Cold coffee Холодна кава - the Ukrainian podcast from Petersfield

It was a classic case of love at first sight, the kind of whirlwind romance that sweeps you off your feet, bridging the gap between Ukrainian warmth and Spanish passion. But as any Brit who has ever traded a rainy afternoon for a summer in Madrid knows, holiday romances face a stark reality check when real life steps in. Beneath the sun-drenched facade of Spanish life, family ties don’t just run deep—they frequently overrun personal boundaries, turning what seemed like a dream partnership into a crowded house where three was always a crowd.

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In this heartfelt episode of the Cold Coffee (Kholodna Kava) podcast, host Iva Lomas sits down with Svitlana Naumova to delve into what genuine solidarity looks like between Ukrainians abroad and those navigating daily life back home. Amidst the ongoing challenges, they explore the deeply touching ways direct support from the UK brings warmth and dignity to people and internally displaced families (IDPs) across Ukraine. Beyond practical aid, the conversation highlights the vital emotional bridges that dismantle the distance and ease the burden of guilt often carried by those in emigration.

"A Rest from Shelling": English Speaking Club for Ukrainians

A central theme of our discussion is the launch of our dedicated English Speaking Club for Ukrainians, which has rapidly become far more than just language practice. In Svitlana’s poignant words, these weekly sessions have transformed into a vital emotional sanctuary—a place to "switch off and rest from the shelling and sirens" while fostering real, uplifting human connections. Embracing adult education, the episode also celebrates the empowering journey of learning English after 40, proving that developing new cognitive skills and finding your voice in an international language is a powerful form of resilience at any stage of life.

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In this episode of the Cold Coffee podcast, host Iva Lomas sat down to dissect a crucial economic reality for the diaspora: how English proficiency directly dictates earning potential in the UK. For expats in the UK and the Ukrainian community alike, language skills are the ultimate catalyst for career mobility. Navigating the British job market without a solid command of the language often restricts arrivals to entry-level roles—such as warehousing, agriculture, or hospitality—where compensation sits at the National Living Wage. While these positions offer a vital starting point, breaking parity with the broader domestic workforce requires a strategic linguistic pivot.

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From surviving the horrors of Bucha to rebuilding a career and life in the United Kingdom — a powerful story of resilience, trauma, and hope.

In this episode of the "Cold Coffee" podcast, host Iva Lomas talks with Anna, a Ukrainian lawyer whose family narrowly survived being shot at by Russian troops in their car while attempting to flee Bucha during the early weeks of the war.

Tragedies that reshape nations and shatter everyday life leave lasting scars — just as 9/11 forever changed America, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to destroy homes, lives, and the sense of safety for millions. Today, the crisis is far from over, and vulnerable Ukrainians still urgently need global solidarity and shelter.

#IvaLomas #PodcastColdCoffee #Ukrainian 

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Is finding true love in a foreign land a matter of luck, or is it about the values we carry within us? In this soul-searching Episode 5 of the Cold Coffee Podcast, Iva Lomas explores the profound journey of a Ukrainian woman navigating the heart of Britain.

#ColdCoffee #Podcast #IvaLomas

From the picturesque, tradition-steeped streets of Petersfield to the complexities of modern dating, we ask the questions that truly matter: How do you bridge the gap between two different worlds without losing yourself? What are the relationship red flags that speak louder than words? And most importantly, can a connection built on sincerity survive the "politeness code" of the UK?

I never thought four years ago that I would be able to believe in love and get married. Today I will talk to Mira Brinkley, a Ukrainian who married a British man, and she will share the secret of a successful marriage and relationship between different nationalities. ‘Although our meeting is called "How to Marry a Briton?", the main thing is to remember that you are not marrying a foreigner, but simply a person. Yes, there are cultural and language differences, but love can only come to the person who will then share life with you, and not to a foreigner (British and other nationality), - says Mira Brinkley.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Quest for Sincerity: How do the family-oriented values of a town like Petersfield mirror the expectations of a Ukrainian heart?
• Cultural Mirrors: What do Brits really expect from Ukrainians, and why is our resilience often the biggest "green flag" of all?
• Decoding the Red Flags: How to spot a lack of cultural empathy or emotional unavailability before it’s too late.
• Marriage Abroad: Preparing for the legal and emotional journey of starting a family in the UK.
• What Brits Expect from Ukrainians: Why sincerity, family values, and resilience are so highly regarded.
• The Unspoken Questions: What are the most common relationship hurdles when marrying a foreigner, and how do you navigate them with grace?

Join us for a conversation that is as warm and stimulating as a cup of coffee. Whether you are looking for life in the UK tips or seeking a soulmate, this guide is your roadmap to a relationship built on mutual respect and shared dreams.

Is it realistic to marry a British man and build a happy life in the UK? In this episode of the Cold Coffee Podcast, I share my personal journey and dive into the nuances of dating, the British mentality, and the legal aspects of marrying a foreigner.

Whether you're looking for love or already navigating a cross-cultural relationship, this video provides a roadmap for finding a partner who truly understands and respects you.

A marriage between a Ukrainian woman and a British man is a beautiful intercultural union, which, however, faces a number of specific challenges. The main problems of such couples can be divided into bureaucratic, mental (cultural) and socio-domestic.

