Stagione 2
Episode 9 - The Chef
Episode 8 - The House
Episode 7 - The Taverna
Episode 6 - The Old Road
Stagione 1
Episode 5 - Rural Life
Episode 4 - Social Welfare
Episode 3 - Music
Episode 2 - Military Service
Food culture plays a pivotal role in defining a regions identity and someone at the forefront of that scene is Thanasis Tassos, head chef at the newly opened restaurant Thamon in Ioannina. His approach is redefining the way we view the region, but can Epirus handle this change? Welcome to 'The Chef', a brand new episode of Epirus Falls.
A few years ago, I started to think about relocating to Northern Greece. I had rented a property in Athens for 7 years but knew it was time for a change. Prices in the city were going up, its popularity had begun to put pressure on services and the city felt stressed. Epirus became my escape. What was Epirus giving me that Athens wasn't? In the words of local architect Thanasis Stergioulis, "Space, time to think, time to breathe. Space to breathe. Time just passes differently here." I met Thanasis around 5 years ago to help me find and renovate a property and we researched places ranging from the city of Ioannina to the villages of Papingo and Greveniti. It has been a long and fascinating road and we have finally identified that village...which is Tristeno. I wanted to make an episode of Epirus Falls to discuss the journey we've been on together, explain the history of the villages we researched and hopefully help others thinking of investing in property in the region. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The House.'
The village of Tristeno, home to a population of around 30 people, in nestled in the mountains of East Zagori. On my first visit to the village I came across a young guy running the local taverna and his name is Thanasis Savaidis. Thanasis grew up in Athens but abandoned the city for a new life in the countryside and I think that was a really bold decision for a young person to make. Over the last few months we've bonded over our shared family history, love of nature and our philosophy on life. You could say that a village bromance has truly bloomed. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The Taverna.'
A few years back, the Egnatia motorway opened, linking North Western Greece with the rest of the country. And even though it drastically reduced journey times between Athens and Igoumenitsa, it also came at the detriment of the communities that lived on the old road. These people relied on drivers to take breaks, eat in their tavernas and buy their produce. I make a point to take the old road. It's a place from a bygone era and I would love to somehow get involved in regenerating its image. So today I'm meeting with two members of the community, to find out exactly what happened to this place and what the future holds. Welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls called 'The Old Road'.
Deep into the beech and maple forests of Epirus lies the small village of Greveniti, a place I love to visit which is truly lost in time. Greveniti is mostly home to elderly people but on recent visits I started noticing a change, more young people moving in and I'm curious to know what's inspiring this. Today we're speaking with Spiros and Iraklis, two guys originally from Ioannina who decided to start a business with friends by taking over the local cafe in the main square. These boys are unique, awesome characters and I cannot wait to introduce them to you. So welcome to a new episode of Epirus falls where we're speaking about swapping city life for mountain life.
In today’s episode I’ll be talking to Marta Alonso Mamolar, a truly inspirational woman who is part of the team at Ioannina's non-profit Youth Center of Epirus, whose major focus is providing support for young asylum seekers in the area. This is an issue that I really care about and I was honoured to hear about Marta’s vital work helping minors suffering with PTSD, the daily challenges they face, and how she’s found a universal language through sport. Join us for an important new episode of Epirus Falls, all about social welfare in the region.
Epirus is an amazing, complex region and although I've been spending a lot of time here, I've still got a lot more to learn...and I think a great way to keep doing that is through music. In this episode I'm joined by producer Panos Papakostas and singer songwriter Alex Christopher. These guys both grew up here in the city of Ioannina, they're both part of the local music scene and today they're going to be telling me all about the areas rich and complex musical history.
Any male below the age of 45 who wants the right to Greek nationality, must serve time in the military and so last November I enlisted myself in Ioannina to carry out duty. Whilst many guys serve for 12 months, I was able to do a reduced term of service based on my age and being classed as living abroad. I showed up at the base with a backpack, very short hair and not a clue what I was doing. The food was lousy, the days were long, the commanders were harsh and the toilets were holes in the ground. I cleaned, I scrubbed, made friends with a lazy-eyed dog, met people from all walks of life, cleaned more and finally got to make some military videos. During my time in the army I met some guys who I knew were going be lifelong friends and in this episode we finally get a chance to catch up together. These were unforgettable times with amazing bonds and precious memories made and today we're going to be talking all about that period as well as offering some sage advice to future conscripts. So welcome to a new episode of Epirus Falls, all about military service in Greece.
They say you should never meet your hero's but I'm thrilled to have the opportunity today. In this first episode I'm chatting with someone I have been dreaming of meeting for the past three years. He's a really special man and an asset to Greece. A genuine soul that I'd love to find a way to work with. His name is Moses Elisaf, the Mayor of Ioannina. With him I'll be talking about the region of Epirus, it's history, our shared love of Albania and my passion for Greek mayors, including the ex-mayor of Thessaloniki, Yannis Boutaris. Join us for the first ever episode of Epirus Falls with Moses Elisaf.