Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, where I share personal stories, conversations, and moments of everyday life from my adopted home in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Whether you’re curious about the culture, thinking of visiting, or just enjoy a slower pace of storytelling, there’s something here for you.

Hello again. I’m David, a long-term resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This episode isn’t about the beauty of the Vrbas river or where to find the best ćevapi (although there’s plenty of that on this channel).

It’s about why, despite living here for over two decades, I choose not to talk publicly about politics.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am interested. I follow what’s happening.

I see how decisions impact everyday life. But I also know, deeply, that this isn’t my country.

And with that comes responsibility: to observe, not interfere. To listen, not judge.

When friends and visitors ask me about the conflict, the three presidents, or the state of the country today, I tell them what I can. But the truth? The truth depends on who you ask.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is many things.

Complicated. Fragmented.

Yes, dysfunctional. But also endlessly generous, rich in stories, and deeply human. It’s a living archive of history, culture, pain, pride, and resilience.

In this episode, I reflect on the minefield of discussing politics as a foreigner, the legacy of the Dayton Agreement, and why it’s better to explore Bosnia through its people, not its politics.

If you’re curious about this beautiful, complex place, watch, listen, and maybe even plan your own journey to the heart-shaped land.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.

Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans

For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.

Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK

Until next time — stay curious.

From Tbilisi to Baku—stories of activism, hope, and media freedom in Azerbaijan and Georgia.

In this special episode, I take you back to Tbilisi, Georgia, one year after my initial media training visit in 2015.

This time, I reconnect with some of the passionate individuals I first met and sit down with new voices who are using online radio and digital media to challenge the status quo in the South Caucasus.

You’ll hear from Zamira, a fearless advocate for digital activism in Azerbaijan, as well as two other remarkable change-makers working to empower youth, promote gender equality, and give ethnic Azerbaijani communities a voice.

Often in places where being heard isn’t easy.

These reflective conversations reveal the power of independent media in regions where mainstream narratives often fall short.

It’s a story of creativity, courage, and connection.

One broadcast at a time.

🎧 Whether you’re interested in media freedom, cross-cultural collaboration, or just love human stories that matter, this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.

Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans

For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.

Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK

Until next time — stay curious.

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

From her early start inspired by her mother's influence to her current role in directing a dance troupe, Dita discusses the significance of folklore in Bosnian culture, the challenges posed by modern lifestyles and technology, and the importance of passing down traditions through generations.

This episode also explores the intricacies of traditional costumes and the necessity of financial and community support to keep folklore alive.

Join us as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Bosnian cultural heritage and its relevance in contemporary times.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

In this episode Tamara and I talk about International Women’s Day or Dan Žen, but simply referred to as osmi mart (8th March).

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

Tamara and David answer some of your questions:

1. Are there many houses made of wood in BiH? Seems that most houses are made of bricks. In Norway 90% of the houses are made of wood.

2. Is Herzegovina a separate geographical area within BiH?

3. What are the various culture that made up Banja Luka and the various cultures in present day? What about the people living there. What are their occupations; industry, tourism etc?

4. How many dogs you guys have?

5. How did you guys meet?

6. What are the rules to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina at the moment?

7. What is your favourite place in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

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https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

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Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

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Support this podcast

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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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

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Tamara and Me look at some Facts concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When researching somewhere to visit, I invariably land on links that say 5 fun facts about wherever, or 6 stunning places you must visit.

So, on this episode we look at some fun facts from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Without giving too much away, a few of them are quirky and not well known at all.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

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Hello and welcome to the living in Bosnia and Herzegovina podcast. A podcast that tells stories from this much misunderstood country. In today's episode, we'll be finding out more about folklore, and in particular, traditional dancing. Back in 2019, I became aware of a young lady from South Holland, who had been dancing with a folklore ensemble in the nearby city of Banja Luka. She was at that time starting to make a film about Bosnian folk dancing, because she felt that these traditions might be starting to disappear, and she wanted to preserve that experience for future generations. So in the COVID world of early 2021, I have caught up with Efie Derksen to find out more.

David:

Efie, you're in the Netherlands, I'm here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I bumped into you quite randomly on the internet, and I thought, "What an amazing story." So we've never really met in real life. So if we did, my first question to you would be, "Who is Efie?"

