Czechast, Radio Prague International

Czech literature will be in the international spotlight next week when Czechia becomes Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest publishing trade fair. Seventy-five Czech authors are heading to Frankfurt for the event, which runs from October 7 to 11 under the motto “ Czechia: A Country on the Coast .” Against that backdrop, Czechast speaks to Belgian intellectual-property lawyer and passionate reader Bart van Besien, whose Bookmarked Places project explores countries through their literature – and whose journey through Czech books has taken him from Bohumil Hrabal and Jiří Weil to contemporary writer Marek Šindelka.

Václav Havel, playwright, dissident and the first president of the Czech Republic, would have turned 90 on October 5. In this edition of Czechast, former Charter 77 activist Jan Urban remembers first meeting him in the final years of communist rule – and reflects on the qualities that made Havel such an extraordinary figure within the dissident movement.

Linda Zeilina-Cross first came to Prague in 2017 and eventually chose the Czech capital as the base for her International Sustainable Finance Centre. She tells Czechast that Czech scepticism towards new ideas can be frustrating, but also sees a country whose clean-tech sector is stronger than many Czechs realise. Recent political changes concern her, but she believes economic forces driving the transformation will be difficult to reverse.

What does it mean to be Jewish and Czech after October 7, 2023, and the devastating war that followed in Gaza? At Brno’s Štetl Fest, Czechast spoke to historian Anna Hájková (University of Warwick) and Israel expert Irena Kalhousová (Charles University) about antisemitism, Israel, the political left and the peculiar position of Jews in Czech society.

More than 35 years after the fall of communism, how close is the Czech Republic to the free society and free-market economy envisioned in the early 1990s? In this episode of Czechast, former Czech president and prime minister Václav Klaus argues that much of Europe is now moving in the opposite direction. Speaking to Vít Pohanka, he discusses the European Union, the euro, the war in Ukraine and the political forces challenging Europe’s mainstream.

Karen Kruger grew up in the United States unaware that her mother was Jewish and had escaped Czechoslovakia on a Kindertransport. Discovering that secret set the Holocaust educator and filmmaker on a decades-long search that resulted in Letters from Brno and repeated journeys to South Moravia. Speaking to Czechast during ŠTETL FEST, Kruger explains how confronting a painful family history gradually turned into an unexpected sense of belonging.

Václav Klaus is known internationally as a politician who has never shied away from controversy, from questioning policies designed to fight climate change to his views on Russia’s war against Ukraine. But this episode of Czechast reveals a more personal side of the former Czech president: Václav Klaus the Pražák. Born and raised in Vinohrady, he looks back on more than eight decades of life in a changing Prague – and has some typically strong opinions about the city of today.

Prague is already feeling the effects of a warming climate, particularly during increasingly intense summer heat waves. Jan Richter, a climate change adaptation specialist at Prague City Hall, believes the answer lies partly beneath our feet: giving trees enough underground space, retaining rainwater and bringing more vegetation into even the historic centre. In this episode of Czechast, he also explains how a Fulbright scholarship in the United States and the urban farms of Detroit helped shape his ideas about the resilient city of the future.

For centuries, paintings, monuments and public buildings have shaped the way Czechs understand their past. According to art historian and Charles University Professor Vít Vlnas, works of art often tell us less about the historical events they portray than about the period in which they were created. In an interview for Czechast, he reflects on Baroque art, Charles Bridge, collective memory and why modern generations are beginning to see Czech history differently.

For the latest episode of Czechast, regional geographer and president of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Jaroslav Koutský reflects on the changing map of Czechia. He discusses why some regions have reinvented themselves while others continue to face deep social challenges, and why geography still shapes everyday life.

The second half of the 1960s brought political thaw to stagnant Czechoslovakia and, with it, a breath of freedom that inevitably spread through the corridors of Czechoslovak Radio. International broadcasting, until then a strict and uncompromising instrument of communist propaganda, slowly began to change its tone. Czechoslovakia was opening up to the world, and the airwaves no longer carried only rigid ideological dictates.

After almost thirty years spent studying and teaching in the United States and Britain, political scientist and writer Milan Babík has returned to Prague. In an interview for Czechast, he speaks about adapting to life back in Czechia, the strengths and weaknesses of Czech education, the troubled future of the Václav Havel Library and why he still finds hope in ordinary human relationships.

