Pole-ish

This week on Pole-ish, Peter and John welcome Oleg Tyshchenko, a Ukrainian developer behind Polish Heritage: Quiz Explorer - an app designed to help people discover Poland through quizzes, recipes, history and culture.Along the way, we get into Polish vs Ukrainian borscht, the truth about pierogi ruskie, why philosophy still matters in tech, and how Polish heritage can survive across borders and generations.Plus: ChatGPT takes our Five Big Questions, John talks Kraków Marathon dinosaurs, and Peter finds perhaps the least subtle bit of graffiti in Warsaw and is embarrassed about how “naughty” it is.Come for the culture. Stay for the smalec.--Read our blog: www.pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Bubble Boy (trailer): https://youtu.be/jSRU48wCphI?si=-bhbfkLaFwWcLYpFOleg’s Polish Heritage app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.olegtyshchenko.polishheritage&pcampaignid=web_shareChopin Nocturnes (Rubenstein): https://open.spotify.com/album/5Q5m22P7jIwdMSKXqhrpaN?si=4a1c092c5aec4e09Mery Spolsky – Miło Było Pana Poznać: https://open.spotify.com/track/72p7CkcPgKtWJjaxsAFNDZ?si=0bc35f0ce53e4477Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c  

This week on Pole-ish, we prove once again that you don’t need a wild night out for things to descend into mild chaos. Fresh(-ish) from a wholesome Kraków meetup, we recap an evening that featured cherry liqueur, questionable coordination, zapiekanka incidents, and - because it’s Poland in April - a surprise midnight snowfall. Rock and roll.There’s also a global reality check as we discover our listeners are popping up everywhere from Vietnam to Oman (still not France… awkward), plus a deep dive into the perfect hangover cure: a full English breakfast in the middle of Kraków.Along the way, we stumble into a hidden church, accidentally unpack a deeply disturbing Greek myth, and question some life choices.In this episode:·       A surprisingly civilised “big night out” 🍻·       Polish wines and why you should give them a chance 🍷·       The unpredictable reactions to speaking Polish as a foreigner 🗣️·       The return of 3 in 10 (with Ipswich under pressure) ⏱️·       Oscypek appreciation hour 🧀·       And why the Polish word “no” absolutely does not mean what you think it means 🤦‍♂️We wrap up with a nod to Majówka and Poland’s triple celebration season - so if you’re listening with a beer in hand, you’re doing it right.As always, we’re not Polish… We’re Pole-ish.--Read our blog: www.pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Cherry Liqueur bar: https://pianavyshnia.com/Scandale Royale: https://scandale.pl/Pasaż 13: https://www.myguidekrakow.com/shopping/pasaz-13Legend of Procne: https://www.greeklegendsandmyths.com/procne.htmlHoopoe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe#Polska Rada Winiarswa (Polish Wine Council): https://zpprw.pl/en/#British 'champagne': https://tinyurl.com/ycd8zj64Oscypek cheese: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OscypekPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c 

Our two Pole-ish buddies finally record an episode in the same room. In this very special (and somewhat disorganised) episode, Peter & John record together in Kraków with no script, no plan, but absolutely no shortage of beer.They swap stories of Poland past and present (including propeller planes into a snowy Balice), debate why Kraków might just be the perfect-sized city, and attempt to separate fact from fiction - with mixed success - on everything from wolves to bar & café density.Along the way:The truth about Kraków vs WarsawA near-wolf encounter in the mountainsMuseums you should visit… and one you probably shouldn’tThe legend of the Hejnał trumpetA fridge inspection that gets surprisingly emotionalAnd a competitive “3 in 10” that tests John’s home knowledgeIt’s messy, it’s meandering, and it’s probably our most Pole-ish episode yet. Na zdrowie 🍺PS Sorry for the dodgy sound quality in places – we’re still quite new to the game, and clearly haven’t mastered how to share a microphone. Normal service will be resumed next week.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Hejnał: https://mariacki.com/hejnal/Rynek Underground Museum: https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/rynek-undergroundKraków Stained Glass Museum: https://muzeumwitrazu.pl/Kraków Wax Museum: https://www.poloniawaxmuseum.com/Grey Wolf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WolfPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

