Epirus Falls

Once thriving settlements, many of Epirus' villages have suffered from depopulation. However, today we are joined by 'High Mountains', a Social Cooperative Enterprise, committed to supporting local communities and enhancing the revitalization of mountainous areas. Join us today as we learn more about the important work these guys do, encouraging people back to their villages and giving these place...

Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls all about the environment. Today, we're traveling to the village of Kalohori, to speak to a representative from the action group Epirus Against Oil and Gas. Stavros Zotos has become a representative for his local community, challenging such proposals, whilst also coming up with some pretty innovative ideas to bring life back to his village. To learn more ab...

Have you ever wondered about the creative community here in Epirus? Well, on a recent trip to Ioannina, I came across a workshop in the centre of the city with a window full of puppets, toys and all sorts of creations. In the latest episode of Epirus Falls, we talk to wood craftsman Paraskevas Tsikouras. He tells us all about his profession, how he makes ends meet and also offers some sage advise...

Tzoumerka, an area within Epirus that stands out because of its vast mountain ranges and gorges is a place I have been encouraged to discover since the beginning of my travels in the region! In today's episode I catch up with two locals who teach me all about the spirit of the place. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls about Tzoumerka!

I promised that this podcast series would eventually move beyond the borders of Epirus and so we begin series 4 in neighboring Albania. In today's episode, I'm visiting an old friend in the city of Tirana. I'm be chatting to Brian Gega about his life as an interpreter, in a place that has drastically changed since I last visited.

We are rounding off series 3 of Epirus Falls with Ioannina born, singer-songwriter Vaggelis Kosinas and producer Panos Papakostas. In this episode we discuss their friendship, the music scene in Epirus and Vaggelis plays us out with two acoustic performances.

Epirus has its own foraging culture but it isn't easy to access. Join us in the latest episode of Epirus Falls to learn more about this somewhat hidden community and find out why the climate in the region is perfect for mushroom cultivation and maybe, if you are lucky, discovering the odd truffle…the size of a grapefruit.

There are currently two organic farms in Zagori. One of those farms is owned by our friends Vaso and Kostas in the village of Tristeno and the other is run by siblings Panaiotis and Fotini Georgiou in Baldouma. In this episode of Epirus Falls, we spend the morning with Georgiou family, to learn more about the farming industry in Epirus and their ideas to encourage people back to the land.

Last year, I spoke with chef Thanasis Tassos about his restaurant Thamon in Ioannina. He suggested we took a trip to the town of Konitsa near the Albanian border, where his family run an environmental park, hotel and restaurant. When we arrived, we were shown around by his uncle Giorgos Tassos. Giorgos has dedicated his life to the unique flora and fauna of the area and brings new people to the re...

Welcome back to Epirus Falls, a podcast series all about my love of North Western Greece and its people. In todays episode, we’re going to the very special village of Zitsa, a village that’s as well known for it’s wine, which it now exports around the world, as it it a unique love story. This love story took place at the ‘Bakery of the Village’, a place I first discovered in the spring when owner...

Food culture plays a pivotal role in defining a regions identity and someone at the forefront of that scene is Thanasis Tassos, head chef at the newly opened restaurant Thamon in Ioannina. His approach is redefining the way we view the region, but can Epirus handle this change? Welcome to 'The Chef', a brand new episode of Epirus Falls.

A few years ago, I started to think about relocating to Northern Greece. I had rented a property in Athens for 7 years but knew it was time for a change. Prices in the city were going up, its popularity had begun to put pressure on services and the city felt stressed. Epirus became my escape. What was Epirus giving me that Athens wasn't? In the words of local architect Thanasis Stergioulis, "Space...

The village of Tristeno, home to a population of around 30 people, in nestled in the mountains of East Zagori. On my first visit to the village I came across a young guy running the local taverna and his name is Thanasis Savaidis. Thanasis grew up in Athens but abandoned the city for a new life in the countryside and I think that was a really bold decision for a young person to make. Over the last...

A few years back, the Egnatia motorway opened, linking North Western Greece with the rest of the country. And even though it drastically reduced journey times between Athens and Igoumenitsa, it also came at the detriment of the communities that lived on the old road. These people relied on drivers to take breaks, eat in their tavernas and buy their produce. I make a point to take the old road. It'...

Deep into the beech and maple forests of Epirus lies the small village of Greveniti, a place I love to visit which is truly lost in time. Greveniti is mostly home to elderly people but on recent visits I started noticing a change, more young people moving in and I'm curious to know what's inspiring this. Today we're speaking with Spiros and Iraklis, two guys originally from Ioannina who decided to...

In today’s episode I’ll be talking to Marta Alonso Mamolar, a truly inspirational woman who is part of the team at Ioannina's non-profit Youth Center of Epirus, whose major focus is providing support for young asylum seekers in the area. This is an issue that I really care about and I was honoured to hear about Marta’s vital work helping minors suffering with PTSD, the daily challenges they face,...

Epirus is an amazing, complex region and although I've been spending a lot of time here, I've still got a lot more to learn...and I think a great way to keep doing that is through music. In this episode I'm joined by producer Panos Papakostas and singer songwriter Alex Christopher. These guys both grew up here in the city of Ioannina, they're both part of the local music scene and today they're go...

Any male below the age of 45 who wants the right to Greek nationality, must serve time in the military and so last November I enlisted myself in Ioannina to carry out duty. Whilst many guys serve for 12 months, I was able to do a reduced term of service based on my age and being classed as living abroad. I showed up at the base with a backpack, very short hair and not a clue what I was doing. The...

They say you should never meet your hero's but I'm thrilled to have the opportunity today. In this first episode I'm chatting with someone I have been dreaming of meeting for the past three years. He's a really special man and an asset to Greece. A genuine soul that I'd love to find a way to work with. His name is Moses Elisaf, the Mayor of Ioannina. With him I'll be talking about the region of Ep...