Explore Finland Radio Show
by Mark Wiltshear
A Brit living in Finland's Wild West. In each episode, Mark Wiltshear interviews Finnish people to learn about things to do when you visit Finland! Often recorded out on location in the South Ostrobothnia region of Western Finland, Mark's relaxed style helps Finns open-up and share about their passion, interest or business. Listen in to learn about Finnish nature, culture, history, sport, attractions, activities and more…
Episodes
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Into Seinäjoki: Entrepreneur Story – Mokka Market International Food Shop
This episode is something a little different, I hope you enjoy it. In partnership with Into Seinäjoki & E-P WIISE ry, I interviewed my friend Mohammed Al-Marrani about his journey from the countryside of Yemen to the plains of South Ostrobothnia. He explains his dream of being an entrepreneur…
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Kuortane Terwaviikko: Preserving South Ostrobothnia’s Tar-making Tradition
Part two of a two-part episode... When I asked about visiting the "Terwaviikko" (Tar Week) event in Kuortane, I was quickly introduced to Michael Hutchinson-Rees, a fellow Londoner in Finland, who is now firmly involved in the Lions Club of Kuortane that organises the weeklong tar-making event…
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The History & Tradition of Tar-making in Kuortane
Part one of a two-part episode... When I asked about visiting the "Terwaviikko" (Tar Week) event in Kuortane, I was quickly introduced to Michael Hutchinson-Reis, a fellow Londoner in Finland, who is now firmly involved in the Lions Club of Kuortane that organises the weeklong tar-making event…
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SF-Caravan-Kalajärvi: A Year-round Family Resort & Activity Centre in South Ostrobothnia
I was invited by Päivi Nurmikoski, to visit SF-Camping-Kalajärvi in nearby Peräseinäjoki. She introduced us to the caravan park itself and all the facilities , activities and entertainment for her family, that make them return here almost EVERY weekend, all year long. They love it here, maybe you...
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Finnish Sauna Festivals - live at Kalajärven Saunafestarit 2019
Recorded back in summer 2019, I was welcomed to experience my first sauna festival by the organiser of Kalajärven Saunafestarit, Tero Knaapila. Tero talked me through the origins of this event and what one can expect from a sauna festival. He then took me into his converted motor home sauna…
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Pyhävuori – The Holy Mountain of Alajärvi
In this episode, I am joined again by Craterologist, Teemu Öhman, to revisit the subject of Pyhävuori. It's an area overlooking Lake Lappajärvi, that is full of geological interest and historical mythology, featuring trolls, hermits and a sacrificial stone. From the ice age to modern days....
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A Tour of Art and Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta
Part two of a two part episode (you should probably listen to part one first!) In April 2021, myself and Glenn Murray visited Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta in Seinäjoki. This building has a varied history, an re-invigorated present and, surely, a long future bringing art, craftwork…
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The History of Art and Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta
Part one of a two part episode. In April 2021, myself and Glenn Murray visited Art & Culture Centre Kalevan Navetta in Seinäjoki. This building has a varied history, an re-invigorated present and, surely, a long future bringing art, craftwork, culture and community to Seinäjoki. In this episode…
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Introducing the What's On in Southern Ostrobothnia podcast - April 2021 [PILOT]
What's On... Southern Ostrobothnia now lives on its own, dedicated feed https://whatsonsouthostrobothnia.podbean.com/ Welcome to this new series in which Mark Wiltshear and Glenn Murray (The Nordic Tourist) shine the spotlight on events, activities and events in the Etelä-Pohjanmaa/Southern...
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World Record Ice Carousel & Ice Festival on Lake Lappajärvi
On Saturday 27th February 2021, myself and Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, were invited to a special event on Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, to witness an attempt at the world record biggest ice carousel. What is that? Listen in as I interview Janne Käpylehto, the modern-day father of ice...
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Exploring Katikankanjoni with Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist
Meet Glenn Murray, The Nordic Tourist, who will be my collaborator during the upcoming season of Explore Finland Radio Show. In this episode, Glenn introduces me to Katikankanjoni in Finland's Wild West, a natural canyon with running water all year round, even during months of sub-zero...