Efie:

Yeah, that's a good question. I am very jealous because you are there. I miss it so much to be in Bosnia. But, I'm Efie, I'm a Dutch woman and there is no genetical link with the former of Yugoslavia, but for me it's something I grew up with. So it was in our home. We always listened Balkan music. And first, your question, who is Efie? I'm a lot of things. I'm a nurse, and I'm making a from my heart. I'm not a filmmaker. So it's just something that I wanted to do, to preserve what we can find now.

David:

I read a little bit about you, and you said that your parents are both from the Netherlands, were into folklore themselves. But they met not in the Netherlands, I understand, but somewhere close to here as well.

Efie:

Yeah, it's true. They met in Hungary. My dad is a musician, he always was, and he loved music from the Balkans. It was just that feeling, and the new music, and the songs. So he would travel to the Balkans to learn from the musicians there. And my mother was a folk dancer, and in that years, I'm talking about '70s early '80s, I don't know. It was very popular in Holland to do folk dancing. So there were courses, and she went to a course in Hungary. There was just like a folk festival, and my dad also was travelling there, and he came to play, and she came to dance, and then they met like two Dutch people and the one folk festival in Hungary, so it's funny. Yeah.

David:

What made you want to come to the Balkans, and in particular Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today for example, we're talking about the wonders of the country, and yet I was just before talking to you, dropping in on a seminar to try and encourage tourism, and to try and encourage visitors to come here, and it's been an uphill struggle, always is, and always has been an uphill struggle. What made you want to come to this country? This very misunderstood country in Southeast Europe.

Efie:

Well, in the first place, I had the culture in my heart. The songs, and I never was interested in... Well, I was interested, but I never cared about the war stories, because I think that's a big problem. People still think like, "Is it safe going to Bosnia, or Serbia because of the war?" But I think for me, it's the people that I come for. They are so open, and loving and in particular Bosnian people. Because I think in history, they were always the ones in the middle. They were always the ones that people came to attack, or how do you say it? And I think they are more vulnerable, I guess, they are more open. They are more warm. You feel at home when you come there, it's just the second home, and they embrace you.

Efie:

And even after all those crazy things that happened in that country with all those ethnic groups, they are just still open. And beside that, when people come, maybe the first thing they need to know, it's a beautiful country. It's beautiful nature. It's beautiful. The food is really... I see you are very lucky. You can eat a......

Sounds of The Balkans In this edition of the podcast, we play some eclectic Balkan music mixed with some Balkan gossip .

The tracks we featured are:

Balkan - https://www.facebook.com/omikimusic/ (Omiki )

I Daje - https://www.facebook.com/SassjaSassja/about/ (Sassja)

Baila Leila - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goran_Bregovi%C4%87 (Goran Bregović)

Lasting Kind of Love - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana_Popovi%C4%87 (Ana Popović)

Opa Cupa - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_Soul_Party! (Slavic Soul Party)

Trust - https://www.facebook.com/bruhuuhu/ (Bruhuuhu)

Cross the Line - https://dubioza.org/ (Dubioza Kolektiv)

Samo Malo- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnifico_(musician) (Magnifico)

Na Na Na Na - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubismo (Cubismo) with Josipa Lisac

Noć Noć - https://popnable.com/bosna/artists/57683-brutal-protest (Brutal Protest)

Professor Jakov - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_3 (Let 3)

Siki Siki Baba -  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko%C4%8Dani_Orkestar (Kočani Orkester)

Duni Mi Duni Ladjane - https://www.discogs.com/artist/1269235-Teodulija (Teodulija)

Banja Luka - http://banjaluka2024.ba/en/jazz-rez-quincy-jones-sends-his-love-to-banja-luka/ (Quincy Jones)

Go Marko Go - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boban_Markovi%C4%87 (Borban i Marko Marković Orkester)

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

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Instagram: @

This is a public episode. If you’d...

Sounds of The Balkans

In this edition of the podcast, we focus on music from Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Croatia and Serbia.

Some old tracks and some really up to date ones too.

