It’s high time to book that summer vacation, but what options for leisure travel are there in the time of a pandemic? Is it even safe to travel domestically or internationally? And what will happen to tourism in Berlin? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores these questions with Elizabeth Becker, an award-winning journalist and author of “Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism,” travel writer Katherine Alex Beaven, whose articles appear in Fodor’s Travel, Lonely Planet and Travel...
May 13, 2020•28 min•Ep. 43
Lawmakers from across the European Union are urging transparency from China, with growing calls for an investigation into the origin of the coronavirus. How will the COVID-19 pandemic change Europe and Germany’s relationship with Beijing? And among the many challenges to globalization, is this pandemic the biggest? Host Sumi Somaskanda is joined by Noah Barkin, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund and fellow Studio Berlin host; Lucrezia Poggetti, a research associate at the Mercator Insti...
May 06, 2020•28 min•Ep. 42
Developers worldwide are working on contact tracing apps that track the spread of the coronavirus through Bluetooth technology – that means, if you’ve come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, you’ll be notified. But how much do these apps actually help, and how much privacy do users have to give up? Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by Shashank Bengali, a Los Angeles Times correspondent based in Singapore, Chris Köver, who writes about digital rights for Netzp...
Apr 29, 2020•28 min•Ep. 41
This week Germany is trying to restart part of its economy and public life, but is loosening restrictions the right way out of the COVID-19 crisis? Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda examines Germany’s plan for a gradual return to normality and takes an in-depth look into the medical effort to contain the coronavirus. She is joined by Professor Ulrike Protzer, director of the Institute of Virology at the Technical University of Munich; fellow Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum; Ayten Doğan, who ...
Apr 22, 2020•28 min•Ep. 40
Few leaders in EU states agree on what should happen to people who flee to Europe to escape war and poverty. Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores this sensitive topic with Joanna Kakissis, an international correspondent whose stories air on NPR and This American Life, and James Kanter, founder and editor of the progressive politics podcast “EU Scream.” We also hear from Jane Wangare, a volunteer with “Women in Exile,” and a female asylum-seeker in the eastern German city of Suhl wh...
Apr 15, 2020•28 min•Ep. 39
This April is a holy month for Christians, Jews and Muslims that would normally be one in which families and friends gather and people get together to pray. But how can the faithful observe their respective holidays given the COVID-19 pandemic? Also, what toll are the bans, closures and increasing isolation taking mentally on all of us? Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham gets tips on relieving stress from psychiatrist and head of the Fliedner Klinik Berlin Dr. Mazda Adli and hears from Father ...
Apr 08, 2020•28 min•Ep. 38
Germany has abandoned its balanced budget to soften the blow the pandemic is delivering to the economy. Will this historic aid package get Germany through the crisis? And what is happening on the European level? Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the relief efforts with fellow Studio Berlin host Noah Barkin, and DW and NPR contributor Teri Schultz from Brussels. We also hear from small business owners in Berlin about their struggle to survive. Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with Sumi ...
Apr 01, 2020•28 min•Ep. 37
German Chancellor Merkel has called the coronavirus pandemic the biggest challenge to her nation since World War II and is receiving praise around the world for her government’s handling of the crisis. But is that praise deserved? This week, Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores that question and the impact of COVID-19 on Berlin, Germany and the EU with fellow Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda; the Bloomberg editorial board’s Andreas Kluth, and Henning Hoff of the Berlin Policy Jou...
Mar 24, 2020•24 min•Ep. 36
In the first six weeks of 2020, five cyclists were killed in road traffic in Berlin, propelling cycling advocates to demand more protection for people on their bikes. In this episode of Studio Berlin, we take a closer look at the city’s cycling infrastructure and Berlin’s mobility law. When the law came into effect in 2018, it was meant to mark a “paradigm shift” in the city’s transport policies. So where are we now? Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham is joined by Nikolas Linck, spokesperson f...
Mar 21, 2020•25 min•Ep. 35
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing our lives. This week, Studio Berlin host Sylvia Cunningham looks at where we are in this health crisis and what measures are being taken to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. She’s joined by Dr. Margaret Harris from the World Health Organization (WHO), journalist and fellow Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum, and Klaus Warmedinger, a German business economist who’s been living in China for the past two years. Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Syl...