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"Ammunition, Fascism & Photography" A Few Steps Through The History Of Lapua
As part of my guided tour around Culture Centre 'Vanha Paukku' in Lapua, we stop for an extended visit in the Lapuanjoki Museum. Museum Director, Sakari Hanhimäki and Cultural Director, Susanna Oversteyns regale me with historical tales of Espionage, Poisoning, Fascism, An Attempted Coup... and...
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A Guided Tour Of Culture Centre 'Vanha Paukku' in Lapua
Part one of a two-part episode, I undertake a tour of the Kulttuurikeskus 'Vanha Paukku' with two expert guides; Susanna Oversteyns, Cultural Director and Sakari Hanhimäki, Museum Director. HUGE thanks also to Anu Haavisto, Leena Sarjola and Anniina Kivimäki for the impromptu, live performance of...
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#VisitSeinajoki: Exciting Days Out For Families & Teenagers at Theme Parks & Activity Centres
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links
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Finnish Rugby. Seinäjoki Rugby. Snow Rugby!
I speak with Olli-Pekka Tuomaala & James McDade from Seinäjoki Rugby club talk about rugby in Finland; the history of the game in Finland, the development of rugby in Finland as a summer contact sport and how Finland is no longer the worst National rugby team. We also discuss the annual snow…
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#VisitSeinajoki: Shopping For Interesting Gifts & Locally Produced Textiles
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links
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A Guided Tour of Kyrö Whisky & Gin Distillery
In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What...
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The Bloody History of Kyrö Village & The Origins of Kyrö Distillery
In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history of the village of Isokyrö, including the bloody Battle of Napue. Bringing things into modern times, he explains the origins of Kyrö Distillery, the...
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#VisitSeinajoki: Nature Trails, Beaches & Foraging In The Forests
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi Show Notes & links
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A Winter Visit To Ähtäri Zoo & Snow Panda Resort
In Winter 2018, I was commissioned to make a pilot series of a new podcast; The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast. This episode is a selection of stories from the first three interviews with people powering Ähtäri Zoo: Satu Keski-Valkama, Tourism Development Project Manager Heini Niinimäki, Zoological Director,...
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Mark Wiltshear's 12-minute Conversation with Engel Jones
For this episode, I am grateful to Engel Jones for allowing to rebroadcast an interview that first went-out on his 12 Minute Convos podcast in January 2018. Engel is an Entrepreneur & Podcast Host who set himself a goal: 800 recorded conversations in 12 weeks from Sep 19th - Dec 12th 2017. In…
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Preserving The Culture Of A Lost Karelia
Recorded in 2016, I speak to Marjo Matikainen-Källström, Satu Hallonberg and Markku Pulli about Karjalaisetkesäjuhlat; the commemoration of the evacuation of 430,000 people from Karelia after World War 2 and a celebration of continuing Karelian culture. I then speak to Satu (nowadays, Mrs...
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A Tour Around Lappajärvi: Europe's Largest Crater Lake
I speak to Teemu Öhman who is a Craterologist or, to be more precise, an Earth and planetary scientist and lecturer at Arctic Planetary Science Institute. Teemu explained about the creation of Lake Lappajärvi in Etelä-Pohjanmaa, and then gave some recommendations of places to visit in the...
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The Mysterious Church Stables In Närpes
I visit Sankta Maria church in Närpes/Närpiö, and speak to town guide, Marianne Winter. I learn why the church is surrounded by over 100 stables, about the unique Swedish dialect in Närpes and why the Vietnamese name, Nguyen, is the most common surname in Närpes. Show notes & links
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Tradition & 'Magic': Finnish Puukko Knives
I discuss the traditional Finnish Puukko knife with Ethnologist and Bushcraft champion, Marcus Lepola. We talk about it's importance in the history of violence, love & marriage, and everyday life in Finland. Show notes & links
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Kristina Vänni's Homefarm Cookbook: Taking Finnish Cuisine Into American Kitchens
I speak to internationally recognised culinary authority and TV host, Kristina Vänni, who is also a food writer, TV host, recipe developer, cooking contest expert. We discuss her upcoming cookbook, Homefarm, but also her Finnish roots in Peräseinäjoki, Etelä Pohjanmaa. She tells the the story of...
