FEEL Slovenia Podcast

You can’t spell Slovenia without the word “love”. It’s tucked right in there between Sl and Nia. It’s a cute tourism slogan, but it’s also much more than that. Slovenia is a wonderfully romantic place to visit as, for so many guests, it feels like a secret that only a select few know about. It’s obvious to spend a romantic weekend in Venice or Paris. But Slovenia? That’s extra cool. 

In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney spoke with Svetlana Slapšak, an expert on ancient traditions and a retired professor of Classics at the University of Ljubljana, Katarina Blažič, the co-owner of Ribno Resort in Bled, and Simona Mohorič, Head of Tourism for the City of Kranj. Together, they delve into the enchanting tradition of Gregorjevo or in English St. Gregory’s Day, Slovenia's charming answer to Valentine’s Day. We'll uncover the origins of this celebration of love, complete with the intriguing tradition of light-throwing, and unveil picturesque landscapes, romantic getaways and cultural experiences. From the LUV Festival in Ljubljana to the heart-shaped road near Maribor, Slovenia's romantic appeal is undeniable. With its stunning castles, wellness spas, and unique experiences like spending a night in a hayloft or dining in a mine, Slovenia provides endless opportunities for romantic adventures.

If you're longing to discover the most enchanting love corners nestled within Slovenia's embrace and yearn to delight your loved ones with authentic Slovenian souvenirs that express love, delve into this captivating story.

If you're curious about uncovering more intriguing facts about St. Gregory’s Day, look no further than this insightful read.

And if you're in search of the perfect destination to exchange vows and say "I do," let this guide lead you to your dream setting.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Slovenia is a nation full of amazing women. Dr. Noah Charney should know—he married one. It’s also a country that celebrates Women’s Day on March 8, which makes for a great opportunity to look at some of the most remarkable Slovenian women in history.

In his captivating podcast, Charney embarks on a mission to unveil some of the most influential Slovenian women. Beginning his exploration, Charney engages in a conversation with Svetlana Slapšak, a trailblazing anthropologist and writer renowned for her insightful contributions to anthropology and classical studies, who illuminates the profound impact of Slovenian women on society. Continuing his quest, Charney speaks with Valerija Božič, the Managing Director of Visit Idrija, who shares captivating anecdotes about a woman who once captured the heart of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Aleksander Sevšek, a local guide in Celje, who delves into the intriguing lives of historical figures such as Barbara of Celje and Alma Karlin. 

Drawing from previous podcasts, Charney integrates insights from Ilka Štuhec, a skiing sensation, and Ana Roš, the acclaimed chef behind Hiša Franko. Charney also explains some intriguing facts about other remarkable women from Slovenia, including Janja Garnbret, the greatest climber of all times, who is also the Ambassador of Slovenian Tourism.

By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary women, Charney underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating their contributions, both past and present. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that define Slovenian culture.

To read more about inspiring Slovenian women, follow this link. If you are curious to find out what chef Ana Roš and sports climber Janja Garnbret have in common, this story will surely inspire you.


A special thanks is owed toThe Association of Slovenian Historical Townsfor their invaluable assistance in sourcing relevant speakers for this episode. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Nova Gorica was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, a role it will share with its sister town, on the other side of the seamless border between Italy and Slovenia, Gorizia. In this episode, we’ll take a look at what the town has to offer for tourists all year round, and what to expect when it proudly carries the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.

Search in TripAdvisor for what to do in Nova Gorica, and the site will recommend that you visit Bled—ninety minutes away. Pay no attention. Nova Gorica is a town that is more interesting than you think it is. There’s a reason that it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2025. In this episode, Dr Noah Charneytakes a look at what Nova Gorica has to offer for tourists all year round, and what to expect when it proudly carries the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.

To learn more, he spoke to Gorazd Bozic, the former director, alongside Stojan Pelko, the program director, who have been running the activities for Nova Gorica’s capital of culture year and shaped the GO!2025 = BORDERLESS vision and programme.

We also invite you to embark on a journey through the story on our website and uncover the captivating essence that defines the shared heritage of these two cities.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

At the Slovenian pavilion as part of the famous World Travel Market in London, the star attraction in 2023 was an enormous, old-fashioned mechanical printing press. Alongside it was shelving full of all the analogue tools of the trade a printer would need: shelf upon shelf of letters cast in lead in various fonts and sizes, inks—altogether around three tons of material that had been transported by truck from Ljubljana.
Guests could come to the pavilion and take home a beautiful souvenir colour travel poster, printed on the very machine on show, featuring Ljubljana’s market and Triple Bridge. They could also meet my guest for this episode, master printer Marko Drpic.

