Understanding Russia

Jan 28 2022 987
Understanding Russia Podcast artwork

Understanding Russia aims to bring you stories and ideas unfiltered through the media. You will hear genuine Russian people talking about their lives, with expert translation, all designed to help you understand contemporary Russia.

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Understanding Russia. Episode 12. Education in Russia. Part 2 - Schooling in Russia

Jan 28 2022 61 mins  
In this episode we meet Inna Tyapugina, the Director of 'Algorithm for Success', not a mathematical problem, but one of the most modern schools in Russia.

Understanding Russia. Episode 11. Policing the Roads in Russia.

Nov 23 2021 26 mins  
In this episode we interview a member of Russia's traffic police, Anton Pershin. If you ever wondered about what kind of person chooses to wear a badge in Russia...

Understanding Russia. Episode 10. An Introduction to Russian Literature.

Aug 31 2021 54 mins  
In this episode we meet Victoria Kichigina. She will school us all on the subject of Russian literature. Before that, the UR crew, who studied literature at school, talk about its effect on their lives.

Understanding Russia. Episode 9. Business in Russia. Part 1 - A local Entrepreneur.

Aug 10 2021 85 mins  
In this episode we meet a Alexei Baranov, a man who has carved out a mini empire in the mysterious world of Russian business. Before that we chat with our friend Evenson, a Haitian who is a natural born salesman...

Understanding Russia. Episode 8. Russians in Profile: Taras Khtey, Olympic Champion, Politician.

Jul 05 2021 28 mins  
In this episode we meet a remarkable man. Taras Khtey is a true local hero. Winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics could be the pinnacle of anyone's career, but he decided to dedicate his life to serving the people, and embarked on a career in politics. Oh, and he is still the sporting director of our city's volleyball club...

Understanding Russia. Episode 7. Education in Russia. Part 1 - Pre-School Education.

Jun 24 2021 41 mins  
In this episode we discuss our memories about pre-school, and then hear from Elena Merezhko, an expert on educating Russia's youngest citizens.

Understanding Russia. Episode 6. The Unusual Life of a British Russian, Part 2 - Life After the Soviet Union.

Jun 01 2021 48 mins  
In this episode, I resume my chat with Val Doborovich. He recounts his fortunes after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and why he didn't leave, even though he had a UK passport. He also gives his opinion on politics and culture during the formation of the modern Russian state...

Understanding Russia. Episode 5. Etiquette (Part 2).

May 26 2021 46 mins  
In this episode we conclude our conversation with Daria Kosova, an expert on etiquette, with instructions on how to eat properly, and what to do with flowers...

Understanding Russia. Episode 4. The Belgorod Lilac Project.

May 17 2021 49 mins  
In this episode we discuss some cutting edge science as we go in depth and discover how a Russian University uses the expertise that it has, and engages with the world outside... You will definitely feel smarter after listening to this.

Understanding Russia. Episode 3. The Unusual Life of a British Russian. Part 1 - Life in the Soviet Union.

Apr 26 2021 65 mins  
In this episode I sit down with my friend Val Doborovich. His remarkable story starts in a northern English mill town, but in 1959, his parents decided to emigrate to the Soviet Union...