Rīga's pre-fabricated apartment blocks built during the Soviet occupation represent a significant urban planning project. The 13 microdistricts on the city outskirts were not merely housing solutions but comprehensive attempts to create new forms of socialist urban living. Join me as we delve into the history of these microdistricts, find out what it was like to live there during the Soviet era, and take a walk around present-day Imanta, where I live.

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Miķeļdiena is Latvia’s ancient harvest festival, full of folklore tales like the Jumis deity-catching ceremony and the spirit world of Veļu laiks, when ancestors walk among the living. In this episode, we explore traditions and how Miķeļdiena is celebrated in modern-day Latvia.

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This is the story of a town founded by the owners of a paper mill 200 years ago, who built a thriving community for their workers before profits. It is also about 333 caves dug by people, as well as a secret Soviet command centre bunker built underneath the town. And the most famous bear in Latvia. Welcome to Līgatne!

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The RAF Latvija was a Soviet-era minibus. Externally, it looks remarkably similar to the iconic Volkswagen Type 2 van. The story of its production offers us an insight into manufacturing during the Soviet era. The Latvija became a symbol of communal mobility, serving as a marshrutka - a minibus on a set route, or used as an unofficial taxi, and its drivers and passengers share many poignant experiences. Join me and jump aboard a Latvija minibus.

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Latvia is a country of beer brewing and drinking. It has a rich history of beer-related tales, dating back to medieval times, through the economic development of Latvia by German nobility, and then the dark times under Soviet occupation. Latvia now boasts a vibrant craft beer brewing scene, with over 300 different craft beers available in Rīga alone. Join me as we go on a beer tour of Latvia!

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Sigulda is a medieval town in Latvia that has been named the “Switzerland of Vidzeme”. It boasts a rich historical tapestry, blending medieval history, romantic legends, and natural beauty. Sigulda features a triangle of three castles, all strategically positioned to face each other. We tell the tragic medieval romance story of the Rose of Turaida. We also tell the tale of the Sphinx ghost who looks over the bobsleigh track.

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Latvia has a remarkably long coastline for its size. Therefore, seafaring, fishing and eating fish are important parts of Latvian life and culture. We step back in time and discover the history of Latvia’s fishing industry, with many good tales. We will also taste some typical Latvian fish, mostly smoked in the way Latvians love it, which the EU now wants to ban. I will suggest a fish driving tour along the Bay of Riga coast from Jūrmala up to Kolka and then down the Baltic Sea coast to Mazirbe, where fishing boats came to die. Join me as we get stuck into some tasty fish!

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One of Europe's most extraordinary baroque palaces is just 80 kilometres south of Rīga. Rundāle Palace, often referred to as the "Versailles of Latvia", represents more than architectural grandeur, as it embodies a fascinating story of political intrigue, artistic brilliance, and unwavering determination. The palace is deeply connected to one man: Ernst Johann von Biron. Join me as we explore the palace and the life of this remarkable man.

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