CaucasTalk

Buckle up for today’s info-packed, highly entertaining episode about tourism in the North Caucasus. Today we interview our first ever American guest on the show: Shannon Scarbrough. Shannon is the founder of Elbrus Elevation, a top-notch English-speaking tour operation geared specifically toward Western/American clients, run out of the heart of the North Caucasus. We had a such good time interviewing Shannon that we ran pretty long. . . over an hour. But I can promise you that you will not want to miss Shannon’s final comments, so hang in there.

You’ll also have a chance to test your geographical savvy with a quiz from Andrew’s creative internet searches!
Episode 6 Links (updated 15 Sept., 2017)
Elbrus Elevation


World’s 7 Highest Summits

“Africa” by Toto
 – “I know that I must do what’s right, As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like a leopress above the Serengeti” (1:55 Kilamanjaro shout out!)

What do Romans, pointy hats, mixed martial arts, and “articulate gobbledy-gook” have in common? Caucasus history!
Now before you roll your eyes and skip this episode, assuming that history is boring and irrelevant, just have a listen. We’re talking Caucasus history here. Have we ever let you down before?
Today we ask the question everyone meeting the North Caucasus asks as some point, How on earth did it become the way it is today?? It’s not a simple answer and we finish the episode as amazed as when we began. As Dr. Ufuk Tavkul says, “Caucasus is not a physical geography or a political geography but it is a cultural geography” (see the link below).
Episode 5 Links
18th Century Caucasus Map (1)
18th Century Caucasus Map (2)
Caucasus Language Families Map
600 AD Caucasus Map
“The Sociological Analysis of the Caucasian Culture” by Dr. Ufuk TAVKUL
Symbols of the Regional Culture of the North Caucasus, by Y.P Ten and V.V. Gudakov
News Bio of Ossetian Wrestler/MMA Fighter Khetag Pliev
News Bio of Dagestani MMA Fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov
“Fire and Sword in the Caucasus,” 1906 History of Caucasus Peoples, by Luigi Villari
“Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” – Bing Crosby & the Andrews Sisters

**BONUS EPISODE!**
So eager are we to get this podcast up and running that we are jumpstarting things this month with BONUS EPISODES! Instead of one episode every two weeks, we’re posting every week for the month of August (as long as we don’t exceed our monthly hosting limit with blubrry.com… but don’t worry your pretty little head over that). Enjoy!
Culture: What Is It?
Culture may be one of the most overused words in the English language. It can describe everything, or nothing. Today we tackle this unruly term and take on an even more bodacious question: What is culture in the North Caucasus?
Of course this could take a lifetime to answer. That’s why today’s episode is so long. No, actually, it’s long because today we conduct our very first CaucasTalk interview ever! And is it ever juicy. We invite you meet Khalid, our well-spoken, English-speaking Karachay friend from our university. Guided by Andrew’s steady questions and interrupted by Eli’s unhelpful interjections, Khalid shares eloquently about key features of North Caucasus culture as he sees it.
We’d love your feed back! Write and tell us what you think at podcast@caucastalk.com.
Episode 4 Links
10 American Values

Tourism in the North Caucasus, Part 2
We’re jumping right back into our fly-by of the NC region where we left off last time. Having grazed the surface of Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, we today continue westward into Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygheya—with a brief stop off in our fair region, the lovely, the bubbly KMV, “Kavkaz Mineralnye Vody”/Caucasus Mineral Waters region.

ERRATA:
For those of you who listened to Episode 2 in the early days of its release, first of all kudos to you. But secondly, our apologies—there was a wee gaff. The early release included both parts 1 and 2 in a single release, rather than in two, as it should have been and now is. That means that if you heard all of the first Episode 2 (the 40 minute version), you’ve heard the bulk of Episode 3. But it also means you’ve missed the new ending to the freshly uploaded, shorter Episode 2 (the 23 minute version) which includes a thrilling Tourism Tip.
So, first off, our apologies! We are learning, and it’s definitely on a curve. (But everyday we are getting better and better. . .) Second, our advice: go back to Episode 2, hop in around minute 18:07 and catch the revised ending and said Tourism Tip. It’s a great little nugget. Thanks for hanging in there with us!

