AK Compass Podcast

Ágnes Gárdonyi and Karolina Czako
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Discover new horizons with the AK Compass! Hosted by sustainability expert Karolina Czako and journalist Ágnes Gárdonyi, this podcast brings you inspiring journeys, global stories and lively conversations about travel and sustainability. Tune in for interviews with experts, travelers and changemakers sharing their experiences from all around the world. Whether you love exploring or want to learn about living sustainably, the AK Compass is your guide to a more connected, mindful journey. Photo:esztevien © 2025 Karolina Czako & Ágnes Gárdonyi. All rights reserved for AK Compass Podcast content.

  1. Summer Miniseries: Exploring New Places Without Fear – Great Tips for Safe Travels

    4d ago

    Summer Miniseries: Exploring New Places Without Fear – Great Tips for Safe Travels

    Welcome to the Summer Miniseries of the AK Compass Podcast! During the summer season, we’ll share short, to-the-point episodes on various travel and sustainability topics. In this episode, Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi share practical tips for traveling safely and confidently, whether you’re heading to Europe or exploring a developing country.  Two horror stories kick off this episode: the man who got into the hotel room, and the man who almost got in. These real-life incidents set the stage for many things, we'll talk about when it comes to safe travel.  Karolina compares safety considerations in different types of accommodation, from hotels with keycards to apartments, and shares clever low-tech safety tricks using everyday items like dress hangers and glass cups. She also recommends lockable bags and explains why traveling alone means taking on a different level of responsibility, with no one else to rely on except the authorities. We also talk about how research is key to planning a safe trip, how to choose secure accommodation, and how to avoid common scams before they happen or as they happen. The conversation also covers what to pay attention to on the spot: staying aware of your surroundings, learning to say no, and being confident rather than always trying to be nice can make a big difference. Knowing a few words of the local language, and understanding when it’s best not to have your phone out or even check a map in public, can also help you blend in as much as possible and avoid becoming a target. For solo female travelers especially, drinking responsibly, choosing transport carefully, and avoiding unnecessary risks at night are key. Finally, Ágnes makes an important point about not depending too much on digital devices, and why it’s smart to print out the most important information before you go. If you like this short miniseries format, please subscribe and leave a like or comment!

    13 min
  2. Harbin: A City Off the Beaten Path

    May 26

    Harbin: A City Off the Beaten Path

    In this episode of the AK Compass Podcast, Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi talk about Harbin, a city off the beaten path. Karolina looks back on her visit from almost 20 years ago and shares why this lesser-known Chinese city, with its Russian and Chinese influences and famous ice and snow festival, left such a lasting impression on her. They discuss what made Harbin feel so different from other cities in China at the time, from the intense attention Karolina received as a white European woman to the culture shock of highly specialized jobs, six-day workweeks, and everyday life there. The conversation also touches on the locals’ surprise when meeting European visitors in Harbin, the importance of having great local tour guides, and the challenges of traveling in a place that could feel unfamiliar in many ways. Karolina also shares experiences about the good and the bad. These include hotel overpricing, restaurants limiting foreigners to the most expensive dishes, and food that was sometimes almost too fresh, including live fish shown before it was prepared. Among the highlights of the trip were Sun Island and the Temple of Bliss. She also shares her visit to a big cat nature reserve where the animals roam freely, along with a funny story from there. The episode also reflects on safety in a broader sense, including unwanted attention, inappropriate comments, and scams on the streets and also how guides help to protect visitors from these situations. Karolina closes with practical tips for travelers, while the episode also notes how much Harbin has changed since then, becoming more modern and developing into a technological hub.

    27 min
  3. Race to Net Zero – Business, Leadership and the Future of the World

    May 12

    Race to Net Zero – Business, Leadership and the Future of the World

    In the new AK Compass Podcast episode, Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi talk with Irén Márta, Managing Director of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary, about her journey into sustainability leadership, the Race to Zero campaign, and how companies can stay committed to net zero and circular economy goals beyond compliance. We also touch on global examples from Costa Rica to China, and why Irén remains cautiously optimistic that even if we do not reach all our goals, we have already avoided the worst outcomes and must keep aiming higher. Net zero targets are everywhere, but what does it really take for businesses to move from ambition to action?

    33 min
  4. Trieste & Slovenia: Beautiful Destinations, Patchy Infrastructure

    Apr 28

    Trieste & Slovenia: Beautiful Destinations, Patchy Infrastructure

    In this episode, Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi talk about Karolina’s experience visiting Trieste as a multi-day destination, not just a one‑day stopover. She highlights the city’s seaside atmosphere, historic center, Roman ruins, Roman Theatre, and Miramare Castle by the sea perfect for a relaxed day trip or half‑day outing. She also explains how easy it is to add Slovenia into the mix: Ljubljana, Predjama Castle, Postojna Cave, and Lake Bled can all work as day trips or short stays from a Trieste base. At the same time, she points out infrastructure issues in the region: limited and often overpriced nighttime transport from the airport, plus cross‑border connections into Slovenia that can feel fragmented or infrequent. For a smoother trip, she suggests treating Trieste as a base, planning transport in advance, allowing extra time for connections, and avoiding the temptation to rush everything into a single day. This city and the region are  truly multicultural and special, best explored over several days.

