Wandering the Edge

In the second episode of our look at the Cucuteni-Trypillian civilization, we'll take a deep dive into the agricultural landscape, trade, the importance of salt and pottery. What religion did they practice? Why did they like to burn so much stuff? Who are the PIE's and why were they important in killing off the Trypillians? Plus the greatest mystery that has come out of this civilization -...

Which civilization is older - Sumer, Egypt or the Cucuteni-Trypillian? Find out in this episode and learn about the first civilization to build urban settlements, why they systematically burned down entire mega-sites and what kind of buildings they lived in. You'll also get a tour of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine which features awesome exhibits,  cheap entrance fees and no litt...

In this special bonus episode for the holidays, we explore the history of Ukrainian Christmas traditions. Why do we have 12 courses, what are the little weird does and don'ts that Ukrainians love to observe and what other weird traditions do we still hold dear? Find out, along with some of the traditions that have been around for a thousand and more years! Plus, you'll get an extra rant ab...

In this week’s episode, a discussion is had with Oleksandr Pahiria, a historian specializing on Carpatho-Ukraine - which declared independence in March 1939. It kept that independence alive, almost against all hope, for only one day. This episode digs into the reasons why Carpatho-Ukraine came to be, how it proclaimed and tried to hold onto independence and its unfortunate demise. You'll also be a...

Robin Hoods weren’t only around in the English countryside and in this episode we’ll learn that almost every culture has their version of a Robin Hood type – even in ancient times! But who were Ukraine's Robin Hoods? Well - there are a couple, but the ones discussed truly commanded respect and did actually steal from the rich and gave to the poor. This episode is about the famous (and infamous...

Thousands of Ukrainian-Canadians joined the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War - this episode will look at some of their histories, where they came from, why they joined, what they experienced during the war and what they did in their post-war lives. Along the way, you'll get a review of some French restaurants in Kyiv and an explanation of how Ukrainians always manage to find o...

What does a Ukrainian have to do with revolutionizing the coffee world? How did he save a besieged Vienna? And how does Lviv's coffee culture have to do with Great Turkish War of the 17th century? Find out on this episode of Wandering the Edge along with some great coffee recommendations in the coffee capital of Ukraine - Lviv!  Warning: explicit language is used. Lviv Cafe Suggestions: Pid Sy...

How many pagan traditions still exist in Ukrainian culture? Who did the pagans worship and which of their festivals do Ukrainians still celebrate? What weird yet delightful customs do Ukrainians still hold dear? And how do we celebrate one of our most important cultural festivals - the summer solstice? Find out in the latest episode of Wandering the Edge and along the way learn what does all of th...

Why is language important? How did the Ukrainian language evolve to what it is today? And how does language endanger the ruling class? Find out in this episode of Wandering the Edge about the history of the Ukrainian language. Also find out just how important Taras Shevchenko is to Ukraine and why little old ladies yelling at you is just a common past-time at Ukrainian museums.  Warning: explicit...

A name is important, a country name is a brand, so how did Ukraine become Ukraine? This episode explores the fascinating, complex and surprisingly political history of the name Ukraine. From Moscow's influence, to Western cartographers to a fight for survival and now a problem with an English grammar article, this episode explores all that and more.  Travel options include a theme loving Lviv...