Linda Nosková and Karolína Muchová made history in the first all-Czech Grand Slam singles final. This special edition of Czechast brings their reactions in their own words – Nosková speaking on Centre Court moments after winning Wimbledon and Muchová reflecting on a painful defeat at her press conference.

Few universities in the world can offer students hands-on experience with a real nuclear reactor. This episode of Czechast takes listeners inside the Czech Technical University in Prague with Professor Jan Rataj, head of the Department of Nuclear Reactors.

The witch trials in northern Moravia claimed nearly two hundred lives and remain one of the darkest episodes in the history of today's Czechia. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, Vít Pohanka and Rob Cameron revisit the story with historian Jaroslav Čechura. The episode explores both the traditional interpretation of the trials and a thought-provoking new perspective on their origins.

Military commander, entrepreneur, statesman—or traitor? The latest episode of Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast by Radio Prague International, explores the remarkable life of Albrecht von Wallenstein. Historian Jaroslav Čechura explains how a Bohemian nobleman rose to become the Emperor's most powerful general before being assassinated by his own officers.

The execution of twenty-seven leaders of the Bohemian Revolt on Prague's Old Town Square ranks among the most dramatic public executions in European history. In this episode of Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, Rob Cameron and Vít Pohanka retrace the events that followed the Battle of White Mountain and examine how one morning in June 1621 transformed the Czech lands for centuries.

In the latest episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track, a Czechast series, we step inside the Church of St. Martin in the Wall, one of Prague's oldest and least-known historic churches. Hidden just off Národní třída, it played a remarkable role in the Hussite movement and today offers one of the city's most welcoming and distinctive Protestant communities.

The Second Defenestration of Prague is one of the best-known episodes in Czech history, yet the dramatic fall from the windows of Prague Castle was only the beginning. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, journalists Vít Pohanka and Rob Cameron explore how a failed triple murder became the spark that ignited the Thirty Years' War and changed the course of European history.

The First Prague Defenestration is one of the most dramatic turning points in Czech history. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, Vít Pohanka and Rob Cameron trace how religious tension, fear, and politics led to violence in Prague in 1419. With insights from historian Eva Doležalová, the episode shows how one act helped ignite the Hussite Wars.

Violence in medieval Bohemia was nothing new—but the fate of Duke Jaromír stands apart. Mutilated by his own brothers and killed in a shocking final act, his story reveals how power struggles could turn deeply brutal. In this episode of Blood in Bohemia, we explore one of the darkest chapters of the Přemyslid dynasty.

For this Czechast special, Vít Pohanka joins the March of Reconciliation from Pohořelice to Brno, where painful memories of the post-war expulsion of German-speaking residents still resonate. This year’s event carried added weight, as Brno hosted the Sudeten German Association’s annual gathering for the first time in history. Alongside calls for reconciliation came loud protests, revealing how emotionally charged the subject remains.

A powerful noble family rises close to the centre of power—and then faces sudden and devastating violence. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode explores the story of the Vršovci and their bloody downfall. It raises a deeper question: what happens when power exists without security?

It is one of the most brutal and decisive episodes in early Czech history. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode examines the massacre of the Slavníkovci clan in 995. The story raises a deeper question: what role did violence play in the birth of the Czech state?

In this special episode of Czechast, Czech President Petr Pavel and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have a timely discussion on Europe’s future, security, and democracy. A thoughtful conversation between two European leaders at a critical moment.

It is a dramatic legend of violence between women striving for independence and men determined to reassert control. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode explores the Maidens’ War and its enduring appeal. The story raises a deeper question: why has this bloody myth remained so powerful for centuries?

In the latest episode of Czechast, British Ambassador Matt Field speaks about his experience in Czechia, the impact of Brexit, and Western support for Ukraine. Drawing on his time in the Balkans, he also reflects on Europe’s changing security landscape and explains why institutions like the BBC World Service and Radio Prague International remain essential in the age of disinformation.

The story of Saint Wenceslas is often told as a tale of faith and virtue—but it begins with violence. In Blood in Bohemia, a special series of Czechast, the episode examines what we really know about his death. It is a story where history and legend have been intertwined for more than a thousand years.