The tracks we featured are:

https://www.divanhana.ba/en/biography2/ (Divanhana) - Oj safete, sajo, sarajlijo

https://amiramedunjanin.com/ (Amira Medunjanin) - Ajde Jano Kolo Da Igramo

http://www.snailrecords.nl/artist/ljb/ (Ljiljana Buttler) - Nocas Mi Srce Pati

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0aban_Bajramovi%C4%87 (Šaban Bajramović) - DJelem, DJelem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parni_Valjak (Parni Valjak) - Moja Je Pjesma Lagana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekatarina_Velika (Ekaterina Velika) - Zemlja

https://www.facebook.com/vanjamisica/ (Vanja Mišić) - Tu I Tu

https://www.n1m.com/sopot?album=66179 (Sopot) - Zovi Me

https://www.facebook.com/sundaystoriesofficial/ (Sunday Stories) - Dišem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanda,_Kod%C5%BEa_i_Neboj%C5%A1a (Kanda, Kondža i Nebojša) - SAT

https://www.facebook.com/killokillobanda/ (Killo Killo Banda) - Vinska Pesma

https://www.facebook.com/grupadetour/ (Detour) - Proljeće i ja

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

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Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support...

On this edition of the podcast Tamara and I visit the wooden church at Romanovci. Over the years, I have developed an interest in wooden chapels and churches, and mosques with wooden minarets, that are to be seen across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Today I travelled the short distance to Romanovci, to see the church of St Nicholas (Sv Nikola).

Sadly it was closed but I will come back to see inside.

This church is special, in that it is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

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Hello and welcome to this edition of the Podcast. In this episode, I catch up with Jose Angelo Gallegos a YouTuber and Filmmaker from California. Last year I interviewed Jose, who had arrived in Banja Luka, having previously produced and published "Bitter Sweet Bosnia", his first film about BiH on YouTube.   We talked about filmmaking, social media, the region, BIH AND much more. Especially what attracted a Mexican American to come to this part of the world.   I posted the interview here on my podcast. So it was a real treat, to find out that Jose (whose latest project is a film about Albania), was coming back to Banja Luka.   We met again, and spend a fast and furious 20 hour "Creativity Camp" in the village.   Discussing many Tech Tips and Tricks, and for me, the chance to fly a Pro Drone for the first time.   Some Rakija was consumed 😀   We took time to sit down and share the story with you.  

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

Hello and welcome to this edition of the Podcast.

In this episode, I catch up with Andy Dunn, a New Zealander who is visiting his parents in law in Banja Luka.

We talk about his views and experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Western Balkans and his off beat love with Uštipci.

Andys Website is: https://flukeartist.weebly.com/ (https://flukeartist.weebly.com/)

I highly recommend following Andy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andynikoladunn (https://www.instagram.com/andynikoladunn).

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

In this episode I get to talk to Jose Gallegos from California, who is back in the Balkans making films.

After a brief visit to Serbia, Jose gave up his job to travel and make films.

To find out more about jose you can follow him on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/joseangelo/ (https://www.instagram.com/joseangelo/)

On Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnTheFavor (https://www.facebook.com/ReturnTheFavor)

Joses Film " This is Serbia"   Joses Film "Bitter Sweet Bosnia".

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

In this edition of the podcast I catch up with Alisa Teletović who is exhibiting her works in the Trogir City Museum.

Alisa focusses on positivity and I just had to find out more from "An Artist Who Left and Came Back".

Alisa was born in Bosnia Herzegovina in 1974.

Fleeing the war, she moved to Australia where she completed Bachelor of Fine Arts and Advanced Diploma in Electronic design and Interactive media at RMIT, Melbourne.She lived in Sydney, Melbourne, Roxby Downs, Perth, and in 2011 re-settled in Sarajevo where she lives today.

These places and experiences enrich her artistic style. To find out more about Alisa Teletović, check out: https://alisateletovicartist.com/ (https://alisateletovicartist.com/)

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

This episode is a somewhat collaborative episode between The Balkan Adventures Podcast and Balkan Stories.

My good friend and Vienna based blogger, Christoph Baumgarten caught up with Nick Semwogerere, a Londoner and Musician to find out why Nick had somewhat "fallen in love" with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans in general.

Nick has had a passion for writing since a young age. Initially starting with poetry, this led on to writing song lyrics when he got into music.  During media studies and English literature at college he found he had a writing style that flowed nicely.

Nick got an A* in oral English when he left high school as expressing himself verbally and creatively has always been something that he has really enjoyed, which upon reflection influenced him to transfer these skills into ESL teaching.  

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

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I like to seek out success stories from Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

Why?  Because this beautiful country and it's everyday citizens deserve it. After all, just use your favourite browser and search Bosnia (or any combination theteof) and you'll see what I mean.  

