Pole-ish

Peter MacLeod / John Nett

Two expats. Two cities. Two perspectives. Peter, a Brit living in Warsaw, and John, an American based in Kraków, dive into the hilarious, always confusing and often eye-opening reality of building a new life in a foreign country.              From navigating Polish bureaucracy, learning a new language, dating, renting, and understanding cultural differences, to deeper conversations about immigration, integration, politics and money... no topic is off-limits.           Using humour (humor!), honesty and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, they compare British and American viewpoints as they try to make sense of modern life in Central Europe. Along the way, they share real stories, practical tips, and introduce some very special guests in order to bring them greater context to their new lives.  Whether you live or plan to live as an expat in Poland or elsewhere, want to improve your English or Polish, or are just curious how two foreigners survive everyday life in an alien environment, welcome to the adventure!   New episodes every Monday.           

  1. 27 APR

    No Means Yes

    This week on Pole-ish, we prove once again that you don’t need a wild night out for things to descend into mild chaos. Fresh(-ish) from a wholesome Kraków meetup, we recap an evening that featured cherry liqueur, questionable coordination, zapiekanka incidents, and - because it’s Poland in April - a surprise midnight snowfall. Rock and roll. There’s also a global reality check as we discover our listeners are popping up everywhere from Vietnam to Oman (still not France… awkward), plus a deep dive into the perfect hangover cure: a full English breakfast in the middle of Kraków. Along the way, we stumble into a hidden church, accidentally unpack a deeply disturbing Greek myth, and question some life choices. In this episode: ·       A surprisingly civilised “big night out” 🍻 ·       Polish wines and why you should give them a chance 🍷 ·       The unpredictable reactions to speaking Polish as a foreigner 🗣️ ·       The return of 3 in 10 (with Ipswich under pressure) ⏱️ ·       Oscypek appreciation hour 🧀 ·       And why the Polish word “no” absolutely does not mean what you think it means 🤦‍♂️ We wrap up with a nod to Majówka and Poland’s triple celebration season - so if you’re listening with a beer in hand, you’re doing it right. As always, we’re not Polish… We’re Pole-ish. -- Read our blog: www.pole-ish.eu Write to us: peter@pole-ish.eu Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. Cherry Liqueur bar: https://pianavyshnia.com/ Scandale Royale: https://scandale.pl/ Pasaż 13: https://www.myguidekrakow.com/shopping/pasaz-13 Legend of Procne: https://www.greeklegendsandmyths.com/procne.html Hoopoe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe# Polska Rada Winiarswa (Polish Wine Council): https://zpprw.pl/en/# British 'champagne': https://tinyurl.com/ycd8zj64 Oscypek cheese: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscypek Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

    42 min
  2. 20 APR

    Two Mates, Three Beers, No Plan…

    Our two Pole-ish buddies finally record an episode in the same room. In this very special (and somewhat disorganised) episode, Peter & John record together in Kraków with no script, no plan, but absolutely no shortage of beer. They swap stories of Poland past and present (including propeller planes into a snowy Balice), debate why Kraków might just be the perfect-sized city, and attempt to separate fact from fiction - with mixed success - on everything from wolves to bar & café density. Along the way: The truth about Kraków vs WarsawA near-wolf encounter in the mountainsMuseums you should visit… and one you probably shouldn’tThe legend of the Hejnał trumpetA fridge inspection that gets surprisingly emotionalAnd a competitive “3 in 10” that tests John’s home knowledgeIt’s messy, it’s meandering, and it’s probably our most Pole-ish episode yet. Na zdrowie 🍺 PS Sorry for the dodgy sound quality in places – we’re still quite new to the game, and clearly haven’t mastered how to share a microphone. Normal service will be resumed next week. -- Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu Write to us: peter@pole-ish.eu Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. Hejnał: https://mariacki.com/hejnal/ Rynek Underground Museum: https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/rynek-underground Kraków Stained Glass Museum: https://muzeumwitrazu.pl/ Kraków Wax Museum: https://www.poloniawaxmuseum.com/ Grey Wolf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