In this episode, we look at how printing of books in particular helped Slovenia toward independence, and how tourists can participate in their own printmaking workshops while visiting.

At the old print shop in Ljubljana, you can become a manual typesetter, designer, and printer. You’ll select the letters for the alphabet poster and learn how carefully they need to be set to make a good impression. You’ll select the colour of the alphabet and apply the ink to the letters. Then you can make the first impression. And probably a second one and perhaps another until the poster is perfect. 

The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) has designatedArt and Culture as the overarching communication theme for 2024 and 2025.Cultural tourism, renowned for itssustainability, appeals to travellers seekingauthentic experiences, a deep connection with local heritage, and a genuine immersion in artistic creativity. With its top artists, a year-round calendar of inspiring events, and a wealth of cultural heritage,Slovenia is poised to captivate visitors 365 days a year.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

This episode is all about Jože Plečnik, Slovenia’s greatest architect and, according to the host of Feel Slovenia the podcast, Dr. Noah Charney, Slovenia's greatest artist in any medium.

Plečnik is the darling of architectural historians but he is not a household name the way his contemporaries, Antoni Gaudi, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, are. That is largely because he chose to do most of his work in his hometown of Ljubljana, away from the grand artistic centers of Modernism.

To get to know Plečnik, there is no better place to visit than Ljubljana. And to learn more about him, Dr. Noah Charney spoke to two experts, Ana Porok of the Plečnik House Museum and Peter Krečič, former director of the Architecture Museum of Ljubljana—and his PhD mentor, as Charney's own doctoral dissertation was on the life and work of this brilliant architect.

Architect Jože Plečnik's masterpieces in Ljubljana have earned a distinguished place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, acknowledging their exceptional cultural and natural heritage significance. Learn more about his work.

Also, we invite you to embark on an exciting Slovenia Unique Experience named "Master Plečnik". The tour will take you through UNESCO's Ljubljana with Plečnik, delving into the world of this visionary master. Join a small-group experience to intimately explore Plečnik's legacy and follow the trail of his plans and visions, gaining unique insights into his achievements and discovering countless fascinating architectural details.

Learn more

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

In this festive episode, Dr. Noah Charney takes us on an exciting journey through the enchanting Christmas traditions of Slovenia, unveiling the rich tapestry of customs that define this magical season. As he explores the stories of three gift-bringing bearded men who delight children every December, we embark on a journey into the heart of Slovenian holiday spirit. Two of these figures may be familiar, while the third remains a hidden gem, particularly for those unacquainted with the country's socialist history. Regardless of one's faith or holiday habits, Slovenia will surely impress you as a beautiful, warm, festive, and cosy destination for December holidays.

As we delve deeper into Slovenia's Christmas-ish traditions, Dr. Charney unpacks the unique aspects and special events awaiting visitors in Slovenian towns in December. These charming places undergo a magical transformation into fairy-tale wonderlands, adorned with festive market stalls, lit-up streets and bustling squares. The episode features engaging interviews with some individuals who help shaping the holiday spirit, including Sanja Pellis from Historic Towns, Dr. Mateja Habinc from the University of Ljubljana, and artistUrban Modic, who played a pivotal role in this year's Ljubljana city decoration. Additionally, insights from Marija Lah from Slovenj Gradec and Dragan Kikovič, the event manager at Postojna Cave, provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the special features of this year's unique celebrations.

Join us on this festive exploration as we uncover the traditions and festivities that make Slovenia a perfect December holiday destination.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Na zdravje! That’s "cheers" in Slovenian, and it’s an apt opening for this episode, which is all about Slovenian wine.  Join us as we uncork the rich tapestry of Slovenia's wine traditions, exploring the vast landscapes of vineyards and hearing from some top experts who guide us through the nuanced art of wine appreciation. Let's see what they recommend drinking when you’re in the terroir. White, red, orange or gold—Slovenia’s wines are award-winning, world class, and each glass tells the story of its homeland.

In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney talks with Caroline Gilby, a British wine expert who writes for the famous Decanter magazine, Aleks Simčič, a renowned wine producer from Goriška Brda, Tomaž Kavčič, a Slovenian Michelin-starred chef, and Maja Pečarič, the 2023 Queen of Wine.

If you want to learn more about Slovenian wines, visit the Taste Slovenia portal and discover all you wanted to know about the grape varieties present in Slovenia, three distinct wine-growing regions (Primorska, Posavje and Podravje) and about the natural wines, which are gaining on popularity.

