60 acast.com From The Bloc https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/from-the-bloc en Ella Natalia Hopkins Eastern Europe,Migrants,Culture,Diaspora,Central Europe,United Kingdom,Community Ella Natalia Hopkins Celebrating Central and Eastern Europeans creative talent living in the UK From The Bloc is a new podcast that puts a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europeans living in the UK. Producer and presenter, Ella Natalia Hopkins, interviews musicians, actors, directors, photographers, presenters, dancers and other creatively-minded people from CEE backgrounds.


Podcast guests talk about their creative projects, inspirations and life in the UK. They also share funny stories about being a migrant in the Western world.


Through the authentic and optimistic stories, the podcast aims to bring Central and Eastern European culture closer to the British audience and build a stronger sense of community amongst the CEE diaspora.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From The Bloc is a new podcast that puts a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europeans living in the UK. Producer and presenter, Ella Natalia Hopkins, interviews musicians, actors, directors, photographers, presenters, dancers and other creatively-minded people from CEE backgrounds.


Podcast guests talk about their creative projects, inspirations and life in the UK. They also share funny stories about being a migrant in the Western world.


Through the authentic and optimistic stories, the podcast aims to bring Central and Eastern European culture closer to the British audience and build a stronger sense of community amongst the CEE diaspora.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Ella Natalia Hopkins ellanataliahopkins@gmail.com 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 from-the-bloc episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6433ffd8a20c25001272f811/1728922739495-0846cbe3-d0cb-4cf3-a578-1000d8ffda4d.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/from-the-bloc From The Bloc S3 EP7 - Polina S3 EP7 - Polina Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT 52:37 68dc32dd597bc7d53f9c2e50 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/68dc32dd597bc7d53f9c2e50 68dc32dd597bc7d53f9c2e50 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 7 In this episode Ella is talking to Polina Belenchuk, a London-based collage artist, illustrator, and creative facilitator.


Her work prioritises bold self-expression and celebrates individuality and creativity. She sees art as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment. Her creative workshops offer a supportive space to process pain, manage emotions and build confidence.


Polina studied Graphic & Media Design at the University of the Arts London and since graduating, she has built a huge following on social media and connected with audiences worldwide.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella is talking to Polina Belenchuk, a London-based collage artist, illustrator, and creative facilitator.


Her work prioritises bold self-expression and celebrates individuality and creativity. She sees art as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment. Her creative workshops offer a supportive space to process pain, manage emotions and build confidence.


Polina studied Graphic & Media Design at the University of the Arts London and since graduating, she has built a huge following on social media and connected with audiences worldwide.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S3 EP6 - Aziza S3 EP6 - Aziza Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:24:02 GMT 56:21 68c02a730e15f0d4550ab8b4 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/68c02a730e15f0d4550ab8b4 68c02a730e15f0d4550ab8b4 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 6 This episode features Aziza, a London-based Uzbek artist working across textiles, sculpture, new technologies, experimental costume and performance practices. 


Her projects explore diverse subjects, including migration, displacement, social invisibility, identity, decolonisation, feminism, and loss of language. Aziza is also intrigued by the potential of XR/AR/VR and AI and often uses the new technologies as a tool in her artistic practice.


Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries from China and Central Asia to Europe and America. She held art workshops at the Italian Biennale, London Somerset House, Victoria & Albert Museum and many many others.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode features Aziza, a London-based Uzbek artist working across textiles, sculpture, new technologies, experimental costume and performance practices. 


Her projects explore diverse subjects, including migration, displacement, social invisibility, identity, decolonisation, feminism, and loss of language. Aziza is also intrigued by the potential of XR/AR/VR and AI and often uses the new technologies as a tool in her artistic practice.


Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries from China and Central Asia to Europe and America. She held art workshops at the Italian Biennale, London Somerset House, Victoria & Albert Museum and many many others.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S3 EP5 - Marcelina Amelia S3 EP5 - Marcelina Amelia Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:27:26 GMT 54:12 6878ec2e81b46e59562a5dcc true https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/6878ec2e81b46e59562a5dcc 6878ec2e81b46e59562a5dcc 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 5 In this episode Ella is talking to Marcelina Amelia, a UK based artist working with mixed media approaches to print, painting and drawing. Her work is often inspired by her Polish heritage, religious iconography and folk tales, as well as her childhood memories. It explores the power of dreams, spirituality, sexuality, and the human condition.


Marcelina has been featured in Vogue, The NY Times, Der Spiegel, Art Maze and Create Magazine, just to name a few. She was also Saatchi Art’s featured ‘Artist in Spotlight’ and her work was shown at multiple exhibitions in the UK, including the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and London Fashion Week.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.


Guest's website: https://www.marcelinaamelia.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella is talking to Marcelina Amelia, a UK based artist working with mixed media approaches to print, painting and drawing. Her work is often inspired by her Polish heritage, religious iconography and folk tales, as well as her childhood memories. It explores the power of dreams, spirituality, sexuality, and the human condition.


Marcelina has been featured in Vogue, The NY Times, Der Spiegel, Art Maze and Create Magazine, just to name a few. She was also Saatchi Art’s featured ‘Artist in Spotlight’ and her work was shown at multiple exhibitions in the UK, including the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and London Fashion Week.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records. Marketing and creative content by Alexandra Baker and Anastasiia Hasparian.


Guest's website: https://www.marcelinaamelia.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S3 EP4 - Alexander Khokhlov S3 EP4 - Alexander Khokhlov Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT 40:35 67bb6eda86a56284d0f54b69 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/67bb6eda86a56284d0f54b69 67bb6eda86a56284d0f54b69 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 4 Alexander Khokhlov, a Russian photographer and artist based in London. He moved to the UK in 2022 to connect with the international progressive creative community. 


Many of Alexander’s projects are known worldwide and some of his artworks were purchased for top luxury interiors, including Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons hotels. 


In 2017, Alexander and his wife Veronica, launched a pet portrait project, called The Dog Show, which won multiple international awards. 


His further work and interviews were featured in media worldwide, including CNN, Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Wired and many others.


In 2019 Alexander was named the Photographer of the Year by the One Eyeland Annual Awards and acclaimed one of the best advertising photographers worldwide.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Guest's website: https://www.alexanderkhokhlov.com/




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Alexander Khokhlov, a Russian photographer and artist based in London. He moved to the UK in 2022 to connect with the international progressive creative community. 


Many of Alexander’s projects are known worldwide and some of his artworks were purchased for top luxury interiors, including Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons hotels. 


In 2017, Alexander and his wife Veronica, launched a pet portrait project, called The Dog Show, which won multiple international awards. 


His further work and interviews were featured in media worldwide, including CNN, Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Wired and many others.


In 2019 Alexander was named the Photographer of the Year by the One Eyeland Annual Awards and acclaimed one of the best advertising photographers worldwide.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Guest's website: https://www.alexanderkhokhlov.com/




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S3 EP3 - Maria Springis S3 EP3 - Maria Springis Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT 47:32 679613b1673aa382e18a44eb false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/679613b1673aa382e18a44eb 679613b1673aa382e18a44eb 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 3 This episode features Maria Springis - a London-based Director and Producer, originally from Ukraine. She has founded an award-winning production company Dreams Into Reality and worked on sets of major future films like House of Dragons, Shadow and Bone, Fast & Furious, and The Crown. Maria has also directed and produced many internationally acclaimed documentaries and worked with famous people, from Vin Diesel, Francis Ngannou and Mike Tyson. Check out her story now!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode features Maria Springis - a London-based Director and Producer, originally from Ukraine. She has founded an award-winning production company Dreams Into Reality and worked on sets of major future films like House of Dragons, Shadow and Bone, Fast & Furious, and The Crown. Maria has also directed and produced many internationally acclaimed documentaries and worked with famous people, from Vin Diesel, Francis Ngannou and Mike Tyson. Check out her story now!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S3 EP2 - Sane Seven S3 EP2 - Sane Seven Sun, 08 Dec 2024 12:07:45 GMT 56:56 67558c127205a5bc681d6755 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/67558c127205a5bc681d6755 67558c127205a5bc681d6755 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 2 In this episode Ella is interviewing an amazing Lithuanian photographer, Sane Seven.


