Defense policy is once again at the center of public debate in Europe. In the latest episode of Czechast, we spoke to Kateřina Gruntová, a young Czech Radio reporter specializing in defense and security, about how the army is changing, how NATO really works, and why society still underestimates the stakes. She argues that security is not just a military issue — but a responsibility shared by all.

Seventy-eight years after the communist coup of February 1948, Czechast looks back at the dramatic years when Czechoslovakia stood between democracy and dictatorship. The takeover was not sudden, but carefully prepared between 1945 and 1948. Featuring historian Igor Lukeš, this episode also explores the enduring question: could the country’s fate have been different if the U.S. Army had liberated Prague?

Marking four years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Czech FM Petr Macinka delivered two forceful speeches at UN headquarters in New York. Addressing the General Assembly and later the Security Council, he placed responsibility for the war squarely on Russia and called on Moscow to stop the aggression. At a time when some questioned whether Czechia’s new government might soften its stance, the message was unequivocal. In this special Czechast episode, you can hear both speeches in full.

As Europe marks four years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Czechast returns to a powerful interview with Czech fighter Jan Trčka. Speaking openly about combat, fear, and conviction, he reflects on why he believes Ukraine’s fight is about far more than territory. It is, he says, about the future of Europe and the defense of democratic values.

In this episode of Czechast, Vít Pohanka returns to where it all began — Žďár nad Sázavou. As he walks through the town, he reflects on its transformation, its character, and the stories embedded in its streets. This is not just a travel episode; it’s a personal journey through memory and identity. Tune in to the full Czechast audio or video to experience this intimate portrait of a Czech hometown.

Former Czech Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček reflects on the state of Czech democracy, constitutional norms and Europe’s security challenges. In a new episode of Czechast, he warns against undermining judicial independence and against illusions about Russia’s war in Ukraine. He also shares what years in politics taught him about compromise.

International attention in Munich centered on Marco Rubio’s message of transatlantic unity and tensions over Ukraine. Yet Czechast special brings you deeper into the conference halls, where President Petr Pavel analyzed the roots of populism and democratic safeguards, while Foreign Minister Petr Macinka took part in a confrontational debate about sovereignty, values and the rift within the West.

In Czechast, Martin Kroupa reflects on the power of oral history and the work of Post Bellum’s Memory of Nations project. He discusses how subjective memories, archival verification and public support shape their independence. The conversation explores why preserving lived experience remains politically and morally urgent today.

Czechia has equalled its best result in the Corruption Perceptions Index, yet still lags behind Western Europe. Why does the country remain stuck in the middle of Europe’s corruption rankings? In Czechast, we speak to Transparency International analyst Marek Chromý in a full in-depth interview.

Why did ice hockey take such deep roots in Czechia – a country far from Scandinavia and Canada? In a special episode of Czechast, Vít Pohanka looks at the history, culture and lasting appeal of Czech ice hockey, from frozen ponds to Olympic gold. The episode also features a fresh interview with legendary goaltender Dominik Hašek, who shares his view on the Czech team’s chances at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, as well as a look back at his extraordinary career.