<![CDATA[Voices from the Homelands]]>85b05750-4628-5776-875a-286bf73087c7Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:43:21 +0000Captivate.fmThe National Czech & Slovak Museum & Libraryhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/a0a02648-a102-4430-b877-32c1fd16042e/bAVLQm-IBpqODIEkU0S3NLMU.pngVoices from the HomelandsThe National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryThe National Czech & Slovak Museum & LibraryFrom the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library comes a new monthly podcast: Voices from the Homeland. Each month, hosts Miroslav Konvalina, Former Director of Czech Center New York, and Dr. Pavol Demeš, former Slovak Minister of International Relations, sit down with leaders, experts, and influencers to share insight into the current events of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. https://ncsmlhomelands.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcast#24: Slovak-U.S. Relations on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of the United States (ft. Jan Surotchak)#24: Slovak-U.S. Relations on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of the United States (ft. Jan Surotchak)In this episode, Pavol Demeš speaks with Jan Surotchak, former President and current board member of the Friends of Slovakia, about the evolution of Slovak–U.S. relations on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Drawing on his long personal and professional engagement with Slovakia—from the early post-Velvet Revolution years through his work with USAID and the International Republican Institute—Surotchak reflects on civil society building, transatlantic ties, and the changing role of the United States in Europe. The conversation offers both historical perspective and timely insights into the future of Slovak–American relations at a pivotal moment.

]]>In this episode, Pavol Demeš speaks with Jan Surotchak, former President and current board member of the Friends of Slovakia, about the evolution of Slovak–U.S. relations on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Drawing on his long personal and professional engagement with Slovakia—from the early post-Velvet Revolution years through his work with USAID and the International Republican Institute—Surotchak reflects on civil society building, transatlantic ties, and the changing role of the United States in Europe. The conversation offers both historical perspective and timely insights into the future of Slovak–American relations at a pivotal moment.

]]>d2dabc11-c857-45dd-a868-331fbdfa04fcMon, 22 Dec 2025 09:45:00 -060029:45falsefull124241#23: The Alpine Ski Legend (ft. Pavel Šťastný)#23: The Alpine Ski Legend (ft. Pavel Šťastný)Czech by mother, Slovak by farther, and alpine ski legend by Americans and Canadians - Pavel Šťastný (79). A world class skiing coach from the Czech Republic who was, a couple of weeks ago, introduced into the Vermont Hall of Fame by the Vermont Alpine Ski Association.

For over 35 years, Pavel Šťastný has been a cornerstone of alpine ski racing in Vermont, a world class coach, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for the values that define sports: discipline, resilience and integrity.

Pavel Šťasný is world class coach who deeply cares for his athletes and whose passion for ski racing continues to benefit many generations of Vermont ski racers and ski racing in general. His recent introduction into the Vermont Hall of Fame was more than deserved.

]]>Czech by mother, Slovak by farther, and alpine ski legend by Americans and Canadians - Pavel Šťastný (79). A world class skiing coach from the Czech Republic who was, a couple of weeks ago, introduced into the Vermont Hall of Fame by the Vermont Alpine Ski Association.

For over 35 years, Pavel Šťastný has been a cornerstone of alpine ski racing in Vermont, a world class coach, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for the values that define sports: discipline, resilience and integrity.

Pavel Šťasný is world class coach who deeply cares for his athletes and whose passion for ski racing continues to benefit many generations of Vermont ski racers and ski racing in general. His recent introduction into the Vermont Hall of Fame was more than deserved.

]]>1a91bac0-3448-430f-9811-09e4296c80fdMon, 22 Dec 2025 09:30:00 -060047:33falsefull123231#22: The Pontis Foundation and the Imapct Summit (ft. Martina Kolesárová)#22: The Pontis Foundation and the Imapct Summit (ft. Martina Kolesárová)In this episode, host Pavol Demeš welcomes Martina Kolesárová, Executive Director of the internationally respected Pontis Foundation, to discuss the role of civil society in Slovakia and the Foundation’s flagship event - the Impact Summit. The conversation traces the origins and mission of Pontis (founded with the involvement of American public figure Wendy Luers), explores Kolesárová’s professional journey, and highlights the key themes, speakers, and public impact of the most recent Impact Summit. The episode offers an insightful look at how civic leadership, cross-sector cooperation, and values-driven initiatives continue to shape Slovakia’s democratic and social development.