Sane is internationally known for her powerful and intimate portraits of influential women. She photographed cultural icons such as Helena Bonham Carter, industry pioneers like Dame Donna Langley and world leaders like Julia Gillard.


Through her work, Sane amplifies women’s voices across all spheres and serves as a dedicated advocate for gender equality. She’s currently involved in initiatives that lead the way to a more inclusive future.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella is interviewing an amazing Lithuanian photographer, Sane Seven.


Sane is internationally known for her powerful and intimate portraits of influential women. She photographed cultural icons such as Helena Bonham Carter, industry pioneers like Dame Donna Langley and world leaders like Julia Gillard.


Through her work, Sane amplifies women’s voices across all spheres and serves as a dedicated advocate for gender equality. She’s currently involved in initiatives that lead the way to a more inclusive future.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[S3 EP1 - Paulina & Elena]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:01 GMT 38:45 672921b7dc854c9577170712 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/672921b7dc854c9577170712 672921b7dc854c9577170712 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 3 1 Season 3 is opening with Paulina Korobkiewicz and Elena Juzulenaite.


Paulina is a Polish-born and London-based photographer and visual artist. Her work explores themes of cultural identity, memory, and the transformation of social spaces. She exhibited her work in the UK and internationally and has been featured in many important art publications and magazines.


Elena is an artist and a community activist, also based in London. She comes from Lithuania where she studied figurative painting. In recent years she has developed an interest in group creativity and community engaged art. Since 2017 she has taken part in numerous projects across East London, facilitating educational workshops, creating resources for families and organising events.


This Autumn Paulina and Elena are organising a new exhibition in London that will feature work from various Eastern European artists.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Season 3 is opening with Paulina Korobkiewicz and Elena Juzulenaite.


Paulina is a Polish-born and London-based photographer and visual artist. Her work explores themes of cultural identity, memory, and the transformation of social spaces. She exhibited her work in the UK and internationally and has been featured in many important art publications and magazines.


Elena is an artist and a community activist, also based in London. She comes from Lithuania where she studied figurative painting. In recent years she has developed an interest in group creativity and community engaged art. Since 2017 she has taken part in numerous projects across East London, facilitating educational workshops, creating resources for families and organising events.


This Autumn Paulina and Elena are organising a new exhibition in London that will feature work from various Eastern European artists.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S2 EP6 - Anka S2 EP6 - Anka Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:01:14 GMT 34:00 65fc137b6e9d6c0017b36af2 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/65fc137b6e9d6c0017b36af2 65fc137b6e9d6c0017b36af2 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 6 In this episode Ella is talking to a London-based visual artist, Anka Dabrowska. Being a migrant from Poland, she adopted the position of an outsider to artistically respond to a sense of displacement increasingly common to people living in contemporary metropolises. As an artist, Anka works in drawing, illustration, sculpture and installation art, and has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. 


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella is talking to a London-based visual artist, Anka Dabrowska. Being a migrant from Poland, she adopted the position of an outsider to artistically respond to a sense of displacement increasingly common to people living in contemporary metropolises. As an artist, Anka works in drawing, illustration, sculpture and installation art, and has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. 


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S2 Ep5 - Tim S2 Ep5 - Tim Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:04:30 GMT 43:43 65e02c7e377cfe001684cccf false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/65e02c7e377cfe001684cccf 65e02c7e377cfe001684cccf 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 5 Tim Darmenov is a young commercial and music video director from Ukraine. In 2023 he had to flee the war in his home country and moved to the UK. On the podcast he talks to Ella about how he adjusted to living in a new country and his first impressions of working in the British creative industry.


