The first episode of the podcast 'Željka Markić & Narod.hr' featured Stephen Nikola Bartulica, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) who was elected in July 2024. During the discussion, host Željka Markić expressed gratitude to her audience for encouraging her to continue engaging with interesting guests. Bartulica shared insights about his trajectory to the European Parliament, highlighting that he secured his position as the last candidate on his party's list, the Croatian party DP.

In his conversation, Bartulica commented on the demands of multitasking within the European Parliament, which includes daily responsibilities and extensive travel between Brussels, Strasbourg, and Zagreb. Despite the challenges of living out of a suitcase, he emphasized that his primary goal is to represent the specific interests of his constituents in Croatia rather than focusing solely on global issues like the Ukraine conflict. This local focus marks a distinct approach in his parliamentary work.

Bartulica's remarks also alluded to the evolving political landscape in Europe, suggesting that many original founders of the EU would likely be labeled as right-wing extremists in today’s climate, which may reflect a broader shift in political discourse in Europe. This perspective may resonate with listeners who are concerned about how contemporary politics shapes the recognition of different political ideologies. As the podcast sets out to explore these themes, it aims to engage its audience with profound discussions about current political affairs in Europe and beyond.