]]>In this episode, host Pavol Demeš welcomes Martina Kolesárová, Executive Director of the internationally respected Pontis Foundation, to discuss the role of civil society in Slovakia and the Foundation’s flagship event - the Impact Summit. The conversation traces the origins and mission of Pontis (founded with the involvement of American public figure Wendy Luers), explores Kolesárová’s professional journey, and highlights the key themes, speakers, and public impact of the most recent Impact Summit. The episode offers an insightful look at how civic leadership, cross-sector cooperation, and values-driven initiatives continue to shape Slovakia’s democratic and social development.

]]>142ef09c-0211-4f88-b42d-111d87e705f2Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:15:00 -060025:04falsefull122221#21: Czech Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou (ft. Petr Nový)#21: Czech Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou (ft. Petr Nový)This is our almost last podcast from Prague of the year, the last just before Christmas, so the guest will be very special, connected to the Czech holidays, Christmas ornaments and jewelry, art, design, traditions and the world of glass. My guest is an historian, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, Dr. Petr Nový. We will be talking about the journey of Christmas ornaments to the promised land over the sea, the United States of America, which is the most significant customer for these fragile goods. The Museum of Glass and Jewelry is in charge of the largest public collection of glass Christmas ornaments in the World, which numbers more than fifteen thousand pieces.

Petr Nový: Museums aren't boring, but you can hide from boredom in them, says the chief curator of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, the only state-run specialized institution and centre for the presentation of glass and jewellery production in the Czech Republic. Petr Nový is also the author of numerous publications and lectures on the history and development of glassmaking and jewelry, head of the Glass History section of the Czech Glass Society, member of the Czech Design Academy, and lecturer on the history of glass and jewelry.

]]>This is our almost last podcast from Prague of the year, the last just before Christmas, so the guest will be very special, connected to the Czech holidays, Christmas ornaments and jewelry, art, design, traditions and the world of glass. My guest is an historian, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, Dr. Petr Nový. We will be talking about the journey of Christmas ornaments to the promised land over the sea, the United States of America, which is the most significant customer for these fragile goods. The Museum of Glass and Jewelry is in charge of the largest public collection of glass Christmas ornaments in the World, which numbers more than fifteen thousand pieces.

Petr Nový: Museums aren't boring, but you can hide from boredom in them, says the chief curator of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, the only state-run specialized institution and centre for the presentation of glass and jewellery production in the Czech Republic. Petr Nový is also the author of numerous publications and lectures on the history and development of glassmaking and jewelry, head of the Glass History section of the Czech Glass Society, member of the Czech Design Academy, and lecturer on the history of glass and jewelry.

]]>de364f65-e1b6-4df4-916b-22e8bb712149Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -060043:51falsefull121211#20: 36th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its Meaning for Slovakia Today (ft. Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová)#20: 36th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its Meaning for Slovakia Today (ft. Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová)This episode of Voices from the Homelands features sociologist Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová, who reflects on the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its meaning for Slovakia today. We discuss why November 17 remains a defining civic holiday, the rise in commemorative events, political tensions around its observance, and the symbolism of the new Velvet Revolution memorial in Bratislava.

]]>This episode of Voices from the Homelands features sociologist Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová, who reflects on the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its meaning for Slovakia today. We discuss why November 17 remains a defining civic holiday, the rise in commemorative events, political tensions around its observance, and the symbolism of the new Velvet Revolution memorial in Bratislava.

]]>4adc8860-06b7-465c-8336-7482551e485eTue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -060027:23falsefull120201#19: The State of Czech Society, Media, and Academia (ft. Jan Bumba)#19: The State of Czech Society, Media, and Academia (ft. Jan Bumba)In this podcast Voices from the Homelands from Prague (in cooperation with Radio Prague International) Miroslav Konvalina talks to a former journalist and spokesperson of the Charles University Jan Bumba about the state of the Czech society, media and academia. 

Jan Bumba is currently working as a spokesperson of Charles University, the oldest and the largest university in the Czech Republic. Before entering the academic world, he spent two decades working as a journalist, mostly in the Czech National Radio. He has hosted hundreds of interviews, debates and discussions. As a journalist he covered elections both in the Czech Republic as well as in the USA and UK.

]]>In this podcast Voices from the Homelands from Prague (in cooperation with Radio Prague International) Miroslav Konvalina talks to a former journalist and spokesperson of the Charles University Jan Bumba about the state of the Czech society, media and academia. 