Tourism in the North Caucasus, Part 1
“What? Me, tour the North Caucasus?” That’s right. Today we begin a two-part series to introduce you to the marvelous republics of the North Caucasus. They are: Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygheya. In this episdode we cover the first three.
Episode 2 Links
The Range: 1 hr. Video Documentary of the North Caucasus
Derbent as a UNESCO city, fortress as UNESCO site
Good North Caucasus Map
Derbent Citadel founded in 6th century
Lake Kezenoyam in Chechnya

What is CaucasTalk?
Welcome to CaucasTalk—your source for culture, history, and tourism in the North Caucasus mountains of Russia! We are Andrew and Eli, two Americans who live here and want to share the wonders and joys of the North Caucasus with the English-speaking world, and beyond.
Today we bring you up to speed on what this CaucasTalk is, and what it’s not. We answer the five W’s of our podcast and this region—Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Our goal is to give you an inside-out view of life in the North Caucasus because we think lots more people should come and check it out. It’s amazing here.
In our show notes (these are show notes), you’ll also find links to tasty tidbits we mention in the podcast episode. You can find those below.
Finally, when we make painful, blaring errors as we talk, which we do a lot, we will try to post corrections here, too. This is all a learning process for us, so we thank you for giving us a listen. Each episode our sound quality, and we think our content, improves. So please keep listening. Subscribe through iTunes or your favorite app. You can also email us at: podcast@caucastalk.com
We look forward to hearing from you! Happy listening.
Episode Links
Most Sober Regions in Russia
Heaviest Drinking Regions in America
Complex Languages of Dagestan

With their republic all but in our back yard, the Karachai are among our near neighbors and good friends. It’s high time we hear from them! Today we welcome three Karachai into the studio to share many surprising insights into their culture. Did you know many Karachai don’t call their children “my son” or “my … Continue reading "CT45 – Karachai “In Their Own Words!” | Public Displays of Affection | Lezginka in Brooklyn"

The people of Chechnya are probably some of the least well-understood in the Caucasus to outsiders. In the spirit of our ongoing series “In Their Own Words,” today we give the mic to our Chechen friend and tour guide to share about his place and people from his own perspective. Aside from being an experienced … Continue reading "CT44 – Chechens In Their Own Words! | Abdullah the Tour Guide & Couchsurfing Expert"

We are continually amazed at what a global community exists with strong ties to the North Caucasus. The cultures here reach out like branches across continents, as today’s guest demonstrates. Daria Kulesh—Moscow-born Russian, descended from Ingushetia, now living in the UK—makes her living singing songs about her Caucasus roots. Inspired by her beloved Ingush grandmother … Continue reading "CT43 – Award-Winning UK Singer Daria Kulesh Tells Stories of Ingushetia"

Some things only improve with age. We feel that way about a few of our early releases. Today we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes ever, no. 7, “Meat and Tea,” all the way from summer 2017. We hope it will provide some inspiration for your outdoor activities this spring and summer. Enjoy!

Local business director Zaur joins us today from the Elbrus region for an insider’s look at the economy of the North Caucasus region. While many sectors of the local economy do struggle, the situation is far from bleak as considered by some. Local entrepreneurs are routinely making bold moves, not just to make ends meet, … Continue reading "CT41 – Jobs & Economy in the North Caucasus: Agriculture, Tourism, Carpets, Caviar, and more"

Skiing . . . in Russia? That’s right. While many in the English-speaking world look to Europe’s Alps or the Rockies in the US, just under our noses here in the North Caucasus lies a little-known cluster of ski resorts. From the most chic and developed at Sochi down to the backcountry Cheget, the North … Continue reading "CT40 – Skiing in the North Caucasus: Sochi, Elbrus, Dombay, and Arkhyz"

The year 2018 finishes out with a bang as we hear from Armenians in their own words. And have they got words to share! Our guests give us an insider look at what it means to be Russian-born Armenians in the North Caucasus today. You will hear a remarkable compassion and open-mindedness as we cover … Continue reading "CT39 – Armenians “In Their Own Words”! | Akmat Grozny |"

In a region already teeming with diversity, North Ossetia pushes the boundary yet further. Unlike its neighboring republics in so many ways, we are delighted today to share an interview with some North Ossetians friends and for them to share about their people in their own words.But that’s not all. It turns out that the … Continue reading "CT38A – Ossetians “In Their Own Words” | Interview: Asheville Sister City with Vladikavkaz"

In a region already teeming with diversity, North Ossetia pushes the boundary yet further. Unlike its neighboring republics in so many ways, we are delighted today to share an interview with some North Ossetians friends and for them to share about their people in their own words.But that’s not all. It turns out that the … Continue reading "CT38B – Ossetians “In Their Own Words”"

Leicester, England is not known for its mountains. In fact, it has none. Hailing from those very flatlands, Richard Hartfield treks mountains the world over. This summer, his explorations brought him all the way to our neck of the woods. His goal was to trek (that’s like walking, but with a backpack, and for weeks … Continue reading "CT37 – Interview with British Trekker Rich Hartfield"

The dust has begun to settle. The shouting receded to a murmur. It’s time for us to weigh in on the now historic UFC 229 fight between Khabib and McGregor on October 6th, 2018. Enlivening this discussion we feature  Field Notes from the night of the fight. More importantly, we are joined by local  Dagestani … Continue reading "CT36 – UFC 229 Khabib v. McGregor: Dagestani Local Discusses the Fight! Featuring Ravil"

The feast continues in Episode 35 as we get into the specifics of what food people here actually eat. We take you on a mouth-watering tour through the food groups revealing a surprisingly colorful variety of cuisine. We are helped again by Cristi who brings a gravy-boatload of experience to the conversation. For many here … Continue reading "CT35 – Food in the North Caucasus PART 2 | What they eat here | Special Guest: Cristi!"