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Is it possible to truly integrate into a new society without mastering its language? In this episode of Cold Coffee with Iva Lomas we explore the profound journey of adult education in the UK  and why learning English is the cornerstone of adaptation for refugees. Emigration poses challenges for us, and English after 40 often becomes the main barrier.

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What does it feel like to feel connected to home while being thousands of kilometers away? In the third episode of the Cold Coffee podcast, we go to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day 24 August.

How do Ukrainians maintain their identity while building a new life in the United Kingdom?  It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a powerful statement of resilience, unity, and the deep bond between our two nations.

Why Ukrainian Culture & Language Matter

Preserving our heritage is vital for every Ukrainian living abroad. We discuss the importance of learning and speaking the Ukrainian language, sharing our traditions with our British neighbors, and ensuring our culture remains a living, breathing part of our daily lives in the UK.

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How do Ukrainian teenagers adapt to life in emigration? In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of young Ukrainians in Warsaw who are turning the challenges of displacement into an opportunity for growth.

We are joined by Svitlana Mialyk (Світлана Мялик) and Iva Lomas (Іва Ломас) to discuss a vital educational project: a Media School for Ukrainian youth. This isn't just about learning technical skills; it’s a lifeline for teenagers navigating the complexities of living abroad.

Ukrainian Youth: Adapting in Poland

Behind every headline about the war in Ukraine, there is a generation of young people navigating the quiet, complex struggle of building a life in a new country. This video takes you inside a unique Media School in Warsaw, where Ukrainian teenagers are doing more than just learning technical skills—they are finding their voices and reclaiming their futures.

Media School in Warsaw: Our Story

For many of these young people, the transition to life abroad is a journey marked by profound displacement and the search for identity. In an era where information is often used as a weapon, we focus on providing them with the essential tools of media literacy. “Our curriculum empowers them to identify propaganda, challenge misinformation, and understand the nuance of the digital world”- Svitlana Mialyk.

Can Media Literacy Save a Generation?

In the UK, we deeply value the freedom of speech and the importance of a well-rounded education. By supporting these media literacy initiatives, we are helping these resilient teenagers protect themselves against the psychological toll of conflict and disinformation.

The Reality of Being a Refugee Student

Join us as we explore how education and community can transform the challenges of emigration into a powerful story of adaptation and strength. Together, we can ensure that these voices are not just heard, but are equipped to lead.

#Ukraine #Education #MediaLiteracy #YouthEmpowerment #Warsaw #Resilience 

This Podcast Cold coffee is a must-watch for anyone interested in the lives of Ukrainians abroad, the future of Ukrainian emigration, and the power of education in times of crisis.

Support our youth as they learn to tell their own stories.

#IvaLomas #SvitlanaMyalyk #UkrainiansInPoland #UkrainianYouth #MediaLiteracy #Warsaw #Emigration #UkraineSupport #Ukraine #Education #MediaLiteracy #YouthEmpowerment #Resilience #podcastColdCoffee

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“Cold Coffee” is a bilingual Ukrainian-English podcast from the town of Petersfield in the UK, which airs on local radio and tells the life stories of Ukrainians who were forced to move due to war.

About the podcast

Author and host: Ukrainian journalist Iva Lomas, who arrived in the UK in June 2022 and lives in Petersfield.

Main goal: To help people overcome the difficulties, fears and psychological pressure associated with war and starting life anew in another country. Support and development of Ukrainians abroad.

Podcast author: Iva Lomas

Technical support and editing: Gary Lomas

Visual support: Iryna Markova

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In this episode of the podcast Cold Coffee Iva Lomas, we talk about the strength that children give us in the most difficult times. My guest is Maria Kotul, the leader of the Ukrainian children's choir, a person who, through music and creativity, helps young Ukrainians find support. Interview with Maria Kotul about the creation of a Ukrainian children's choir in Britain.

It was difficult for me to adapt in Britain, but when I see the eyes of children - everything becomes much easier!

How did the children's choir become a salvation for both the children themselves and their mentor? Why is it important to support talents during the war and how Ukrainian culture unites us abroad? About sincere emotions, children's indomitability and music that heals souls - watch our new interview with Iva Lomas, Podcast "Cold Coffee" in Britain.

Listen to the podcast. Comment. Send to friends.

About the podcast:

Cold Coffee is a bilingual Ukrainian-English podcast from the town of Petersfield in the UK, which airs on local radio and tells the life stories of Ukrainians who were forced to move due to war.

Main goal: To help people overcome the difficulties, fears and psychological pressure associated with war and starting life anew in another country. Support and development of Ukrainians abroad.

Author and host: Ukrainian journalist Iva Lomas, who arrived in the UK in June 2022 and lives in Petersfield.

Technical support and editing: Gary Lomas

Visual support: Iryna Markova

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 2025, Great Britain (UK) will implement a digital system of border control and migration. An electronic visa (e-visa) will be used to cross the UK border for entry instead of physical documents such as plastic biometric cards (BRP/BRC) and visa stickers. E-visa is an online record of your immigration status and conditions of stay in the UK. It shows that you have the right to legally stay in the UK, as well as what visa or status you have and until what date it is valid.

In this edition Iva Repnytska goes into the process in detail. 

Read the English translation of this podcast in the text equivalent and listen to the podcast in Ukrainian. Forward this important information to those Ukrainians who have not yet made an e-visa. Here you can find more information in Ukrainian and apply for this visa yourself until January 2025 https://ua.opora.uk/e-visa

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