Lucie Výborná, a familiar voice to Czech radio listeners for nearly two decades, is embarking on a new chapter, launching her own podcast, Na Výbornou
(Excellent), and continuing her television talk show. The move comes as a shift in approach, prioritizing deeper conversations and a more flexible schedule, rather than a complete departure from broadcasting.
Výborná’s podcast debuted with a zero episode
on , with the first full interview airing on . It’s available in full on HeroHero, with shorter versions appearing on other platforms. She’s collaborating with Tomáš Černý, a former dramaturg from her Radiožurnál show, Host Lucie Výborné
, and co-writer of her current television program, Výborná SHOW
, on the project.
The decision to move into podcasting wasn’t driven by a desire to escape radio, but rather to enhance the conversational experience. “I haven’t left radio as such, nor am I leaving,” Výborná explained. “I’ll still be doing it, just elsewhere… I need more time for the conversation itself. I need to prevent interruptions from news bulletins, songs… because all of that breaks up the discussion.” The podcast format, she believes, allows for a more focused and immersive experience, lasting approximately an hour without the constraints of fitting into radio segments.
At , Výborná described the move as a deliberate choice to adjust her work-life rhythm. “I’m slowing down,” she said. “I’m doing three podcasts a week, not five interviews like at the radio. I’m fifty-something now. I thought I’d try to give my life a different pace.”
While she previously relied on others to secure guests at Radiožurnál, Výborná is now directly involved in outreach for her podcast, alongside her producer. She also personally invites guests onto her television show, viewing it as a matter of courtesy. Her approach to selecting interviewees remains consistent: she prioritizes individuals who inspire her and have compelling stories to share.
Výborná emphasized the importance of personal connection in her work. “The older I get, the more I care about relationships, I want to have time for them. Today’s world is crazy. We’re talking to so many different automatons, it’s all digitized… I need to see and hear people, I need to laugh and cry with them, share life. I want to be able to rekindle that spark of mutual connection.”
The podcast is already showing promising results, generating monthly revenues exceeding 340,000 Czech crowns, according to reports. The subscription cost is six euros per month.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new venture, Výborná remains grounded. She acknowledges the possibility of failure but emphasizes her passion for the work itself. “I’m not planning things far in advance,” she said. “I’m improvising. I don’t want to start looking at numbers, how many podcasts You’ll see, who’s doing them, and get advice from someone telling me I won’t succeed. I’d rather just try it.”
Her team currently consists of four people, including a cameraman. She anticipates a clearer picture of the podcast’s financial viability by April. Beyond the podcast, Výborná continues to balance her commitments, with plans to participate in the Melting Pot event at Colours of Ostrava and a planned trip to Finland for dog sledding, as well as a potential expedition across Greenland.
While she admits to not having a Plan B
, Výborná remains optimistic. Her transition from a long-standing role in public radio reflects a broader trend of experienced media professionals exploring new avenues in the podcasting space. She’s not concerned about competition, but rather focused on creating meaningful content and fostering genuine connections with her audience. “I’m jumping in with both feet,” she said. “We’re going full speed ahead, having fun, and making plans…”
