The Toroks

Blowfish Media

From noble Hungarian roots to new beginnings in Australia, this podcast brings the Török family history to life. Journey through centuries of memoirs, migration, and memory as we uncover tales of courage, tradition, and identity. Hosted by the Török descendants, each episode dives into archived letters, historic events, and family legends — including the stories behind the royal grant of 1720 and connections to the legendary horse, Kincsem. Whether you're a history lover or part of the extended Török family, this podcast is your window into a legacy that still echoes today. www.torokbela.com

  1. “I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith.” Bela Torok's Epilogue

    6 FEB

    “I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith.” Bela Torok's Epilogue

    Béla Török’s Epilogue (Audio Book) Béla Antal Mária Török was a man whose life story reads like a testament to courage, resilience, love and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Born in Szeged, Hungary on 6 October 1914, Béla grew up in a family rooted deeply in history — descended from Hungarian heroes and shaped by the upheavals of a turbulent century. From his earliest days, he carried the weight of both personal heritage and times of change.  A gifted mind with a compassionate heart, he excelled in his studies, earning his doctorate in law summa c*m laude and becoming one of the youngest judges in his country. Yet, life did not spare him from the harsh realities of war. Called to serve on his 30th birthday, he and his young family found themselves swept far from home, enduring hardship and uncertainty in a world at war.  Despite the upheaval of those years, Béla’s spirit remained unbroken. After the war, he helped others through service with international relief efforts, and in 1949 he bravely set out with his loved ones to forge a new life in Australia — a land that became both refuge and opportunity. There, he worked tirelessly, first in migrant camps, then as an accountant and later as a respected barrister and solicitor. He built a life of purpose and integrity, always guided by his unwavering commitment to justice and community.  Béla was more than a scholar and a professional — he was a devoted husband and father, a cherished friend, and a storyteller at heart. He wrote with honesty and warmth, leaving behind reflections that capture not only his personal journey but also the spirit of an era. Through his life, we see the miracles of perseverance, the gift of love, and the profound impact one life can have on many.  As we now turn to his epilogue, may we feel the depth of his wisdom, the breadth of his experiences, and the warmth of a life fully lived — a legacy of courage that continues to inspire

    48 min
  2. My Father and My Mother

    17/12/2025

    My Father and My Mother

    In this biography episode from In the Mainstream of the XX Century – Living History, Béla Török continues his family story with two deeply personal chapters: “My Father and His Family” and “My Mother and Her Family.” These chapters trace the lives, fortunes, and character of two remarkable Hungarian families shaped by education, war, social change, and tradition. From Szeged’s rowing clubs and courtrooms to noble estates, universities, and the upheavals of the First World War, we hear how everyday life, personal responsibility, and family memory endured through extraordinary times. Through memoirs written late in life, we learn about ambition and hardship, loyalty and loss, and the quiet moments that define a family’s place in history. This is not a political account, but a human one — grounded in lived experience, preserved stories, and the passing of memory from one generation to the next. This episode follows the earlier chapters “The Foreword” and “My First Memories,” and continues the journey through a family shaped by the mainstream of the twentieth century. If you’re enjoying this biography, please follow the podcast, leave a comment, or share the episode — it helps others discover these stories.. And stay tuned for the next two chapters: “My Student Years” and “University Years.”

    27 min
  3. My First Memories — The Török Family Memoirs

    30/11/2025

    My First Memories — The Török Family Memoirs

    IN THE MAINSTREAM OF THE XX CENTURYLiving History Török Béla This episode begins our audio journey through The Török Family Memoirs, a personal and deeply thoughtful work written by Béla Török. His intention was simple yet powerful: to preserve the memories, values, and experiences that shaped his life so future generations would understand where they came from. Told with a gentle, audiobook-style narration, this episode brings those early pages to life with warmth and emotional depth. We open with the Foreword, where Béla explains why he felt compelled to write his memoirs. He reflects on the importance of memory, the responsibility of passing down family history, and the desire to leave a meaningful record for his children and grandchildren. This section sets the tone for the entire memoir, offering insight into Béla’s quiet strength, humility, and deep appreciation for the people and places that shaped him. The episode then explores Chapter One: My First Memories. Here, Béla takes us back to his earliest childhood impressions, describing the world as he first experienced it. These are not historical summaries or factual recitations, but sensory memories: the feeling of being small in a large and changing world, the atmosphere of his family home, the landscape outside the windows, and the early experiences that would leave lifelong marks. One of the most striking images he recalls is standing at a window and seeing an airship pass slowly across the sky. It is a moment that captures the wonder, innocence, and quiet excitement of childhood, and it becomes a symbolic starting point for the rest of his story. Through careful narration and a focus on emotion and reflection, this episode aims to honour the original spirit of Béla’s writing. Listeners are invited to step into his world, to see through his eyes, and to connect with a life shaped by heritage, curiosity, and the enduring value of remembering where we come from. Whether you are part of the extended Török family or simply someone who appreciates heartfelt personal histories, this episode offers a gentle and meaningful introduction to a memoir that carries both emotional honesty and generational significance. It is the first step in a series that will continue to follow Béla’s story across childhood, family, education, and the defining chapters of his life. https://youtu.be/1SzS0xKg6rA