What’s one thing that ties together culture, history, and tourism here in the North Caucasus? And ties together everything else? Everywhere? That’s right: FOOD. It’s no secret that food brings people together. And here like everywhere, people love their food. Today we take a look at how food functions in society in general, and specifically … Continue reading "CT34 – Food in the North Caucasus PART 1 | Special Guest: Cristi!"

Having heard from the fellas, we now have a chance to hear a women’s perspective on Ingushetia. Some of our most articulate guests yet, these bright young women give us a new level of appreciation for Ingush culture and heritage. They hail from Magas, the “youngest city on earth” and bear the telltale pride of … Continue reading "CT33B – Ingushetia: In Their Own Words PART B | Magas | The Teip System | The Wildest Mother-In-Law Custom On Earth | Ezdel | “Always Lezginka”"

FIXED: This episode was originally released majorly garbled (starting at minute 20, and following). The errors have been fixed now! Try again. Our apologies! We called in a double-episode for this one. Our awesome Ingush friends came out in droves to share about their unique and amazing land with us. In Part A you will … Continue reading "CT33A – Ingushetia: In Their Own Words! PART A (*fixed) | The Ingush Thwertnick | Hard Facts about the Stone Towers | An Anthem!"

Our series “In Their Own Words” returns this week with a rich look at the peoples of Dagestan. With only one interviewee this time, this is admittedly a disservice to the fast array of ethnicities in Dagestan. But it’s a start and a great one at that. Our guest today shares candidly about growing up … Continue reading "CT32 – ITOW: Dagestan! Tightrope Walking | Nurmagomedov UFC | Life in Makhachkala | Lions & Eagles"

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our great pleasure to introduce to you our No.1 fan, the model CaucasTalk listener, our very first emailer, Kevin Abernathy! Hailing form the deep south, Kevin and his pal Justin are on their way to summiting the Seven Summits of the World. Elbrus was their number 2, and they made … Continue reading "CT31 – INTERVIEW: Kevin & Justin on Summiting Elbrus, Russian Banya, Touring with BeyondRedSquare"

Last week we took a look at the place in the North Caucasus of one of the world’s most famous and beloved sports—football (soccer, if you’re an American). Today we look at the place in the world of the most famous and beloved sports in the North Caucasus: combat sports. The Caucasus region by far … Continue reading "CT30 – Sports in the North Caucasus PART 2: Wrestling, Boxing, & Martial Arts"

The World Cup has just ended in Russia, but passion for football (or soccer, if you will) burns bright as ever—and that is no less true for the North Caucasus than the rest of the country. Today in the first of a two-part deep dive into sports in the North Caucasus, Andrew unveils amazing Caucasus … Continue reading "CT29 – Sports in the North Caucasus PART 1"

Today is August 5th meaning there are 10 days left to inquire about the upcoming CaucasTalk Adventure. What’s that, you ask?? The trip of a lifetime specially-designed for our beloved CaucasTalk community. Join us February 2-9, 2019 for an 8-day, 7-night journey into the heart of the North Caucasus! Inquiries, information, and registration at: www.beyondredsquare.com/podcast

To commemorate our (approximate) 1-year mark of producing CaucasTalk, today we take a little walk down memory lane. Here for you now we present hand-picked clips of some of the best moments from our first nine episodes! Let the good times roll… Updated: 10:46 EDT

Today’s double episode is truly a tour de force. In this our second installment of “In Their Own Words,” our good friends Tembulat & Zalina take us on a deep dive into the very heart of Circassian culture. Not only musicians, this couple also hand makes instruments and knives. They provided so much rich content … Continue reading "CT27B – “In Their Own Words”—Circassians, PART B!"

Today’s double episode is truly a tour de force. In this our second installment of “In Their Own Words,” our good friends Tembulat & Zalina take us on a deep dive into the very heart of Circassian culture. Not only musicians, this couple also hand makes instruments and knives. They provided so much rich content … Continue reading "CT27A – “In Their Own Words”—Circassians!"

We sometimes speak of “the Caucasus” as if it’s one thing. But as you know, it’s dozens and dozens—ethnicities, languages, cultures, and expressions. So after months of preparation, we are eager and excited today to unveil our newest series, “In Their Own Words,” in which we interview representatives from each of the largest people groups … Continue reading "CT26 – New Series! “In Their Own Words,” In Which the Peoples of the Caucasus Speak for Themselves—Today: Russians!"