Time Magazine Next Generation Leader Daria Kolomiec brings stories of Ukrainian war to U.S. listeners
"For the most part, we don't do a lot of hard journalism on It's Showtime with Rikki Lee. We are known for being fun and entertaining. But sometimes it's important to talk about things of worldwide importance," says host Rikki Lee Travolta at the opening of his namesake radio show and podcast that airs this week on 101.5 FM and streaming on all major podcast apps.
The subject of Travolta's interview this week is Daria Kolomiec, a Ukrainian DJ, producer, and activist who is using her prominence in the entertainment field to give a voice to life in her country since dictator Vladimir Putin's Russian forces executed their full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
"It's a powerful interview," says Travolta. "Daria talks about hearing the air raid sirens and running through the streets trying to find safety from the bombings, eventually huddling with strangers in the basement of a cafe because that was the closest thing to a bomb shelter that she could find access to."
Hiding from the bombings, Kolomiec realized the world needed to know the reality of Russia's war crimes and the stories of the Ukrainian people being decimated. From the confines of that dark basement in Kyiv, Kolomiec started the Diary of War podcast - giving a first-person voice to how the war has changed the lives of each individual person in the Ukraine.
Since then, Kolomiec has traveled to the U.S. and Canada to share the message of the Ukrainian people, with the country's music as a point of introduction. Kolomiec and her work have been profiled by TIME Magazine as one of its Next Generation Leaders.
"One thing that is very interesting in our interview is Daria's description of how Russia's war on Ukraine isn't just an attempt to steal its land and resources, but to also steal its cultural identity," notes Travolta. "Daria gives a fascinating perspective on how Russia has for years tried to claim the work of Ukrainian artists. It's pure Russian propaganda and disinformation. This is Ukrainian art and culture, made by Ukrainians."
It's Showtime with Rikki Lee is a weekly interview radio show and podcast that focuses on the entertainment industry. Travolta is an award-winning creative talent who connects listeners to a wide variety of showbiz personalities ranging from Hollywood movie stars and Broadway headliners to local artists and events. However, in addition to being an entertainer, Travolta has a strong journalistic background and isn't afraid to tackle real issues when appropriate.
"As Americans, we see footage from the war on the news, but we rarely see the human element. Who are the real people that are under attack? What are their stories? What was life like before the invasion versus now? That's the human experience that people need to know about," says Travolta of his motivation to have Kolomiec on It's Showtime with Rikki Lee.
Kolomiec is heading back to Ukraine. She does not know exactly what to expect. She doesn't even know if her apartment will still be there. But, she has faith that justice will prevail and that Ukraine will successfully vanquish its invaders.
"The Ukrainian fighting spirit is strong and comes from a place of national pride," reflects Travolta. "Whether you are a longtime fan of It's Showtime with Rikki Lee or new to the program, this interview with Daria Kolomiec is a show that will affect you. It will open your eyes to horrors, but also inspire you with a message of hope and perseverance."
It's Showtime with Rikki Lee airs every Friday at 3 p.m. CST on 101.5 FM out of Chicago's Huntley borough. It is available on all major podcast apps including Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google, and Apple. Spotify users can find the show at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rikkileetravolta.
For information on Daria Kolomiec visit https://kolomiec.com/en/info/about or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.