Borsch Club

Olya Viazenko

Immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture and stories! From traditions and history to modern life, this show is your ultimate ticket to all things Ukraine. Hosted by Olya Viazenko.

  1. 4D AGO

    35 - Chornobyl: 40 Years, Ongoing Consequences

    Forty years after the Chernobyl disaster, we revisit one of the world’s most devastating nuclear events — and ask what has truly changed. With Chornobyl expert Kateryna Aslamova, we explore how the disaster still shapes our understanding of nuclear risk, why its lessons remain unresolved, and why this story continues to matter globally, even far from Ukraine. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  2. APR 7

    34 - New Zealand + Ukraine = Love

    In this episode, we speak with Chris and Maria Jose — a couple whose lives and love connect New Zealand and Ukraine. Chris shares his experience of discovering Ukraine, living there, and seeing the country beyond stereotypes, while Maria reflects on what it means to leave home and start again in a new place. Together, they talk about culture, cuisine, identity, and what stays with you when your life is shaped by two very different worlds. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  3. MAR 24

    33 - Ambassador’s Visit to Dunedin

    This episode captures a special visit by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, to Dunedin. During his visit, Olena Grubb was officially appointed as Honorary Consul of Ukraine. The Ambassador also recognised the local Dunedin community, united in support of Ukraine, for its ongoing efforts. You’ll hear the atmosphere of the event at the Dunedin Club, along with the Ambassador’s powerful speech. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  4. MAR 10

    32 - Daughters of Donbas - Songs of Stolen Children

    In this episode of Borsch Club, we speak with members of the international human-rights music project Daughters of Donbas – Songs of Stolen Children. Ukrainian-Canadian artist Marichka and her colleagues share how music is being used to draw global attention to Ukrainian children abducted by russia. We discuss the stories behind the project, the role of art in documenting war crimes, and their upcoming performance in Auckland. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  5. FEB 24

    31 - Standing for Freedom: Ukraine

    On 24 February, we mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine — and twelve years since the war began. In this episode, we reflect on the human cost, the destruction of cities, and why this war is about more than territory. We speak with Yevhenii Kolisnyk, the newly elected Chair of the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand (South), about the role of the community in Aotearoa. We also begin introducing remarkable Ukrainians in New Zealand — skilled, talented professionals whose work strengthens both our community and Ukraine. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  6. FEB 10

    30 - Ukraine's Kitchen: Heart & Humour

    This episode dives deep into the heart of Ukrainian cuisine with host Olya Viazenko and guest co-host Olena Grubb. From borshch's ruby-red magic and "moving" fresh salo to varenyky, deruny, holubtsi, syrnyky, fermented favourites, and generous family rituals, they explore soulful recipes, history, regional twists, and why food is Ukraine's ultimate love language. A relaxed kitchen-table chat full of warmth, humour, and tasty insights – perfect for making you hungry! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  7. JAN 27

    29 - Warmth for Ukrainians, Made in NZ

    In this special episode of Borsch Club, I travel to Christchurch to meet Hugh Douglas, Managing Director of Weft Knitting Company. Over the past 4 years, the factory has supplied thousands of NZ-made merino thermals to Ukrainian soldiers, helping them survive extreme cold on the front line. This episode explores practical support, quiet solidarity, and how real help travels almost 18,000 kilometres from New Zealand to Ukraine. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min

  8. JAN 13

    28 - War, Power, and Global Consequences

    In this second part of our conversation with Kyrylo Kutcher, author of Z Empire Unmasked, we go deeper into the historical and ideological roots of Russia’s war against Ukraine. We discuss the early 20th century, the Holodomor, information warfare, and why historical erasure shapes how the war is understood today. Kyrylo also reflects on personal testimonies from the war and what this conflict reveals about the future of global security. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz and made thanks to the support of NZ on Air.

    26 min
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About

Immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture and stories! From traditions and history to modern life, this show is your ultimate ticket to all things Ukraine. Hosted by Olya Viazenko.

Information

  • Creator
    Olya Viazenko
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C)Otago Access Radio
  • Show Website
    Borsch Club