Elena Sukachova discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known.
Elena Sukachova is a Ukrainian writer and television host living in the United States. She arrived in America on her own with her three children and a dog, without knowing English and with no friends or relatives there.
Several years later, just when life seemed to be settling down, her family lost their home and lived on the streets. A year later, Elena founded her own media company and created two television projects, The Ask and WE’LL SHOW YOU, which air in New York and North Carolina.
Elena wrote Psychology of Speech in 2017, before the full-scale war in Ukraine, but has only now found the strength to return to the book.
- Everyday care for animals. I would love more attention to what caring for animals really involves: noticing their needs, discomfort, fear and changes as they age, and taking responsibility for their wellbeing beyond simply loving them.
- The lives of immigrants behind the label. People who have never emigrated may not realise what it means to rebuild a life, learn a language and navigate unfamiliar systems while supporting a family. I would like to discuss how people can be judged by their accent or current job without anyone knowing their experience, abilities or what they have been through.
- Paying attention to how we eat. We often eat out of habit or convenience without thinking about our choices. I would like more attention to preparing simple, varied meals and making thoughtful eating part of everyday life from childhood. My interest is in everyday habits and prevention, not presenting food as a replacement for medical care.
- Making time for sunrise and a quiet morning. Going outside, noticing the sky grow lighter and spending a few moments without a phone or rushing. I would approach this as a personal appreciation of a calmer start to the day, rather than a prescription to sacrifice sleep or look directly at the sun.
- People who help quietly, without cameras or recognition. Someone who translates a document, brings food, offers a ride or helps a newcomer find their feet can make an enormous difference. Those small acts of kindness deserve more recognition.
- The freedom to be a beginner at any age. Trying a new skill, learning a sport or starting a different career should not come with an age limit or embarrassment. Why should an adult feel ashamed of not knowing how to do something yet?
