Boznić, a local tour guide in Banja Luka. We delve into the potential the country has to become a top travel destination, Danilo's personal experience as a tour guide, and the challenges Bosnia faces due to negative perceptions. We chat about the importance of slow tourism, cultural understanding, and the impa…
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In this episode Tamara and I visit “Chiquita”, a Mexican restaurant in Hanište, Banja Luka. Chiquita is the only venue that serves Authentic Mexican cuisine in the city. Yes, there are Mexican recipes featured on our restaurants menus, but to be honest they really don’t “cut the mustard”. Adriana, who co-owns this small restaurant, tells us about t…
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This interview was recorded with a few hiccups due to buffering across our feed 😞 In this episode I get to talk to Peter Korchnak, Podcaster and Writer, about the “Remembering Yugoslavia” Podcast. The Remembering Yugoslavia podcast explores the memory of the country that no longer exists. How do people of the former Yugoslav republics remember and …
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This interview was recorded with a few hiccups due to buffering across our feed 😞 In this episode I get to talk to Biljana Lipić, a resident of Cornwall in the United Kingdom but originally from Sarajevo.Biljana lives on a boat anchored on a Cornish river. I first found out about Biljana from a story that I stumbled across online. I have to admit t…
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In this episode I’m out and about enjoying coffee in the early evening on the outskirts of Banja Luka. Catching up for a coffee on the banks of the River Vrbas and talking to Vanja Mišić, an accomplished singer and songwriter from Banja Luka. We’ll listen to some of her songs, plus find out about what the music industry is like in this part of the …
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In this episode I talk to David Harmes, a Canadian, who at the age of 22, was a Documentary Photographer for the Red Cross in 1993’s war torn Croatia, experiencing the effects of conflict and Dodging Mines.He came back to the region some 16 years later and this time was thrown out of one of them.It’s quite the story. Osijek - Croatia -1993. Just a …
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