Something very different this week with Peter and John taking a well-earned(!) break. What happens to all the bits that don’t make the cut? They come back to life. Think of it as the Pole-ish podcast’s very own monster – slightly unhinged, oddly charming, and impossible to categorise.This week, we bring you a selection of offcuts, bonus content and bloopers that haven’t previously been aired in previous episodes.Listen out for:·       John makes a mess of Three in 10 – twice!·       David Kennedy eloquently describes the best way to brew tea (milk first?)·       A staggering number of things in Poland named after John Paul II·       Peter falling through ice in Warsaw·       The fine art – and competitive strategy – of Baltic beach paravanning·       And many more bloopers, misfires, and moments that probably should have stayed on the cutting room floorIf you’re an expat, living in Poland, a fan of the country, or simply enjoy hearing two confused guys giving professional broadcasters a bad name, then tune in!--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

In this special bonus Thursday episode of Pole-ish, we bring you the second part of our interview with Raf Uzar – yes, that’s him off the wonderful My English Podcast.Today, Raf takes us on a journey across Poland, and down into Slovakia, eating and drinking along the way, as well as going way waaaay back as he regales us with tales from his early days as a young man in Łódz and his extraordinary interface there with the local police. Derby County fans in particular sit back and enjoy, as you’re in for a treat!Plus: Raf fails to do his ‘FIVE BIG QUESTIONS’ homework, but still manages to style it out spectacularly.If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, learning neither, a fan or Raf (you will be after listening), or just curious about Poland and what makes it so distinctive, then jump right in!--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465fMy English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkwMy English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086Iława: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C5%82awaJaś i Małgosia (kotlety on bigos): https://klubjasimalgosia.pl/Wena by Kaliber 44: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W9CRNHamRFzaoqgQLLPE0?si=d4f90a21d27e42abPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

In this episode of Pole-ish, we’re joined by Warsaw-based communicator, broadcaster and storyteller Raf Uzar – one of the exquisite voices behind My English Podcast and a passionate observer of Poland’s place in the world.From learning Polish to unpacking cultural differences, communication styles, and Poland’s evolving global image, this conversation dives into what it really means to live between cultures. Raf shares his journey from the UK to Poland, his background in linguistics and media, and why authenticity and language matter more than ever.We explore:Poland’s international reputation and how it’s changingCommunication styles across cultures (Poland vs UK vs US vs Japan)Language learning, pronunciation, and expat life in PolandStereotypes, history, and the narratives shaping modern PolandWhy being genuine might be the ultimate cross-cultural skillPlus: Easter traditions, highly controversial takes on Italian food, and Peter drops a massive Polish language bomb.If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, or just curious about Polish culture, communication, and identity - this one’s for you. Part two of our chat with Raf drops in a bonus episode this Thursday!--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465fMy English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkwMy English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086State Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language: https://certyfikatpolski.pl/en/Wedel Chocolate: https://wedel.com/Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c 

What does it really take to feel at home in a new country?In this episode of Pole-ish, hosts Peter MacLeod and Johnathan Nett explore expat life in Poland through the lens of community, culture, and music. Peter sits down with Luiza Chrzanowska — coach, expat, and founder of Warsaw’s international choir Choir in Action — to discuss how singing brings people together across languages and backgrounds.From living in Poland as an expat to navigating identity, multiculturalism, and integration, this episode dives into the challenges and rewards of building a life abroad. Discover how music, friendship, and shared experiences can help you find your tribe in Poland.Plus:A quick-fire 3 in 10 on Polish BBQ traditionsInsights into Polish culture, language, and community lifeReflections on expat identity and belonging🎶 Whether you’re an expat in Poland, planning to move, or simply curious about Polish life, this episode hits all the right notes.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Choir In Action (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5s3M0qzv0WJfWTrNdh8IFAChoir In Action (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ChoirINACTION#Choir In Action (Patronite): https://patronite.pl/chorwakcjiOscypek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OscypekPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c 

The podcast for expats and lovers of Poland interviews Palina Piatsiul of The Burman Robinson legal services firm that specialises in all matters of immigration law.In an entertaining and enlightening interview, Palina tells us of the main mistakes incomers make, some of the pitfalls to avoid, and sheds light on what for many is a stressful and oblique application process.Along the way, we hear about her controversial views about pierogi, how her own experience as a citizen born outside of Poland helped give her insight into her professional role, and the perils of turning to Facebook for life-changing legal advice.John, fresh from not having been eaten by a sleuth of bears in Zakopane, has a go at a flag-centric Three in 10, whilst Peter confesses how little he knew about Polish history as a young man.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.The Burman Robinson: https://burman-robinson.com/sanah - Miłość jest ślepa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSiOWFwHR4UInteresting collective nouns: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/sep/19/ten-best-collective-nounsPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c 

