Skip to main content
PORTAL Talks

PORTAL Talks

By PORTAL Larp Convention

Hello and welcome to the PoRtaL Talks! In this series of short podcasts we will explore the history of the PoRtaL conference, from planting the seeds in the early days to the blossoming crown we all enjoy nowadays.

My name is Matija and I will be your host with Miroslav aka Siro listening in so I don’t forget anything

It will consist of five segments, each dedicated to a different part of PoRtaL’s history. People who started it and grew during all these years will share their experiences, memories, best practices, and cautionary tales.

Find out more at www.portal11.eu.
Currently playing episode

Portal Talks - Episode One: Roots - Ana Rajner

PORTAL TalksSep 15, 2023

00:00
21:32
Episode 9 - Leaves: Zbyszek Janczukowicz

Episode 9 - Leaves: Zbyszek Janczukowicz

🎙 Final Episode Release of PORTAL Talks!

As we close this chapter of PORTAL Talks, we reflect on the many stories traversed through the portals. From insights to delightful tales, we trust this series has brought you knowledge and enjoyment from the vibrant world of larp in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe.

In our finale, we're pleased to host Zbyszek Janczukowicz, whose efforts led to PoRtaL receiving its inaugural funding through the Erasmus+ program. The founder of the Nausika Foundation, Zbyszek is at the helm of impactful initiatives like Larp For Climate and Forgotten Gods projects.

Join us one last time as we celebrate the contributions and successes that have shaped PoRtaL, thanks to visionaries like Zbyszek.

Mark your calendars! PoRtaL 2024 is gearing up for June 6th-9th in Bulgaria. Be there!

Hit the subscribe button and join in the dialogue!

https://bit.ly/portaltalksleaves

PoRtaL Larp Convention is co-created by Parallel Worlds Foundation, Terrible Creations and Nausika Foundation and is supported by Erasmus+

Nov 09, 202328:56
Portal Talks Episode 3 - Roots
Nov 03, 202323:22
PORTAL Talks - Episode 8 - Branches: Marcin Slowikovski

PORTAL Talks - Episode 8 - Branches: Marcin Slowikovski

Let us continue the PORTAL Talks with the co-founder and head marketing person of Larpventures, Marcin Slowikovski (Slowik).


Marcin and LARP's relationship is a really true love. He did his master's thesis on LARP and is teaching it at a seminar in Media Production Studies at his alma mater.

He played over 200, ran over 130, and (co)created almost 30 LARPs. He conducted workshops, wrote articles, edited publications, facilitated the LARP program at Falkon Festival and Kola Conference 2017, was part of the Witcher School scenario team, and gave feedback as a judge of LARP contests.

He co-created the first larp training course in Poland - LubLarp - with Jakub Barański and he had significant role in opening the PoRtaL 10 in Krakow.

Nov 02, 202335:01
PORTAL Talks - Episode 7 - Branches: Polinikis Papoulias

PORTAL Talks - Episode 7 - Branches: Polinikis Papoulias

Our latest episode brings a fresh and insightful perspective. Join us in conversation with Polinikis Papoulias, an instrumental figure behind PoRtaL 9 in Athens.

Polinikis wears multiple hats - he's a seasoned Red Cross cadet Samaritan with a decade-long experience, ranging from championing blood donations to offering invaluable support in refugee camps.

Now, he's embarking on a new venture, crafting edularps that delve into climate change, crisis management, and empowering the youth to take charge.Hear his story. Dive deep into the world of larp with a purpose. Only on PORTAL Talks.

Mark your calendars! PoRtaL 2024 is gearing up for June 6th-9th in Bulgaria. Be there!

Hit the subscribe button and join in the dialogue!

