The Blorecast

Why does Slovakia sometimes feel like it’s living in a different decade? And is that actually a bad thing? In this episode of The Blorecast, James Blore explores a country that has modernised rapidly yet still holds tight to its roots. From carpet beaters and top-loading washing machines to rural life, birds, mushrooms, and boars, James reflects on the pros and cons of the Slovak time warp. Compar...

Why do Slovaks love pigs so much? 🐷 In this episode of The Blorecast, I explore Slovakia’s deep and delicious relationship with all things porcine — from schnitzels and slanina to zabíjačka and wild boars in the forest! You’ll hear stories from my early days teaching in Humenné, discover why being vegetarian used to be a challenge in 1990s Slovakia, and learn about traditional dishes, local habit...

In this episode of The Blorecast , James catches up once again with his long-time lunch companion and all-round legend, Andy Billingham , who’s now officially a Slovak citizen ! 🇸🇰 Andy explains why he decided to apply for citizenship, what the process involves, and how the language test went. There’s also an update on James’s charity cricket match (spoiler: he survived) and some listener shoutout...

Welcome back to the Blorecast! In Episode 4 – Unsporting Behaviour, I dive into the world of sport — despite being about the least sporty person you could imagine. This weekend is a big one in Slovakia: 🏃‍♂️ The Košice Peace Marathon celebrates its 101st year – the oldest marathon in Europe and the third-oldest in the world. 🏏 I’ve inexplicably agreed to play in a charity cricket match in Spišsk...

In this episode of the Blorecast, James dives into one of the tastiest parts of Slovak cuisine – carbohydrates! From fresh Slovak bread and fluffy rožky to potato pancakes, bryndzové halušky and pirohy, this is your guided tour through Slovakia’s most comforting, filling, and downright delicious foods. 🇸🇰 What you’ll hear about in this episode: • Why Slovak bread is better than UK bread • Potatoes...

In this episode of the Blorecast, James Blore sits down with his longtime friend Andy Billingham , a British bloke who has lived in Slovakia so long that he’s now officially Slovak. They talk about: how Andy ended up in Slovakia not once, but twice his first impressions of Slovakia in 1983 the places he's worked and the jobs he's done This episode is audio-only, as James is experimenting with diff...

How does a Brit become “a little bit Slovak”? In this first episode of the Blorecast, James Blore shares three Slovak habits he’s picked up over 27 years: taking shoes off indoors, eating big lunches, and learning the Slovak language. Welcome to the first full episode of the Blorecast – a podcast for learners and teachers of English in Slovakia — and beyond! 🇸🇰🇬🇧 After a quick introduction to my j...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Blorecast, a podcast for learners and teachers of English in Slovakia — and beyond! 🇸🇰🇬🇧 In this episode, James Blore (teacher, podcaster, and founder of The School of Blore in Košice) shares his story of moving to Slovakia, teaching English, and launching this brand-new show. You’ll hear: • How James went from Oxford to Košice to build a language school •...