Central Europe Matters

Hey listener! I accidentally published the first draft of this episode earlier today. Sorry about that! This represents the final version of the episode. I hope you like it. 

Why did I quit my secure job in Oslo in early 2025 so that I could dedicate myself full-time to starting a podcast, this podcast?

In the first three episodes of the podcast, you've met people from all across Slovakia who have shared their fears, hopes and visions for a better country. They have demonstrated openness and vulnerability during our conversations and for that I am grateful to them.

Now it's my turn to be open and vulnerable. Why am I doing this work? Why do I consider Central Europe Matters a mission as much as a podcast?

I owe a great debt to the Bratislava-based post-metal band Besna, whose song Ocean práchu (Ocean of Dust) is the soundtrack to this episode. This episode truly wouldn't have been possible without this hauntingly beautiful track. 

Please let me know what you think of the episode by emailing me at jeff@centraleuropematters.eu. I'd also be grateful if you'd share this podcast with a friend who feels overwhelmed by the current direction of travel in Europe and the world. 

I also want to thank my producer Dávid Pál for the beautiful work he did mastering this episode. 

You will have a "regular" episode in your feed next Wednesday. 

Finally, if you're located in or near Oslo, please join me for the official podcast launch event Tuesday, September 8th from 4:30pm until 6:30pm at Kulturhuset. 

This episode was executive produced and hosted by me, Jeff Lugowe. Why did I quit my secure job in Oslo in early 2025 so that I could dedicate myself full-time to starting a podcast, this podcast?

In the first three episodes of the podcast, you've met people from all across Slovakia who have shared their fears, hopes and visions for a better country. They have demonstrated openness and vulnerability during our conversations and for that I am grateful to them.

Now it's my turn to be open and vulnerable. Why am I doing this work? Why do I consider Central Europe Matters a mission as much as a podcast?

I owe a great debt to the Bratislava-based post-metal band Besna, whose song Ocean práchu (Ocean of Dust) is the soundtrack to this episode. This episode truly wouldn't have been possible without this hauntingly beautiful track. 

Please let me know what you think of the episode by emailing me at jeff@centraleuropematters.eu. I'd also be grateful if you'd share this podcast with a friend who feels overwhelmed by the current direction of travel in Europe and the world. 

I also want to thank my producer Dávid Pál for the beautiful work he did mastering this episode. 

You will have a "regular" episode in your feed next Wednesday. 

Finally, if you're located in or near Oslo, please join me for the official podcast launch event Tuesday, September 8th from 4:30pm until 6:30pm at Kulturhuset. 

This episode was executive produced and hosted by me, Jeff Lugowe. 

What is Central Europe Matters?

Welcome to a brand-new, narrative podcast about society, politics and democracy in the heart of Europe. Meet local activists, experts, journalists, artists and others struggling to make sense of what's happening in their countries and of the turbulent times we live in. Between democratic backsliding, far-right populism, the ongoing legacy of 20th century experiments in totalitarianism, and a strategically vital location on the doorstep of Russia and Ukraine, Central Europe is ground zero for the battle over the future of Europe.

Host Jeff Lugowe draws on his academic study of the region at Brown and Harvard and his knowledge of Polish and Czech as he takes listeners on a journey around the big cities and forgotten corners of Central Europe.

Season 1: Slovakia — Democracy under Attack launched August 12th. New episodes every Wednesday.

Central Europe Matters is an independent, DIY narrative podcast hosted and started by Jeff and produced by Dávid Pál. It is generously supported by the EEA Civil Society Fund Slovakia.