The Cleveland Ukraine Podcast

Taisa Kulyk, a wonderfully talented banduristka and vocalist, joins the show to highlight the Women's Bandura Ensemble of North America's upcoming spring concert series, Songs from Near and Far. Taisa shares the important history of the bandura, her advocacy work, and discusses and why protecting the sounds and culture of Ukraine is more important than ever before.

Accomplished Ukrainian journalist Natalia Yermak shares her story of surviving the first few days of the full scale invasion, writing for The New York Times, and sharing the untold stories of bravery, perseverance and fortitude of Ukrainians with The Kyiv Independent.

Yakov Gradinar, co-founder of Protez Foundation, describes his innovative work as a certified prosthetist, orthotist and chief medical officer. Gradinar shares inspirational stories of rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers supported with prosthetics from Protez and advocates that a strong, free Ukraine only serves to better the world.

Inna Taylor, owner of Great Awakening Coffee House and non-profit Changing the World, shares her immigration story with us, describes the process of starting her own coffee shop with her husband, highlights how her non-profit stepped up to help Ukrainians, and advocates to Americans to continue to support Ukraine now more than ever.

In a show of unity and support for Ukraine, over 700 Americans attended the "Rally for Freedom" at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma, OH. With key speakers including Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, State Representative Sean Brennan and Cleveland Maidan Association president Taras Mahlay, it was an unforgettable and inspirational event.

I reflect on three years of war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian-American relationship, and discuss the most important thing we have: each other.

Ukrainian director Liubomyr Levytskyi highlights the filming of his new hit film "We Were Recruits." Known as Ukraine's Michael Bay, Levytskyi describes his experiences partnering with Ukraine's 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, understanding the new Ukrainian-American relationship, creating new action heroes, and displaying the bravery shown by Ukrainians every day.

Bruce Roberts, Founder and CEO of August Mission, shares his story of service in the U.S. Army, August Mission's goals and excellence in logistics in Ukraine, what the first few days of the invasion looked like, and why Ukraine and the Ukrainian people inspired him to continued action.

Maryna Medova, co-founder of Honey Academy, highlights starting the academy to provide quality education to Ukrainian children with flexible online learning options, how the war interrupted children's education, the stories of teachers stepping up in amazing ways for their students, and why a post-war Ukraine must be known for more than war.

Volunteer military chaplain Marina Serdichenko shares her story of practicing ministry on the frontlines with her husband and fellow military chaplain Denis, preparing for a potential Russian naval invasion of Odesa, and the leading their flock at Odessa People's Church.

City of Goodness non-profit founder Marta Levchenko discusses their mission to provide a safe haven with comprehensive and compassionate support for women and children navigating challenging hardships.

City of Goodness takes in children who have been forced to evacuate because of the war, families affected by violence and domestic abuse, and children in need of palliative care or rehabilitation.

Ohio State Representative (D-Parma) Sean Brennan highlights his work on bipartisan House Bill 360 to officially recognize Ukrainian Independence Day in Ohio on August 24 each year. Additionally, Rep. Brennan discusses the importance of supporting the local Ukrainian refugee community, bridging the divide in American politics and holding elected officials to a higher standard.

Sponsored by the Peace and Development Foundation, doctors Tetiana, Anna and Konstanty sit down to discuss their tour of the American healthcare system, highlight the ongoing needs for humanitarian aid to Ukraine and express deep gratitude for overwhelming support their have received from everyday Americans during their visit.

Enjoy a short, festive episode featuring caroling from the Cleveland Maidan Association at the Ukrainian Museum Archives of Cleveland. Surrounded by pysanky, paintings and history, it serves a solemn but hopeful reminder of the sacrifices being made every day in Ukraine to preserve their heritage, culture and future.

Dr. Doug Davis discusses his role working as an ER radiologist, marrying a Ukrainian woman, shares his family's personal involvement with the filming of the 80s cult classic Red Dawn, and highlights his continued involvement with veteran led NGOs that support Ukraine.

Pryncyp lawyer and advocacy manager Anastasiia Kryshtanovych joins the show to discuss her vital work protecting human rights within the AFU, her past experience documenting war crimes, visiting America's Veterans' Affairs hospital systems and the incredible hospitality of their host the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.

Sasha Boole, an award winning Ukrainian country music singer, songwriter, podcast and novelist, shares his story of touring America, the first days of the invasion, serving in the AFU as an officer, bridging cultures through music and serving as the father of an entirely new genre with Texas flair.