In this special episode to celebrate July 4, America’s Independence Day, Dr. Noah Charney spoke with Jamie Lindler Harpootlian, the US Ambassador to Slovenia.

What does the ambassador love about Slovenia?

Harpootlian admires for Slovenia’s breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and unparalleled safety. She also shines a spotlight on Slovenia’s impressive strengths in science and technology, showcasing the country’s potential in cutting-edge fields. She is impressed by Slovenia’s rich arts and culture, from the charming traditions of beekeeping and mushroom foraging to the cherished custom of family time, with stores closing on Sundays to honour it. She enthusiastically recommends must-see destinations like the enchanting Lake Bled with the stunning Vintgar Gorge, the serene Jezersko, and the majestic Soča River Valley, all celebrated for their beauty and accessibility.

This episode highlights the strong connection between the US and Slovenia, built on mutual democratic values and vibrant cultural exchanges. It portrays Slovenia as a captivating destination for both adventurous travelers and cultural aficionados.

Feel Slovenia the Podcast is brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Board and hosted by Dr Noah Charney.

Sound Production: Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check out www.slovenia.info and our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tripadvisor.

In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney talks about festivals in Slovenia. In fact, he claims that Slovenia is a land of festivals and that he had heard this from everyone he had interviewed for this episode . Listeners are treated to an exploration of this festival landscape through engaging conversations with key figures behind some of Slovenia's most iconic cultural events.

One of the festivals highlighted is the Lent Festival in Maribor, expertly described by Vladimir Rukavina, its longtime director. Rukavina details how the Lent Festival has grown from its inception over three decades ago to become a sprawling event that encompasses multiple smaller festivals within it.

Switching gears, Svetlana Slapšak sheds light on the City of Women Festival in Ljubljana, a testament to Slovenia's progressive cultural ethos. Originating in 1995, this festival initially faced challenges due to its focus on women's art and culture, challenging prevailing social norms. However, Slapšak proudly notes how it has evolved into a respected platform that champions feminist discourse through art exhibitions, performances, and debates.

Kristina Koršič then transports listeners to Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town, where The Days of Wine and Poetry captivate audiences against the backdrop of historic architecture and scenic landscapes. Koršič highlights how this festival seamlessly blends the art of poetry with Slovenia's rich winemaking traditions, offering a sensory experience that celebrates both local culture and international creativity.

Finally, Darko Brlek, Director of Festival Ljubljana, shares insights into one of Slovenia's longest-standing and most prestigious cultural events. Established in 1952, Festival Ljubljana has grown to encompass world-class performances in classical music and jazz, drawing renowned artists and orchestras from around the globe. Brlek reflects on the festival's evolution, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a cornerstone of Slovenia's summer cultural calendar.

This episode not only showcases the diversity and depth of Slovenia's festival scene but also reveals how these events enrich the country's cultural landscape. From Maribor to Ljubljana, Ptuj to international stages, Slovenia's festivals offer a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the country's artistic vibrancy and community spirit. Whether you're drawn to folklore, contemporary art, poetry, or classical music, Slovenia's festivals promise an unforgettable experience that celebrates creativity, heritage, and the spirit of community.

Feel Slovenia the Podcast is brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Board and hosted by Dr Noah Charney.

Sound Production: Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check out www.slovenia.info and our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tripadvisor.

Slovenia has numerous fascinating art museums, but none that are household names abroad, so they remain very pleasant surprises for visitors who discover them. In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney explores some of his favourite art museums in Slovenia, with a focus on those outside of Ljubljana. To cover some of those in Ljubljana, Dr. Noah Charney asked a few art world friends – Marko Jenko, a curator at the forthcoming Lah Museum, Matthew McQuarrie, a gallery owner and an American architect living in Slovenia, Blaž Peršin, the director of the City Museums of Ljubljana, and an Jaša Mrevlje-Pollak, a conceptual artist, for their tips.

With Matthew McQuarrie, an American architect living in Slovenia, who coordinates the Dobre novice art exhibition featuring renowned international artists in Kamnik, the discussion delves into the importance of art in revitalizing communities and promoting critical thinking. Marko Jenko, a renowned curator, offers insights into the Lah Museum set to open in 2024. Blaž Peršin, Director of Museums and Galleries of Ljubljana, oversees various museums and galleries in the city and discusses the diverse art scene in Slovenia, spanning historical influences to contemporary trends. Jaša Mrevlje-Pollak, arguably Slovenia's highest-profile conceptual artist, with appearances at the Venice Biennale and the Frieze Art Fair, shares his perspective on the contemporary art landscape in Slovenia, spotlighting institutions such as Moderna Galerija, Cukrarna, UGM, the Art Gallery in Maribor, and Obalne Galerije Piran.

Feel Slovenia the Podcast is brought to you by the Slovenian Tourist Board and hosted by Dr Noah Charney.

Sound Production: Urska Charney

For more inspirational content, check out www.slovenia.info and our social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tripadvisor.