So in this episode I catch up with Nikola Galić from Banja Luka, who has turned his hobby of home brewing into what he hopes will become a commercial success.  

Nikola tells me about why he started, how he chose the name "Highlander" and what he does to overcome the pervading negativity in the country.   As a result of an Instagram post "teasing" this podcast, Nikola has already had an enquiry about his product from the UK.  

How cool is that?   You can find out more about Gorštak Pivo at http://gorstak.beer (http://gorstak.beer).

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In this episode I catch up with Sheila Savanović, who, I think, is the only Micronesian living in South East Europe.

If I’m wrong here then please drop me a message or an email.

Sheila's story is one of adventure, and in every adventure there are ups and downs.

So, lets crack on and meet Sheila Savanović, a girl from the Pacific.

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In this episode, I talk to Dijana Tepšić, a Digital Entrepreneur in Banja Luka.

Dijana is a former Broadcaster, Singer and Club DJ and is also, today, an advocate for a Healthy Lifestyle.

We discuss launching a successful business in today's dysfunctional Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dijana offers some practical advice for those who dream of, but are too scared to, launch their own companies.

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In this edition of the podcast (and the final one for 2017), I play nearly an hour of Sevdah Music, a style thats allegedly the traditional music of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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On the 24th of March 2017, Eva left Amsterdam to hike for a while. "Walking back to the Balkans". Why? Because she can, because she likes hiking. Because it's slow, because it's a perfect way to really see a country. To feel and experience. Because she feels good, being "on the road". And because she thought it would be a good idea to (re)discover her own country, before heading off to the Balkans.

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Dr Semir Osmanagić talks about the Bosnian Pyramids in Visoko 2017.

On a recent trip to find out about the Pyramids at Visoko, we were pleasantly surprised to meet Semir Osmanagić, the man who discovered and introduced the pyramids to the world back in 2005.

The opportunity to sit down with Semir and to find out more about this unique project, first hand, was too good to ignore.

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Finding out about the Amazing Dubioza Kolektiv from Vedran Mujagić.

I recently managed to do something that I've been trying to do for quite a considerable amount of time.

Years ago I stumbled across a band here in Bosnia and Herzegovina called the Dubioza Kolektiv, basically a bunch of guys back then from the towns of Zenica and Mostar and the city of Sarajevo, producing really great music, some radical lyrics describing the country and the area that they came from, and the problems that everyday people suffer.

Heres my interview with Bass Player, Vedran Mugajić  

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The Funky Guerrilla Story. The story (so far), told by co-founder Predrag Borojević, about an innovative startup from Gradiška in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The idea, the obstacles. highlights and downslides, and the rocky creative road to success.

In a country (Bosnia and Herzegovina) where success stories are really so far and few between, The Funky Guerrilla are, in way, trailblazers!

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Christoph Baumgarten and Balkan Stories Dot Net.

As a Blogger/Vlogger it can sometimes be a bit lonely, trying to come up with topics and ideas for future content, either as Blog Posts or Vlogs for my youtube channel.

Over the past 2 years I have become increasingly more in contact with a Blogger, also keenly interested in the Balkans, but from Vienna in Austria. His name is Christoph Baumgartner and he runs Balkan Stories, a blog in German.

We have struck up an "online" friendship and recently during a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina we managed to catch up in Banja Luka. I had intended to video the interview I wanted to produce for my Balkan Adventures Podcast BUT, the camera decided to stop at the 16 minute point.

These things do happen, sadly. However, the audio recorded to the end :) Christoph's insights into the Balkans are extremely interesting and, I think, compliment my own.

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On this episode, I talk to Jelle, who is from Belgium and now lives in Konjic in Northern Herzegovina.

I caught up with him to find out more about him and his mountain biking.

So how did he end up living in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

It's a long story.

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In this episode I find out about why people like being on the Jahorina Mountain.

I catch up with a few Brits and a Norwegian and ask why they decided to come to Bosnia and Herzegovina for their skiing.

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In this episode Mustafa Panjeta a born and bred Sarajevan, tells us about being a tour guide and why Sarajevo is so special. Music from: Mostar Sevdah Reunion. Amira Medunjanin. Dubioza Kolektiv.

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In this episode I catch up with my good friend and "Jugophile", Bruce Foster.

We chat about his view of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a little tease about a project we will be doing in Sarajevo.