    34 min
  4. Beyond Retirement: A Hungarian Life in 1980s Australia

    16/10/2025

    Beyond Retirement: A Hungarian Life in 1980s Australia

    The Eighties were an era of change: mandatory retirement, family celebrations, and global travel. From a long-established law practice in Australia, this memoir chronicles one man's "flexible secession" from work, his unexpected legal battle against a negligence suit, and his intellectual life as a Hungarian emigrant. Hear the reflections of a constitutional lawyer and anti-communist on the rise of the glasnost era, the complex politics of the Hungarian diaspora, and the joys and challenges of building a purposeful life far from home.

    35 min
  5. Turkish Subjugation, German Rule, Russian Occupation: A Solicitor's View of History

    09/10/2025

    Turkish Subjugation, German Rule, Russian Occupation: A Solicitor's View of History

    Join us for The Solicitor's Search, a unique blend of personal memoir, legal history, and geopolitical commentary, drawn from the experiences of a Hungarian emigrant lawyer in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we unpack the remarkable life chronicled between 1973–1981, beginning with the difficult decision to leave a successful Sydney law firm at age 60 to start an independent practice with his son in Burwood. Discover the challenges and triumphs of building a family business—from attracting his first Hungarian clients to navigating a mid-70s economic crisis involving high-interest loans and property disputes. But this isn't just a story of law and business; it's a profound look at identity and exile. We explore the author's parallel life as a historian, detailing the passion behind his self-published books, Turkish Dominium, German Rule, and Russian Occupation, and Hungary and Europe. Listen as he recounts the intellectual and political struggles of the Hungarian diaspora, including his meeting with Cardinal József Mindszenty and the controversies his historical philosophy stirred. Finally, dive into the drama of the "Minister" case, a high-stakes, semi-political legal battle that shook the Fraser government in Australia and led to a series of unsettling break-ins at his law office. This podcast explores how one man successfully balanced family, faith, a thriving legal career, and a lifelong commitment to the history and future of his homeland.

    39 min
  6. Under 14A Cricket Rules 2025-26

    03/10/2025

    Under 14A Cricket Rules 2025-26

    The source provides the complete regulations for the Sunshine Coast Cricket Association Inc.'s Under 14A competition for the 2025-26 season. It details crucial rules for both one-day and two-day fixtures, including game timing, specific ball requirements, and mandated protective equipment. Key playing conditions are outlined, such as the maximum overs allowed per bowler, rules governing player retirement based on balls faced, and the criteria for enforcing a follow-on. Furthermore, the document specifies the complex points system for various match outcomes (including wins, ties, and forfeits), and lays out the procedures and hours of play for the Finals series.

    17 min
  7. The Barrister's Journey: From Budapest to the Bar

    02/10/2025

    The Barrister's Journey: From Budapest to the Bar

    Join us for The Barrister's Journey, an intimate look into the remarkable life of a Hungarian émigré forging a new career in Australian law in the late 1960s. Hear how this aspiring solicitor navigated the intricacies of a divided legal profession, overcame the challenges of language and age, and balanced a demanding practice with the financial pressures of building a life abroad. This episode recounts a pivotal 1967 journey—a long-service leave spent circling the globe, reuniting with family after decades of exile, and reflecting on the tragic history and enduring spirit of the Hungarian community. It's a story of resilience, legal ambition, and the deep, complex ties of heritage.

    30 min
  8. Bela's Business Life 1957-1967

    01/09/2025

    Bela's Business Life 1957-1967

    This podcast chapter offers a personal account of an Hungarian émigré's life in Australia between 1957 and 1967, chronicling his family's adaptation and his efforts to integrate while preserving Hungarian identity. The author details their reluctant but eventual acceptance of Australian citizenship, the challenges they faced in securing professional work despite qualifications, and their involvement in establishing Hungarian community institutions like a football club, nursing home, and cemetery. A significant portion highlights the internal struggles and divisions within the Hungarian diaspora, particularly concerning assimilation versus cultural preservation, and features a powerful speech reflecting on the enduring patriotic duty and sacrifices of exiles.

    38 min
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About

From noble Hungarian roots to new beginnings in Australia, this podcast brings the Török family history to life. Journey through centuries of memoirs, migration, and memory as we uncover tales of courage, tradition, and identity. Hosted by the Török descendants, each episode dives into archived letters, historic events, and family legends — including the stories behind the royal grant of 1720 and connections to the legendary horse, Kincsem. Whether you're a history lover or part of the extended Török family, this podcast is your window into a legacy that still echoes today. www.torokbela.com

Information

  • Creator
    Blowfish Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Blowfish Media
  • Show Website
    The Toroks