If you didn't already know, I am David, a 71-year-old British expat living in Bosnia and Herzegovina and someone who has lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past 22 years.
This podcast blends engaging conversations with locals and narrative-driven episodes that take you on immersive journeys through the region’s history, food, and everyday life.
A Stroll in the Mist, with Reflections on Rural Life and Podcasting
It's Friday afternoon here in the village, with a covering of chilly, misty air.
Winter seems to have settled in, and the air quality isn't its best, with smoke from wooden burning stoves and heaters bellowing out of chimneys, but such is life in this part of the world.
Recently, I shared a video about losing my Britishness, which took off in ways I hadn't expected. It gathered over eight hundred views on YouTube alone and a trove of comments, much to my surprise.
I'm still adjusting to my new label as a "sub-niche" content creator, whatever that's supposed to mean.
The questions from viewers keep pouring in, and I've been working hard in responding to each one.
If you haven’t seen that video do check it out ⬇️
If you haven’t listened to the audio version please check it out ⬇️
I’ve been trying to get into a daily routine of waking. You'd think it'd be simple, but somehow, I end up not doing it.
There's just something about having a “go to” youthful mind and a not so “go to” older body. The aches and pains are inevitable, it seems, the price we all pay as time goes by.
Still, a brisk, near two-kilometre walk should do the trick, stretching out my tired lungs and muscles.
The roads here in Čardačani, are narrow, with the younger drivers in the village channelling their inner spirits of Jochen Rindt or Max Verstappen. There’s always an added layer of excitement to my walks.
One of the comments I got from the video was from Dario from Herzegovina. He seems to be a fan of this walk-and-talk format that I have been experimenting with.
He enjoys the glimpses of rustic life that they offer. I've realised there's charm to this. Perhaps I should step outside the office more often. What do you think?
”Walk and Talk” videos or ones from the office?
As a result of my video on Britishness, two kind viewers have promised to bring Marmite during their visits from the UK.
That’s so super cool.
My stock of English tea bags is now dwindling, but I should last until Christmas, when Tamara’s cousin (who lives in London) brings me a re-supply.
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Storytelling and my love of Radio
There’s something reassuring about these connections across borders, much like the radio waves that first fascinated me with audio storytelling.
My journey with radio began at around the age of eleven, listening to pirate stations that were anchored in International waters of the British coast. They broadcast non stop music and speech that captured my young imagination.
My dream was to be one of these presenters, a radio DJ on a boat, but, my path led me through military service, volunteering at radio stations, whenever I could along the way.
On leaving the army (after some 25 years), I finally stepped into professional radio, working with local BBC and commercial radio stations in the UK.
I arrived in Bosnia to launch a radio project that lasted from late 1998 to 2005.
The project was to establish a multi-ethnic, non political radio station that woud be attractive to 15-25 year olds.
When that chapter closed, I worked on radio and podcasting projects in Canada, Kosovo, Afghanistan, The South Caucasus, Ethiopia amongst others, but always returning here, to the village for rest breaks and holidays.
My passion now is creating audio podcasts, although I have dabbled with video podcasts as well.
The intimacy of storytelling through sound alone captivates me. It really is “The Theatre of the Mind”.
So, as I think about whether my next video should take you along on a walk or keep us in the cozy confines of my office, or whether I should focus on just audio podcast episodes, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
After all, these shared experiences here on Substack are what make this journey, especially for me, so enriching.
📈 And Finally, The Survey 📊
I have a short survey designed to improve my Substack. It would be super helpful if you could find under 5 minutes to complete it. Thanks so much in advance.
And Finally
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Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity!
Until our next post.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
As ever stay safe wherever you are.
Bests
David and Tamara.
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