From The Bloc

Ella Natalia Hopkins

From The Bloc is a podcast that puts a spotlight on Central and Eastern Europeans living in the UK. Producer and presenter, Ella Natalia Hopkins, interviews artists, musicians, actors, directors, photographers, dancers and other creatively-minded people from CEE backgrounds.

Podcast guests talk about their creative projects, inspirations and life in the UK. They also share their personal stories about being a migrant in the Western world.

Through the authentic stories, the podcast aims to bring Central and Eastern European culture closer to the British audience and build a stronger sense of community amongst the CEE diaspora.

The show is brought to you by @izbaarts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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20 episodes
Avg 42 min
English

Episodes 20

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S4 · E2
Thursday · 45 min
S4E2 Ioana
This episode features Ioana Simion, a London-based community artist, facilitator, educator, and the founder of Artizine UK. Originally from Romania, Ioana uses the art of zine-making and self-publishing as a powerful medium to bring people together, foster storytelling and spark creative play. Through her platform, she leads inclusive workshops that create safe, accessible spaces for self-expression, connection and wellbeing. Her practice spans creative facilitation, arts pedagogy and community project management, working with galleries, charities and educational institutions across London and beyond. You can follow Ioana on Instagram @artizineuk Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E1
June 30 · 46 min
S4E1 Zula
In this episode Ella interviews a London-based photographer and visual artist, Zula Rabikowska. Zula is known for her powerful portraits and documentary photography focused on migration, identity, Eastern Europe and LGBTQI+ communities. Inspired by her Polish heritage, her work shines a light on voices and stories that are too often overlooked. Through intimate and deeply human photography, Zula captures emotion, connection and authenticity in a way that feels both personal and universal. Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and Bloomberg. She’s also received major awards including the Getty Images Grant, the AOP Talent Award and the Earth Photo Moving Image Award. Alongside her creative practice, Zula is the founder of Rethinking Eastern Europe collective. She also teaches photography at Kingston University. You can follow Zula on Instagram @zula.ra Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E7
Oct 2, 2025 · 52 min
S3E7 Polina
In this episode Ella is talking to Polina Belenchuk, a London-based collage artist, illustrator, and creative facilitator. Her work prioritises bold self-expression and celebrates individuality and creativity. She sees art as a tool for emotional healing and empowerment. Her creative workshops offer a supportive space to process pain, manage emotions and build confidence. Polina studied Graphic & Media Design at the University of the Arts London and since graduating, she has built a huge following on social media and connected with audiences worldwide. You can follow Polinaa on Instagram @belenchuk Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E6
Sep 9, 2025 · 56 min
S3E6 Aziza
This episode features Aziza, a London-based Uzbek artist working across textiles, sculpture, new technologies, experimental costume and performance practices. Her projects explore diverse subjects, including migration, displacement, social invisibility, identity, decolonisation, feminism, and loss of language. Aziza is also intrigued by the potential of XR/AR/VR and AI and often uses the new technologies as a tool in her artistic practice. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries from China and Central Asia to Europe and America. She held art workshops at the Italian Biennale, London Somerset House, Victoria & Albert Museum and many many others. You can follow Aziza on Instagram @aziza.kadyri Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E5
Jul 17, 2025 · 54 min
S3E5 Marcelina Amelia
In this episode Ella is talking to Marcelina Amelia, a UK based artist working with mixed media approaches to print, painting and drawing. Her work is often inspired by her Polish heritage, religious iconography and folk tales, as well as her childhood memories. It explores the power of dreams, spirituality, sexuality, and the human condition. Marcelina has been featured in Vogue, The NY Times, Der Spiegel, Art Maze and Create Magazine, just to name a few. She was also Saatchi Art’s featured ‘Artist in Spotlight’ and her work was shown at multiple exhibitions in the UK, including the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and London Fashion Week. You can follow Marcelina Amelia on Instagram @marcelinaamelia Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E4
Feb 26, 2025 · 40 min
S3E4 Alexander Khokhlov
