Babylon Balkan Show

Babylon Balkan Show #023 - 🎤 Get ready to be inspired by Jovana Vidakovic's incredible journey from professional basketball athlete to a global sports manager. From her roots in war-torn Bosnia, later growing up in Serbia, playing basketball internationally in Spain and Sweden, to coaching in China and Dubai, she shares her journey of resilience, cultural exploration, and triumph over adversity on this episode of Babylon Balkan Show!

Embark on a captivating journey with our guest, Dilara Ekinci, as she shares the unique chapters of her life. Born in Istanbul to a communist father and a resilient mother from a guest-worker family in Cologne, Dilara's story is one of contrasts, resilience, and a touch of rebellion. From early parenting trials with Tamagotchis to independently mastering reading and writing by age five, Dilara's childhood was marked by curiosity and self-discovery. Today, as a communication expert and stand-up comedian in Berlin, she injects her unique perspective into the local comedy scene and contributes insights as an EU reporter for BirGün.Join us in this episode to explore Dilara's experiences, her foray into stand-up comedy, and how she seamlessly combines intellect, humor, and rebellion in everything she does. Don't miss this spellbinding episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and the extraordinary life of Dilara Ekinci.

Join us in this captivating episode of Babylon Balkan Show as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Lea Surányi, a dynamic professional and proud member of the Hungarian minority in Serbia. From completing high school in America to studying European economics and delving into the IT industry, Lea's path is as diverse as the stories she shares. 🔍 In this episode, we explore Lea's unique experiences, including her time as a project assistant in Germany, and her impactful roles in various European projects. Discover the fascinating blend of Hungarian culture in the Panonian plain, Serbia, and beyond. Lea takes us on a journey through her educational milestones and career successes that demonstrate how her diverse skill set has shaped her professional trajectory. 🌍 But that's not all—Lea's story goes beyond borders. Tune in to gain insights into her rich background, shedding light on the Hungarian minority's vibrant presence in Serbian society, and the broader context of Hungarian culture in the surrounding countries. This episode promises a vibrant mix of personal anecdotes, cultural exploration, and valuable insights into Lea's professional success. 📚✨ #babylonbalkanshow

Step into the vibrant world of comedy with our special guest, Jan Scott Forman, on this exciting episode of the Babylon Balkan Show! Jan, an American who made Turkey his home over two decades ago, brings a unique blend of humor and cultural insight to the stage. Renowned for his stand-up comedy in both Turkish and English, Jan gained widespread fame after a viral appearance on a popular YouTube channel during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there's more to Jan than just laughter; he has a fascinating life story. From working in the music business and spending summers down the Jersey Shore to living in Manhattan and even a brief stint in a Bahraini jail, Jan's journey is as captivating as his comedy. A naturalized Turkish citizen, he has been faking it as an English teacher for years, inspired by the Leonardo DiCaprio character in "Catch Me If You Can." In this episode, we delve into Jan's love for Turkey, its culture, and its people. Join us as we explore his adventures, comedic experiences, and the unique perspective he brings to his stand-up. From the Istanbul Hash House Harriers, TuzBiber Stand Up to his leadership role in the Istanbul SpeechBubbles musicals, Jan's story is a rollercoaster of laughs and cultural fusion. Get ready for a laughter-filled journey as we uncover the life and comedy of Jan Scott Forman on the Babylon Balkan Show. Subscribe now and be part of this hilarious and enlightening experience!

Step into the captivating world of European culture and ironic storytelling with our special guest from YouTube, "Living Ironically in Europe." This creative content creator, takes you on a unique journey across the continent, blending humor and insightful explorations of European and Balkan culture, national stereotypes, languages, politics, and more. His videos feature speedy montages, quirky memes, and even macro images of anime characters, all while unraveling the mysteries and misconceptions about the region. In this episode, you'll learn about his adventures of creating amazing videos, and gain a humorous perspective on some of Europe's most intriguing topics. ''Living Ironically in Europe'' host János, represents a blend of Serbian and Hungarian heritage. Most of his youth he spent living in the United States and currently resides in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Join us as we delve into the quirkiest aspects of Europe and the world of "Living Ironically in Europe." From travel guides to gaming livestreams, Janos has it all! Subscribe now for a hilarious and enlightening adventure across the continent. Don't miss out!

