Vsi: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Vsi: The Podcast

Hannah Picklyk & Kaitlin Vitt

Arts

History

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/79d. Total Eps: 28

As Ukrainian dancers, we know there’s a lot more to Ukrainian culture than red boots and a big stage smile. Through Vsi, we (Hannah Picklyk and Kaitlin Vitt) explore and share Ukrainian traditions, dance, folklore, music, ethnography, and historical and modern-day culture. Vsi means “all, all of, everyone, everybody” in Ukrainian. And that’s what we’re here to talk about — anything and everything related to Ukrainian dance and culture.

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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
19/03/2026
#74
🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
18/03/2026
#46
🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
17/03/2026
#38
🇨🇦 Canada - performingArts
16/03/2026
#47

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.

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http://virsky.kiev.ua/
3 shares
https://www.postmarkukraine.com/
2 shares
https://cobblestonefreeway.ca/tour-package/one-year-in-ukraine/
2 shares

https://www.facebook.com/joryj.kloc/
19 shares
https://www.facebook.com/vsi.ukr
9 shares
https://www.facebook.com/virskyofficial/

RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

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RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 58%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

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Episode 25 | Learning from Ukrainian Music Legend Brian Cherwick

Season 1

Saturday, June 29, 2024 • Duration 01:02:43

Brian Cherwick is an absolute legend — the musician, one of the talented members of The Kubasonics, is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to Ukrainian music and traditions. In this episode, he shares how he got to where he is today, what it was like learning from musical masters in Ukraine, the inspiration behind what he does, and interesting tidbits about traditional Ukrainian instruments.

What Else You’ll Hear

- Stories from his time living in Ukraine

- How he keeps learning, even after all these years

- Drymba tips and tricks

- A very special mini performance

Resources

- Follow The Kubasonis on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Music

- Thank you to Brian for playing us a couple tunes!

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Episode 24 | How Dance and Sport Complement Each Other, with Darian Picklyk

Season 1

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • Duration 50:32

You’re in for a real treat with two out of three Picklyk siblings on this episode of Vsi! Darian Picklyk shares his story on how he made his way from the Ukrainian dance studio to the world stage of volleyball — the former University of Winnipeg player now plays for the Canadian national men’s volleyball team. He offer lots of tips for dancers on how to balance multiple activities while showing up as your best self.

What Else You’ll Hear

- Why athletes make amazing dancers, and vice versa

- The benefits of playing multiple sports

- Darian’s top wellness tips

- How to think like an athlete

- Some nicknames to call Darian if you’re lucky enough to meet (or know) him

Resources

- Follow Darian’s life on Instagram

- Stay up to date with Darian’s volleyball journey through Volleyball Canada (Facebook, Instagram)

- See when Darian hits the stage next with Selo Ukrainian Dancers (Facebook, Instagram)

Music

- Thank you to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song

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Episode 15 | Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Tour Canada

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 • Duration 29:06

After a break in performances because of the pandemic, Ukrainian dance groups are back on stage. One of those groups is Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers from Edmonton. The company is touring Canada and made a stop in Winnipeg, where we had a chance to attend a dance workshop, see the elaborate sets and costumes up close backstage, and talk with Shumka dancer Caitlin Kaminsky and Shumka Senior Creative Director Les Sereda.

What Else You’ll Hear

- What it’s like dancing with Shumka

- The importance of celebrating Ukrainian culture during times of war

- What to expect in the show: Mosquito’s Wedding (All You Need is Love), Promised Land, My Yeh (We Are), Echoes of Hopak

- What goes into putting on such an impressive production

- The things that stood out most to us about the show

- Some tips to stay motivated as a Ukrainian dancer or instructor

- When Shumka will be coming to a city near you

Resources

- Head to Shumka’s website to find out when the company will perform near you

- Follow Shumka on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

- Follow Vsi on Instagram and Facebook

Episode 14 | Reflections on War from Artist Maarit Tymchyshyn

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 • Duration 33:41

russia’s war against Ukraine is ongoing. The war has brought a rollercoaster of emotions for many. We’ve been frustrated, annoyed, angry, heartbroken, sad. And in other moments we’ve felt hopeful, immense pride and patriotism, and a strong love for Ukraine.

Among many standing up for Ukraine, plenty of creatives have been sharing their heart, sharing news, and sharing their support for Ukraine. One of these artists is Maarit Tymchyshyn, a Ukrainian-Canadian artist working in Winnipeg. She’s spent time living, studying, and working in Ukraine and a lot of her work as an artist is influenced by her Ukrainian heritage.

Shortly after russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine started, Maarit posted a personal essay called “Too Foreign For Home” on her website. It’s a really powerful piece, and so much of it resonated with us, so we wanted to share it with our audience. In this episode, Maarit shares her essay.

What Else You’ll Hear

- Maarit’s new project Ukrainadian, a platform for Ukraine to be heard through stories, arts, food, and music

- An overview of Ukraine’s history

- Words from Maarit that may capture some of the emotions and feelings that have come up for you during russia’s full invasion of Ukraine

Resources

- “Too Foreign For Home,” by Maarit Tymchyshyn

- Ukrainadian’s website

- Maarit’s Instagram

Music

- Thank you to Nina Semchyshyn for humming and singing ,” written by Stepan Charnetsky

Episode 13 | How You Can Support Ukraine

Season 1

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 • Duration 42:56

This is a heavy time for Ukraine. russia launched an unprovoked, full-scale war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

It’s heartbreaking to see this destruction. Like a lot of people, we have been experiencing so many emotions and feelings, including feeling helpless. In this episode, find out ways you can support Ukraine no matter where you are.