Music from Shaderwan Code: Shaderwan Code are a fusion of the heritage Balkan Rock Band "No Smoking" and Arabeske (the girls from the Zagreb Mosque Choir). Kad procvatu behari Lijepa Alma Dok čekaš sabah sa Šejtanom.

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The Ferhadija Mosque comes alive again after some 23 years. 7th May 2016, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Living Your Dream in the Balkans - Balkan Life Back in the early "noughties" I directed a multi-cultural broadcast media project here in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Basically I ran a pop music radio station.

Allied to the project was an "outreach" element, or community interaction component, where we would organise electronic music (read Trance, House, Techno) parties that formed a base to bring disparate young adults together. Multi-cultural re-binding might be a better description.

God that sounds pompous!

As usual I digress.

We used to bring club DJs from the UK to recreate the "music scene" that young people across Europe at that time were experiencing.

The music of Carl Cox, Pete Tong and Tijesto to name but a few. Lights, Lazers, Dancers ....

You know the thing. Local youth here in BIH, were feeling isolated and ignored, but had a desire to feel "normal" and connected. Those feelings are still prevalent all these years later sadly.

They came to our parties in droves. I used to feel immense happiness to see our audiences just having a blast wherever and whenever we organised these events. Electronic music can be quite uplifting even for an "older" chap like me.

Back to the story. It must have been back in 2002ish, when I remember noticing two young guys who came to our gigs and kept hanging around the DJ booth, observing intensely, how these DJs we brought from the UK operated.

At the time it looked, to me, I have to say, quite sweet. I had no idea at all back then, that many years later, both these young men would have developed into amazingly successful DJs in their own right and not just in their home town and country, but globally as well.

So here I am some 14 years later, talking to Mladen Tomić, one of those young men, and finding out, that contrary to local popular negative thought, that you CAN live your dream if you come from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He plays today in locations in Mexico, the United States, across Europe and is looking forward to performing in India and Japan. That's quite something. It's so hard to find dynamic, positive role models in the Balkans these days.

They are the exception not the rule. Mladen Tomić is, in my humble opinion, a role model.

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This

My Life in the Balkans. Vesna Kerkez from the Balkan News Portal mondo.ba catches up with me to find out why I came (and stayed) in the Balkans and about Oksigen Radio (1999-2005).

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I reflect as I try and combat my terrible problems with height as I stand so very high above the Vrbas canyon in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

I talk to Dirk Uhlig a "master bolter" about what bolting really means and some of the experiences he has had.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

From the dangers of Promaja to the belief in the evil eye, we explore various customs that shape daily life in Bosnia.

Our discussion includes practical examples such as bad luck from re-entering the house, precautions around handing sharp objects, and rituals for good fortune.

This episode highlights the blend of tradition, belief, and cultural nuances that make these superstitions a cherished part of Bosnian life.

We invite you to discover the layers of meaning in these practices and how they connect people with the rhythms of life.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Drilling and Chilling.

I find out about the "Drill and Chill" festival organised by David Lemmerer.

It's a climbing experience and extravaganza, located in the wonderful Vrbas Canyon just to the south of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To find out more the event and how to attend, check out the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/drillandchillfestival (https://www.facebook.com/drillandchillfestival)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1607144349567426/ (https://www.facebook.com/events/1607144349567426/)

http://drillandchillfestival.com/ (http://drillandchillfestival.com/)

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

At the recent Kozara Etno Festival held in Banja Luka I was introduced to an amazing Ethno-Fusion Group called “Iva”.

I say introduced, when I should really say that I saw them perform, was amazingly impressed, and immediately the following morning started to find out more about them.

As well as being dynamic and creative musicians they also hail from Doboj a town about 2 hours drive away.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

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A few days ago I realised that I would be back in Banja Luka at the same time as the 2015 European Rafting Championships were being held at Rafting Klub “Kanjon“ on the River Vrbas to the south of the city.

I knew that Team GB would be attending so tentatively asked the Ladies Team if I could come along and cover their attendance.

Answer? “Of Course”

Although I couldn’t get to a cool vantage point to take any video, I did manage to snap a few shots and more importantly, find out more about their team from coach Deb Cook.

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

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I recently covered the 2015 European Rafting Championships (for this blog) being held at Karanovac, on the River Vrbas, just to the south of Banja Luka. It was an overcast and rainy Sunday.