Blood in Bohemia is a special series of Czechast, the podcast in English about all things Czech. In it, Vít Pohanka teams up with BBC correspondent Rob Cameron to revisit some of the most brutal and defining moments in Czech history. Before the series begins, they sit down together to explain what drew them to these stories — and why they still matter today.

In Czechast, Mexican entrepreneur Alejandro Cruz reflects on his life in Prague and the cultural differences he encountered and what made him start podascting. He speaks about identity, belonging, and the challenges of adapting to a new society. His experience offers a personal insight into what it means to live between cultures.

The latest Amnesty International report points to persistent human rights challenges in Czechia. These include segregation in education, growing pressure on refugee integration, and controversial arms exports. Climate policy, or rather the lack-off it, is also emerging as a key human rights issue.

Amnesty International’s latest annual report on human rights is the focus of this Czechast episode. In the full interview, spokesperson Martina Nejedlá discusses key findings on Czechia, from education and migration to climate policy. The conversation offers a deeper look at the challenges highlighted in the report.

In this episode of Prague off the Beaten Track, we explore Obora Hvězda, a quiet park in Prague 6 that hides a remarkable story. From its origins as a royal game reserve to the striking Renaissance Letohrádek Hvězda, the site reflects centuries of history, ambition, and transformation. Today, it offers a calm escape — but beneath the surface lies a landscape shaped as much by human design as by nature itself.

Holešovická tržnice in Prague’s Holešovice district has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a modern slaughterhouse is now a bustling market and cultural hub. Today, it stands as one of Prague’s most intriguing places off the beaten track.

In this episode of Prague Off the Beaten Track on Czechast, we explore Klanovice Forest — the largest continuous forest in Prague. Just on the edge of the city, it offers a surprising mix of deep history, quiet nature, and traces of ambitious plans that never fully materialised. From medieval robber legends to modern conservation debates, this is a place where the past and present meet in unexpected ways.

In this special episode of Czechast, we take a closer look at Czechia’s defence readiness in today’s rapidly changing security environment. Our guest is Martin Sklenář, analyst and co-author of a new report by GLOBSEC, a respected Bratislava-based think tank focusing on security, geopolitics, and international affairs across Europe and beyond.

In Czechast, veteran journalist Petr Dudek looks back at the 1990s, a key period in shaping modern Czech society and politics. One of the editors that shapúe current affair programs in Czech Public Radio reflects on how the Czech media landscape and political communication have evolved since then.

In Czechast, journalist Petr Brod draws on decades of experience at the BBC and Radio Free Europe to reflect on the past and future of international broadcasting. As funding pressures grow and audiences shift online, the role of global media is being redefined. The episode also asks what place remains for Radio Prague International in today’s world.

Easter in Czechia is often linked to folk traditions—but what about its spiritual meaning? In this Czechast archive special, Vít Pohanka speaks with Czech Protestant minister Miki Erdinger. Together, they explore faith, doubt, and the place of religion in modern Czech society.

In the latest Czechast, we travel to Olomouc, where a former railway waiting room has been turned into a small but vibrant cinema. The Waiting Room project offers films and community events just steps from passing trains. In an age of streaming, it shows how cinema can still bring people together.

Joy Kadečková’s life reads like a 20th-century European drama shaped by war, love and political upheaval. After meeting a Czech pilot in wartime Britain, she made a promise that would bring her to Czechoslovakia—and keep her there for life. Her story, preserved by Memory of Nations and now featured on Czechast, offers a deeply personal window into history.

More than three decades after the Velvet Revolution, the legacy of the communist regime continues to shape debates in Czech society. In the latest episode of the Czechast podcast, Vít Pohanka speaks with Kamil Nedvědický, First Deputy Director of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes in Prague. Their conversation explores why the communist coup of 1948 was unconstitutional, why many crimes of the regime were never punished, and why understanding the realities of life under communism remains crucial for younger generations today.

In the Czechast podcast, Lenka Králová reflects on her life as a transgender woman in Czechia. She speaks about identity, online hostility and why open conversations about transgender experiences matter.

Defense policy is once again at the center of public debate in Europe. In the latest episode of Czechast, we spoke to Kateřina Gruntová, a young Czech Radio reporter specializing in defense and security, about how the army is changing, how NATO really works, and why society still underestimates the stakes. She argues that security is not just a military issue — but a responsibility shared by all.

