About me

Welcome to Crazy Alchemist, a personal project and creative space where I bring together my passions for storytelling, history, and creativity. This project is the umbrella for all my work—books I translate and publish, original stories I write, blogs, podcasts, and unique courses—all inspired by the mysteries of the past and cultural heritage.

My Story

I was born and raised in Croatia, near the border with Bosnia and Serbia. My heritage is deeply rooted in the diverse cultures of the Balkans—my mother’s side is Serbian, and my father’s side is Ruthenian. Growing up in this rich cultural environment, I developed a deep love for storytelling, history, and the traditions of the region.

In 1992, as the war in ex-Yugoslavia began, I moved to Germany as a refugee. This is where I learned German, now my second mother tongue, and developed a lifelong passion for literature and languages. English is my third language, and I’ve always been fascinated by English-speaking cultures, particularly British and American. Today, I live in St. Gallen, Switzerland, where the region’s rich traditions continue to inspire me.

After a long career in IT as a product manager and marketing expert, I shifted my focus in 2022 to translating and publishing books. This work has become my way of connecting cultures and preserving stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

My Translation Work

As part of Crazy Alchemist, I translate books from Serbian into German and English, as well as German works into English. My translations include a variety of genres, but I focus on works that reveal the mysteries and beauty of history, such as fairy tales, folk stories, and historical fiction.

My approach to translation emphasizes authenticity, preserving the original cultural essence while adding detailed footnotes to provide readers with rich historical and cultural context. My goal is to educate, inspire, and provide an authentic reading experience.

What Crazy Alchemist Offers

Beyond translations and storytelling, Crazy Alchemist includes:

• A Blog: Exploring a variety of topics, from history and philosophy to mysterious cases and reflections on movies and TV.

• A Podcast: Diving into fascinating topics such as ancient religions, alchemy, historical mysteries, and more.

• Creative Workshops: Hands-on courses teaching how to blend perfumes, mix herbs for gin or tea, and create magical potions, all enriched with stories and traditions from the past.

Crazy Alchemist is my way of blending creativity, history, and cultural storytelling into something meaningful. Whether through translations, workshops, or storytelling, I aim to connect people with the beauty of our shared past while inspiring them to create something magical of their own.

Feel free to explore the site, follow my journey, or reach out to me at radekolbas@gmail.com