In this show, we will present what the kitchens at the noble courts in the Kingdom of Hungary in the modern period looked like. We will commemorate the first ride of the tram from Bratislava to Vienna. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Patka visit the Ukrainian Cultural center in Bratislava and discuss the week, play some music and read your letters.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

As the new semester starts at Comenius University in Bratislava, Patrícia Arpášová and Martin Bednárik talk about student mobility programmes including ERASMUS+. We read the letters of our listeners and play some music.

While talking about her long-running research, Slovak Academy of Sciences academic Ivana Hostova gives her tips for Slovak poetry to be read in English. 2024 brings several changes into evaluation of quality design of quality Slovak books. Playing music in the memory of murdered couple - Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova. Tips for culture invite English speakers to a festival of chamber music and to the Slovak National Gallery.

As Slovakia's manufacturing sector privatized and modernized, many hulking and once prosperous factories and mills were left rusting and forgotten. This was true for the Merina textile factory in Trencin. It may have survived two world wars and tremendous political upheaval, but it could not withstand the fierce competition from cheap, foreign textiles. In this episode, we look at this factory complex and the fight to declare it an industrial monument in order to save it for future generations of Slovaks. Who ultimately wins this fight says much about the values of the moment.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ivan Bella’s trip to space Ben Pascoe talks to Ivan Bella, the first and so-far only Slovak to travel to space. He also talks with scientist and research engineer Dr. Ján Baláž and Vice-President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Michal Brichta.

In this show, we will talk about history of Slovak cuisine, specifically in the modern period. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

As the new semester starts at Comenius University in Bratislava, Patrícia Arpášová and Martin Bednárik talk about student mobility programmes including ERASMUS+. We read the letters of our listeners and play some music.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Mailbox program recorded in a Bratislava satellite village.

Ben Pascoe talks with the Mayor of Bratislava Matus Vallo. They discuss why there is so much to love about the little big city, as well as what we can look forward to in the future.

In this edition of Slovakia Today, we introduce the first year of The Winter Translation School taking place at the Matej Bel University, Banská Bystrica.. Students as well as professors share their experience with the event.

On the occasion of World Radio Day, RSI talked to Mirta Lourenco, Chief of Media Development and Media in Emergency at UNESCO, about the future of radio while keeping in mind its 100 years history. Adding to the debate is Cilla Benko, Vice-President of the EBU.

In this show, we will continue with the second part of the history of Slovak cuisine mini-series. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Mailbox program recorded in a Bratislava satellite village.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Re-prise. Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin are out in the town talking about Slovakia today, playing music and reading letters from our listeners.

Re-prise. Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin are out in the town talking about Slovakia today, playing music and reading letters from our listeners.

Performative collective "Marina Abramovic Doesn't Clean Up After Herself" revive Joseph Beuys's iconic piece "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare" in front of Slovak Culture Ministry. Icon Joan Baez has just been granted a highest State Order by the President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Caputova. Latest Culture news invite to see the latest acquisitions of the Slovak National Gallery.

Each year Slovakia grows about 1.3 million tonnes of sugar beets. To find out what is done with this bountiful harvest we are going on a tour of sugar country. We spoke with Augustin, a farmer in Bošáca, who uses the beets to feed his animals. Vladimira Frohnová gave us a tour of a sugar factory where these beets are turned into sugar. Natália Ombrózová and Lenka Šimkovičová from Old Harold distillery in Trenčín showed us how Repák, a sugar beet spirit, is made. Finally, Silvia Hill offered her grandmother's recipe for sugar beet cakes.

Ben Pascoe talks with expert on democracy, integrity and countering disinformation, Daniel Milo, the former director of the Center for Combating Hybrid Threats at the Interior Ministry.

In this show, we will focus on the history of Slovak cuisine. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Sunday is about our listeners. Ben and Martin discuss the week, read some letters and play some music to make your Sunday even more enjoyable.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Today, a show dedicated to Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav

On the occasion of 175 years since the birth of the great poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav, we take you for a walk to his beloved spot in Northern Slovakia. Documentarist Peter Kerekes was granted the highest state order by President Zuzana Caputova in 2024. On this occasion, we get back to the interview conducted shortly after his huge success at the Venice International Film Festival. In Culture news of this week, Monika Pascoe Mikyskova invites you to see the result of her co-operation with visually impaired and tone deaf children.

In this edition of Slovakia Today, we deal with the brain drain phenomena in Slovakia. In the interviews with three students from Slovakia belonging to Generation Z, we looked at the possible reasons for staying or leaving Slovakia.

Ben Pascoe talks with animator, artist and author of the books, Year of Good News, Martin Smatana.

In this show, we will present personality of the Catholic Church Ján Chryzostom Korec on occasion of 100 years anniversary of his birth. Later in our programme, we will provide tips for trips around Slovakia and our Monday game called TOP SPOT.

Today, a programme dedicated to Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin visit the RTVS gallery, read letters and play some new music for you. Re-run

Learn more about Nina Polakova, Julius Koller, Juraj Valcuha, Peter Kerekes and more.

With conflicts worldwide on the rise, it is increasingly important to learn from the people who come from these places experiencing conflict. Many of Slovakia's nearly 300,000 migrants do come from such places. To find out how conflict affects those living away from home in times of crisis we spoke with Roman from Ukraine, Daria from Russia, Omar from Palestine, and Burak from Turkey.

Zuzana Botikova from Radio Slovensko talks with Ben Pascoe about all the hard work and dedication that goes into organizing an event such as the world cup ski races in Jasna.

Eastern Slovakia was struck by an earthquake at the beginning of October 2023. In this show, we will talk about earthquakes in the area of Slovakia with seismologist and Professor Peter Moczo as well as with eyewitnesses of the mentioned earthquake in 2023. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, there will be our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben Pascoe and Martin Bednarik vist the Slovak Radio Gallery and discuss the world cup race in Jasna, read some letters and play some music.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Sundays are about our listeners. Martin Bednárik and Patrícia Arpášová discuss the winter and climate issues, read letters from listeners and play some music for your Sunday enjoyment.

David Stumpf received the 75th Emmy for Outstanding Motion Design for Ms Marvel series. Jakub Milčák was the first to publish books by the 2023 Nobel prize laureat in literature in Slovakia. And also, tips for cultural events suitable for foreigners living in Slovakia.

In this edition of Slovakia Today, we talked to Roman Čonka, the editor-in-chief of the only Romani print newspaper Romano Nevo Ľil; in the interview with Barbora Botošová, we introduced her 2023 album Roshambo, and in the final interview, we talk to František Balog, the director of a professional Romani theatre Parnokalo from Košice.

Ben Pascoe talks with constitutional expert Radoslav Procházka about the recently vetoed competence law, what it is, why it was vetoed and what is next.