Mar 14, 2020•25 min•Ep. 34
Despite laws to close the gender pay gap, Germany’s gap remains one of the largest among all EU countries. As Berlin celebrates the second official International Women’s Day, Studio Berlin takes a look at how far Germany has come and speaks with Berlin women who are working for greater gender equality. Studio Berlin host Nikki Motson is joined by Tina Limbird from the Girls Gearing Up International Leadership Academy , Stefanie Bickert from the Business Professional Women network and Equal Pay D...
Mar 07, 2020•25 min•Ep. 33
This week on Studio Berlin, we talk about Berlin’s five-year rent freeze, which came into effect last Sunday. Will it lead to positive changes for Berlin’s renters, or will it slow down housing construction and scare away new investors? Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum takes a closer look with Wibke Werner, deputy director of the Berliner Mieterverein, Joel Dullroy, reporter for Deutsche Welle and the producer of a podcast called “Rent Freeze,” and Burkard Dregger, faction leader of the CDU in...
Feb 29, 2020•25 min•Ep. 32
A new law will go into effect on March 1: the Skilled Immigration Act. Why is Germany in need of skilled workers from non-EU countries and is Germany ready to welcome them? Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda takes a closer look at Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act with her guests, Michaelle Nintcheu, researcher for the German government’s portal “Make it in Germany,” and Sophia Burton, co-founder of Migration Matters, a non-profit based in Berlin. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll wi...
Feb 22, 2020•25 min•Ep. 31
Following the appointment of new leadership, will 2020 be the start of a new era for Berlin’s International Film Festival? Host Monika Müller-Kroll discusses the program of the 70th edition of the Berlinale with Meredith Burkholder, creator of Webfest Berlin , and Tom Dorow, co-founder of Indiekino Berlin , an arthouse movie magazine and online platform. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Sylvia Cunningham....
Feb 15, 2020•25 min•Ep. 30
What’s next for Germany’s troubled carmakers? Noah Barkin takes a closer look at the growing challenges for the German auto industry. There’s Brexit, renewed tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, and Elon Musk’s announcement to build a Tesla factory just outside of Berlin. Join host Noah Barkin, Stefan Nicola of Bloomberg News, Thorsten Riecke of Handelsblatt and Jack Ewing of the New York Times as they discuss the future of German cars. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll w...
Feb 08, 2020•25 min•Ep. 29
It’s been almost a year since the German parliament voted to amend Paragraph 219a, regarding the advertisement of abortion services, in the country’s criminal code. What does this look like in practice, and what are abortion rights activists and opponents calling for in 2020? Host Sylvia Cunningham takes a closer look at Germany’s abortion law with Kate Cahoon from the pro abortion rights group, Bündnis für sexuelle Selbstbestimmung, Dr. Alicia Baier from Doctors for Choice Germany, and Dr. Paul...
Feb 01, 2020•25 min•Ep. 28
Berlin’s Grüne Woche wraps up this weekend, reason enough to take a closer look at the debate over Germany’s agricultural future. Host Monika Müller-Kroll delves into the recent farmer protests with Prof. Dr. Bernd Hansjürgens, head of the department of Economics at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research in Leipzig. We also talked with consumers and farmers. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Sylvia Cunningham and Caleb Larson....
Jan 25, 2020•25 min•Ep. 27
It’s being called Europe’s “man on the moon moment”: The European Green Deal is Europe’s ambitious plan to become the world’s first climate neutral continent. The deadline is 2050, and the price tag starts at 1 trillion euros. This week on Studio Berlin, host Nikki Motson dives into the details of the historic deal with Tim McPhie, European Commission spokesperson for climate action and energy, Karsten Neuhoff, head of the climate policy department at the German Institute for Economics, and Olda...
Jan 18, 2020•25 min•Ep. 26
What are the big challenges facing Germany in 2020? This week on Studio Berlin, host Sumi Somaskanda discusses the crucial questions of German domestic and foreign policy with Siobhán Dowling, editor at the Berlin Policy Journal, and Andreas Kluth, writer and editor at Bloomberg Opinion. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.
Jan 11, 2020•25 min•Ep. 25
Hertha BSC has had a tough Bundesliga season so far, but there’s hope on the horizon. German soccer legend Jürgen Klinsmann took over as head coach in late November. Can he save Hertha? Studio Berlin host Erik Kirschbaum talks about Klinsmann and Hertha’s future with Claus Vetter, deputy sports editor for Der Tagesspiegel, RBB’s managing sports editor Dirk Walsdorff and Kres Harrington, sports reporter for Deutsche Welle. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with production assistance f...
