Understanding Russia

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...

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.

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

In this episode we tackle the often thorny issue of etiquette. We have a few thoughts on the subject, and Daria Kosova, an expert on the Russian experience, sets us straight...

In this episode we will introduce Russia to you through the experience  of someone coming to Russia for the first time. We will hear an  interview with your host, Ian, and with Vladislav, who runs the  International Office at Belgorod State University. Finally, we will hear  from Nguyet, a Vietnamese student who arrived recently through the  auspices of the above-mentioned Office.