In this show, we will present to you the history of Dunajplavba or Danube River shipping in Slovakia and invite you to exhibition dedicated to it. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Sundays are about our listeners. Martin Bednárik and Patrícia Arpášová discuss the winter and climate issues, read letters from listeners and play some music for your Sunday enjoyment.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Patka discuss the past week, read letters from listeners and play some music for your sunday enjoyment.

Speaking about the fruitful cooperation with Nobel Prize laureat is Vladislava Fekete, the head of the Slovak Theatre Institute. On the occasion of centenary from his death, we commemorate Czech poet Jiri Wolker who spent half a year having been treated for tuberculosis in High Tatras. Culture news inviting to a show of Slovak artist Robert Gabris in Belvedere, Vienna.

Trenčín is set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2026. This will undoubtedly change the city in fundamental ways. To learn more we spoke with deputy mayor Patrik Žák and others about the progress of thse changes. We discussed what has been accomplished so far, what are the challenges, and what is yet to be done.

Eating disorders have long been a problem. After covid, with so much social media it seems they are more prevelant and problematic than ever. Eating disorders are not just the problem of young girls, unfortunately they don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even someone close to us. Ben Pascoe sat down with Veronika Kolejáková a psychologist from Chuť žiť, an organization dedicated to helping anyone suffering from an eating disorder. RE-RUN

The climate crisis is a global issue. Are Slovak cities ready for it? What can the municipalities do to be more sustainable and what difficulties do they face? Does Slovakia have the potential to have as many sustainable cities as possible? Patrícia Arpášová will find it out in this show with Veronika Hagovská (Institute for Circular Economy) and Daniela Piršelová (The Union of Towns and Cities of Slovakia).

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Patka discuss the past week, read letters from listeners and play some music for your sunday enjoyment.

Epiphany marks the end of the festive season. Professor of Ethnology Marta Botiková sheds light on the meaning behind the holiday and folk traditions associated with the day, including the funny paper hats. Orthodox Christmas begins shortly, Ben Pascoe talked to foreigners about their traditions. Wild Slovakia - a documentary by Nigel Marven premiered on RTVS. And a news overview of the first week of 2024 in Slovakia.

In a special new year's eve listener's tribune Ben looks back on the year in music in Slovakia. A special episode celebrating those musicians who left us as well as those who put out some of the best music in 2023.

Getting back to the history of Radio Slovakia International. 4 January 1993 marks the first day of its broadcast. Discussing the beginnings of foreign service of the then Czechoslovak radio with Vladimir Stefko, the 1991-1994 general director of the Slovak Radio, and Vladimir Draxler, a radio historian. We will also get back to Czech Radio as it, in 2023, celebrated the centenary of the first radio broadcast on its territory.

On the first Wednesday of 2024, we bring you a medley of interviews made in 2023 with Erika Godlová, Martina Horňáková, and Zuzana Paľuchová about matters dealing with Romani language as well as a part of the interview with Marcela Domenová about the Cathedral of Saint Nicolas located in Prešov.

In honour of the upcoming Orthodox Christmas, Ben Pascoe talks about holiday traditions with young people from Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia and Russia.

In this Special, we will provide New Year´s Day speeches of the Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová and of Radio Slovakia International head Jozefína Mikleová. We will also talk to political scientist Radoslav Štefančík about the establishment of Slovak Republic, 20 years of Slovak EU membership and the 80th anniversary of Slovak National Uprising. At the end of our show, you can hear the interviews with "Wild Slovakia with Nigel Marven" filmmakers.

In honour of Silvester, or new year's eve, Ben Pascoe takes a look back at musicians who left us in the past year and plays some of the best music from 2023. Lots of good music to start your Silvester celebrations.

In the last Saturday show of 2023, we will have a look on the biggest culture and sports events of the year.

Slovakia 2023 - the biggest events and highlights - politics, society and culture. What was making the headlines? Listen to the overview of the year.

In the year 2023, Radio Slovakia International turned 30. Let's have a party once again.

In the year 2023, Radio Slovakia International turned 30. Let's have a party once again.

Each year, Slovakia grows about 1.3 million tonnes of sugar beets. This bountiful harvest provides the country so much more than just beets. Join us on a tour of the sugar beet's many uses in Slovakia. We will explore how sugar beets provide sustenance for farm animals, how they are turned into pure table sugar, how they become a strong spirit, and how to bake them into a delicious cake.

On 26th December, it is St. Stephen´s Day in Slovakia. In this show, Patrícia Arpášová and Kamila Galjuš will find out more about St. Stephen and if young people from the Generation Z are still interested in so called Štefanské zábavy or Saint Stephen´s Day parties. Slovak hikers from The Club of Slovak hikers Tesla Piešťany will talk about the ascent to Zlatý Vrch, or in English Golden Peak, taking place on St. Stephen´s Day.

Special Christmas program full of music and good cheeer. Jeremy reports from the special Mikulas train. Ben talks to a pastor and a priest. With lots of Slovak Christmas music to make your holidays even more pleasant.

This year, RSI English section team shares their multinational traditions at a Christmas table. All of that spiced up with music from some of the most popular Christmas themed films.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week - and a bit of Slovak Radio Symphonic Orchestra.

Sunday's are about our listeners. Ben and Martin check out smaller Christmas markets, read some letters from listeners, play some music and discuss Slovakia today. RERUN

Wafers are one of the traditional dishes on the Christmas table. Experts at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra have come up with healthy recipe for all those suffering from different kinds of food intolerance. Gary Alven Edwards is the founder of the Red Nose charity training clown doctors also in Slovakia to cheer up the day for children in hospitals.

The Documentary and Information Centre of Romani Culture is a part of the State Scientific Library in Prešov. In their endeavour to bring classic literature closer to Romani audience in Slovakia, they produced a radio show Lysistrata which is originally an ancient greek play by Aristofanes. More about the production and the translation of the play can be found in the interviews with Zuzana Paľuchová and Erika Godlová.

With all the joy and happiness the holidays bring, they can also bring stress and loneliness to many. Ben Pascoe talks with spiritual and psychological experts about how to have a happy holiday and help others have the same.

At the end of November 2023, Eva Sadovská from Wood & Company published an analysis on Slovak's shopping mood in December connected to Christmas. In this show, we will present the results of it. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin check out some smaller christmas markets, read some letters, play some music and discuss what is going on in Slovakia today.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

In this part of the walk around premises of Slovak Television, Martina and Jeremy are not only visiting studios, meeting stars, presenting music by singers whose career started in these particular studiosbut also greeting listeners all around the globe.

In this part of the walk around premises of Slovak Television, Martina and Jeremy are not only visiting studios, meeting stars, presenting music by singers whose career started in these particular studiosbut also greeting listeners all around the globe.

