Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis

In this episode I am joined by Vasili's Bourikas, also known as DJ Golden Feta!

Vasilis Bourikas, more commonly known in the Music Scene as, DJ Golden Feta, is a Young Greek DJ, Entrepreneur, Youtube Content Creator, Public Figure, and Music-Artist, based in Toronto, Canada. 
  

Although being 3rd Generation Greek, born abroad, his passion and connection to his Greek Heritage, Bloodline & Roots, heavily influence his music, both in his DJ Style, Original Songs, and involvement in the community.

With Roots from Both the Southern Greek Regions of Lakonia (Sparti) & Messinia (Kalamata), DJ Golden Feta claims "Apidia, Lakonia" his Home Village, and is 100% Greek!

In this episode, I am joined by Drake G. Behrakis.

Drake is President of Marwick Associates, a real estate investment and development company located in Lexington, Massachusetts. Marwick is the real estate arm of a family-owned, privately held investment company. He is also active in the Behrakis Foundation, the family’s philanthropic vehicle, and a co-founder of the strategic advisory firm 2TmX Advisors. Before establishing Marwick, Mr. Behrakis held various positions with Muro Pharmaceutical, Inc. and the Gillette Company. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Boston College and an MBA from Northeastern University.  

His engagement as an investor, mentor, philanthropist, and volunteer has expanded throughout the years. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The National Hellenic Society. He is on the Board of Directors for The Hellenic Initiative, He is also an investor/shareholderin Comkardia, Christie Campus Health, and an Advisor to Genomes to People, Desmos Policy Institute, and the Delphi Economic Forum.

In 2015 he was the recipient of the Boston College Distinguished Volunteer Award. Prior board commitments and involvements include Boston College, Leadership 100, Brigham & Woman’s Hospital, Order of St. Andrew, Orthodox Youth Ministry, Hellenic College, the American College of Greece, The Maliotis Cultural Center and the State of Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council.

Mr. Behrakis resides with his wife, three children, and dog, Lola, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

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In this episode I am on a mission to learn about the benefits of wild olive oil from Greece. I was recently sent a bottle to try by Zoefull. While I wait to see if I start feeling the benefits, I wanted to discuss wild olive oil here with you!

If you'd like to try a bottle for yourself, click here:

In this episode I am joined by Patricia Asimacos. Patricia is the founder of HBBU, Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite. A new initiative to help Greeks from Boston connect on a business and personal level, doing so for a good cause.

Here is a bit about Patricia in her own words:

Growing up as a Greek-American was by far the most rewarding experience. At a young age, I realized that my parents were providing my sister and I with the best of both worlds.  Being raised in Belmont, Massachusetts and attending the Public School System, while simultaneously going to Greek School and Sunday School at the Taxiarchae Church in Watertown, Massachusetts was magical. 

I must admit that I had always sensed a stronger connection with my Greek heritage.  I attribute this to the powerful bond my family had with Greece and our Orthodox Faith.  Although I was baptized at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston (where my father served as a board member), I was raised in the Taxiarchae Church under the loving guidance of the beloved Father Metaxas. 

Father Metaxas was unequivocally one of the most prominent figures in my life.  I viewed this great man not only as my spiritual Father, but also as my adopted father, when my own suddenly passed during my sophomore year at Boston College. Father Metaxas supported my family and I during our darkest hours, and brought us solace through our Faith.  His empathy and love for my family was like no other.

Upon my graduation from Boston College, the plan was to attend BC Law School.  However, I chose to work at a firm prior to attending law school, in order to confirm my career choice.  Law was of interest to me, however, it brought no joy to me.  It was during this time period that I discovered my true calling was to be an educator. 

 My love for children began at the Taxiarchae Church, under the guidance of Father Metaxas.  I served as a Sunday School teacher with a true love for educating young children.  It was a memorable time for my sister and I as we co-taught our Faith to little angels on Earth, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity.

 Soon after my epiphany, I attended Boston University.  I was fortunate to graduate with honors, while obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education. Since then, I have been teaching English as a Second Language.  I have had the honor of working with children both in Greece as well as the United States, specifically Peabody High School. 

To date, my bond with Orthodoxy and the Taxiarchae Church is priceless. I am truly blessed to have my son share this connection, as he serves God in the Altar of our church.  I realize that my faith in God and His ways have lightened every path for me thus far in life, and I will surely continue to have blind faith in God.

