Épisodes

  • 007: Hoop Dreams - with Yanno Xanthopoulos

    007: Hoop Dreams - with Yanno Xanthopoulos
    Aug 6 2026
    Mat sits down with basketball player Yanno Xanthopoulos, who grew up in Mani before chasing a professional career. Yano discusses playing for Greece's U20 team at Eurobasket 2026 in Slovenia, his injury setbacks, a Princeton scholarship lost to a fracture, a tough year in Canada, and finally earning a Division 1 scholarship at the University of New Hampshire.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • 006: Do you need to speak Greek? - Mat and Jeff

    006: Do you need to speak Greek? - Mat and Jeff
    Jul 23 2026
    Can you ever truly belong somewhere without learning its language? Mat and Jeff take on this divisive question, confessing they've both stalled in their Greek despite years of trying. Is that a failure, or just reality? Should locals expect foreigners to make and effort, or is politeness enough? Join us as we look at all sides of argument.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    33 min
  • 005: The Voice... of Mani

    005: The Voice... of Mani
    Jul 9 2026
    Mat and producer Jeff chat with singer-waiter Giannis "Johny" Diskos, a two-time Voice of Greece contestant working summers at Patriko in Stoupa. Johny discusses his Mani roots, musical training, flawless English singing accent, and the surprising truths behind reality TV production. He shares plans for an eclectic debut release and closes the episode with a live performance of his original song, Home.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • 004: Tragedy, tremors and tranquility

    004: Tragedy, tremors and tranquility
    Jun 25 2026
    Mat interviews his 88-year-old mother Glenda, a lifelong Hellenophile and classics teacher who stumbled upon Stoupa in 1986 and never looked back. From earthquake-hit Kalamata to a permanent stone house in the Mani, Glenda shares 40 years of memories, beloved local friendships, and an unwavering belief that this corner of Greece is simply the finest place on earth to live.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    46 min
  • 003: Ring Of Fire

    003: Ring Of Fire
    Jun 11 2026

    In this episode of Inside the Mani, Mat sits down with Aris Christeas, owner of Vesuvius Taverna in Ayios Nikolaos, for a wide-ranging conversation about a life shaped by adventure, music, and the sea.

    Born in Toronto in 1973, Aris was brought back to the Mani as a young child when his father made the spontaneous decision to return to Greece and build a restaurant on the rocks by the water - a business that would become a local institution.

    Before taking over the taverna, Aris carved out his own path as a DJ and owner of Diogenis, a legendary open-air club where the music shook the mountains and the circle of fire on the dance floor became the stuff of local legend.

    Now, with karaoke nights, full moon parties, and a menu rooted in Greek tradition, Aris continues to bring creativity and passion to everything he does.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    36 min
  • 002: Stoupa in the 1990's

    002: Stoupa in the 1990's
    May 28 2026
    In this episode Mat sits down with his longtime friend Alison Schofield, who first arrived in Stoupa in 1993 as a 21-year-old holiday rep after unexpectedly being reassigned from Lesbos. Alison paints a rich picture of a quieter, undiscovered Stoupa, the tight-knit community and reminisces about the now-gone hot spots of the time.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    42 min
  • 001: All that jazz

    001: All that jazz
    May 14 2026
    In this episode, Matt sits down with Bjarne - the Norwegian founder of the Kardamyli International Jazz Festival — now in its remarkable 12th year. Recorded at Lisa's Bistro, just a stone's throw from the festival office on Kardamyli's main high street.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    12 min
  • 000: Introducing....

    000: Introducing....
    May 12 2026
    An introduction to the Inside the Mani podcast crew, presenter Mat the and producer Jeff. Mat explains the backstory of his print publication — an annual magazine and guidebook he ran for 15 years, and its digital 'rebirth as a podcast and a new website. They discuss their 'origin stories' and vision for the podcast - moving beyond typical travel-guide content to capture in-depth personal stories from the diverse community of people who live in and are drawn to the Mani. Become a member and explore deeper Inside the Mani
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    21 min