Seen&Heard

In this engaging episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome David Price, Business Development Manager at Science Made Simple, who demonstrates the art of science busking - combining street performance with STEM education to make science accessible and exciting for public audiences.David provides live demonstrations, from proprioception experiments to balloon physics, showing how everyday materials can create captivating educational experiences. Through his experience training science communicators and performing on streets across the UK, he illustrates how public engagement breaks down barriers between academic research and community understanding.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when addressing the skills crossover between street performance and effective science communication, including handling hecklers, reading crowd energy, and adapting presentations for diverse audiences - lessons applicable far beyond science education.Key moments:Live science demonstrations using simple, accessible materialsThe art of engaging public attention through street performance techniquesTraining scientists and educators to communicate beyond academic settingsInspiring stories from science outreach programs in schools and communitiesPractical and legal considerations for public science performancesAn entertaining and educational conversation for science educators seeking engagement strategies, researchers interested in public communication, and anyone curious about making specialized knowledge accessible through creative performance and demonstration. David's contact links: Website: https://sciencemadesimple.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-price-47381217/Email: david@sciencemadesimple.co.uk

In this reflective milestone episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) celebrate over 50 episodes by sharing the reality of podcasting on the road, from hotel room recordings to beach setups, revealing the unglamorous truth behind their seemingly smooth live streams.The hosts take listeners through their technical evolution, from their affectionately named "nice boy camera" to more sophisticated equipment, while demonstrating that gear upgrades don't solve all problems. Through candid stories of equipment failures, mobile recording challenges, and guest no-shows, they illustrate how adaptability matters more than perfect conditions.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when discussing practical lessons learned about sound quality, backgrounds, camera angles, and audience engagement—knowledge gained through trial, error, and occasionally spectacular technical failures captured live.Key moments:Evolution from basic to more sophisticated recording equipment (and why it didn't solve everything)Practical mobile podcasting setup strategies for traveling content creatorsHandling technical difficulties and equipment failures during live recordingsGuest experiences with language barriers and camera anxietyThe importance of sound quality over visual perfection in podcastingA behind-the-scenes conversation perfect for aspiring podcasters, content creators curious about the reality of live streaming, and anyone who's ever wondered how much actually goes wrong before, during, and after those polished-looking episodes.

In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Klara Tuličić, a marketing expert whose passion project odvorci.hr has transformed nine small Croatian villages near Slavonski Brod into a thriving digital media platform that preserves cultural heritage while engaging young people.Klara shares how she mobilized young volunteers to document and celebrate rural culture, creating content that has gained international attention while empowering local communities. Through her experience balancing professional marketing work with grassroots community organizing, she demonstrates how digital tools can bridge generational gaps and preserve traditions that might otherwise be lost.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when addressing the practical challenges of working with volunteers, securing funding for community projects, and managing public recognition while maintaining authentic connections to the communities being served.Key moments:Transforming rural communities through strategic digital storytellingEngaging young people in cultural preservation and community documentationBuilding sustainable volunteer programs for ongoing content creationBalancing professional marketing expertise with grassroots community workSecuring funding and sponsorship for community-driven media projectsAn inspiring conversation for community organizers looking to leverage digital tools, marketing professionals interested in purpose-driven projects, and anyone curious about how local initiatives can achieve global impact while preserving authentic cultural heritage. Klara's projects:https://odvorci.hrhttps://tenkai.hr/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klara-tulicic/

In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Manuela Bukvić, an Instagram expert who delivers uncomfortable truths about social media ROI and challenges the assumption that every business needs an Instagram presence.Manuela provides a realistic assessment of Instagram's demands, from the cultural differences between platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to the genuine effort required for consistent engagement and content creation. Through practical examples, she addresses whether businesses should invest time and resources in Instagram or focus their efforts elsewhere based on their specific goals and target audiences.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when examining automation tools like ManyChat, paid marketing strategies, and the ongoing tension between authenticity and algorithmic success, helping business owners make informed decisions about their social media investments.Key moments:Honest assessment of whether Instagram is right for your specific business modelCultural and platform differences between Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social networksThe real time investment required for meaningful Instagram engagementWhen and how to use automation without losing authentic connectionDiversifying social media presence based on audience and business objectivesA reality-based conversation for business owners questioning their Instagram strategy, marketers seeking honest ROI analysis, and entrepreneurs wondering if they're investing time and money in the right social media platforms for their goals.Manuela's contact links:Website: https://asistenta.hr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelabukvic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asistenta_creative/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asistenta.creative

