S2:E7 - “I Fell in Love… and Found a Nation’s Song” | Oy U Luzi Chervona Kalyna by The Kiffness

This episode is about love, identity, and how music can pull you into a story much bigger than your own.In this episode of One Song One Story, I sit down with Josh Nutting, whose life changed when he fell in love with a Ukrainian woman and, through her, discovered a song that has become a symbol of resilience for an entire nation.🎶 Song choice: “Oy U Luzi Chervona Kalyna”A Ukrainian folk song sung for over a century. Once banned. Passed down through generations. Revived in moments of resistance. And now heard around the world in the context of war.Josh shares what it was like hearing this song for the first time without understanding the words, how its meaning deepened as he learned the language and history, and how standing among Ukrainians singing it together changed his perspective forever.We talk about:* Falling in love across cultures* Music as a carrier of history and identity* Ukrainian resilience and national pride* Why some songs hit before you understand them* How perspective shifts when war becomes personalIf you’ve ever felt a song connect you to something far bigger than yourself, this episode will stay with you.👇 Share in the comments a song that made you feel part of something larger.----------------------------------------⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and setting the theme01:06 Welcome Josh and where he is today02:03 Yorkshire roots and family history02:55 If today were a song03:27 A song that connects host and guest05:48 How life changes without warning07:41 Creativity, storytelling, and identity09:35 Josh’s relationship with music growing up11:01 Feeling intimidated by music knowledge12:04 Developing an eclectic taste13:38 Music in video games and discovery15:10 Rediscovering songs and obsession cycles18:11 Modern music vs growing up with classics20:03 Music as a personal ritual22:05 Introducing today’s song23:14 Song reveal: Chervona Kalyna24:13 History of the song and why it was banned25:26 Why this song means something deeper26:42 Josh and Yuliia’s love story27:46 Hearing the song for the first time online28:56 Learning the language and lyrics29:42 Visiting Ukraine during the war31:12 Emotional impact of hearing the song sung together33:19 National identity and pride through music34:56 Cultural differences around nationalism36:17 Oral tradition and modern recordings38:21 Social media and the song going global39:55 Remembering Ukraine when the news moves on41:17 Pride, guilt, and emotional complexity43:38 Perspective, privilege, and gratitude45:38 Why Josh wants everyone to visit Ukraine46:07 Feeling welcomed and thanked as a Brit46:46 Who should cover the song48:01 Releasing a version for charity49:28 What stands out most after the conversation51:11 Where to find Josh and Yuliia online51:56 Closing reflections and goodbye