Our listener Tatiana moved to Potsdam for her (second) master’s degree and discovered that studying in Germany isn’t just about grades and academic growth. From blocked accounts to culture shocks, she shares the lessons, surprises, and tips she wishes she’d known before making the leap. Show Notes DAAD: International Programmes in Germany uni-assist German Blocked Account Amount: A Guide for International Students Fintiba WOLOHO – Help each other studierendenWERK BERLIN Contribute: everyone.berl...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 63
John Kampfner, journalist, author, and long-time Berliner, joins Manuel to talk about how the city has evolved over the decades. They also dive into Germany’s current political challenges and what they mean for the future. Plus, John shares some hidden gems in Berlin that go beyond the usual guidebook recommendations. Show Notes John Kampfner's Website John Kampfner's Books Newsletter: Citizen of Everywhere John Kampfner über Identität und Geschichte der Hauptstadt: »Berlin ist niemals fertig« (...
Jan 26, 2025•37 min•Ep. 62
Antje, a Portland native with German roots, discusses her journey toward potentially relocating to Berlin in her 50s. She shares her experiences with language learning, dual citizenship, and the challenges of balancing family, career, and a potential move later in life. Show Notes Easy German Podcast Hotel Matze: Hape Kerkeling über innere Ruhe, Überforderung und Traumaverarbeitung (YouTube) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord...
Dec 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 61
This episode is jam-packed with tips on saving money in Berlin. There's transportation and dining tips, insurance recommendations, information on Turkish markets and food-sharing platforms, our favorite newsletters, and just a lot free stuff. It's time for Berlin money hacks! Show Notes All the Hacks (Podcast) Neuköllner Wochenmarkt Maybachufer (Google Maps) Libanon Falafel (Google Maps) Sahara Imbiss (Google Maps) Too Good To Go nebenan.de Humana (Google Maps) Mit Vergnügen Berlin WOLOHO The Be...
Aug 10, 2024•48 min•Ep. 60
There are almost 200 museums in Berlin — and Stephanie Pearson has seen many of them. A dedicated museum enthusiast, she has offered guided museum guides, currently works for a museum, and co-founded museums.love, a "Museum Lover's Guide". She shares with us her must see (and hidden gem) museum recommendations and offer tips for navigating Berlin's museums — even if you're not normally "a museum person". Show Notes museums.love — The Museum Lover's Guide Pergamon Museum Liebermann Villa Brücke-M...
Jul 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 59
Diana Goldberg moved from Munich to Berlin and ditched her health sciences studies to pursue a career in music. In this episode, she tells us what it's like trying to make it as a singer/songwriter, from the challenges of the music industry to the thrill of performing live in Berlin. Diana shares her journey of recording her first song in a home studio, the importance of networking, and how Berlin's vibrant music scene has influenced her work. Diana Goldberg Website Spotify Instagram Show Notes ...
Jun 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 58
Jack is back on the show and helps us characterize Berlin's neighborhoods — from multicultural Neukölln, trendy Kreuzberg, gentrified Prenzlauer Berg to … Lichtenberg? Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord
Apr 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 57
Daniel Hahnemann, co-founder and CEO of Wundertax, talks us through the why and how of tax filing in Germany. We talk about when you can expect a refund, outline deductions for students and employees, and explain tax obligations for freelancers and businesses. If you study or work in Germany and haven't filed your taxes this year, this episode is for you. Show Notes Try Wundertax for free and receive 5 € off when you file your German taxes through moving.wundertax.de (Werbung) Tax Tips from Wund...
Apr 07, 2024•54 min•Ep. 56
Alice is a French expat. In our conversation, she explains her decision to ditch Paris for Berlin, details how she managed to find an apartment, shares tips on how to find work as a coder in Berlin, and provides insights into the secret society of French people in Berlin. Show Notes Immobilienscout24 WG Gesucht Meetup.com Unicorns in Tech Berlin Population 2024 European elections: How to vote in Germany Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord...
Mar 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 55
Jae has had some challenges with flatmates* and landlords*. So we dedicate an entire episode to tenant associations, deposits and everything you need to know before the rental dispute hits you. (*All names have been changed.) Show Notes Berliner Mieterverein Mieterschutzbund Conny Mieterengel What is a Mietkautionskonto? (All About Berlin) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord...
Feb 24, 2024•48 min•Ep. 54
In our first episode in 2024, we reflect on the growth of our podcast and the decision to release episodes on our own timeline. We express gratitude to our supporters and invite suggestions for topics and guests and talk about our personal goals for this year. For our main topic, we discuss the recent demonstrations against racism and the far-right AfD party in Germany. Show Notes Jim Carrey's Wild New Year's Eve Celebration (YouTube) Buy us a coffee to support the show TED: The art of asking | ...
