Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia”

We are talking about Sofia before and after the festival.

Host Lora Skorcheva presents topics and stories about the city, life and its people.

The author and director is Hristomir Sarbinov.

The project “Multifaceted Sofia” is implemented with the financial support of Sofia Municipality – Europe 2024 Programme by I am Sofia Foundation, in partnership with Sofia House, OKI Krasno Selo and Central Halls Sofia.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 21

Guest: Lyubomila Krivoshieva

There are some special people that you are afraid to touch, but actually really want to hug. And you don’t reach out because they are fragile with their great strength. Such is Lyubomila Krivoshieva – the founder of the Wild Animals Foundation. She is the main savage- the main driver and sometimes (actually, quite often) the only savior for an animal in distress. And there is a hell of a need to help her. She aches for what we do to animals and to the Earth by thinking we own them. Lyubomila would rather act than talk. Because there is no time to waste, and there are thousands of animals to save. Just by the way, while we were filming the episode, she pulled a box of 2 baby speedsters out of her backpack and fed them- they eat every two hours and she can’t leave them, so she brings them in her backpack on the subway. Hey she’s so unique. And, you’ll find out what her pet is in the podcast.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 20

Guest: Gabriel – the Romanian who cleans Bulgaria

Bulgaria and Romania are now in the Schengen area, which is great news. In this more orderly world, we too have to make our contribution, and Romanian Bulgaria is a great example of how this can happen. How from one small step you become an inspiration, we will talk about this and many other things with Gabriel and let us be infected by his initiative.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 19

Guest: Mariana Krasteva

Mariana is one of those people who infect, with love, with inspiration, with creativity, rebelliousness, perseverance and hard work. And most of all, she loves books, so she has dedicated herself to bringing that love to all ungrown and grown children. And of course, that’s not enough and she is also the driving force behind an association of publishers and authors of children’s contemporary and interesting literature. And now she’s also the author of a lovely read that brings together all the mythical creatures of our lands in her new work, Vdun Gor – we look forward to getting our hands on it soon.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 18

Guest: Lyubov Kostova

Her definition is “elemental” because of her inexhaustible energy and passion, but also because she can explain it! Lyubov Kostova is the driving force behind the international success of the FameLab competition and co-founder of the Festival of Science. Her love for science is contagious and inspiring and there is no cure for this “disease” :-)

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 17

Guest: Zornitsa Venkova

What Sofia is like through the eyes of Zornitsa Venkova, who has lived in the heart of Europe for a long time. Does the city make us worthy to call ourselves Europeans. And when and how will we learn to share the values of a group of 27 countries united to make people’s lives better, more shared, easier and safer.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 16

Guest: Georgi Stefanov Stoev – Jackie

Georgi Stefanov Stoev – Jackie is a Bulgarian director and screenwriter of popular science, documentaries and feature films. In all his appearances he combines seriousness, laughter and his love for animals. One of his rules as an artist is that in every thing he does there must be a charade with a smile. One of three who have created many sketches and mosaics, Jackie, Johnny and Charlie.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 15

Guest: Yassen Dzhabirov

It is an ancient dream of man to fly. To soar through the air and enjoy the world from a new perspective. Now we can see ourselves from above thanks to Jasen’s mastery of his drones. Is this a modern and interesting profession – listen and you will find out :-)

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 14

Guest: Dejana Milusheva

From school to… school. How a teacher becomes a “schoolmaster”. Is it possible, and how, to have enthusiastic teachers and inquisitive students. And why this happens mostly in private schools, for Sofia schools it is difficult, for provincial schools it is a huge challenge.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 13

Guest: Kamen Alipiev – The Cedar

The conversation with one of the most popular and comprehensive Bulgarian sports journalists Kamen Alipiev – the Cedar, this time will be about the city and its sports opportunities. Where is the thread breaking that should make our city attractive for people wanting to engage in physical activities. Of course, we can’t help but touch a little on the topic of the policies on which this development depends.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 12

Guest: Sofia Andonova

A civil status person is a serious and responsible job. But when you do everything with soul and love – they call you a burp. And our guest today is just that – she burps people to share faith, hope, love and wisdom along their journey together. Another inspiring and highly emotional encounter, for us.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 11

