
Slovak Ancestry
By Michal Rázus

Slovak AncestryFeb 13, 2022

05 - 2022 Jan Fedor - from Slovakia to Braddock, PA and back to roots trip in the times of corona
Jan´s Grandfather left from Zemplin region over 100 years ago and opened a well known butcher´s store in Braddock, PA. Jan came back to trace his roots and meet the family that he did not know that exists. If you like the story you can support us here:

04 - 22 Eva Vargo - when your Slovak relative surprisingly finds you.
Some people search for their roots to find their lost relatives in Slovakia. In this case you will hear how is that when the Slovak find an American with the passion in genealogy and how can the martial arts open the communication with the relatives.

03 - 22 Andrea Siebenmann: The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Did you know one of the best museum for the Czechs and Slovaks is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? A must see cornerstone of our heritage and history. Learn more about the museum´s mission, collections and also about unique move of the 1500 ton heavy museum building to save it from floods.

02- 22 Milan J. Pilip: Office for Slovaks Living Abroad
Office for Slovaks Living Abroad. https://www.uszz.sk/ is institution for hundreds of thousands Slovaks living in various countries all around the world. Head of the office Millan J. Pilip is talkig about the mutual connections and options of support. For more information about the podcast contact: michal.razus@gmail.com

01-22 Michael Kopanic -discussion with famous professor about the Slovak language, history, culture and food
Why American Slovaks does not speak Slovak and why some of them desire to learn? What is our Slovak identity and how are we gaining and loosing it. How it was to be an American in Communist Czechoslovakia and how the things changed after.

SE02E07 Martin and Zoe Tokar - Slovak and Rusin roots by the eyes of the artists and moviemakers
Story of the Slovak Rusin emmigrants from Starina that sold all they had in Slovakia to face a hard times in Chicago, After coming back to Slovakia they had to start from scratch and work this time in mines in Belgium. When finally it appeared that the story will have happy-end came the communists and took them all the private property. Listed to the story told by descendant of this family -movie maker Martin Tokar and his wife Zoe speaking about how Asians see Slovakia and its people

SE02E06 Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is a brave bridge (not only between Slovakia and USA)
Sarah visited Slovakia for the first time in 1993 and she felt in love with it. She is speaking about the year in Slovakia and about how her Slovak heritage formed her. In spite she is living in Japan today she returned couple times and had a chance to observe how much Slovakia has changed.

SE02E05 Prassilla Rampersad - daughter of Carribean: Extraordinary search for the family of deceased fahter
Prassillas´ father Pavel left communist Czechoslovakia in 1968. After adventurous journey through half of the world he settled down in Caribbean island Trinidad where he had a daughter. Unfortunately he passed away fairly young. Together with Prassilla we collected pieces of information and tried to trace down the family in Slovakia. How successful we were learn in our podcast

SE02 E04 Michael Mojher - 9 times in Slovakia and meeting the president
It´s easy to fall in love with Slovakia. Once you visit, you need to return again and again. Michael Mojher from California is speaking about his passion to Slovakia and adventures from his trips.

SE02E03 Maria Silvestri: The Rusin spirit
Rusins, small but vital nation from Carpathian mountains. Learn more about them with Maria Silvestri from Pittsburgh - president of John and Helen Timo foundation.

SE02E02 Bob Rychlik Fujara
Fujara - the most typical Slovak music instrument introduced by one of the best fujara players in the world Bob Rychlik. Listen to his fascinating journey for freedom from the communist Czechoslovakia and his passion to (traditional) music.

SE02 E01 Global Slovakia - the ambassadors of Slovak culture
Two young Slovak expats Zuzana Palovicova and Gabriela Bereghazyova introducing their project of Global Slovakia.
Active promotion of Slovakia via books, webinars and videos is not only their mission, but also their passion.

011 Rita Hendershot - Exploring the roots and sharing it with younger generation
Nice story of the search for the roots in Slovakia including meeting local folklorists the Kandrac family.

10 Karen Fleischhacker - from Slovakia to PA back and forth twice
Story of generations of Slovak women in PA whose husbands died and they were fighting with the life by them selves in order to give better future to their children.

09 Slovak Citizenship and Certificate of Slovak Living abroad with a lawyer Parviz Malakouti
Young talented lawyer from LA Parviz Malakouti explaining the differences between the Slovak citizenship and certificate of Slovak living abroad. Moreover he has an interesting family background.

08 Dave Grega - Story of the father -from orphant to doctor
Emotional story of Dave´s father who left Slovakia as an orphan but became a successful doctor. Listen how we traced his family.

07 CGSI President Kevin Hurbanis - from Slovakia to Chicago
Interview with CGSI president Kevin Hurbanis about his roots, journey of family re-connection and CGSI activities, seminars, conferences and Slovak heritage

06 Lisa Alzo - The Accidental Genealogist from Pittsburgh searching for her -Slovak and Rusin roots
Professional genealogist, speaker, lecturer, coach author of books - Lisa Alzo from Pittsburgh speaking about her inspiring search for her roots in Zemplin region and Osturna, Slovakia. https://www.lisaalzo.com

05 Kusnir family - from Maly Saris, Slovakia to Yonkers
Inspirational story of hard work and work ethics of the Slovak immigrant Joseph Kusnir who came to Yonkers and search for his roots and re-connection with the family in Slovakia told by father and son Joseph and Michael Kusnir

04 Maya Iriondo - Adventurous search of lost Grandfather - Zarnovica, Slovakia
This story could be easily an espionage thriller - except it was a true story. It will take us through half of the world. Starting in Zarnovica, Slovakia, through Bolivia, Prague, Argentina, New York, Rio...Dramatic journey of a family before during and after World War II with the last moment escape from the communist trap.

03 Chris Stifel - From Slovakia to Connecticut - Mysterious baby on the picture
Former HBO director is talking about his Slovak roots, traditions, food and his exciting trip to Slovakia to meet his long lost family. Slovaks in New Britain CT. Hardware Capitol of the world. Stifel Family history documentary: https://youtu.be/MQqsBFum6wo
Podcast picture:
Original Stifel Family photo from the mid 1930’s.
This is the backyard of the family house and the one Chirs was born in.
STANDING FROM Left to Right- FIRST ROW: GEORGE STIFEL, MARY STIFEL KEENER, GRANDMA JULIA MALINAK STIFEL, GRANDPA JOHN STIFEL, UNCLE JOHN STIFEL.
2ND ROW Left to Right: Standing and held by my Grandmother is FELIX STIFEL, Kneeling: STEPHEN STIFEL, Kneeling: JOSEPH STIFEL (Chrises Father)

02 Les Horan - They forgot to tell me I was Jewish - Music is stronger than the hate
Story of Les Horan from Prešov/Sabinov Slovakia told by his wife Abigail Lumsden.
Dramatic story of survival of a Jewish boy and his family and their return to Slovakia after decades.

01 John Selecky - Slovak heart - Origin - PA Coalmines
Saga of the Slovak families in PA. The hardworkers that valued education and reached their American dream.
After the decades they came to Slovakia to find their roots and reunite with the forgotten family.