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Ice-hole Swimming & Sauna. A Natural High!
Jussi Mustikkamaa, Journalist and sauna-enthusiast, teaches me why swimming in ice-cold water, after taking a sauna, is better than sex or morphine! Jussi explains ALL the benefits of Avantouinti, before taking me swimming in the hole in the ice on a frozen pond. Yep, that's right... Show notes
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Beer Tasting At Mallaskoski Brewery
Brewmaster Jyri Ojaluoma takes me back in time to the re-birth of Mallskoski and their Kuohu beer. We discuss brewing techniques and tricks and review the first Lakeuden Panimojuhlat (Beer Festival) in Seinäjoki, in January 2015. Show notes
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Jussi Paita, The Ostrobothnian Uniform
Student Film-makers, Tytti Kuusinen & Onni Venäläinen, tell me about the origins and history of the Jussi paiti, plus what they learned while making their documentary 'Pohjanmaan univormu' (The Ostrobothnian Uniform). YouTube: Pohjanmaan univormi film Show notes
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The 'Film & Lights' Festival at Matti's Cottage Cinema
4th-Generation Cinephile, Mari Keskinen, welcomes me to the 'Filmiä- ja valoa elokuvafestivaali' at Matin-Tupa Cinema. Founded by her grandfather, Matti, she introduces me to the past, present and future of the cinema that's been in her family for 70 years. Show notes
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The Magic Of Midnight Golf In Finland
Matias Lampinen, Executive Director at Kuortane Golf Club, explains the requirements to be able to play golf in Finland, the fun of midnight golf, and his marathon 24-hour, sponsored fund-raiser in 2014. Show notes
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Finnish Food: The Good, The Bad & The Weird
This week I get to sit down with Restauranteur, Miia Keski-Nikkola, and talk food, which is no hardship for me; busting some myths, discussing Mother Nature's offerings and looking at traditional, Finnish Xmas Food. Show notes
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Reconstructing Finland's Emigrant History
Tella Lahti, Executive Director of the Finnish Emigrant Museum, returns to take us on a walk through history, at the World of Trails in Peräseinäjoki. A collection of buildings, previously owned by Finnish emigrants, that have been dismantled, moved and reconstructed in South Ostrobothnia. Show...
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Finnish Festivals: Midesummer Metal & Tango Camper Vans
Festival promoter and Agent, Juha Koivisto, continues his conversation about Finnish festivals. From the Heavy Metal Midsummer through the invasion of camper vans for Seinäjoen Tangomarkkinat and on to newer, urban events for HipHop and EDM. Show notes
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Provinssirock Festival & The Finnish Music Scene
Juha Koivisto, Festival promoter and Agent talks about the history of the 'Provinssi' Festival and how the popularity of domestic music makes it possible for Finnish-only events to sell-out. Show notes
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Launch Of The Finnish Football Show. Episode 1: Veikkausliiga 2015 Review
In this episode comes something a little different. This was the first episode of the Finnish Football Show, which was recorded & broadcast live in November 2015. Join Mark (@explorefinland), Rich (@escapetosuomi) and Mark (@FCSuomi) for the first episode of the Finnish Football Show series…
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How Much Does Finland Love Ice Cream?