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To learn more about HBBU, give them a follow on Instagram at hbbu.boston

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In this episode I am joined by Greek-American Mortgage Lender, Savvas Fetfatsidis.

Savvas is a mortgage lender that serves people in the United States, licensed in all 50 states. Growing up Greek-American, Savvas loves giving back to the Greek community that helped shape him into the person he is today, and thrives to be the go-to person for Greeks around the United States that want to realize their goals of home ownership.

Savvas also partakes in the annual Athens Marathon in Greece, something he started out with his friend and former guest of this show, Nikitas Tsoukales.

Savvas also serves on the board of HBBU. Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite. A new initiative to help Greeks in Boston network with a purpose.

Tune in as I talk with Savvas about the ins and outs of what it takes to get pre-approved to purchase a home and what pre-approved exactly means, how AI has affected the process, as well as other tips and tricks to those hoping one day to purchase a home.

We also dive into his Greek roots, talk about some tips in Greece as well as running the marathon in Athens.

To find Savvas and learn how to apply go to:

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Katerina Mountanos. Katerina is the founder of Kosterina.

Kosterina is the one-stop destination for the best parts of the Mediterranean lifestyle, offering premium Mediterranean-sourced food products, a natural olive oil-based skincare line and healthful recipes and cookbooks. 

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Nikitas Tsoukales. Nikitas is a Greek American entrepreneur.

Nikitas Tsoukales is a proud ELLINA and the founder of RealTop, a digital marketing agency based in Boston Ma. Nikitas has used online marketing to help his clients acquire more than 100k actual customers!  

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, Tony breaks down the island of Milos, giving you the best 10 things you must do while visiting.

To learn more about Milos and other islands in Greece visit Tony's blog at www.greece-media.com/blog.

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Follow Tony's instagram account for daily Greece travel inspiration, travel tips and to see where Tony is traveling to next!

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis I am joined by Paul Anton.

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, I am joined by Marianthi Vlachos, founder of Hellenic Aesthetic.

Marianthi Vlachos is a Greek-American jewelry designer, retail entrepreneur and founder of Hellenic Aesthetic, America’s first store dedicated solely to Greek fashion. With it’s e-shop launch in 2017 and the opening of its brick and mortar boutique in New York City in 2021, Hellenic Aesthetic is the premiere shopping platform for Greek brands in the USA and beyond.

Marianthi not only hand selects each item available at Hellenic Aesthetic but also designs Hellenic Aesthetic’s fine jewelry collection, leather goods and many other items. Her pieces evoke her nostalgia and love for all things Greek, from Greek key jewelry to vintage inspired tourist t-shirts.

Most recently, Marianthi cofounded Rise With Apollo, a specialty coffee company where she serves as Creative Director.

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You can learn more about Marianthi and Hellenic Aesthetic at:

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, I am joined by the co-founders of the Origins app, Lambros Politis & George Malevitsis.

Origins is a new way to connect individuals who share a similar heritage story, background, or hometown with an eye towards cultivating new and lasting relationships. It connects descendants of immigrants with individuals whose parents/grandparents are from the same place of origin. Origins also connects travelers who are from the same hometown while visiting other parts of the country or around the globe. Origins streamlines the process of making new friends by introducing people based on a shared identity rooted in geography and/or culture.

Tune in as we discuss what the app does, what it took to develop it, and more about Lambros and George's roots.

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Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis is brought to you by:

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, Tony answers 20 common questions when it comes to Greece Travel.

Are you planning a trip to Greece? Tune in and use the links below to save money on your next trip!

Welcome to Greece Chats, in todays episode I am joined by Artemis Kohas! You may remember Artemis on this show, she’s appeared a couple times, including the very first episode of Greece Chats!

Artemis is the Founder of the Kohas Agency, and the Director of Community Development for the Hellenic Initiative.

This time around, Artemis gives us an update on some new things she’s working on that are coming up, and we also take a dive into her Greek roots and talk about her home island, Chios!

Here is more on Artemis:

Artemis is well-rounded communications and PR professional with a solid background in psychology, Artemis brings a multi-faceted approach to her projects. Her work with organizations including A Caring Hand and the New York City Department of Education, combined with her extensive philanthropic pursuits, has given her a deeply thoughtful approach to everything she does. As founder of The Kohas Agency she brings this personal touch to her work relationships, ensuring that each client receives individual treatment highlighting their needs, goals, and skills, while understanding where improvement is required and how to best address it.

