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On this episode of Baklava & Banter, we sit down with Harry Gaggos and Evan Tasiopoulos of the Hellenic Museum of Michigan for a conversation about preserving Greek history, honoring heritage, and making sure the stories that shaped the Greek-American experience continue to reach new generations.

From the immigrant journey to cultural identity, Harry and Evan share the mission behind the museum, the importance of storytelling, and how the museum connects the past to the present. We also discuss the upcoming exhibit, #WeAreGreekWarriors, a powerful tribute celebrating the women of the Greek Revolution.

#WeAreGreekWarriors honors the powerful, courageous, and independent changemakers who shaped history by championing democracy, freedom, and independence. These women were fighters, strategists, protectors of their communities, funders of freedom, and catalysts for change, proving that leadership takes many forms. While some of their names became legendary, many remain unknown to this day. Their stories continue to inspire women and girls everywhere to embrace their own potential, recognize greatness in themselves, and create meaningful change.

What began as a social media campaign by One Bean Marketing is now evolving into a global movement, bringing these remarkable stories to new audiences across generations and around the world.

The exhibit runs thru May 17, 2026

In this episode, we explore:
Greek-American history and cultural preservation
The mission of the Hellenic Museum of Michigan
Why storytelling matters across generations
How younger Greek Americans are reconnecting with their roots
The significance of #WeAreGreekWarriors
Why heritage is meant to be lived, celebrated, and shared

👉 For more information, visit: www.hellenicmi.org

This is a conversation about legacy, identity, and the enduring power of history.

🎙️ Baklava & Banter is where culture, conversation, and community come together with a Greek twist.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations celebrating Greek culture, heritage, and the people working to keep those traditions alive.

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Baklava & Banter is hosted by Peter & Sotiri Barbounis

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Shelley Dark is back on Baklava and Banter! In this brand-new episode, we sit down once again with the acclaimed author to dive into the history, mystery, and inspiration behind her powerful new novel, Son of Hydra. 

From the turbulent world of Ghikas Voulgaris to the blend of Greek and Australian history woven through her storytelling, Shelley takes us behind the scenes of her creative process—what sparked the book, the research that shaped it, and the emotional threads that bring the story to life. 

If you enjoy captivating conversation, rich cultural history, and hearing an author unpack the heart of their work, this episode is a must-listen. Grab a coffee (or a piece of baklava) and jump back into the banter with us! 

Watch the full interview now and discover why Son of Hydra is already making waves. 

Son of Hydra and Hydra In Winter are both available on Amazon

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Join us for a powerful and inspiring episode of Baklava & Banter as we sit down in Midtown Manhattan with acclaimed Greek chef Nicholas Poulmentis—a culinary force known for honoring tradition while redefining modern Greek cuisine.

In this exclusive conversation, Chef Poulmentis opens up about his culinary journey, the influence of Nikolaos Tselementes, the art of simplicity in cooking, and why treating every ingredient with love is the foundation of great food.

And for the first time, Chef Poulmentis shares new details about his highly anticipated New York City restaurant, Kythira NP, opening February 2026 in SOHO. From inspiration to innovation, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at what diners can expect when the doors open.

This interview is rich with culture, passion, history, and heart—everything Baklava & Banter is all about.

For more information about Kythira NP or Chef Poulmentis
 Go to: https://www.kythiranp.com/
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Recorded in NYC
©2025 Sleeping Bear Productions

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We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with international bestselling author Kathryn Gauci to discuss her stunning new novel, An Aegean Odyssey. 

From the turquoise waters of the Aegean to the timeless stories that connect us across generations, this conversation dives deep into the inspiration, history, and heart behind her latest masterpiece. 

Tune in for a journey filled with storytelling, heritage, and of course… a little Baklava & Banter 

An Aegean Odyssey and all of Kathryn's books can be found on Amazon. 

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On this episode of Baklava & Banter, we sit down with debut author Matt Wells to discuss his novel, A Corfu Love Affair.

Hailing from Yorkshire, England, Matt is a retired professional who discovered his passion for writing later in life. With a lifelong interest in storytelling and cultural history, he brings a fresh and thoughtful voice to the literary scene. A Corfu Love Affair—his first novel—is a romantic and introspective journey set on the idyllic Greek island of Corfu. Through themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, Wells weaves a poignant narrative that speaks to the heart while evoking a deep sense of wanderlust.

A Corfu Love Affair can be found using the links below:

https://a.co/d/baTtrJ3

https://buymeacoffee.com/acorfuloveaffair/e/413731

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Join us for an engaging conversation with Australian author Shelley Dark, as she discusses her fascinating debut memoir, Hydra in Winter. In this interview, Shelley shares the story behind her journey to the Greek island of Hydra, where she spent a quiet, contemplative winter in search of inspiration — and a pirate.

Hydra in Winter is a beautifully written memoir that blends travel, history, and personal reflection. What begins as a quest to uncover the truth about one of her husband’s ancestors — rumored to be a Greek pirate — becomes a richly layered exploration of identity, storytelling, and the timeless magic of Hydra. Set during the island’s quiet off-season, Shelley’s journey unfolds through evocative prose, thoughtful observation, and unexpected encounters.