In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Sanja Veletanlić, a certified Notion Solutions partner who demonstrates how business owners can transform their business operations through strategic system implementation.Sanja shares her journey from Notion user to certified partner, explaining how the platform's versatility extends far beyond simple note-taking to create comprehensive CRM systems, project management workflows, and automated processes. Through practical examples and client case studies, she illustrates how different professionals can escape the chaos of disconnected tools.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when addressing GDPR compliance considerations for European users and upcoming Notion features, while debunking common misconceptions about the platform's capabilities and learning curve for beginners.Key moments:Customizing Notion workflows specifically for photographers and creative businessesHow community engagement led to certification and international client attractionPractical implementation strategies for transitioning from multiple tools to unified systemsGDPR compliance and data management considerations for European professionalsBuilding expertise in emerging technologies to create new business opportunitiesA practical conversation for small business owners overwhelmed by disconnected tools, creative professionals seeking better project management systems, and entrepreneurs interested in building expertise around emerging productivity platforms.Sanja's contact info and affiliate link:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaveletanlic/Web: https://go2sanja.com/Templates: https://www.notion.com/@go2sanjaNotion Partner profile: https://www.notion.so/consulting-partners/sanja-veletanlicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1HIBBXXPe46pgglVeM28wSanja's Free Business Plan Affiliate link: https://affiliate.notion.so/pdvlpt07hvdq (no credit card details needed, you may get up to 6 free months!)

In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Krešimir Herceg, founder of Bikademy, who has transformed his passion for cycling into a comprehensive platform promoting active mobility, tourism, and environmental awareness.Krešimir shares his 15-year journey in marketing and event organization, explaining how Bikademy encourages daily cycling while exploring cultural sites and participating in CO2 reduction challenges. Through his experience pitching to investors and developing mobile app features, he demonstrates the practical challenges of turning a personal passion into a scalable business model.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when addressing the importance of English in business presentations and the technical aspects of app development, including future blockchain integration plans for enhanced user engagement and reward systems.Key moments:Practical tips for creating effective investor pitches in EnglishThe origin story of transforming cycling passion into a business platformStrategies for engaging local communities in active mobility initiativesMobile app development considerations for tourism and fitness platformsPlans for international expansion and blockchain technology integrationA motivating conversation for entrepreneurs looking to scale passion projects, startup founders preparing for investor pitches, and anyone interested in combining technology with environmental and tourism initiatives. Find Krešimir and Bikademy here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kresimirherceghttps://bikademy.com/

In this episode, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer) welcome Maja Puškarić, an experienced entrepreneur and personal branding expert originally from Croatia, now based in Austria, who shares her journey of strategic business pivots and authentic brand building.Maja offers practical insights from launching multiple ventures, including her upcoming show and a unique weighted blankets project, demonstrating how entrepreneurs can transition between different business models without losing their core audience. Through her experience producing 100 episodes of content, she reveals the importance of consistency and authenticity in building sustainable online presence.The conversation becomes particularly valuable when addressing the challenges of maintaining visibility while staying true to personal values, offering concrete strategies for overcoming the common obstacles that prevent entrepreneurs from showing up consistently in their market.Key moments:Strategic approaches to business pivoting while maintaining audience connectionLessons learned from producing 100 episodes of contentBuilding authentic personal brands that support multiple business venturesThe practical and therapeutic applications of weighted blankets in businessBalancing consistency with authenticity in social media presenceA strategic conversation for entrepreneurs considering business pivots, personal branding professionals seeking authentic approaches, and anyone interested in building sustainable online presence while exploring diverse business opportunities. Maja's contact links: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maja-puskaric/overlay/contact-info/Web - https://www.majapuskaric.com/

This week on Seen & Heard, hosts Edita Bandur (Business English Teacher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edita-bandur-a11831291/) and Darko Mareš (Portrait Photographer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darkomares/) tackle the age-old podcasting question in a special host-only episode: should you come prepared or wing it?Being invited as a podcast guest is exciting - but how much should you actually prepare? While Edita believes in having your talking points ready and knowing your key messages, Darko insists the best conversations happen when you ditch the script - though he'll absolutely make sure your tech is tested first. In this episode, they debate their different philosophies while giving you practical insights from both sides of the preparation spectrum.Whether you're Team Structure or Team Spontaneous, Edita and Darko will walk you through what actually matters when you're a guest. They'll demystify the technical side of appearing on their show, and help you find your own sweet spot between planning and authenticity - because there's no one "right" way to be a great guest.Join us as we explore:The prep-versus-spontaneity debate: finding what works for youTechnical tips to help you set up for successDifferent approaches to guest preparationPlus, we're opening up applications for future Seen & Heard guests!Go here to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvqCZ78F_FPl_9hpBN2BhC9JhEU5cqyRF4DFkB5wjh1mocfg/viewform?usp=headerWhether you're an over-preparer, a natural improviser, or somewhere in between - let's talk about how to show up as your best self, whatever that looks like.Seen & Heard: be our guest, be yourself.