Pole-ish 007: “Poland Sucks”The podcast for expats and lovers of Poland interviews British author and filmmaker Patrck Ney, who says “Poland sucks” at telling the world its story. That’s why a whole generation of non-Poles know so little about Polish history.Patrick gets stuck into topics including parenting, tech use amongst teens, what becoming a Polish citizen means to him, and the secret of his father-in-law’s bigos.As always, Peter gets his kickers in a twist about which food is Polish, and John somehow avoids being devoured by a bear.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Patrick Ney: https://www.youtube.com/@PatrickNeyGoulash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoulashMłody Polak – Kękę: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Z7wp8jRxMPole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c 

As the cinema world prepares to crown the latest bunch of Oscar laureates, we delve into Poland’s record at this most glittering of occasions, featuring some magnificent Polish films and filmmakers, and including the excruciating moment a Polish animator was hurried off the stage, and later thrown in jail, Oscar-in-hand, on his big night.Expanding on the cinematic theme, our Pole of the Week is Stanisław Bareja, famed chronicler of the absurdities of late-era communism. John gets on his bike and heads to The Biggest Castle In The World, and beer is discussed on more than one occasion.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Tango (Zbigniew Rybczynski): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z27z7oLQb3oTango Oscar Ceremony: https://youtu.be/w3BDAvM1FqY?si=G83xfPuEnrVF_mFeNepo Beer: https://nepobrewing.pl/Malbork Castle: https://zamek.malbork.pl/en/home/Miś (Stanisław Bareja) - Bar Mleczny Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-viM9WyGssRondo Stanisława Barei: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wv9KKeyKxT2tE4YU9Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

Our guest this week is Salvatore Canzio, author of Ex-pat: Straniero due Volte (Ex-pat: Stranger Twice), in which he charts his life living and working in Warsaw before his return to his hometown in southern Italy. In a deep and revealing chat, Salva talks about his identity and sense of belonging, his redefinition of success, as well as other interesting stuff such as culture shock, language, social integration, working life…In answering our Five Big Questions, Salva adds another tune to our Pole-ish Playlist vault. Coming from the land of bounteous food & drink, he has strong views on Poland’s contribution in this area – listen out for his surprising observations.Elsewhere, Peter tries to remember his wedding and John introduces to us a quaint Polish saying.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Ex-pat: Straniero due Volte (in Italian) - https://www.amazon.it/Ex-pat-straniero-volte-Ediz-integrale/dp/B0G44W4ZJCChopin Concerts in Łazienki Park - https://tifc.chopin.pl/koncerty-w-lazienkach/Varsovie by Brodka - https://open.spotify.com/track/0fWOMvjgnyenpnLolfB5UJ?si=8f7f09c1d2934da4Foreigner’s Guide to Polish Weddings (Peter needs to read this!) - https://culture.pl/en/article/a-foreigners-guide-to-polish-weddingsPole-ish Guest Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c005b

John and Peter take to the slopes – and the rinks – as we look at Poland’s record in the Winter Olympics. We take a deep dive into the frozen waters in profiling some of Poland’s winter sport heroes, including our Pole of the Week, Wojciech Fortuna – the man who’s ski jump caught everyone by surprise in 1972.As well as running through some of the nation’s other success on ice and snow, John introduces us to his Food of the Week – a Silesian regional special – and Peter fulminates about the letter ‘zed’ (John would call it ‘zee’) in the Polish language.We also touch on the frozen Baltic Sea, the interface between a Polish national delicacy and a world-famous rapper, how Britain collected words during its colonial years, and we only very slightly take the mickey out of the ridiculous sport of curling.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Frozen Baltic Sea: https://tvpworld.com/91578140/-thickest-baltic-ice-in-15-years-amid-record-low-water-levelMoczka Recipe: https://www.slaskiesmaki.pl/dish/512141/moczka-potrawa-wigilijnaPoland vs. USSR 1976: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEIQOfrOHNsWojciech Fortuna – That Jump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRITSDhgUHsHonolulu Social Cooperative, Katowice: http://drzwizwanekoniem.plLuft shop (where you can buy a Pieroguszka): https://luft-sklep.pl

