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PODCAST

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of Central Asia (Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajiki, Uzbek, Mongol)

"Steppe by Steppe," takes you on a journey through the landscapes, histories, and cultures of Central Asia. Hosted by an American expat living in Kazakhstan, this show offers a unique blend of insider knowledge and outsider perspective on this fascinating region. Each episode brings you authentic experiences and insights as your host navigates daily life in Kazakhstan while exploring the broader "Stans" – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and all the

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

00:11:44

E34 - Against the Grain: The Virgin Lands Campaign in...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2026/01/13

Following the death of Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev launched the Virgin Lands Campaign to solve the Soviet Union’s chronic food shortages by farming millions of hectares of uncultivated territory. While the initiative initially produced record-breaking harvests, it eventually faltered due to harsh climates, a lack of proper infrastructure, and Khrushchev's rigid insistence on planting corn in unsuitable regions. This ambitious project significantly altered the demographics of Central Asia and

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00:12:15

E33 - 🧀 Qurt - The Savory Soul of the Kazakh Steppe

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2026/01/05

Qurt (also known as kurt or kurut) is a traditional hard, salty cheese made from fermented milk, famously known as the "original travel snack" of Central Asia. Invented by nomadic Turkic and Mongolian tribes over 2,500 years ago, it served as an essential tool for survival during long migrations across the arid steppes.Beyond nutrition, it represents resilience and heritage. In Kazakhstan, it is particularly celebrated for its role in saving the lives of gulag prisoners, to whom local

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00:11:10

E32 - Tien Shan-anigans: Steppe-ing into the Sweet...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/12/31

Let's ride some powder in the Switzerland of Central Asia.In this episode of Steppe By Steppe, we journey to the "Mountains of Heaven" to uncover a skiing legacy that is both ancient and radically modern. While the rest of the world looks to the Alps, we explore why Kyrgyzstan is a "primed canvas" for those seeking the wildest backcountry on Earth. We trace the timeline from 10,000-year-old wooden planks in the Altai region to the Soviet Olympic training grounds of Karakol,

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00:25:05

E31 - 📈 Kazakhstan Equities Markets - Talk Tenge to...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/10/29

Discover Kazakhstan’s hidden Frontier Market! We break down the KASE and AIX and its strange link to inflation.What’s the deal with Kazakhstan Equities Markets? Located in Central Asia, this country is classified as a Frontier Market by major rating agencies, but it has huge potential, especially when compared to giants like the New York Stock Exchange.We’re checking out the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) and the Astana International Exchange (AIX) to see if they can finally help diversify the

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00:11:25

E30 - Covert Cash & Cold Chaos: How Kazakhstan...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/08/05

Where'd the Kazakh Tenge come from? This is the story of the Tenge, the remarkable and unexpected currency born of chaos. In a time when vodka was used as a savings device, as the ruble crumbled a new currency suddenly emerged.

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00:47:23

E29 - Mining in Kazakhstan: Drilling Down Through...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/07/29

Explore Kazakhstan's rich mining legacy! From its ancient 'ore-igins' to its role as a global critical minerals powerhouse.Get ready to drill down into its incredible mining story! This isn't just a tale of recent discoveries; Kazakhstan boasts a history of mining that goes back centuries, with ancient tribes excavating and crafting mind-blowing gold and bronze jewelry.You'll discover how modern industrial mining in Kazakhstan actually kicked off about 120 years ago with British entrepreneurs. Learn

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00:16:00

E28 - Kazakhstan and Chevron: The Deal of the Century

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/30

Kazakhstan and Chevron: The Deal of the Century. Today we're going into the complex, high-stakes world of post-Soviet energy. Explore how Chevron secured a massive $20 billion joint venture in Kazakhstan, home to some of the world's largest oil fields like Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan.Learn about the pivotal and controversial American figure, James Giffen, who served as counselor to Kazakhstan's President Nazarbayev. He played a central role in brokering enormous oil deals for U.S. companies

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00:17:36

🛢️ E27 - Striking Oil in Kazakhstan: Black Gold of...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/28

Ready to uncover the secrets of the 'black gold of the steppe'? Join us to explore Kazakhstan's epic oil saga!Kazakhstan, a massive country far from the ocean, became a major player on the world energy stage. We dig into its history, from the first wells drilled back in 1911 to the era where they really started pumping serious oil in the 60s and 70s. Then came independence and big international companies jumping in, helping production shoot past 1 million barrels a day!Discover the incredible story

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00:12:05

E27 - Shaybani Khan's Samarkand Strategy: Less Sack,...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/25

We're talking about the Shaybanid Empire! How did Shaybani Khan take Samarkand? Find out on Steppe by Steppe!Join us as Steppe by Steppe explores the dramatic rise of Muhammad Shaybani Khan, the ambitious Uzbek leader who capitalized on the chaos of the fading Timurid Empire. Trace his path from mercenary to ruler as he unified Uzbek tribes and seized control of Central Asia's crown jewels: Samarkand and Bukhara, founding the powerful Shaybanid Dynasty.This episode dives into Shaybani's takeover of

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00:16:00

🇺🇿 E 26 - Uzbek Cuisine: A Culinary Link to the...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/07

