Rock my Worlds of English

Look who the wind blew in again! Julian Mullen is back on the mic, ready to dive headfirst into a conversation about Saint Patrick and all things Irish with us--all while rocking a Guinness hoodie (sans harp!)! As February rolls into March, Ireland seems to move through its very own season of celebrations: Not only does Saint Patrick draw people into warm and cosy pubs on March 17, but ever since 2023 Saint Brigid's Day on February 1st has been an official holiday in Ireland--reviving ancient Celtic traditions tied to Imbolc, the festival of light and fire and the beginning of spring. We talk a little bit about Saint Brigid's Crosses, the story of Saint Patrick (or Pádraig), traditions surrounding the celebration beyond clichés, real and authentic pub culture, Irish dancing, and the Irish Nation's voice on an international stage. Even though Tamara winds Julian up (and any Irish person) by calling Brigid a Queen (THERE IS NO QUEEN OR KING IN IRELAND), she did have her redemption arc and was a bit proud when Julian wanted to declare her Honorary Ambassador for Ireland for defending the art of pouring Guinness--at least withing the confines of this podcast.Make sure to check out the Pangur Bán poem, and the Fields of Athenry (e.g. the football match here). Don't forget to drop by McMullen's Klagenfurt (or Villach) on March 14th (19:00) and March 17th (19:00) to enjoy some Irish dancing, music from Gran Turismo, or a Jameson on the house in case you wear something green (by that we mean proper shamrock green!).Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or learn how to turn water into beer with us. Tamara Urach, hostBlake Shedd, hostJulian Mullen, guestP.S.: Neither Ötzi nor DJ Ötzi are/were Celts. ;)

Mind your P's and F's, polks! In our new series, Saturday Morning Linguistics (not to be confused with Saturday morning cartoons), we talk about linguistics in everyday life. In this first episode we start with something historical, namely Grimm's Law. What does this have to do with everyday lingustics, you ask? Well, we've got an answer - tune it to us chatting about how English and German are related and how this law explains language contact over long periods of time. Grab a pen (Latin: penna 'feather') to keep track of all the examples that show a systematic relationship between Germanic and Romance languages. We struggle with pronunciation sometimes but hope you can decipher what we're saying (Tamara wants to apologise to all Italian speakers everywhere for butchering their language). We mentioned the Indo-European language tree graphic by Minna Sundberg (Guardian article here), the map for translations across Europe, the Map Men on YouTube, and Jakub Marian's maps.Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or inquire about other Grimm familial relations. Blake Shedd, hostTamara Urach, hostJulia, guest

Welcome back, Kotter (if you get this reference, you might have been born before 1980)! ... And happy halfiversary to our podcast! Today we fill you in on all the great things to come in the summer term (and mention some of the great podcasts from last term). Be sure to add the Media Club and the World Poetry Day celebration to your social calendar. We've changed things up a bit with how we publish the episodes, so be on the lookout for Saturday Morning Linguistics (first Saturday of every month) and bonus episodes (every now and then). Stay tuned for more!Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or submit your own soundfile for an audio effect. Blake Shedd, hostTamara Urach, hostRecorded with RØDECaster Pro II, borrowed from the CULT.

Some call it the study-bible, some call it difficult to read--either way, the curriculum is an important document to understand as a university student. To be precise, we are talking about two different curricula for programmes the Department of English offers. Today's podcast features two guests that are curriculum-experts in their respective programmes. While Samuel is here to guide us through the Bachelor of Arts curriculum of the Worlds of English programme, Matthias has come in to talk a little bit about the one for the Lehramt programme since both differ from each other in terms of coursework and scope. Should any questions for either one of the curricula arise after listening to the episode, contact Samuel or Matthias (or the extended SPL Team).Here are a couple of useful links that we mentioned...- the BA curriculum- the BEd curriculum - the Info-sheet for BEd theses & the "Betreuungsvereinbarung"Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or let us know which level of the curriculum you are currently playing. Tamara Urach, hostSamuel Paul, guest, SPL-Assistant extraordinaireMatthias Petutschnig, guest, SPL-Assistant extraordinaire

