Introducing you to the mentors you are searching for, debunking industry myths, discussing current events, culture and controversial opinions. Navigating an age of decisions, life choices and crossroads. Different backgrounds, oozing viewpoints and common goals. Giving you the space for discussions, where no topic is off limits and no point of view is taboo.
This week on Open Mic Life, guest host Haik Pogosian sits down with Chris Sigalov, a visionary entrepreneur redefining the concept of libraries. As the founder of a tech-driven library initiative, Sigalov is at the forefront of designing the "library of the future." Her passion for innovation and access to knowledge stems from her upbringing in a small village, where libraries represented a gateway to privilege, discovery, and opportunity. Today, she is leading a movement to transform these spaces into dynamic hubs for learning, creativity, and community engagement. What exactly is the library of the future? Sigalov envisions it as a cutting-edge public space—an incubator for future learning that equips young people with essential skills. More than just a repository of books, this library will be a forward-thinking environment integrating new technology, sustainability, and design to remain relevant for contemporary society and beyond. The flagship project, OBA Next, will be located in South Amsterdam—a vibrant but underserved community with immense talent and potential. Spanning an impressive 8,000 square meters, this innovative space will offer young people the resources to develop their talents and explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, gamification, media production, and sustainability. Inspired by TUMO, a pioneering free after-school program for children in Yerevan, Armenia, Sigalov has partnered with private companies, sponsors, and municipalities to experiment with a hybrid model that bridges public and private sectors. The goal? To create an inclusive space where ordinary individuals can accomplish extraordinary things. The project also aims to tackle a significant challenge—balancing the asymmetry between public and private partnerships while aligning stakeholders toward a shared vision. OBA Next will provide a platform for companies to test new concepts while making a lasting social impact. Until the official opening in 2030, organizers are launching experimental lab programs to refine their approach. By 2025, the team will explore collaborations across music, film, media, technology, and more, ensuring that the library becomes a cornerstone of future education. As the journey unfolds, the team continues to seek the right partners and funding sources to bring this vision to life. Want to hear more about how Chris Sigalov and her team are shaping the future of libraries? Tune in to this episode of Open Mic Life for an inspiring conversation about trailblazing, innovation, and the power of accessible learning spaces. Don't miss a moment – tune in every week on RTL Play and all major podcast platforms.
This week on Open Mic Life, Stoyana dives into an inspiring story of adventure, risk, and reinvention. Meet Hugues, a bar-certified corporate lawyer, and Charline, a digital resilience officer at a Luxembourg bank—two ambitious professionals who did what many only dream of. They quit their stable jobs, bought a van, and hit the road, embracing the unknown in search of freedom and discovery. But this isn’t just another wanderlust-fueled escape. Their journey was a carefully crafted balance between spontaneity and strategy, adventure and responsibility. From the snow-covered peaks of Cap Nord to the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera, and even the bustling streets of Casablanca, they navigated breathtaking landscapes, cultural surprises, and the unexpected realities of living in a five-square-meter home. In this episode, Hugues and Charline pull back the curtain on the full experience—the excitement, the fears, and the logistics that made it all possible. They share insights on budgeting, career considerations, and the emotional impact of stepping away from a structured life. They also tackle a key question many hesitate to ask: How do you prepare to return? As their travels evolved, so did their mindset. Instead of seeing their return as the "end of the adventure," they approached it as the next phase of the journey. They planned their comeback with the same thoughtful approach they had when setting out, ensuring they wouldn’t feel lost or unprepared. This shift in perspective—from carefree explorers back to professionals—became a defining lesson of their trip: embracing change as a constant, rather than an interruption. If you've ever dreamed of packing up and hitting the road, this episode will light a spark. Whether you're considering a big leap, a short adventure, or simply looking to redefine your approach to life’s transitions, this conversation is for you. Tune in now on RTL Play and all major streaming platforms—you won’t want to miss this one!