Guest: Lyubov Krasteva

Love is a phoenix. To turn your attitude to the world around is heroic and possible. And it is possible with Love. That’s why Love flies winged forward into sharing, joy and smiles on her skates. And if you give her a chance, let her show you how exciting it is and you will put on your flying skates :-)

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 10

Guest: Vera Assenova

Vera is belief and hope and love and wisdom. Vera is a huge heart, Vera is a huge will, Vera is an example! Vera is an example of a person making her own choices and then being proud and happy with her decision. We are lucky to know her because every encounter with a young and inspiring person is exhilarating.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 9

Guest: Toma Belev

Toma Belev is a Bulgarian ecologist. He is co-chairman of Green Movement. At the beginning of the conversation, we asked him not to emphasize politics in this confusing situation for many people. We talked about … choice and how we should make sense of it. So we decided to let it go before the election, which we hope we get right this time.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 8

Guest: Desislava Petrova – Soljera

Desislava Petrova /Soljara/ has been a fighter for justice, for tolerance, the voice of the voiceless since she was a little girl. She has lost many battles, but she has also won many battles. But the most important thing about her is that she always has a sober and objective view. And a big heart. Thanks for this conversation!

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 7

Guest: Nadezhda Dimitrova Bacheva

What does a deputy mayor do – this is what we asked Nadezhda Dimitrova Bacheva, who is Deputy Mayor for Social Activities and Integration of People with Disabilities.
She has worked as Deputy Mayor in charge of Education, Culture, e-Government and Sport in the Slatina district and was an advisor to the Minister of e-Government.
She has also worked as a marketing manager in the private sector.
This is the dry information about her, and you will find out what kind of person she is once you see the conversation with her.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 6

Guest: Svilen Delchev

He’s not one of the popular people showing up in the media. He is not tall in stature, but he is a huge Man with a big Heart. We are absolutely convinced that when you feel his outlook, something will stir in you and you will have the desire to create something good. Do not be afraid! Do it!

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 5

Guest: Vihren Georgiev

We will introduce you to Vihren Georgiev, who many of you know as the man behind People of Sofia.
Vihren captures iconic moments from our city and introduces us to interesting personalities related to it.
It will be interesting to see him from the other side of the lens.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 4

Guest: Dragomir Dimitrov

Sometimes serendipity is not serendipity.
Even often it is.
And so while we were filming the first episodes of the podcast and had a break when there were no guests in front of our eyes, an energetic and hardworking person came to us, whom we invited to tell us about himself and Sofia.
And it took that we came across the right person! Dragomir Dimitrov, who after two successful missions has taken on a third and again successful.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 3

Guest: Martin Karnolsky

Martin Karnolsky has a PhD in Theatre Studies and Theatre Arts, is the author of his own methodology for teaching Stagecraft and has worked with artists from over twenty-five countries.
He has many years of experience as an organizer of concerts, festivals and special events with international participation.
In his spare time, he flies sport kites and smiles at young and old children who also dream of flying.
He very quickly joined the team of the “I am Sofia” festival and is now one of the main drivers of the project.
And what he shared about the people involved in the initiative was heartwarming.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 2

Guest: Assoc. Ph. Todor Chobanov

In it we will meet you with Assoc. Todor Chobanov, Bulgarian historian, who will reveal interesting facts about the creation and the name of our city.
He is the author of the books “The Heritage of Sassanid Persia in the Bulgarians of the Lower Danube”, “The Sacred Palaces of the Bulgarian Canons”, “Studies on the Culture of the Old Bulgarians”, “Bulgaria and Byzantium – Titans of the Cross”, as well as over 30 studies in the field of archaeology, cultural tourism and cultural heritage protection.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 1

Guest: Viktor Topalov

We talk to Viktor Topalov, amateur historian, lawyer by education, creator of the Bohemian Sofia and Bohemian Bulgaria page with over 25 thousand followers.
In 2022 he launched the youtube podcast “Bohemian Sofia Tells”, and since 2023 he has been leading the “Sofia Stories” column in the Bulgarian National Radio’s program “Legends of Sofia”.