Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

January is generally the coldest month of the year, which makes for the best conditions for "otužilci", or in English, people who like to practice cold-water immersion. We asked wellbeing coach Michal Páleník and professional in cold-water immersion Vladimír Pauco from Zdravé otužovanie organization about how to practice this activity safely and what are its benefits and risks.

Ben Pascoe reviews the biggest events of the past week and plays some of the best parts of the past week's shows.

21 February marks seven years since the murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, archaeologist Martina Kusnirova. We recall what happened and list some of the most important consequences, i.e. adoption of European Media Freedom Act. In the next part of the show, once again the first round of the RSI competition series for the year 2025 entitled "Mysterious Slovakia".

How is mathematics taught in Slovakia? And how to teach it in a way that entertains and inspires children? Mathematician Zbynek Kubáček reveals. Dušan Polačik, a representative of WAMA, talks about new trends in waste processing. Finally, a new episode of the Who was that series reveals who Janko Alexy was.

Integration is one of the most important yet complex aspects of migration worldwide. Many migrants find themselves on the fringes of the majority culture, struggling to establish their place in society. However, a rare few not only adapt but thrive—actively shaping their new communities and promoting their adopted homes. Our guest in this episode is a prime example. Zulf Hyatt Kahn, originally fro...

Ben Pascoe visits the gala presentation of this year's Tatra Bank Foundation Art Awards. For the 29th year the Tatra Bank foundation awards achievments in audiovisual creation, literature, design, music, theatre and fine arts. Ben Pascoe talks with jury members, organizers and artists about the state of the arts in Slovakia today.

Slovakia is once again allowed to import radioactive waste from abroad. The Parliament has lifted the ban on the import of this waste, which was introduced in 2021. We are going to talk about what are the the potential threats and what does it mean for Slovakia’s environment and public health with nuclear physicist and director of the organization Chceme Zdravu Krajinu, Michal Daniška.

A regular news roundup, followed by a selection of stories from the past week. Today about safe spaces and communities for teenagers, that make them grow and discrover themselves and the history behind another festive season in Slovakia, Fašiangy.

Spare Parts Theatre - a civic association formed in 2023 to bring artistic projects that primarily address contemporary social and cultural issues. They operate predominantly in English, which creates a space for attracting not only domestic but also foreign audiences living in Slovakia. Interview with the founder of HIV/AIDS Slovensko Ján Koller about HIV Check Point - a centre where you can get...

February 13th is World Radio Day, a date set by UNESCO since 2011. Each year has a different theme. 2025 explores the role of radio in climate change. Why this theme? Martina Grenova Simkovicova asked Mirta Lourenco, head of UNESCO's Section for Media Development and Media in Emergencies. Speaking about the effects of climate change in Slovakia is Nikoleta Hruskova from the Slovak Hydrometeorologi...

In this edition of the Slovakia Today programme we bring you an interview with Slovak ethnographer, historian, and museologist Zora Mintalová Zubercová exploring Fašiangy—the festive period from Three Kings' Day until midnight on the eve of Ash Wednesday.

Ben Pascoe talks with a Slovak, Russian and Ukrainian who use art and community builiding as a way of working with and helping teenagers. Sarah Valovičová, Mikhail Popov and Karina Muliar talk about what got them started working with teens, how art can help and also offer some advice.

In the first part of the show, Patka talked to a few organizations around Bratislava that serve young people as a safe space and hub where they can meet and socialize. In the second half we covered what it is like to be a journalist in todays society.

A regular news roundup, followed by a selection of stories from the past week. Today, a breast cancer survivor on World Cancer Day, the safety of protesters at recent demonstrations, Slovakia in the Berlinale film festival, and climate anxiety effecting mental wellbeing

Two exhibitions presenting two generations of Slovak female visual artists will open at 2 venues in New York on 13 and 14 February. Curator Zuzana Novotova Godalova and artist Eva Cisarova Minarikova invite to come and see. In 2025, jazz singer Ester Wiesnerova became the first ever Slovak member of the jury deciding on Grammy recipients. Culture tips at the end of the show feature also Foreigners...

The Slovak stop-motion animated movie Tales from the Magic Garden has its premiere at the Berlinale festival. We spoke with its producer, Juraj Krasnohorský, as well as members of the Slovak Film Institute. The Plant Your Own Plant (Zasaď si svoju rastlinku) project begins in February at the Stredoslovenské Múzeum in Banská Bystrica. Bring your kids and plant a plant! Who Was That: Enea Lanfrancon...

While natural disasters and the climate crisis dominate headlines, their psychological toll often goes unnoticed. Yet, the impact on mental well-being goes far beyond mere concern. In this episode we explore the topic with psychologist Patricia Gajdosociova and climate activist Martina Kedrova from the NGO Znepokojne Matky. Then, we discuss at the landmark EU-Mercosur trade agreement with European...

Ben Pascoe talks with the CEO of event safety consultancy company Safety Crew, Brano Tichy. They discuss what goes into making an event both safe and secure as well as what attendees should do to help make events successful. They also touch on safety in schools today.

February 4th marks the World Cancer Day and a regular movement is one of the most important forms of prevention of oncological diseases. As part of awareness, Liga proti rakovine organization came up with an idea for people to move more and to choose steps over the elevator. You are going to hear experts from Liga proti rakovine talking about their newest initiative and cancer survivor, Kristína O...

Week in Slovakia.

Ben and Martin taka a look at the past week in Slovakia and look forward to upcoming events.

Slovak born American actress Katarina Morhacova shares her story of getting from Banska Bystrica to NY and LA. European museums' halt to co-operation with the Slovak National Gallery accellerated the decision of about a hundred of experts to leave this cultural institution. Speaking about their reasons to quit are Maria Bohumelova, Director of Collections and Acting Director of Exhibitions and Dis...

In this edition of the Slovakia Today programme, we bring you three interviews dealing with Romani visual artists coming from Slovakia. First up is Rudolf Dzurko, a Romani artist from eastern Slovakia. Although he spent most of his life in the Czech Republic, his works of art found themselves back in Slovakia at the "Only with Me Can You Hear the Grass Grow" exhibition at the East Slovak Gallery i...

Ben Pascoe talks with Mier Ukrajine co-founder and co-organizer of the Slovensko je Europa demonstrations, Marian Kulich. We also bring you sights and sounds from the demonstration that took place recently in Bratislava.

Eva Mosnáková was not only a holocaust survivor, but also a long-standing figther against extremism. Even in her old age she invested a lot of time in discussions with younger generations about war, holocaust and extremism. She died in December 2024 aged 95 years old. And what is her message for the next generations and how to people remeber her? We talked to Madeline Vadkerty, Andrej Bán a Soňa G...