Uki Life Abroad

40 Episodes
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By: UkiLifeAbroad

The podcast for all things Ukrainian, discussing Ukraine’s history, culture and traditions as well as what’s happening in the diaspora. Hosted by Andrei and co-hosts: Brianna, Justin, Nathan and Olexa.

Episode 81 - A Ukrainian Success Story: Interview with Andriy Boychuk
#81
10/26/2023

This week we are joined by Andriy Boychuk, founder of Flowium. We discuss about his transition from life in Ukraine to life in the US as a young adult and his career as an entrepreneur. 


Episode 80 - History of Dnipro
#80
09/04/2023

In this week's episode, we explore the historical importance of the Dnipro River that divides Ukraine down the middle and how it has been used in the current Russo-Ukraine War to create a humanitarian crisis.


Episode 79 - Ukrainian Calendar Reform
#79
06/29/2023

In recent months, both the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and Orthodox Church of Ukraine have announced that they are changing their liturgical calendars. This week we explore the reasoning for this as well as why a different church calendar existed in Ukraine. 


Episode 78 - Global Opinion of Ukraine
#78
06/04/2023

As the war stretches past the one year mark and Ukraine prepares for its upcoming spring counteroffensive, we look back at how global public opinion has changed towards Ukraine in the last year.


Episode 77 - 2023 Eurovision Song Contest
#77
05/08/2023

This week, Europe and lovers of music will focus on the city of Liverpool where the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will take place. A joint venture between Ukraine and the UK, the contest will showcase the continents love of music and solidarity as both Russia and Belarus continue to be banned for their invasion of Ukraine.


Episode 76 - An overview of Ukraine's progress
#76
09/27/2022

After a hiatus from recording, we are back. In this week's episode we explore the impact of the diaspora on the war, summarise the events so far, and discuss the implication of Russia's mobilisation.


Episode 75 - Zelenskyy, from Comedian to Hero
#75
04/27/2022

This week we explore the unique rise of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current wartime President of Ukraine.


Episode 74 - Russian War Crimes
#74
04/02/2022

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, we investigate how Russia is committing various war crimes in Ukraine.


Episode 73 - The unthinkable has happened
#73
03/15/2022

As Ukrainians around the world reel in shock from the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, we take some time to collect our thoughts and cover some of the unique stories from Ukraine and from the diaspora around the world.


Episode 72 - Ukraine at the Winter Olympics
#72
02/05/2022

Olympic fever has hit the world again, with the commencement of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic games in which Ukraine will be sending a team to compete. This week we spotlight some of the team, the events and some of the political tension that looms in the background.


Episode 71 - What You Don't Know About the Black Sea
#71
01/29/2022

The centuries old waters of the Black Sea hold many secrets and mysteries, many of which have been lost to time; this week we take a look at 6 interesting facts about the Black Sea that you may not have heard before.


Episode 70 - #StandWithUkraine
#70
01/21/2022

This week we are joined by Stefan Romaniw OAM, Vice-President of the Ukrainian World Congress to discuss the deteriorating situation on the Ukrainian border and what each of as Diaspora Ukrainians can do to support Ukraine. #StandWithUkraine #StopPutinNOW
#SayYEStoUkraine


Episode 69 - Welcome to 2022
#69
01/12/2022

This week we discuss the best Christmas tree in Ukraine and how it compares to other famous international Christmas trees. We also discuss the recent protests in Kazakhstan and it's global implications


Episode 68 - Belarusian Border Crisis
#68
12/10/2021

This week we discuss the current state of diplomatic relations between Belarus and Ukraine. We explore how tensions between the two neighbour nations place them against each other while both being geographically sandwiched between Russia and the EU.


Episode 67 - Eurovision, the next generation
#67
11/30/2021

In 2003 the success of the Eurovision song contest lead to the creation of Junior Eurovision; a contest for children aged 9 -14. With Ukraine recently announcing Olena Ysenko as the countries 2021 participant, we take a look at her prospects for this year, as well as a look back at the Junior Eurovison contest over the years. 