Explore the exotic flavors of Uzbekistan, a culinary jewel on the legendary Silk Road! Discover the secrets behind Uzbekistan's mouthwatering cuisine. Learn about plov, the national dish loved by rich and poor alike, and how ancient traditions shape modern meals. From savory samsas to hearty lagman and flavorful shashlik, we uncover the unique spices and ingredients that make Uzbek food a delicious adventure for American palates. Journey with us through centuries of history and taste the cultural

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00:07:23

🤪 E 23 - Unpacking the Uzbek Wisdom of Nasruddin

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/06

Unlock the profound and playful wisdom of Nasruddin from Uzbekistan! Delve into the enduring legacy of this legendary wise fool. Discover the uproarious and thought-provoking tales of Nasruddin, revered in Uzbekistan as Afandi, whose timeless humor has captivated hearts for centuries. Explore how his seemingly simple anecdotes cleverly challenge societal norms and offer surprisingly relevant insights for modern Americans. Learn about the deep cultural roots of his stories in Uzbekistan and across

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00:19:49

🇺🇿 E 24 - Central Asian Jewish Voices: Jews of...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/05

Step onto the ancient Silk Road and delve into the extraordinary story of the Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan! This episode of Steppe by Steppe unearths the deep historical roots of this vibrant community in the heart of Central Asia. Discover their centuries-long presence in legendary cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, once vital hubs of trade and culture. Explore the unique tapestry of their traditions, from the soul-stirring melodies of their classical Shashmaqam music to the distinct sounds of their

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00:20:10

🕵️ E 22 - Spy Games on the Steppe - Kazakh SSR and...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/03

Delve deeper into the clandestine world of Cold War espionage! Steppe by Steppe unearths shocking declassified CIA documents exposing America's secret intelligence operations within the enigmatic Kazakh SSR. Journey behind the Iron Curtain and into a land largely cutoff from the West. What secrets did the CIA seek in Almaty and across Kazakhstan at the height of the Cold War? Discover the fascinating details revealed in these newly found archives – the threats perceived, the interests pursued, and

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00:17:43

🕵️ E 21 - Spy Games on the Steppe - Alma Ata and the...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/04/02

Steppe by Steppe: Embark on a thrilling journey into the clandestine world of Cold War espionage! Unearth the long-hidden secrets of Alma Ata, Soviet Kazakhstan, through newly declassified CIA reports featured in "Spy Games on the Steppe." Venture behind the formidable Iron Curtain and discover what intensely captivated American intelligence within this enigmatic Soviet republic. What did the CIA perceive as a significant threat? What aspects of this closed society ignited their profound curiosity

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00:21:11

🔭 E 20 - Samarkand's Ulugh Beg: The Astronomer Sultan...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/30

Uncover the incredible story of Ulugh Beg, the 15th-century Sultan of Samarkand who was also a groundbreaking astronomer! 👑🔭 Did a king build one of the ancient world's most advanced observatories? Yes! Learn how this forgotten hero mapped the stars with stunning accuracy centuries before the telescope. From his giant sextant to his tragic end, discover a tale of scientific passion and royal intrigue on the Silk Road that will blow your mind! 🤯🌟🌍

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00:17:23

🕌 E19 - Samarkand - Mausoleum of St. Daniel: A...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/29

Journey to Samarkand's Mausoleum of St. Daniel, a shared pilgrimage site for Christians, Jews, & Muslims. Why is the tomb so incredibly long – a staggering 18 meters? Explore the legends of Tamerlane and a healing spring at this unique Silk Road landmark. Was the biblical prophet Daniel truly laid to rest in Uzbekistan? Tune in to discover the captivating story behind this extraordinary mausoleum.

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00:20:03

📜 E 18 - Samarkand Paper Trail: Following the Pulp...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/27

Unroll the ancient secrets of the Silk Road! Join us as we follow the Samarkand Paper Trail, uncovering the surprisingly dramatic story of how paper spread from China after a legendary battle. Discover the pulp of history: mulberry bark, skilled artisans, and the enduring legacy of this vital craft, still alive today in Uzbekistan! Get ready for a real page-turner!

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00:21:35

🏛️ E 17 - Ismail Samani: From Farghana to Fame -...

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/26

From Farghana to Fame! Witness the epic rise of Ismail Samani, the Central Asian ruler who forged a powerful Persian dynasty and transformed Bukhara into a dazzling cultural capital. Discover his strategic "steppin' out" moves that shaped a golden age for modern day Uzbekistan!

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00:17:17

🕌 E 16 - Bukhara: It's Not as Ark-ward as You Think!

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/26

Journey the Silk Road to Bukhara! This isn't just another 'stan' - uncover ancient secrets, stunning Islamic architecture (beyond the 'Ark'-ward jokes!), and centuries of captivating history in Uzbekistan. Explore majestic mosques, bustling bazaars, and the fascinating stories of this UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll be saying "Bukhara? More like Boo-yah-ra!" by the end!

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00:21:21

E 16 - Khiva

Steppe by Steppe: Journey Through the Heart of... ·

2025/03/24

Khiva of Uzbekistan

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35 results

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