Feb 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 53
Kevin Alterfritz, historian and Potsdam aficionado, takes us beyond Berlin’s shadow to reveal why many believe Potsdam is the real highlight. We explore the city's hidden gems, from the Dutch Quarter to the Russian Colony and the palatial parks that outshine even Sanssouci. Kevin shares his personal journey with Potsdam, tips for experiencing its compact beauty, and why it's known as Germany's Beverly Hills. Berlin Welcome Package Ideas: 1 Year Free Membership for Therapy Set of Rose-Tinted Glas...
Nov 18, 2023•35 min•Ep. 52
Lony and Sean fell in love with Berlin on a summer tour and spontaneously decided to swap their life in North Carolina for a fresh start in Berlin. The couple not only navigated the maze of immigration laws and managed to secure a skilled worker's visa for Sean, who's a barber by trade, but also quickly scored work contracts and an apartment. In this episode, they reveal the steps that led to their seamless transition. Show Notes Lony's Mindmap Make it in Germany Expats in Wonderland Rowdy Barbe...
Oct 28, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 51
Geoff and Alex — better known as "Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey" — join us to discuss their decade-long experience of living in Berlin. We talk about quirky German traditions, what it's like when everyone switches to English for your benefit and the pros and cons of the German supermarket-experience. They also have quite a few tips for Berlin newcomers. Show Notes Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey (Website & Podcast) AGDW - An Expat Channel (YouTube) Contribute: everyone.berlin/c...
Sep 16, 2023•48 min•Ep. 50
We're about to take a summer break — but first, a glimpse into Jae's "toxic relationship" with Berlin: He's getting evicted, received an unexpected 1,900 euros hospital bill and has a knack for receiving all kinds of fines and fees. Despite all that, he's staying resolute and optimistic. Show Notes Deutschlandticket vs. VBB-Umweltticket der BVG 9-Euro-Fonds Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord...
Jun 17, 2023•30 min•Ep. 48
Is there too much (or too little) stuff in your life? In this mini-episode, Manuel explains how to buy and sell used things in Berlin. Besides (not-eBay) Kleinanzeigen and Vinted, two popular online platforms, there's the hugely popular Mauerpark Flohmarkt, various other fleamarkets and the Berliner Fahrradmarkt. (And: Scammers!) Show Notes George Carlin: Stuff (YouTube) Kleinanzeigen Best of Kleinanzeigen (Instagram) Vinted Flohmarkt im Mauerpark Flohmärkte in Berlin (Berlin.de) Berliner Fahrra...
Jun 11, 2023•13 min•Ep. 47
Berlin is amazing in the summer! In this episode, Jae details his trip to a local nudist beach, and Manuel describes his experience at a Kings of Leon open-air show. We also recommend visiting Berlin's open-air swimming pools, and Jae shares his experience hosting a party at Tempelhofer Feld. Show Notes Teufelssee (Berlin.de) Outdoor swimming pools (Visit Berlin) Parkbühne Wuhlheide Waldbühne Berlin Fusion Festival Hurricane Festival Rock am Ring Festival Whole Festival Songkick App Bandsintown ...
Jun 03, 2023•41 min•Ep. 46
Berlin, a city known for its urban "roughness," surprises visitors with its captivating parks. These green havens offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting moments of escape, peace, and unity. In this episode, Jae shares his personal connection to some of Berlin's favorite parks and the significance they hold for him. While not an exhaustive list, this episode serves as an inspiring starting point for those eager to explore the vast greenery and discover the hidden treasures within Be...
May 27, 2023•22 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, we share our personal experiences with therapy, offer guidance on recognizing when you might need therapy, and explain how to find an English-speaking therapist in Berlin. We also explain if and when therapy is covered by insurance in Germany, describe what a first consultation looks like, and provide tips for finding a permanent therapist. Please note: This episode discusses mental health, but it's not a substitute for professional advice. If you're in crisis, reach out to a he...
May 20, 2023•43 min•Ep. 44
Berliners love their lakes — especially in the summer. In this episode, Manuel recommends 7 lakes to check out when you're new to the city, explains what a "Strandbad" is, urges you to avoid the crowds and gives a primer nudist culture (FKK) in Germany. Show Notes Naked Berlin sunbather chases wild boar after it steals his laptop (I Am Expat) Berliner Seen (berlin.de) 11 schöne Seen in und um Berlin (Mit Vergnügen) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord...