National Folklore Ballet Ensemble aka Lúčnica has just performed its gala at the Slovak National Theatre marking 75 years of its existence. Talking about this phenomenon are its director, choir mastress and two singers. Slovak namedays present some of the most famous Slovak women named Lucia. Culture news invite to one of Christmas concerts of Slovak Philharmonic

The Vietnamese people have been living in the territory of modern day Slovakia for the last seventy years. However, most living here today come from the second wave of migration in the early 1990s. The children of this generation are now adults and have much to say about their parents and growing up as a minority in Slovakia. I spoke with Nguyen Trung Hieu, Lucia Nguyenova, and Trang Pham about their experiences as second generation migrants. As well, I spoke with Kvet Nguyen about this year's designation of the Vietnamese as an official minority in Slovakia.

The holidays are a time of celebration. But not for everyone. Ben Pascoe talks to some owners of "foreigner bars" about how a community is built and also finds out from some of the biggest Slovak cities about their holiday progams.

The analysis from October 2023 showed that Slovakia has the most expensive groceries within V4 countries. At the same time, Slovaks are wasting them. In this show, we will take a look at food wasting, possibilities of sharing or donating it and on sorting organic waste in Slovakia. Patrícia Arpášová talks to Eva Sadovská (analyst from Wood & Company), Zuzana Madajová (project coordinator at Free Food civic association) and Marko Urdzik (Food Bank Slovakia chairman).

In the first part of the walk down the premises of the Slovak Television, Martina and Jeremy get invited to walk around the studios and meet a true TV icon while walking down the corridors.

What was the week like in Slovakia? Overview of the news in the FrontPage magazine and pick of the interesting parts of our programming this week.

In the first part of the walk down the premises of the Slovak Television, Martina and Jeremy look at the iconic 1970's building and get into the entrance hall despite the fact that this section was off limits to their recording.

Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia explains, the idea behind the 2023 leitmotive of the campaign "16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence" which ends on 10 December, i.e. the Human Rights Day. In the Culture news for this week, we will ivite you to the Slovak Radio Gallery.

On Saint Nicolas’ Day we bring you interviews with Michal Hospodár, Marcela Domenová, and Jonathan Gresty about the personality of the saint, the historical connection between him and the city of Prešov as well as the comparison of how the holiday is celebrated in Slovakia and in the United Kingdom.

It is design week in Bratislava. Ben Pascoe talks with designer Boris Melus and Art historian/design week director Lubica Husta about design. What is design, what makes good design as well as if to have design you must be wealthy?

In this show, we will commemorate the 35th anniversary of Slovak climb to Mount Everest by so called Hard Way and without supplemental oxygen. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

In the first part of the walk down the premises of the Slovak Television, Martina and Jeremy look at the iconic 1970's building and get into the entrance hall despite the fact that this section was off limits to their recording.

Saturday pick of the week.

Sunday's are about our listeners. Ben and Martina check on the preperations for the upcoming christmas market and read your letters, discuss the week and of course play some music.

On the occasion of the currently run global campaign 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Sylvia Kralova from Fenestra NGO talks about the need to spread the word. In the Culture news for this week, Eva Kopecka from Slovak literature centre invites to the book fair in Guadalajar, Mexico.

Podcasting, a now two-decade old medium, has only increased in popularity since its inception. However, the story of podcasting is not without its winners and losers or booms and busts, as evidenced by a recent shakeup in the American market. How has Slovakia's emerging market progressed? Is there an appetite or room for a new medium? What is it like to be an independent producer in this nascent market? To answer these questions and more, I spoke with David Tvrdon, host of the Klik podcast and founder of the podcast analytics firm skpodcasty.sk, and Tina Hamarova, host and producer of the Vsesvet and Tak Bolo podcasts.

Slovakia has qualified for the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament! Not just that, but they are going into the tournament looking to make a splash and suprise people. Ben Pascoe talks with former team captain Martin Skrtel and football commentator Martin Kaigl about what has led to this success and what we can look forward to.

In this show, Patrícia Arpášová talks to psychologist Slavomíra Trebuňáková about stress, its symptoms and what can help stressed people. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we will continue with our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Martina and Ben check out the preperations for the upcoming Christmas Market, they discuss what is happening in Slovakia Today, read your letters and of course play some music for you.

Saturday pick of the week.

Saturday pick of the week.

Ben and Patka visit the gallery in the upside down pyramid, read letters from listeners and play some music for you.

Artist Maureen Shea talks about her residency in Slovakia, the homecountry of her grandparents. Late musician Igor Bazlik composed 2000 easy listening songs. Culture news feature Daniel Raiskin, the chief conductor of the Slovak Philharmonic, inviting to their concerts in South Korea.

Interview with Martina Horňáková about Slovak and Romani linguistics and phraseology. Cultural and academic tips for events in middle and eastern Slovakia.

Ben Pascoe sits down with historian Julia Itin to talk about her new book which looks at the tiles found all around Bratislava and what they teach us about the history of Bratislava.

Eastern Slovakia was struck by an earthquake at the beginning of October 2023. In this show, we will talk about earthquakes in the area of Slovakia with seismologist and Professor Peter Moczo as well as with eyewitnesses of the mentioned earthquake in 2023. We will provide travelling news and tips for trips around Slovakia. At the end of our show, we announce the beginning of our Monday bonus feature called TOP SPOT.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Patka visit the Rozhlas gallery, read letters, play music and talk about what is happening in Slovakia today.

Saturday pick of the week.

A phone call linking Bratislava with Prague on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution opens a special program in which Martina, Ben and Martin are discussing not only the change of the communist regime in former Czechoslovakia but also revolutionary events in personal lives of listeners of Radio Slovakia International.

Inviting to the festival of queer films in Bratislava through their feature film "We have never been modern" are director Matej Chlupacek and script writer Miro Sifra. "Slovak namedays" series present some of the most familiar Martins in this country. Culture tips of this week feature Dosky, the critics award for the top theatre production of the last season.

An interview with two foreigners, Richard Swales and James Stevko, about their experiences with Slovak citizenship. Richard, from the UK, acquired citizenship after 17 years of living in Slovakia. James from America is applying for citizenship based on his ancestry.

Ben Pascoe has coffee with Peter Janura, a Canadian diplomat who was born in Slovakia and has returned with his family to spend his sabatical here.

The analysis from October 2023 showed that Slovakia has the most expensive groceries within V4 countries. At the same time, Slovaks are wasting them. In this show, we will take a look at food wasting, possibilities of sharing or donating it and on sorting organic waste in Slovakia. Patrícia Arpášová talks to Eva Sadovská (analyst from Wood & Company), Zuzana Madajová (project coordinator at Free Food civic association) and Marko Urdzik (Food Bank Slovakia chairman).