On February 23, 2026, the Klagenfurt Centre for Canadian Studies (KCCS) | Centre d'Études Canadiennes de Klagenfurt (CECK) was officially inaugurated. For that very special reason, today's (bonus) podcast episode features a record number of guests that have come to Klagenfurt for the festivities, namely Dominique Kirchner Reill from the University of Alberta (Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies), Benedikt Miklós from the Délégation Générale du Québec, Felicitas Lang from the Embassy of Canada to Austria in Vienna as well as our very own colleague René Schallegger from the Department of English (University of Klagenfurt) who founded the KCCS. Tune in to find out how the Centre will foster Austro-Canadian relations by building on the strong cultural values and commitment to technological improvements that the two countries share. Check out the Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies, the webpage of the KCCS, the Embassy of Canada to Austria, the Délégation Générale du Québec in Munich and the Festival du Film Francophone Wien 2026.Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or tell us what you like most about Canada. Tamara Urach, hostDr. René Schallegger, guestFelicitas Lang, guestDr. Benedikt Miklós, guestDominique Reill, PhD, guest

Today is all about reminiscing and looking forward - or as Galadriel said "things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass." No, we are not talking about ring lore but instead about our newly founded Media Club, which wrapped up its first season just a couple of days ago. Our guest for this episode is René Schallegger, whose academic expertise and personal interest in different media have proven extremely valuable for the Media Club. The dystopian theme of the Media Club in winter semester 2025 was very well received, prompting the producers to opt for a second sesason in summer term 2026, focusing on "The Fantastic". René and Tamara take a trip down memory lane of what they liked best last season and what they'll improve on in the sessions offered in summer. For more details regarding the programme, please visit the Media Club's webpage or use the quick guide to sign up for sessions (or write us an e-mail at mediaclub@aau.at). Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or offer ideas for Hellblade 3. Tamara Urach, hostRené Schallegger, guest

The guests for today's episode joined us at the university to share a little about how English affects their lives--they're not students or teachers here, so they're able to offer us a different perspective on the worlds of English, namely how English brings together someone from Brasil (who loves Kasnudeln) and someone from Austria (who loves pão de queijo - mispronunciation not recommended) who meet each other in Estonia. Portuguese and German do not play a major role in their interpersonal interactions--though each uses their mother tongue with friends and family and in other contexts. We dive briefly into Esperanto, taboo terms, and more--so, sit back, relax, and enjoy an almost hour-long episode filled with laughter and linguistics (what better combo could there be?)! Here's three things to check out from today's episode:Instagram: @greengodictionary Interlingua on Tiktok: @orlophe_vauchertresEsperanto Museum in Vienna (...and Zamenhof was Polish. :))Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or suggest a new term of endearment that Julia and Johannes can try out!Tamara Urach, hostBlake Shedd, hostJulia, guest, saudade expertJohannes, guest, pause expertN.B. This podcast was not sponsored by Duolingo, Bumble, or Jomo--but....we mean, they could if they wanted.

Today's guest, Tatjana Vučajnk, has joined us from the Department of Slavic Studies at the University of Klagenfurt (Celovec) to tell us about a unique opportunity for students (and non-students, too) to improve their language skills: Summer School Bovec. At the beginning of July, intensive courses in Slovene, German, Italian, Croatian, and Friulan are offered at beginner and advanced levels. Tatjana and Blake talk about what it means to learn a language and explain the way Bovec creates an ideal learning environment. This year's theme is "Bridging Worlds with AI"--this current topic is especially important in language learning. Summer school participants can enjoy a host of extracurricular activities to put into practice the language they are learning. Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or share your favourite Slovene poem.Blake Shedd, hostDr. Tatjana Vučajnk, guest

As entertaining as the Rock my Worlds of English podcast episodes *usually* are, today's episode proves to be the exception by being entertaining AND informative. Knowledge (like beauty) is, however, fleeting, so we have prepared a map for you to navigate the hallowed halls of Hogwa... uh sorry... the University of Klagenfurt. This veritable audio Marauder's Map will show you how to find your way through the at-times Byzantine landscapes - both virtual and physical - of university life. The second edition of our freshers guide (please see episode #004 for our Freshers 101 about the campus system) reveals (*revelio*) the nooks and crannies of campus: how to create a timetable, keeping in mind the progression of coursesthe ÖH reps (see episode #008 for more detail)the CULTthe SPLs (Study Programme Directors)the IT service desk ZID how to print with your own computerwhere to park and how to navigate campus (plan)meal discounts at the Mensasports at the USIour department's code of conductgeneral tips to survive university lifeSnoop Dogg's advice on syllabi Announcement: Applications for Erasmus + study abroad for the next academic year are open until February 1, 2026 - for questions reach out to the International Office at outgoing.exchange@aau.at or stop by during their office hours (Mon-Thu from 9 to 11 in O.1.22).Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or enquire about the graduate edition of the Marauder's Map. Tamara Urach, hostGert Ofner, hostAlex Striessnig, guest host