We also invite you to read more about St. Martin's Day, the most important celebration of wine in Slovenia, observed on 11 November and extending its joyous spirit for a week or two thereafter. This vibrant celebration extends beyond Slovenia's wine-growing regions, stretching from the sun-kissed Mediterranean Sea to the expansive Pannonian plains. The air is filled with the clinking of glasses, laughter, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly pressed grapes. Join the celebrations and witness the transformation of must into wine, as locals come together to honour this timeless tradition and savour the fruits of the harvest season. St Martin's Day is not just a celebration; it's a sensory journey through the soul of Slovenian winemaking, where every vine tells a story and every sip is a toast to tradition.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

In this special episode, our host Dr. Noah Charney reports from the front lines of the Frankfurt Book Fair. In 2023, Slovenia is the guest of honour at this world’s largest book fair. What is it like to be there and how is Slovenia presenting its literary output to the world?

Along with exclusive interviews with Katja Stergar, director of the national Slovenian Book Agency, and Miha Kovac, Slovenia’s program director for the book fair, Noah will be your insider guide.

The Frankfurt Book Fair stands as one of the most significant events in the German market, where the STB reinforces Slovenia's visibility through promotional and communication activities. For this reason, a series of intensive promotional activities, with a specific focus on addressing guests seeking cultural experiences, were held. Additionally, the STB also unveiled its main tourism promotional theme for 2024-2025: Art and Culture.

Leading up to, during, and after the Frankfurt Book Fair, the STB has promoteed Slovenia as a green boutique destination with a rich cultural heritage, using quotes from eminent Slovenian authors, poets, and writers like Slavoj Žižek, Srečko Kosovel, and Kajetan Kovič, complemented by captivating images of Slovenia. This advertising campaign ran from October 13 to 23, primarily targeting the German state of Hessen, with a particular focus on Frankfurt.

In addition, a special landing page dedicated to Frankfurt Book Fair was launched in three languages: Slovenian, English, and German. The site provides information about the fair itself and underscores the significance of tourism, emphasizing its role in promoting tourist products, Slovenian culture, and diversity.

At the beginning of the year, the STB created a landing page highlighting Slovenian art and culture, using it to launch a new cultural video that also served as an announcement for the book fair. The video features the host of this podcast, Dr. Noah Charney.

Read more:
Art and Culture
A video: Slovenian Culture: A bonfire of creativity, art, and craft

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Traveling responsibly has never been more importan than it is today. We all want to venture to beautiful new places and enjoy unique experiences, but we also want to do so in a way that is sustainable for those places we visit and for our planet. 

In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney delves into the meaning of responsible travel together with a special guest, Virginia diGaetano, a veteran travel writer, who he had the privilege of catching up, while she was exploring Slovenia for the forthcoming edition of the Lonely Planet Slovenia guidebook. 

Together, they unravel the essence of responsible travel, sharing invaluable tips, anecdotes, and wisdom garnered from their experiences in the field. This captivating discussion not only provides practical guidance but also unveils their passion for sustainable travel practices. So, whether you're planning your next adventure in Slovenia or dreaming of voyages to far-flung destinations, this episode is a compass to help you navigate the realms of responsible and mindful exploration.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

NFT could stand for New Format Tourism, but it actually means Non-Fungible Token, and it’s linked to blockchain technology. Slovenia was the first country to use NFTs to promote tourism. In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney visited the Ultimate Julian Alps Sensory Adventure, a groundbreaking three-day event, for which 15 esteemed foreign media representatives exchanged their exclusive NFTs given to them at WTM London last November. During the event, which took place in Bohinj,  the journalists stayed at the exquisite Bohinj Hotel, providing them with a comfortable and convenient base for their immersive exploration of the region.

Dr. Noah Charney spoke with Klemen Langus, Director of Bohinj Tourism, Aljoša Ota, the Director of the Representative Office of the Slovenian Tourist Board in Italy, Tadej Slapnik, the CEO of Hashnet, and Tanja Bivic Plankar, the Chair of Blockchain Alliance Europe, and discussed both how cutting-edge technology is being used to promote tourism, and how Bohinj can become the “living room” for its guests.

The Ultimate Julian Alps Sensory Adventure represents an innovative approach to promoting Slovenian tourism, bridging the gap betweendigital assets and tangible value. By integrating advanced technology, the project emphasizes the importance of responsible attitudes towards nature and raises awareness about disappearing plant and animal species in the Julian Alps, such as the Alpine mynah and the wild rooster. The STB and the Julian Alps highlight the crucial link between nature and humans, underscoring that the future of the planet relies on this awareness.

