Pole-ish

In this special bonus Thursday episode of Pole-ish, we bring you the second part of our interview with Raf Uzar – yes, that’s him off the wonderful My English Podcast.

Today, Raf takes us on a journey across Poland, and down into Slovakia, eating and drinking along the way, as well as going way waaaay back as he regales us with tales from his early days as a young man in Łódz and his extraordinary interface there with the local police. Derby County fans in particular sit back and enjoy, as you’re in for a treat!

Plus: Raf fails to do his ‘FIVE BIG QUESTIONS’ homework, but still manages to style it out spectacularly.

If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, learning neither, a fan or Raf (you will be after listening), or just curious about Poland and what makes it so distinctive, then jump right in!

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465f

My English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkw

My English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086

Iława: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C5%82awa

Jaś i Małgosia (kotlety on bigos): https://klubjasimalgosia.pl/

Wena by Kaliber 44: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W9CRNHamRFzaoqgQLLPE0?si=d4f90a21d27e42ab

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

In this episode of Pole-ish, we’re joined by Warsaw-based communicator, broadcaster and storyteller Raf Uzar – one of the exquisite voices behind My English Podcast and a passionate observer of Poland’s place in the world.

From learning Polish to unpacking cultural differences, communication styles, and Poland’s evolving global image, this conversation dives into what it really means to live between cultures. Raf shares his journey from the UK to Poland, his background in linguistics and media, and why authenticity and language matter more than ever.

We explore:

• Poland’s international reputation and how it’s changing
• Communication styles across cultures (Poland vs UK vs US vs Japan)
• Language learning, pronunciation, and expat life in Poland
• Stereotypes, history, and the narratives shaping modern Poland
• Why being genuine might be the ultimate cross-cultural skill

Plus: Easter traditions, highly controversial takes on Italian food, and Peter drops a massive Polish language bomb.

If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, or just curious about Polish culture, communication, and identity - this one’s for you. Part two of our chat with Raf drops in a bonus episode this Thursday!

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465f

My English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkw

My English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086

State Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language: https://certyfikatpolski.pl/en/

Wedel Chocolate: https://wedel.com/

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

What does it really take to feel at home in a new country?

In this episode of Pole-ish, hosts Peter MacLeod and Johnathan Nett explore expat life in Poland through the lens of community, culture, and music. Peter sits down with Luiza Chrzanowska — coach, expat, and founder of Warsaw’s international choir Choir in Action — to discuss how singing brings people together across languages and backgrounds.

From living in Poland as an expat to navigating identity, multiculturalism, and integration, this episode dives into the challenges and rewards of building a life abroad. Discover how music, friendship, and shared experiences can help you find your tribe in Poland.

Plus:

• A quick-fire 3 in 10 on Polish BBQ traditions
• Insights into Polish culture, language, and community life
• Reflections on expat identity and belonging

🎶 Whether you’re an expat in Poland, planning to move, or simply curious about Polish life, this episode hits all the right notes.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Choir In Action (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5s3M0qzv0WJfWTrNdh8IFA

Choir In Action (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ChoirINACTION#

Choir In Action (Patronite): https://patronite.pl/chorwakcji

Oscypek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscypek

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

The podcast for expats and lovers of Poland interviews Palina Piatsiul of The Burman Robinson legal services firm that specialises in all matters of immigration law.

In an entertaining and enlightening interview, Palina tells us of the main mistakes incomers make, some of the pitfalls to avoid, and sheds light on what for many is a stressful and oblique application process.

Along the way, we hear about her controversial views about pierogi, how her own experience as a citizen born outside of Poland helped give her insight into her professional role, and the perils of turning to Facebook for life-changing legal advice.

John, fresh from not having been eaten by a sleuth of bears in Zakopane, has a go at a flag-centric Three in 10, whilst Peter confesses how little he knew about Polish history as a young man.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

The Burman Robinson: https://burman-robinson.com/

sanah - Miłość jest ślepa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSiOWFwHR4U

Interesting collective nouns: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/sep/19/ten-best-collective-nouns

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

Pole-ish 007: “Poland Sucks”

The podcast for expats and lovers of Poland interviews British author and filmmaker Patrck Ney, who says “Poland sucks” at telling the world its story. That’s why a whole generation of non-Poles know so little about Polish history.

Patrick gets stuck into topics including parenting, tech use amongst teens, what becoming a Polish citizen means to him, and the secret of his father-in-law’s bigos.

As always, Peter gets his kickers in a twist about which food is Polish, and John somehow avoids being devoured by a bear.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Patrick Ney: https://www.youtube.com/@PatrickNey

Goulash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goulash

Młody Polak – Kękę: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Z7wp8jRxM

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

As the cinema world prepares to crown the latest bunch of Oscar laureates, we delve into Poland’s record at this most glittering of occasions, featuring some magnificent Polish films and filmmakers, and including the excruciating moment a Polish animator was hurried off the stage, and later thrown in jail, Oscar-in-hand, on his big night.

