Best Stvr Podcasts (2025)

1
Efforts to protect and restore two unique natural sites in Slovakia (24.4.2025 16:00) 6:10

2h ago6:10

6:10

In this episode, we focus on two unique natural sites and the efforts to protect and restore them. First, we visit the Šúr nature reserve, located near Bratislava. Despite its international ecological value, it remains little-known to the public. Conservationists are now working to revive this rare wetland forest—using traditional methods like graz…

1
A tribute to the late Pope Francis (23.4.2025 16:00) 21:27

7h ago21:27

21:27

In this episode of the Slovakia Today programme, we bring you a tribute to the late pope Francis in the form of an overview of contributions previously presented by RSI’s Zuzana Botiková and Elena Seeber when the head of the catholic church visited Slovakia in 2021 and in the interview with Erika Godlová, a Romani journalist from eastern Slovakia, …

1
A look back at the 2024 Start with Children Conference in Bratislava (22.4.2025 16:00) 5:18

20h ago5:18

5:18

Ben Pascoe attended the Start with Children conference (2024) in Bratislava and talks with experts both foreign and Slovak about the importance of thinking about the needs of kids when planning a city.By STVR

1
Easter Monday special: Traditional Slovak Easter cuisine by region (21.4.2025 16:00) 26:26

2d ago26:26

26:26

We all celebrate Easter in Slovakia at the same time, but completely differently, especially when it comes to food. In today's holiday show, we'll talk about traditional Easter cuisine in Slovakia across regions -- the history, symbolism, and religious significance of Slovaks' favorite Easter dishes.…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 16 (19.4.2025 16:00) 27:33

4d ago27:33

27:33

A look back at headlines and stories from the past week in SlovakiaBy STVR

1
Special: Good Friday (18.4.2025 16:00) 26:01

5d ago26:01

26:01

Good Friday special with the Holy Sepulchre in Spišská Sobota, the Calvary in Prešov and a talk with Ben Kosnac about Roman Catholic Good Friday practices, as Roman Catholics account for 81% of Slovakia's Christians, who represent 56% of the country's population.By STVR

1
Alice Garrigue Masaryková and the Czechoslovak Red Cross, plus Easter traditions in Slovakia (17.4.2025 16:00) 23:26

6d ago23:26

23:26

In today’s programme, we’ll explore the life and work of Alice Garrigue Masaryková, a key figure in the development of the Czechoslovak Red Cross and the daughter of the first president of Czechoslovakia. Our guests — Marek Jukl, president of the Czech Red Cross, and historian Dagmar Hájková — will discuss her professional legacy, her relationship …

1
The threat of invasive species in Slovakia (16.4.2025 16:00) 27:26

7d ago27:26

27:26

Invasive species—ranging from plants and animals to insects—are a growing global threat, causing an estimated $400 billion in economic damage each year. Beyond the financial toll, they wreak havoc on native ecosystems, contributing to the decline of biodiversity and widespread agricultural losses. To better understand which invasive species have en…

1
30 years of the Bratislava Monarchs American Football team (15.4.2025 16:00) 24:33

8d ago24:33

24:33

The Bratislava Monarchs American Football team are celebrating their 30th season this year. Ben Pascoe visited with the team to find out more about this team/community which has helped bring American Football to Slovakia.By STVR

1
Project Disconnect: exploring loneliness and social isolation in Slovakia (14.4.2025 16:00) 22:29

9d ago22:29

22:29

Project Disconnect aims to comprehensively and interdisciplinaryly explore loneliness and social isolation in Slovakia. In this show, we are going to talk to researcher and doctor from Psychiatric Clinic at the Slovak Medical University, Jakub Januška.By STVR

1
Week in Slovakia No. 15 (12.4.2025 16:00) 27:09

11d ago27:09

27:09

A look back at the past week in Slovakia.By STVR

1
Ritual grieving in front of the Slovak National Gallery, plus culture & Easter tips for the upcoming weekend (11.4.2025 16:00) 22:28

12d ago22:28

22:28

At the end of March 2025, a performance of ritual grieving known as plačky was held in front of the Slovak National Gallery, organised by artist Zuzana Žabková. Culture tips for foreigners in and beyond Slovakia feature also invitations for Easter themed workshops.By STVR

1
Taking a closer look at the controversial draft law regarding NGOs in Slovakia (10.4.2025 16:00) 27:37

13d ago27:37

27:37

In this episode, we take a closer look at a controversial draft law in Slovakia that would impose new obligations on NGOs—allegedly in the name of transparency. Through expert insights, protest voices, and political reactions, we explore whether the proposal strengthens democracy or undermines it. Featuring interviews with people from Slovak NGOs a…

