I Don’t Know Who Needs To Hear This, But Buckwheat Is Overrated

I Don’t Know Who Needs To Hear This, But Buckwheat Is Overrated

For some inexplicit reason, Russians LOVE buckwheat.

It’s a grain that can and is (but really shouldn’t) be used as a side dish for basically all meals, given to babies as porridge, and as a breakfast staple.

I’m here to tell you that it tastes like dirt, and is the absolute inferior and weird cousin of rice, flower, potatoes and almost every other carb out there.

God bless Masha, but even she cannot quite defend this little gem… it’s not even as appealing as Russian architecture on a sloshy autumn morning.

Read More

A Russian Would Never Take A Bribe ... Right?

A Russian Would Never Take A Bribe ... Right?

Apparently, surprisingly, we had to bribe our way into and around Russia.

In this episode we share our experiences dealing with pirates, stubborn officials, as well as the shameless use of a priest’s garb and our new-born’s cuteness to lubricate the mechanisms of bureaucracy.

We also explore the Russian obsession with un-castrated animals and acid to the face.

Read More

Never Invade (aka Visit) Russia During The Winter

Never Invade (aka Visit) Russia During The Winter

In this episode Zac recounts some holiday experiences with Masha and extrapolates that perhaps (despite Masha’s positive reviews) visiting Russia during the winter may not be the best idea!

With temperatures ranging from -20 to -15 degrees Celsius, what could possibly go wrong?

Read More

Giving Birth In The Motherland

Giving Birth In The Motherland

All birth experiences are equal but some birth experiences are more equal than others …

Today we delve into what it was like to give birth in Soviet Russia… think collective birthing, screaming mothers restrained at the wrists, and one doctor for 30 mothers in the throws of labour.

Yay communism!

Read More

‘Let Them Run Clumsily’ aka The Russian Birthday Song

‘Let Them Run Clumsily’ aka The Russian Birthday Song

The Russian birthday song is something to be admired. Born from the soviet era cartoon crocodile ‘Gena’ this song ‘Let Them Run Clumsily’ is now the traditionally Russian birthday celebration. The lyrics talk of a day of joy whilst all others around them dodge the puddles and rain…

Read More

Why Is The Colour Of The Mood Blue?

Why Is The Colour Of The Mood Blue?

Imagine a cross between Michael Jackson, Cher and Prince, give him an vaguely Indian heritage, and put him in a frock, and you come close to the glory that is Philipp Kirkorov.

Strap in for a concert that you, your mum and grandma would love to attend together as we dig into the Russian music scene.

The colour of the mood is blue … now its black.

Read More

Why Russians Just Despise Their Mother-In-Laws

Why Russians Just Despise Their Mother-In-Laws

Russian’s don’t typically get along with their family-in-law. Masha constantly shocks her Russian counterparts when she shares her positive relationship with Zac’s mum.

The typical Russian Baba is the queen bee, the matriarch; she don’t take no crap from no one!

Click through to listen

Read More

Walking Like Crazy People Through The Russian Countryside

Walking Like Crazy People Through The Russian Countryside

Join us for a two day, 60 km walk through the Russian wilderness.

Ignore the warning signs, keep away from the fist sized snail, pay off the criminal and end up in church.

This is the story of our Russian pilgrimage walk.

Click through to listen

Read More

We Love Putin ... We Promise ...

We Love Putin ... We Promise ...

When Zac raised his concerns to Masha that this podcast may gain disapproval from the more left leaning listeners, she just laughed.

She countered that we were far more likely to be killed by Putin.

This is the conversation that followed.

p.s. We really and truthfully love Putin.

Click through to listen!

Read More

Shall We Drop Formalities? ;)

Shall We Drop Formalities? ;)

If you find yourself flirting in Russia, would you know how and when to drop formalities?

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, you need to know which version of ‘you’ to use when addressing the other party - in this episode Zac and Maria dissect this concept to help you to avoid a potential social faux pa!

Click Through To Listen

Read More