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 “The Many Faces of 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 30

Guest: Pavlina Delcheva Vezhinova

The time has come for the last episode of the first season of “The Many Faces of Sofia” and we meet a real treasure of Sofia stories, a keeper of the secrets of the old pubs and a master of words and a real bohemian – Pavlina Delcheva Vezhinova!
While today we order “a cappuccino with almond milk and cinnamon”, Sofia once rang with the clinking of glasses of spicy brandy, enchanting wine, the screech of violins and long, wisdom-soaked conversations wrapped in thick tobacco smoke. The pub was not just a place to eat and drink – it was a philosophical club, a stage for life’s myriad dramas and comedies, a university for the common man.
What is the difference between a pub and a restaurant?
Well it’s simple, the difference is like between “Cheers!” and “Your order please!”. The pub has soul, substance, fateful meetings and great ideas that might seem less genius in the morning, or at least before the first tripe and beer. Everything is more glamorous in the pub, but somehow… without that feeling that you have the future genius of literature sitting next to you, or a talented artist, or “The Lonely Man”, or just a good friend with whom you will share the last appetizer.
Today Pavlina and I will dive into those golden times when every pub had its own audience, its own style and its own legends. Are you ready for a journey through the forgotten corners of Sofia, where the songs, the jokes and the big conversations about the small and the big things still resonate?
Pour yourself something and make yourself comfortable – we promise it will be impressive!

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 29

Guest: Sofia Mihaylova

How often do we hear “Young people don’t get up”, “Young people don’t read”, “Young people are just lazy and play games” and as many other definitions as you can think of from the “wise” adults who have “wisely” brought our country to this halt. Well in this episode we decided to meet and introduce you to a 19 year old girl who has had her way with not one, not two, not even three cases… and so we can safely say… YOUNG people are driven, free, curious and secretly envious. Sophia has more wisdom to gain, but we are convinced that she will achieve it easily and soon :-)

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 28

Guest: Tony Nikolov

Is there magic in Sofia, are there untold stories in our city, are there encounters you can’t forget, are there surprises and unexpected events. Can a metal grate on a fence reveal its secrets to you, does the reflection in a mirror hide mysteries… all this in this episode will tell us in a magical way Tony Nikolov, and his books … his books … if you catch them, there is no staying.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 27

Guest: Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin

Tsvetelina Kalinova Simeonova-Zarkin from the people who have a mission and work hard for it. She is dedicated to have good environmental management, sustainable tourism development and marketing in Sofia. And she plays with her children on …. you may not recognize but you can hear :-) The engine of the Europe program of the Metropolitan Municipality, which opens for applications a new program for 2025 from 17.02.2025 to 17.03.2025. Information and application at https://evropa-so.bg

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 26

Guest: Petar Stoyanovich

Peter Stoyanovich’s performances always stand out for their surgical accuracy of the events around us, presented with a magnificent sense of humour. In this conversation we dissect the people calling themselves Sofians, the city, its history, and why not the future. It’s a pleasure to listen to, a man who has something and knows how to say it, so, enjoy it again.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 25

Guest: Nikolay Vassilev

We know that a dog is man’s best friend. However, we know who is the best friend of dogs and their owners – Nikolai Vassilev. When you have walked in the park around the Earth and People Museum, you have surely seen a group of humans and canines performing all kinds of tasks and commands and wagging their tails contentedly – this is Nikki’s school – “Ethan” . It is named after his first dog – a German Shepherd. He is one of the founders of professional sports dressage in our country. But, he chooses to help pets and their humans. Because the more the number of four-legged pets grows, the more their owners need professional help,to learn to communicate and understand their four-legged friends properly. And dogs love it, and hence their owners – they understand each other. Although, sometimes it takes more work with the owner than with the dog. Nikki and I talk about all this, and more about keeping a dog civilised and responsible. And about the fact that sometimes the dog on the street is happier than the sweater-clad branded four-legged….why – listen to the episode.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 24

Guest: Desislava Hristozova

She’s Desi and fat! Relax, we’re not insulting her, we’re supporting her. Because Desislava Hristozova is one of the brave people who call things by their real names. Don’t think the road to looking in the mirror and saying “I’m going to change!” is easy. Desi is sounding the alarm that obesity is a global pandemic that is quietly and imperceptibly entering our bodies and psyches! And this silence is disastrous. Desi has written a book, Quiet! It’s Not Talked About” in which she never stops talking, talking, talking and …. sharing about fat life as we never imagined it. Simply because we don’t think about the fact that being overweight isn’t just an aesthetic problem of fitting into a smaller clothing size. The BBC is making a documentary about it. And, on the podcast, The Multifaceted Sofia, Deska and I talk about the possibilities of fat tourism, whether it’s a welcoming city for the bulky, and how more and more people are getting on board with the idea that they can learn to talk their way to change with her. As long as it is…. the important thing is that they have good company – Desilava Christozova, recorder at BNT.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 23

Guest: Alexander Shpatov

Alexander Shpatov is a writer, a passionate reader, a tour guide with a mission, a critical look at people and places in Sofia. Talking to a person with such versatile knowledge is not easy, but it is inspiring and creative. And everything becomes easy when there is a shared smile. The truth was that we didn’t have a chance to read his book #LiveFromSofia before the talk, but we quickly remedied ourselves after it :-) His stories showed us our favorite city in different lights.

Podcast “The Many Faces of Sofia” episode 22

Guest: Veliko Balabanov

He has two passions- skateboarding and photography. And he has dedicated his life to them. Something like the principle: if you work at what you love, you’ll never just work. Skateboarding is a long and often painful love. Photography doesn’t hurt as much, but you have to love it a lot to be able to do it. Veliko Balabanov talks about the tricks both on the board and behind the lens in the urban environment of skateboarding, which is now also an Olympic sport. But, it remains an integral part of the city.

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.
It hurts for what we inflict on animals and the Earth, thinking we own them. Lyubomilla prefers to act rather 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 turns into a “schoolmaster”.
Is it possible, and how, to have enthusiastic teachers and inquisitive students. And why is this happening mostly in private schools, it is difficult for Sofia schools and a huge challenge for provincial schools.

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

Faith is belief and hope and love and wisdom. Faith is a huge heart, Faith is a huge will, Faith is an example!
Vera is an example of how a person makes his own choice and then is proud and happy with his 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 worldview, something will stir in you and you will have the desire to create something good.
Don’t be scared! 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.
Very quickly he joined the team of the festival “I am Sofia” and is now one of the main drivers of the project. And what he shared about the people involved in the initiative was touching.

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”.