The wait is over—Season 3 of Open Mic Life is here! Host Stoyanna returns with a fresh season filled with captivating conversations, thought-provoking discussions, and a renewed commitment to exploring the art of converstion. In this premiere episode, we take a look back at the highlights of Season 2, a season packed with diverse and inspiring stories. One of the standout moments was the Small Business Summit, a special series featuring 15 Luxembourg based entrepreneurs sharing their journeys—the highs, the lows, and the passion that fuels their work. They sharfe how they got started, what helped them, what stood in their way and what continues to inspre them. We also explored modern family dynamics, reflecting on love and connection in today’s world, a theme especially meaningful as Stoyana shares with the audience a celebrated personal milestone! True to Open Mic Life fashion, last season also brought listeners behind the scenes of fascinating industries. From an exclusive interview with Sotheby’s in Vienna on the world of art auctions to a deep dive into blockchain and venture capitalism with an innovative entrepreneur from the Netherlands, the conversations were both insightful and inspiring. And who could forget the exploration of the magic of radio with RTL’s own Sam Steen, a media that continues to stand the test of time? Looking ahead, Season 3 promises even more engaging discussions. This season will bring back fan-favorite segments on family, love, and mentorship, while also pushing boundaries with new topics and perspectives. Most excitingly, Open Mic Life is inviting listeners to be part of the conversation like never before! By following the show on Instagram, fans can submit their stories and thoughts ahead of interactive episodes. Don’t miss a moment—tune in every week on RTL Play, all major podcast platforms, and now, for the first time, on YouTube! Season 3 is here, and it’s all about making voices heard.
In the fifth and final episode of Open Mic Life’s holiday series, Small Business Summit, host Stoyana invites listeners on a journey with two women who have dedicated their careers to reconnecting people with their bodies. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, these entrepreneurs are carving out paths to help others slow down, listen to their bodies, and restore balance. Through thought-provoking conversations, Stoyana sheds light on how holistic practices can help heal not only physical pain but also nurture mental and emotional well-being. Meet the guests Stoyana’s guests are Ana, a chiropractor specializing in the McTimoney technique, and Irina, a practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method. Although their approaches differ, both women share a singular mission: to help people feel more at home in their own bodies. Ana brings decades of experience as a chiropractor, working with patients ranging from infants to seniors. Her use of the gentle McTimoney technique stands out for its focus on alignment, releasing restrictions, and enhancing the body’s natural communication between muscles and the central nervous system. Ana believes in empowering people to reclaim physical harmony in ways that are both safe and sustainable. Iryna’s journey is deeply personal. After years of grappling with chronic pain and navigating the complexities of the medical system, she found solace and transformation through the Feldenkrais Method. Unlike traditional treatments, Feldenkrais bypasses the cognitive mind, accessing the central nervous system through mindful movement. Iryna now teaches others how to regain ease and freedom in their bodies, helping clients unlock potential they never realized existed. The Challenges of Holistic Entrepreneurship Running a business rooted in alternative health practices comes with unique hurdles. Both Ana and Iryna discuss the challenges of educating people about their methods and the ongoing work to shift societal perceptions around holistic healing. They also dive into the complexities of marketing their services in an industry that often prioritizes quick fixes over long-term well-being. This episode is as much about entrepreneurship as it is about the human body. It’s a reminder that healing is both an art and a science—and that understanding your body can lead to profound transformation. Get in touch Learn more about Iryna's practice on https://www.mindfulbody.lu/ To learn more about Ana's practice go to https://back-up.lu/en/praticians/ana-carmona
In the fourth episode of Open Mic Life’s holiday series, Small Business Summit, host Stoyana showcases the journeys of three dynamic women in Luxembourg who defied expectations, embraced their creativity, and built ventures that reflect their values and strengthen their communities. It’s a celebration of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the cultural connections that breathe life into small businesses. Meet the Entrepreneurs First, we meet Clare and Marie, business partners and good friends who’ve cultivated a unique venture dedicated to mindful living. Their journey began as a practical solution—sharing rental costs in Luxembourg’s competitive market—but evolved into something far greater. Clare and Marie’s complementary skills and shared values laid the foundation for a business that not only helps their clients but also embodies their own ethos of mindfulness and respect. Angela, the third guest, stepped into entrepreneurship from an entirely different path. With a law degree under her belt, Angela had no plans to leave her career until a friend encouraged her to professionalize her passion for event planning. Today, she curates experiences, striking the perfect balance between modern technology and heartfelt personal touches. Angela’s secret? Adding a homemade flair that creates moments her clients cherish forever. The Courage to Pivot A recurring theme in this episode is the power of embracing change. Todays’s guests transitioned from careers that once defined them to find their true calling. Clare shifted from vocal coaching and wellness to creating a holistic lifestyle brand, while Angela turned her hobby into a flourishing career. Their stories underline that following your instincts—and taking risks—can lead to fulfilling your life's purpose. Despite their modest claims that their businesses “just happened,” the episode unveils the hard work, strategic thinking, and resilience it took to bring their dreams to life. Their candid reflections on fear, uncertainty, and ultimately triumph make this episode an inspiring listen for anyone dreaming of charting a new course. Get in touch Learn more about Thrive Studio here https://www.thrivestudio.lu/ Get in touch with Angela www.Instagram.com/specialmemories.luwww.Facebook.com/specialmemories.lu