During the event, journalists attended the International Wild Flower Festival, learned about preserving nature's balance and biodiversity, and experienced the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of sustainable solutions and responsible travel. The sensory experience served as a reminder to immerse oneself in the environment with all senses. The event also featured a special dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Uroš Štefelin.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a casual hiker, Slovenia’s mountainscertainly are inviting. Three spectacular ranges of the Alps rise up along the country’s northern border: the Julian Alps in the west, the Karawanks and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the north. In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney meets some of Slovenia’s mountain rescue professionals, who offer valuable tips on how to safely enjoy the upper reaches of the sunny side of the Alps.

Let us reiterate vital tips:

Explore also the dedicated website Safe in the mountains on www.slovenia.info, offering comprehensive information in multiple languages. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Ana Roš is a Slovenian chef and restaurateur who gained international recognition for her work at the Hiša Franko restaurant in Kobarid, Slovenia. She was named World's Best Female Chef in 2017 by the World's 50 Best Restaurants, and Hiša Franko was ranked as one of the world's 50 best restaurants. Roš's cuisine is influenced by her Slovenian heritage and the local ingredients of the Soča Valleyregion where the restaurant is located. She became a household name the world over when she appeared on "Chef's Table" on Netflix. Over the past few years, she has held over 600 interviews, including the latest in the New York Times, in a series “Transforming Spaces”about women driving change in sometimes unexpected places. In this episode, Dr Noah Charney speaks to Ana about her work, as well as chatting with some of her colleagues to learn what makes her so special.

For more inspiration, you are also invited to read a story about Ana Roš and Slovenian sports climber Janja Garnbret.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

We’re all aware of the importance of healthy, sustainable eating. For our bodies and for the planet. But it’s not always easy to convince ourselves to make a meaningful change in the behaviors we’re used to, let alone implementing change across societies worldwide. We might understand that a cow has to eat 100 grams of grain in order to grow by 5 grams, making beef an unsustainable commodity. But we still want a steak or a burger. Luckily, there are brilliant minds at work on this issue. The key is to introduce new options that are good for the environment and the individual that lead to long-term habits for consumers of all walks of life. We eat hedonistically, meaning for personal pleasure, not just to sustain our bodies. But we also think morally—we are concerned about animal welfare and the environment. We also want to do what is healthy for us and easy on our wallets.

In order to come up with winning solutions, the EU Food Summit was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia November 5th through 7th 2022. Dealing with themes like reduction of food waste, feeding the undernourished, and producing food that is better for the planet long-term, the EU Food Summit brought together international experts to tackle a problem that affects us all and will affect our descendants long into the future. In this episode, Dr Noah Charney spoke to several of the international guests at the Food Summit to learn what it's all about. Among them were Martin Jezeršek, the CEO of Jezeršek Catering and the co-founder of the EU Food Summit, Dan Saladino, a BBC journalist and writer, Tilen Travnik, the CEO of Juicy Marbles, and Marleen Onwezen, an expert and researcher at Wageningen University.

You will also learn about The 'Common-Sensitarian' Diet Manifesto, which was launched at the event  and has already been endorsed by a wide range of ambassadors and other supporters.  The Manifesto does not refer to a diet that restricts you in what you can and cannot eat. It is both a personal moral commitment and an appeal for social, economic and political change. It respects planetary boundaries and is necessary for restoring sustainable food systems with a lower negative impact on the climate and the environment.

Learn more

The European Food Summit, which has successfully built the future of responsible attitude towards food for the last few years, and thus left a positive mark not only in Europe but also globally, is returning to Slovenia

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

This episode is about how to fly. Ski fly, that is. The sports of ski jumping and ski flying are hugely popular in Slovenia and throughout mountainous Europe, but not as well-known elsewhere. To learn more about this dramatic sport, Dr. Noah Charney spoke to Olympian Jernej Damjan. Jernej was a bronze medalist at the 2005 World Ski Championships and represented Slovenia over a career that spanned more than a decade, including four Olympic appearances. He is now a color commentator for Eurosport as well as a man active in the business and administration worlds, helping fellow athletes and his sport to develop.

The closest that a human can get to flying without any protective devices, like parachutes or gliders, is probably ski jumping or, when said human launches him or herself from an even greater height, ski flying. The joke is that ski jumping is “falling with style” but there’s so much more to it. And Jernej Damjan explains it in detail.