In this mailbox show, we take you to now iconic places of the Velvet Revolution not only in Bratislava but also in Prague, the capital of 1989 Czechoslovakia. Ben picks out iconic Velvet Revolution tunes.

Saturday pick of the week.

Sunday's are about our listeners. Ben and Patka read letter, discuss what is going on in Slovakia today and play some music. (Rerun)

In the rerun of 2018 tribute to victims of WWI, we get back to Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Cathedral. While in London, RSI captured the launch of "Bloody sonnets", the Slovak anti-war poetry classics by Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav.

In his debut novel "V mene kriza", Marcel Kusnir tackles upon Slovak historical context of the cross as the symbol of Christianity. Translator Erika Godlova and Romani linguist Martina Horňáková explain the uniqueness of Romani language on the occasion of the World Romani Language Day, 5 November.

Ben Pascoe talks with economists Libor Melioris and Juraj Suchta about the state of the Slovak economy and public finances.

The climate crisis is a global issue. Are Slovak cities ready for it? What can the municipalities do to be more sustainable and what difficulties do they face? Does Slovakia have the potential to have as many sustainable cities as possible? Patrícia Arpášová will find it out in this show with Veronika Hagovská (Institute for Circular Economy) and Daniela Piršelová (The Union of Towns and Cities of Slovakia).

Sundays are about our listeners. Patka and Ben discuss the week, read some letters and play some music to help you enjoy your Sunday

On Saturdays we recap the past week and play some of our best stories from the week. This week Martina Šimkovičová Greňová looks at All Saint's Day and Ben Pascoe talks with the newly appointed Canadian Ambassador to Slovakia, Cheryl Cruz.

In this rerun of Sunday's mailbox program, Martina and Martin mark the All Saints/All Souls days by visiting three famous burial places in the Slovak capital to pay tribute to several personalities of Slovak history. Ben plays music by some of musicians burried in Bratislava.

ENLIGHT is a European University alliance of universities from ten European countries, including Slovak Comenius University based in Bratislava. How did Comenius University become a member of the alliance? We will also talk about the course AI for everyone and the future of mobilities.

On the occasion of the state holiday, we light a candle for famous Slovaks at a famous cemetery in Bratislava. We also have a look at environmental friendly, garden cemeteries. And play playful music to balance the mood.

Canada finally has its own embassy in Slovakia. Ben Pascoe talks with newly appointed Canadian Ambassador to Slovakia Cheryl Cruz.

RERUN: John Freedman - American writer and theatre critic will describe his life in Moscow. As an activist he presents an interesting project called Worldwide Play Readings. The question of whether we communicate enough about climate is on the table. Do we know the best way and the right language to talk about it?

In our Sunday walk, Martina and Martin visit three famous cemeteries in Bratislava to pay tribute to several Slovak personalities by lighting a candle on their graves, the tradition of the All Saints Day as well as All Souls Day in Slovakia. Marking the holidays, Ben had a look in the history of Slovak music bringing to the spotlight three themed related songs.

Saturday we look back at the past week, review the biggest stories and replay some of our top stories.

In another Bratislava walk, we take you from the T.Garrigue Masaryk square to the Danube river left bank debating the establishment of the first Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.

Comparing the situation of Polish and Slovak public media after 2023 election is ex-Radio Polonia editor Rafal Kiepuszewski who was working in Radio Slovakia International due to the attitude of outgoing Polish government. As part of this week's culture news, stars and filmmakers talk about their presentation at "Hory a mesto", the international festival of mountain cinematography.

In this rerun, we will delve into sports, but we will not mention any matches, teams or results, we will talk about how can sport help improve our mental health – an issue that has been reflected upon often in the recent post-pandemic times. This was one of the ideas behind the European Team Cup in Bratislava. Sport is also an important part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a programme that helps young people grow and take part in volunteering. Part of it is the Stand by Me project that helps with the integration of Ukrainian children who found their temporary home in Slovakia. What is Martin Kojda’s experience?

The recent Polish elections were closely followed all across the EU. Ben Pascoe and Martina Simkovicova speak with experts Milan Nic and Rafal Kiepuszewski about what the election results mean for Poland, Slovakia, the V4 and the EU.

More than half of the world's coffee-growing land will be lost to the climate crisis by 2100. This will happen even if international climate targets are met. The latest report from the British charity Christian Aid shows. Many people will lose their livelihoods as a result. How can we help farmers?

Sunday's are about our listeners. Ben and Martina discuss the week, read letters and play some music for you.

Saturday pick of the week.

In this edition of the Listeners Tribune programme, Ben Pascoe says goodbye to Marianna Palkova while discussing listeners' feedback in a Bratislava pub.

Speaking about the largest collection of the Slovak contemporary art in the USA is its founder Lee Karpiscak. Tips for cultural events for English speakers living in Slovakia.

In this rerun of a show from January 2023, people born in the USA try to reconnect with their Slovak heritage.

Ben Pascoe talks with social anthropologist Juraj Buzalka about the election results and how history affects Slovakia today.

Today, 16 October, we celebrate International Food Day. This day has been celebrated for 42 years and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). How to tackle food waste? Find out in the first part of today's session, thanks to Zuzana Madajova from the Free Food Association. The furniture bank in Trnava helps to integrate homeless people. At the same time, it provides low-income groups with basic living needs. It helps single mothers, large families with children, senior citizens or people with disabilities. Darina Kukulová Kvetanová will explain more.

Sunday is about our listeners. Ben and Marianna discuss the week, read letters and play some music.

In this rerun of the mailbox program, Martina and Martin take Patricia, the newcomer in the team, for a walk around the iconic building of the Slovak Radio. What can she see in her office? Chapters on Slovak music bring songs related to mail, letters and postcards.

In this rerun of the mailbox program, Martina and Martin take Patricia, the newcomer in the team, for a walk around the iconic building of the Slovak Radio. What can she see in her office? Chapters on Slovak music bring songs related to mail, letters and postcards.

Presenting the sound of work of a Slovak bellfounder who has been commisisoned also in abroad. Commemorating 1 year since the first ever terrorist attack in Slovakia leaving dead two members of the LGBTQI+ community, we get back to the interview with poet Michal Tallo. 12 October is the Day of samizdat.

Zuzana Botiková exploring the history of a Czechoslovak enterprise in Southern Rodesia with Brian Jakubec.

Ben Pascoe sits down with Slovak Author Juraj Mesik to discuss his book "2023, the Year the Russian Empire Died". Among other things they discuss Slovakia's long and complicated history with Russia.

On 12 October 2022, a terrorist attack happened in the centre of Bratislava. Matúš and Juraj, who belonged to the LGBTI+ community, died in front of the Teplaren bar.We will commemorate the mass protest a year ago. Employers in Slovakia are supportive of diversity in the workplace. However, the least accepted are those who belong to the LGBTI+ community. Anna Podlesna from profesia.sk, will present the detailed results of the survey.

