Baklava & Banter Podcast Show

Send us Fan Mail  This week on Baklava and Banter, we sit down with actor Dikran Tulaine, who plays the compelling Captain Zeke Levy in Once A Week For Life — now streaming! The film is written and directed by George Zouvelos. Dikran brings a wealth of experience to the role — from his roots as a classically trained Shakespearean actor to a string of standout appearances on some of television&apos...

Send us Fan Mail   Step into the world of crime, consequence, and complex characters in this episode of Baklava and Banter, as we sit down with actress Diana Durango, who brings the character Eve to life in Once A Week For Life. But this conversation goes far beyond the role. We dive into Diana’s childhood, the early moments that shaped her path, and the inspirations that pushed her toward acting...

Send us Fan Mail  Maria Cominis joins Baklava & Banter for a conversation that quickly turns into something far beyond an interview. From the start, it’s clear this isn’t your typical sit-down. We asked questions… she answered… and somehow we ended up enrolling ourselves in her class. Maria Cominis — a first-generation Greek American actress, writer, director, and professor — has appeared in h...

Send us Fan Mail Crime. Chaos. Bad decisions. And somehow… still funny. On this episode of Baklava & Banter, we sit down with writer, filmmaker and actor George Zouvelos to talk about his new NYC crime thriller Once A Week For Life . The film follows NYPD Lieutenant Adam Galanis—a fugitive hunter with a talent for catching criminals and a habit of wrecking himself in the process. Battling PTSD...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Baklava & Banter, we sit down with Harry Gaggos and Evan Tasiopoulos of the Hellenic Museum of Michigan for a conversation about preserving Greek history, honoring heritage, and making sure the stories that shaped the Greek-American experience continue to reach new generations. From the immigrant journey to cultural identity, Harry and Evan share the mission...

Send us Fan Mail Shelley Dark is back on Baklava and Banter ! In this brand-new episode, we sit down once again with the acclaimed author to dive into the history, mystery, and inspiration behind her powerful new novel, Son of Hydra .  From the turbulent world of Ghikas Voulgaris to the blend of Greek and Australian history woven through her storytelling, Shelley takes us behind the scenes of her...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a powerful and inspiring episode of Baklava & Banter as we sit down in Midtown Manhattan with acclaimed Greek chef Nicholas Poulmentis—a culinary force known for honoring tradition while redefining modern Greek cuisine. In this exclusive conversation, Chef Poulmentis opens up about his culinary journey, the influence of Nikolaos Tselementes, the art of simplicity i...

Send us Fan Mail   We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with international bestselling author Kathryn Gauci to discuss her stunning new novel, An Aegean Odyssey .  From the turquoise waters of the Aegean to the timeless stories that connect us across generations, this conversation dives deep into the inspiration, history, and heart behind her latest masterpiece.  Tune in for a journey fill...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Baklava & Banter, we sit down with debut author Matt Wells to discuss his novel, A Corfu Love Affair. Hailing from Yorkshire, England, Matt is a retired professional who discovered his passion for writing later in life. With a lifelong interest in storytelling and cultural history, he brings a fresh and thoughtful voice to the literary scene. A Corfu Love Af...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an engaging conversation with Australian author Shelley Dark, as she discusses her fascinating debut memoir, Hydra in Winter. In this interview, Shelley shares the story behind her journey to the Greek island of Hydra, where she spent a quiet, contemplative winter in search of inspiration — and a pirate. Hydra in Winter is a beautifully written memoir that blends trave...

Send us Fan Mail Australian author Sally Jane Smith is one of nine writers recognized in the Greek-Australian Cultural League of Melbourne’s 2024 Book Awards. Her debut travel memoir, Unpacking for Greece, was awarded First Prize in the ‘Prose in English’ category. When asked how she felt on receiving the news, Smith said, “It was staggering. I wrote the Packing for Greece series for tourists, nev...

Send us Fan Mail We sat down with Greek comedian Giorgos Xatzipavlou and talked about growing up in Greece, who influenced his career and his upcoming North American tour. This will be Giorgos' first time in the US.  The North American Tour will have him in: Toronto (Comedy Bar) - November 19, 2024  Chicago (Laugh Factory) - November 20, 2024 New York City ( Melrose Ballroom) - November 21, 2...

