PODCAST: Czechia's 'hellfire club', behind the scenes at the market, and tasting Christmas snails

Introducing a new podcast from Expats.cz, Expats Extra. Think of it as the cutting board of our newsroom, where snippets from our stories, behind-the-scenes reporting, and surprising soundbites come together each week. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or Podbean.

This week, go beneath the tinsel and traditions to uncover a more meaningful side of the Czech holiday season.

A 'tail' of two devils: What’s the difference between the clumsy, traditional Čert (the devil companion of St. Nicholas/Mikuláš) who visits homes, and the truly terrifying, modern Alpine monster, Krampus, who dominates public parades? Hear from a dedicated Krampus devotee on why it’s his “life’s mission” and a child psychologist on the psychological impact of these ancient traditions on kids.

Market grind? Digital content editor Anica Mancinone spends a day with a Christmas market vendor to uncover the logistics, struggles, and moments that define life behind the festive stalls.

Christmas snails make a comeback: Editor Elizabeth Zahradnicek Haas gets into the spirit with a historical, lesser-known Czech Christmas delicacy: snails. We track the history of the Christmas snail from 16th-century nobility to the modern-day menus of swanky Prague restaurants.