    23 min
  5. Indonesia at a Crossroads: Faith, Sustainability, and Visitor Impact

    Apr 14

    Indonesia at a Crossroads: Faith, Sustainability, and Visitor Impact

    In this episode of the AK Compass Podcast, hosts Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi welcome Ifan Mahdiyat Sofiana, Minister Counsellor at the Indonesian Embassy in Budapest, to explore sustainable and culturally respectful tourism in Indonesia. With over 20 years of diplomatic experience, he shares insights into Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, religious etiquette, and responsible travel practices. Learn how to engage respectfully with local communities, understand traditions like the use of beautiful batik, and discover lesser-known facts about the country. We discuss overtourism in destinations like Bali, highlight under-visited islands worth exploring, and share practical tips on eco-friendly travel, conservation, volunteering possibilities and protecting Indonesia’s natural environment. The episode also covers travel safety, including advice for solo female travelers and how to avoid common scams.

    36 min
  6. London Living: From Commutes to Culture

    Mar 31

    London Living: From Commutes to Culture

    In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into living in London as a global multicultural hub – not just visiting as a tourist, but truly experiencing pre-Brexit London as a student expat. Karolina Czako shares her authentic story of immersing in the city's fast-paced, crowded megacity life, from student life in London and UK university education to navigating its vibrant mix of arts, business, and international influences. Discover how London shaped her mindset through hands-on, practical education, where the city itself served as a living classroom, blending liberal arts benefits with specialized studies alongside top professionals. She covers daily life in London, like coping with long commutes via reading, building habits like switching to tea, and London safety tips for women amid common city scams. With humorous takes on British culture, plus serious reflections on urban living challenges, social issues, environmental sustainability, and what it takes to belong in a global city like London. Perfect for fans of study abroad experiences, expat stories, city living tips, and sustainable travel insights – tune in to rethink how you connect with London and beyond!

    34 min
  7. Smart Mobility for Smarter Cities

    Mar 17

    Smart Mobility for Smarter Cities

    In this episode, Karolina Czako and Ágnes Gárdonyi interview Gábor Heves, an expert in sustainable urban development and mobility who has spent many years working at the intersection of environmental policy, cities, and transport. After a long career at the Regional Environmental Center (REC), he shares his expertise on sustainable urban development, focusing on practical solutions that help cities and regions move toward low-carbon mobility. Our conversation explores how the way we move - within and between cities - can shape climate outcomes and everyday quality of life. Gábor Heves shares insights on sustainable mobility, from reducing transport emissions to designing cities where walking, cycling, and public transport become the easiest choices, illustrated through real-life examples. We discuss how AI and data-driven technologies can make transport systems more efficient and help reduce urban CO₂ emissions. The conversation explores how cities can encourage multimodal travel - combining walking, cycling, buses, and trains—as an alternative to relying on private cars. Gábor Heves also reflects on the future of mobility, comparing private car ownership with car-sharing and highlighting how better connections between transport modes can make sustainable travel the natural choice. We also look at innovations in intercity transport and discuss what influences people - including higher-income residents - to use public transport in cities with well-developed systems.

    23 min
  8. Magical Madeira: A Small Piece of Paradise

    Mar 3

    Magical Madeira: A Small Piece of Paradise

    Karolina Czako unveils Madeira’s irresistible allure – from the heart-pounding landing at Funchal Airport to serene levada walks through misty forests and blooming valleys. Imagine gliding up the Funchal-Monte Cable Car above terracotta rooftops to the exotic gardens of Monte Palace Madeira, then wandering the vibrant Zona Velha where the Art of Open Doors murals breathe new life into historic streets. Savor fresh limpets, indulgent bolo do mel honey cake, the unique Monstera deliciosa (pineapple banana), and island classics like poncha or Madeira wine. Discover the island through fun, well-organized local guided tours that showcase Portugal’s green Atlantic paradise — safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. 🎧 Tune in to explore why Madeira captivates with its blend of adventure, sustainability, and authentic island hospitality — all in a one-week journey.

    31 min
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About

Discover new horizons with the AK Compass! Hosted by sustainability expert Karolina Czako and journalist Ágnes Gárdonyi, this podcast brings you inspiring journeys, global stories and lively conversations about travel and sustainability. Tune in for interviews with experts, travelers and changemakers sharing their experiences from all around the world. Whether you love exploring or want to learn about living sustainably, the AK Compass is your guide to a more connected, mindful journey. Photo:esztevien © 2025 Karolina Czako & Ágnes Gárdonyi. All rights reserved for AK Compass Podcast content.

Information

  • Creator
    Ágnes Gárdonyi and Karolina Czako
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ágnes Gárdonyi and Karolina Czako
  • Show Website
    AK Compass Podcast