If you didn't already know, I am David, a 71-year-old British expat living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I have launched this extra podcast to share my thoughts on aging, my life adventures, and focusing on candid storytelling rather than polished, edited videos. I'm inviting you to follow my journey, offering insights into my life as an "older expat" in a foreign culture.
Celebrating World Podcast Day
Welcome to a very special episode of Coffee and Rakija.
I’m David, an Englishman in the Balkans, and today I’m speaking to you from my garden. It’s the 30th of September, a significant day for podcasters around the world. “World Podcast Day”.
We have blue skies here, but it’s chilly, and Predrag (Tamara’s father), is busy cutting back the grass. We’re getting ready for autumn.
There are still some grapes to pick, possibly for some loza (grappa), but that’s a story for another day.
Today, podcasters globally share their stories, voices, and experiences, and I’m contributing my little piece from a rural village in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As we celebrate World Podcast Day, I encourage anyone thinking of starting a podcast or considering sharing their story in any form to take the leap.
The Passion of Podcasting
Podcasting has become my passion.
Over the years, it has evolved and significantly shaped how I share my experiences of living abroad, discovering new cultures, and navigating life after seventy.
It’s an incredible medium that gives voices to people like me who might otherwise lack a platform.
I started podcasting not just to be another tourist guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While it’s a breathtaking country filled with rich history and incredible food, I wanted to delve deeper through Coffee and Rakija. I aim to share the everyday life of living in the Balkans as a foreigner, complete with all its quirks, surprises, and connections.
The Power of Storytelling
Today, I want to talk about three things:
1. The power of storytelling in podcasting.
2. Why embracing the unfamiliar can be life-changing.
3. How podcasting can help us find meaning in even the smallest moments of our lives.
My podcast mirrors my life, a collection of moments, both big and small. Moments like moving to Bosnia over 22 years ago to the simple daily routines like walking around the village, waking up to church bells, and watching my neighbours go about their day.
These moments come together to form stories, and I believe that’s what podcasting is about. It offers a space to connect through stories, whether from busy cities or remote villages, with millions of listeners or just a few.
Embracing the Unfamiliar
One of my favourite parts of my podcast is introducing listeners to the rich cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From the street art in Banja Luka to the flavour of Ćevap in Sarajevo, or the tranquility of driving across the Krajina region.
Beyond that, I explore what it means to live here as someone who wasn’t born here: the language barriers, cultural differences, moments of confusion that turn into understanding.
Trust me, living in a different culture is an adventure with its challenges, especially now at my age.
But it’s the excitement of the unfamiliar that makes it worthwhile, and podcasting has given me a platform to share this adventure with those who feel like they are navigating unfamiliar territories in their personal lives, careers, or physical spaces.
Finding Meaning in Small Moments
Recently, in Coffee and Rakija, I’ve pivoted towards more narrative-style episodes, exploring life here in greater depth.
After years of podcasting, it was time for a change. To bring more stories, more personality, more of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s essence into each episode.
This change has brought me closer to my listeners, for which I am incredibly grateful.
It’s not just about telling my story but also those around me, from locals in Čardačani to fellow travellers and expats I meet along the way.
A Final Thought
Before wrapping up, I wanted to leave you with a final thought.
Podcasting has given me a new lens through which I view the world. At 71, I’ve seen a lot, trust me.
But the beauty of podcasting is that it allows me to keep learning, growing, and sharing, which I believe is something we should all embrace no matter where we are in life.
As we celebrate World Podcast Day, I encourage anyone thinking of starting a podcast or considering sharing their story in any form to take the leap.
You never know who might be listening or who you might inspire with your words.
Predrag is still working, and it’s really chilly now, so I’m heading back inside to warm up.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you’re tuning in from Bosnia, the UK, or somewhere else around the world, I’m grateful you’re here.
Until the next episode of Coffee and Rakija, here’s to many more stories shared over a cup of coffee, (or tea if you’re in the UK), and if you drink alcohol, perhaps a wee swig of whiskey or your drink of choice.
Your feedback means the world to me. I genuinely enjoy reading and responding to your comments, as it keeps the conversation alive. If you found this post valuable, hitting the 🧡 or sharing it helps it reach more readers. Thank you for your support!
📈 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
Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the Digital Magazine, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.
Tamara and I appreciate your faithful support, your comments, and your generosity!
Until next time.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
World Podcast Day 2024 from Northern Bosnia