Simple Russian Stories

Episodios

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  Ep. 84 Who Is Pavel Durov? The Story of the Telegram Founder | Learn Russian Through a Story | B1–B2 16.09.2026 17m

  Today, we're talking about one of the most well-known and controversial Russian entrepreneurs in the world — Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram. But this isn't just a story about a successful businessman. We'll go back to the beginning, when Durov was a university student studying philology, and follow the unusual path that took him from a small student project to one of the world's biggest messaging apps. Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 83 Different Types of Shops in Russian | Learn Russian Through a Story | A1–A2 09.09.2026 13m

  Today, we're going shopping — in Hanoi! I recently moved to a new apartment, and of course, I need to buy a lot of things. But where do you go if you need a vacuum cleaner? What about food, a lamp, or new clothes? In this episode, I'll take you shopping with me and show you the different types of shops you can find in Russia. So grab your shopping bag, and let's go! Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 82 Russian School Life| Learn Russian Vocabulary & Culture (A2 - B1) 02.09.2026 17m

  What is school like in Russia? In this episode, we’re going back to school and exploring Russian school life through my own memories and old photographs. Learn about September 1st and День знаний, the first school bell, classes and grades, school traditions, ОГЭ and ЕГЭ exams, tutors, the last school bell, and graduation. Along the way, you'll learn useful Russian vocabulary and expressions connected with school and studying, including учиться, учить, изучать, отличник, двоечник, линейка, аттестат and more. Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 81 Pets in Russia & Around the World | SLOW Russian Podcast (A2) 26.08.2026 15m

  Today’s episode is about pets. We’ll talk about the most popular pets in different countries, and I’ll also tell you about the animals I had when I was a child. This episode is for Russian learners at A1+ / A2 level. Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 80 Can You Surf in Russia? Sakhalin Island | Learn Russian| Slow Russian Story (A1 - A2) 06.08.2026 12m

  In this episode, Yan travels to Sakhalin Island, one of the most remote and beautiful places in Russia. He visits the famous Cape Velikan, takes a boat trip to the mysterious Aniva Lighthouse, tries surfing in the cold Pacific Ocean, and hopes to see one of Sakhalin's most famous animals — the Steller sea lion (сивуч). Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 79 Learn Russian | Masha and the Bear | Slow Russian Story (A2) 29.07.2026 15m

  Today's episode is a little different. Instead of talking about Russian culture or travel, we're going to read one of the most famous Russian folk tales — Masha and the Bear. I've adapted this story for A2 learners, so the language is simple, clear, and natural. Listen carefully, don't worry if you don't understand every word, and try to enjoy the story. Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria Contact email: [email protected] 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446
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  Ep. 78 Childhood Memories from Russia | Learn Russian with Real Stories (B1) 22.07.2026 12m

  Today we're going to do something a little different. Instead of talking about Russian grammar or a famous tourist destination, I'd like to introduce you to one of my favourite Russian writers — Viktor Astafyev. For me, this episode is very personal. Astafyev's books remind me of my childhood in Krasnoyarsk, of the Siberian forest, the Yenisei River, and long walks in nature. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 77 Jan’s stories: Trip to Altai | Slow Russian Story (A2) 15.07.2026 9m

  You'll hear a simple story about Jan, who goes there during his summer holidays. You'll also learn new words, practise the future tense and hear some useful travel vocabulary. After each part of the story, I'll ask you a simple question. Try to answer it out loud before you hear the correct answer. Speaking aloud is one of the best ways to improve your Russian. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 76 The Golden Ring of Russia | Ancient Russian Cities (A2 - B1) 08.07.2026 18m

  Today's episode is for upper beginner and intermediate learners of Russian. We are going to travel along one of the most famous tourist routes in Russia — the Golden Ring. We will talk about what the Golden Ring is, why it is so important in Russian culture, and visit some of its most famous cities. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 75 Summer in Russia: Jan's Trip to Sochi | SLOW Beginner Russian Podcast (A1 - А2) 01.07.2026 12m

  In this episode, we follow Jan, an American student learning Russian in Moscow, as he plans his summer vacation to Sochi. You'll practice the simple future tense, learn travel and vacation vocabulary, and discover interesting facts about one of Russia's most popular seaside destinations. Perfect for beginner Russian learners. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 74 How I Plan My Trips and Pack for Travel (B1 / B2) 24.06.2026 19m

  In this intermediate Russian podcast episode (B1–B2), I talk about how I usually plan my travels around Asia. You'll learn vocabulary related to transportation, hotels, packing, sightseeing, and travel planning. I also share why I dislike sleeper buses, how I choose accommodation, and what I always take with me on a trip. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 73 Summer in Russia: Where Russians Go on Vacation (A1+ A2) 17.06.2026 13m

