Spectacular Slovakia

The Slovak Spectator

Podcast by The Slovak Spectator

  • 37 minutes 2 seconds
    Life in the Slovak Seattle
    British writer and lecturer Jonathan Gresty sits down with Oscar Brophy to discuss why he came to Slovakia, what’s kept him here for more than three decades, and what this country has taught him about his native England.
    29 October 2025, 11:07 am
  • 31 minutes 22 seconds
    Vinobranie? Wine not!
    Oscar Brophy hits the streets of Bratislava-Rača, microphone in hand, capturing the sounds and stories of Vinobranie — the city’s beloved wine festival.
    17 October 2025, 4:09 pm
  • 38 minutes 20 seconds
    Slovakia, on purpose
    Slovakia’s tourism industry faces the challenge of shifting from being a convenient stopover to becoming an intentional destination, and companies like GOAT CE Tours are leading the way by using storytelling and authentic experiences to reshape perceptions and encourage longer, purposeful visits. Host: Oscar Brophy | Guests: Patrik Calovka, Michal Varachovič, and Mitch Leffler.
    15 September 2025, 3:13 pm
  • 42 minutes 30 seconds
    Stargazing in Slovakia
    Comedians Matúš Toderiška and Marián Psár bring their astronomy podcast Slnečná zostava (Solar Lineup) to Spectacular Slovakia. We talk stargazing, observatories, dark-sky parks, and the humour in exploring the universe. Host: Oscar Brophy.
    28 August 2025, 1:46 pm
  • 55 minutes 21 seconds
    Bratislava and the silence of old walls
    In this king-sized episode of Spectacular Slovakia, host Oscar Brophy is joined by historian Juraj Poláček to delve into the rich history of Slovakia’s medieval castles – tracing their development from the Bronze Age to the modern era. Poláček explains how early wooden fortifications evolved into stone strongholds following the 13th-century Mongol invasion, with Slovakia’s strategic position demanding increasingly robust defences. Highlights include Trenčín Castle, with its 16th-century bastion, and the ruins of Spiš Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This episode is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and travellers keen to discover these enduring symbols of the nation’s past.
    7 August 2025, 12:47 pm
  • 35 minutes 26 seconds
    SNP Trail: Do you have what it takes?
    Spanning 770 kilometres from the Dukla Pass in the east to Devín Castle near Bratislava in the west, Slovakia’s SNP Trail — Cesta Hrdinov SNP (Path of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising) — is more than just a long walk. It is an immersive experience that blends historical depth, physical challenge, and the raw beauty of Slovak landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a motivated beginner, the SNP Trail offers a unique opportunity to test your limits and connect with both nature and history. Guest: Peter Kvačkay Host: Oscar Brophy
    24 July 2025, 3:56 pm
  • 34 minutes 17 seconds
    Touring socialist Bratislava
    Host Oscar Brophy joins Branislav Chrenka of Authentic Slovakia to explore Bratislava's socialist modernist architecture, including landmarks like the Slavín memorial, Petržalka's prefabs and the Slovak Radio's inverted pyramid. Chrenka explains how ideology and immigration shaped the city's bold 1970s–80s designs. The episode also spotlights Authentic Slovakia's offbeat tours.
    10 July 2025, 3:27 pm
  • 34 minutes 35 seconds
    A comedian’s guide to getting lost – and fed – in Košice
    Oscar Brophy teams up with Košice native and comedian Diana Renner to explore the vibrant charm of Slovakia’s second city. From the bustling Hlavná ulica and the grandeur of St Elizabeth’s Cathedral to the gritty punk-rock hideout Colosseum, they delve into the city’s blend of history, culture and underground cool.
    27 June 2025, 10:38 am
  • 31 minutes 39 seconds
    Bratislava's best view?
    Oscar Brophy chats with walking tour magnate Jakub Hanzel about the best that Bratislava has to offer, along with a light discussion of the long and varied history of Slovakia's capital. Find out more about Discover Bratislava at https://freetourbratislava.com/.
    13 June 2025, 11:52 am
  • 17 minutes 46 seconds
    Why a British Teacher Chose Slovakia as Home
    From London to Poland, and now to Slovakia, this story shows how languages can open doors — to careers, cultures, and even love.
    26 May 2025, 5:57 pm
  • 17 minutes 17 seconds
    Building a marketing powerhouse in the East
    A journey that put Košice on Slovakia’s digital marketing map.
    28 April 2025, 12:25 pm
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