👉https://bit.ly/portaltalks-branches

PoRtaL Larp Convention is co-created by Parallel Worlds, Terrible Creations and Nausika Fundacja Edukacyjna and is supported by Erasmus+

Oct 26, 202323:11
PORTAL Talks - Episode 6 - Branches

PORTAL Talks - Episode 6 - Branches

The new decade has presented us with challenges, particularly the pandemic limiting our cherished live events. Yet, the PoRtaL spirit persevered, expanding its reach to Greece and Poland.

This episode, we're chatting with Alexandros Alexiou, a computer science student and larp designer from Greece. With over 100 small-scale LARPs under his belt and diverse genres explored, his insights are sure to intrigue. Beyond designing, Alexandros co-founded 'LARPifiers', leveraging larps as transformative, educational and therapeutic tools.

Don't miss out on this enriching conversation. Hit the subscribe button and join in the dialogue!

Mark your calendars! PoRtaL 2024 is gearing up for June 6th-9th in Bulgaria. Be there!

PoRtaL Larp Convention is co-created by Parallel Worlds, Terrible Creations and Nausika Fundacja Edukacyjna and is supported by Erasmus+

Oct 19, 202323:38
PORTAL Talks - Episode 5 - Grafting

PORTAL Talks - Episode 5 - Grafting

Ready to dive deep into the heart of PoRtaL's evolving story? Our next episode promises a walk down memory lane and a glimpse into its transformative journey.

You see, as PoRtaL grew, it yearned to branch out and soak in diverse larp cultures, innovative techniques, and experiences from around the region. And who better to guide us through this evolution than our upcoming guest, Miroslav "Siro" Wranka?

Siro, a journalist and larp designer from Croatia, began his adventure more than two decades ago with Amtgard-style boffer games. But a chance introduction to the Nordic LARP scene changed his trajectory, and he's never looked back. Alongside the dynamic duo of Lucija Tanzer and Matija Mihoković, Siro co-founded 'Terrible Creations,' an inspiring enterprise in Croatia that creates amazing roleplaying experiences for a wide audience.

Siro was the managing and program director for the PoRtal 5 and 8 in Zagreb, so in this talk, you can expect a trove of stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes tales.


Hit the subscribe button and join in the dialogue!

Mark your calendars! PoRtaL 2024 is gearing up for June 6th-9th in Bulgaria. Be there!


Oct 12, 202323:25
Portal Talks - Episode 4: Branches - Ilina Konakchieva Hellen

Portal Talks - Episode 4: Branches - Ilina Konakchieva Hellen

Introducing our next guest, Ilina Konakchieva, widely known as Hellen. With her background as a political and social scientist and social analyst, Ilina melds her vast professional insights seamlessly into the LARP realm.

Embarking on her LARP journey 15 years ago, propelled by her passion for wargames, today she stands as the lead organizer behind The Fog LARP in Bulgaria.

Hit the subscribe button and join in the dialogue!

Mark your calendars! PoRtaL 2024 is gearing up for June 6th-9th in Bulgaria. Be there!

Oct 05, 202316:37
Portal Talks - Episode Two: Branches - George Vlaykov

Portal Talks - Episode Two: Branches - George Vlaykov

After several years in Zagreb and Budapest, the time has come for PoRtaL to branch out to other countries as well. The first such step was taken in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where PoRtaL 6 took place, thanks to Ilina Konakchieva and George Vlaykov.

In the second episode, we talk to George who is a paramedic, mountain guide, and self-defense instructor who has 17 years of experience in larping. He was (and still is) one of the first game masters for the Bulgarian Fog LARP, where he deals mostly with logistics, organization, and problem-solving on every level.

Currently, George is working on how to use LARP tools for adult education and personal skills development.

This year the PoRtaL was held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, from June 16 to 18. It explored the roots and vines of our mythic larp tree and continued the journey of finding the place of the larp in the world of adult education. Find out more about the PORTAL at http://portal11.eu/

In 2024 PoRtaL will be held in Bulgaria from June 6-9.


Sep 21, 202327:18
Portal Talks - Episode One: Roots - Ana Rajner
Sep 15, 202321:32