This is an announcement for the Erasmus+ Study Abroad program:“Applications for Erasmus+ study abroad for the next academic year are still open. The deadline is February 1, 2026, so this is a good time to get your applications ready. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to the International Office at ⁠outgoing.exchange@aau.at⁠, or stop by during office hours, Monday to Thursday from 9 to 11 (in office O.1.22).”

While your dynamic podcast duo Tamara and Blake are still on their (much needed) holiday, they have been ably replaced by Matthew and Vanessa in today's podcast episode, welcoming Darrah and Dune (the D&D of Fulbright) in our (provisional) studio to talk about Austro-American relations and the Fulbright programme. Talking about the many opportunities Fulbright offers to students and teachers (including going from Austria to the US (or vice versa) to teach and study), Dune and Darrah also highlight the importance of person-to-person exchange and the chance to represent your country in a different cultural context (which very much is the backbone of the programme) and forming new and (lifelong) connections with people, e.g. via the Fulbright alumni community events. If you are motivated to go on a once-in-a-lifetime-experience to study/teach abroad, the Fulbright programme might be perfect for you. For more information visit their website, Instagram (@fulbrightaustria), YouTube (@FulbrightAustria), and LinkedIn, or write them an email under DLustig@fulbright.at. Fulbright's Media Club book: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or submit a draft for an AAU sports team logo.Vanessa Walzl, guest hostMatthew Hellenbrand, guest hostDarrah Lustig, guestDune Johnson, guest 

Today’s episode features Dr. Peter Muntigl from the University of Ghent, a linguist whose research focuses on helping professions and therapy. Originally from Canada, he grew up in Montreal and studied in Vancouver. He has connections to universities across Europe and spent time in Vienna for a research project. Coming to linguistics from a different academic background, he discovered his passion for language while volunteering as a teacher for immigrants, where he came to see language as a powerful tool. His journey as a researcher has taken him to many places – but to find out which one he considers the most beautiful, you’ll have to listen to the episode!Contact us at ⁠⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or participate in our vote on what PhD really stands for. Tamara Urach, hostPeter Muntigl, guest

Others might go for the cliché “new year, new me” — we present our very personal and splendiferous “new year, new co-host.” Although he has already hosted a couple of episodes, we wanted to kick off 2026 with a very special one. We almost lost him to politics in Salzburg, but we’re glad he found his way back to Klagenfurt, where he studies English and History and recently started teaching at the Bachmann Gymnasium. Gert sees education as both a tool and an investment for society and is keen on not worrying too much and taking small risks (as Blake told us: use worry like salt).Gert's book recommendation: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or ask Gert for a weather report (it's gonna be freezing next week).Tamara Urach, hostBlake Shedd, hostGert Ofner, guest/host

This is our quarter-century episode of the fairly new "Rock my Worlds of English" podcast from the Department of English at the University of Klagenfurt! Thank you, dear Listener, for spending all these many hours with us learning about the department, our curricula, our students, our friends, and our colleagues. In this episode we reflect back on what we've learned, what we loved, and what we're going to do next year. Tune in to get a preview of all the great episodes to come. Contact us at rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or help us out how to use technology. Tamara Urach, hostBlake Shedd, host

This episode was ... and that was a great podcast! You might have missed the middle, but that's likely down to user error! And, since we don't want Santa ClausE to know we've been naughty, play along and like the episode anyway.Merry Christmas to you all! God Jul, Nadolig Llawen, Buon Natale, Frohe Weihnachten, Nollaig Shona, Fijne Kerst, Ekeresimesi, Joyeux Noël, Nollaig Chridheil!Contact us at rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or share a map to your favourite Middle-earth Hobbit hole.Tamara Urach, hostBlake Shedd, guest*soundeffects by Pixabyte