There’s no better place to enjoy ski jumping than at Planica in Slovenia. First established in 1930, this is a cathedral for the sport, the first place on Earth to introduce a higher hill, completed in 1934, which gave rise to ski flying. The first ever ski jump of over 100 meters (330 feet) was made here in 1936. Ski jumping is the term for the lower hills, while ski flying is for the big ones, those that enable jumps that are up to 66% longer than in ski jumping hills. Every March, the main tournament at Planica draws tens of thousands. It’s an informal national holiday in Slovenia, and has been called the Super Bowl of winter sports.

The best way to experience ski flying is to come to Slovenia yourself, and visit Planica. Planica is fascinating during the winter season, of course, and at its best when there’s a competition in progress, but it is also lovely in the summer, where you can enjoy a museum and climb to the top of the hill and imagine what it’s like to stand before tens of thousands of cheering fans, and prepare for takeoff.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

This episode is dedicated to a unique tradition in Slovenia—Kurentovanje. This ancient pagan festival features friendly demons who chase away winter and invite in the spring. Kurents’ door-to-door rounds are one of the best-known carnival traditions in Slovenia, and Kurent is one of the most common and popular carnival characters, which was first documented in 1880. In 2017, UNESCO added door-to-door rounds of Kurents/Korants to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Their favorite haunt is Ptuj in northeastern Slovenia, where tourists flock to see them every February. To learn more about this striking festival, with locals dressed literally in monster costumes, we spoke with experienced photographer and travel writer who follows carnivals around Europe, Rudolf Abraham; Ann Abel, an American travel writer and editor at Forbes, and Uros Cajnko—a local who, every year, dons one of the Kurent costumes and helps chase winter away from Slovenia and invite in the spring.

So, what better day to publish the episode than on the first day of spring?

We invite you to read about another heart-warming tradition held in Slovenia to welcome spring: St. Gregory's Day, celebrated in March, is not only the Slovenian version of St. Valentine's Day, but also the holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring. Places with a long-standing tradition of crafts and trade believed that St. Gregory “tosses the lamp into the water” as the days have become longer and artificial light is no longer needed in workshops.

For more inspiring stories and ideas for spring getaway in Slovenia, visit www.slovenia.info.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Anyone who follows NBA basketball news knows Tim MacMahon. He’s among the world’s best-known basketball reporters.

Dr Noah Charney caught up with him on the last day of his visit to Slovenia in September. He came to Slovenia as he was doing research for a book he’s writing on the Slovenian basketball phenom, Luka Doncic.  That a reporter of his renown was in Slovenia was big news. Luka Doncic has become one of the most visible ambassadors for Slovenia, thanks to his status as one of the all-time greatest basketball players—when he’s still just 24 years old.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Tim is a seasoned sports reporter, having begun his career writing for the Dallas Morning News, where he worked from 2003 until 2009. Then he made the move toESPN, the American sports media empire that is the very pinnacle for sports news.

Tim and Noah talked about what he saw during his first trip to Slovenia and about his time covering basketball, Goran Dragic and Luka Doncic.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

When Americans Mike and Anne Howardset off on their honeymoon back on January 22 2012, they thought they'd spend a year travelling the globe. 11 years later and counting, they're still on the same honeymoon. They just kept on traveling and doing it the right way. They're focused on sustainable travel, destinations and modes of transport. Slow travel overland with as few flights, as possible to the environmentally conscious consumption. There are vegans who avoid plastic and drink only UV light-treated tap water, never bottled. They've lived out of a backpack for more than a decade.

Along the way, they managed to shift their endless vacation into a profession and lifestyle. They write for magazines, run a popular blog named HoneyTrek, handle social media platforms and collaborate with tourism boards all over the world. They've also published a pair of books, including Comfortably Wild, an elegant coffee table book about glamping, and the National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two. They've been featured in major media from Los Angeles Times to Travel & Leisure. And they even do travel and glamping consulting for companies and individuals.

One of their favourite destinations and one they're eager to return to is Slovenia. They visited it last September and fell in love with it. They traveled around with an electric vehicle and explored the alpine peaks, the Adriatic coast, wine country, historic villages, and the culinary scene. In the podcast, they unveil their favourites in Slovenia and when they first heard about it:

"In 2016 or 17, Slovenia won the Green Destination Award, and it came on our radar because we've been focusing more on sustainable travel and pushing our audience, and ourselves, to think about the footprint we leave as travellers."

How do you pack for a decade-long journey? What’s the relationship secret of a couple who spend 24 hours a day together, 7 days a week, for more than 600 weeks running? Keep listening to find out.

"Obviously, life is different for us, maybe it's a little slower. Sometimes it's a little faster. But there's all sorts of crazy hacks."

