Epirus is a historical and geographical region in Northwestern Greece. A spectacular European secret of natural beauty, storied history and stoic people. Follow me as I venture through this land that has, for so long, been mostly hidden from the rest of the world. This is my love letter to a region that has stolen my heart, a document of its people and their passions, their pride in the community, and their hopes for the future. But more than that, it is also a journey of self-discovery, as I get to know a place, I hope to one day call home. This is Epirus Falls.
Once thriving settlements, many of Epirus' villages have suffered from depopulation. However, today we are joined by 'High Mountains', a Social Cooperative Enterprise, committed to supporting local communities and enhancing the revitalization of mountainous areas.
Join us today as we learn more about the important work these guys do, encouraging people back to their villages and giving these places a more dynamic future.
14 Dec 2024
Episode 18 - The Environment
Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls all about the environment. Today, we're traveling to the village of Kalohori, to speak to a representative from the action group Epirus Against Oil and Gas.
Stavros Zotos has become a representative for his local community, challenging such proposals, whilst also coming up with some pretty innovative ideas to bring life back to his village.
To learn more about and support Stavros' initiative to save his village, please go to the 'Reviving Kalohori' fundraising page. Donations are very much appreciated.
https://4fund.com/reviving-kalohori-returning-to-our-roots-reconnecting-with-nature (https://4fund.com/reviving-kalohori-returning-to-our-roots-reconnecting-with-nature)
11 Dec 2024
Episode 17 - The Craftsman
Have you ever wondered about the creative community here in Epirus? Well, on a recent trip to Ioannina, I came across a workshop in the centre of the city with a window full of puppets, toys and all sorts of creations.
In the latest episode of Epirus Falls, we talk to wood craftsman Paraskevas Tsikouras. He tells us all about his profession, how he makes ends meet and also offers some sage advise to anyone considering a similar career in woodcraft.
4 Dec 2024
Episode 16 - Tzoumerka
Greek locals Georgios & Maria share the spirit of Tzoumerka, an area within Epirus known for its vast mountain ranges and gorges, highlighting its natural beauty and cultural significance.
27 Nov 2024
Episode 15 - The Interpreter
Brian Gega shares his insights on life as an interpreter in rapidly changing Albania, revealing the complexities of navigating cultural and linguistic nuances in a foreign environment.
27 Jun 2024
Episode 14 - Music
We are rounding off series 3 of Epirus Falls with Ioannina born, singer-songwriter Vaggelis Kosinas and producer Panos Papakostas. In this episode we discuss their friendship, the music scene in Epirus and Vaggelis plays us out with two acoustic performances.
1 May 2024
Episode 13 - Foraging
Epirus has its own foraging culture but it isn't easy to access. Join us in the latest episode of Epirus Falls to learn more about this somewhat hidden community and find out why the climate in the region is perfect for mushroom cultivation and maybe, if you are lucky, discovering the odd truffle…the size of a grapefruit.
20 Jan 2024
Episode 12 - The Farm
There are currently two organic farms in Zagori. One of those farms is owned by our friends Vaso and Kostas in the village of Tristeno and the other is run by siblings Panaiotis and Fotini Georgiou in Baldouma. In this episode of Epirus Falls, we spend the morning with Georgiou family, to learn more about the farming industry in Epirus and their ideas to encourage people back to the land.
15 Jan 2024
Episode 11 - Wildlife
Last year, I spoke with chef Thanasis Tassos about his restaurant Thamon in Ioannina. He suggested we took a trip to the town of Konitsa near the Albanian border, where his family run an environmental park, hotel and restaurant. When we arrived, we were shown around by his uncle Giorgos Tassos. Giorgos has dedicated his life to the unique flora and fauna of the area and brings new people to the region to explore its rich biodiversity.
In this new episode of Epirus Falls, Giorgos talks to us about the history of the region, his love of wildlife and his hopes for a bloom in tourism once the new section of motorway linking Italy with Greece through the Balkans is finally completed.
12 Jan 2024
Episode 10 - The Bakery
Welcome back to Epirus Falls, a podcast series all about my love of North Western Greece and its people.
In todays episode, we’re going to the very special village of Zitsa, a village that’s as well known for it’s wine, which it now exports around the world, as it it a unique love story. This love story took place at the ‘Bakery of the Village’, a place I first discovered in the spring when owner Kostas Karamichos and his wife Anna Ellis made me the most delicious lunch, made of fresh bread, wild garlic and home-grown tomatoes. Over the past few months, I’ve dreamt about returning to this bakery and was thrilled when they agreed to be part of this new series. So let’s go baking, in a brand new episode of Epirus Falls.
11 Jun 2023
Episode 9 - The Chef
Food culture plays a pivotal role in defining a regions identity and someone at the forefront of that scene is Thanasis Tassos, head chef at the newly opened restaurant Thamon in Ioannina. His approach is redefining the way we view the region, but can Epirus handle this change? Welcome to 'The Chef', a brand new episode of Epirus Falls.