Jan Bumba is currently working as a spokesperson of Charles University, the oldest and the largest university in the Czech Republic. Before entering the academic world, he spent two decades working as a journalist, mostly in the Czech National Radio. He has hosted hundreds of interviews, debates and discussions. As a journalist he covered elections both in the Czech Republic as well as in the USA and UK.

]]>60810c3a-fcbb-4bef-811a-68d3547fad20Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -060049:48falsefull119191#18: The Fourth Slovak Global Network Summit (ft. Adrian Vyćítal)#18: The Fourth Slovak Global Network Summit (ft. Adrian Vyćítal)In this episode, Pavol Demeš welcomes Adrian Vyćítal — a successful entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, and innovation. As co-founder and Chairman of the Slovak Global Network, Adrian plays a key role in connecting Slovaks at home and abroad, fostering collaboration across professional and generational lines.

Their conversation focuses on the outcomes and impact of the fourth Slovak Global Network Summit, recently held in Bratislava, and explores how global Slovak communities can contribute to innovation, and the country’s future development.

]]>In this episode, Pavol Demeš welcomes Adrian Vyćítal — a successful entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in renewable energy, infrastructure, and innovation. As co-founder and Chairman of the Slovak Global Network, Adrian plays a key role in connecting Slovaks at home and abroad, fostering collaboration across professional and generational lines.

Their conversation focuses on the outcomes and impact of the fourth Slovak Global Network Summit, recently held in Bratislava, and explores how global Slovak communities can contribute to innovation, and the country’s future development.

]]>fe56ebaa-78ab-491f-bc7f-b102236ec3f0Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -060028:54falsefull118181#17: The Recent General Elections in the Czech Republic (ft. Petr Dudek)#17: The Recent General Elections in the Czech Republic (ft. Petr Dudek)Voices from the Homelands are focusing now on the results of the general elections in the Czech Republic. Our guest at the Radio Prague International studio is a journalist: Commentator of the Czech Public Radio, Petr Dudek. What was the tone, theme, and atmosphere of these general elections and major differences were there compared to previous campaigns? What were the major themes of the campaign and elections programs of political parties and movements? This podcast with Petr Dudek has an ambition to answer these questions.

]]>Voices from the Homelands are focusing now on the results of the general elections in the Czech Republic. Our guest at the Radio Prague International studio is a journalist: Commentator of the Czech Public Radio, Petr Dudek. What was the tone, theme, and atmosphere of these general elections and major differences were there compared to previous campaigns? What were the major themes of the campaign and elections programs of political parties and movements? This podcast with Petr Dudek has an ambition to answer these questions.

]]>94fa0bd9-2a01-472c-b820-857992110631Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -060046:10falsefull117171#16: On the Recent Parliamentary Elections in Czechia from Slovakia (ft. Peter Weiss)#16: On the Recent Parliamentary Elections in Czechia from Slovakia (ft. Peter Weiss)In this episode, Pavol Demeš speaks with Peter Weiss — a prominent Slovak former member of Parliament and former Slovak Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Their conversation explores the recent parliamentary elections in Czechia, their course, key issues, results, and possible scenarios for the formation of the new government led by Andrej Babiš. The discussion also examines the implications for Czech domestic and foreign policy, including relations with the United States.

]]>In this episode, Pavol Demeš speaks with Peter Weiss — a prominent Slovak former member of Parliament and former Slovak Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Their conversation explores the recent parliamentary elections in Czechia, their course, key issues, results, and possible scenarios for the formation of the new government led by Andrej Babiš. The discussion also examines the implications for Czech domestic and foreign policy, including relations with the United States.

]]>d4b42313-3489-4687-9941-9e67d5ea70ceMon, 13 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -060029:17falsefull116161#15: Czech Republic before the Upcoming General Elections (ft. Petr Šimùnek)#15: Czech Republic before the Upcoming General Elections (ft. Petr Šimùnek)Mirek Konvalina speaks with Petr Šimùnek, respected Czech journalist, former editor in chief of the world best business magazine Forbes (Czech Edition), about the state of the Czech Republic before upcoming general elections.

At the beginning of October, Czechs will head to the polls to elect a new Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament. In a parliamentary democracy like the Czech Republic, the election is decisive for the country’s future. Once the new Chamber is in place, the outgoing government must resign, clearing the way for a new cabinet to be formed based on the election results.

Petr is known for finding new Czech success stories and choosing the most appropriate stories from the international edition, developing events connected to the brand Forbes and developing together with publishing house owners a strategy for the brand in the Czech Republic.