Most recently, Artemis became a certified Yoga teacher with 200 hours of training. Every time a person or project comes across her desk, Artemis takes time to thoroughly understand the personal and business goals in order to most effectively communicate with a wide audience. She leverages her own connections, both in New York and Greece, to bring people together, create memorable events and experiences, engaging existing and new audiences to build a long-term community.

Learn more about Artemis and The Kohas Agency at:

In this episode I am joined by Julie Karatzis from Cartoules Press.

Cartoules Press is a design and letterpress studio based in Long Beach California! They create handmade invitations on their 1920’s antique printing press, plus an assortment of Greece inspired gift ideas!

Julie is a Greek-American with roots from the island of Kefalonia in Greece.

In this interview we also take a deep dive into Kefalonia and talk about the island inside and out, giving you an insiders perspective one what the island is like! All the travel tips you will ever need for the island of Kefalonia!

Learn more about Julie and Cartoules Press at:

In this episode of Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, I am joined by Anthony Orisses.

Anthony is a Greek-American from Queens, NY. He's the founder of RARE CUT, the pocket square that stays up.

Join us as we catch up with what Anthony's big working on, a huge milestone he accomplished and some travel tips from his home island in Greece, Chios!

You can find Anthony and his company online at the following links:

RARE CUT:
https://www.rarecut.com
https://www.instagram.com/rarecut

Anthony Orisses:
https://www.instagram.com/anthonyorisses
https://www.twitter.com/anthonyorisses
https://www.tiktok.com/@anthonyorisses

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In this episode I am joined by Evangelia. Greek-American Recording Artist.

You may remember Evangelia joined this very show back in 2021 about a week before she announced her huge collaboration with Fouriera.

A lot has changed since she originally came on the show, and I like to remind her that maybe just maybe, coming on this show was what got everything rolling for her! Jokes aside though, she’s really taken off, and its been really fun to watch.

Evangelia is currently performing at Teatro on a residency, opening for two iconic Greek singers, none other than Saki Rouvas and Konstantinos Argiros. Arguably two of Greece’s most successful singers.

I got to catch up with Evangelia in Greece in November a few days before her first week at Teatro, and you can just see the excitement of what’s about to come. Performing in front of thousands twice a week!

This interview was recorded in January 2023, about 2 months into her residency, so let’s jump into this conversation so Evangelia can fill you in on what’s happening!

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In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Arianna Papalexopoulos. Known on social media as TwinGirlPeeks!

In this episode I am joined by George Stroumboulis.

In this episode I am joined by Theodore Pitsios.

Theodore Pitsios writes refreshingly forthright stories that bring new insight into the immigrant experience.

Born in Tsagarada, Greece, he graduated from the Maritime Academy and sailed as an engineer in the merchant marine. After some time in Nassau, Bahamas, he embarked on his own American Dream, beginning in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ultimately settling on the Gulf Coast. He splits his time between the US and Greece.

In todays episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Dena Romios. Dena is the founder of Power Muse Productions which she started back in 2012.

Power Muse Productions organizes some the best concerts on the west coast of the US, hosting some of the best known Greek entertainers in the world.

In addition to Power Muse Productions, Dena now hosts her own podcast which you can find on GreekAFRadio called Muse Cast with Dena!

Join us for this super fun conversation with Dena Romios.

Welcome to Greece Chats, it todays epside I am joined by Aris Gerontakis.

Aris is a voice actor and has worked as one, in countless projects, including commercials, corporate videos, video games and animation projects. He has also composed and produced music for commercials, stage productions and film, as well as acted and sung professionally on stage. He loves being a voice actor the most because it anchors him, it invites him to explore the kid within on a daily basis, and because it allows him the free time and peace of mind to enjoy his first priority: his family.

Aris was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. He has an MSc in Architecture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and an MA in Music Theater from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, UK.

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Stavros Batras.

Stavros is a Greek comedian and actor. He has worked in places around the world such as Greece, Los Angeles, New York just to name a few.

Stavros is goal driven and ready to take on anything, lets jump into this conversation and see who Stavros Batras is!

