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.

This time, Feel Slovenia the Podcast explores Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park. The episode celebrates the park's 100th anniversary, highlighting its significance as a protected landscape under UNESCO. The focus is on responsible and sustainable tourism, with emphasis on Mount Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak. Various guests share their experiences and insights, including climbers, comedians, authors, and tourism directors, discussing the symbolism of Triglav and the park's trails. With laughter, awe, and wisdom, the episode promotes mutual respect between tourists and locals, emphasizing the park's role in balancing nature conservation and tourism.

Guests:

1. Perica Jerković (Comedian)

2. Sam Baldwin (Expat to Slovenia, Author and Climber)

3. Rudolf Abraham (Photographer and Author)

4. Klemen Langus (Director of Bohinj Tourism)

5. Tit Potočnik (Director of Triglav National Park)

Dr. Noah Charney kicks off the adventure by diving into Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park. As the park celebrates its 100th anniversary, he highlights its UNESCO status and invites listeners to delve into its wonders. Adding a touch of humour, comedian Perica Jerković shares his comedic escapade of tackling Triglav for a show. Also Sam Baldwin recounts his personal journey up Mount Triglav. From gear prep to unexpected twists, his story is a mix of adventure and practical wisdom for aspiring climbers. Photographer and author Rudolf Abraham chimes in with insights on Juliana and Alpe Adria Trail – both of the trails he has hiked on. Switching gears, Klemen Langus, Bohinj Tourism Director, introduces the concept of "living room” tourism. He champions a blend of mutual respect and sustainability, ensuring visitors feel welcomed while preserving the local charm. Representing the Triglav National Park, Tit Potočnik, the director, sheds light on sustainable tourism principles. His words echo the harmony between nature conservation and visitor experiences.

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.

You can’t spell Slovenia without the word “love”. It’s tucked right in there between Sl and Nia. It’s a cute tourism slogan, but it’s also much more than that. Slovenia is a wonderfully romantic place to visit as, for so many guests, it feels like a secret that only a select few know about. It’s obvious to spend a romantic weekend in Venice or Paris. But Slovenia? That’s extra cool.

In this episode, Dr. Noah Charney spoke with Svetlana Slapšak, an expert on ancient traditions and a retired professor of Classics at the University of Ljubljana, Katarina Blažič, the co-owner of Ribno Resort in Bled, and Simona Mohorič, Head of Tourism for the City of Kranj. Together, they delve into the enchanting tradition of Gregorjevo or in English St. Gregory’s Day, Slovenia's charming answer to Valentine’s Day. We'll uncover the origins of this celebration of love, complete with the intriguing tradition of light-throwing, and unveil picturesque landscapes, romantic getaways and cultural experiences. From the LUV Festival in Ljubljana to the heart-shaped road near Maribor, Slovenia's romantic appeal is undeniable. With its stunning castles, wellness spas, and unique experiences like spending a night in a hayloft or dining in a mine, Slovenia provides endless opportunities for romantic adventures.

If you're longing to discover the most enchanting love corners nestled within Slovenia's embrace and yearn to delight your loved ones with authentic Slovenian souvenirs that express love, delve into this captivating story.

If you're curious about uncovering more intriguing facts about St. Gregory’s Day, look no further than this insightful read.

And if you're in search of the perfect destination to exchange vows and say "I do," let this guide lead you to your dream setting.

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 is a nation full of amazing women. Dr. Noah Charney should know—he married one. It’s also a country that celebrates Women’s Day on March 8, which makes for a great opportunity to look at some of the most remarkable Slovenian women in history.

In his captivating podcast, Charney embarks on a mission to unveil some of the most influential Slovenian women. Beginning his exploration, Charney engages in a conversation with Svetlana Slapšak, a trailblazing anthropologist and writer renowned for her insightful contributions to anthropology and classical studies, who illuminates the profound impact of Slovenian women on society. Continuing his quest, Charney speaks with Valerija Božič, the Managing Director of Visit Idrija, who shares captivating anecdotes about a woman who once captured the heart of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Aleksander Sevšek, a local guide in Celje, who delves into the intriguing lives of historical figures such as Barbara of Celje and Alma Karlin.

Drawing from previous podcasts, Charney integrates insights from Ilka Štuhec, a skiing sensation, and Ana Roš, the acclaimed chef behind Hiša Franko. Charney also explains some intriguing facts about other remarkable women from Slovenia, including Janja Garnbret, the greatest climber of all times, who is also the Ambassador of Slovenian Tourism.

By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary women, Charney underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating their contributions, both past and present. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity and ingenuity that define Slovenian culture.

To read more about inspiring Slovenian women, follow this link. If you are curious to find out what chef Ana Roš and sports climber Janja Garnbret have in common, this story will surely inspire you.


A special thanks is owed to The Association of Slovenian Historical Towns for their invaluable assistance in sourcing relevant speakers for this episode.

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.

Nova Gorica was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2025, a role it will share with its sister town, on the other side of the seamless border between Italy and Slovenia, Gorizia. In this episode, we’ll take a look at what the town has to offer for tourists all year round, and what to expect when it proudly carries the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.

Search in TripAdvisor for what to do in Nova Gorica, and the site will recommend that you visit Bled—ninety minutes away. Pay no attention. Nova Gorica is a town that is more interesting than you think it is. There’s a reason that it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2025. In this episode, Dr Noah Charney takes a look at what Nova Gorica has to offer for tourists all year round, and what to expect when it proudly carries the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.

To learn more, he spoke to Gorazd Bozic, the former director, alongside Stojan Pelko, the program director, who have been running the activities for Nova Gorica’s capital of culture year and shaped the GO!2025 = BORDERLESS vision and programme.

We also invite you to embark on a journey through the story on our website and uncover the captivating essence that defines the shared heritage of these two cities.

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.

At the Slovenian pavilion as part of the famous World Travel Market in London, the star attraction in 2023 was an enormous, old-fashioned mechanical printing press. Alongside it was shelving full of all the analogue tools of the trade a printer would need: shelf upon shelf of letters cast in lead in various fonts and sizes, inks—altogether around three tons of material that had been transported by truck from Ljubljana.
Guests could come to the pavilion and take home a beautiful souvenir colour travel poster, printed on the very machine on show, featuring Ljubljana’s market and Triple Bridge. They could also meet my guest for this episode, master printer Marko Drpic.

In this episode, we look at how printing of books in particular helped Slovenia toward independence, and how tourists can participate in their own printmaking workshops while visiting.

At the old print shop in Ljubljana, you can become a manual typesetter, designer, and printer. You’ll select the letters for the alphabet poster and learn how carefully they need to be set to make a good impression. You’ll select the colour of the alphabet and apply the ink to the letters. Then you can make the first impression. And probably a second one and perhaps another until the poster is perfect.

The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) has designated Art and Culture as the overarching communication theme for 2024 and 2025. Cultural tourism, renowned for its sustainability, appeals to travellers seeking authentic experiences, a deep connection with local heritage, and a genuine immersion in artistic creativity. With its top artists, a year-round calendar of inspiring events, and a wealth of cultural heritage, Slovenia is poised to captivate visitors 365 days a year.

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.