  Discover how Russians spend their summer holidays. In this episode, you'll learn about popular destinations such as Sochi, the Black Sea, Lake Baikal, Karelia, Altai, and the Russian dacha tradition. Perfect for A1+ – A2 learners who want to improve their Russian through simple and interesting stories about travel and summer culture. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  How to Keep Improving Your Russian| Russian Podcast (B1-B2) 10.06.2026 16m

  Many Russian learners reach the B1 or B2 level and suddenly lose motivation. Why does this happen? Do you really need to keep studying if you can already communicate in Russian? In this episode, we talk about language-learning motivation, the B1 plateau, common mistakes learners make, and why the most successful students are not always the most talented ones. A useful episode for intermediate and upper-intermediate Russian learners. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 71 Под грибом | Under the Mushroom — Russian Fairy Tale for Beginners (A2) 05.06.2026 14m

  In this episode, we read and discuss the famous Russian fairy tale *Under the Mushroom* (Под грибом), adapted for A2 learners. At the end of the episode, test your understanding with listening comprehension questions and a vocabulary challenge. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 70 The Real Dostoevsky | Prison, Love and Gambling (B1-B2) 28.05.2026 21m

  Friends, sorry about the sound quality in this episode. I bought a new microphone and I still can’t set it up properly. This episode about Dostoevsky became very long, and I really didn’t want to record it again. I tried to improve the sound during editing, but unfortunately I couldn’t make the volume as loud and clear as in the previous episodes. I hope you still enjoy the episode and find it interesting. In this episode, we talk about the life of Fyodor Dostoevsky — one of the most famous Russian writers in the world. You will learn about his difficult childhood, student years, prison camp in Siberia, gambling addiction, complicated personality, and relationships with other writers like Turgenev. We also discuss how his wife Anna Snitkina helped save his career and why his novels still influence readers all over the world today. This episode is perfect for intermediate Russian learners who want to improve their listening skills while learning about Russian literature and culture. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 69 Russian Daily Life Vocabulary for Beginners | A Day with Family and Friends (Instrumental Case) A1-A2 20.05.2026 7m

  In this episode, you’ll learn simple Russian through a story about a Russian student named Anya, her family, university life, friends, hobbies, and daily routine. Perfect for A1 - A2 learners who want to practice the instrumental case naturally through everyday conversations and daily life vocabulary. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 68 Дом и семья: кто отвечает за порядок? | Housework & Responsibility (B1-B2) 13.05.2026 12m

  Welcome back to the Simple Russian Stories podcast, where we make learning Russian fun and easy. In today’s episode we’re going to talk about something very practical - household chores. What people usually do at home, who does what, how it works in different families, and I’ll also share some personal stories. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 67 Young Russian Athletes | Learn Russian with Real Stories (A2) 06.05.2026 8m

  In this episode, you will learn Russian with a real story about young athletes from Russia. We talk about a tennis player, a figure skater, and esports players. You will hear simple Russian, useful vocabulary, and real-life contexts. This episode is perfect for A1–A2 learners who want to improve listening and learn how Russian sounds in natural speech. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 66 How to Address People in Russian: девушка, женщина, мужчина, молодой человек (B1) 29.04.2026 12m

  How do you say “excuse me” to a stranger in Russian without sounding rude? Should you say девушка, женщина, or something else? In this episode, you’ll learn how Russians address people in everyday situations and why it’s not just about age — it’s about culture, politeness, and perception. We’ll also look at historical forms like “товарищ” and how modern Russian speakers actually talk in real life. This episode is perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural and avoid awkward or even rude mistakes when speaking Russian. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria
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  Ep. 65 What Is Krasnoyarsk Like? Learn Russian|Siberia Guide (A1–A2) 22.04.2026 9m

  In this episode, you’ll learn Russian while discovering one of the most beautiful cities in Siberia — Krasnoyarsk. This A1–A2 level podcast is perfect for beginners who want to improve their listening skills with clear and simple Russian. We talk about famous places in the city: the Yenisei River, the embankment, parks, bridges, museums, and theatres. You’ll also learn how people spend their time in winter and summer, and hear about nature, culture, and everyday life in Krasnoyarsk. 📄 Transcript + Quizlet set in my Telegram: https://t.me/rustor_podcast 🎥 Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@russian.with.mary Online lessons with me: https://artemevamaria.taplink.ws/ Free Russian reading course: https://youtu.be/yh4pHZaNPZM?si=VXAnSa0sU4abZgPi My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RussianwithMary446 Say thank you: buymeacoffee.com/artemevamaria