
Exploring Spomeniks.
An Englishman in the Balkans
05/26/24
•25m
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In this episode, I discuss the brutalist Spomenik monuments of the former Yugoslavia with Donald Niebel - founder of the Spomenik Database.
Donald is an environmental scientist turned researcher from the United States
We delve into the historical significance, architectural design, and location details of these unique, massive structures.
Donald explains how he transformed his initial curiosity about these striking monuments into a comprehensive online resource.
Sharing his experiences and insights, Donald reveals the value of the Spomeniks as instruments for studying local and regional histories.
The Spomenik Database can be accessed at https://spomenikdatabase.org
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:06 Exploring the Spomeniks of Yugoslavia
01:02 Discovering the Spomenik Database
01:33 Interview with Donald Niebel: The Man Behind the Spomenik Database
02:40 The Journey of Documenting the Spomeniks
04:39 The Challenges of Cataloging the Monuments
07:35 The Significance and Interpretation of the Spomeniks
08:25 Public Reactions to the Spomeniks
14:23 The Role of the Spomenik Database in Education
16:51 The Community's Connection to the Spomeniks
18:30 Future Plans for the Spomenik Database
24:23 Donald's Personal Connection to the Spomeniks
25:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Previous Episode

The Bosana Chronicles
April 14, 2024
•39m
The script is an interview with Mile Mićić about his project Bosana, a fantasy world inspired by Bosnia. He discusses his inspirations, cultural heritage, struggles in creation, and the value of financial support through platforms like Patreon. Mile shares his hopes of connecting people through storytelling and invites audiences to join the Bosana community.Exploring Bosnia, Andalusia, and the Fantasy World of Bosana with Mile Mićić
In this podcast episode, the host shares an insightful conversation with Mile Mićić, a native of Bosnia Herzegovina who is currently residing in Andalusia, Spain. Mićić discusses his deep connection to his Bosnian roots, his move to Spain influenced by love, and his profound appreciation for cultural heritage. He elaborates on the cultural similarities and differences between Bosnia and Andalusia, particularly focusing on their unique approaches to food and hospitality. The episode also delves into Mićić's creation, Bosana, a fantasy world that mirrors the complexities, culture, and conflicts of Bosnia. Mićić explains how Bosana serves as a canvas for his experiences and observations, aiming to connect with readers through its characters and stories. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, cultural preservation, and the challenges and rewards of creative work. Mićić expresses his hopes for Bosana to inspire creativity and resilience among its audience.
00:00 Welcome to the Journey: Exploring New Worlds and Cultures
00:38 Meet Mile Mićić: A Bosnian's Tale of Moving to Spain
03:16 Cultural Connections: From Bosnia to Andalusia
06:52 Language and Integration: Navigating New Linguistic Landscapes
10:00 Creating Bosana: A Fantasy World Inspired by Real-Life Experiences
12:08 The Art of Storytelling and Character Creation
23:03 Facing Challenges and Embracing Support in Creative Projects
29:16 Bosana's Future: Dreams, Aspirations, and Community Engagement
35:18 A Personal Invitation: Joining the World of Bosana
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe
Next Episode

From London to the Adriatic
September 11, 2024
•35m
In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Martin Gannon, a British expatriate with deep ties to the former Yugoslavia. Martin shares his experiences of first moving to Yugoslavia in 1980, initially as a holiday job opportunity, which evolved into a long-term career in tourism. He discusses his early days working in places like Poreč and later organising tours across the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Martin reflects on cultural differences, the impact of Tito's death, the ease of working in tourism, and navigating the local languages. He reminisces about the vibrant tourism scene of the 1980s, his work with Yugoslav Airlines, and developing pilgrimage tours to Medjugorje. The discussion also touches on the current state of tourism in former Yugoslavian regions, emphasising Bosnia and Herzegovina's untapped potential.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:00 Meeting Martin Gannon
01:51 Martin's Journey to Yugoslavia
03:31 Life and Work in Yugoslavia
05:33 Navigating Language and Residency
08:25 Exploring the Region
11:40 Involvement with Yugoslav Airlines
16:15 Reflections on Tourism Then and Now
19:42 The Impact of COVID and Future Plans
29:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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