Alexander Khokhlov, a Russian photographer and artist based in London. He moved to the UK in 2022 to connect with the international progressive creative community. Many of Alexander’s projects are known worldwide and some of his artworks were purchased for top luxury interiors, including Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons hotels. In 2017, Alexander and his wife Veronica, launched a pet portrait project, called The Dog Show, which won multiple international awards. His further work and interviews were featured in media worldwide, including CNN, Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Wired and many others. In 2019 Alexander was named the Photographer of the Year by the One Eyeland Annual Awards and acclaimed one of the best advertising photographers worldwide. You can follow Alexander on Instagram @alexanderkhokhlov Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E3
Jan 28, 2025 · 47 min
S3E3 Maria Springis
This episode features Maria Springis - a London-based Director and Producer, originally from Ukraine. She has founded an award-winning production company Dreams Into Reality and worked on sets of major future films like House of Dragons, Shadow and Bone, Fast & Furious, and The Crown. Maria has also directed and produced many internationally acclaimed documentaries and worked with famous people, from Vin Diesel, Francis Ngannou and Mike Tyson. Check out her story now! You can follow Maria on Instagram @maria.d8r Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E2
Dec 8, 2024 · 56 min
S3E2 Sane Seven
In this episode Ella is interviewing an amazing Lithuanian photographer, Sane Seven. Sane is internationally known for her powerful and intimate portraits of influential women. She photographed cultural icons such as Helena Bonham Carter, industry pioneers like Dame Donna Langley and world leaders like Julia Gillard. Through her work, Sane amplifies women’s voices across all spheres and serves as a dedicated advocate for gender equality. She’s currently involved in initiatives that lead the way to a more inclusive future. You can follow Sane Seven on Instagram @saneseven Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E1
Nov 7, 2024 · 38 min
S3E1 Paulina & Elena
Season 3 is opening with Paulina Korobkiewicz and Elena Juzulenaite. Paulina is a Polish-born and London-based photographer and visual artist. Her work explores themes of cultural identity, memory, and the transformation of social spaces. She exhibited her work in the UK and internationally and has been featured in many important art publications and magazines. Elena is an artist and a community activist, also based in London. She comes from Lithuania where she studied figurative painting. In recent years she has developed an interest in group creativity and community engaged art. Since 2017 she has taken part in numerous projects across East London, facilitating educational workshops, creating resources for families and organising events. You can follow Paulina and Elena on Instagram @pakropka and @elena_juzulenaite Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Photography by @anastasia_hasparian Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E6
Mar 21, 2024 · 34 min
S2E6 Anka
In this episode Ella is talking to a London-based visual artist, Anka Dabrowska. Being a migrant from Poland, she adopted the position of an outsider to artistically respond to a sense of displacement increasingly common to people living in contemporary metropolises. As an artist, Anka works in drawing, illustration, sculpture and installation art, and has exhibited widely nationally and internationally. You can follow Anka on Instagram @ankadabrowskaart Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E5
Feb 29, 2024 · 43 min
S2E5 Tim
Tim Darmenov is a young commercial and music video director from Ukraine. In 2023 he had to flee the war in his home country and moved to the UK. On the podcast he talks to Ella about how he adjusted to living in a new country and his first impressions of working in the British creative industry. Tim has directed commercial films for the world’s biggest brands, such as Apple, and created music videos for various artists, including Eurovision winners. He’s currently working on new, exciting projects and aims to deliver outstanding and provocative content to wider audiences. You can follow Tim on Instagram @timdarm Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E4
Dec 12, 2023 · 42 min
S2E4 Andriy
Andriy Kyrychenko is a Ukrainian musician based in London. Originally from Kharkiv, he started his musical career as a singer and song-writer in a local rock band. Over the course of years he got involved in experimental electronic music projects and gained recognition among fans all over the world. On the podcast Andriy tells Ella how war separated him from his country and family and how he finds living in the UK. You can follow Andriy on Instagram @andrey.kiritchenko Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E3
Nov 8, 2023 · 37 min
S2E3 Noemi
In this episode Ella is talking to Noemi Gunea, a Romanian actress, model and artist. She went to a drama school in Bucharest and got a role in Cannes winning film 'Beyond the Hills' by a legendary director Cristian Mungiu. She then moved to Paris to study acting and pursue a career in modelling. Noemi worked with some huge fashion brands, such as Burberry, Paul Smith and Belstaff. She is now based in London and keeps working as an actress, artist and academic. You can follow Noemi on Instagram @noemigunea Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E2