]]>Mirek Konvalina speaks with Petr Šimùnek, respected Czech journalist, former editor in chief of the world best business magazine Forbes (Czech Edition), about the state of the Czech Republic before upcoming general elections.

At the beginning of October, Czechs will head to the polls to elect a new Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament. In a parliamentary democracy like the Czech Republic, the election is decisive for the country’s future. Once the new Chamber is in place, the outgoing government must resign, clearing the way for a new cabinet to be formed based on the election results.

Petr is known for finding new Czech success stories and choosing the most appropriate stories from the international edition, developing events connected to the brand Forbes and developing together with publishing house owners a strategy for the brand in the Czech Republic.

]]>32ea1ea6-c6f5-4ef6-97cf-fc2bbc26bee7Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -060046:32falsefull115151#14: Exploring Religion's Place in Today's Turbulent World (ft. Ján Figel')#14: Exploring Religion's Place in Today's Turbulent World (ft. Ján Figel')Pavol Demeš speaks with Ján Figel' — Slovakia’s former Chief Negotiator for EU accession, the country’s first European Commissioner, and recognized expert in the interfaith dialogue. Their conversation touches on Figel'’s personal and family ties to the United States, reflections on shifts in transatlantic relations, perspectives on the war in Ukraine, and the role of spiritual and religious leaders in today’s turbulent world.

]]>Pavol Demeš speaks with Ján Figel' — Slovakia’s former Chief Negotiator for EU accession, the country’s first European Commissioner, and recognized expert in the interfaith dialogue. Their conversation touches on Figel'’s personal and family ties to the United States, reflections on shifts in transatlantic relations, perspectives on the war in Ukraine, and the role of spiritual and religious leaders in today’s turbulent world.

]]>ebe9a5c5-034c-4c11-84f6-3f7bfb6476c3Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:15:00 -060033:55falsefull114141#13: Building Connection Through the Czech Language (ft. Dr. Ivana Bozděchová)#13: Building Connection Through the Czech Language (ft. Dr. Ivana Bozděchová)Mirek Konvalina speaks with Czech linguist Ivana Bozděchová, associate professor from the Institute of Czech Language and Communication Theory, Faculty of Arts at Charles University, Prague. They talk about their native language and how it is used abroad, among compatriots, in Czech schools, and among other people interested in their mother tongue.

]]>Mirek Konvalina speaks with Czech linguist Ivana Bozděchová, associate professor from the Institute of Czech Language and Communication Theory, Faculty of Arts at Charles University, Prague. They talk about their native language and how it is used abroad, among compatriots, in Czech schools, and among other people interested in their mother tongue.

]]>fcc13af5-4778-400e-8a28-046b1bdb91caMon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -060051:01falsefull113131#12: Slovak PRO Accelerates its Activities in America (ft. Gabriela Zahoranska)#12: Slovak PRO Accelerates its Activities in America (ft. Gabriela Zahoranska)In this podcast, within the NCSML Voices from the Homelands series, Pavol Demeš interviews Gabriela Zahoranska, executive Director of the Slovak PRO, large and very successful community-based non-profit organization which has been connecting, supporting and empowering the Slovak professional community in America.

]]>In this podcast, within the NCSML Voices from the Homelands series, Pavol Demeš interviews Gabriela Zahoranska, executive Director of the Slovak PRO, large and very successful community-based non-profit organization which has been connecting, supporting and empowering the Slovak professional community in America.

]]>113bd8c3-d95d-4164-bf49-d987bbe87f01Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:15:00 -060021:22falsefull112121#11: Czech Classical Music Remains a Big Theme Both in the Czech Republic and Abroad (ft. Dr. Aleš Bøezina)#11: Czech Classical Music Remains a Big Theme Both in the Czech Republic and Abroad (ft. Dr. Aleš Bøezina)Mirek Konvalina speaks with musicologist and Director of the Bohuslav Martinù Institute, Dr. Aleš Bøezina, who is currently finishing preparations for a major festival of the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinù in the United States, inviting us to the upcoming Martinù festival at Bard College New York – "Bard Music Festival 2025: Martinù and his World".

Aleš Bøezina is Director of the Bohuslav Martinù Institute in Prague and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Bohuslav Martinù Complete Edition. In 1998 he reconstructed the first version of Martinù’s opera The Greek Passion. In 2016, the German Music Publishers Association awarded his edition of The Epic of Gilgamesh the Best Edition Award. In 2020, The Czech Science Foundation (GAÈR) included Martinù Complete Edition among “the five best scientific projects of the year.” Dr Bøezina is a prolific composer of film, theater and concert music.