Step into the vibrant world of startups and meet the extraordinary Damjan Radojevic, a multifaceted civil engineer whose life journey spans continents. Although born in Belgrade in the 90s, Damjan lived in Canada for 14 formative years before returning to his roots in Serbia in 2006. With a degree in Civil Engineering, Damjan embarked on a career in the oil industry, where he honed his skills in quantity surveying, project management, financial coordination, planning, and structural engineering. However, Damjan is more than his professional accomplishments. He's a man of diverse talents and interests. With a black belt in karate and a passion for playing the piano, Damjan embodies the fusion of discipline and artistry. His love for basketball runs deep, reflecting his competitive spirit and dedication to teamwork. A natural leader, Damjan thrives on strategizing and excels at thinking outside the box. The spotlight of this episode shines brightly on "The Walnut Fund," a game-changing startup with roots in Serbia and Croatia. This cloud-based walnut farming platform is the brainchild of passionate agricultural enthusiasts who, much like Damjan, are dedicated to their craft. Their innovative approach has drawn global recognition, from features in "Bloomberg" to being showcased on the German TV series "Galileo." Join us on this episode of the Babylon Balkan Show as we dive deep into Damjan's incredible journey and explore the thriving world of "The Walnut Fund." Get ready for an enlightening and inspiring conversation that showcases entrepreneurship, passion, and the boundless possibilities of innovation. #BabylonBalkanShow #TheWalnutFund #BalkanEntrepreneurs #Serbia #Croatia #StartupSuccess #AgriculturalInnovation #EntrepreneurialJourney #InnovationSpotlight #InspiringStartups #GlobalRecognition

In this riveting episode, we traverse the turbulent waters of modern Albanian history with our esteemed guest, Kristi Dhono. Kristi’s multifaceted journey, blending his finance background with a deep-rooted passion for politics, history, and international relations, offers us a profound lens to understand the nuances of Albania from 1946 to 1992, especially the impact of communism. From the introduction of communism to Albania, the omnipresent influence of Enver Hoxha, the ups and downs of Albania’s foreign relationships, to the fear of foreign invasions that led to the construction of bunkers across the country, we dissect the various phases that Albania underwent. Moreover, we delve into the fall of communism, the status of minorities, the Albanian dialects, the diaspora, and the much-discussed 1997 almost-civil war. But what stands out is our exploration of the legacy of communism in Albania, including the remnants in art, culture, and popular psyche. Join us in this enlightening journey as Kristi’s insights shed light on Albania's oscillating between isolation and a desire for global integration. #BabylonBalkanShow #ModernHistoryAlbania #CommunismAlbania #EnverHoxha #AlbanianDiaspora #AlbanianHeritage #AlbanianCustoms

In this episode, we'll explore the intriguing world of the "Kanun," a set of traditional Albanian customary laws that have left an indelible mark on the region's culture. Lekë will guide us through the intricacies of this age-old system, from property inheritance to the sacred "Besa" oath, all while sharing insightful anecdotes, some parallels with the "Bushidō" code, the unique "Perja/Pecko" beer, the importance of family, gender change and the fascinating history of women in the Albanian society. With Lekë's engaging stories and unique perspective, we'll dive into the heart of Albanian heritage, discovering the enchanting sounds of old musical instruments and the warmth of Albanian hospitality. Join us for an episode that combines education and entertainment, as we unravel the extraordinary stories that shape the Balkan region. #BabylonBalkanShow #AlbanianCustoms #Albaniantribes #Besa #gusle #lahuta #Skadar #Skodra #burrnesha #Peja #Pejabierra #AlbanianHospitality #AlbanianCulturalHeritage #KosovoCulturalHeritage #BalkanCulturalInsights

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of comedy and introduce you to extraordinary individuals with unique backgrounds. We are pleased to host Žana Fejzic, a stand-up comedian who captivates audiences with her witty and authentic performances. Born in the heart of Bosnia, Žana's life took an unexpected turn as she fled the war-torn region with her family at a young age. Settling in Florida, USA, she was exposed to a new world of possibilities and experiences. As she navigated the challenges of cultural assimilation, Žana found herself straddling between her Balkan heritage and the delusional positivity of American culture, creating a dynamic fusion that makes her comedy truly one-of-a-kind. After completing her Bachelor's in Psychology, Žana's adventurous spirit led her to London, where she pursued her Master's and added more colors to her already diverse cultural palette. But later on in Berlin, she embraced the stage, unleashing her sharp wit, reggaeton flair, and Balkan pessimism on delighted audiences. Žana's comedy delves into the absurdities of immigration laws, the quirks of her Balkan background, and the humorous anecdotes of growing up in Florida. Her performances are a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving audiences in stitches with her candid storytelling and clever observations. Within an astonishingly short period, Žana's talent earned her recognition, and she became a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Berlin New Stand-Up Awards. Now, she shines as a performer and takes on the role of host and producer, creating memorable comedy shows across Berlin and Europe. Join us on this side-splitting episode of the Babylon Balkan Show as we unravel the world of comedy through Žana Fejzic's lens. Brace yourself for an hour of laughter, as we delve into her unique experiences, celebrate her Balkan heritage, and discover the power of comedy to bridge cultural divides. Get ready to be entertained, amused, and inspired by the comedy genius of Žana Fejzic!