Martina, Martin and Patricia, the new addition to the team, look at the RSI English service from outside as well as from the inside of the upside-down pyramid building of Slovak Radio in Bratislava. Postcards, letters and snail mail are mirrored also in the "Chapters on Slovak music" segment.

Saturday pick of the week: General Election 2023

In this show, we will delve into sports, but we will not mention any matches, teams or results, we will talk about how can sport help improve our mental health – an issue that has been reflected upon often in the recent post-pandemic times. This was one of the ideas behind the European Team Cup in Bratislava. Sport is also an important part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, a programme that helps young people grow and take part in volunteering. Part of it is the Stand by Me project that helps with the integration of Ukrainian children who found their temporary home in Slovakia. What is Martin Kojda’s experience?

Invitation to BIB, the Biennale of Illustration Bratislava, the international festival of illustrations of books for children. The tradition of bell making in Slovakia was mapped by expert campanologist Juraj Spiritza. Add some of the tips for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia in the latest culture news.

Zuzana Botiková spoke to Deah Partak and her husband James Meyer, who are making a documentary movie about a story from the unknown Slovak history. The greater majority of 750.000 Slovaks who emigrated to the USA from 1870 to 1920 stayed in North America with many longing to “re-create Slovakia” in the New World. The only settlement, however, bearing the name of the old country in America is Slovak in Arkansas.

Ben Pascoe talks with commentators and experts about the results of Saturday’s election.

Slovakia held parliamentary elections on Saturday 30 September. We take a look at the results and the latest reactions from politicians.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin discuss the past week, read letters from listeners and play some new music for you.

We recap the week and replay some of our top stories from the past week.

RERUN: Shortly ahead of the early general election, Martina takes Siavash for a bus ride to the building of the Slovak Parliament located on the Bratislava castle hill.

Julia Sherwood was awarded the 2023 Culture Minister Award for her efforts in promoting Slovak literature abroad through English translations. We get back to 2018 interview with her speaking about the reasons behind her endeavour. Inviting to Bratislava Music Festival in the year 2023 is Marian Turner, the general director of the Slovak Philharmonic, whose Choir was also awarded the Culture Minister Award for the year 2023.

We listen to a review of the Slovak restaurant scene, what it means to expats and beyond. Listen as we talk to some industry professionals and locals to hear what they think of the vas world of restaurants in Slovakia!

Ben Pascoe continues his series of interviews to help you understand who is who and what the main issues are. Today our guests are Milan Nic, Jakub Goda, Samuel Abraham as well as representatives of the main polling agencies in Slovakia.

Health Behaviour in School-aged Children is a study carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization in 51 countries. Its aim is to monitor the health of schoolchildren in their social context. More in the first part of today's session. The general election is just around the corner and in the final part of today's session we'll tell you more about what it looks like at the polling station.

Listeners Tribune

Saturday pick of the week

Sunday's are about our listeners. Ben and Marianna discuss the week, read letters and play some thematic music. RERUN

The story of Mária Prechovská, the only Slovak actress of 20th century who studied acting at prestigious Max Reinhardt Seminar, is retold by historian Karol Misovic. Invitation to Amplion/Amplifier festival of street art is a part of this week's Culture news for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of gastronomy with a focus on restaurants to see what people eat, where they sit down and why they go out to spend their hard earned money on outside food.

Ben Pascoe continues his coverage of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Jakub Goda, Milan Nic and Samuel Abraham discuss the main issues of the election and politics in Slovakia today.

The interest in holidays in Slovakia is growing. The summer was proof of this. There was a revival of urban tourism and an increased interest in natural beauties, cultural monuments, spas and aquaparks. More in the first part of today's session. In the fourth part of our pre-election cycle, Branislav Grman asked Eva Chmelová, Director of the Department for Elections, Referendums and Political Parties at the Ministry of the Interior, about the electoral system in Slovakia.

Sunday is about our listeners. Marianna and Ben visit a new location in Bratislava, read letters from listeners, play some music and discuss Slovakia today.

Saturday picks of the week.

As September 15 is a state holiday in Slovakia dedicated to its Patron Saint, we discuss why the tradition of worshipping Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is deeply rooted in this country with priest Branislav Čaniga. Artist Jana Zaujecová will explain the symbols she put into the vestment she created for Pope Francis when he was celebrating the Holly Mass in Šaštín-Stráže in 2021. A special Chapters on Slovak Music have also been inspired by the holiday.

Ben Pascoe examines the latest research on Holocaust and the state of antisemitism in Slovakia. In the 3rd part of RSI series dedicated to general election 2023, Braňo Grman discusses the role the Statistical Office with its spokesperson Jana Morhacova.

In this episode Sia dives into the world of cafes in Slovakia and what makes them so special. Listen to him share a bit of history with you, as well as interviewing some local cafe runners and cafe goers to see what their perspective is on this big littel world!

The elections are coming. To get you ready and give some context to the elections Ben Pascoe talked with experts Milan Nic, Jakub Goda and Samuel Abraham.

Are plastics just waste or can they help us transform industry into a greener one? Professor Reinhold W. Lang is an expert in the field of mechanics, fracture and fatigue of plastics. He came to Slovakia to give a lecture on plastics and solutions for managing industrial transformation. RSI has launched a series focused on general information about general elections that will be held in Slovakia 30 September, 2023. The elections will be supervised by the State Commission for Elections and Control of Political Party Financing. Is it an independent body and what are its powers? Our colleague Branislav Grman asked the chairman of the commission, Ladislav Orosz.

Listeners Tribune: Martina and Marianna celebrate their namedays = 7 and 9 September

Tune in as we go through a recap of last week's news. You will hear interviews from Ben Pascoe with Symon Kliman the Partizan Photographer as well as Sia with Oscar Brophy, a local business owner in Bratislava.

Re-Run: Ben and Sia recap the past week, read some letters and talk about what's happening in Slovakia and play some Slovak music for you.

RSI has launched a series focused on general information about general elections that will be held in Slovakia 30 September, 2023. In the first part, Braňo Grman explains who has the right to vote in this type of elections. On 7 September, a bilingual book of poetry by a Slovak ex-pat is being launched in Bratislava. On this occasion, lets hear about late poet Olga Urminska from her husband Vlado Rosenfeld once again. In the Culture news at the end of the show, get ready for some tips for English speakers living in or visiting Slovakia.

Bratislava is known for it's wild nightlife and foreigners and bar owners know that very well. Listen to Sia dive deep into the history of the bar culture in Slovakia and interview some local bar owners and foreigners to hear about their stories and what the scene means to them.

Eating disorders have long been a problem. After covid, with so much social media it seems they are more prevelant and problematic than ever. Eating disorders are not just the problem of young girls, unfortunately they don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even someone close to us. Ben Pascoe sat down with Veronika Kolejáková a psychologist from Chuť žiť, an organization dedicated to helping anyone suffering from an eating disorder.