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

“Bohinj is too beautiful for murder,” said Agatha Christie, when interviewed by a national TV journalist during a holiday there in 1967. From room 204 of the Hotel Bellevue, Christie and her husband, a famous archaeologist, could see the expanse of the Julian Alps and the crystalline, wild splendor of the lake mirroring pines and peaks. Though Christie found Slovenia too beautiful for a whodunit mystery, many other famous authors set novels here, including Ernest Hemingway, Peter Handke, Paolo Coehlo and even Giacomo Casanova. This episode looks at foreign writers inspired by Slovenia, and includes conversations with two famous writers who live here, Miha Mazziniand Svetlana Slapsak.

Though Slovenia is a small country, it hides a huge treasure trove of literary and other cultural gems. Slovenian is a language known and spoken by only a tiny number of people in the world and it is among the few languages that have preserved its dual form.  Slovenia will be the Guest of Honour at the famous Frankfurt Book Fair, which will take place from 18 to 22 October 2023. Under the slogan A honeycomb of words, Slovenia's literary and cultural pulse will be presented. Discover more inspirational contents here. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Writing about Slovenia is particularly rewarding, as it so often feels like your articles open up a hidden doorway for readers with limited or no preconceptions about a country they will inevitably love. Readers have an idea about what travel to, say, Italy or Spain, Thailand or Costa Rica might be like. But while most will have heard of Slovenia—and heard good things about it—it does not have the immediate recognition of other potential travel destinations. That means that each article can have a significant positive effect in encouraging people to visit.

Dr Noah Charney should know. He has been writing about Slovenia for more than a decade, regularly covering it for The Guardian newspaper’s travel section, but also writing about it everywhere from Lonely Planet to National Geographic, from the Washington Post to Atlas Obscura.

His guest in this episode is perhaps the most prominent of all travel writers who write regularly about Slovenia: Alex Crevar. The American expat has written about Slovenia for The New York Times, Lonely Planet and National Geographic. What is more, he was also involved in the development of the Slovenia Green Gourmet Cycling Route, which attracted international attention. He also works as an editor and consultant on responsible tourism, though he's not sure he likes the term responsible tourism or consultant either.

He currently lives in Škofja Loka, Slovenia and was named Ambassador of Slovenian Tourism in 2022. Dr Noah caught up with him on the sun-drenched terrace of Hotel Plesnik in the Logar Valley, while attending the Transformational Travel Conference, which is the subject of its own episode. 

Here are some of the most inspiring quotes from the conversation:

"Long story short, I am, for lack of a better term, a sustainable journalist because I actually care about the place that I cover. "

"I'm not the arbiter of whether or not the place has reached its limit. I know stories that I will cover and that I won't cover. "

"I think it makes more sense to replace it with responsible from the perspective of you know what you have, and in your heart, you know what you should be doing. You have a responsibility to balance the compromises that it's necessary to get there. Sustainable tends to be too much of an empty label."

"Would you do it if there was no money in it?"

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

There are trips we take that, without our expecting them to, transform us. They help us grow, broaden our horizons, feel closer to other cultures and people. Perhaps we even find love or a spiritual moment while abroad? Those moments are precious and turn a holiday into a life-altering experience for the better. In this episode, Dr Noah Charney the annual gathering of the Transformational Travel Council, an organization that promotes this sort of travel experience and helps design trips that will be transformative. For their first post-pandemic conference, they chose Slovenia's Logar Valley, a place perfectly in line with their values of sustainability.  Slovenia was the first European country to host TRANSCEND and the Slovenian Tourist Board was the partner of the event.

The TTC chose Slovenia due to Slovenia's leading role in promoting the sustainable tourism development and the success of the national sustainability certification scheme, the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism (GSST), which has been systematically upgraded since 2015, provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of destinations and ensures the development of a sustainable tourist offer, which creates greater value for all.

TRANSCEND '22 was attended by more than 100 renowned foreign journalists, tour operators and travel agencies, as well as travel industry experts. Journalists present at the event create contents for globally recognized and prestigious media such as The National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast, New York Times, BBC Travel, Forbes and many others. Listen to what the participants had to say about Slovenia.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Sara Isaković is a world-class swimmer from Slovenia. She won a silver medal in the 200 meter freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Not only did she take home a silver, but her time of 1 minute and 54.97 seconds made her just the second woman in history to swim that race in less than 1 minute and 55 second. She was also the first Slovenian swimmer to win an Olympic medal.

But that’s just part of her story. She’s a great athlete but also a top scholar, coach and entrepreneur. After her swimming career, she has focused on developing a mental training program. Today, she coaches top athletes, managers and more in how mindfulness and mental preparation can maximize one’s potential. To top it off, she even designed and published a unique board game about mental training.