Step into the fascinating world of personal finance with Djordje Ostojic on the Babylon Balkan Show! Hailing from Serbia, Djordje is a finance enthusiast and data wizard passionate about empowering viewers and readers through his Youtube channel and Blog "Licne Finansije" (Personal Finance).On top of all of that, he has also published a few books ("10 Steps to Financial Independence", "Household Budget for Beginners", and "Ultimate Guide for Credit Loans"). Join us as we explore Djordje's journey as a member of the "30 under 30" class in 2021, and discover his captivating tips and strategies for building a secure financial future. Get ready for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories that will transform your approach to money and investments. Don't miss this enlightening episode featuring Djordje Ostojic, a charismatic personal finance guru on the Babylon Balkan Show!

Join the Babylon Balkan Show as we delve into the remarkable life of Vasilli Nikotin, who hails from Russia but now calls Serbia home.

Vasilli is a young visionary who embarked on a transformative journey after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Faced with the horrors of war and disillusioned by his homeland's politics, Vasilii made a courageous decision to flee to Serbia, joining the growing community of Russians seeking refuge and peace. On today's show, we delve into Vasilii's motivations behind his life-changing decision and explore how he has adapted to his new life in Serbia over the past year. Join us as we uncover his unique perspective on the Balkans, his experiences as a newcomer, and the inspiring stories that have shaped his journey. Expect a mix of thought-provoking discussions and light-hearted moments as we dig deep into Vasilii's life, discovering the many intriguing facets that make him who he is. Tune in to the Babylon Balkan Show and join us on this riveting expedition as we unravel the enigmatic story of Vasilii Nikotin, a young Russian with a Balkan heart. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

Join the Babylon Balkan Show as we delve into the remarkable life of Edhem Eddie Custovic. Born amidst the Bosnian war, Eddie's journey from war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina to the vibrant landscapes of Australia has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a Ph.D. in Telecommunication Engineering from La Trobe University, Eddie has become a leading expert in technology. As the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Scientific Instruments Australia (SIA), he has revolutionized the fields of plant science, biotechnology, and agriculture with innovative instrumentation and software. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Eddie serves as an advisor for Zygaverse, empowering individuals through futuristic resume-like technology. His contributions extend to esteemed organizations like UNDP and USAID, showcasing his commitment to creating positive change on a global scale. As one of the youngest senior leaders in the renowned IEEE, Eddie's passion for innovation and entrepreneurship knows no bounds. His mission to empower individuals and foster local economies through engineering and education reflects his vision for a better future. Join us in this episode as we unravel Eddie's journey, exploring his remarkable achievements and recognition by institutions like Le Trobe University and the IEEE. We will also delve into the mission and vision of the Futures Foundation, co-founded by Eddie, dedicated to empowering Bosnian youth through education, technology, and leadership. Prepare for an inspiring conversation filled with insights into Eddie's groundbreaking work, his dedication to STEM education, and his unwavering pursuit of positive change. Discover the story of an extraordinary individual leaving a lasting impact in Bosnia, the Balkans, and beyond.

Dive into an enlightening conversation with our guest, Ana Knezevic, a dedicated Art Historian, Curator at the Museum of African Art in Belgrade, and a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade. Born in 1993, Ana has forged a distinctive career in the realm of art and culture, with a special focus on African art and digital culture. She has been a part of several notable exhibitions at the Museum of African Art, contributing significantly to the understanding of African art and culture in the Balkans. Beyond the museum, Ana has been instrumental in articulating the relationship between Africa and Yugoslavia, uncovering intriguing socio-cultural dynamics. A key aspect of Ana's work that sets her apart is her current Ph.D. research on internet memes, where she examines cultural memory in cyberspace. She is also deeply invested in exploring the concepts of oral histories, problems of digital humanities, memory culture, media studies, film, and architecture. In this episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, Ana guides us through her journey, providing us with rich insights into African contemporary art, digital museums, and the role of memes in today's digital society. She also discusses the Non-Aligned Movement, the influence of Yugoslavia on African students, and the future of ex-Yugoslav countries with Africa. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with unique stories and thought-provoking discussions!

In this exciting episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, we're thrilled to welcome Lorisa Dimo, a brilliant Country Manager at Rossman in Germany, one of Europe's largest drugstore chains. Born and raised in Albania, Lorisa's educational and professional journey has taken her from Economics in Albania to Information Systems Management in Tokyo, Japan. Having lived in Japan for three years while completing her Master's studies, Lorisa developed a deep understanding of cultural nuances and communication challenges. This experience led her to register with a Japanese company that taught cross-cultural awareness, equipping her with invaluable skills to bridge cultural gaps. Lorisa is also a co-founder of the I'M GLOBALCITIZEN initiative, an organization focused on youth development, mentoring, and empowerment. Through online workshops, some sponsored by the Council of Europe, and mentoring programs, Lorisa, and her team work tirelessly to educate and connect young people around the world, instilling in them a sense of global awareness and responsibility. Join us as we delve into Lorisa's remarkable journey, her work with the I’M GLOBALCITIZEN initiative, her experiences living in Japan, and her insights into the main challenges facing today's youth and how to overcome them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth empowerment, global citizenship, and cross-cultural communication. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!

