An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast 2025
An Englishman in the Balkans Podcast 2025
Podcast Description
This podcast is about exploring life as a retiree in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sharing personal stories and cultural insights. It blends vivid storytelling about the unique aspects of Balkan life, its traditions, food, and history, with reflections on adapting to a new culture in later life. It offers you a mix of inspiration, practical advice, and a glimpse into an authentic, slower-paced lifestyle. anenglishmaninthebalkans.substack.com
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of topics including cultural heritage, local cuisine, travel insights, and expat experiences. Specific episodes delve into the beauty of Zenica, the importance of folklore through a conversation with a cultural advocate, and the evolution of tourism in Bosnia. It focuses on personal adaptations and reflections of living in a slower-paced lifestyle characterized by deep-rooted traditions and community engagement.
An Englishman in the Balkans is a podcast about life, culture, and slow living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seen through the eyes of a British expat who’s made the Balkans home for over two decades.
Hosted by broadcaster and storyteller David Bailey, each episode explores everyday moments, local traditions, conversations with fascinating people, and reflections on what it means to live abroad.
Whether you’re curious about life after 50, considering a different pace of life, or simply fascinated by the hidden corners of Europe, this podcast offers a gentle, engaging escape.
🎧 New episodes weekly from the heart of the Western Balkans.
Perfect for listeners who love expat stories, slow travel, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and authentic cultural insights.
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, where I share personal stories, conversations, and moments of everyday life from my adopted home in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Whether you’re curious about the culture, thinking of visiting, or just enjoy a slower pace of storytelling, there’s something here for you.
Hello again. I’m David, a long-term resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This episode isn’t about the beauty of the Vrbas river or where to find the best ćevapi (although there’s plenty of that on this channel).
It’s about why, despite living here for over two decades, I choose not to talk publicly about politics.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am interested. I follow what’s happening.
I see how decisions impact everyday life. But I also know, deeply, that this isn’t my country.
And with that comes responsibility: to observe, not interfere. To listen, not judge.
When friends and visitors ask me about the conflict, the three presidents, or the state of the country today, I tell them what I can. But the truth? The truth depends on who you ask.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is many things.
Complicated. Fragmented.
Yes, dysfunctional. But also endlessly generous, rich in stories, and deeply human. It’s a living archive of history, culture, pain, pride, and resilience.
In this episode, I reflect on the minefield of discussing politics as a foreigner, the legacy of the Dayton Agreement, and why it’s better to explore Bosnia through its people, not its politics.
If you’re curious about this beautiful, complex place, watch, listen, and maybe even plan your own journey to the heart-shaped land.
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by leaving a review or buying me a coffee, it really does help keep things going.
Want to hear more or catch up on past episodes? Visit anenglishmaninthebalkans
For a deeper look into life here in the Balkans, check out my Blog at Coffee and Rakija.
Find us on ALL podcatchers at: PODLINK
Until next time — stay curious.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.