On arrival I was looking out for the person I was to meet from the Great Britain Ladies Team, when I caught sight of someone wearing a Union Flag designed T shirt. I just had to go over and ask if he was British.

That’s how I met Steve Lodge, adventurer, rafter and “non boring” person.

Oh, and author too.

Steve was here at the championship to support his son, who is the captain of the GB1 team.

So, here is part of the amazing chat we had. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe (https://www.paypal.com/davidbaileymbe)

Read Our Blog at https://livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com/ (Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina (https://www.facebook.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/lifeinbosniaandherzegovina/ (lifeinbosniaandherzegovina)

Ask us any questions or give a suggestion for a Podcast.

Come and visit us and holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

E-Mail us at info@livinginbosniaandherzegovina.com

Support this podcast

Get full access to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 An Englishman in the Balkans 🇧🇦 at www.anenglishmaninthebalkans.com/subscribe

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe/follow and share with a friend!

If you would like to support our podcast you can, by maybe buying us a coffee or a sandwich?

Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbailey

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m back on familiar ground, just a stone’s throw from where I grew up in West Kensington.

And in today’s episode, we’re stepping into a story that weaves together place, memory, and music in the most unexpected way.

I sit down with Fidan Hajiyeva, raised in London, rooted in Azerbaijan.

Her story is one that’ll speak to anyone who’s ever felt they belonged to more than one world. At home, she’s surrounded by language, custom, and tradition that echo from the Caspian coast.

But out in the city, she’s navigating the fast-paced rhythm of modern London life.

At the heart of it all? Moham, a centuries-old Azeri singing tradition that Fidan is not just learning, but living.

Guided by her father’s passion, late-night Skype sessions with a mentor in Baku, and her own deep curiosity, she’s taking on a musical challenge that even seasoned performers in Azerbaijan hesitate to tackle.

We talk honestly about heritage, expectations, gender and performance, and what it means to carry a cultural torch when you’re far from its flame.

Fidan doesn’t hold back, about the nerves, the hopes, or the sheer scale of what she’s set out to do this year as part of the BBC Radio 3 Roots Academy.

This is more than a chat about music, it’s a quiet reflection on identity, belonging, and what happens when you find your voice in the space between two homes.

So, whether you’re into music, diaspora stories, or just curious about how culture gets carried forward one song at a time. this one’s worth a listen.

I talk to Brit Kev Shannon about his ambitious adventure to walk across Serbia. It took Kevin Shannon only one kilometre before he found his first Serbian friend.

The young British adventurer was bicycling across Europe in 2010 and had just crossed the Serbian border for the first time when a running man flagged him down.

Unsure of what to expect from a yelling stranger in Serbia, a country he only knew from war reporting and stereotypes, Shannon was pleasantly surprised when the man invited him for a beer.

“I ended up staying with that man and his family for three days, as long as I had planned on being in Serbia,” Shannon recalls.

Find out more about Kevin's Serbian exploIts https://balkaninsight.com/2016/02/02/briton-s-long-walk-into-serbia-s-heart-01-25-2016/ (HERE)

Support the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbailey

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

Hosted by local entrepreneur Ben, I explored Travnik's rich history, natural beauty, and burgeoning tourism scene. From the scenic bus ride from Banja Luka to the cultural insights offered by tour guide Dita, I immersed myself in the town’s heritage.

A Key highlight included witnessing sheep shearing on the VLašic Mountain, savouring local cheeses and meats, and appreciating the historical significance of Travnik's landmarks.

This episode captures the essence of Travnik as a town with a dynamic past and a promising future.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

Recorded in September of last year, I discuss the functionality of the healthcare system, the differences between public and private services, and my personal experiences.

I share anecdotes dating back to 10-15 years ago, highlighting the poor infrastructure in places like Belgrade and Banja Luka at the time.

However, I tell you about the significant improvements over the years, the now modern facilities and efficient services.

I also emphasise that today's healthcare in Bosnia is competent and trustworthy.

My insights are valuable for anyone considering moving to Bosnia or curious about its healthcare system.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

After a brief hiatus, I've returned with plans to explore more deeply the life of an expat in Bosnia, transitioning into topics like aging abroad and the practical aspects of living in the Balkans.

There's a new schedule of bi-weekly episodes, for the next 6 weeks, featuring both reworked past episodes followed in week 7 with fresh content, including interviews with fascinating individuals connected to the region.