Seventy-eight years after the communist coup of February 1948, Czechast looks back at the dramatic years when Czechoslovakia stood between democracy and dictatorship. The takeover was not sudden, but carefully prepared between 1945 and 1948. Featuring historian Igor Lukeš, this episode also explores the enduring question: could the country’s fate have been different if the U.S. Army had liberated Prague?

Marking four years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Czech FM Petr Macinka delivered two forceful speeches at UN headquarters in New York. Addressing the General Assembly and later the Security Council, he placed responsibility for the war squarely on Russia and called on Moscow to stop the aggression. At a time when some questioned whether Czechia’s new government might soften its stance, the message was unequivocal. In this special Czechast episode, you can hear both speeches in full.

As Europe marks four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Czechast returns to a powerful interview with Czech fighter Jan Trčka. Speaking openly about combat, fear, and conviction, he reflects on why he believes Ukraine’s fight is about far more than territory. It is, he says, about the future of Europe and the defense of democratic values.

In this episode of Czechast, Vít Pohanka returns to where it all began — Žďár nad Sázavou. As he walks through the town, he reflects on its transformation, its character, and the stories embedded in its streets. This is not just a travel episode; it’s a personal journey through memory and identity. Tune in to the full Czechast audio or video to experience this intimate portrait of a Czech hometown.

Former Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček reflects on the state of Czech democracy, constitutional norms and Europe’s security challenges. In a new episode of Czechast, he warns against undermining judicial independence and against illusions about Russia’s war in Ukraine. He also shares what years in politics taught him about compromise.

International attention in Munich centered on Marco Rubio’s message of transatlantic unity and tensions over Ukraine. Yet Czechast special brings you deeper into the conference halls, where President Petr Pavel analyzed the roots of populism and democratic safeguards, while Foreign Minister Petr Macinka took part in a confrontational debate about sovereignty, values and the rift within the West.

In Czechast, Martin Kroupa reflects on the power of oral history and the work of Post Bellum’s Memory of Nations project. He discusses how subjective memories, archival verification and public support shape their independence. The conversation explores why preserving lived experience remains politically and morally urgent today.

Czechia has equalled its best result in the Corruption Perceptions Index, yet still lags behind Western Europe. Why does the country remain stuck in the middle of Europe’s corruption rankings? In Czechast, we speak to Transparency International analyst Marek Chromý in a full in-depth interview.

Why did ice hockey take such deep roots in Czechia – a country far from Scandinavia and Canada? In a special episode of Czechast, Vít Pohanka looks at the history, culture and lasting appeal of Czech ice hockey, from frozen ponds to Olympic gold. The episode also features a fresh interview with legendary goaltender Dominik Hašek, who shares his view on the Czech team’s chances at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, as well as a look back at his extraordinary career.

Russia, security, and uncertainty have returned to the centre of European politics. But security, says analyst Filip Scherf, is not only about threats — it is also about self-confidence, responsibility, and partnerships. In this episode of Czechast, Scherf explains what Russia means for Czechia today, why size matters less than mindset, and what gives him hope in an increasingly fragile world.

In a special episode of Czechast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks openly about the war with Russia, peace talks, and the role Czechia plays in supporting Ukraine. In an exclusive interview for Czech Radio, conducted by Josef Pazderka, Zelenskyy reflects on military cooperation, energy security, and difficult questions facing European societies. The conversation offers a rare insight into how Ukraine’s president sees Czechia — and Europe — at a decisive moment in history.

After two decades in Czech public media and years spent in Brussels, Filip Nerad, now working at Globsec Policy Institute, offers a long-term view of Czechia’s position inside the EU and NATO. In an interview for Czechast, he discusses the country’s growing credibility in Europe, the challenges posed by the new government, and persistent Czech euroscepticism. He also turns to a lighter theme, explaining how Belgian beer culture reveals sides of Europe no summit ever could.

At a time when international news can feel increasingly unsettling, a calm and thoughtful conversation about music, culture and perspective stood out. In a special episode of Czechast brings listeners an interview with Emmanuel Villaume, chief conductor of the Prague Philharmonia, recorded shortly before the orchestra’s U.S. tour, which included a concert at Carnegie Hall. The conversation offers a rare insight into how a French conductor leading a Czech orchestra thinks about audiences, identity and music beyond borders.