]]>Mirek Konvalina speaks with musicologist and Director of the Bohuslav Martinù Institute, Dr. Aleš Bøezina, who is currently finishing preparations for a major festival of the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinù in the United States, inviting us to the upcoming Martinù festival at Bard College New York – "Bard Music Festival 2025: Martinù and his World".

Aleš Bøezina is Director of the Bohuslav Martinù Institute in Prague and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Bohuslav Martinù Complete Edition. In 1998 he reconstructed the first version of Martinù’s opera The Greek Passion. In 2016, the German Music Publishers Association awarded his edition of The Epic of Gilgamesh the Best Edition Award. In 2020, The Czech Science Foundation (GAÈR) included Martinù Complete Edition among “the five best scientific projects of the year.” Dr Bøezina is a prolific composer of film, theater and concert music.

]]>586b6d58-98b1-4cbf-9240-a83ea98d97fcFri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -060043:21falsefull111111#10: Remarks on the recent GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, et al.#10: Remarks on the recent GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, et al.Miroslav Wlachovský is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, an ambassador, and now is a distinguished fellow at the well-known GLOBSEC international think tank. Host Pavol Demes discusses with him the recent GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, results of the NATO Summitt in Hague, and his views on the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, IA. 

]]>Miroslav Wlachovský is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, an ambassador, and now is a distinguished fellow at the well-known GLOBSEC international think tank. Host Pavol Demes discusses with him the recent GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, results of the NATO Summitt in Hague, and his views on the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, IA. 

]]>621bcaed-a5d3-4bd2-9c0b-2ef6e4325ebeThu, 03 Jul 2025 09:15:00 -060032:29falsefull110101#9: The Czech Star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York#9: The Czech Star at the Metropolitan Opera in New YorkMiroslav Konvalina talks from Prague with popular Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka, currently the most successful Czech opera singer who is performing at the Metropolitan Opera and who has had more than one hundred appearances in the last 10 years. 

]]>Miroslav Konvalina talks from Prague with popular Czech bass-baritone Adam Plachetka, currently the most successful Czech opera singer who is performing at the Metropolitan Opera and who has had more than one hundred appearances in the last 10 years. 

]]>bcd3f773-884b-4925-b012-29e88880fad8Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -060045:17falsefull1991#8: Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Speaks on Present Day Topics#8: Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine Speaks on Present Day TopicsIn this episode, Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, who was born in Bratislava before studying and working for several years in the United States, shares information on the heroism of Ukrainians defending their country from Russian aggression. She also describes parameters of her job as well as EU and US assistance to Ukraine.

]]>In this episode, Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, who was born in Bratislava before studying and working for several years in the United States, shares information on the heroism of Ukrainians defending their country from Russian aggression. She also describes parameters of her job as well as EU and US assistance to Ukraine.

]]>c09ba0ea-6c78-40e6-a81a-4cda0e2596d4Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -060029:49falsefull1881#7: Ivan Puš, Palacky University Olomouc Historian, Speaks About 80 Years Since the Liberation of Czechoslovakia#7: Ivan Puš, Palacky University Olomouc Historian, Speaks About 80 Years Since the Liberation of CzechoslovakiaAfter the freedom celebrations in Pilsen, which were bigger than ever, there is time to reflect on the 80 years since its liberation by US troops. Ivan Puš, Assistant Professor at the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Palacky University Olomouc, speaks about how a young Czech historian can, from today's perspective, characterize this huge conflict which, for a long time, changed the course of Europe. 

]]>After the freedom celebrations in Pilsen, which were bigger than ever, there is time to reflect on the 80 years since its liberation by US troops. Ivan Puš, Assistant Professor at the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, Palacky University Olomouc, speaks about how a young Czech historian can, from today's perspective, characterize this huge conflict which, for a long time, changed the course of Europe. 

]]>fce1425e-5931-479a-ab8e-7c18be9bb8feWed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -060025:14falsefull1771#6: Father Ben on Priesthood in Slovakia & the United States + the Legacy of Pope Francis#6: Father Ben on Priesthood in Slovakia & the United States + the Legacy of Pope FrancisPavol Demes interviews Benjamin Kosnáč, the Slovak catholic priest with rich experience in pastoral work not only in Slovakia but also abroad, including many years spent in the United States of America.

]]>Pavol Demes interviews Benjamin Kosnáč, the Slovak catholic priest with rich experience in pastoral work not only in Slovakia but also abroad, including many years spent in the United States of America.