I'd love to hear from you so please send any questions and stories if you are considering or experiencing life abroad.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

Join me on a scenic 4.2 kilometre walk through the tranquil and picturesque landscapes of the part of northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina where I live.

In this episode, I share glimpses of my rural neighbourhood, discuss the local culture, and provide insights into the changes over the past 30 years.

I also touch on personal experiences, like my time in Canada, and offer reflections on the safety and community spirit of this beautiful country.

Whether you're fascinated by rural life, history, or simply enjoy a good walk-and-talk, this episode has something for you.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

In today’s episode, I’m coming to you from my misty, waterlogged garden in northwest Bosnia. Donning my trusty bobble hat, I reflect on life here in the Western Balkans as winter takes hold.

In this chat, I share updates about my content journey, including experimenting with a new microphone setup, meet the Zoom H3, complete with a fluffy “dead cat” windshield! I’ll also touch on the magic of audio storytelling, the beauty of birdsong (yes, woodpeckers made a guest appearance), and the joys of living simply in this serene corner of the world.

💬 What to Expect in This Episode:

• The charm of a rainy Balkan winter day 🌧️

• Exciting audio gear upgrades and future plans for content

• Reflections on building community and the art of storytelling

• Sneak peeks into upcoming podcasts and celebrations of two Christmases!

Whether you’re a regular listener or discovering the podcast for the first time, this episode is all about connection, creativity, and embracing the little things that make life in the Balkans so unique.

Stay warm, stay well, and let’s keep building this vibrant community together! 🌟

📩 Let’s Connect:

I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment or drop me a message. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes about life, culture, and stories from the Western Balkans.

Until next time, “Vidimo se opet” (“See you soon”)!

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

Join me on a chilly, late afternoon walk in the Balkans as I share updates following the popularity of my video on losing my Britishness.

I ponder the challenges of maintaining an active lifestyle as I age, discuss the local scenery, and answer viewers' questions.

I also delve into my passion for audio storytelling and reflect on my career in radio, from pirate stations to BBC and beyond.

Plus, I talk about the charm of country living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

In this episode, I take you far from my usual home in the Balkans, back to Ethiopia in 2012, where I was invited to help launch two newly licensed university-based community radio stations at Haramaya and Hawassa Universities.

Armed with years of broadcast experience and what I thought was a solid plan, I was ready to deliver media training on presentation techniques and programme structure. But I quickly discovered that I wasn’t just there to teach, I was there to learn.

This short story explores the challenges of building radio schedules from scratch in a multilingual, multicultural setting. It reflects on working with students who had never spoken into a microphone before, and on learning how to frame a story with empathy, often through tea breaks, laughter, and shared silence when someone froze mid-sentence on air.

You’ll hear about:

The raw talent and eagerness of the students in Haramaya and Hawassa.

How we built radio programming from nothing into something truly meaningful.

The quiet power of local storytelling in shaping identity, belonging, and community.

More than a behind-the-scenes look at training future broadcasters, this is a story of mutual respect, adaptation, and the crackling energy of change on the airwaves.

Whether you’ve worked in radio or simply tuned into your local station, this one’s for anyone who believes in the power of voice, authentic, community-driven, and deeply human.

🎧 So grab a cuppa, and join me from a dusty studio in Ethiopia to the quiet rhythms of life back here in northern Bosnia.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.

Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans

For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.

Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK

Until next time — stay curious.

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

In this episode, I reflect on the reception of my previous video on losing my Britishness, which garnered an impressive 780 views!

I discuss my life as an expat, my love for tea and Marmite, the intricacies of being an 'in-betweener', and share some comments and thoughts from viewers.

I also delve into the challenges and joys of living abroad, addressing topics like the local culture, challenges with power and water, and the emotional aspects of returning home to the UK.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe

Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.

Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.

Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.

📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!

In this episode, I delve into the idea of losing my Britishness after living abroad for nearly 25 years.

Reflecting on my early attempts to blend British traditions, especially during Christmas and summer celebrations, I discuss how these practices have faded over the years.

I also share my current nostalgia, expressed through things like British TV and morning tea rituals.

Despite challenges like a recent health scare and the difficulties of finding certain British foods, I express gratitude for my life abroad and ponder the future as I await my residency documents.

Join me as I explore the journey of being an in-betweener and the joys and quirks of expat life.

Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.

For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you!

Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!

Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tamara Intro Tip

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe