From The Bloc is a podcast that puts a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europeans living in the UK. Producer and presenter, Ella Natalia Hopkins, interviews artists, musicians, actors, directors, photographers, dancers and other creatively-minded people from CEE backgrounds.
Podcast guests talk about their creative projects, inspirations and life in the UK. They also share their personal stories about being a migrant in the Western world.
Through the authentic stories, the podcast aims to bring Central and Eastern European culture closer to the British audience and build a stronger sense of community amongst the CEE diaspora.
The show is brought to you by @izbaarts (https://www.instagram.com/izbaarts/?hl=en).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
In this episode Ella talks to Igor Chekachkov, Ukrainian photographer and visual artist.
Igor began his career as a photojournalist, documenting cultural events, public life and sport, before moving into the world of art photography. Today, his work explores the relationship between public and private space, technology, identity and the way digital algorithms shape the images we see.
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, his work has increasingly focused on his Ukrainian identity and the meaning of home during times of war and displacement.
His photography has been published in major international outlets including Forbes, National Geographic, The Guardian, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and The Economist. His work has also been exhibited around the world, from Kyiv and Odessa to New York, Liverpool and Paris.
Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins (https://www.instagram.com/ellanataliahopkins/?hl=en)
In collaboration with @izbaarts (https://www.instagram.com/izbaarts/?hl=en)
Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba (https://www.instagram.com/al3x_ba/?hl=en)
Recorded at @riddimliferecords (https://www.instagram.com/riddimliferecords/?hl=en) with @djdeanlyon (https://www.instagram.com/djdeanlyon/?hl=en)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Aug 2026
S4E2 Ioana
This episode features Ioana Simion, a London-based community artist, facilitator, educator, and the founder of Artizine UK.
Originally from Romania, Ioana uses the art of zine-making and self-publishing as a powerful medium to bring people together, foster storytelling and spark creative play.
Through her platform, she leads inclusive workshops that create safe, accessible spaces for self-expression, connection and wellbeing.
Her practice spans creative facilitation, arts pedagogy and community project management, working with galleries, charities and educational institutions across London and beyond.
You can follow Ioana on Instagram @artizineuk (https://www.instagram.com/artizineuk/?hl=en)
Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins (https://www.instagram.com/ellanataliahopkins/?hl=en)
In collaboration with @izbaarts (https://www.instagram.com/izbaarts/?hl=en)
Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba (https://www.instagram.com/al3x_ba/?hl=en)
Recorded at @riddimliferecords (https://www.instagram.com/riddimliferecords/?hl=en) with @djdeanlyon (https://www.instagram.com/djdeanlyon/?hl=en)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Jun 2026
S4E1 - Zula
In this episode Ella interviews a London-based photographer and visual artist, Zula Rabikowska.
Zula is known for her powerful portraits and documentary photography focused on migration, identity, Eastern Europe and LGBTQI+ communities. Inspired by her Polish heritage, her work shines a light on voices and stories that are too often overlooked.
Through intimate and deeply human photography, Zula captures emotion, connection and authenticity in a way that feels both personal and universal.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and Bloomberg.
She’s also received major awards including the Getty Images Grant, the AOP Talent Award and the Earth Photo Moving Image Award.
Alongside her creative practice, Zula is the founder of Rethinking Eastern Europe collective. She also teaches photography at Kingston University.
Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins (https://www.instagram.com/ellanataliahopkins/?hl=en)
In collaboration with @izbaarts (https://www.instagram.com/izbaarts/?hl=en)
Photography by @anastasia_hasparian (https://www.instagram.com/anastasia_hasparian/?hl=en)
Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba (https://www.instagram.com/al3x_ba/?hl=en)
Recorded at @riddimliferecords (https://www.instagram.com/riddimliferecords/?hl=en) with @djdeanlyon (https://www.instagram.com/djdeanlyon/?hl=en)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
Contact From The Bloc
Guest appearances
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