Why are online challenges attractive to young people? Psychologists from the IPčko.sk portal have found that communicating with adults about the dangers of the Internet is very helpful for teenagers. According to the results of their survey, the majority of young people (71.5 percent) who are invited to take part in an online challenge will do so.

Sunday is about our listeners. Sia and Ben visit a new location in Bratislava, read letters from listeners, play some music and discuss Slovakia today.

Saturdays we look back at the past week.

Since today is a bank holiday in Slovakia, there was no news bulletin at the beginning of the show. In today's programme we will commemorate the Constitution Day of the Slovak Republic.

In this rerun of a part of the ENCORE! series dedicated to 95 years of radio broadcasting in Slovakia, you can also learn about the importance of free radio broadcasting during the Slovak National Uprising. The Slovak State with President and priest Jozef Tiso was established on 14th March 1939 becoming a Nazi Germany ally. This act resulted into splitting what was then a Czechoslovak company, Radiojournal, into two institutions. Broadcasting of Slovak Radio also experienced an inner split in the attitude to the newly appointed regime. Clear propaganda and sophisticated rebellion are the key words

The price of living in Bratislava has exponentially increased during the past few years. These changes have made an impact on the lives of foreigners, particularly ones who have chosen Slovakia for affordability among other things. He will share some insight on recent price changes as well as interviewing a few local foreigners with different financial backgrounds, to understand how exactly their lives have changed, if at all.

Two generals played the key role in the Slovak resistance movement operation which started 29 August 1944. Introducing General Rudolf Viest and General Jan Golian and explaining their position is Martin Posch from the Department of history of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Sharing his memories of the two generals is 98-years old Branislav Tvarozek who was a member of the University Guard Unit that was accompanying them almost until the dying day.

On 11 and 12 August, the multi-genre festival GRAPE took place at Trenčín airport. Almost 29 thousand visitors came to this event. Since this is the 13th edition of the festival, an entire generation has grown up with it. GRAPE is mainly aimed at young visitors, so what is typical for the so-called GRAPE generation.

Sundays are about our listeners. Ben and Martin visit another hidden treasure of Bratislava and read letters from listeners, discuss the week and play some music for you.

Saturday picks of the week.

The 25th World Scout Jamboree took place in South Korea on the first two weeks of August. A Jamboree is an event that connects the scouts from all over the world – more tha 40,000 of them attended this year. Among them were around 60 Slovak scouts that represented our country. Martin Bednárik talked to them on a cosy summer morning about their thoughts on South Korean culture and food, importance of scouting in their lives but also the weather they had to deal with.

Getting the image of the late Vašo Patejdl, a Slovak pop music icon, from the archives of Slovak Radio. Introducing music of his teacher at the Academy of Performing Arts, Alexander Moyzes. Culture news inviting also to Mela festival in Pezinok.

Sia talks about the hisotyr of Slovak Castles and tries to understand what purpouse they served in the past and that which they serve today. He also speaks to Martin Sarossy to understand what it takes to reconstruct these structures.

Ben Pascoe talks to Canadian Don Kostka about his experiences in Slovakia travelling to the border with Ukraine at the start of the war.

On 21st August, Slovaks remember the day when the armies of former eastern bloc countries led by the Soviet Union entered the former Czechoslovakia in order to protect the country against the tendencies of the capitalist west. Soviet leaders aimed to halt the process of liberalization of a socialist country by using armed forces. Let us rerun the feature on the role of the public radio in the 1968 events recorded in 2018. And a brief history of the events of August 1968.

Sundays are about our listeners. Martina and Ben visit Safarikova square and discuss the 55th anniversary of the invasion of Czechoslovakia. They also read letters from listeners and play some Slovak music.

On Saturday's we recap the week's biggest news stories as well as some of the best from the past week's Slovakia Today.

RERUN: Listeners Tribune.

After the invasion of Warsaw pact troops to former Czechoslovakia in 1968, many Slovaks decided to leave their homeland. Sharing his experience of a migrant is Vladimir Rosenfeld who is currently living in Hawaii. Slovak radio as part of the Czechoslovak radio broadcasting experienced the halt to media freedom in 1968. Sharing the 4 pillars of public service in Sweden is the CEO of Swedish radio Cilla Benko who visited Slovakia in 2023. In the Culture news, get ready for an invitation to World Music Festival Bratislava.

RERUN: Rozhina Rajablou is a high school student from Iran, who came to Slovakia to find the freedom to do things that the regime in her home country does not allow women to do. For example, to sing and perform in public. In the interview with Zuzana Botikova she describes her life in Bratislava, her perception of differences and her relationship to music. The Starmus Science Festival will come to Slovakia next year, and bring along many well-known names from the world of science and culture, such as Sir Brian May or Dr Jane Goodall. The festival was announced in Bratislava by Nobel Prize laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier and AI expert and software company director Richard Marko.

Recently a new kind of community center opened in a once hidden garden near Bratislava's Horsky Park. Ben Pascoe talks with the organizers of Prugerka and Pruger Garden.

Community gardens are becoming more common in large cities. How do they work? More on today's show. And stay tuned for the next round of tips for your trips around Slovakia.

Sunday is about you, our listeners. Ben and Marianna check out art in Bratislava and read letters from listeners.

Saturday Pick of the Week: Baruch Myers on Chatam Sofer, Dr Karol Hornacek on balneotherapy and visitors at Tate Modern on Maria Bartuszova

RE-RUN: 30 years of Slovak sport. Former Deputy Minister for Education explains what it needs to improve. Drug addiction for young people and residual alcohol after festivals are challenges related to the use of addictive substances.

In July 2023, internationally praised Tate Modern display of Maria Bartuszova artworks moved to The Museum der Moderne Salzburg. On this occasion, RSI gets back to the interviews with gallerist Alison Jaques and the curator of the show in Tate Modern, Juliet Bingham. Zuzana is the name that can be found in Slovak calendars on 11 August. On this occasion, we once again present to you some of the mostly recognised women named Zuzana.

In the first part of the show, we are going to look back at the story about one of the most iconic buildings in Bratislava – YMCA building. We are going to discuss the history of this architectural landmark as well as its impact on the life of Bratislava citizens at the beginning of 20th century. In the second part of today’s programming, we are going to discuss the concept of “degrowth” with environmental economist Tadeáš Ždárský.

Ben Pascoe visits the memorial of Bratislava's most famous rabbi and also talks with Bratislava's current rabbi about who Chatam Sofer was and why he is so important in both Bratislava and Jewish history.

