Who was part of the Red Renaissance - a group of Ukrainian communist artist-intellectuals who got to live in their own apartment building? This one buiding in central Kharkiv became Stalin's "Great Terror Lite" - before the terror of the late 1930's, Stalin managed to arrest, exile or execute 90% of the residents of this "Slovo" building. Why and how? Find out in this episode of Wandering the Edge along with some fascinating information about Ukraine's most prominent modernist, experimental theater group named after one of those artists killed by Stalin. 

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Who were the registered and Zaporizhian Cossacks, what was their impact on Ukrainian culture, society, historical memory, military formations and psyche and why are they different from the Russians? This episode explains how those who fled serfdom to the wild, wild east of the Ukrainian steppes in the 16th century created a culture that still has a huge impact on Ukraine, that their imagery is as popular as it ever was. You'll also get to see how one man ignited a fire of an uprising, how history is perceived different through different eyes and why Ukrainians love their Hopak! Plus, you'll get all the information you want about Khortytsia Island - the largest island on the Dnipro River and home to an awesome living museum.

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Marusia Churai, Ukrainian poetess from the 17th century, wrote a poem about poisoning her lover and then became a national icon. How did this happen? Why did her poems, turned songs, become an inspiration for a nation and how did them become some of the best known Ukrainian national songs? Find out in this episode which details the love-triangle Marusia got herself into, the death sentence she got out of and how her story has been debated and explored, most notably by Lina Kostenko in the 1970s. You'll also get to hear about the wonders of Kyiv parks!

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This episode explores the story of Olha of Kyiv – saint, mother, queen, diplomat, reformer and warrior (probably). The woman whose revenge is part of history, who outsmarted the Emperor of Byzantium and who inspired the bloodiest weddings in the "Game of Thrones" world. This episode places her in a wider historical European world but also looks at her story through a more Viking perspective. Also, take a trip to Kyiv's St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery - outside of which you can find a great statue of Olha herself. 

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In the second episode of our look at the Cucuteni-Trypillian civilization, we'll take a deep dive into the agricultural landscape, trade, the importance of salt and pottery. What religion did they practice? Why did they like to burn so much stuff? Who are the PIE's and why were they important in killing off the Trypillians? Plus the greatest mystery that has come out of this civilization - what the hell are those hollow binoculars for? We'll also explore some Trypillian museums around Kyiv, mainly the Trypilsky Cultural Museum and the Kyiv Regional Archeological Museum. 

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Which civilization is older - Sumer, Egypt or the Cucuteni-Trypillian? Find out in this episode and learn about the first civilization to build urban settlements, why they systematically burned down entire mega-sites and what kind of buildings they lived in. You'll also get a tour of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine which features awesome exhibits,  cheap entrance fees and no little old Ukrainian ladies yelling at you!

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In this special bonus episode for the holidays, we explore the history of Ukrainian Christmas traditions. Why do we have 12 courses, what are the little weird does and don'ts that Ukrainians love to observe and what other weird traditions do we still hold dear? Find out, along with some of the traditions that have been around for a thousand and more years! Plus, you'll get an extra rant about borsch - Ukrainian beet soup!

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In this week’s episode, a discussion is had with Oleksandr Pahiria, a historian specializing on Carpatho-Ukraine - which declared independence in March 1939. It kept that independence alive, almost against all hope, for only one day. This episode digs into the reasons why Carpatho-Ukraine came to be, how it proclaimed and tried to hold onto independence and its unfortunate demise. You'll also be able to hear about the great places to see in Uzhhorod - the capital of the Zakarpattia oblast from a native son! 

Photo credit: Ivan Lyah

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Robin Hoods weren’t only around in the English countryside and in this episode we’ll learn that almost every culture has their version of a Robin Hood type – even in ancient times! But who were Ukraine's Robin Hoods? Well - there are a couple, but the ones discussed truly commanded respect and did actually steal from the rich and gave to the poor. This episode is about the famous (and infamous) Oleksa Dovbush and the lesser known Andriy Savka. Along the way we'll learn about Ukrainian regional breakfast food and give you some hotel advice if you're even in the Carpathian Mountains!

Photo credit: Oleh Morhun

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Thousands of Ukrainian-Canadians joined the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War - this episode will look at some of their histories, where they came from, why they joined, what they experienced during the war and what they did in their post-war lives. Along the way, you'll get a review of some French restaurants in Kyiv and an explanation of how Ukrainians always manage to find other Ukrainians - even among the world war! Also, please check out the premier of "A Canadian War Story" at https://canadianwarstory.com/

Photo credit: Marko Blazevic

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