On January 16, 2025, Varna University of Management (VUM) aired the pilot episode of its podcast VUMcast, funded by the Municipality of Varna under Agreement No. RD25026457VN (2025). The first season of VUMcast will include a total of 10 episodes featuring faculty members and students from the university. Episodes will be released every two weeks on the VUMcast YouTube channel, with additional information and previews available on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

The podcast lifts the curtain on what it is like to be part of the VUM community and aims to introduce prospective and current students to the advantages and challenges of higher education in Bulgaria. Five of the episodes feature lecturers from various departments and academic fields at the university, while the remaining five are dedicated to students – their motivation, aspirations, and perspectives on a wide range of topics related to education and beyond.

The first episode introduces us to Chef Hugues Boutin, Head Chef Instructor and Director of the Culinary Arts Institute at VUM. He shares insights into the work and life in a professional kitchen, speaks openly about the pros and cons of the culinary profession, and reflects on personal experience from his many years of professional practice. You can watch the first episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CGCFVofOf8.

The host of the podcast is another VUM faculty member, Teodora Maude, who helps students navigate the intricacies of academic and business English, enabling them to bring their ideas to life more successfully in the business world.

VUMcast is the latest initiative by Varna University of Management aimed at encouraging young people in Bulgaria – and beyond – to invest in their future by choosing the right field for their higher education.