Immerse yourself in a pool of warm mineral water while gazing at the surrounding nature. Who wouldn't love a spa? The healing effects of bathing in mineral water were described in ancient times, and today the method of treating diseases by bathing is called balneotherapy. Listen to the interview prepared by our colleague Romana Grajcarová with doctor Karol Hornáček. Last week we introduced you to the GRAPE festival. We focused mainly on its architecture. This week we're going to take a look at the musical genres that are typical for the event.

Sunday is about our listeners. Ben and Marianna visit a new location in Bratislava, read letters from listeners, announce the winner of the competition and play some thematic music.

Saturdays we look back at the past week.

RERUN: Listeners Tribune.

RERUN: On the occasion of the Roma Holocaust Day (2 August in Slovakia), RSI comes with the rerun of the show dedicated to Holocaust Remembrance Day (9 September in Slovakia) special dedicated to Slovak composer of Jewish origin Karol Elbert, a Holocaust survivor.

Today, we'll go exotic on our way across the places on the map of Slovakia that sound very international. We introduce you to a village called Havaj in eastern Slovakia. The 59th year of the Slovak language and culture summer school Studia Academica Slovaca has begun. Listen to a rerun of last year's event from Comenius University.

Ben Pascoe talks with media regulator and one of the authors of the EU's new digital services act, Lubos Kuklis.

One of Slovakia's biggest festivals has become the first music event to be nominated for the prestigious architecture award. How to create a visually attractive space for a music show? The organisers of the GRAPE festival tell us in the first part of today's session. On 11 August, the Trencin airport will return to the sound of music. World stars such as the British band The FOALS or pop punk artist YUNGBLUD will take the stage.

Listeners tribune. Musical crossroads.

On Saturday's we recap the week's biggest news stories as well as some of the best from the past week's Slovakia Today.

Reparation of the Krásna Hôrka castle damaged by fire in 2012 was delayed. Winners of Slovak Basketball player of the year award announced. 30 years passed since Bratislava airport bears the name of Milan Rastislav Štefánik.

RERUN: Following the news bulletin we will continue in the series about the rose breeder Rudolf Geschwind. In the 5th part, we trace the mystery of the now world famous rose breeder's lost diaries. Are they in Slovakia?

Elena Seeber spoke with sociologist Michal Vašečka. They talked about what influences voters' decisions. What is the state of democracy in Slovakia?

Ben Pascoe sits down with Nela Sevcikova and goes deep into Slovak caves.

Ground squirrels live in numerous colonies in Slovakia. They are most widespread around the Bratislava airport. However, their numbers have been declining rapidly over the years. Gophers are now considered to be an endangered species. Zoologists have to set up rescue operations. The mown grass areas near the commercial buildings provide a good habitat for these animals. An estimated 700-900 ground squirrels live in one area near Bratislava Airport. This is the site where construction is to take place in winter. New tips for your trips around Slovakia also in today's show

In the Sunday Listener's Tribune, Martina Šimkovičová, Marianna Palková and Siavash Motlagh went to the park on Račianske mýto. They learnt about the history of the place and Sia found out more about name days in Slovakia thanks to musicians from the region.

On Saturdays we recap the week’s biggest news stories as well as some of the best from the past week’s Slovakia Today.

RERUN: Listeners Tribune.

Due to the fire in Banska Stiavnica, V4 Culture Ministers talked in Bratislava of help in securing UNESCO heritage sites after unexpected events. Talking about 2023 Pohoda are random visitors from Australia, Canada and Switzerland.

From 1870 to 1920, some 750,000 Slovaks travelled across the ocean arriving in the United States, determined to find better life in this promised land. They worked, saved money, and hoped to return back to the so-called “Old country”. About one third of them eventually did, but the greater majority stayed in North America with many longing to “re-create Slovakia” in the New World. The only settlement, however, bearing the name of the old country in America is Slovak in Arkansas. Zuzana Botiková spoke to Deah Partak and her husband James Meyer, who are making a documentary movie about this unknown Slovak history.

Ben Pascoe sits down with Kevin Slavin who came to Bratislava when it was still a part of Czechoslovakia to discuss what it was like here 30 years ago and what has changed over that time.

What are Slovakia's greatest sporting achievements in the last 30 years? What has changed since the establishment of the independent republic? Find out in the first part of today's session, thanks to our competition: Slovakia 30! You can still win interesting prizes. New tips for your trips around Slovakia.

Martina Šimkovičová and Martin Bednárik cool down in the water of the Fountain of Friendship in Bratislava that was re-opened to the public after 16 years.

A recap of the week's news and some of the stories we covered

30 years of Slovak sport. Former Deputy Minister for Education explains what it needs to improve. Drug addiction for young people and residual alcohol after festivals are challenges related to the use of addictive substances.

Talking to Zea and Júlia Kozáková about Roma touch to their music. Bits from press conferences thrown by Suzanne Vega and Caroline Polachek. Nina Kohout on her year in her music. And a lot of foreigners visiting the largest multigenre festival in Slovakia.

Last week of May 2023 brought lectures, exhibitions and films on architecture to the renovated Slovak National Gallery. Photographer Matej Hakár was commisioned to make the official photographs of the newly opened premises of the Gallery. Architect Jo Tailleu and photographer Filip Dujardin from Belgium were among the speakers at the festival and also visited the Slovak Radio building, sharing their thoughts about Slovak architecture. In the second part of the show, we will look into our archives and visit Slovak Korea, a wetland.

Ben Pascoe talk with Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipsic about the recent verdict in the Kuciak/Kusnirova murder trial. ReRun

July 5th is, in addition to the holiday of St. Cyril and Methodius, the official Day of Slovaks Abroad. This day has been celebrated for 30 years since the establishment of the Slovak Republic. Every year, Slovaks from different parts of the world meet here to reunite in Slovakia after a long time. The event is organised by the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad.

Listeners Tribune. POHODA festival 2023.

Saturday Front page. RERUN of the show from 6th July. Report from the first ever European Writers Festival in London presents star story tellers including Slovak novelist Monika Kompanikova. The festival of animated films Fest Anča became the first ever Slovak event with the status of Academy Awards Qualifying festival. Culture news include the invitation to the largest multigenre festival in Slovakia.

RERUN: Listeners Tribune.

Report from the first ever European Writers Festival in London presents star story tellers including Slovak novelist Monika Kompanikova. Meeting of Culture Ministers of V4 group including Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia launched calls for owner of buildings affected by the fire in Banska Stiavnica. Culture news include the invitation to the largest multigenre festival in Slovakia.

Slovak countrymen have been officially marking the Day of Slovaks Living Abroad on Sts Cyril and Methodius Day since 1993. Sts Cyril and Methodius, also known as the patrons of Europe, play an important part in the old Slavic culture. In 863, they began the task of translating the Bible into the language now known as Old Church Slavonic and travelled to Great Moravia to promote it. Nonetheless, these Apostles to the Slavs have quite a few churches dedicated to them also in the United States and Canada. On the special show we will also talk about the new cooperation between the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library with Slovak institutions.