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Christopher André Marks.

Christopher is a director, writer and producer. His most recent work includes the acclaimed feature documentary, King Otto (2022) which was released theatrically and on streaming platforms worldwide. He has previously worked with HBO Documentaries, HBO Sports and ESPN Films' Emmy Award winning '30 for 30' series. His work has also premiered at film festivals like South by Southwest and the Tribeca Film Festival. He is American of Greek descent and is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts film program.

The film tells the story of the Greek National Football Team's miracle triumph at the 2004 European Championships. The 300 - 1 rank outsiders, Greece, had never previously won a game or even scored a goal in a major international football tournament, but managed to single handedly knock off the giants of European football to achieve one of the biggest shocks in sports history. The team was led by legendary German coach, Otto Rehhagel, who left everything he knew behind in his own country to take on the underachieving Greek National Team. This is the story of how these two contrasting cultures, German and Greek, came together to speak the same language to write a new chapter in Greek mythology. Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and all major streaming platforms.

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In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Lucy Tranos, better known as LucyInTheSskyy on social media. Lucy is a professional travel influencer, that takes stunning photography in the most amazing places in the world. Not only does she travel around Greece, but you will find her in other amazing places around the world such as the Maldives, the Seychelles, Morocco, Cuba, just to name a few. Her page is a must follow if you love travel. In this chat we talk about what its like to be a travel influencer. What goes into planning a trip to a destination as an influencer. What does it take to build your brand as one, how do you keep up with all the content demands? Is this all as fun as it looks? As someone who loves traveling I was curious to ask her where does she love to travel the most and where in Greece is her favorite place to visit!? We dive into all this and much much more. We also dive into how social media has turned previously lesser known destinations in Greece into world famous destinations. A perfect example is Milos island with the popular Sarakiniko beach. I’ve followed Lucy from the days when she first started out and now she has accumulated over 250,000 followers. Lets jump into this interesting conversation with Lucy!

You can follow Lucy on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lucyinthesskyy

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In this episode of Greece Chats, I am talking to Giorgos Tsalikis. Giorgos is a Greek singer full of passion, kefi and love for everything is does! He knows how to bring crowds to their feet all night and has been doing so his entire career.

Join me as I chat with him backstage before his concert in Boston, Massachusetts during his US tour in 2022, his first since the pandemic, to discuss what its like being the person he is, performing around the world for all the Greeks everywhere in the world.

His love for his family, his fans, and his country, Greece. I also ask him his favorite places in Greece to visit, so if you are here for Greece travel tips, Giorgos has a few for you!

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Leftheris Laliotis & Alex Adamakis.

Leftheris and Alex are the co-Founder of Swollen. Swollet is the worlds first Learn-To-Earn investing platform in the metaverse.

Join us as I ask them all about their project and all things crypto, such as web3, crypto, NFT's, DAO's and of course the metaverse. Learn how Learn-To-Earn will shape our future.

In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Katerine Duska.

Katerine is a Greek-Canadian singer/songwriter currently residing between Athens, London and Montreal.

In 2018, her single 'Fire Away' was selected for the official "Nescafe Canada" television & radio ad campaign.

The following year, she represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest with her hit song "Better Love", making the top of Greece's iTunes Chart. Katerine co-wrote the song with Leon of Athens and David Sneddon (Lana del Rey, Lewis Capaldi, Mika) and produced it with Phil Cook (Ellie Goulding, Paloma Faith). The song received extensive international airplay, charting in over 40 countries worldwide and making the Global Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify.

Her follow up single ‘Anemos’ that same year, made the top 3 of Greece’s Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify as well as the Greek iTunes Chart.

Her musical style channels the dark sonic timbres of Lorde, Jessie Ware and Annie Lennox and her trademark soulful rasp has earned her comparisons to Adele and Amy Winehouse.

Katerine first rose to indie star status in Greece with her hit song "One in a Million" and her cover of Arctic Monkeys' "Do I wanna know", reaching millions of views on Youtube.

She has since then collaborated on stage and supported artists such as LP, Albin Lee Meldau, Tom Baxter, Yasmine Hamdan, Oddisee, Kadebostany and has performed in prestigious venues and festivals across the world such as South by Southwest, Odeon of Herodus Atticus, Rockwave Festival, The Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center Foundation, Megaron Athens Concert Hall, The O2 Academy Islington, Sofar Sound's /Amnesty International's global festival "Give a home" (where she was one of the 300+ artists to participate in support of the world's refugees) as well as Carnegie Hall & SNFCC' s "The Lullaby Project".