Episode 66 - The end of an era at the Kyiv Post
#66
11/20/2021

This week we discuss the controversial firing of the editorial staff of the Kyiv Post newspaper. Join us as we explore what this means for the Ukrainian diaspora around the world and the future of independent journalism/English language news services in Ukraine.


Episode 65 - The Pandora Papers
#65
10/25/2021

President Zelenskyy has been named alongside 37 other Ukrainians in the recent 'Pandora Papers' leak, which has highlighted individuals with significant offshore holdings of wealth. This week we explore the extent of Ukrainian involvement in the uncovered activities and the impact this scandal will have on his presidency.


Episode 64 - Chersonese & the theft of Crimean culture
#64
10/14/2021

A recent UN report on the occupation of Crimea has revealed the extent to which Russia has appropriated, stolen, and damaged various Ukrainian and Crimean cultural sites. This week we discuss these atrocities at the historic site of Chersonese and the extent of the damage that various Russian organisations have caused.


Episode 63 - The Real Stories of Wartime Ukraine (Part 2)
#63
10/06/2021

The intricacies of the Ukrainian struggles during WWII can be a deep and expansive topic, however author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger has compiled her 15 years of research into two immersive fictional retellings. This week we continue our conversation with Chrystyna about her works, her process and the real life stories behind her new releases. 


Episode 62 - The Real Stories of Wartime Ukraine (Part 1)
#62
09/28/2021

The intricacies of the Ukrainian struggles during WWII can be a deep and expansive topic, however author Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger has compiled her 15 years of research into two immersive fictional retellings. This week, in Part One of a two part series, we speak with Chrysyna about her works, her process and the real life stories behind her new releases. 


Episode 61 - Ukraine's UN Peacekeeping Abroad
#61
09/22/2021

International cooperation forms one essential part of Ukrainian sovereignty and security; and the country's commitment to UN peacekeeping operations has helped to develop such essential international ties. This week, we explore Ukraine's historical and current role as a member of the United Nations and their contributions to global peacekeeping.


Episode 60 - Ukrainians in South America
#60
09/16/2021

To continue our exploration of Ukrainian communities around the world, this week we look towards South America and the history of Ukrainian settlement in Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Brazil & Argentina.


Episode 59 - Ukrainian music & the Golden Penguin
#59
09/09/2021

This week we interview Pani Alla Sirenko, a renowned Ukrainian composer and founder of the Ukrainian Cultural Association in the United Kingdom . We take the opportunity to discuss her career & accomplishments along with her current & future plans. During the interview we feature several excerpts of her work, in the following order: Golden Penguin Opera, Pantheon, Ave Maria & Ukrainian Fantasy.


Episode 58 - Ukraine in Antarctica
#58
09/01/2021

Since 1996, Ukraine has been in command of the Vernadsky Research Base; a home away from home for those Ukrainian's who have worked there as part of the countries State Targeted Scientific and Technical Program for Antarctic Research for 2011-2023. In this week episode we explore the history of this base and the current contribution that Ukraine is making to scientific research in Antarctica.


Episode 57 - 30 Years of Independence or Longer?
#57
08/25/2021

Whilst some of the world may speak of Ukraine as a young country, the struggle for Ukrainian independence has been a long and complicated journey for hundreds of years. This week we explore the history of Ukrainian statehood and discuss the idea of recognising two days of Ukrainian independence.  


Episode 56 - 30 Facts for 30 Years
#56
08/18/2021

As we begin our celebrations for Ukraine's 30th anniversary of Independence, join us this week for 30 fascinating facts about Ukraine, .From Kyvian Rus to modern day Ukraine, we have got you covered.


Episode 55 - Belarusian Reach In Kyiv
#55
08/11/2021

After an Olympics roundup, this week we discuss the ever developing story of Vitaly Shishov, a Belarusian activist who was found hanged in a Kyiv park and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the apparent suicide. His death adds to a series of events in connection with the growing dictatorial tendencies of Belarussian president Lukashenko.   