1
Bratislava to host international conference Start with Children, focused on building better cities for children (9.4.2025 16:00) 29:14

14d ago29:14

29:14

The city of Bratislava and the Metropolitan institute will once again host the international conference Start With Children in May 2025. Speakers from around the world will take part and discuss themes focused on building better cities for children. Based on the theme that what’s good for children is good for everyone. Ben Pascoe caught up with the…

1
Celebrating International Romani Day with a glimpse into the Romani theatre scene in Slovakia (8.4.2025 16:00) 24:39

16d ago24:39

24:39

The 8th of April marks the International Romani Day. To celebrate, we introduce the Romanii theatre scene in Slovakia. First up is Romathan, the only state funded Romani professional theatre - its history and contemporary place. Next up is Dominika Badžová, a Romani playwright from Košice, and the show sums up František Balog, the director of the P…

1
A conversation with "Dôstojná menštruácia" about period poverty in Slovakia (7.4.2025 16:00) 23:57

17d ago23:57

23:57

According to the latest data from research agency NMS, 16% of women in Slovakia suffer from period poverty. This term is desribed as lack of access to sanitary and menstrual products. We talked to Natália Blahová, a representative from the initiative Dôstojná menštruácia, who explains what this alarming problem means from women and how to fight it.…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 14 (5.4.2025 16:00) 29:44

20d ago29:44

29:44

Weekly news digest + feature on foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia, talk with American Slovaks in the year dedicated to Slovak ex-pats and music awarded at the 2024 Radio_Head Awards run by public Rádio_FMBy STVR

1
The potential impact of new US tariffs on Slovakia, plus culture tips (4.4.2025 16:00) 29:08

21d ago29:08

29:08

Slovakia, dubbed Europe's Detroit, might be harshly hit by US tariffs. Economy Minister Denisa Saková has warned that Slovakia would definitely be “among the top three” most affected countries in the EU. Martin Šuster, member of the Council for Budget Responsibility, Alexander Matušek, President of the Association of the Automotive Industry of the …

1
Radio_Head Awards 2024 (3.4.2025 16:00) 16:44

22d ago16:44

16:44

The stage lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the pulse of Slovak music took center stage once again at the Radio_Head Awards 2024. This year’s celebration wasn’t just about applause and accolades—it was a snapshot of a scene constantly pushing limits. Not just musically, but culturally too. In this story, we’ll take you on a journey through the y…

1
A conversation with @slovakambassador Zulf Hyatt Khan (2.4.2025 16:00) 5:45

23d ago5:45

5:45

Integration is one of the most important yet complex aspects of migration worldwide. Many migrants find themselves on the fringes of the majority culture, struggling to establish their place in society. However, a rare few not only adapt but thrive—actively shaping their new communities and promoting their adopted homes. Our guest in this episode i…

1
The Friends of Slovakia organization and how American Slovaks see Slovakia today (1.4.2025 16:00) 34:09

24d ago34:09

34:09

Ben Pascoe sat down with Slovak-Americans Thomas Skladony, Katarina Skladony and Jan Surotchak to discuss how amrerican slovaks see Slovakia today. We also discussed the Friends of SLovakia organization, of which Thomas and Jan are board members, what it does and how it brings Slovaks and Americans together.…

1
Recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in southern Slovakia (31.3.2025 16:00) 19:50

25d ago19:50

19:50

In this show, we will explore the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in southern Slovakia after more than 50 years. Experts discuss the disease’s symptoms, its impact on livestock, and the urgent measures taken by the government to contain the spread, including vaccination, culling, and transport restrictions.…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 13 (29.3.2025 16:00) 27:39

27d ago27:39

27:39

A look back at the past week in Slovakia.By STVR

1
32nd anniversary of Slovak Radio's foreign broadcast, plus culture tips for the upcoming week (28.3.2025 16:00) 25:06

26d ago25:06

25:06

On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the launch of Slovak Radio's foreign broadcast, we reflect on 2023 with interviews featuring those who initiated it, as well as those who continue to uphold its legacy. Our culture tips invite you to explore libraries and galleries both in Slovakia and beyond.…

1
RERUN: Brothers from another mother. Rough poetry architect Hans Broos. (27.3.2025 16:00) 26:15

29d ago26:15

26:15

40 years ago, regular broadcasting of Slovak Radio began in the upside-down pyramid at Mýtna Street 1 in Bratislava. On this occasion, we bring you two stories with the same topic - architecture. Radio building has its brother in Arizona, Tempe. Zuzana Botíková had a closer look at the fascinating resemblance of those two buildings. And we also loo…