May 13, 2023•19 min•Ep. 43
It's been a year, and Jae is still looking for a permanent place to live. This episode is all about what he's learned in the process. Everyone who got an amazing place at a good price "just got lucky" — but you won't get lucky without being fast and prepared. We explore how to navigate ImmoScout, the popular housing platform, break down what you need to include in your housing application to stand out and remind you of the importance of personal connections. Stay hopeful! PS: Manuel here. I said...
May 06, 2023•47 min•Ep. 42
Survival mode can be a necessary response when moving to a new city, but when does it become time to transition to thriving mode? In this episode, Jae reflects on his experiences of living in Berlin for over a year and the moment when he realized he had been in survival mode for too long. He shares the impact this had on his mental health and the strategies he has been using to transition to thriving, such as finding community and prioritizing self-care. Show Notes Jae’s Website: jae-creates.com...
Apr 29, 2023•29 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, 19-year-old Olivia shares what it's like being an au pair in Berlin. She explains how to find an au pair family, shares what her working hours and pay look like, and provides "top tips to make an au pair stay great". We also dive into cultural differences between Germany and the UK. Show Notes Olivia's YouTube channel Olivia on Instagram AuPairWorld Animal Rights Squares Berlin (Facebook) Kiez Falafel near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz (Google Maps) Brammibal’s Donuts Contribute: everyon...
Apr 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 40
Berlin has sooo many libraries! In this episode, Manuel sums up the variety of resources offered by the VÖBB libraries, the Berlin State Library, and university libraries. You'll learn about the affordable library card and its benefits, including digital services and access to eBook, audio books and magazines — and hopefully feel inspired to check out your nearest library. Show Notes VÖBB - Association of Public Libraries in Berlin Map of libraries Digital services Libraries in Berlin with publi...
Apr 15, 2023•13 min•Ep. 39
Lulu Johnson, author of "Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love and Relationships", joins us to share her wild dating experiences in the city of "non-commitment". In her 8 years of Berlin dating, she's seen it all — even the proud smile of a convicted murderer. We discuss why dating in Berlin seems to be so difficult, discuss the pros and cons of using dating apps, and gather Lulu's top dating advice for those seeking love in Berlin. Show Notes Lulu Johnson: Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Lov...
Apr 08, 2023•45 min•Ep. 38
Losing your passport (or getting it stolen) can be a very scary and daunting experience, especially if you’re not really sure what to do next. In this episode, we discuss what to do if you lose your passport while living in Berlin, including the specific process for reporting the loss or theft, obtaining a new passport, and navigating the visa implications. We also offer practical tips for preventing the loss or theft of your passport while living or travelling in Berlin. Show Notes US Travel St...
Apr 01, 2023•12 min•Ep. 37
Ricardo Ancona, a true film nerd and former theater owner, declares Berlin a movie lover's paradise. In this episode, he unveils the secrets of German cinema etiquette – from sweet popcorn, licorice and wine to hushed tones – and explains audio and subtitle choices. He also provides an overview of the many independent "Programmkinos" in Berlin — many of which you can even get a monthly flatrate subscription for. Lastly, we cover Berlin's open air cinemas and ask how one attends the Berlinale fil...
Mar 25, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 36
Upon listener request, Manuel explores the ins and outs of using public transportation in Berlin. You'll learn about the various types of transportation available, such as the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams, and how to find your route and buy tickets. You'll also hear about the different types of tickets, what the new "Deutschlandticket" is all about, and how to navigate the system with children, dogs, and bicycles. Show Notes How to use public transit in Berlin (All About Berlin) Linie 1 Musical (Wi...
Mar 18, 2023•57 min•Ep. 35
Michel van Collenburg is a musician and photographer living in the Netherlands who, every year, finds his way back to Berlin for it’s creativity and inspiration. In this episode, we find out more about Michel’s journey and how he has made Berlin his “second home”. Michel offers insights into his creative process, discusses his photo book and album inspired by Berlin, and gives tips for newcomers and visitors looking to explore the city's artistic side. Guest: Michel van Collenburg nobuka auf Spo...
Mar 11, 2023•50 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Jae reflects on his 10-month journey of moving from Texas to Berlin. It explores Jae’s feelings of homesickness, what he misses most about the US, what he appreciates about Berlin, and whether he plans on staying in Berlin long-term. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Jae shares his experiences of adjusting to a new culture and finding a sense of belonging in this foreign city. Show Notes ChatGPT → if anyone want’s to try it hehe Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Disc...
Mar 04, 2023•26 min•Ep. 33
