All Things Croatia

by Stanko Zovak

Hey everyone! I'm Stanko Zovak and your host of the All Things Croatia podcast. Growing up as a member of the Croatian diaspora in Los Angeles, I was always involved in the community but wanted to do more. One year ago I made the choice to quit my job and move to Zagreb where I'm studying the Croatian language and now focusing my efforts on this podcast. With this weekly series, I want to connect the global Croatian communit ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • The Journey to International Success for Katica Rakuljić!

    The Journey to International Success for Katica Rakuljić!

    On this episode of the All Things Croatia podcast is guest Katica Rakuljić, a model and TV presenter from Split. Though she moved to Sweden at a young age, Katica stayed very connected to her Croatian identity through traditions like kolo dancing at the local Croatian club, cheering for the Croatian football team, and visiting her homeland often. Katica competed in Miss Universe Croatia in 2011, winning first runner up and catching the eye of the industry, launching her international modeling career. Since then, she has lived and modeled all over the world but still feels at home when she's in Croatia. Most recently, Katica covered the Cannes Film Festival as a TV presenter and walked the red carpet as a model. Tune in to hear the full interview!Katica's Instagram-All Things Croatia: The Book!

  • She's Only 17 and a EUROPEAN CHAMPION Boxer...

    She's Only 17 and a EUROPEAN CHAMPION Boxer...

    On this episode of the All Things Croatia podcast is 17-year-old Croatian boxer and model Mariela Šteko. She recently won gold at the junior European Boxing Championships, now having twice been junior European champion. Born in Munich to Croatian parents from Tomislavgrad, Herzegovina, Mariela started in kickboxing before switching to boxing and choosing to represent Croatia. She discusses her boxing style and career highlights and also enjoys modeling in Germany and playing piano. Tune it to hear why Mariela chose to represent Croatia in boxing is a proud member of her local Croatian community.https://www.instagram.com/marielasteko/All interviews are available with video on YouTube!https://youtube.com/@allthingscroatia?si=vAgz9QIlIpzrLhGM

  • The Man Who Brought Grunge to Australia and Festivals to Croatia!

    The Man Who Brought Grunge to Australia and Festivals to Croatia!

    On this episode of the All Things Croatia Podcast is Steve Pavlovic, known as Pav. Pav is a Croatian-Australian music entrepreneur and from booking some of the biggest bands in the 90’s, to starting his own record label, to putting on festivals in Croatia, he’s done it all. “For a fair bit of the 1990s, Steve Pavlovic was the coolest guy in Australia. Pav had the home phone numbers of everyone on the cutting edge, from Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl to Beastie Boys and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.” Pav talks about his Croatian roots and connecting with fellow Croat and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic after bringing Nirvana on their first tour to Australia. He also talks about starting his own record label and signing bands including Tame Impala and Wolfmother. Stay tuned to hear about the festivals on a Croatian island he used to put on as well as how he’s currently enjoying his time on the island of Vis!- https://www.instagram.com/this_is_unpopular/

  • Olympic-Style Games for the Croatian Diaspora!

    Olympic-Style Games for the Croatian Diaspora!

    On this episode of the All Things Croatia podcast we have Katica Nikić and Caroline Spivak who represented Team Canada in the Croatian World Games, or Crolympics, which is an Olympics style competition for the Croatian diaspora. The goal of the Games is connecting young Croats from all over the world through sports and cultural gatherings, and to encourage them to cultivate their Croatian identity. Caroline is the coordinator for Canada and Katica played on the basketball team. Tune in to hear about the incredible week of games that took place in Zagreb and learn how you can participate for the next Croatian World Games!- https://hsi-cwg.com/http://www.croatianwomensnetwork.org/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFNYuCOieN28MbjxFp6wBg

  • Pat Miletich Talks Croatian Heritage and MMA!

    Pat Miletich Talks Croatian Heritage and MMA!

    Our special guest in this episode of the All Things Croatia podcast is Pat ‘The Croatian Sensation’ Miletich. Pat is a decorated ex-MMA fighter who was a multiple time UFC champion often thought of as one of the first true mixed martial artists and was even inducted into the Hall of Fame. Pat tells us about his Croatian heritage including the story of how his infamous nickname came about as we dive into his fighting career. He also explains why he had so much success as a trainer and coach after retirement and tells us what other projects he’s currently working on. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear the whole episode!- https://www.instagram.com/pjmiletich/?hl=en