Today, we present the ninth and final episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast. This episode features a remarkable guest appearance by American actor of Kosovo origin, Kushtrim Hoxha, who has himself endured the tragedy of war in the Balkans. In this episode, he brings to life a text by Ukrainian playwright Maksym Kurochkin titled Three Attempts to Improve Daily Life.

The narrative centres on the author’s own experiences after joining the territorial defence forces at the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression. Set in an abandoned village in the Kyiv region, the story explores the challenges faced by Kurochkin and his comrades as they strive to adapt to the bitter cold and scarce resources of wartime life. Through vivid storytelling, the author captures the resilience and humanity of his comrades, each confronting the hardships of war in unique ways. For Kurochkin, solace comes through memories, introspection, and small acts of normalcy. However, the loss of a close friend delivers a profound emotional blow, deeply shaping his perspective.

Following the reading, podcast host, writer, and translator John Freedman sits down with Kushtrim Hoxha to discuss the realities of life during war and the extraordinary ways people seek normalcy and purpose in everyday moments. Hoxha shares his admiration for Kurochkin’s sensitive portrayal of friendship and camaraderie, drawing heartfelt parallels with his own experiences during the Balkan conflict.

On the eve of the New Year, the eighth episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast is released, and we are pleased to invite you to a new emotional journey with the wonderful American actress Sharon Washington, who reads the text My Tara by Lyudmyla Tymoshenko.

This work begins with the Ukrainian author's childhood impressions of the novel Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and reflections on the sound of a coffin being nailed shut, which symbolizes the irreversibility and finality of loss. The story centres on memories of her childhood in the Ukrainian city of Ovruch, where she was sent to live with her grandmother from the harsh North Kazakhstan, where her father, an officer in the USSR's strategic nuclear forces, served.

The story unfolds against a backdrop of deep emotions: the fear of nuclear war, the harsh climate, and the psychological tension among the military who were responsible for launching the missiles. While in her childhood the heroine finds refuge in her grandmother's house, which becomes an island of warmth and happiness for her, in 2022, during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, her childhood home is destroyed.

After the reading, podcast host, writer, and translator John Freedman and Sharon Washington discuss the emotional impact of the text on readers. John, who has done a lot to popularize Ukrainian drama, notes that the text has already gained wide recognition, having been read more than 50 times around the world, which testifies to its universality and ability to move people deeply. Shaun Washington shares her personal perception of the movie Gone with the Wind and draws interesting parallels between her own experience of growing up and the themes raised in the text.

In the seventh episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast, American actress Jessica Hecht, best known for her memorable roles in the cult TV series Friends and Breaking Bad, reads Flowering by Ukrainian playwright Olha Matsiupa.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the author’s memories of a trip to Sievierodonetsk on the eve of the full-scale invasion. Olha Matsiupa reflects on her once-held dream of traveling across Ukraine — a dream she often postponed, believing Ukraine would “always be there.” However, the war shattered these assumptions, disrupting safety and normalcy. Interwoven with this story are themes of personal relationships, particularly the heroine's love for her husband, who carries a cracker symbolizing the Holodomor. These poignant details underscore the connection between generations and highlight the importance of preserving history and culture amidst the struggle for survival.

Following the reading, podcast host, writer, and translator John Freedman engages Jessica Hecht in a thought-provoking conversation about the significance of exploring themes of memory. Hetch shares her deep admiration for the poetic style of Flowering, noting its multilayered emotional depth and its ability to draw readers into the events on a profoundly personal level.