Hydra in Winter can be found on Amazon

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Australian author Sally Jane Smith is one of nine
writers recognized in the Greek-Australian Cultural League of Melbourne’s 2024 Book Awards. Her debut
travel memoir, Unpacking for Greece, was awarded First Prize in the ‘Prose in English’ category.
When asked how she felt on receiving the news, Smith said, “It was staggering. I wrote the Packing for
Greece series for tourists, never expecting that the philoxenia I experienced as a traveler in Greece would
resurface in this wonderful support from Greeks around the world. To see my name listed with those of so
many accomplished Greek-Australian writers is an indescribable honor.”
When Smith first set out for Greece with her mother’s 1978 travel diary in her pocket, she was searching
for the wanderlust she’d lost in a devastating overseas road accident. As she ventured into the heart of the
Mediterranean – wandering volatile landscapes, exploring historical sites, pairing books with places and
savoring the tastes of Greece – she found it was possible for a clumsy, out-of-shape woman on a budget to
experience a life-changing journey. This is the story that became Unpacking for Greece, published in 2023
and named a ‘Reading Greece Book of the Month’ by Greek government website Greek News Agenda.
Smith said that connecting with Greek readers has become the most rewarding aspect of her writing.
Highlights include online book clubs and literary get-togethers with the Hellenic American Women’s Council
in Chicago, the Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida, and the Greek Elder Care Network in New York
City. Smith also headlined an ‘In Conversation with the Author’ event with Lonely Planet Greece author Paul
Hellander in Adelaide, Australia, hosted by Festival Hellenika.
“When I visited Canada recently and stumbled across the Greek International Film Festival Tour in
Vancouver, I was deeply moved by the welcome I received. Then in October, the Hellenic Professional
Women Inc. book club got together in a Manhattan bar to discuss Unpacking for Greece. I never forget what
a privilege it is to be included in events like these, and I love it when groups ask me to Zoom in to their
gatherings. As a non-Greek who owes a great deal to Greece – the country that gave me my kefi back and
turned me into a writer – I feel enormous gratitude.”
Smith’s second book is also garnering attention in literary circles. Repacking for Greece, published this year,
was shortlisted by Australia’s Society of Women Writers NSW for a non-fiction book award. Together, the
two-book series travels to sixteen unforgettable destinations across the Greek mainland and islands:
Athens, Delphi and Meteora on the Greek mainland; Monemvasia, Sparta, Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidavros
and Methana on the Peloponnese Peninsula; and the islands of Santorini, Rhodes, Hydra, Aegina, Poros,
Kefalonia and Corfu.

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We sat down with Greek comedian Giorgos Xatzipavlou and talked about growing up in Greece, who influenced his career and his upcoming North American tour. This will be Giorgos' first time in the US. 

The North American Tour will have him in:
Toronto (Comedy Bar) - November 19, 2024 
Chicago (Laugh Factory) - November 20, 2024
New York City ( Melrose Ballroom) - November 21, 2024
Los Angeles (Dynamite Typewriter) - November 23, 2024

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We recently sat down with Constantina Konugres to discuss the NY Greek Film Expo which is coming to the NYC area on October 3-13, 2024. 

Constantina Konugres is a dynamic television and film producer whose work spans across Oscar, Emmy, Critics Choice, and Sundance-winning productions for HBO, Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and more. Her work has brought her overseas as she’s produced content in London, New York, and Los Angeles. She holds degrees from USC's Annenberg School of Communication and School of Cinematic Arts and actively serves as a board member of the Hellenic Film Society and member of the Producers Guild of America.

Tickets can be purchased at hellenicfilmusa.org

The films in this year's line up cover many genres and will subtitled in English. This event is an opportunity to see great movies and to interact with actors, directors and producers.

The Expo schedule is the following:
VILLAGE EAST CINEMA
Second Ave at 12th St., New York, NY 10003

THUR OCT 3 7 pm Opening Night
LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG*
*Screening followed by Q&A and opening night
reception
FRI OCT 4 7 pm ANIMAL*
SAT OCT 5 6 pm THE LAST TAXI DRIVER*
SAT OCT 5 8:30 pm ATHENS MIDNIGHT RADIO*
SUN OCT 6 1 pm GUEST STAR*
SUN OCT 6 3:30 pm THE PROMOTION*
SUN OCT 6 6 pm THE RHAPSODIST*

GREEK CONSULATE
69 East 79 St., New York, NY 10075
MON OCT 7 6:30 pm A CONVERSATION WITH 
THANOS TOKAKIS (free event)

BARRYMORE FILM CENTER
153 Main St., Fort Lee, NJ 07024
TUE OCT 8 7:30 pm THE PROMOTION
WED OCT 9 7:30 pm LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG

MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE
35th Ave at 37th St., Astoria, NY 11106

FRI OCT 11 7 pm LITTLE THINGS THAT WENT WRONG
SAT OCT 12 6 pm FONISSA*
SUN OCT 13 3 pm THE PROMOTION
SUN OCT 13 5:30 pm YANI SPANOS: BEHIND THE MARQUEE*

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 Ellen Karis is the “Greek Goddess of Comedy” and has performed Stand-Up Comedy all over North America and has three comedy specials, her latest on Dry Bar Comedy. She is the host of a weekly podcast “Sweet and Salty with Ellen Karis” in its 10th season and is an actress having appeared on Amazon Prime’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and the Tina Fey’s movie “Sisters”. 

 Ellen is incredibly popular in the Greek-American community being one of the few Greek female stand-up comedians performing today. She has traveled all over the US and Canada with her Greek themed stand-up show performing for Hellenic Organizations and Churches. She nails the nuances of life as a Greek-American right on the head and in a way that is relatable to all ethnicities.

 She is also an Author, with her children’s book “Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith” and is currently working on a one woman show about her Cypriot Great-Grandmother called “Before I Close my Eyes”. A former CPA and Wall Street Analyst with an MBA in Finance, Ellen turned her back on yearly bonus’ and 401K’s for the dream of entertaining people. She only looks back on December 31st of each year when she tallies her Income Statement, other than that she has no regrets.