CEO of Tolk, a narrative audio media company, and an author of documentary podcasts. Tolk produces narrative podcasts, audio documentaries, and storytelling projects in Russian, English, and German and explores the world from unexpected perspectives, blending journalism, sound design, and art.

Gulnaz Ratu is deeply passionate about using slow journalism to create meaningful, immersive content that resonates with audiences and fosters dialogue across diverse communities. She started this journey after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, driven by the realization of the profound gaps and divisions between people. Among notable projects are audio documentaries highlighting the experiences of labor migrants during the war.

Before founding Tolk, Ratu launched the anti-war community Civilians, served as Head of Media for MSDMED, a platform for medical professionals, and worked as Head of Education in the podcast industry. She hold a degree from Saint Petersburg State University’s High School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Originally from Russia and ethnically Bashkir, Ratu is now based in Berlin, Germany.