In this captivating episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, we're delighted to welcome Snezana Radojicic, a fearless and inspiring woman from Serbia who has made traveling and writing her way of life. With a background in philology and a passion for exploring the world, Snezana embarked on a life-changing journey in 2011 that has taken her to almost 50 countries, including North Korea, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Japan, Ecuador, and distant regions of Siberia and Patagonia. Throughout her travels, Snezana has overcome numerous challenges as a solo woman cyclist and has published 10 books and maintained an active blog and vlog to share her experiences. In this conversation, we delve into Snezana's incredible adventures, from Turkish hospitality to cycling and living in East Asia, and North Korea, and even her experiences with "miracles on the road", as she likes to call them. Join us as we discuss the power of positive thinking, the law of attraction, and the transformative nature of travel. Snezana's story is a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams, and her experiences and advice are invaluable for future globetrotters and anyone looking for inspiration to embark on their own life-changing journey. Don't miss this unforgettable episode!

In this fascinating episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, we're thrilled to have Mato Mrkalj, an accomplished entrepreneur, and expert in agriculture and agribusiness, as our guest. Mato, who hails from the agriculturally rich area of Slavonia in Croatia, brings his extensive experience in business development, food tech, and rural development to our conversation. Having founded and co-founded several companies in the food and agriculture sector, Mato has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share. Tune in as we discuss topics such as the growing popularity of agriculture, EU subsidies, investment opportunities, and the challenges and opportunities for small Balkan farmers. We also delve into cutting-edge topics like vertical farming, plant-based proteins, lab-grown meat, and agricultural technologies. Throughout the episode, Mato's passion for sustainable development and innovation shines through, making this an engaging and informative conversation that you won't want to miss!

Welcome to a new episode of Babylon Balkan Show, where we dive into Turkish politics and the upcoming 2023 elections with our guest, İlkan Dalkuç from Daktilo1984. Born in İzmir and experienced in various media platforms, Dalkuç has a rich background in economics and political science, making him a well-rounded commentator on the Turkish political scene. During our conversation, we explore the complex landscape of Turkish politics, touching on subjects such as the key players and events shaping the election, the impact of recent earthquakes, the role of the military, and the changing nature of the country's political parties. We also delve into the significance of the 2023 Turkish elections and how they may affect the country's political landscape.

In this insightful episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, we're delighted to welcome Mladen Markovic, a successful entrepreneur from Montenegro, as our guest. With a background in electrical engineering and extensive experience in banking and tech industries, Mladen has co-founded "Uhura Solutions", a cutting-edge AI-powered platform that reads and understands contracts like a human. This startup is currently in the TOP 25 companies globally 🌍, regarding this field of business . As CIO, he focuses on business development, client acquisition, and sales, as well as presenting at international conferences. Join us as we discuss Mladen's entrepreneurial journey, his startup experiences, and the unique challenges and opportunities of being a startup founder in the Balkans. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

In this episode of the Babylon Balkan Show, we're joined by Mihail Sircheli, a Gagauz expert with an impressive background in media, politics, and social care. Together, we embark on a journey exploring the intriguing life and history of Gagauzia, uncovering its diverse cultural tapestry and unique traditions. A must-listen for history and culture enthusiasts!

Mirko Dautović, is a highly intelligent and sarcastic individual with a wealth of international experience related to foreign affairs, media, culture, and geopolitics. In this episode, Mirko delves into the Ottoman heritage in the Balkans, exploring its history, art, religion, administration, languages, and people.

Naum Trajanovski& Nikola Felkaroski are two prominent members of the youth in North Macedonia. They are young electrical engineers with a fantastic sense of humor, both of them grew up in the beautiful city of Ohrid and studied in the capital city of Skopje. They take us on a journey through their lives as members of the Macedonian youth, sharing their experiences and perspectives on a variety of topics. We talk about the Macedonian brain drain, relationships with their neighbors, the Macedonian language, domestic food, national conspiracies, and growing up in their country at the turn of the 21st century.

Welcome to the first ever Info& Entertainment podcastcovering the whole Balkans region. Its hosts are Dusan Andjelovic⁠ and ⁠Onat Benli⁠.

Babylon Balkan Show is all about sharing the interesting stories of the people coming from the Balkan countries, from their rich history and culture to their delicious food, exciting businesses, sports, technology and interesting and funny life experiences. Our goal is to shed a positive light on the Balkans and to allow its people and others around the world to get to know this unique gem of Europe better. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of the Balkans!