Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Can theatre be a place where diagnoses fade into the background, giving way to talent, creativity and the joy of performance? In this programme, we'll introduce Divadlo Dúhadlo, a unique theatre company whose actors have Down syndrome. We'll explore how their productions come to life, what theatre means to the performers themselves, and how their work is helping to change public perceptions of peo...

What if the most valuable thing science can teach us isn't a formula or a discovery - but a way of thinking? In this feature, young Slovak researcher Anna Podmanická reflects on curiosity, failure and perseverance, revealing how scientific thinking can shape not only research, but everyday life.

Ben Pascoe visited this years Duhovy, or Rainbow pride in Bratislava. He talked with organizers, volunteers, and attendees, including ambassadors there to show their support.

In the second episode of our summer series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava, Bratislava tour guides Ľubomíra Černáková and Katarína Blšták Čatlošová introduce three more extraordinary women whose lives were closely connected with the Slovak capital. We meet Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, the last owner of the Rusovce Manor House, pioneering photographer and anti-fascist...

To mark the centenary of radio broadcasting in what is now Slovakia, Roman Bomboš spoke to leading figures of Slovak music radio, collecting their memories of the festival as we commemorate 60 years since the birth of Bratislavská lýra.

This Saturday show once again brings you an overview of this week´s news from Slovakia and also pices of Jeremy Hill´s Wednesday feature and Patrícia Polakovičová´s Thursday one. Their magazines brought you closer to Trenčín´s immersive exhibition Audioswarm and to the Nota Bene magazine.

Summer Reading with RSI is a series spotlighting Slovak literature in translation. Published in 2026, The Book of Bratislava brings together ten stories by contemporary Slovak writers—five women and five men—representing different generations and literary styles. Today's episode features "The Last Days of Stoka" by Lucia Piussi, translated by Janet Livingstone. Also this summer, as Pohoda—the long...

For 25 years, the street magazine Notabene has been helping people experiencing homelessness and those in difficult life situations in Slovakia regain independence and dignity. In this programme, we explore the story behind the magazine with Nina Beňová, director of the organisation Proti Prúdu, and Peter Kováč, social worker and distribution coordinator of the magazine. They talk about the realit...

In this episode, we explore two distinctive cultural events that are helping shape Trenčín’s year as a European Capital of Culture. First, we step inside the Formaat Gallery to experience the world from a completely different perspective — through the eyes and ears of an insect. Audioswarm, created by sound artist John Grzinich, transforms participants into a moving swarm, guiding them through Tre...

Ben Pascoe talks with musicologist, musical journalist, musician and music lover Oliver Rehak to give you an intro to Slovak music today.

On July 21, we mark 146 years since the birth of Milan Rastislav Štefánik — a remarkable astronomer, aviator, military leader, and diplomat who played a crucial role in the founding of Czechoslovakia. Born in 1880, Štefánik lived a life that bridged science and statecraft, sky and soil, ambition and sacrifice. Today, we speak with renowned Slovak historian Michal Kšiňan, author of the first scient...

Tune in and enjoy another edition of our Window to the World series. And, as always, we also devote this Sunday to letters from our listeners.

A look back at the past week in and on Slovakia Today.

As Pohoda celebrates its 30th edition, Slovakia’s largest summer multi-genre festival finds itself at the centre of debates about its political and socially engaged identity. For more than 25 years, it has combined music with public debate and contemporary art, reflecting the issues shaping society. From Václav Havel’s landmark visit in 2008, which reinforced Joan Baez’s decision to perform, to th...

Step back in time as we explore the rich history of Bratislava’s Coronation Days. Learn about the traditions behind the coronation of Hungarian monarchs, discover how these spectacular ceremonies are recreated today, and hear from historians and organizers who bring this remarkable chapter of Slovak history to life. Artificial intelligence is transforming the labour market at an unprecedented pace...

What do a bakery and a textile laboratory have in common? More than it might seem. In this programme, we explore two places where experience, precision and innovation play a crucial role – from the production of bread and pastries in Bratislava to advanced textile research in Žilina.

Former Slovak living abroad, current Slovak citizen, Gregory Fabian sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the state of Slovakia today. How Mr. Fabian came to be here, what it was like in Meciar times, how learning Slovak is going as well as the changes that have happened over the years he has been here.

Economist and historian Andrej Svorenčík of the University of Mannheim once pointed out that in Bratislava, for every street named after a woman, there are roughly twenty-five named after men. The new summer monthly series HerStories from the Capital: Remarkable Women of Bratislava explores the lives of women whose names are far less visible on the city's streets despite their remarkable contribut...

Sunday with RSI. Music, greetings from listeners and good vibes.

Pohoda, Slovakia’s largest multi-genre festival, reached new heights in 2025, with director Mišo Kaščák calling it the best edition yet. Iggy Pop delivered an unforgettable show, while Africa Express took the stage not only in solidarity with their fellow musicians from Massive Attack—who couldn’t attend this year—but also as a gesture of deep respect for the audience. The legendary Queens of the...

Summer Reading with RSI is a new series featuring Slovak literature in translation. This summer, we're bringing you stories from The Book of Bratislava, an anthology of contemporary Slovak fiction published by Comma Press, a not-for-profit publisher based in the UK. Every other Friday, you'll hear an excerpt from a different story in the collection. We will also talk to representatives of Slovak j...

Slovakia is considering a potential ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, citing concerns about mental health and online safety. The proposal has sparked debate about whether stricter regulation can truly protect young people in the digital age or whether education and smarter platform rules would be more effective than prohibition. In this programme, we explore the risks child...

In this episode, we reflect on the opening ceremony of Trenčín's European Capital of Culture year and explore its impact on the city with a team of independent researchers. We also speak with Stanislav Krajči, CEO of Trenčín 2026, about how the programme has unfolded so far and what exciting performances, exhibitions, and events are still to come in the second half of the year. Finally, we visit o...

Ben Pascoe talks with security expert Brano Tichy about how to prepare your own 72 survival kit in Slovakia today as well as gets some helpful hints on how to best enjoy summer festivals.

A tribute to Slovakia’s golden voice — in life, in legend, and now on the big screen. As excitement builds around the new film about Karol Duchoň, we bring you the story of one of Slovakia’s most beloved singers — a powerful voice and gentle soul who touched generations. Through rare archival recordings, new film interviews, and heartfelt memories from those who knew him best, this special traces...