Send us Fan Mail We recently sat down with Constantina Konugres to discuss the NY Greek Film Expo which is coming to the NYC area on October 3-13, 2024.  Constantina Konugres is a dynamic television and film producer whose work spans across Oscar, Emmy, Critics Choice, and Sundance-winning productions for HBO, Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and more. Her work has brought her overseas as she’s p...

Send us Fan Mail  Ellen Karis is the “Greek Goddess of Comedy” and has performed Stand-Up Comedy all over North America and has three comedy specials, her latest on Dry Bar Comedy. She is the host of a weekly podcast “Sweet and Salty with Ellen Karis” in its 10th season and is an actress having appeared on Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and the Tina Fey’s movie “Sisters”.   Ellen is in...

Send us Fan Mail PART 1 Basile is a sought-after comedian who has performed for millions of fans in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Canada. His unique blend of improvisation, characters, and material has made him one of the most diverse entertainers in the world. Basile has appeared on over 100 television shows around the world, including The Tonight Show on NBC, HBO, Showtime, Comed...

Send us Fan Mail PART 2 Basile is a sought-after comedian who has performed for millions of fans in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Canada. His unique blend of improvisation, characters, and material has made him one of the most diverse entertainers in the world. Basile has appeared on over 100 television shows around the world, including The Tonight Show on NBC, HBO, Showtime, Comed...

Send us Fan Mail We are honored to have Award-winning, Bestselling Author Peter Barber who shares his love for his adopted homeland in his “Parthenon Series” of travel memoirs. His humorous and heartfelt stories are reader favorites. Marrying his fiery Greek wife Alexandra life changed his life in more ways than he imagined. Being part of a Greek family and living in Greece proved a huge transitio...

Send us Fan Mail In this weeks episode, we sit down with John "Giannis" Kim. John is a Korean American who has worked in various restaurants and loves Greek food. We drilled down on what his favorite Greek foods are and what Greek foods Korean's can probably do better.  We also discuss the Greek origins of giving the finger . We would love to get listener feedback on John's int...

Send us Fan Mail We discuss how Greece's economy is changing for the better and the future site of the Hard Rock Casino in Athens. We discuss the tragic death of Major Kosteas of the Greek Air Force. The island of Chios and the Mastika Trees.

Send us Fan Mail in this episode we discuss a Traditional Greek Christmas and discuss what make up some of the worst Christmas gifts.  We also would like to wish Giannis Antetukumpo a Happy Birthday. 

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we discuss Petraki's trip to Ghirardelli Chocolate in San Francisco followed by dinner at Mykonos Meze in Burlingame, CA. Our Top 5 list of Greek Drinks and what is like having a modified Greek Thanksgiving. 

Send us Fan Mail In this weeks episode we discuss the few days we spent in Texas and Oklahoma. Our mad dash to get back to the east coast in order to attend the "Lady of Ro" play in NYC. Places we visited: Buc-ees - Denton, Texas Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies - Davis, Oklahoma Ranch Steakhouse - Oklahoma City, OK Sid's Diner - El Reno, Oklahoma Join Greeks Supporting Greeks Facebook...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode discuss Nikólaos Tselementés who was a Greek chef and cookbook author of the early 20th century. He is considered one of the most influential cookery writers of modern Greece, specializing in both Greek and French cuisine.  Our top 10 list consists of Top 10 Greek Foods (non-desserts). Συζητάμε τον Νικόλαο Τσελεμεντές που ήταν Έλληνας σεφ και συγγραφέας βιβ...

Send us Fan Mail In this week's episode we review our audience feedback on whether or not Karens exist in Greece. Run down the Top 10 Greek Desserts as well as drilling down on the Greek invention of automatic doors.  

Send us Fan Mail We run down Top 10 Most Powerful Greek Gods. Discuss if Karens are in Greece or just a US phenomenon.  We drill down on ancient greek inventions that are around today. This week its the Vending Machine,