Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of Central Asia (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajiki, Uzbek, Mongol)

About Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of Central Asia (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajiki, Uzbek, Mongol)

"Steppe by Steppe," takes you on a journey through the landscapes, histories, and cultures of Central Asia. Hosted by an American expat living in Kazakhstan, this show offers a unique blend of insider knowledge and outsider perspective on this fascinating region. Each episode brings you authentic experiences and insights as your host navigates daily life in Kazakhstan while exploring the broader "Stans" – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and all the neighbors.

Publisher

John in Almaty

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Mar 2025

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

35 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   E34 - Against the Grain: The Virgin Lands Campaign in Kazakhstan

   Following the death of Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev launched the Virgin Lands Campaign to solve the Soviet Union’s chronic food shortages by farming millions of hectares of uncultivated territory. While the initiative initially produced record-breaking harvests, it eventually faltered due to harsh climates, a lack of proper infrastructure, and Khrushchev's rigid insistence on planting corn in unsuitable regions. This ambitious project significantly altered the demographics of Central Asia and caused lasting environmental damage, such as soil erosion. Ultimately, the program’s failure to provide long-term food security weakened Khrushchev’s political standing, contributing to his removal from power in 1964. Despite its shortcomings, the campaign remains a pivotal example of how centralized planning and political ambition shaped the Soviet landscape.

2. 

   5 Jan 2026

   E33 - 🧀 Qurt - The Savory Soul of the Kazakh Steppe

   This episode explores qurt, a traditional hard, salty cheese from fermented milk, highlighting its historical significance as a vital travel snack and symbol of resilience for nomadic tribes and gulag prisoners in Kazakhstan.

3. 

   31 Dec 2025

   E32 - Tien Shan-anigans: Steppe-ing into the Sweet History of Kyrgyzstan’s Sugar Snow

   This episode explores Kyrgyzstan's unique skiing history, from ancient wooden planks to Soviet training grounds, highlighting its potential for backcountry adventures and community-based tourism.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

3.2 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

67

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

31

Contact Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of Central Asia (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajiki, Uzbek, Mongol)

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.