S2E1: It's Always Sunny in Croatia with Sander Schimmelpenninck

S2E1: It's Always Sunny in Croatia with Sander Schimmelpenninck

Author: Western Balkans Business Group January 29, 2020 Duration: 54:34

What is the tie that Sander Schimmelpenninck has with Croatia? What brings him to the region, and what keeps pulling him back time and again? To learn more about one of Sander's biggest passions, go and listen to this first episode of the second season of The Balkan Talks! Our Dutch listeners are probably familiar with the work of Sander, but for our non-Dutch listeners, Sander is an entrepreneur, journalist, editor-in-chief of the Dutch business magazine Quote and host of the late-night talkshow "Op1". We focus in on his love for Croatia, why he believes that the country deserves a lot more attention than it does and are treated to a lot of great anecdotes along the way! 



Hosted by Sanir Pasalic and Sandro Slijepcevic, The Balkan Talks is a podcast that moves beyond the headlines to explore the real-world dynamics of business and current affairs in the Western Balkans. This isn't a dry economic briefing; it's a series of conversations that get into the specifics of how markets, policies, and innovation are taking shape across the region. Each episode features discussions with guests who bring direct, on-the-ground experience, offering listeners a nuanced perspective that is often missing from broader coverage. The dialogue focuses on practical insights and emerging trends, from local startups and investment climates to regional trade and infrastructure developments. The goal is to provide context and depth, turning complex topics into accessible and engaging discussions. Produced by the Western Balkans Business Group, the podcast serves as an audio forum for anyone with a professional or personal interest in this part of Europe. By tuning in, you'll hear analysis that connects the dots between news events and their business implications, fostering a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges at play. The hope is that these conversations not only inform but also spark curiosity, encouraging listeners to explore the subject further with a more informed point of view.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

The Balkan Talks
Podcast Episodes
S2E5: Society and the Coronavirus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:39
The world has been put under the spell of the coronavirus. Our lives have been put to a grinding halt as we are collectively fighting the virus. But what are the mid- to long-term effects awaiting us when this is all ove…
S2E4: Business Opportunities in the Western Balkans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:23
If you were to start doing business in the Western Balkans today, where would you start? A question often asked, and our hosts Sanir and Sandro take their time talking to you about all the business opportunities that exi…
S2E3: The World of Balkan Music with Armin Hamzic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:13
You have probably listened to his Spotify playlist at least once: Balkan Hitovi 2020 by Armin Hamzic, the most popular Balkan Spotify playlist you can find! How did this playlist come into existence, what impact is music…
S2E2: The Next Step in EU-Western Balkans Relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
Keep calm and carry on! Or isn't it business as usual this time around? While everybody is talking about Brexit and the looming goodbye of the United Kingdom, in this episode we focus on what this and other developments…
S1E10: Story of a Balkan Expat with Dusan Radicanin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:34
In our final episode of the season we have invited a voice that is not heard (or listened to) that often. What is it like to be an expat from the Western Balkans, to work and live away from your home region? We invited D…
S1E9: Metal Manufacturing in the Balkans with Joris Aalberse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
Making the step as a Western entrepeneur to start doing business in the Western Balkans, it is a step that Joris Aalberse has made. Joris is a Dutch CEO and investor, and together with a business partner he owns Jumbo-Gr…
S1E8: Entrepreneurial Mindset with Amir Sabirovic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:23
What does it take to become a successful entrepreneur? What does it mean to be somebody who takes ownership of their own life and takes full advantage of the opportunities that exist in the world? To learn more about thi…
S1E7: The WBBG Special with Sanir and Sandro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:34
During the quiet summer months your The Balkan Talks-hosts Sanir and Sandro take the time to tell you more about the Western Balkans Business Group (WBBG), the company behind The Balkan Talks. Next to hosting The Balkan…
S1E6: Opportunities in Albania's Garment Industry with Veerle Luiting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:33
Producing a garment in Albania, transporting it to Italy, sewing on a button there and labelling it 'Made in Italy'? We talk about Albania and more with Veerle Luiting, about her experiences in the garment industry of th…
S1E5: Youth Empowerment with Dino Karajic (Mr. Slavic) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:24
Some might know him as Dino Karajic, some might know him through his online handle Mr. Slavic. In any case, Dino is an entrepreneur, IT consultant and Youtuber who has a lot of interesting stories to tell. During this ep…