Voices from the Homelands

#24: Slovak-U.S. Relations on the Eve of the 250th Anniversary of the United States (ft. Jan Surotchak)

In this episode, Pavol Demeš speaks with Jan Surotchak, former President and current board member of the Friends of Slovakia, about the evolution of Slovak–U.S. relations on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Drawing on his long personal and professional engagement with Slovakia—from the early post-Velvet Revolution years through his work with USAID and the International Republican Institute—Surotchak reflects on civil society building, transatlantic ties, and the changing role of the United States in Europe. The conversation offers both historical perspective and timely insights into the future of Slovak–American relations at a pivotal moment.

#23: The Alpine Ski Legend (ft. Pavel Šťastný)

Czech by mother, Slovak by farther, and alpine ski legend by Americans and Canadians - Pavel Šťastný (79). A world class skiing coach from the Czech Republic who was, a couple of weeks ago, introduced into the Vermont Hall of Fame by the Vermont Alpine Ski Association. For over 35 years, Pavel Šťastný has been a cornerstone of alpine ski racing in Vermont, a world class coach, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for the values that define sports: discipline, resilience and integrity. Pavel Šťasný is world class coach who deeply cares for his athletes and whose passion for ski racing continues to benefit many generations of Vermont ski racers and ski racing in general. His recent introduction into the Vermont Hall of Fame was more than deserved.

#22: The Pontis Foundation and the Imapct Summit (ft. Martina Kolesárová)

In this episode, host Pavol Demeš welcomes Martina Kolesárová, Executive Director of the internationally respected Pontis Foundation, to discuss the role of civil society in Slovakia and the Foundation’s flagship event - the Impact Summit. The conversation traces the origins and mission of Pontis (founded with the involvement of American public figure Wendy Luers), explores Kolesárová’s professional journey, and highlights the key themes, speakers, and public impact of the most recent Impact Summit. The episode offers an insightful look at how civic leadership, cross-sector cooperation, and values-driven initiatives continue to shape Slovakia’s democratic and social development.

#21: Czech Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou (ft. Petr Nový)

This is our almost last podcast from Prague of the year, the last just before Christmas, so the guest will be very special, connected to the Czech holidays, Christmas ornaments and jewelry, art, design, traditions and the world of glass. My guest is an historian, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, Dr. Petr Nový. We will be talking about the journey of Christmas ornaments to the promised land over the sea, the United States of America, which is the most significant customer for these fragile goods. The Museum of Glass and Jewelry is in charge of the largest public collection of glass Christmas ornaments in the World, which numbers more than fifteen thousand pieces. Petr Nový: Museums aren't boring, but you can hide from boredom in them, says the chief curator of the Museum of Glass and Jewelry in Jablonec nad Nisou, the only state-run specialized institution and centre for the presentation of glass and jewellery production in the Czech Republic. Petr Nový is also the author of numerous publications and lectures on the history and development of glassmaking and jewelry, head of the Glass History section of the Czech Glass Society, member of the Czech Design Academy, and lecturer on the history of glass and jewelry.

#20: 36th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its Meaning for Slovakia Today (ft. Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová)

This episode of Voices from the Homelands features sociologist Dr. Oľga Gyárfášová, who reflects on the 36th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and its meaning for Slovakia today. We discuss why November 17 remains a defining civic holiday, the rise in commemorative events, political tensions around its observance, and the symbolism of the new Velvet Revolution memorial in Bratislava.