Tim has directed commercial films for the world’s biggest brands, such as Apple, and created music videos for various artists, including Eurovision winners. He’s currently working on new, exciting projects and aims to deliver outstanding and provocative content to wider audiences.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Tim Darmenov is a young commercial and music video director from Ukraine. In 2023 he had to flee the war in his home country and moved to the UK. On the podcast he talks to Ella about how he adjusted to living in a new country and his first impressions of working in the British creative industry.


Tim has directed commercial films for the world’s biggest brands, such as Apple, and created music videos for various artists, including Eurovision winners. He’s currently working on new, exciting projects and aims to deliver outstanding and provocative content to wider audiences.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S2 Ep4 - Andriy S2 Ep4 - Andriy Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:32 GMT 42:06 65776c55e796c300112b209d true https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/65776c55e796c300112b209d 65776c55e796c300112b209d 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 4 Andriy Kyrychenko is a Ukrainian musician based in London. Originally from Kharkiv, he started his musical career as a singer and song-writer in a local rock band. Over the course of years he got involved in experimental electronic music projects and gained recognition among fans all over the world. On the podcast Andriy tells Ella how war separated him from his country and family and how he finds living in the UK.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Andriy Kyrychenko is a Ukrainian musician based in London. Originally from Kharkiv, he started his musical career as a singer and song-writer in a local rock band. Over the course of years he got involved in experimental electronic music projects and gained recognition among fans all over the world. On the podcast Andriy tells Ella how war separated him from his country and family and how he finds living in the UK.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S2 Ep3 - Noemi S2 Ep3 - Noemi Wed, 08 Nov 2023 05:00:15 GMT 37:57 654951d5a6fced001244a79b true https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/654951d5a6fced001244a79b 654951d5a6fced001244a79b 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 3 In this episode Ella is talking to Noemi Gunea, a Romanian actress, model and artist. She went to a drama school in Bucharest and got a role in Cannes winning film 'Beyond the Hills' by a legendary director Cristian Mungiu. She then moved to Paris to study acting and pursue a career in modelling. Noemi worked with some huge fashion brands, such as Burberry, Paul Smith and Belstaff. She is now based in London and keeps working as an actress, artist and academic.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella is talking to Noemi Gunea, a Romanian actress, model and artist. She went to a drama school in Bucharest and got a role in Cannes winning film 'Beyond the Hills' by a legendary director Cristian Mungiu. She then moved to Paris to study acting and pursue a career in modelling. Noemi worked with some huge fashion brands, such as Burberry, Paul Smith and Belstaff. She is now based in London and keeps working as an actress, artist and academic.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[S2 Ep2 - Rebeka & Joanna]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:07 GMT 34:26 652d9690d40c9700127ddfad false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/652d9690d40c9700127ddfad 652d9690d40c9700127ddfad 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 2 In this episode Ella talks to two friends and collaborators, Joanna Woznicka and Rebeka Dio. 


Joanna is a Polish producer and playwright with a passion for new writing, community engagement, and migrant theatre. Her shows have been critically acclaimed and her most recent short film, SILENCE AND HER ROOMMATE, was broadcast on BBC Four. 


Originally from Hungary, Rebeka is a co-founder of TRANSIT a London-based queer multidisciplinary arts collective. TRANSIT performances aim to cultivate an environment where varying cultures and lived experiences can come together.


Recently, Joanna and Rebeka produced a show, Places I Never Think About, which has been a part of Camden Fringe festival.



Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella talks to two friends and collaborators, Joanna Woznicka and Rebeka Dio. 


Joanna is a Polish producer and playwright with a passion for new writing, community engagement, and migrant theatre. Her shows have been critically acclaimed and her most recent short film, SILENCE AND HER ROOMMATE, was broadcast on BBC Four. 


Originally from Hungary, Rebeka is a co-founder of TRANSIT a London-based queer multidisciplinary arts collective. TRANSIT performances aim to cultivate an environment where varying cultures and lived experiences can come together.


Recently, Joanna and Rebeka produced a show, Places I Never Think About, which has been a part of Camden Fringe festival.



Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S2 Ep1 - Lara Julian S2 Ep1 - Lara Julian Thu, 21 Sep 2023 04:00:34 GMT 33:34 650b44acdb017f00108e2bba false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/650b44acdb017f00108e2bba 650b44acdb017f00108e2bba 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 2 1 This episode features Lara Julian - an established artist and a Russian refugee based in London. Lara uses a diverse range of media to visualise colour as matter and energy.  She exhibited widely in both solo and group shows in London, Amsterdam, Venice and New York.


Born and raised in Siberia, Lara had a successful career in the banking industry before dedicating herself to painting. She took a dramatic decision to leave her hometown, divorce her husband, change names and pursue her dream of being an artist. On the podcast we talk about self-discovery, identity and the process of finding your own voice.


You can follow Lara Julian on Instagram @larajulian_artist


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode features Lara Julian - an established artist and a Russian refugee based in London. Lara uses a diverse range of media to visualise colour as matter and energy.  She exhibited widely in both solo and group shows in London, Amsterdam, Venice and New York.


Born and raised in Siberia, Lara had a successful career in the banking industry before dedicating herself to painting. She took a dramatic decision to leave her hometown, divorce her husband, change names and pursue her dream of being an artist. On the podcast we talk about self-discovery, identity and the process of finding your own voice.


You can follow Lara Julian on Instagram @larajulian_artist


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[S1 Ep6 - Simona & Rebeka]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:00:14 GMT 38:16 64c82b818e16bd00116c3ac1 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/64c82b818e16bd00116c3ac1 64c82b818e16bd00116c3ac1 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 6 The last episode of Season 1 features the Founder of the Slovak Theatre in London, Simona, and the organisations Co-Manager, Rebeka. The theatre is a nonprofit initiative that supports Slovak and Czech artists living in London. Apart from performing regularly in the UK, the theatre crew often travels around Europe and visits local communities in other countries. Check out their story now!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The last episode of Season 1 features the Founder of the Slovak Theatre in London, Simona, and the organisations Co-Manager, Rebeka. The theatre is a nonprofit initiative that supports Slovak and Czech artists living in London. Apart from performing regularly in the UK, the theatre crew often travels around Europe and visits local communities in other countries. Check out their story now!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S1 Ep5 - Stephanie S1 Ep5 - Stephanie Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:00:05 GMT 43:08 64b6d286e2dff20011720ff0 true https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/64b6d286e2dff20011720ff0 64b6d286e2dff20011720ff0 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 5 This episode features a multi-talented Bulgarian choreographer, director and yoga teacher based in London, Stephanie Handjiiska. The host, Ella, asks her about her amazing dance projects, working with Michael Bubble and Sherihan, opportunities and struggles of living in London, dating British people and common stereotypes about Eastern European women. Check out Stephanie’s story now!


The podcast features two music scores from Stephanie’s dance films “Inner Bloom” and “The Woman Who Sewed the Flag”.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode features a multi-talented Bulgarian choreographer, director and yoga teacher based in London, Stephanie Handjiiska. The host, Ella, asks her about her amazing dance projects, working with Michael Bubble and Sherihan, opportunities and struggles of living in London, dating British people and common stereotypes about Eastern European women. Check out Stephanie’s story now!


The podcast features two music scores from Stephanie’s dance films “Inner Bloom” and “The Woman Who Sewed the Flag”.


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S1 Ep4 - Power S1 Ep4 - Power Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:00:03 GMT 24:48 64a048007ecf320011520369 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/64a048007ecf320011520369 64a048007ecf320011520369 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 4 In this episode Ella interviews Polish producer and songwriter from East London, Power. He moved to the UK with his parents when he was 6 years old. Music has been present in his family for a long time and he started making his own tunes at the age of 16. Power has worked with many UK artists, such as NSG, ZieZie, Tallia Storm, Figure Flows, Dun D, Ashton Russell, Summa Taylor, Aya Bleu and more.