Katerine was also a coach/mentor on the hit tv talent show "The Final Four" in Greece (2019).

She is currently recording her upcoming EP in London with producer Anu Pillai and David Sneddon (Lewis Capaldi, Lana del Rey, Roisin Murphy, Ladyhawke) set to be released in 2022.

At the time of recording, Katerine is on her way to the US to perform as SXSW with a slate of shows scheduled.

You can find Katerine on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube or anywhere else you listen to music!

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Today I am joined by Johnny Livanos, Greek Wine Expert, Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin

Johnny Livanos is a third generation Greek-American restaurateur, Greek wine expert representing a number of leading wineries from Greece as part of Diamond Wine Importers, and founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, inspired by the untouched mountains in northern Greece.

As part of a proud New York family that owns and runs several acclaimed venues in Manhattan and Westchester NY, such as Oceana, Hudson West Kitchen + Craft Bar, Molyvos, City Limits Diner and Moderne Barn, Johnny has spent years running Greek restaurants and selling Greek wine & spirits. As part of this journey, Johnny gained a tremendous knowledge and passion for sharing the joys of Greek flavor with the world.

This led Johnny to also launch his own gin brand, called Stray Dog Wild Gin, which is distilled in Northern Greece with a medley of wild Greek botanicals. A way to combine his passion for Greek flavor and spirit culture with his love of gin, Stray Dog Wild Gin is crafted from a unique blend of wild botanicals native to Greece’s hills and mountains, then mixed with Mediterranean citrus and pure spring water. The result: The essence of an untamed life, bottled.

Stray Dog Wild Gin donates a portion of every sale to support animal shelters.

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In this episode of Greece Chats I am joined by Peter Poulos.

Peter Poulos is currently serving at the Executive Director of The Hellenic Initiative (THI), a global not for profit organization that raises funds to support Greek NGOs and entrepreneurs. Before his position as Executive Director he served as the organization’s Development Director for 6 years.

In 1993, Mr. Poulos opened Poulos Brothers, a fundraising and event-planning firm based in San Francisco, CA. Poulos Brothers worked with over 100 national and local nonprofit organizations and political candidates. He has raised millions of dollars for causes related to breast cancer research, civil rights, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and the environment.

A third generation Greek-American he is an active member of the Greek-American community. Mr. Poulos is the Founding Director of the San Francisco Greek Film Festival which has grown into one of the largest Greek Diaspora events in the United States.

He is also a Partner in the gourmet Greek food company Greka Icons that produces Navarino Icons and TREA food lines.

Mr. Poulos is a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University where he received his degree in International Relations with a concentration in Modern Greek History. Since 2007 he has been living and working in Athens, Greece.

Welcome back to Greece Chats everyone. Today I am joined by Artemis Kohas. Artemis, if you remember is a previous guest on this show! She appeared on the very first episode of this podcast back in early 2020. Artemis is the founder of the Kohas Agency and she is the director of community building for the Hellenic Initiative.

Artemis is well-rounded communications and PR professional, Artemis brings a multi-faceted approach to her projects. Her work with organizations including A Caring Hand, the New York City Department of Education, combined with her extensive philanthropic pursuits, has given her a deeply thoughtful approach to everything she does. As founder of The Kohas Agency, she brings this personal touch to her work relationships, ensuring that each client receives individual treatment highlighting their needs, goals, and skills, while understanding where improvement is required and how to best address it.

Have a listen to hear about her extensive work with global non profit The Hellenic Initiative and some sneak peeks at what she’s working on now!

In this episode of Greece Chats, I am with Greek-American Recorindg Artist, Yanni Bravo. Yanni’s recent hit Lil Star reached the top charts in Greece on Spotify, reaching all the way up to 14. The song is a collaboration with Light and the Late Mad Clip.

In this episode we talk about the making of the song, its success, what role has music played in his life and what’s next?

We also talk about success and failure, and how you can learn from the negativity that comes along with being in front of so many people on social media. Each negative comment or message can have a hidden message, you have to decode it.

Welcome to Greece Chats