We talk with Vince Rees of Cobblestone Freeway and Zoya Kostetsky of Prairie Clay to hear about their fundraising efforts. We also share some ways you can support Ukraine even if you aren’t able to donate money right now.

What Else You’ll Hear

- How the Cobblestone Freeway Foundation is providing aid to Ukrainians

- How Zoya Kostetsky raised tens of thousands of dollars for Ukraine

- Stories of people in Ukraine

Resources

- Cobblestone Freeway Foundation: website, Facebook, Instagram

- Cobblestone Freeway Tours: website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

- Ukrainian Dance World: website, Facebook, Instagram

Episode 12 | How WikiSpiv Documents Ukrainian Folk Songs

Season 1

Thursday, July 29, 2021 • Duration 38:34

Thanks to WikiSpiv and its founder Danylo (Daniel) Centore, Ukrainian folk songs will live on as long as the internet exists. WikiSpiv is a collaborative living songbook website that documents the history of Ukrainian folk songs. Anyone can add their knowledge to the site, though Danylo has done the bulk of the work, including extensive research to find the origin of songs,

What Else You’ll Hear

- How WikiSpiv tracks the evolution of language

- Fun Ukrainglish phrases from common zabava songs

- Words of wisdom for others working on side projects

- How you can help document Ukrainian folk songs

Resources

- WikiSpiv website and Facebook page

- Danylo’s favourite Ukrainian song: lyrics and music

- Help Danylo figure out who wrote the song “Vohov.” Here are the lyrics!

- Performances by Danylo: fundraiser for Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Seattle and Christmas fundraiser for Help us Help

- Danylo’s Spotify playlists: and

Episode 11 | Learn about Bandurists in North America from Alina Kuzma

Season 1

Monday, July 12, 2021 • Duration 01:12:31

Alina Kuzma is a fourth-generation bandurist, a.k.a. someone who plays the bandura, an instrument sometimes said to embody the “voice and soul of Ukraine.” Alina is a co-founder of the Women’s Bandurist Ensemble of North America and a member of Korinya Folk Band. The bandura has shaped her life in many ways — in all ways, really. Alina says she wouldn’t exist if not for this instrument. In this episode, Vsi listeners are treated to a performance by Alina!

What Else You’ll Hear

- How Alina merges traditional music with modern times

- How you can start learning the bandura yourself

- The phenomenon of the bandura camp experience

- How the bandura has become a passport for Alina

- The different types of the bandura

- “A little bit of angry feminism”

Resources

- Women’s Bandurist Ensemble of North America: YouTube, Facebook, Website, Contact Page

- Korinya Folk Band: Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, Website

- Documentary about Ukrainian musicians

Episode 10 | Get to Know Hosts Hannah Picklyk and Kaitlin Vitt

Season 1

Monday, May 31, 2021 • Duration 01:05:18

We’re best friends, and we want you to be our best friend, too. We thought it’s about time you really get to know us — why we love celebrating Ukrainian dance and culture, what inspires us in life, and the question you’ve all been wondering: if we owned a stall at a market in Ukraine, which stall would it be?

What Else You’ll Hear

- What a reverse interview is — now this is something you do not learn in journalism school

- How living in Ukraine changed us

- Analogies. Lots of analogies.

- Yet another plea for you to write us a review on your favourite podcast platform — when you do, tell us your mailing address, and we’ll send you a note in appreciation!

Resources

- Come say hi on Instagram: @hanpicklyk and @kaitlinvitt

- And follow Vsi on Instagram (@vsi.ukr) and Facebook (@vsi.ukr)

Music

- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song

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Episode 9 | Celebrating a Love for Ukraine with Lana Nicole Niland

Season 1

Monday, May 10, 2021 • Duration 48:32

Lana Nicole Niland, a Canadian living in Ukraine and a former Virsky dancer, is a business owner, choreographer, magazine editor, and a whole lot of other things. Her love for Ukrainian dance shaped her life in ways she couldn’t ever imagine. Prepare to be inspired to nurture and follow your dreams!

What Else You’ll Hear

- How she went from dancing in Saskatoon to dancing in Kyiv

- The difference between folk dance in Ukraine and Canada

- What inspired Lana to launch her business Postmark Ukraine

Resources

- Postmark Ukraine website, Instagram, and Facebook

- What’s On Kyiv website, Instagram, and Facebook

- Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance website, Instagram, and Facebook

- Virsky Ensemble

- Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble

Episode 8 | Learning Ukrainian Dance in Lutsk and Poltava

Season 1

Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Duration 01:04:05

It’s time to sum up the rest of our year in Ukraine! The final two cities we trained in were Lutsk and Poltava. In this episode, we relate our time with the Volyn and Poltava state ensembles to cooking borsch, the classic Ukrainian dish.

What Else You’ll Hear

- How rehearsals were set up in each city

- What life was like outside of the studio

- The only inspirational quote you’ll ever need to know in life

Resources

- Volyn ensemble on Facebook

Music

- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song

Prefer the written word? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/lutskpoltava.

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Vsi: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Vsi: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other53

Facebook29

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other53

Facebook29

Apple Podcasts

Instagram32

Spotify