In the podcast, she explains why Slovenians are so good at sports, what made her so good, why Janja Garnbret is her favourite Slovenian athlete and which Slovenian dish helps you achieve top results. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

In this episode, over brunch at Ljubljana Castle, Dr Noah Charney interviews American journalist Kate Wagner. Kate has a diversity of interests, but is best known as a cycling journalist. She's covered La Vuelta, the Tour de France and all the biggest races, and has profiled and extensively interviewed Slovenian cyclists, including Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, who are also the ambassadors of Slovenian tourism.

They spoke about her love for Slovenia – where she hopes to move, at least for a portion of each year, and dove deep into the triumphs of Slovenian cyclists.

One of her latest articles with a meaningful title "Who the Hell Even Are You, Tadej Pogačar?"is a must-read for all who are keen on getting to know him and the Slovenian sports mentality. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

In this episode, Dr Noah Charney talks about the world's oldest vine, which is over 450 years old.  The Old Vine is considered the jewel in the crown of Maribor, Slovenia’s wine-loving second city located in the north-east of the country.

To unveil all the fun facts connected with the Old Vine, he talked with Aleš Jenuš,Maribor City Guide,  two renowned Slovenian sommeliers, Nina Bratovž and Jernej Lubej, who organises the Big Guy's Wine Tour, and Michael Manske, an expat to Slovenia, the host of entertaining radio show "How to Become Slovene".

Of course, they couldn't go without mentioning also other sightseeing spots worth visiting in Maribor and its surroundings, which is why this episode is a must for all who plan to visit Maribor in the future and are keen on hearing some expert advice on what to see and experience there.

For more inspiration, read the story about the Old Vine on www.slovenia.infoand explore what makes the Big Guy's Wine Tour so special that it is listed among Slovenia Unique Experiences that indicate unique 5-star experiences. The strict rules for awarding the label ensure that you experience a story in a very personal way, at its original location, in touch with locals, and in line with the sustainable principles in tourism. 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Slovenia's best ambassadors are its elite athletes. This small country has an astonishing number of world class athletes, and many–including top cyclists Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar, who are official ambassadors of Slovenian tourism.

Slovenians love sports and engaging with the outdoors – the country is perfect for it. Whether you're interested in mountains or plains, coast or hills, Slovenia has it all. Tourists looking for a sporty holiday need look no further. And this diversity of terrain makes Slovenia the perfect spot for a cycling holiday.

In this very special episode, Dr Noah Charney had a chance to interview Tadej Pogačar. He's the reigning, two-time Tour de France champion, an Olympic bronze medalist, and still only 23 years old. He also won Tour of Slovenia last year and will fight to keep the title this year as well. In the podcast, they discuss Slovenia's gastronomy, his personal life and trainings and where to cyclewhen you visit Slovenia.

If you want to see the video that brings you closer to the remarkable energy of Tadej Pogačar, while he rides along the most impressive and demanding cycling routesin Slovenia and trains for Tour de France 2022, click here. There's another great video that we invite you to see: the ultimate Slovenian Quiz Challenge featuring Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič.

For more cycling inspiration read the article about top ten reasons for cyc

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Welcome to this special episode of Feel Slovenia the Podcast celebrating World Bee Day. May 20 is a day dedicated to celebrating the wonders of the bee, an absolutely critical animal to the planet’s ecosystem. Without bees, our flora could not exist—three-quarters of all food crops depend on pollination—and so the bees need to get the credit they deserve.

For this reason, the United Nations declared World Bee Day in December 2017 —  and this was originally a Slovenian initiative. Slovenes have the most beekeepers per capita in the world, and we’ll hear from several of them in today’s episode. My guests include Lucie Grace, a British journalist who visited Slovenia to write a feature on its apiculture traditions. Mateja Reš runs the Garden of Tastes, a homestead garden near idyllic Lake Bled where she grows all manner of produce and leads workshops on cooking, gardening and more, all happily supported by bees. Dr Peter Kozmus is one of Slovenia’s leading beekeepers, and leads the breeding program for the Carniolan Gray Honey Bee as part of the Slovenian Beekeeper’s Association. He gives talks around the world and authored the books Beekeeping for Everyone and Bumble Bees in Slovenia. And Gorazd Trušnovec, who was the first urban beekeeper in Slovenia, and now oversees hives at 12 locations on the roofs of buildings in Ljubljana. 

Let’s take a look at what all the buzz is about!

