Advertise on podcast: Nasha Kasha

This is the final episode of Nasha Kasha.  The program began with and interview about Russia’s invasion of Crimea.  Today, I sign off with Russia again invading Ukraine.  The program explores what it means to be Ukrainian for our listeners.  Thank you to all of our 18 radio stations for hosting this journalist’s work over the past six years.  Stay well and good and wise everyone.         

  I’d like to give you a glimpse of the stumbles, lessons and joys I’ve experienced presenting stories.  This is my notebook, and it is my second to last show.

 I plan to present two more shows after this episode, as we are approaching our final Nasha Kasha.  Having reported almost 300 stories about Ukrainian life, I want to share one that I have grown up with. Actually, I'm in it at the end.  It is no more remarkable than yours' I am sure. Still it gives me a sense of completion, and in words and music, I do hope that you enjoy it. Dedicated to those who came before us.

When Nasha Kasha first aired in the spring of 2016, Crimea already had been occupied by Russia for two years. Also a Russian supported proxy army was wreaking havoc in Eastern Ukraine.  Six years later, the spectre of an all out war looms.

Both are educators, both were school principals.  He at St Andrew’s College at the University of Manitoba.  She at a Winnipeg inner city school.  The Yereniuks exemplify community service and family bonds.  And I am pleased to feature them on Nasha Kasha this week.

28 little stories in 28 minutes.  That is this week’s assignment at Nasha Kasha- a Ukrainian Almanac.  And it’s all about the music we've played over the past six years.  .

Neighbourhood roads, the traffic signs and lights we obey; housing, economic and community development; parks, fire and police services. All are up to local government to manage.  Today, Nasha Kasha meets a man, who helps many municipalities make sense of it all.

 Doug Sulipa is among the 3 top comic book sellers in Canada. He operates his business from a rural Manitoba town of 16,000. His advice to any would-be collectors? Buy what you yourself would enjoy reading.  He advises- pursue life, love and once in a while, be prepared to "marvel".  

One Winnipeg choir took the name of an ancient instrument.  Another the name of an accomplished composer and choral conductor.  As 2022 opens, Nasha Kasha brings us the story of Ukrainian Christmas with two choruses, who give it voice. 

This week, with best wishes for the holidays, we present Nasha Kasha’s Christmas week story:  Baba's House.

Plagiarism, denial, even murder.  Our Nasha Kasha story begins with bells, and it concludes with one of the world’s most endearing Christmas carols.

Norilsk, Russia, north of the Arctic Circle holds the largest known nickel, copper ad palladium reserves in the world.  It is also one of earth's biggest polluters.  Norilsk was built by forced labour, through bouts of starvation and an ever-present intense cold.  Still for one Montreal singer-songwriter, it is still home.