Our first guest edition introduces the wonderful David Kennedy to the Pole-ish audience. Listen to Scotsman David’s stories about his early visits to Poland, where he witnessed the shipyard strikes in Gdańsk, his lock-out from a Krakow monastery, and the strong bonds between his homeland and his adopted one.Plus, he plays the part of a guinea pig as he faces the first airing of our ‘Five Big Questions’.We suspend most of our regular features to leave room for David, but there’s still space for plenty of chit-chat between John and Peter.Please like, subscribe, share, review and comment, and tell your friends, family and colleagues about us. Dziękujemy.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. Bober k*rwa!: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bober-kurwa-bobr-bobrzeList of Polish Desserts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Polish_dessertsScottish Festival / Dzień Szkocki in Jadów: https://www.dzienszkocki.plScotland / Poland connections: https://www.scotland.org/inspiration/scotland-and-polandKraków tartan: https://www.krakow.pl/otwarty_na_swiat/215929,artykul,-szkockakratadlakrakowa.htmlBarszcz Ukraiński recipe: https://aniagotuje.pl/przepis/barszcz-ukrainskiJest Super by T.Love: https://open.spotify.com/track/0IpGOqvBr3mloK9HzrY0GJ?si=ac7bff723e8943d1

John and Peter plunge headfirst into a barrel of Polish traditions and come up for air chatting about pączki, arguably the world’s tastiest doughnuts. In a food-heavy edition, we look at the Polish national sport of grilling sausages, and Peter takes a deep-dive into a bowl of his favourite żurek. Pole of the Week is Maksymilian Faktorowicz, better known as the patron saint of make-up, Max Factor. We also find time to discuss the work of American lexicographer Noah Webster, who single-handedly ruined/improved (delete as appropriate) the English language.Please subscribe, like, share and comment, and tell your friends, family and colleagues about us. Thank you.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.Śmigus-dyngus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Amigus-dyngusTlusty czwartek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday#PolandAuthentic pązcki recipe: https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/polish-paczki-donuts-recipe/Name Days: https://www.kalendarzswiat.pl/imieninyNoah Webster: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Noah-Webster-American-lexicographerŻurek recipe: https://tinyurl.com/4jf3kh4tMax Factor’s Micrometer: https://tinyurl.com/5dpyvswv

Episode 1 sees John and Peter cover a lot of early ground, including a weirdly numbered bus, an extraordinary (female) Polish spy, the weather, cheese on toast Kraków style, and a whole load of other stuff.Please subscribe, like, share and comment, and tell all your friends and colleagues about us. Thank you.--Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.euWrite to us: [email protected] our socials: Search Facebook, Xwitter and BlueSky for “Pole-ish”Krystyna Skarbek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krystyna_SkarbekZapiekanka at Okrąglak (Kraków): https://maps.app.goo.gl/irzfTTxyJ6T5xaGi8Hey Now! (Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House): http://youtube.com/watch?v=J9gKyRmic20666 to Hel: https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/06/14/end-of-the-line-for-polands-666-bus-to-hel/Suffolk Accent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJWdEo7zpbo

Welcome to the preview edition of the Pole-ish podcast, launching here on 2nd February 2026 with new episodes every Monday thereafter. Pole-ish is an affectionate, funny and often bemused look at life in Poland from two outsiders who now call it home. Brit Peter MacLeod (Warsaw) and American Johnathan Nett (Kraków) share stories, observations and hard-won wisdom about navigating Polish culture, bureaucracy, language, food and everyday life, with plenty of banter along the way.Each episode blends personal anecdotes, cultural curiosities, surprising Polish history, expat survival tips and lively features - from Two Nations Divided by a Common Language to Pole of the Week and Hey Now! A Polish Fact You Didn't Know You Didn't Know. Expect laughter, learning, and the occasional tram rumbling past. First Pancake? It's not yet perfect, but subsequent ones will be. We’re not Polish, we’re Pole-ish!Website (under construction, obvs): www.pole-ish.euContact us: [email protected]: @Pole_ishPodcastOther socials coming soon!Please like, subscribe, review and tell all your family and friends! Thanks. See you in February.