In a new episode of Czechast, the podcast in English about all things Czech, former Czech NATO ambassador Jakub Landovský reflects on Ukraine, NATO and Europe’s hard lessons. Drawing on his own experience inside the Alliance, he speaks openly about disillusionment, strategy and power. He also looks back at 1989 and explains where he still finds hope today.

Malá Strana is one of Prague’s most visited neighbourhoods and very much part of the beaten track. But behind its busy streets lies a network of stairways that lead away from crowds and into calmer, more intimate spacesand take you suddenly off the beaten track.

Political scientist and analyst Tomáš Klvaňa has spent decades moving between academia, journalism, politics and international public affairs. In an interview for Czechast, he reflects on advising Czech presidents, working with the United States, and teaching American students in Prague. Klvaňa also speaks about the decline of traditional media, the rise of populism, and why liberal democracy is facing one of its most difficult periods in decades.

One of the best ways to experience Prague off the Beaten Track is not on foot, but from a tram. Line 22 crosses the city from Bílá Hora to Hostivař, passing castles, squares, and residential districts along the way. Seen from street level and in motion, Prague reveals itself as a lived-in city, not just a collection of sights.

In this episode of Czechast, Jan Lipavský looks back on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Czechia’s security-first turn in foreign policy, and the internationally praised ammunition initiative. Former Czech foreign minister, now an opposition MP elected on the Civic Democratic Party ticket, he also warns that Czechia is nearing a strategic crossroads in an increasingly unstable world.

In this episode of Prague off the Beaten Track, we head to Baba, a rocky plateau just north of Hanspaulka. Built in the 1930s as a model housing exhibition, the Baba villa colony combines functionalist architecture with sweeping views over Prague. From here, even the city’s most familiar landmarks appear — just from angles most visitors never see.

Was 2025 a genuine turning point for Czechia, or just a shift in political tone? In Czechast, Seznam Zprávy journalist and opinion editor Kateřina Šafaříková reflects on Czech society, public aggression, and the country’s post-election foreign-policy course. Drawing on years spent in Brussels, she offers a sober assessment of where Czechia now stands in Europe.

Hanspaulka is the focus of a new episode of Prague off the Beaten Track, now part of the podcast Czechast. This quiet Prague 6 neighbourhood is known for its interwar villas, famous artists and intellectuals, and a strong sense of place. Today, it remains one of the city’s most rewarding areas for slow walking and architectural discovery.

In a New Year’s Eve special edition, Czechast returns to a long conversation with Jakub Hrůša, one of today’s leading Czech conductors. Recorded in early 2025, the interview captures a moment just before his career reached new heights. It offers a thoughtful look at music, discipline, and a year that proved decisive for Jakub Hrůša.

As 2025 comes to an end, Czechia has achieved something unprecedented in its modern history: it is no longer dependent on Russian oil or gas. In Czechast, political scientist Martin Jirušek explains how this became possible and why it matters. The interview also looks ahead to new risks hidden in Europe’s energy transition.

In this episode of Czechast, we speak with Professor Bohumír Janský, one of the most respected Czech geographers of his generation. He is known worldwide for leading the scientific expeditions that mapped the true sources of the Amazon River in Peru. His work has reshaped our understanding of the world’s greatest river and remains a milestone in modern hydrological research.

Czechs embrace the Christmas season with enthusiasm, but long-term statistics show that church attendance in Czechia is among the lowest in Europe. In this episode of Czechast, we explore why these two realities coexist — and where the roots of this paradox lie. Religion editor Adam Šindelář offers historical context and insight into Czech attitudes toward faith, tradition and spirituality.

In this new Czechast episode, lawyer and entrepreneur Linda Tejchmanová talks about building a life and career in Belgium. From studying two law degrees in parallel to co-founding the Czech-Belgian Chamber of Commerce, her story reflects both opportunities and dilemmas many Czechs abroad face. Recorded in Leuven, the conversation explores identity, motherhood, community, and the cultural nuances between Czechia and Belgium.