Welcome to our Carinthian Christmas special with our host Gert and our guest Alex, both born and bred Austrian Carinthian guys. They talk about typical Austrian Christmas traditions and how Austria is, in many ways, an outlier when it comes to traditions: celebrating on the 24th of December rather than the 25th, getting presents from the Christkind rather than Santa Claus, having smoked sausages and sauerkraut for Christmas dinner, and fleeing the rampaging Krampus at the beginning of December. Alex and Gert talk a bit about Christmas trees and the old tradition of putting away the tree on the second of February (Mariä Lichtmess), which is not as common anymore. One thing has and will forever be the same for Austrian Christmas though: visiting grandparents and/or family, opening the last door of your Advent calendar, and complaining about the first signs of Christmas in late summer (we can all agree it is too early, right?). Contact us at rockmyworldofenglish@aau.at to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or offer up a tree from your own yard to prevent Christmas tree theft.  Gert Ofner, hostAlexander Striessnig, guest*soundeffects by Pixabyte

The tenth episode of our Christmas series features Petra (who lived in England for several years) and her experience at Christmastime in England. In previous episodes we have heard stories of magical Christmases; Petra shares her perspective on what she fears Christmas has become: a celebration of excessive consumption despite a warming planet and starving children in many areas of the world. Adding to that, it seems as if Christmas has become an increasingly stressful and burdensome season, which traps people in an unwinnable race to keep up with the Joneses (or even do better than them). Petra offers an idyllic vision of Christmas: reminiscing and spending time with loved ones and enjoying silent nights in peace and quiet--gifts so exquisite and of such inestimable worth that they ought to be freely given. Contact us at rockmyworldofenglish@aau.at to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or help Cindy Lou save Christmas. Gert Ofner, hostPetra Stefitz-Huber, guest*soundeffects by Pixabyte

Today's guest, Michael, hails from Hamilton, a hemisphere away on the North Island of New Zealand. He regales us with tales of Christmas in summertime, complete with barbecues and stays at the beach. He has lived in Austria for 15 years, so we also get to hear about his experiences here, in particular how customs from New Zealand meld with those from Austria. Christmas Eve in Austria almost perfectly aligns with Christmas morning in New Zealand - in order to manage the delivery of gifts, the Christkind and Santa Claus share this responsibility. Even though snow does not show up for Christmas in New Zealand (only fake snow), the season is marked by the blooming of the pōhutukawa, a tree with beautiful flowers that is also known as New Zealand Christmas tree.Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or schedule your timeshare vacation in Hobbiton. Blake Shedd, hostTamara Urach, hostMichael Rodgers, guestLouise, secret guest *soundeffects by Pixabyte

Welcome to our eighth episode on Christmas traditions! Hailing from Scotland but at home in Carinthia for over four decades, Rachel joins us today to tell us about the practices associated with Christmas and Hogmanay in Scotland. We also learn a bit about Rachel's experiences with Christmas in Austria (where she got the best ever Christmas present just over thirty years ago!) and the influence of other cultures (Scandinavian, German, etc.) on Christmas in the UK. An official holiday only since 1958 in Scotland, Christmas there might not be the over-the-top yulestravaganza you might know from Hollywood movies, but it still offers a moment of quiet reflection with family to brighten a dark time of year. So, sit back, relax, and tune in to find out the meaning of the phrase: "Lang may yer lum reek!" (& we hope it does!)Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or cosplay as a Viking Santa Claus. Blake Shedd, hostTamara Urach, hostRachel Braidwood Köberl, guest*soundeffects by Pixabyte

Representing our dear neighbours from Italy in our Christmas podcast series, Marta joins us on air today to talk about Christmas traditions in her home country. Rather than Santa Claus -- or Babbo Natale, as he is called in Italian -- the spotlight is on two women during the the festive season: Santa Lucia, who heralds the beginning of the celebrations on December 13, and Befana, who marks the end of Christmas with a big bonfire, the bruciare la vecchia (en. burning of the old woman), something reminiscent of originally Celtic practices -- power to the women! ;) In Italy, Christmas traditions can vary from region to region, as Marta tells us -- but in Verona/Veneto, where she is from, you usually wear red during Christmas and New Year's for good luck, and you eat loads of good food (primo, secondo, terzo, ... piatto) like tortellini, boiled meat, and most importantly: sweets like pasta frolla, pandoro, and mandorlato. Contact us at ⁠rockmyworldsofenglish@aau.at⁠ to share ideas, volunteer for an interview, or to hand in your wish list for Santa Lucia and Befana. Tamara Urach, hostMarta Degani, guest*soundeffects by Pixabyte