bohemican

On the first episode of our special Bohemican Podcast series called Czechs in the Great War, we will set the table with the numerous events and conditions that led to the outbreak of World War One. The Czech people are caught in the middle of the conflict and have to choose a side. Some stay loyal to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire while others fight alongside the Russians, the British, or in the French Foreign Legion. The winds of war approach and there is no turning back.

November 17, 1989 marks an important benchmark in Czech history. On this day a peaceful student protest in Prague ended in riot police suppression. By week's end some 500,000 people filled the streets to oppose the Communist status quo. The Velvet Revolution ended the Socialist Republic and ushered in the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic in 1990.

This is the original "International Man of Mystery". He is the most famous Czech in history for accomplishments ranging from discovering the North Pole to inventing the telephone. Many believe this famous man of the late 19th century helped shape the 20th century through his inspired yet overshadowed accomplishments. Plays, books, and several film adaptations have kept his memory alive for over one hundred years. Not too bad for a man that never existed. We will do our best to piece together the semi-factual fragments of Chimrman's life and present this legend that is little known to outsider yet revered by the Czech people. The man...the myth...the legend of Jara Chimrman.

The late 1960’s was a time of social and political upheaval around the world and Prague was no exception. In 1968, the Czechoslovakian people were pushing for more openness with the West and the concept of “Socialism with a face” was in vogue. With the election of reformist Secretary Alexander Dubcek, Moscow had enough and ordered Warsaw Pact forces into Czechoslovakia. All reforms were suspended but the flame of freedom would not perish. The self-immolation of college student Jan Palach in January of 1969 and his death several days later would resonate across the globe.

Jan Hus was a Czech priest and philosopher and was known to be the first church reformer of the early 15th century. His viewpoint on the Catholic Church and her priests sparked a backlash that led to his excommunication and later execution in 1419. The followers of Jan Hus took up arms in his memory and helped to usher in the Thirty Years War. We will examine the life of Jan Hus and the aftermath that ensued; the Hussite War.

Sokol (Falcon in English) is a people's movement that began in the 19th century in the Czech lands. With it's athletic foundation centered around gymnastics, Sokol's patriotic ideals helped to establish a revival of the "Czech Identity". Membership soared in the early 20th century as the first Republic of Czechoslovakia took hold. Our podcast focuses upon the unique bond Sokol had on the Czech revival of the past and the role Sokol plays even today.

In our first "Destination Special Edition" episode, we will take a tour of beautiful Cesky Krumlov in Southern Bohemia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a favorite destination for foreign travelers and we will bring you first hand insight to the top spots in this historic town.

His historical name was Jan Velflín from Pomuku. Most know him as Saint Jan of Nepomuk, the martyred archbishop that was thrown to his death over Prague's Charles Bridge in 1393. We will examine this 14th century Czech martyr and the various legends attributed to the motivations of his murder. Was he murdered because he was protecting the sanctity of the confessional or was he marked for death because he backed the wrong Pope? We will examine the many angles of this story on this edition of the Bohemican Podcast.

This Bohemian Prince was murdered before taking the throne yet his dedication to his faith and to his people solidified his place atop all Czech historical figures. On this episode of the Bohemican Podcast, we will examine his short life, conversion to the Christian faith, his murder, and his influence upon the Czech people for nearly 1000 years. This is the story of St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia.

The Knights Templar have roots across Europe and here in Bohemia. Before their disbanding and punishment inflicted by the Holy Church, the Knights Templar had a foothold in Prague. On this episode, we will walk through Prague and point out what remains of this order and the legends that refuse to die out.

The Czech people have been greatly influenced by their European neighbors through the centuries. Many speculate that these influences have colored and shaped their viewpoint on the world around them. Foreign political pressures have, at times, isolated the Czech people from foreign contact and cultural exchange. In the 21st Century, the Czech people continue to struggle with age-old rivalries and exposure to a variety of new challenges on the world stage.

The history of the Jewish people in Prague is one of triumph and heartbreak, setbacks and survival. Long an integral part of the citizenry of Prague, the Jewish community adapted to various regal mandates and survived horrible medieval pogroms. Rabbi Loew's 16th century leadership and faith inspired succeeding generations and a mythical man of clay was said to protect the innocent of Prague. Throughout the dark days of medieval justice and a 20th century holocaust, the Jews of Prague persevered. Join us for a look into the history of Jewish Prague.

My co-host, Travis Dow, from the History of Alchemy Podcasts, details his adventure speaking Yiddish in the Ukraine and ignorantly overcoming Transnistrian separatists in Moldova. This interview will highlight some of the differences between Central and Eastern Europe, or even "former Warsaw Pact" and "former Soviet Union". This is an interesting and cautionary tale for those adventurers backpacking across Europe. Gather 'round children. It's story time.

St. Adalbert of Prague was a 10th century Benedictine monk, Bishop, and martyr. His influence on converting the Central European people to Christianity made him a true missionary of the Word. We will follow this Patron Saint of Poland and Hungary along his journey from Prague to Rome and throughout Central Europe culminating in his death at the hands of Prussian pagans in 997 A.D.

Na Zdraví!!! Beer production in Bohemia has a long tradition and several large contributions to the beer drinking world. We will explain the history of Pislner Pivo, talk of the process, and take a "field trip" to a local Prague pub for a first hand account of enjoying this Pivo Paradise.