The current tug-of-war between President Petr Pavel and Andrej Babiš centres on how the ANO leader — and billionaire owner of Agrofert — should publicly address his business interests before being appointed prime minister. While it dominates today’s headlines, history shows that such tensions between the Castle and the head of government have appeared many times before. In this Czechast special, we explore how these power dynamics shaped politics from the First Republic to the present day.

In this episode of Czechast, we reveal the unexpected Czech footprint behind one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic symbols. Smalt Brno company manufactures the iconic enamel plaques displayed by Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe.

In a special episode of Czechast, we revisit a 2019 discussion on the state of Czech democracy with Jiří Pehe and Tomáš Sedláček. Recorded at a time when Andrej Babiš was Prime Minister, the debate feels even more relevant today. As Czechia reflects on November 17, this episode offers perspective on political shifts, polarization, and the resilience of democratic processes.

Czechast visits Zlín to explore “The Baťa Principle,” the signature exhibition at the Museum of Southeast Moravia. It traces the Baťa company’s rise from a village workshop to a global brand through shoes, film, and travel. Step inside a functionalist city that still runs on Tomáš Baťa’s energy.

In this special episode of Czechast, we revisit a report originally produced for Radio Prague International that tells the story of the Czechoslovak Legionnaires — soldiers who fought across Europe and deep into Siberia to secure their country’s independence. Among them was host Vít Pohanka’s great-granduncle, who fell in battle near the Ural Mountains. His fate is part of a larger story of courage, sacrifice, and nation-building that should never be forgotten.

Czech Route 66 Association president Zdeněk Jurásek first pedaled the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica in 1998, covering roughly 4,000 kilometers in 30 days. Since then, he has returned dozens of times, guiding higher hundreds of travelers and earning a spot on Kingman’s Route 66 Walk of Fame. In this Czechast interview, he explains the appeal beyond nostalgia—and how to plan a smart, safe, and memorable trip.

In a wide-ranging conversation for Czechast, Charles University spokesperson Jan Bumba explains how a 700-year-old institution works to stay modern and international. He reflects on his switch from journalism to academia, the realities of rankings, and the draw of studying in Prague. Bumba also acknowledges dormitory shortcomings and why improving student housing is now a key priority.

In a new episode of Czechast, journalist Daniel Kaiser of Echo24 speaks about the recent Czech elections. The vote ended with a clear defeat for the governing coalition and opened the door for Andrej Babiš to reclaim power.

The latest Czechast tells the story of two remarkable women — Barbara Day and Nancy Durham — who risked much to help Czech intellectual life survive under communism. Through the Jan Hus Educational Foundation, they built bridges between British academics and dissident scholars in Czechoslovakia. Their courage and empathy show how even small acts of solidarity can shape freedom and education.

In a new episode of Czechast, we stay in Ostrava, once the proud industrial heart of Czechoslovakia. The city has faced tough decades since the fall of heavy industry, but new projects are giving it a fresh pulse. Among them is the University of Ostrava’s city campus — a symbol of how education and creativity can help renew even the most hard-hit regions.

As Czechs prepare to vote again in the elections for the Chamber of Deputies, Czechast takes a look back at 35 years of free elections. Host Vít Pohanka speaks with Jiří Pehe, political scientist, commentator, and former adviser to Václav Havel. Together, they trace the milestones that have shaped Czech democracy since 1989.

Petr Kopecký, President of Ostrava University, has spent nearly three decades teaching and researching English and American literature. In an interview for Czechast, he spoke about the role of universities in defending democracy, the challenge of integrating AI in education, and his passion for John Steinbeck. He also addressed the future of Ostrava and the ongoing struggle to keep young talent in the Moravia-Silesia region.

In a landmark shift, Czechia now allows its citizens living abroad to vote by mail. But to participate in the 2025 parliamentary elections, Czechast wants to remind expats that they must register by Sunday, August 24. As the country marks the anniversary of the 1968 invasion that once crushed its democratic hopes, this new right to vote from abroad carries special meaning.

In this summertime episode of Czechast, the podcast in English about all things Czech, I set aside our usual interviews. Instead, I read my own English translation of a short story written and published in the 1930s by Karel Čapek, arguably the most famous Czech writer. Playful yet thought-provoking, it shows that lamenting the “decline of times” is hardly a new phenomenon.

