Episode 33: Lessons on independence from the former Soviet republics episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 19, 2026 · 41 MIN

Episode 33: Lessons on independence from the former Soviet republics

from Turan Tales · host Agnieszka Pikulicka

My guest today was born in 1991, the same year the Soviet Union collapsed.A few years ago, he set out to explore what’s happened to the countries it left behind, and whether life beyond Russia’s shadow has brought the freedom and prosperity many hoped for.His name is Joe Luc Barnes, and you might recognise his voice from our audio documentaries.His new book, Farewell to Russia: A Journey Through the Former USSR, is out now in the UK and the US. Get full access to Turan Tales at turantales.substack.com/subscribe

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Episode 33: Lessons on independence from the former Soviet republics

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The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Audiobook Raghvendra Singh The journey through Middle-earth begins here with J.R.R. Tolkien's classic prelude to his Lord of the Rings trilogy.“A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible... All those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take The Hobbit to their hearts.”—The New York Times Book Review"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." So begins one of the most beloved and delightful tales in the English language—Tolkien's prelude to The Lord of the Rings. Set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale, The Hobbit is one of literature's most enduring and well-loved novels.Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away Vampires of the Paper Flower Consortium Elizabeth Guizzetti Come for the evening, stay for eternity! Paper Flower Consortium is a podcast from the largest vampire coven in Seattle. Their stories are told by Loretta Fabron Onfoy, coven historian and librarian, in the hope that the modern vampire's way of life is not lost during the next great language transformation. Some tales in this anthology are horrific, some are droll, some are filled with misadventure--just like any eternal existence. Episodes sponsored by the Paper Flower Consortium's Business Community. The history is followed by questions from curious initiates. Want to ask Lady Loretta a question about vampirism? Have a topic you want to see discussed? Email [email protected] Michael the Storyteller Tells Tales "Michael the Storyteller" Michael R. Malley Michael the Storyteller shares stories from his vast repertoire of tales. These stories are for kids, families, and everyone who enjoys a good tale! Be-Tales, un grande racconto sui Beatles Radio Beckwith Una canzone dei Beatles al giorno. Storie e approfondimenti sull'intramontabile parabola dei Fab Four. Scritto e condotto da Gigi Giancursi.

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This episode was published on March 19, 2026.

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My guest today was born in 1991, the same year the Soviet Union collapsed.A few years ago, he set out to explore what’s happened to the countries it left behind, and whether life beyond Russia’s shadow has brought the freedom and prosperity many...

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