We welcome author Shelley Dark to the show! After a lifetime raising cattle on Queensland’s Granite Belt, Shelley and her husband swapped the bush for the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia. She's an award-winning Australian author who travels as often as she can and enjoys iPhone photography. She's a member of the ALLWRiTE Club and Writers on the Coast Noosa—a generous community of writers whose work and thinking continually stretches her own.

Her books include Hydra in Winter (2024), awarded a Gold Medal at the Global Book Awards 2025 (Biographical—Traveler & Explorer), about her trip to the Greek island of Hydra to uncover her husband’s ancestor, Ghikas Voulgaris—Australia’s first Greek convict pioneer. And Son of Hydra (2025), awarded a Silver Medal at the Global Book Awards 2025 (Historical Fiction), inspired by his extraordinary life. Next will come Daughter of Cork, the story of his Irish wife, along with another exciting new narrative non-fiction. Her short fiction appears in anthologies. Join us in getting to know Shelley!

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Son of Hydra on Amazon

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We welcome Tom & Nick from the Ouzo Talk podcast to the show! Ouzo Talk is a Sydney-based podcast for Greeks of the diaspora. They bring the Ouzo-fueled conversations of ‘kafenia’ the Greek world over, right to your ears. From music, history and culture, to science, philosophy and everything in between, Ouzo Talk is all about 'parea'. And with a bottle of Ouzo always on the table, there's no telling where the conversation might go. It's solving the world’s problems – one bottle of Ouzo at a time. Join us in welcoming Tom & Nick to Connecting Greeks!

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We welcome writer, director, and actress Rachel Suissa to the show! Rachel has created something truly unique with "Greek Mothers Never Die" — a supernatural comedy inspired by her real-life relationship with her Greek mother, blending heartfelt themes with laugh-out-loud cultural quirks. We talk to Rachel about how this very personal film was born, what it means for Greek American audiences, and how her family (and ghostly mothers) helped shape the story. Join us!

Join us in our chat with Nicholas Syris of Lavida Habana Cigars. Nick started his professional life as a very successful audio video electronics specialist. Thankfully, it was his passion for good cigars that won him over and also led him to a side career on a radio talk program, “Smooth Draws” a weekly program dedicated to Cigars and the Cigar Lifestyle. It was also his love of cigars that opened the door, back in the mid-90s, to Saudi Arabian Royalty and subsequently the creation of the first of a several Lavida Habana Cigar Lounges. “The cigar is the great equalizer, where people from all walks of life, different cultures and various socioeconomic backgrounds can all bond over the experience of enjoying a cigar,” says Nicholas. And despite the anti-smoking hysteria that has befallen on the US and other parts οφ the world, “we are strong in our convictions and our desires to enjoy the pleasures that we derive from smoking premium cigars!” Kick back with a cigar and listen!

Learn more: https://lhcigars.com

Watch more: https://www.greekradio.app

We welcome the awesome Bill Pantazis to the show! Bill is a George Michael impersonator so convincing that many struggle to tell him apart from the original artist, an effect heightened when viewed face-to-face. In addition to their strikingly similar facial features and eyes, Pantazis and the late singer also share Greek heritage and the same Zodiac sign. Pantazis's uncanny physical resemblance is matched by his stage presence, as he has mastered George Michael's signature moves for his performances. Beyond his tribute act, Bill Pantazis also performs as a vocalist with the Luisa Marshall Band. Join us!

Bill's website

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We welcome the awesome and inspiring Yianni Kioussis to the show! "Asperger Dynamo" is the wrestling persona of Yianni, who has Asperger's Syndrome. Yianni uses the name to represent his wrestling persona, which embodies the underdog and aims to inspire those with disabilities. He embraces his social difficulties, such as a lack of filter and social cue issues, as part of his wrestling character, finding the ring a place where he can express himself authentically. Join us!Learn more about Yianni >Hear more on GreekAF >

We welcome the fascinating Stelios Maltepes to the show! Raised by Greek immigrants, Stelios is the only one of his siblings born in America. Destined to be the golden child, he drops out of high school, ends up hustling on the streets, and falls in love with a Puerto Rican girl from the Badlands. From professional sports bettor to marijuana trafficker, Stelios has ties to the NBA betting scandal, the Philly and New York Mob, and the Mexican Cartel-all while raising his own interracial family. Despite the odds, Stelios navigates his way to becoming one of the biggest marijuana dealers in America. However, this rags-to-riches story comes to a crossroads when Stelios Maltepes places the biggest bet of his life, with everything on the line. Can Stelios Maltepes defy the odds once again? Watch our interview with Stelios!

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We welcome the awesome Chris Mustakas to the show! Chris is a Canadian author, storyteller, and proud father of two. Born in Waterloo, Ontario and now living in Ottawa, he balances family life, endless creative projects, and a career rooted in marketing, communication, and leadership.

Professionally, Chris is the Chief Marketing Officer for Ferrari & Associates Insurance and Financial Services, a boutique brokerage known for bespoke solutions and high-touch service. He holds an Honours Arts degree in Speech Communication with a minor in Human Resources from the University of Waterloo, as well as an MBA and a Master of Recreation Administration from the University of New Brunswick.

After grad school, Chris spent over five years working for a professional hockey team—doing everything except hoisting a Stanley Cup. His time there was both formative and bittersweet, laying the groundwork for many of the themes explored in his writing.

Though this novel marks his official debut, Chris is no stranger to the written word. He’s contributed to newspapers, ghostwritten speeches, and helped others find their voice through storytelling. His work often explores resilience, mental health, identity, and the humor found in unexpected places.

Check out his amazing book: https://thesalespit.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thesalespit

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