For more inspiration, check out the following bee-related contents:

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Regardless of your faith, there’s one thing we can all agree on: holidays that bring together family and involve good food. So for this special Easter episode of Feel Slovenia the Podcast we’ve focused on the culinary traditions around this, the most important of Christian holidays.

It’s a very special episode, too, as our host, Noah Charney, chatted with five different people to bring you a broad array of thoughts about Easter. This included a pair of curators atthe Slovene Ethnographic Museum, Nena Židov and Anja Jerin. You can visit that museum next time you’re in Ljubljana. He also spoke with Janez Bogataj, the leading expert in Slovenian ethnography and culinary heritage. He’s the author of many books, several of which Noah and his wife translated. He chatted with Špela Vodovc, author of the hit cookbook, Cook Eat Slovenia, and a tour guide here. And finally, you’ll get to meet his 80-year-old grandmother-in-law, Mama Tončka.

What are the key components of an Easter breakfast and what do they symbolize? What’s the story of one of the most famous Passion plays in Europe? Tune in to find out!

For more contents on Easter visit the www.slovenia.info:
Easter festivities in Slovenia
The taste of Slovenian Easter
The Škofja Loka Passion Play
Easter time in Slovenia
 

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Ever wanted to eat cream cake in a treehouse? Who hasn't, right? In the latest episode of Feel Slovenia the Podcast,expat writer Dr Noah Charney set off into the trees to visit Garden Village Bled, an eco-friendly resort that recalled his childhood fantasies. Then it was time for a bite to eat. Noah already knew about Bled's famous cream cake, so he was curious about what other local specialties there were to try. Turns out there are many...

A visit to Garden Village Bled is a journey back to nature. It's an experience that will make you no longer want to sleep in a hotel room. This is a green story about wellness in a miniature landscape park in the direct vicinity of the famous Lake Bled, where you can connect with nature, with yourself, and with your loved ones.

If you are curious to find out more about Bled cream cake, read more here.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

On Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, near Koper, there stands an olive oil farm run by the Lisjak family. They produce not only some of the best olive oil in the country, used in Slovenia’s top restaurants, but it is among the best in the world.  Dr Noah Charney visited them for an olive oil tasting and was particularly intrigued by their single source indigenous varietals the sort of product that is not only best here, but which can only grow here.

He spoke with Matej Lisjak, who runs the family business, as well as Petra, a representative from the prestigious Kempinski Palace Hotel in Portoroz. Together they offer a unique experience involving olive oil, truffles and plenty of one-on-one time with Matej himself. What are some tasting tips for olive oil? And what does olive oil made in the northernmost part of the olive producing belt of Europe taste like? Join us to find out this and a whole lot more!

Let us mention also Vintage Gourmet Tour, a tour offered by the Lisjak family, which bears the Slovenia Unique Experience label, which highlights  the most exclusive boutique experiences in Slovenia.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

This time, Feel Slovenia the Podcast takes a trip to the seashore. Dr Noah Charney speaks to Irena Fonda of Fonda Fish Farm, one of the world's best, specializing in sea bass. Fonda Fish Farm is also one of the providers that hold the Slovenia Unique Experience label, which guarantees that you will experience Slovenia’s originality in an unforgettable way and with all of your senses.

What's the secret of their success that makes their farmed sea bass nearly indistinguishable from line-caught bass? What tips can we learn from an expert on how to shop at the fish market? Learn all this and more in this virtual trip to the Adriatic Sea.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

Though Slovenia has a small population, it has enjoyed a great deal of success in world sport at the highest level. Ilka Štuhec is one of the many successful athletes who inspire both the Slovenian and international public. Many people wonder what it is about Slovenia that makes it one of the most successful countries in the world in terms of sporting achievements per capita. One of the reasons is definitely the wide range of outdoor activities available throughout the seasons. Since it is nestled in the Alps, it is no surprise that skiing, in a variety of disciplines, is among Slovenia’s best sports.

In this episode, Dr Noah Charney spoke to world-renowned downhill ace Ilka Stuhec about her career, her hometown of Maribor and the best foods to eat prior to a World Cup championship.  She also unveiled how a racing day looks like, from the very moment she wakes up in the morning.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.

In our first episode, Noah describes how he came to live in Slovenia, after having “auditioned” numerous other countries, and why he thinks so highly of it, as a place to visit or move to full-time. In the process, he spoke to many fellow expats from a diverse array of countries to learn why they love life on the sunny side of the Alps.

Feel Slovenia the Podcastis brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Boardand hosted byDr Noah Charney.

Sound Production:Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check outwww.slovenia.infoand our social media channels, includingInstagram,Facebook,YouTube,Twitter,Pinterest,LinkedInandTripadvisor.