On the podcast we feature his tracks:


'Cali Nights' - Power, K9, Gia Gray

'Responsibilities' - Power, feat. Txrner, Kieron Boothe, Scott Vlassis & Tax

'Bounce That' - Power, feat. Ashton Russell


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella interviews Polish producer and songwriter from East London, Power. He moved to the UK with his parents when he was 6 years old. Music has been present in his family for a long time and he started making his own tunes at the age of 16. Power has worked with many UK artists, such as NSG, ZieZie, Tallia Storm, Figure Flows, Dun D, Ashton Russell, Summa Taylor, Aya Bleu and more.


On the podcast we feature his tracks:


'Cali Nights' - Power, K9, Gia Gray

'Responsibilities' - Power, feat. Txrner, Kieron Boothe, Scott Vlassis & Tax

'Bounce That' - Power, feat. Ashton Russell


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S1 Ep3 - Aiko S1 Ep3 - Aiko Tue, 30 May 2023 04:00:37 GMT 27:28 6474d82ccf763d001141fabb false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/6474d82ccf763d001141fabb 6474d82ccf763d001141fabb 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 3 Aiko is a Moscow born and Czech Republic raised artist, based in London. Her career started with an appearance on a TV talent show “Superstar” held in Prague. From that moment she actively pursued her career in music, released an album and played concerts in many European countries. Her sound is a unique blend of cultures, influences and electronic music. Check out her story now!


You can follow Aiko on Instagram @aikomakesmusic


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Aiko is a Moscow born and Czech Republic raised artist, based in London. Her career started with an appearance on a TV talent show “Superstar” held in Prague. From that moment she actively pursued her career in music, released an album and played concerts in many European countries. Her sound is a unique blend of cultures, influences and electronic music. Check out her story now!


You can follow Aiko on Instagram @aikomakesmusic


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S1 Ep2 - Sasha Alexis S1 Ep2 - Sasha Alexis Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:01 GMT 53:23 64628ea51ec04400114364da true https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/64628ea51ec04400114364da 64628ea51ec04400114364da 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 2 In this episode Ella interviews Sasha Alexis, a migrant actor and writer, originally from Russia. She moved to London in 2013 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her first ever script for a short film Whore#4 (in which she also played the lead role) won awards at many renowned film festivals and has been recently a part of BFI Future Film Festival '23. As an actress, Sasha has worked with multiple theatre companies and voiced television shows and audio books. She is currently writing a new play dedicated to the fall-out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 


You can find Sasha on Twitter @SashaAlexis8 and Instagram @sasha_parkerok


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode Ella interviews Sasha Alexis, a migrant actor and writer, originally from Russia. She moved to London in 2013 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her first ever script for a short film Whore#4 (in which she also played the lead role) won awards at many renowned film festivals and has been recently a part of BFI Future Film Festival '23. As an actress, Sasha has worked with multiple theatre companies and voiced television shows and audio books. She is currently writing a new play dedicated to the fall-out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 


You can find Sasha on Twitter @SashaAlexis8 and Instagram @sasha_parkerok


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> S1 Ep1 - Maella S1 Ep1 - Maella Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:00:40 GMT 26:32 644998508119240011ad5aa9 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/644998508119240011ad5aa9 644998508119240011ad5aa9 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 1 The first episode of From The Bloc podcast features an extremely talented singer and songwriter born in Prague, Maella. She spends most of her time in London but often travels back to the Czech Republic to work on various musical projects and artistic collabs. Recently, she’s been shortlisted to represent her country on Eurovision 2023!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The first episode of From The Bloc podcast features an extremely talented singer and songwriter born in Prague, Maella. She spends most of her time in London but often travels back to the Czech Republic to work on various musical projects and artistic collabs. Recently, she’s been shortlisted to represent her country on Eurovision 2023!


Podcast produced by DJ Dean Leon at Riddim Life Records.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to the podcast! Welcome to the podcast! Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:43:12 GMT 1:03 64455210d18c130011ef2fb3 false https://shows.acast.com/from-the-bloc/episodes/64455210d18c130011ef2fb3 64455210d18c130011ef2fb3 6433ffd8a20c25001272f811 full 1 A short podcast introduction with the host, Ella.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A short podcast introduction with the host, Ella.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>