Ben Pascoe talks with some local stand-up comics who are performing around Slovakia in English. ReRun

Since 2004, International Danube Day has been celebrated annually on 29 June. The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and the European Union both support the initiative. The countries through which the river flows have joined together to promote the importance of water. What does the word independence mean today? Elene Seeber discussed this topic with Gautam A. Rana, Ambassador of the United States to Slovakia. And listen to the new round of tips for trips around Slovakia.

Sunday is about our listeners.

A digest of some of the stories aired on RSI over the past week.

Boris Vlha will not continue working in his sister’s team. The construction of last two stretches of the D1 motorway delayed again. CERN Director for International Relations Charlotte Lindberg Warakaulle visited Slovakia.

Author Ivana Komanicka explains her intention to re-contextualise author Jane Austen in Slovak literary scene. Explaining the reason behind gathering top European storytellers at the first ever European Writers Festival at British Library in London is the curator of this event Rosie Goldsmith. Culture news with the invitation to a 79km long festival.

Slovak schools go on summer holiday: an insight into their long-standing problems. Open Society Foundation launches together with other NGOs a new campain reaching young people.

Ben Pascoe talks Slovak literature with author and translator Michal Hvorecký and book expert Dado Nagy. They give some recommendations about some of the best Slovak books that can be read in English.

More than half of the world's land suitable for growing coffee will be lost by 2100 as a result of climate change. This will happen even if internationally set climate targets are implemented. This is according to the latest report by the charity Christian Aid. Many people are losing their livelihoods as a result. How can we help farmers? Find out in today's session. You can also look forward to new tips for your trips around Slovakia.

Sunday is about our listeners. Ben and Martin read letters and recap the week

A recap of the week's news and some of the stories we covered

RERUN: Listeners Tribune. World Picnic Day.

EBU Director General Noel Curran talking to Elena Seeber at the event entitled "News Exchange". In the rerun of the segment presenting the fact that in Slovakia every day has its name in the calendar, we present some of popular Jáns as well as some traditions linked to the day. Culture news will include also information on international success of a Slovak animated film and a puppet theatre show.

Dancing queen. Child dancers having fun or beeing a part of the commercial dancing.

Ben Pascoe visited the World Refugee Day celebrations in Bratislava and found why it is important to honour this community.

More than half of the world's land suitable for growing coffee will be lost by 2100 as a result of climate change. This will happen even if internationally set climate targets are implemented. This is according to the latest report by the charity Christian Aid. Many people are losing their livelihoods as a result. How can we help farmers? Find out in today's session. You can also look forward to new tips for your trips around Slovakia.

Sunday Listener's Tribune.

A recap of the week's news and some of our most interesting reports

Domica cave flooded. Young Slovaks lacking knowledge about work in agriculture. Plans to extend Cyril-Methodius pilgrimage in Nitra region.

For the first time, a book of poems by Slovak born artist Olga Urminska who was living in Hawaii has just been released in Slovakia. Her husband Vladimir Rosenfeld reveals why it took so long. In the culture news, we also invite you to French city of Annecy where 4 Slovak films are screened as part of the prestigious festival of animated films.

The Festival Istropolitana Project welcomed in Bratislava emerging art professionals - what are today´s trends, Italian jury member Armando Rotondi explains.

Ben Pascoe commemorates the upcoming World Refugee Day by speaking with representatives of UNHRC, the Slovak Humanitarian Council and the Milan Simecka Foundation.

The state of tourism in Slovakia has faced many challenges in recent years. Has the hotel and catering industry overcome the pandemic? What do the heads of the Slovak Association of Hotels and Restaurants and the Slovak Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators expect from the current summer season? This Monday we bring you also the first round of summer tips for your travels around Slovakia.

Sunday is dedicated to our listeners. Ben and Martin discuss the week and read letters from listeners, and of course play some music.

Saturday Front Page. Looking back - Globsec - international security conference of great inmportance. Reporters without borders, press freedom in Slovakia. Rembering the writer Ján Vilikovský. Michal Brichta the director of the Slovak Space Office about future plans of the agency.

RERUN: Listeners Tribune.

Remembering Ján Vilikovský, significant translator, theorist of translatology, scholar in literature and diplomat, who passed away aged 85. In a rerun of a discussion with author, poet and Slovak Academy of Sciences researcher Ivana Komanická, we get back to her method of writing/translating her own poetry. Culture news bring new tips for English speakers visiting or living in Slovakia.

Looking back at GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum.

Michal Brichta, Director of the Slovak Space Office talks with Ben Pascoe about space economy and space ecosystems and what Slovakia is doing to be part of this next frontier.

Slovakia scored 83 out of 100 points for press freedom. Organisation Reporters Without Borders uses a new method based on five main categories: political environment, legal framework, economic conditions, social and cultural context, and security. Slovakia achieved the best result in the social and cultural context, ranking 10th out of 180 countries. Our colleague Soňa Otajovičová from Rádio Slovensko spoke with the head of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire. Is there enough protection for journalists? Dutch experts have developed a model that has improved media safety in their country. How does long-time Dutch journalist Peter ter Velde see it?

Zuzana Botikova and Mojmir Prochazka discuss the past week, take letters from listeners and introduce the new round of the competition.

Saturday is the time to review that past week's news and stories.

RERUN - Klara Sevcik Bernatova from the Vagus civic association shared her perspective and experience from working with homeless people in Bratislava. Iveta Radicova, the former Slovak PM, shares her toughts on Slovakia's journey since its establishment 30 years ago.

Radio Slovakia International's Elena Seeber talks to Mikchail Kchodorkovsky in Bratislava. Culture news inform about festivals held over the upcoming weekend, including the Open parks and gardens weekend with access to venues all around Slovakia. Paying tribute to kids, we rerun a talk of two teenagers, Anna&Anna, discussing their favourite part of the year - summer holiday.

War veteran Ailsa Doman, died on 22 May at the age of 95. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. for her services to the veterans of World War II and her personal contribution to the formation of bilateral relations between Slovakia and the United Kingdom. Another Slovak-UK connection to the WW2 is Operation Athropoid, which took place at the end of May, in 1942.

Ben Pascoe talks with Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipsic about the recent verdict in the Kuciak murder trial as well as about paragraph 363 and justice in Slovakia today.

The furniture bank in Trnava helps to integrate homeless people. At the same time, it provides low-income groups with basic living needs. It helps single mothers, large families with children, senior citizens or people with disabilities. Darina Kukulová Kvetanová will explain more about the project. People with schizophrenia can live normal lives. How can we help them and what are the myths about this illness in society? Karol Vlasák - Director of the Samárium Social Service Home and Rehabilitation Centre will answer these questions.