A Brit living in Finland’s Wild West. In each episode, Mark Wiltshear interviews Finnish people to learn about things to do when you visit Finland! Often recorded out on location in the South Ostrobothnia region of Western Finland, Mark’s relaxed style helps Finns open-up and share about their passion, interest or business. Listen in to learn about Finnish nature, culture, history, sport, attractions, activities and more…
As part of my guided tour around Culture Centre 'Vanha Paukku' in Lapua, we stop for an extended visit in the Lapuanjoki Museum. Museum Director, Sakari Hanhimäki and Cultural Director, Susanna Oversteyns regale me with historical tales of Espionage, Poisoning, Fascism, An Attempted Coup... and Photography!? Includes an intriguing revelation from Susanna's family history.
Part one of a two-part episode, I undertake a tour of the Kulttuurikeskus 'Vanha Paukku' with two expert guides; Susanna Oversteyns, Cultural Director and Sakari Hanhimäki, Museum Director. HUGE thanks also to Anu Haavisto, Leena Sarjola and Anniina Kivimäki for the impromptu, live performance of some haunting Finnish folk music. Mahtava!
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi
I speak with Olli-Pekka Tuomaala & James McDade from Seinäjoki Rugby club talk about rugby in Finland; the history of the game in Finland, the development of rugby in Finland as a summer contact sport and how Finland is no longer the worst National rugby team. We also discuss the annual snow rugby competition because, if rugby isn’t a tough enough sport, the Finns have found a way to take it up a notch.
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi
In part two of a two-part episode, I speak with Kalle Valkonen , Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Kyrö Distillery. He gives me a personal tour of the distillery, taking me step-by-step through the distilling processes of both Kyrö Rye Whisky & Kyrö Napue Gin and answering questions, such as: What is malting? And what are the 'heads and tails'?
In part one of a two-part episode, I speak with Miko Heinilä, Co-Founder of Kyrö Distillery. He gives me selected highlights from the history of the village of Isokyrö, including the bloody Battle of Napue. Bringing things into modern times, he explains the origins of Kyrö Distillery, the ups-and-downs of a start-up company and their future plans to become the biggest rye whisky producer.
Episodes crafted from Mark's original blogs for www.visitseinajoki.fi
In Winter 2018, I was commissioned to make a pilot series of a new podcast; The Ähtäri Zoo Podcast. This episode is a selection of stories from the first three interviews with people powering Ähtäri Zoo:
I'm sure you will find this a fascinating look, at the workings of a modern-day zoo, search for Ähtäri Zoo Podcast on your podcast player to find all available episodes.
For this episode, I am grateful to Engel Jones for allowing to rebroadcast an interview that first went-out on his 12 Minute Convos podcast in January 2018.
Engel is an Entrepreneur & Podcast Host who set himself a goal: 800 recorded conversations in 12 weeks from Sep 19th - Dec 12th 2017.
In this conversation, hear me on the other side of the mic (for a change) talking about why I make the Explore Finland Radio Show, the motivation behind founding Xport, writing a blog for Visit Seinäjoki and the relevance of the Diana Ross song ‘Chain Reaction’.
If you know me, you won't be surprised that my #12minconvo lasted 18 mins!