Oct 18, 2023 · 34 min
S2E2 Rebeka & Joanna
In this episode Ella talks to two friends and collaborators, Joanna Woznicka and Rebeka Dio. Joanna is a Polish producer and playwright with a passion for new writing, community engagement, and migrant theatre. Her shows have been critically acclaimed and her most recent short film, SILENCE AND HER ROOMMATE, was broadcast on BBC Four. Originally from Hungary, Rebeka is a co-founder of TRANSIT a London-based queer multidisciplinary arts collective. TRANSIT performances aim to cultivate an environment where varying cultures and lived experiences can come together. Recently, Joanna and Rebeka produced a show, Places I Never Think About, which has been a part of Camden Fringe festival. You can follow Transit Productions on Instagram @transit.productions Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 · E1
Sep 21, 2023 · 33 min
S2E1 Lara Julian
This episode features Lara Julian - an established artist and a Russian refugee based in London. Lara uses a diverse range of media to visualise colour as matter and energy. She exhibited widely in both solo and group shows in London, Amsterdam, Venice and New York. Born and raised in Siberia, Lara had a successful career in the banking industry before dedicating herself to painting. She took a dramatic decision to leave her hometown, divorce her husband, change names and pursue her dream of being an artist. On the podcast we talk about self-discovery, identity and the process of finding your own voice. You can follow Lara Julian on Instagram @larajulian_artist Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E6
Aug 2, 2023 · 38 min
S1E6 Simona & Rebeka
The last episode of Season 1 features the Founder of the Slovak Theatre in London, Simona, and the organisations Co-Manager, Rebeka. The theatre is a nonprofit initiative that supports Slovak and Czech artists living in London. Apart from performing regularly in the UK, the theatre crew often travels around Europe and visits local communities in other countries. Check out their story now! You can follow Slovak Theatre in London on Instagram @slovaktheatrelondon Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins In collaboration with @izbaarts Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E5
Jul 19, 2023 · 43 min
S1E5 Stephanie
This episode features a multi-talented Bulgarian choreographer, director and yoga teacher based in London, Stephanie Handjiiska. The host, Ella, asks her about her amazing dance projects, working with Michael Bubble and Sherihan, opportunities and struggles of living in London, dating British people and common stereotypes about Eastern European women. Check out Stephanie’s story now! The podcast features two music scores from Stephanie’s dance films “Inner Bloom” and “The Woman Who Sewed the Flag”. You can follow Stephanie on Instagram @stephaniehandjiiska Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E4
Jul 5, 2023 · 24 min
S1E4 - Power
In this episode Ella interviews Polish producer and songwriter from East London, Power. He moved to the UK with his parents when he was 6 years old. Music has been present in his family for a long time and he started making his own tunes at the age of 16. Power has worked with many UK artists, such as NSG, ZieZie, Tallia Storm, Figure Flows, Dun D, Ashton Russell, Summa Taylor, Aya Bleu and more. On the podcast we feature his tracks: 'Cali Nights' - Power, K9, Gia Gray 'Responsibilities' - Power, feat. Txrner, Kieron Boothe, Scott Vlassis & Tax 'Bounce That' - Power, feat. Ashton Russell You can follow Power on Instagram @powerofficial25 Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E3
May 30, 2023 · 27 min
S1E3 Aiko
Aiko is a Moscow born and Czech Republic raised artist, based in London. Her career started with an appearance on a TV talent show “Superstar” held in Prague. From that moment she actively pursued her career in music, released an album and played concerts in many European countries. Her sound is a unique blend of cultures, influences and electronic music. Check out her story now! You can follow Aiko on Instagram @aikomakesmusic Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E2
May 16, 2023 · 53 min
S1E2 Sasha Alexis
In this episode Ella interviews Sasha Alexis, a migrant actor and writer, originally from Russia. She moved to London in 2013 to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her first ever script for a short film Whore#4 (in which she also played the lead role) won awards at many renowned film festivals and has been recently a part of BFI Future Film Festival '23. As an actress, Sasha has worked with multiple theatre companies and voiced television shows and audio books. She is currently writing a new play dedicated to the fall-out of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. You can find Sasha on Twitter @SashaAlexis8 and Instagram @sasha_parkerok Hosted and produced by @ellanataliahopkins Marketing and creative content by @al3x_ba Recorded at @riddimliferecords with @djdeanlyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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