In this summer edition of Czechast, host Vít Pohanka visits the South Bohemian village of Holašovice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a storybook come to life. He speaks with Julia Kňažková, a local guide and heritage expert, about the village’s ancient roots, charming architecture, and sometimes overwhelming popularity with tourists. This episode explores how the community balances preservation with everyday life — and how its future may depend on the next generation.

In this episode of Czechast, we talk to Michaela Küchler, Secretary General of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. She shares her family’s deep Czech roots and her work preserving the memory of the Roma and Sinti genocide. We discuss the story of the Lety camp and why remembrance matters now more than ever.

In this episode of Czechast, journalist and podcaster Julie Urbišová reflects on life between cultures—Czech, American, and Turkish. From her first glimpse of Louisiana’s flooded bayous to teaching schoolchildren how to slow down and breathe, her story is one of quiet transformation. Born in Hlučínsko, she now lives in New Orleans, where she continues to explore identity, parenting, and balance—topics at the heart of this Czechast conversation.

When Czech musician Jaroslav Škuta was denied entry to the U.S. this summer, some pointed to Trump’s stricter border controls. But his case isn’t unique. Similar incidents over many years suggest U.S. immigration checks have always been strict—no matter who’s in the White House.

Julie Urbišová is a journalist, yoga teacher, and podcaster based in New Orleans. In this episode of Czechast, she reflects on identity, motherhood, and what it's like to live in a deeply divided United States while staying connected to her Czech roots and those of her Turkish husband.

Adam Holomoucký came to the United States on a sports scholarship and recently graduated from a university in North Carolina. He and his wife now hope to stay in America — not despite its political divisions, but with eyes wide open to its diversity. In this episode of Czechast, he shares why he still believes in the opportunities the U.S. offers and why he remains proudly Czech at heart.

Peter Bísek left Czechoslovakia in the 1960s using a clever trick on a travel form. He arrived in Brooklyn with two suitcases, $180, and no plan. In this episode of Czechast, he shares how he turned exile into a mission to connect Czech-Americans through journalism.

In this episode of Czechast, we meet Martina Šmídová—a young Czech woman who has made a new life for herself in Thailand. Born after 1990, she’s part of the Millennial generation whose worldview is shaped by digital life, global mobility, and personal freedom. But as she tells us, some old clichés about her country—and even her accent—are hard to shake.

After years of debate and determined civic effort, Czechia has finally adopted postal voting for its citizens living abroad. For many, it’s not just a logistical reform, but a powerful act of recognition. In this episode of Czechast, we speak with those who helped make it happen—and those who will now benefit from the change. It’s a story of activism, identity, and democratic belonging.

In this new episode of Czechast, host Vít Pohanka meets Jean Svoboda and her partner Richard in person for the first time. Jean, an Australian with Czech and Latvian roots, is back in Czechia to continue piecing together her family history. Richard, who had never been to Europe before their first trip, joins her again and shares what this journey has meant to him. Together, they reflect on identity, heritage, and the enduring pull of ancestral memory.

In this special episode of Czechast, long-time host Vít Pohanka becomes the guest. Interviewed by his colleague Danny Bate, he reflects on the complicated Czech relationship with Russia—from wartime liberation to post-Soviet tensions and today’s polarized opinions. Drawing on personal memories and historical milestones, Pohanka unpacks how deep emotions, nostalgia, and geopolitical shifts continue to shape public opinion. The conversation explores what it means to remember, to forget, and to rethink a relationship marked by both admiration and anxiety.

In a new episode, Czechast speaks to Jan Trčka, a Czech citizen who left his civilian life behind to fight in Ukraine. In a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation, Trčka explains his motivations, battlefield experiences, and the moral clarity that drives his commitment.

In May 1945, World War II came to an end in Czechoslovakia with scenes of liberation and chaos. While most of western Bohemia was freed by the American army under General George S. Patton, Soviet forces took control of Prague and much of the rest of the country.

Celtic symbols and festivals remain surprisingly popular in Czechia. But how much did 19th-century historians really know about the ancient Boii who once lived here? František Palacký’s classic history offers a revealing glimpse into early efforts to understand the region’s pre-Slavic past.

This Czechast special features the winners of the 2025 Czexpats in Science Award. These outstanding researchers have worked at top institutions around the world. Now they’re bringing their expertise back to Czechia—and helping shape the future of Czech science.