Episode 13

A New Name, The Same Heart

Published on: 29th June, 2025

Welcome to Postcards from Bosnia.

This morning, as I wandered through our small apple orchard here in Čardačani, I noticed apples scattered on the ground. Maybe it’s the heat, already 29 degrees and climbing to 32 today, but it got me thinking about change and cycles. As a sleek cyclist sped past, dressed head-to-toe in gear, it reminded me how life moves at different paces for everyone.

Why the Name Change?

After a lot of thought (and some gentle nudging from Tamara, my wife and biggest supporter), I’ve decided to rename my podcast from A Baby Boomer in Bosnia to Postcards from Bosnia. Tamara wisely pointed out that focusing on age might limit the audience. She encouraged me to share these stories more broadly, to anyone curious about life in Bosnia and Herzegovina beyond the guidebooks.

I also ran a poll among my Substack subscribers, and the feedback was clear. It’s time to shift focus. Friends like Christian Payne echoed this, reminding me that age is just a number and that I should write for anyone eager to connect, not just my own generation.

Reflections from Haarlem

This change coincided with a refreshing trip to Haarlem in the Netherlands to visit my sister and brother-in-law. We traveled by bus from Banja Luka to Zagreb, flew to Amsterdam, and then took a local bus to Haarlem. For Tamara, it was her first time in the Netherlands, and she loved it.

Haarlem felt like a perfect alternative to the bustle of Amsterdam.Full of beautiful old houses leaning gently after centuries on stilts, friendly people, and charming canals. We even took a short trip to Zandvoort to see the North Sea, a place close to my heart as a Brit. While I expected to feel waves of nostalgia, I was surprised to find no deep emotional tug. It reinforced my feeling of being an “in-betweener”. Not fully British anymore, yet not completely Bosnian either.


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About the Podcast

Postcards from Bosnia
Postcards from Bosnia is an audio journey into the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, seen through the eyes of an Englishman who has made this place his home.

Each episode is like a postcard: a small, personal glimpse into life, culture, history, and the beautiful messiness of daily moments.

Whether you’re curious about slow living, hidden corners of the Balkans, or what it’s really like to grow older in a new culture, these stories invite you to pause, reflect, and connect.
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About your host

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David Bailey

David Bailey is a veteran broadcaster and podcast producer with over three decades of experience behind the mic. From hosting and producing radio shows to pioneering independent podcasting in the Western Balkans, David’s voice has long been a trusted guide for curious listeners.

Now based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he blends his storytelling roots with modern audio formats, producing "An Englishman in the Balkans", "Postcards from Bosnia" and "Postcards in Sounds" podcasts, that explore culture, life, and slow living in a country he’s called home for over 20 years.

David brings warmth, clarity, and deep production knowledge to every episode, whether recording in his studio or capturing soundscapes in a village in rural Bosnia.