    40 min
  3. 9 APR ·  BONUS

    My Pole-ish Podcast – Part II

    In this special bonus Thursday episode of Pole-ish, we bring you the second part of our interview with Raf Uzar – yes, that’s him off the wonderful My English Podcast. Today, Raf takes us on a journey across Poland, and down into Slovakia, eating and drinking along the way, as well as going way waaaay back as he regales us with tales from his early days as a young man in Łódz and his extraordinary interface there with the local police. Derby County fans in particular sit back and enjoy, as you’re in for a treat! Plus: Raf fails to do his ‘FIVE BIG QUESTIONS’ homework, but still manages to style it out spectacularly. If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, learning neither, a fan or Raf (you will be after listening), or just curious about Poland and what makes it so distinctive, then jump right in! -- Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu Write to us: peter@pole-ish.eu Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465f My English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkw My English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086 Iława: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%C5%82awa Jaś i Małgosia (kotlety on bigos): https://klubjasimalgosia.pl/ Wena by Kaliber 44: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W9CRNHamRFzaoqgQLLPE0?si=d4f90a21d27e42ab Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

    31 min
  4. 6 APR

    My Pole-ish Podcast – Part I

    In this episode of Pole-ish, we’re joined by Warsaw-based communicator, broadcaster and storyteller Raf Uzar – one of the exquisite voices behind My English Podcast and a passionate observer of Poland’s place in the world. From learning Polish to unpacking cultural differences, communication styles, and Poland’s evolving global image, this conversation dives into what it really means to live between cultures. Raf shares his journey from the UK to Poland, his background in linguistics and media, and why authenticity and language matter more than ever. We explore: Poland’s international reputation and how it’s changingCommunication styles across cultures (Poland vs UK vs US vs Japan)Language learning, pronunciation, and expat life in PolandStereotypes, history, and the narratives shaping modern PolandWhy being genuine might be the ultimate cross-cultural skillPlus: Easter traditions, highly controversial takes on Italian food, and Peter drops a massive Polish language bomb. If you’re an expat in Poland, learning Polish, learning English, or just curious about Polish culture, communication, and identity - this one’s for you. Part two of our chat with Raf drops in a bonus episode this Thursday! -- Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu Write to us: peter@pole-ish.eu Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. My English Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/3CnRA9vkzYcyEUCCJMW1wu?si=3decae7f20ba465f My English Podcast (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLIiT3cVePNxwurQj1oYkw My English Podcast (Apple): podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-english-podcast/id1791442086 State Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language: https://certyfikatpolski.pl/en/ Wedel Chocolate: https://wedel.com/ Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

    57 min
  5. 30 MAR

    Finding Your Tribe

    What does it really take to feel at home in a new country? In this episode of Pole-ish, hosts Peter MacLeod and Johnathan Nett explore expat life in Poland through the lens of community, culture, and music. Peter sits down with Luiza Chrzanowska — coach, expat, and founder of Warsaw’s international choir Choir in Action — to discuss how singing brings people together across languages and backgrounds. From living in Poland as an expat to navigating identity, multiculturalism, and integration, this episode dives into the challenges and rewards of building a life abroad. Discover how music, friendship, and shared experiences can help you find your tribe in Poland. Plus: A quick-fire 3 in 10 on Polish BBQ traditionsInsights into Polish culture, language, and community lifeReflections on expat identity and belonging🎶 Whether you’re an expat in Poland, planning to move, or simply curious about Polish life, this episode hits all the right notes. -- Read our blog: www.Pole-ish.eu Write to us: peter@pole-ish.eu Follow our socials: search for ‘Pole-ish Podcast’ on BlueSky, Xwitter, YouTube and Facebook. Choir In Action (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5s3M0qzv0WJfWTrNdh8IFA Choir In Action (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ChoirINACTION# Choir In Action (Patronite): https://patronite.pl/chorwakcji Oscypek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscypek Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c

    52 min

About

Two expats. Two cities. Two perspectives. Peter, a Brit living in Warsaw, and John, an American based in Kraków, dive into the hilarious, always confusing and often eye-opening reality of building a new life in a foreign country.              From navigating Polish bureaucracy, learning a new language, dating, renting, and understanding cultural differences, to deeper conversations about immigration, integration, politics and money... no topic is off-limits.           Using humour (humor!), honesty and a healthy dose of self-deprecation, they compare British and American viewpoints as they try to make sense of modern life in Central Europe. Along the way, they share real stories, practical tips, and introduce some very special guests in order to bring them greater context to their new lives.  Whether you live or plan to live as an expat in Poland or elsewhere, want to improve your English or Polish, or are just curious how two foreigners survive everyday life in an alien environment, welcome to the adventure!   New episodes every Monday.