This week we're joined by Ged Nichols, founder of Planet Kraków, one of the fastest-growing online communities dedicated to helping visitors discover the very best of Poland's former royal capital.

Originally from Sunderland via Los Angeles, Ged tells us how a pandemic lockdown, a leap of faith, and a move to Kraków led him to create a platform that's now inspiring thousands of tourists and expats to look beyond the obvious attractions.

We chat about hidden gems in Kraków, why Nowa Huta deserves far more attention, day trips to Zakopane and the Tri-City, the best place to grab a proper zapiekanka, and why Ged thinks Poland's greatest asset isn't its castles or cuisine... it's the feeling of safety.

Elsewhere, Peter returns from a birthday trip to the UK with an embarrassing Polish-language story, John tackles a gruelling 42,000-step hike in the Tatra Mountains before soaking in Bukovina's thermal baths, and the pair continue their increasingly chaotic 3 in 10 quiz battle with a geography challenge that neither of them covers themselves in glory over.

Whether you're planning your first visit to Poland, already call it home, or simply enjoy hearing two expats (and this week's guest) celebrate everything that makes the country special, there's plenty to enjoy in Episode 23.

As always, we'd love to hear your own recommendations, hidden gems and travel tips. Do get in touch, and if you're enjoying Pole-ish, please subscribe, leave us a review and tell a friend!

Planet Kraków: https://www.youtube.com/@planetkrakow

Magillo Restaurant: https://magillo.pl/

Endzior (‘best zapiekanka in Kraków’) – via Google Maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CSgjYw8X1tQUuwuh6

Golonkarnia (‘best golonka in Kraków’) – via Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nW69gcAjz5joV4ce8

Feniks Nightclub: https://feniksklub.com/

USMNT ‘We love it!’ chant: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/V3Iq5DaZ18Q

Bal u Rafała – Ralph Kaminski: https://open.spotify.com/track/3uIYWYJzh4qKfpExCF05oS?si=84bdb91e09044eac

Pole-ish Guest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68kYaLG4XYgcjRdSjzzgcW?si=de7065757241400c