Bratislava and the silence of old walls

Life in the Slovak Seattle

British writer and lecturer Jonathan Gresty sits down with Oscar Brophy to discuss why he came to Slovakia, what’s kept him here for more than three decades, and what this country has taught him about his native England.

Vinobranie? Wine not!

Oscar Brophy hits the streets of Bratislava-Rača, microphone in hand, capturing the sounds and stories of Vinobranie — the city’s beloved wine festival.

Slovakia, on purpose

Slovakia’s tourism industry faces the challenge of shifting from being a convenient stopover to becoming an intentional destination, and companies like GOAT CE Tours are leading the way by using storytelling and authentic experiences to reshape perceptions and encourage longer, purposeful visits. Host: Oscar Brophy | Guests: Patrik Calovka, Michal Varachovič, and Mitch Leffler.

Stargazing in Slovakia

Comedians Matúš Toderiška and Marián Psár bring their astronomy podcast Slnečná zostava (Solar Lineup) to Spectacular Slovakia. We talk stargazing, observatories, dark-sky parks, and the humour in exploring the universe. Host: Oscar Brophy.

Bratislava and the silence of old walls

In this king-sized episode of Spectacular Slovakia, host Oscar Brophy is joined by historian Juraj Poláček to delve into the rich history of Slovakia’s medieval castles – tracing their development from the Bronze Age to the modern era. Poláček explains how early wooden fortifications evolved into stone strongholds following the 13th-century Mongol invasion, with Slovakia’s strategic position demanding increasingly robust defences. Highlights include Trenčín Castle, with its 16th-century bastion, and the ruins of Spiš Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This episode is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and travellers keen to discover these enduring symbols of the nation’s past.