1
Romanian film producer Ada Solomon, plus Ady Hnát from the metal-core band Etterna (26.3.2025 16:00) 33:40

1M ago33:40

33:40

During the 2025 FEBIO Fest in Bratislava—a film festival that brings together filmmakers and film enthusiasts from the V4 countries, as well as from Ukraine and Austria—we invited Mrs. Ada Solomon, a Romanian producer of numerous films, to the upside-down pyramid building of Slovak Radio in Bratislava for an interview. Next up is Ady Hnát from the …

1
The anniversary of 1988's Sviečková manifestácia (25.3.2025 16:00) 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

March 25 is the anniversary of 1988's Sviečková manifestácia, or candle demonstration which took place in Bratislava. The peaceful demonstration was brutally put down by the authorities, but is seen as one of the first steps that would lead to November 1989 and the fall of the regime. Ben Pascoe talked with organizer František Mikloško and historia…

1
Growing poverty in Slovakia (24.3.2025 16:00) 6:07

1M ago6:07

6:07

Recent data from Eurostat show that over 14% of Slovak population lives on the poverty line. In this show, we are going to explore the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia. You are also going to hear from experts: sociologist from SAV Zuzana Kusá and trade unionist, activist and analyst Ján Košč from initiative Pracujúca chudoba.…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 12 (22.3.2025 16:00) 27:43

1M ago27:43

27:43

A look back at the past week in Slovakia.By STVR

1
Katarina Gephardt on "Home & the World in Slovak Writing", plus editor/producer Tomas Bartonek on the "Golden Fond" project (21.3.2025 16:00) 29:35

1M ago29:35

29:35

Katarina Gephardt, editor of the compendium "Home and the World in Slovak Writing", presented the method of focusing on historical events - such as the condemnation of Stalin's personality cult, the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution - that have shaped the Slovak literary canon. Senior radio editor and producer Tomas Bartonek talks about the "…

1
claire rousay x The Bloody Lady of Viktor Kubal. Who was that: Ľudmila Podjavorinská. (20.3.2025 16:00) 23:11

1M ago23:11

23:11

In this episode, we talk to claire rousay about composing a new soundtrack for Viktor Kubal’s 1980 animated film The Bloody Lady and how she approached this unique project. We also explore the life and work of Kubal himself, a pioneer of Slovak animation. Finally, our latest installment of Who Was That? is dedicated to Podjavorinská, a remarkable S…

1
Regenerative agriculture and the Ekopolis Foundation (19.3.2025 16:00) 26:17

1M ago26:17

26:17

For many, the tractor—its steady rumble echoing across fields as it plows the land in preparation for planting—stands as the most powerful symbol of agriculture. But what if this image of farming, so deeply rooted in tradition, isn’t the way forward? What if turning the soil, a long-accepted practice, is doing more harm than good?Some believe a bet…

1
The state of Slovakia Today with Jaroslav Daniška (18.3.2025 16:00) 27:42

1M ago27:42

27:42

Long time journalist Jaroslav Daniška is the former editor-in-chief of Štandard and is the host of Do kríža discussion show on STVR. He sat down with Ben Pascoe to talk Slovak media, christian conservatism and the state of Slovakia today.By STVR

1
Slovak universities and tips for foreign students looking to study in Slovakia (17.3.2025 16:00) 23:07

1M ago23:07

23:07

The time when universities in Slovakia are almost uniform in one of the few things is approaching -- entrance exams. In today's show, Paťka will guide you through the education system at Slovak universities and provide tips for foreign students who would be interested in studying in Slovakia. You will also learn details from Comenius University in …

1
Week in Slovakia No. 11 (15.3.2025 16:00) 28:19

1M ago28:19

28:19

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.By STVR

1
Radio broadcasts during the so-called Slovak State. Updates on the situation at the Slovak Arts Council. Culture Tips. (14.3.2025 16:00) 34:03

1M ago34:03

34:03

Radio broadcasts during the so-called Slovak State, a Nazi Germany ally established on March 14, 1939, featured both well-known and unsung heroes of the WWII era. The individuals working within this institution saved lives, offered hope, and not only documented history but also helped shape it, as evidenced by the ENCORE! series, which traces the d…

1
Konvergencie 2025. Slovak students in Oxford. Who was that: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. (13.3.2025 16:00) 25:01

1M ago25:01

25:01

In this episode, we bring you an exclusive interview with Jozef Lupták about this year's Konvergencie Festival, exploring its themes and highlights. We also sit down with Slovak students from Oxford who are making an impact in the public sphere. Finally, our latest installment of Who Was That? delves into the life and legacy of Bjornstjerne Bjornso…

1
Gov't plenipotentiary for Roma communities Alexander Daško, plus Janette Langová from the Caraffka Gallery in Prešov (12.3.2025 16:00) 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

