The Eurospeak Podcast

Before the Roses: Europe’s First Valentine Story

What do a Roman prison cell, a forbidden wedding ceremony, and a note signed “from your Valentine” have in common? They’re all part of the earliest recorded Valentine story in Europe! Join BJ as he explores the legend of Saint Valentine, its roots in the Roman Empire, and how a martyr’s story evolved into the Valentine’s Day tradition celebrated across Europe today. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Whisper Games

What do whispered dares, flickering mirrors, and ancient European rituals have in common? They’re all echoes of the ghostly games we played as kids. Join BJ as he uncovers the dark European origins of “Bloody Mary,” “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board,” and the folklore that turned childhood curiosity into spine-tingling legend. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Italy’s Press: From Print to Pixels

What do historic Italian newspapers, the digital revolution, and the future of journalism have in common? They’re all part of the evolving story of Italy’s press! Join BJ and his guest Marco Ascione from the Corriere della Serra as they explore the rise of Italian newspapers, their fight for relevance in the digital age, and what lies ahead for print and online journalism in Italy. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Professorial Chairs: More Than Just a Fancy Seat

What do Marcus Aurelius, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking have in common? They’re all linked to the history of professorial chairs! Join BJ as he unpacks the legacy, funding, and influence of these prestigious academic titles.This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Hearts, Arrows, and a Martyr: The True Story of Valentine’s Day

What if I told you Valentine’s Day began with goat sacrifices, secret weddings, and a death sentence? In this episode of The Eurospeak Podcast, BJ discusses the unexpected origins of the world’s most romantic holiday—from the wild Roman festival of Lupercalia to the daring defiance of Saint Valentine. Explore how forbidden love, ancient rituals, and iconic symbols like Cupid’s arrow and the heart shape transformed February 14th into a global celebration of romance. Love it or hate it, you’ll never see Valentine’s Day the same way again. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.