Expanding on the cinematic theme, our Pole of the Week is Stanisław Bareja, famed chronicler of the absurdities of late-era communism. John gets on his bike and heads to The Biggest Castle In The World, and beer is discussed on more than one occasion.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Tango (Zbigniew Rybczynski): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z27z7oLQb3o

Tango Oscar Ceremony: https://youtu.be/w3BDAvM1FqY?si=G83xfPuEnrVF_mFe

Nepo Beer: https://nepobrewing.pl/

Malbork Castle: https://zamek.malbork.pl/en/home/

Miś (Stanisław Bareja) - Bar Mleczny Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-viM9WyGss

Rondo Stanisława Barei: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wv9KKeyKxT2tE4YU9

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

Our guest this week is Salvatore Canzio, author of Ex-pat: Straniero due Volte (Ex-pat: Stranger Twice), in which he charts his life living and working in Warsaw before his return to his hometown in southern Italy. In a deep and revealing chat, Salva talks about his identity and sense of belonging, his redefinition of success, as well as other interesting stuff such as culture shock, language, social integration, working life…

In answering our Five Big Questions, Salva adds another tune to our Pole-ish Playlist vault. Coming from the land of bounteous food & drink, he has strong views on Poland’s contribution in this area – listen out for his surprising observations.

Elsewhere, Peter tries to remember his wedding and John introduces to us a quaint Polish saying.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Ex-pat: Straniero due Volte (in Italian) - https://www.amazon.it/Ex-pat-straniero-volte-Ediz-integrale/dp/B0G44W4ZJC

Chopin Concerts in Łazienki Park - https://tifc.chopin.pl/koncerty-w-lazienkach/

Varsovie by Brodka - https://open.spotify.com/track/0fWOMvjgnyenpnLolfB5UJ?si=8f7f09c1d2934da4

Foreigner’s Guide to Polish Weddings (Peter needs to read this!) - https://culture.pl/en/article/a-foreigners-guide-to-polish-weddings

Pole-ish Guest Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

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John and Peter take to the slopes – and the rinks – as we look at Poland’s record in the Winter Olympics. We take a deep dive into the frozen waters in profiling some of Poland’s winter sport heroes, including our Pole of the Week, Wojciech Fortuna – the man who’s ski jump caught everyone by surprise in 1972.

As well as running through some of the nation’s other success on ice and snow, John introduces us to his Food of the Week – a Silesian regional special – and Peter fulminates about the letter ‘zed’ (John would call it ‘zee’) in the Polish language.

We also touch on the frozen Baltic Sea, the interface between a Polish national delicacy and a world-famous rapper, how Britain collected words during its colonial years, and we only very slightly take the mickey out of the ridiculous sport of curling.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Frozen Baltic Sea: https://tvpworld.com/91578140/-thickest-baltic-ice-in-15-years-amid-record-low-water-level

Moczka Recipe: https://www.slaskiesmaki.pl/dish/512141/moczka-potrawa-wigilijna

Poland vs. USSR 1976: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEIQOfrOHNs

Wojciech Fortuna – That Jump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRITSDhgUHs

Honolulu Social Cooperative, Katowice: http://drzwizwanekoniem.pl

Luft shop (where you can buy a Pieroguszka): https://luft-sklep.pl

Our first guest edition introduces the wonderful David Kennedy to the Pole-ish audience. Listen to Scotsman David’s stories about his early visits to Poland, where he witnessed the shipyard strikes in Gdańsk, his lock-out from a Krakow monastery, and the strong bonds between his homeland and his adopted one.

Plus, he plays the part of a guinea pig as he faces the first airing of our ‘Five Big Questions’.

We suspend most of our regular features to leave room for David, but there’s still space for plenty of chit-chat between John and Peter.

Please like, subscribe, share, review and comment, and tell your friends, family and colleagues about us. Dziękujemy.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Bober k*rwa!: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bober-kurwa-bobr-bobrze

List of Polish Desserts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Polish_desserts

Scottish Festival / Dzień Szkocki in Jadów: https://www.dzienszkocki.pl

Scotland / Poland connections: https://www.scotland.org/inspiration/scotland-and-poland

Kraków tartan: https://www.krakow.pl/otwarty_na_swiat/215929,artykul,-szkockakratadlakrakowa.html

Barszcz Ukraiński recipe: https://aniagotuje.pl/przepis/barszcz-ukrainski

Jest Super by T.Love: https://open.spotify.com/track/0IpGOqvBr3mloK9HzrY0GJ?si=ac7bff723e8943d1

John and Peter plunge headfirst into a barrel of Polish traditions and come up for air chatting about pączki, arguably the world’s tastiest doughnuts. In a food-heavy edition, we look at the Polish national sport of grilling sausages, and Peter takes a deep-dive into a bowl of his favourite żurek. Pole of the Week is Maksymilian Faktorowicz, better known as the patron saint of make-up, Max Factor. We also find time to discuss the work of American lexicographer Noah Webster, who single-handedly ruined/improved (delete as appropriate) the English language.

Please subscribe, like, share and comment, and tell your friends, family and colleagues about us. Thank you.

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Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu

Write to us: [email protected]

Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Śmigus-dyngus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Amigus-dyngus

Tlusty czwartek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Thursday#Poland

Authentic pązcki recipe: https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/polish-paczki-donuts-recipe/

Name Days: https://www.kalendarzswiat.pl/imieniny

Noah Webster: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Noah-Webster-American-lexicographer

Żurek recipe: https://tinyurl.com/4jf3kh4t

Max Factor’s Micrometer: https://tinyurl.com/5dpyvswv