Dec 14, 2019•25 min•Ep. 24
As 2019 comes to a close, it’s time to look back at the important news stories that we’ve covered on Studio Berlin. Hosts Sumi Somaskanda, Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Erik Kirschbaum discuss some of the big news stories of 2019 that left a mark on Berlin. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll
Dec 07, 2019•25 min•Ep. 23
It is Christmas market season in Berlin, a favorite of residents and tourists alike. How safe are these markets three years after the attack at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market? Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the issue with Deborah Cole, correspondent for the news agency AFP, and city parliament member Marcel Luthe from the Free Democratic Party (FDP). We also hear from the Berlin Police Union spokesman, Benjamin Jendro. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and...
Nov 30, 2019•25 min•Ep. 22
Germany’s homeless population has increased by more than 4% over the previous year. What’s the reason behind it and what can authorities do to address the issue? Studio Berlin host Sumi Somaskanda takes a closer look at homelessness and poverty in Germany and Berlin. She is joined by Jutta Allmedinger, president of the WZB Berlin Social Science center and Wilhelm Nadolny from the Berliner Stadtmission, or Berlin City Mission. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll, with assistance from Ni...
Nov 23, 2019•25 min•Ep. 21
Could it be one of the most important conversations of the modern era? This week on Studio Berlin, host Noah Barkin delves into the details of Germany’s 5G debate. Why all the fuss about Chinese company Huawei and it’s role in supplying parts of Germany’s 5G infrastructure? Does the decision against competitors like Nokia and Ericsson end chances for European tech excellence? Is the decision forcing Germany to decide between China and the US? Together with two of the leading experts on 5G in Ber...
Nov 16, 2019•25 min•Ep. 20
How have East and West Germany grown together 30 years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall? This week on Studio Berlin, host Erik Kirschbaum remembers the Fall of the Wall and discusses the making of a new Germany after 1989. He is joined by Hope Harrison, Associate Professor of History and International Affairs at the George Washington University and author of the book, “After the Berlin Wall – Memory and the making of the New Germany. 1989 to the Present” as well as Günter Nooke, personal repres...
Nov 09, 2019•25 min•Ep. 19
What was the soundtrack of the late ’80s, shortly before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall? In this episode of Studio Berlin, host Erik Kirschbaum explores the power of music and how it captured the spirit of freedom and united people in East and West Germany. Erik is joined in studio by Jochen Staadt, leading researcher of the Forschungsverbund SED-Staat at the Freie Universität Berlin. We also hear from Jörg Stempel, worked for the GDR-owned Amiga music label and Tobias Rapp, author of “Lo...
Nov 02, 2019•25 min•Ep. 18
Migration to Europe is rising again. In September alone, more than 12,000 refugees arrived in Greece. This week on Studio Berlin: how is Europe tackling this challenge? And why can’t European countries seem to agree on a common approach to migration? Host Sumi Somaskanda talks with Emmanuelle Chaze, political correspondent at Deutsche Welle and NPR international correspondent Joanna Kakissis. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Colin Shea....
Oct 19, 2019•25 min•Ep. 17
It’s election time in neighboring Poland this weekend. Polish voters will cast their ballots on Sunday for a new parliament. Studio Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the importance of the election and its impact on Europe with Wojciech Szymanski, correspondent for the Polish service of the Deutsche Welle network and Lucasz Pawlowski, managing editor of Kultura Liberalna. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll with assistance from Benjamin Restle and Nikki Motson....
Oct 12, 2019•25 min•Ep. 16
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong described Hong Kong as the new Berlin – a ground zero for a new Cold War. What does Germany make of Wong’s comparison? And how do the Hong Kong protests influence Germany’s relationship with China? Join host Noah Barkin and his guests, American journalist Melissa Chan and Kristin Shi-Kupfer of the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.
Sep 28, 2019•25 min•Ep. 15
What can individuals and businesses do to help Germany reach its climate goals? This week on Studio Berlin, host Nikki Motson discusses questions about energy efficiency with Martin Bornholdt from DENEFF, Laurenz Hermann from CO2 Online and Tim Kauermann founder of “Berlin Kann Mehr.” This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll and Nikki Motson, with assistance from Colin Shea.
Sep 21, 2019•25 min•Ep. 14