Päivi Virtaniemi, Entrepreneur and co-founder of Wirtalan Jäätelö, explains how ice cream is made at Wirtalan Jäätelö and gives a surprising answer to the question 'What is South Ostrobothnia's favourite flavour?' You will never guess 😳 Show notes
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SJK Seinäjoki - 2015 Season Review. Veikkausliiga Champions | Suomen Mestarit
Lari Paski, Supporters Liaison Offer at SJK, returns to the pod to reveal his highlights from following SJK Seinäjoki in 2015. Spoiler alert, it has a very happy ending! Show notes
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'Jokkis' Finnish Folk Racing – Motor Sport For 'Everyman'
Andrenalin-junkie Jokkis Driver, Emilia Uutela, explains the basics of Jokamiehenluoka/Jokkis/Finnish Folk Racing, before getting behind the wheel on race day. Show notes
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In Competition On The Frisbee Golf Course
Pekka Hautala, Football commentator and Frisbee Golfer explains the rules, techniques and tactics of Frisbee Golf, before I join him on the course in the CityFrisbee Golf competition in Seinäjoki. Show notes
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Finnish Music Traditions: From Folk To Rap!
Piia Kleemola-Välimäki and Mika Virkkala, from the Sibelius Academy give me a short introduction to traditional Finnish music including Iskelmä, Choral, Rautalanka, Folk... and Rap. Spotify – Explore Finland: Ep.18 Finnish Music Playlist Show notes
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The History of Emigration from Finland
Tella Lahti, Executive Director of the Finnish Emigrant Museum, in Peräseinäjoki, tells about Finland’s historical emigration, where people came from, where they eventually settled and some that made their fortune and came back again. Show notes
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Apollo FC: The Pink Dogs' Noble Goals
There is something in the air in South Ostrobothnia. In this episode, I speak to Jarl Matti & Mikael two members ofApollo FC, a new football club in Seinäjoki which has the noble aim of raising money for charity, while also providing a destination for retired footballers. Show notes
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International Business Degree Students at SeAMK, Finland [part 2]
This episode is a continuation of the conversation from episode 13. I talk with Junyi (Winnie) Ding & Betti Csiba about their experiences of moving to Finland, business culture in South Ostrobothnia, what Betti and Winnie do in their free-time and, of course, the weather. Show notes
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The Finnish Political System & Voting in the General Election
I speak to Henna Rantasaari, Green Party Candidate ahead of the 2015 General Elections here in Finland. In her 2nd appearance on Explore Finland, Henna explains how the political system works, how the Parliamentary seats are allocated and how the Government is formed. Show notes
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International Business Degree Students at SeAMK, Finland [part 1]
In this episode, I meet Junyi (Winnie) Ding & Betti Csiba, who tell me about life as an international student at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK). Many thanks to Miia Koski from SeAMK for arranging, and participating in, the recording. Show notes
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High-speed Motor Racing On Ice at Botniaring
In this episode, I speak to race organiser Kristiina Vaalasmaa ahead of the VillaAPR Icerace at the Botniaring race track in Jurva, Etelä-Pohjanmaa. Listen as she tells me about the meeting, the track and the facilities, before I visit the APR Icerace in February 2015. Show notes
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Discovering Salibandy* in Seinäjoki
*Floorball, Unihockey, Innebandy. In this episode I get an introduction to the game of Salibandy from Tuukka Kiviranta, who plays for the high-flying SPV team from Seinäjoki. Tuukka explains the rules and tactics of the game and tells me about the history and recent success of SPV. Show notes
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Finland's Olympic Training Centre in Kuortane
It will take more than a 30 minute podcast to get ME into peak fitness but, in this episode, I get a guided tour of the Olympic Training Centre in Kuortane from Olli-Pekka Karjalainen, Olympic athlete and European gold medal winner. Show notes
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Distilling Moonshine, Finland's Prohibition Era and Koskenkorva Vodka
Jaakko & Martti take me around the Koskenkorva Museo, as I learn about the history of distilling in Koskenkorva, as well as the distinctive local clocks, Könnikello. We then take another, brief tour around the saunas at Koskenkorva Trahteeri until we end up at the 'vodka tap'! Intrigued? Show notes
About this show
A Brit living in Finland's Wild West. In each episode, Mark Wiltshear interviews Finnish people to learn about things to do when you visit Finland! Often recorded out on location in the South Ostrobothnia region of Western Finland, Mark's relaxed style helps Finns open-up and share about their passion, interest or business. Listen in to learn about Finnish nature, culture, history, sport, attractions, activities and more…
Hosted by
Mark Wiltshear