]]>784f63ee-3359-477b-b68b-2c7e892445e0Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -060038:14falsefull1661#5: Former Czech Ambassador to US and Russia Petr Kolář on Ukraine, NATO, and Czech Security#5: Former Czech Ambassador to US and Russia Petr Kolář on Ukraine, NATO, and Czech SecurityHost Miroslav Konvalina speaks with Petr Kolář, advisor to President Pavel and former Czech ambassador to the US and Russia, to gauge his overall sense of what went wrong with EU-Russia relations, what Czechs can influence within the situation in Europe, and whether they can hope that American people will finally be able to persuade their leadership that it is in the United States' interest to have a strong NATO with US leadership and hopefully stay the leader of the free world.

]]>Host Miroslav Konvalina speaks with Petr Kolář, advisor to President Pavel and former Czech ambassador to the US and Russia, to gauge his overall sense of what went wrong with EU-Russia relations, what Czechs can influence within the situation in Europe, and whether they can hope that American people will finally be able to persuade their leadership that it is in the United States' interest to have a strong NATO with US leadership and hopefully stay the leader of the free world.

]]>eb963b0a-0fb4-45fc-81fc-245664ccebbaMon, 28 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -060044:34falsefull1551#4: Decade of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (ft. Prof. Pavol Šajgalík)#4: Decade of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (ft. Prof. Pavol Šajgalík)On Today's Episode: Dr. Pavol Demeš interviews President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Pavol Šajgalík on the last decade of this leading Slovak scientific institution, its transformation, achievements, and challenges. Pavol Šajgalík is leaving his post in a few weeks.

]]>On Today's Episode: Dr. Pavol Demeš interviews President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Pavol Šajgalík on the last decade of this leading Slovak scientific institution, its transformation, achievements, and challenges. Pavol Šajgalík is leaving his post in a few weeks.

]]>4d93a3df-7bbc-49a9-9cac-26daca1b07ebMon, 31 Mar 2025 10:15:00 -060032:31falsefull1441#3: Language (and More) as a Way of Life (ft. Helena Koutná)#3: Language (and More) as a Way of Life (ft. Helena Koutná)On Today's Episode: Czech interpreter and translator Helena Koutná talks to Miroslav Konvalina about her life perception of Czech culture and historical heritage through her lived multi-cultural experience in the ever shifting linguistic landscape that echoes the fluidity of Central European sociopolitical changes.

]]>On Today's Episode: Czech interpreter and translator Helena Koutná talks to Miroslav Konvalina about her life perception of Czech culture and historical heritage through her lived multi-cultural experience in the ever shifting linguistic landscape that echoes the fluidity of Central European sociopolitical changes.

]]>c410ed97-c11a-4fe1-89fc-3b4cffa2dc1cMon, 31 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -060032:43falsefull1331#2: Three Years of Russia's War Against Ukraine (ft. Jana Kobzová, Slovak Political Scientist)#2: Three Years of Russia's War Against Ukraine (ft. Jana Kobzová, Slovak Political Scientist)On Today's Episode: Dr. Pavol Demeš interviews Jana Kobzová, well-known Slovak expert on post-Soviet space, Ukraine in particular, former foreign policy advisor to Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, now visiting fellow at the international think-tank - the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

]]>On Today's Episode: Dr. Pavol Demeš interviews Jana Kobzová, well-known Slovak expert on post-Soviet space, Ukraine in particular, former foreign policy advisor to Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, now visiting fellow at the international think-tank - the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

]]>c9e7a547-64e9-428d-9002-95189004820fMon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -060034:34falsefull1221#1: The Year of Czech Music (ft. Veronika Vejvodová, Director of Antonín Dvořák Museum)#1: The Year of Czech Music (ft. Veronika Vejvodová, Director of Antonín Dvořák Museum)On Today's Episode: Miroslav Konvalina, Former Director of the American Center (US Embassy Prague) and of the CZECH CENTER NEW YORK, speaks with Veronika Vejvodová, Director of Antonín Dvořák Museum in Prague, on her reflections on the Year of the Czech Music. 

]]>On Today's Episode: Miroslav Konvalina, Former Director of the American Center (US Embassy Prague) and of the CZECH CENTER NEW YORK, speaks with Veronika Vejvodová, Director of Antonín Dvořák Museum in Prague, on her reflections on the Year of the Czech Music. 

]]>6a2979af-02cc-4909-961d-1e843f3d9d71Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -060032:13falsefull1111