Episode 54 - Olympics Update
#54
08/03/2021

With the Tokyo 2020 Olympics now in full swing,  this week's episode will look at Team Ukraine's successes thus far, which athletes to look out for this week and discuss some controversies affecting Ukraine during the Opening Ceremony.  (Medal Tally update as at 1 August 2021)


Episode 53 - Orange Revolution
#53
07/28/2021

As Ukraine celebrates 30 years of independence, we look back at the orange revolution, the first pivotal turning point of Ukraine's democratic journey in the 21 century.  


Episode 52 - The Olympics & Ukraine
#52
07/20/2021

With the Olympics fast approaching, this week we deep dive into Ukraine's history at the Olympic Games, discuss Lviv's bids for the Winter Olympics and detail which sports to watch to support Ukrainian athletes at Tokyo 2020.


Episode 51 - Touring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
#51
07/15/2021

This week we take a virtual trip to Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster and discuss the tourist appeal of the site and the exclusion zone. With President Zelennkyy's plan to vitalise the area into a tourist destination, we explore what draws visitors to the area and why its remains an iconic site to this day. 


Episode 50 - The Wagner Affair
#50
07/05/2021

In a recent interview, President Zelenskyy revealed the details of a failed covert operation to arrest 33 militants as their plane passed over Ukrainian airspace. The additional revelation of leaks to the Belarusian President Lukashenko caused protests in Kyiv calling the President Zelenskyy a 'traitor'. This week we discuss the details of this operation as well as the legal and political complexities surrounding aircraft travel, interceptions and extraditions. 


Episode 49 - Russia's Black Sea Standoff
#49
06/29/2021

In the continually developing story of Russian escalation, a British warship was threatened by the Russian coastguard as it passed 12km off the coast of Crimea. This week we discuss the details of the situation and the possible reason behind this latest show of aggression. 


Episode 48 - The Evolution of Ukrainian Journalism
#48
06/21/2021

With news from Ukraine playing an essential role in awareness of the country and its events, the need for uncensored accurate journalism has existed for decades. This week we look at the past and present workings of Ukrainian news, starting with the 1970s Ukranian Herald underground news paper and the more recent changes to English Ukrainian news sources.


Episode 47 - The Art of Lockdown & Transformation
#47
06/14/2021

With covid-19 still and ever-present part of our lives, the importance of wellbeing and community ties online is as strong as ever. This week we speak with Chrestyna Kmetj the founder of the Art of Transformation project and discuss her work in maintaining ties and wellbeing within the community during this difficult time. 


Episode 46 - The biggest plane in the world
#46
06/07/2021

In the world of aviation, the name Antonov is recognised for its technical achievements; however its famous Mryia has put Ukraine in the public spotlight for decades. This week we take a look at the company, its history, its founder and the details of its famous world record holding aircraft, Mryia. 


Episode 45 - An Enchanting Night (A Long Time Coming)
#45
06/01/2021

This week we have the opportunity to speak with the recent debutante group in Sydney. We discuss the process leading up to the ball, the night itself and what it meant to them.


Episode 44 - Uki Life Abroad
#44
05/24/2021

With both Australia and Canada's census season approaching, we take a look at the results of the 2016 census in both countries. We also dive into the history of Ukrainian migration to both Canada and Australia. 


Episode 43 - May Day and Russia's Enemies List
#43
05/20/2021

Whilst the majority of the world celebrates the end of WWII in Europe on May 8th, some countries celebrate this victory on the 9th. Find out why in this episode and how Ukraine is planning a transition from one date to the other. Additionally, Russia released a preliminary list of unfriendly nations and we explore the contenders for Russia's biggest enemy. 


Episode 42 - Democracy's Decline
#42
05/13/2021

This week we discuss the impact that Covid19 and other factors had on the quality of democracy in 2020. We also take a look into Ukraine's democracy, global and internet freedom scores.