17 May 2023
Episode 8 - The House
A few years ago, I started to think about relocating to Northern Greece. I had rented a property in Athens for 7 years but knew it was time for a change. Prices in the city were going up, its popularity had begun to put pressure on services and the city felt stressed. Epirus became my escape. What was Epirus giving me that Athens wasn't? In the words of local architect Thanasis Stergioulis, "Space, time to think, time to breathe. Space to breathe. Time just passes differently here." I met Thanasis around 5 years ago to help me find and renovate a property and we researched places ranging from the city of Ioannina to the villages of Papingo and Greveniti. It has been a long and fascinating road and we have finally identified that village...which is Tristeno. I wanted to make an episode of Epirus Falls to discuss the journey we've been on together, explain the history of the villages we researched and hopefully help others thinking of investing in property in the region. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The House.'
11 May 2023
Episode 7 - The Taverna
The village of Tristeno, home to a population of around 30 people, in nestled in the mountains of East Zagori. On my first visit to the village I came across a young guy running the local taverna and his name is Thanasis Savaidis. Thanasis grew up in Athens but abandoned the city for a new life in the countryside and I think that was a really bold decision for a young person to make. Over the last few months we've bonded over our shared family history, love of nature and our philosophy on life. You could say that a village bromance has truly bloomed. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The Taverna.'
25 Apr 2023
Episode 6 - The Old Road
A few years back, the Egnatia motorway opened, linking North Western Greece with the rest of the country. And even though it drastically reduced journey times between Athens and Igoumenitsa, it also came at the detriment of the communities that lived on the old road. These people relied on drivers to take breaks, eat in their tavernas and buy their produce. I make a point to take the old road. It's a place from a bygone era and I would love to somehow get involved in regenerating its image. So today I'm meeting with two members of the community, to find out exactly what happened to this place and what the future holds. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The Old Road'.
12 Jan 2023
Episode 5 - Rural Life
Deep into the beech and maple forests of Epirus lies the small village of Greveniti, a place I love to visit which is truly lost in time. Greveniti is mostly home to elderly people but on recent visits I started noticing a change, more young people moving in and I'm curious to know what's inspiring this. Today we're speaking with Spiros and Iraklis, two guys originally from Ioannina who decided to start a business with friends by taking over the local cafe in the main square. These boys are unique, awesome characters and I cannot wait to introduce them to you. So welcome to a new episode of Epirus falls where we're speaking about swapping city life for mountain life.
31 Dec 2022
Episode 4 - Social Welfare
In today’s episode I’ll be talking to Marta Alonso Mamolar, a truly inspirational woman who is part of the team at Ioannina's non-profit Youth Center of Epirus, whose major focus is providing support for young asylum seekers in the area.
This is an issue that I really care about and I was honoured to hear about Marta’s vital work helping minors suffering with PTSD, the daily challenges they face, and how she’s found a universal language through sport. Join us for an important new episode of Epirus Falls, all about social welfare in the region.
13 Dec 2022
Episode 3 - Music
Epirus is an amazing, complex region and although I've been spending a lot of time here, I've still got a lot more to learn...and I think a great way to keep doing that is through music. In this episode I'm joined by producer Panos Papakostas and singer songwriter Alex Christopher. These guys both grew up here in the city of Ioannina, they're both part of the local music scene and today they're going to be telling me all about the areas rich and complex musical history.
8 Dec 2022
Episode 2 - Military Service
Any male below the age of 45 who wants the right to Greek nationality, must serve time in the military and so last November I enlisted myself in Ioannina to carry out duty. Whilst many guys serve for 12 months, I was able to do a reduced term of service based on my age and being classed as living abroad. I showed up at the base with a backpack, very short hair and not a clue what I was doing. The food was lousy, the days were long, the commanders were harsh and the toilets were holes in the ground. I cleaned, I scrubbed, made friends with a lazy-eyed dog, met people from all walks of life, cleaned more and finally got to make some military videos.
During my time in the army I met some guys who I knew were going be lifelong friends and in this episode we finally get a chance to catch up together. These were unforgettable times with amazing bonds and precious memories made and today we're going to be talking all about that period as well as offering some sage advice to future conscripts. So welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls, all about military service in Greece.
1 Dec 2022
Episode 1 - The Mayor
They say you should never meet your hero's but I'm thrilled to have the opportunity today. In this first episode I'm chatting with someone I have been dreaming of meeting for the past three years. He's a really special man and an asset to Greece. A genuine soul that I'd love to find a way to work with. His name is Moses Elisaf, the Mayor of Ioannina.
With him I'll be talking about the region of Epirus, it's history, our shared love of Albania and my passion for Greek mayors, including the ex-mayor of Thessaloniki, Yannis Boutaris.
Join us for the first ever episode of Epirus Falls with Moses Elisaf.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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5.0 / 5
104 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
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YouTube
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Engagement
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