In this edition of the Slovakia Today programme, we bring you the government plenipotentiary for Roma communities Alexander Daško speaking about the tragic incident that happened in Gelnica, eastern Slovakia. Next is Janette Langová from the Caraffka Gallery in Prešov, eastern Slovakia, about its history and its current mission on the Slovak art sc…

1
Filip Vagač on the history & current state of civil society in Slovakia (11.3.2025 16:00) 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

Filip Vagač was a student leader during the Velvet revolution, since then has been a part of different NGOs in Slovakia. At the start of the century, he was working at the Slovak embassy in the USA when Slovakia was attempting to join NATO. Recently he was the Plenipotentiary SR for the development of civil society. Currently he is the program dire…

1
A reuse centre in the heart of Trnava, plus all about "maturita," or high school exit exams (10.3.2025 16:00) 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

This show is dedicated to a small reuse centre in the heart of Trnava called Baterkáreň. It is quite a strange name for what their actual purpose is -- find out why in an interview with its founders Simona Hlaváčová and Jana Reháková. Second part of the show is dedicated to an important milestone in the lives of all high schoolers in Slovakia. The …

1
Week in Slovakia No. 10 (8.3.2025 16:00) 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.By STVR

1
International Women's Day with Beata Balogová & Nikoleta Hrušková, plus this week's culture tips (7.3.2025 16:00) 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

The only Slovak laureate of European Press Prize, Beata Balogova talks about the situation of women investigative journalists in Slovakia. Popular weather forecaster on public TV Nikoleta Hruskova explains that there are more women experts working at Slovak Meteorological Institute than in 1990's when she started her career. Tips for culture for fo…

1
Ukrainian Institute in Bratislava: Interview with Ludmila Verbitska. Mysterious Slovakia Competition: Elizabeth Báthory. Who was (6.3.2025 16:00) 26:44

2M ago26:44

26:44

In this show, we explore the work of the Ukrainian Institute in Bratislava through an insightful interview with its founder, Lyudmila Verbytska. We also take a look at Slovakia from the perspective of Oxford students, gaining fresh insights into the country. Finally, we uncover the story of Slovak writer Timrava.…

1
Wolves in Slovakia: past, present, and future (5.3.2025 16:00) 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

Wolves in Slovakia have a complex and often turbulent history. Once widely persecuted, these wild canines were relentlessly hunted and driven into the remote valleys of the country’s east. However, Slovakia’s accession to the EU brought stronger conservation policies, allowing wolf populations to make a remarkable comeback.Now, a new wave of fear a…

1
NGOs and independent institutions in Slovakia today (4.3.2025 16:00) 27:26

2M ago27:26

27:26

Ben Pascoe talks with human rights activist and vice chair of the antena network of independent culture institutions, Laco Oravec about the situation NGOs and independent institutions are facing in Slovakia today.By STVR

1
Growing poverty in Slovakia (3.3.2025 16:00) 6:28

2M ago6:28

6:28

Recent data from Eurostat show that over 14% of Slovak population lives on the poverty line. In this show, we are going to explore the problem of growing poverty in Slovakia. You are also going to hear from experts: sociologist from SAV Zuzana Kusá and trade unionist, activist and analyst Ján Košč from initiative Pracujúca chudoba.…

1
Week in Slovakia No. 9 (1.3.2025 16:00) 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

A recap of the biggest stories of the past week and some of our best reports from the past week.By STVR

1
Singer Gigi Ann Green in a conversation with her father, Hugo Green (28.2.2025 16:00) 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

Once again, Gigi Ann Green, a singer from southern Slovakia, winner of the 2022 UK Songwriting Contest in conversation with her father, Hugo Green.By STVR

1
International Day of Rare Diseases: Belasý motýľ organisation; Who was that: Ján Mathé (27.2.2025 16:00) 21:11

2M ago21:11

21:11

28.2. marks the International Day of Rare Diseases. On this occasion, we talked with Andrea Madunova, social counsellor and chairwoman of the organization Belasý motýľ and Jozef Blažek, coordinator of the Agency of Personal Assistance and Public Collection Belasý motýľ. Who was that? This time, let's travel to the streets of Košice to see the sculp…

1
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Slovakia, plus an interview with student & radio amateur Matúš Nemec (26.2.2025 16:00) 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

On the 20th of February 2025, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte travelled to Slovakia on Thursday for meetings with President Peter Pellegrini as well as other Slovak ministers. Next up is an interview with Matúš Nemec, a student at the University of Prešov in eastern Slovakia and a radio amateur, who made history by successfully establishing a ra…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stvr Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide