Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey: Recent Episodes
Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey
We are Geoff and Alex - two Americans living abroad in Berlin, Germany. We will discuss our years of experience living in Europe as expats, give advice to those who are hoping to make a move abroad and share plenty of funny stories that will help give insights into life here in the land of beer and sausage. Along the way, we will test a new bottle of whiskey in each episode because…whiskey.
Long time, no see! Yes, it's been a hot minute since the last time we spoke with you guys, but we just got the urge to say hello. We're back in this one-off episode to discuss what we've both been up to since the end of the podcast and react to some recent news in Germany. Let's go!
We have unfortunately reached the last episode of the AGDW podcast. What an absolutey bitter sweet moment. Both of us are eternally grateful for all of the love, support and dedication everyone has shown us over the past three and a half years. While we are sad the podcast has come to an end, we aren’t going anywhere! We we will continue to give you fun and educational (slightly) content about living in Germany, however from now on it’ll be via our brand new YouTube channel! This last episode is a retrospective of sorts as we look back on the past 147 episodes and give you insights about the production of the podcast and what it’s meant to us. Once you’ve completed the episode feel free to come check us out here on YouTube!
Here it is. The one you've been secretly hoping for, but for which you will regret actually receiving. Here is the infamous "lost episode" of the AGDW podcast. This was meant to be the original 2nd episode of the entire series, a little over 3 years ago. At the time, we had the bright idea of recording two episodes every time we met up. This meant, by the time we recorded the second episode that day, we were a bit...how do you say...full of beer and whiskey. The result is an episode that we both felt was so bad that we never released it and recorded an entirely new episode to replace it. The actual topic is culture shock and involves us reflecting on the main differences we experienced between the USA and Germany. Please, be warned, this is not a good episode. We're releasing it now as an odd treat for those of you who have been with us from the beginning and have asked whether or not we'd ever release the "lost episode." Well, unfortunately, here it is!
You guys sent in really fun questions for this week's "Q & A" episode! Unfortunately, it was a little bitter sweet as it is mostly likely the last Q & A episode of the AGDW podcast. We love hearing from you guys, which is why these tend to be our favourites and you all did not disappoint! We answered some great questions about living in Germany, and about ourselves! Thank you to EVERYONE who has sent us questions over the years.
Those of you visiting Berlin need to try the TIMERIDE experience! Through the use of virtual reality and great story telling, they give you an actual tour through 1985 Berlin! They also offer the best walking tour you can book in Berlin - "TIMERIDE Go!" - you visit historical sites in Berlin and you're given virtual reality glasses to wear, which let you view that same location during important moments in the past. You can look around 360 degrees and live inside history! We both really enjoyed the immersive experience! To learn more, go to www.timeride.de
Is it true that German banks suck? Why do we love Berlin's buses so much? What weird things should you look out for when applying for a German visa? We’ll be answer these questions and many more in this week's edition of the German Shuffle. The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which discuss several unrelated points about life in Germany, instead of just one singular topic. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show!
Those of you visiting Berlin need to try the TIMERIDE experience! Through the use of virtual reality and great story telling, they give you an actual tour through 1985 Berlin! They also offer the best walking tour you can book in Berlin - "TIMERIDE Go!" - you visit historical sites in Berlin and you're given virtual reality glasses to wear, which let you view that same location during important moments in the past. You can look around 360 degrees and live inside history! We both really enjoyed the immersive experience! To learn more, go to www.timeride.de
Can you order a beer while kayaking down the canals of Berlin? Do Germans have middle names? The German government will pay for you band to go on tour? We’ll be answer these questions and many more in this week's edition of the German Shuffle. The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which discuss several unrelated points about life in Germany, instead of just one singular topic. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show!
Those of you visiting Berlin need to try the TIMERIDE experience! Through the use of virtual reality and great story telling, they give you an actual tour through 1985 Berlin! They also offer the best walking tour you can book in Berlin - "TIMERIDE Go!" - you visit historical sites in Berlin and you're given virtual reality glasses to wear, which let you view that same location during important moments in the past. You can look around 360 degrees and live inside history! We both really enjoyed the immersive experience! To learn more, go to www.timeride.de
German hospitals aren't as nice as what you'd expect? Flying in Europe isn't that safe? Pumping gas in Germany is different than in the USA? We’ll be answer these questions and many more in this week's edition of the German Shuffle. The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which discuss several unrelated points about life in Germany, instead of one singular topic. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show!
Those of you in Berlin try the TIMERIDE experience! Through the use of virtual reality and great story telling, they give you an actual tour through 1985 Berlin. We both really enjoyed the immersive experience! To learn more, go to www.timeride.de
How do you move between apartments in Germany if you don't own a car? Do Germans throw coins in strip clubs? Will thermal underwear help you survive a Berlin winter? We’ll be answer these questions and many more in this week's edition of the German Shuffle. The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which discuss several unrelated points about life in Germany, instead of one singular topic. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show!
Sign up WITH LINGODA today to try THE SPRINT - Use this link or our Discount Code: AGDW20
Every country has its own culture that is filled with positives and negatives. The United States is a massive land with a unique position as an almost physical "island", bordering only two other countries. Being located so far from Europe means life in the USA is of course going to be a bit different than it is "across the pond." This week we'll be reacting to an article titled, "American Problems Europeans Do Not Understand." Just to be clear, this episode isn't about "American bashing." We'd never do that! We're here to discuss daily problems that Americans face that are simply not something Europeans normally come across!
Learn a new language with lingoda today! Our discount code = AGDW20
We recently has an episode in which we detailed how weddings in Germany and the USA were different from one another - the traditions, the parties and the paperwork. This week we have a spiritual sequel to that episode! A couple weeks ago, Geoff got married, which has given him even more insight into the process. Many foreigners living in Germany who wish to get married quickly find that the process can be quite difficult. This has led to the tradition of many expats choosing to fly over quickly to Denmark and to have a wedding there instead! This week, we'll discuss the process and give the first hand knowledge Geoff gained while "tying the knot" in Copenhagen.
German toilets are INSIDE of the wall? Coffee and cake...sucks? German animals make the wrong sounds? We’ll be answer these questions and many more in this week's edition of the German Shuffle. The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which discuss several unrelated points about life in Germany, instead of one singular topic. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show!
Are you looking for a long term romance? Or perhaps, just one night of fun? Berlin can offer you all of the above! This week we’re going to discuss what it’s like to date in the large metropolis that is Berlin. To help us, we are joined by Lulu Johnson, the author of the new book "Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love & Relationships", in which she details her 8 years of living in Berlin and attempting to find love through the modern convinces of dating apps. Having grown up in a small town in Ireland, she took Berlin head on, undaunted by its size or any language barriers, and began dating people of all different cultures and backgrounds (including a convicted killer, we're not joking). We'll hear about her experiences - while throwing in a few of our own - and try and give advice to those who wish to settle abroad and find that special someone.
Try the Lingoda FREE TRIAL Today - Use this link or our discount code = AMERICANSINGERMANY for 30 percent off of your 1st payment!
Read "Dating in Berlin" by Lulu Johnson - Buy the Book Now!
We're doing it live, f**k it! The last part of our special 3 year anniversary extravaganza is a German Shuffle episode recorded LIVE. While recording we had listeners of the podcast watching us via live stream and they were able to throw questions our way during the recording. It was exciting and we had so much fun! The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on a single topic, but instead several unrelated topics about life in Germany. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode covers: Berlin police being able to search you whenever they want, hot tub boats on the river, the importance of a proper coat during winter, the weird way Germans use the "winky face" emoji, and many more!
This February is the AGDW Podcast 3 year anniversary, which means the special episodes keep rolling in. For the third episode of our "anniversary extravaganza", we decided to hand over control to all of our listeners. Our instagram vote had a clear winner, so that means this week we're talking about weddings! More specifically, we'll be discussing how weddings and marriages differ between Germany and the USA. Luckily, Geoff is currently in the middle of planning his own wedding in Germany, which means he has a lot of fresh, first-hand experience to share with all of you. We'll also be detailing many classic German wedding traditions that you probably didn't know existed!
This February is the AGDW Podcast 3 year anniversary! To celebrate our 3rd year on the air, we'll be releasing a special episode every single week this month. We knew we couldn't celebrate an anniversary without having the return of our very first podcast guest - Felicia, the host of the popular YouTube channel "Feli From Germany." Having grown up in Germany and eventually moved on to the USA, she has a unique perspective that is great for our show. However, we won't be talking to her about Germany or cultural comparisons. Instead, this week we go behind the scenes with her and discuss what life is like having a popular YouTube channel and podcast, including how she got started, the complications along the way and other fun stories!
This February is the AGDW Podcast 3 year anniversary! We can't believe we're still around (guessing you feel the same) and we're still thrilled you are all still here as well. To celebrate our 3rd year on the air we'll be releasing a special episode every single week this month! To start out, after popular demand, we're finally releasing an episode that is about just the two of us. That's right, an entire episode about Alex and Geoff! We dive into our childhood growing up in the USA, what we initially decided to do with our lives when we graduated high school and explain in detail our current jobs in Germany.
At this point, we've both each lived in Berlin, Germany for roughly a decade. Over time, it has become our new home where we have established our adult lives and integrated ourselves into German society as best as we could. However, even though so much time has passed, neither of us forgets what it was like those first few months and years living abroad. During this time there was a lot of excitement and discovery, but also a lot of doubt, stress, and definitely awkwardness. This week we discuss what feelings we experienced and what situations we found ourselves in having recently moved to Germany. We hope to shed some light on what a person might experience after deciding to move abroad.
Anyone who grows up in the USA, as with any country, can easily point out weird things around them everyday. However, some actions, items or traditions are so ingrained, we have no idea that the rest of the world just doesn't quite understand them. This week we'll be reacting to an article titled, "Non-Americans reveal the things Americans do that they simply do not understand." This episode isn't about "American bashing." We'd never do that! We're here to see what the rest of the world considers odd about the USA and whether or not these are things we still do ourselves, regardless of the fact that we've lived in Germany for so many years. How "American" are we? Let's find out!
We're back bitches! We had some much needed time off to see our families for the holidays, but all good things must come to an end, eh? With Alex having spent Christmas in the USA and Geoff having celebrated in Germany, we thought it was the perfect time to speak about the cultural differences between Christmas in both these countries! For those of you unfamiliar, we're sharing with you the details of a German "Weihnachten" (Christmas). We'll also discuss "Silvester" (New Years Eve) and the quirky traditions Germans observe on the 31st of December each year. In Berlin, this also means a firework insanity that you'll need to see to believe...
We had so many questions left over when we finished recording last week's episode, we knew a "part two" was guaranteed! So, once again we're tackling more listener queries about living abroad in Germany, traveling around Europe and the podcast itself. We hope our answers provide some useful information, advice and maybe - at a minimum - a little entertainment? How does an American get a job in Germany? Is the "schedule" of a Christmas in Germany different than elsewhere? How can German delivery services just leave your packages with random people? We’ll answer all these and more!
You guys continue to surprise us with intriguing questions and this of course leads to another "Q & "A episode! This week, we tackle more listener queries about living abroad in Germany, traveling around Europe and the podcast production. We hope our answers provide some useful information, advice and maybe - at a minimum - a little entertainment? For example, what advice do we wish we could have given ourselves before moving to Germany? How do we handle long distance with our families? What is the most American thing our German girlfriends still call us out on? We’ll answer all these and more!
Are you ready for us to once again discuss completely unrelated topics about Germany? We're definitely excited! The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on a single topic, but instead several unrelated topics about life in Germany. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: cycling etiquette, difficulty finding "normal" bowls, needing to learn German in order to learn German, "taxation without representation" and many more!
In what can be vaguely considered as a sequel to our "Weird Laws" episode, this week we are once again taking a look at German laws you probably didn't know existed. This time, however, these mainly will be those which could actually affect you in your day-to-day life in Germany. In the spirit of a good ol' reaction episode, we'll talk about things that are illegal in German, but legal in the USA, (plus, vice versa) and give our opinions on whether we agree with the German justice system or not. We'll cover interesting facts such as: German prisoners are "allowed" to escape, insulting someone can result in a hefty fine or jail sentence, how unbelievably hard it is to change your name, and much more!
Oh boy, are you ready to DO THE SHUFFLE? The "German Shuffle" is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on a single topic, but instead several unrelated topics about life in Germany. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: feeling awkward "all the time", the slang German word "Jein", issues with the Deutsche Bahn app, neighbours that take weeks to pick up their packages and many more!
We all need somewhere to sleep, right? There are of course physical differences between German and US apartments, but that's not what we'll be talking about this time (been there, done that). Instead, this week we discuss what life is like while living in a German apartment building. This includes details about interactions with German neighbours (the good and the bad), dealing with lackluster German property management, the overall security and the mini "community" your apartment building can become.
Last week, Alex had some good childhood friends visit him for the first time in Berlin. It provided him not only the opportunity to plan the best first impression of his favorite city, but also a chance to see Germany through the eyes of a newcomer. During this episode, we'll discuss his experience showing his guests throughout the German capital and what he learned about his adopted home along the way.
Listeners of the podcast will notice that we were on a short break last week. The reason being Alex was out of town on a road trip vacation throughout northern Italy. While the vacation featured wine drinking, vineyard visiting and treks up into the mountains, there was more to this trip than meets the eye. He was also visiting the Italian side of his family for the first time! During this week's episode, we discuss Alex's trip to Italy and his personal journey to discover his family's roots.
Man, we do love a good sequel! Recently, we were reading an article about the "Do's & Don'ts of Living in Germany" and felt some of the advice we were seeing didn't quite line up with our experiences living abroad. We thought, we should review some of these online postings, which lead to the birth of a new series of episodes. This week, in part two, we react to more online advice blogs about moving to or living in Germany and discuss whether or not (in our opinion) they reflect reality.
When traveling around Germany on a budget, what's one of the best ways to save money? The answer is swapping out an expensive hotel for an affordable hostel! In past episodes we've briefly mentioned hostels and how they differ from a standard accommodation, but we have yet to do a deep dive. This week, we'll do just that by thoroughly describing the pros and cons of staying in a hostel. Plus, we'll share some fun stories about our personal experiences staying in hostel dorms while backpacking through Europe.
We've spent a few episodes in the past describing the many options for late night fun in Berlin and Germany in general. This includes a classic German beerhall, the famous techno clubs of Berlin and the coziness of a German kneipe (pub). However, this time, things are going to get a little personal. This week, we discuss what OUR nightlife actually looks like. What do the two of us do for fun on a Friday night in Berlin, and has our idea of a "good time" changed over the years? Let's find out!
Recently, we were reading an article about the "Do's & Don'ts of Living in Germany" and felt some of the advice we were seeing didn't quite line up with our experiences living abroad. It made us wonder how accurate travel blogs are in general about Germany. This week we react to several different online advice blogs about moving to or living in Germany and discuss whether or not, in our opinion, they reflect reality.
Berlin's "Ringbahn" (circle railway) is a circular public train route that surrounds Berlin's inner city area. It helps to connect the vast network of subway and above ground train lines that criss-cross the city, making transfers from one part of the city to the other much quick. However, beyond being a helpful public transit feature, it also acts as a dividing line for two different versions of Berlin. This week we talk about Berlin's Ringbahn and the differences between the architecture, people, and lifestyle on either side of the "ring."
Well folks, we're back, again! Unfortunately, Geoff got sick as soon as we returned from our vacation, which necessitated another short pause. However, we're back with a really fun episode about tourist destinations in Berlin and around Germany. Anytime we all travel abroad and search for what we should do during our visit, we always see the same lists online of top tourist locations within that city. Sometimes we need to stop and think, "are all of these must-see places, actually must-see?" This week we'll discuss which major tourist landmarks and destinations in Berlin and beyond are actually worth visiting, and which might actually be a waste of the little vacation time you have.
The boys are back in town! Having recently returned from our summer vacation, we knew we had so much to share with all of you about the experience of visiting small German villages. This episode will be a discussion about our trip to Swiss Saxony in Eastern Germany along with our time spent in a small village in North-West Brandenburg. We'll cover the nature, the differences in the people vs. those you'll meet in big cities, and what it's like specifically as a foreigner to walk around these small Dorfs (villages).
It's time for another shuffle...the “German Shuffle. ” This is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics about life in Germany. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: the difference between German and American weddings, American breakfast foods that in Europe are considered desserts, self check-out and why Germans hate it, and many more!
You still have questions and we still have answers. That's right, another "Q & "A episode! This week we tackle more listener queries about living in Germany, traveling around Europe and the podcast production. In the end, it all adds up to a lot of great information and advice that will hopefully interest everyone. For example, how "German" is Berlin? Do we prefer American or German houses? Which language do we mainly use with our German girlfriends? We’ll answer all these and much more!
Welcome to our first instalment of “Questions For a German." These are the questions we’ve all wanted to ask about Germany, and more specifically. why Germans are the way they are. Of course, to do this properly, we need an actual German to speak with! Who's better than Felicia from the popular YouTube channel "Feli From Germany." During her 3rd appearance on the podcast, we ask her about how it feels to "always be the bad guys in movies", why towels are appropriate for reserving beach chairs, absurdly cheap German wine, and much more!
Feli from Germany YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FelifromGermany
Understanding Train Station Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/understandingtrainstation
https://anchor.fm/understandingtrainstation
It looks like the questions keep on coming. That's alright with us since it means the return of our favorite kind of episode - questions and answers! This week we answer more listener queries about living in Germany, traveling around Europe and the podcast production. In the end, it all adds up to a lot of great information and advice that will hopefully interest everyone. For example, how do you deal with the embarrassment of hanging out with a group of Germans who are forced to speak English just for your benefit? What's the best thing about having a German partner? Are Canadians in Germany treated better than Americans? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so let's get started!
Looks like someone pulled their dusty iPod out of the drawer! It's time for another "Shuffle." The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: German train etiquette, Judgemental dance club policies, why some Germans break plates for good luck and more!
One of the perks of living abroad in a big international city like Berlin is that it gives your friends and family an extra reason to come visit you! Having visitors from back home can be extremely fun, but in certain ways also nerve racking, especially if it's their first time visiting the new city or country you now call home. This week, we'll talk about how important we feel it is to show off Berlin to our guests, what activities we normally do with them, and the stressful side of having someone's vacation "in your hands."
No one ever said moving to a new country would be easy. You deal with the visa application process, attempt to find a job, and encounter culture shock on a daily basis. However, many people might not be aware of the many every day trivial tasks that give expats anxiety and stress. These might be things that in your home country you would do without thinking twice, yet suddenly, they require a lot of thought and even help from others to accomplish. Join us this week as we talk about the tasks that expats find surprisingly difficult to do, such as talking on the phone, going to the doctor, or even just showing someone their ID!
Lager, Pilsner, Weißbier and more! You can not discuss Germany without mentioning beer. It's been 90 episodes since we talked with you about the history of German beer and the part it plays in daily life living in Deutschland. However, this week we dive deeper into the different types of places it is consumed, such as beer gardens, spätis (late night convenience stores), public parks, and beyond. During the first episode on beer, we focused more on the what, and now in the sequel we focus on the where, how, and why!
Want to learn German? Check out the KLEO app today at meetkleo.com!
This week, we once again are asking each other questions! Alex and I cross-examine one another about our time living in Germany and traveling abroad in general. In order to give real, off the cuff answers, neither of us will know what the other person will ask beforehand. Our answers will hopefully provide useful information to all of you listeners!
Anyone who has lived abroad knows that while it can be quite a fun adventure, it also has its dark side. This comes in the forms of several roadblocks put in your way, which normally you wouldn't have to deal with when living in your home country. This week, we discuss the biggest obstacles we have both encountered living abroad as expats and how we eventually overcame them. These include: fighting all the reasons to stay home and making that final decision to move abroad, dealing with the insecurities of temporary housing and finally finding a true sense of "home", establishing ourselves as foreigners in an industry made up with German locals, and more!
Yes, we're super slow making sequels to episodes. However, we always eventually get it done! As Americans living in Germany for many years, there is of course plenty we love about our new home. Throughout the run of the podcast, we have spoken at length about what makes Germany so great. However, we’re the first to admit Germany is not perfect (who is?). This week we present to you part three in our series about what the USA gets right and indeed does better than Germany.
The German Shuffle...again...number 10. It's like an itch that keeps coming back! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: being legally required to open your apartment windows, the consequences of pretending you're fluent in German, how children in Germany learn how to ride bicycles vs. children in the USA, and more!
This episode is brought to you by MyExpatTaxes.com! Those of you living in Germany must take advantage of their easy to use, low cost, and low stress services in order to take care of your tax obligations in the USA.
A few weeks ago we came across an article that detailed the growing problem of "begpacking" and after reading further we became very intrigued. The term begpacking is defined as backpackers busking or begging to fund their travels. Whilst this may sound innocent enough, the past few years has seen a steep rise in privileged travellers from wealthy western countries standing on street corners in poorer countries with signs asking the locals to "help pay for their trip." During this episode we'll both have a conversation about the growing trend and the ethical gray area that surrounds it. Are there better ways to fund your around the world journey?
This episode will be a far reaching discussion about the driving cultures of the USA and Germany. The focus won't be about large American pick up trucks vs. miniature European hatchbacks or even the quality of German cars. Instead, we will talk about the differences between the role of cars in the USA vs. Germany and how this has affected the look and layout of cities in each country. As we "drive down the road", we'll cover: how the fascination and necessity for cars in America develops at an early age, why the combination of residential and commercial spaces in Berlin limits the need to own a car, and the different roles public transportation plays in the US and German cities. Join us, won't you?
We finally reached our 100th episode and we couldn't be more excited! This is a one-off special edition episode in which we will detail the behind the scenes of making the AGDW podcast. We'll divulge secrets about the production, including funny stories about times when we made huge mistakes, explain the history of the show and also answer listener questions live!
No country is perfect - even the largest economy in Europe. This week we are discussing what all of you would change about Germany - assuming you could do so with the snap of your fingers. To do this, we asked our listeners what was important to them and had everyone send us their answers. We'll both be reacting to what you believe would change Germany for the better and debate whether we agree and why. Come along with us and find out if you're also on the same page!
This week we'll be taking a deep dive into the Berlin nightlife seen by talking about establishments only locals tend to know about and enjoy. In the past, we've discussed the high profile bars and clubs that Berlin is famous for, but this time you could say we're going off the beaten path. However, not too far, because most of these local pubs, casinos, sports betting halls and mysteriously unlabelled "hang out" locations tend to be hiding in plain site. It's time you have some insight on the places locals enjoy most nights, but tourists and those recently arrived in Berlin, have heard little about!
We had so much fun reading the travel stories you sent in, and were unable to fit them all into a single episode! A couple months ago we let everyone know that we were in search of funny, absurd, annoying or just plain interesting travel stories. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to send something our way. This week we are reading and reacting to more of your travel stories in part two of this series. These will include: going from winter to summer and back to winter again in a single day, showing your German boyfriend how to make friends at an American restaurant, crazy coincidences while traveling that are almost too hard to believe, and much more!
We asked and you answered. A couple months ago we let everyone know that we were in search of funny, absurd, annoying or just plain interesting travel stories. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send one in! This week we'll finally be reading and reacting to your travel stories for the first time. These will include: ending up in England's immigration "black book", finding out pizza isn't as universal as we thought, using tears to catch the train in time, and much more!
If you're feeling the need for speed, you need to get yourself into a solidly built German car and out onto the Autobahn! You've probably already heard about the lack of speed limits, but there's so much more to learn about the German highway system and what it's like taking a road trip through the beautiful country side. But, before we start, did you know most of you are actually mispronouncing the word "Autobahn?" Don't worry, we'll get you on the right rack and also discuss the special rules of driving on German roads, what it's like to drive 250 Km/h, and tell you guys about some of the road trips we've been on during our time here.
You can never have too much of a good thing, right? The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: the horror of German fairy tales, trash cans that will literally hold your beer, owning a dog in Germany, and so much more!
We all love trilogies, right? For the third time, we've again shifted our focus away from Germany in order to spend some time on European travel in general! There's just too many tips and tricks to be contained in just one episode. We'll of course also be giving our opinions on some myths about visiting Europe. We'll be going over: why you should stay away from most large tour companies, myths about hostels, scams you should avoid, and more!
We're all floating through this life trying to make connections with other people. Is it easier in some places, than it is in others? This week we open up a discussion on friendliness! Fresh off of my trip to the USA, I was was again struck by how open and friendly Americans are with complete strangers. This grew into a wider discussion with Alex on the differences between meeting and interacting with people in the USA vs. Germany. Let's do it!
Mother f*$king John Denver strikes again. Except this time, instead of going back home to the country roads of Virginia, Geoff went home to the west coast of the USA to finally visit his family after 2 long years away! While he was there, his long absence made him see certain ordinary American things in a whole new light. This week we'll again be discussing "reverse culture shock" and how living in abroad for many years can change your perspective of your own home country. We'll also discuss how Geoff unfortunately caught Covid during his trip to the USA, which is why we had to take a 3 week hiatus from the podcast. Having said that...we're back baby!
Welcome everyone to 2022! We've again shifted our focus away from Germany in order to spend some time on European travel in general. We simply couldn't fit all of our European travel tips in the last episode, so here we are with a part two. We'll also be giving our opinions on some myths about visiting Europe. More specifically, we'll cover: international driving permits, being safe while traveling alone, the do's and don't of choosing a hotel, whether or not convertible pants should be a thing, and more!
We've once again decided to shift our focus away from Germany and spend some time on European travel in general. This week, we'll discuss tips that'll improve your vacation to Europe and hopefully, save you some headaches. We'll also be giving our opinions on some myths about visiting Europe. Will you stand out if you wear shorts in the summer? Is travel insurance worth it? Can you really get by with only English? Join us as we tackle all of these questions and more!
We’re often focusing on helping people who wish to move to Germany or Europe in general, but it’s time to give more attention to our listeners that want to just be a tourist in Deutschland. This week we have a special guest on our show that'll help us give advice to those of you wanting to visit Germany - whether it's for the first, second or third time! Or perhaps, some of you expats already here simply want to explore your new home. Who is the guest, you ask? It's Mark Wolters, the host of the YouTube Channel "Wolters World", of course! You can enjoy all of his content at www.woltersworld.com.
While living thousands of miles away from home many of us while find ways to maintain our old traditions in our new land. This week we'll focus on the people and organisations that work to keep German culture, traditions, and language alive in the USA. Joining us is Günther Jänhl, the host of the "Hier & There" podcast produced by the Germanic-American Institute of St. Paul, Minnesota. We'll talk with him about his move to the USA and what it's like to experience American culture from an Austrian perspective.
Germanic-American Institute Website: www.gaimn.org
It's time for the both of us to once again face each other in the ring. Of course, by ring, we mean our podcasting table. This week, we again ask each other questions! Alex and I will be asking one another about topics related to our living in Germany and our lives in general. In order to give real off the cuff answers, neither of us will know what the other person will ask beforehand. What's Geoff's favourite place in Berlin? What does Alex think was the most positive aspects of growing up in the USA? Does Geoff have fun stories from his time working in the film industry? How well can Alex handle German trivia? Join us for these questions and more!
When moving abroad, you're going to encounter experiences and new cultural norms that you're not used to - there's no way to avoid it. Over time, you accept most of them and they slowly become just part of your daily routine. However, there are some things about Germany that we will both NEVER get used to! This week we discuss being away from family, the endless red tape of German bureaucracy, the lack of storage space, the feeling of never fully fitting in, and much more.
Here's a classic that's back by popular demand! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: bicycles riding on the sidewalk, getting married in Denmark being easier than getting married in Germany, foreigners getting a driver's license, and so many more!
Germany, along with its European neighbours, is known world wide for having a great public transportation system. It enables us all to quickly go to work, visit friends, and generally live our lives without the hassle of owning a car. Berlin has one of the best examples of public transit in Germany with hundreds of subway stations and a maze of tram and bus routes that connect almost every "A" with every "B." This week we're discussing the public transportation in Berlin. We'll focus on how to use it, interesting facts and what makes it great!
Hey, it's our own version of the classic Beatles song. After a long hiatus we're back making new episodes of the podcast! Alex was off on his long overdue trip to visit his family in the USA (aint Covd a bitch?). While he was there, his long absence made him see certain ordinary American things in a whole new light. This week we'll be discussing "reverse culture shock" and how living in abroad for many years can change your perspective of your own home country.
Grab some ice and a cocktail shaker, it's time to talk about drinking culture! During this week's episode we have an experienced bartender who has worked at high profile bars in the USA and Europe. She'll be joining the discussion and use her wisdom to help us tackle topics such as: the main differences in the drinking cultures of the USA and "across the pond", how bartending differs between the two continents, the art of tipping at a Berlin bar, and more! Also, to make things even more special, our guest has made us three different whiskey cocktails to enjoy while we record.
80th Episode Special Edition: In the past we've had Q & A episodes in which we answered questions from all of you about being an expat in Germany. This week, we try something completely new and ask each other questions! For the first time, Alex and I will be asking one another about topics related to our living in Germany and our lives in general. In order to give real off the cuff answers, neither of us will know what the other person will ask beforehand. What about living in Germany gives Alex the most anxiety? Why did Geoff become a filmmaker? How much does Alex really know about his home state of Rhode Island? Join us for these questions and more!
We're going back to school! During this week's episode we speak with our guest Bobbie about the differences between the education system in the USA and Germany. Bobbie, Alex's girlfriend, has herself experienced being educated in both countries. We discuss what her expectations of an American high school were and if her one year abroad in California lined up with those expectations or turned out to be different entirely. She also outlines for us the odd structure of the German school system, which includes students having to choose their career at the age of 10!
Noch einmal! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: baking ingredients changing from country to country, unmarried German women needing to clean doorknobs, materialism in Germany vs. the USA, and so many more!
We’re back with part two of the epic showdown between the German North and South! We were lucky enough to have Aspen (the co-host of the ‘Dating Abroadcast’ podcast) join us once again to continue our discussion of Berlin vs. Bavaria. This week we continue our comparison between two of Germany’s most popular destinations for expats, Berlin and Munich. This time around, we focus on: the different vibes of the cities, beer gardens, the reactions to Americans and the dating scenes. Let’s do this!
This week we’re talking about the new, strange, and sometimes downright cool things that we never had to do until we moved to Germany. One of the beautiful things about living abroad is being constantly surprised by new experiences - sometimes good, sometimes bad. Have you ever had to drill into solid concrete just to hang a picture? Have you ever had to tell the government your address every time you move? How about a trip to a completely nude European style sauna? We know you want to hear more, so let’s go!
You're thinking, "Q & A...again?" When we finished last week's episodes we had so many questions left over, we felt we had to keep going. The result: Questions & Answers number 3, part 2. Included are the rest of your questions about moving to Germany, living in Germany, and basically everything related to being an expat in Germany. As an American, what do Germans tend to assume about you? How hard is it to get permanent residency? What is a "radler" and why is it so hard to find in the USA? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so let's get started!
Our listeners just keep sending is questions. As good ol’ human beings, we can’t refuse to give back answers! Once again, you all sent in your questions about moving to Germany, living in Germany, and…basically everything related to being an expat in Germany. Do you need to share your table at a restaurant with complete strangers? Are Germans often falling out of windows due to a lack of screens? Can you work different types of jobs on a standard working visa? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so come along for the ride!
As Americans living in Germany for many years, there is of course plenty we love about our new home. Throughout the run of the podcast, we have spoken at length about what makes Germany so great. However, we’re the first to admit it is not a perfect country (none are). This week we present to you part two in our series about what the USA gets right and indeed does better than Germany. Wow, 50 episodes later and we’re finally releasing a sequel!
Who doesn’t love to travel around Europe? If you say, “me”, then this episode is probably not for you. This week we discuss our favorite travel destinations in Europe. These are the places we absolutely love to visit, again and again. Between the two of us, we’ve been lucky enough to spend time in the majority of the EU, which has given us insight into which cities are a “must see.”. During this episode, we’ll not only share which places we feel warrant a visit, but we’ll also let you know the two places we feel are overrated and should be skipped or at the very least, should be low priorities.
The epic showdown between the German North and South is finally here: Berlin vs. Bavaria! This week we have a fun comparison between two of Germany’s most popular destinations for expats, Berlin and Munich. The two cities not only have a large physical distance between them, but they also lie far apart in terms of their culture, food, and the daily lifestyles of their residents. If you’re having trouble deciding which city’s vibe will gel with you the best, then this is the episode for you! To help us wage this battle between North and South, we’ve asked Aspen, the host of the YouTube channel AspenAbroad, to join us on the podcast. In one corner is our special guest who has years of experience in Bavaria, and in the other, the two of us who have called Berlin home for the past decade. Who will win??
Visit our sponsor Expatrio to get help moving to Germany: https://www.expatrio.com?p=agdwpodcast
Here we go again! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we don’t focus on only one topic, but instead several unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: strawberry themed amusement parks, enjoying a BBQ on your balcony, sex in Berlin’s public parks, German dentists, and much more!
Visit our sponsor Expatrio to get help moving to Germany: https://www.expatrio.com?p=agdwpodcast
Welcome to our second “Story Time" episode! We'll each be sharing interesting, funny and scary stories about experiences we've had traveling around Germany and Europe as a whole. We hope they are not only fun to listen to, but are also educational in their own weird ways. Listen to us talk about: Alex's stay at a party hostel on a Thai island, Geoff’s first Berlin apartment, Alex's semi-involuntary striptease, and Geoff’s road trip adventure up the wrong way of a one-way street!
If you listened to last week's podcast, you might be noticing a pattern. Yes, yet another episode about saving money! This time, we’re focusing on how you can travel to Europe and within Europe “on the cheap.” We discuss how to pack like a pro, backpack around Europe like it’s the 1970’s all over again, and how to have fun in the popular cities without killing you budget. Come along with us, as we give tips on how to go all the way from Brussels to Berlin!
We’ve talked so much about how to get by in Germany and how to learn the language, but we haven’t mentioned how to do so when your bank account is running low. This week we’ll go into how to live in Germany on a budget and keep costs down if you have you to. We’ll discuss how to find an apartment, feed yourself, and have fun while not putting a huge burden on your wallet. Especially in cities like Berlin, “no money fun” is still possible!
We're trying something new this week and we hope you all enjoy it. This will be our first ever "Story Time" episode! We'll each be sharing interesting, funny and scary stories about experiences we've had traveling around Germany and Europe as a whole. We hope they are not only fun to listen to, but are also educational in their own weird ways. Listen to us talk about: Alex's crazy night in Bulgaria, Geoff ending up in the hospital on the first day of his European backpacking trip, Alex's RV road trip adventure through the alps, and more!
Finally, after over a year of requests from our listeners, we have brought our German girlfriends on the podcast! We’ve received many requests to interview them and get their perspective on dating a foreigner, especially an American, from the point of view of a German. We focus on what it was like for them growing up in their respective small villages, residing abroad in English speaking countries, and living in such a diverse city such as Berlin. One of the main take aways from the discussion is that it really doesn’t matter where you were born and the most important thing is who you are and what’s in your heart.
It’s once again time to hit the shuffle button on your iPod! The “German Shuffle” is a series of episodes in which we focus not on one topic, but on various unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: the odd obsession Germans have with white asparagus, the surprising amount of items you can carry on your bicycle, what exactly a SCHUFA is, and much more!
The best things come in threes, and our “cultural differences” series is no different. This week we discuss some of the many ways the USA and Germany are different in every day life. How are German prisons in contrast to those in the North America? Which country’s homes are mostly made of stone, rather than wood? What is a garbage disposal and why aren’t they common in Germany? We’ll cover these odd differences, and more!
We’ll be honest, neither of us are what you would call, “sports fanatics”, however we have had our fair share of experiences with sports while living in Germany. Some of the most popular sports here are football (soccer), handball, hockey and even basketball. Also, did you know there are even professional leagues in Germany that play American football? During this week’s episode we’ll cover - in a very generally way - German sports and even go beyond the professional realm and cover the fun games the average person plays in Berlin’s parks. The title says it all, “German Spots and Games”. Don’t worry, we have plenty of funny stories to keep all of you non-sport fans entertained!
AGDW fans know we love a good ol’ fashioned Q & A. You continued to send us questions, so how could we not give you answers? Once again, we asked you all to send in your questions about moving to Germany, living in Germany, and…basically everything related to being an expat in Germany. Do Germans do brunch? Is there a visible difference between East and West Berlin? How hard is it to move to Germany with a pet? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so come along for the ride!
Well, hello again, Mr.Shuffle! This is a series of episodes in which we focus not on one topic, but a wide variety of unrelated topics. It’s a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: getting your bicycle stolen, the German Impfpass, weird clauses in apartment contracts, buying a home in Germany, and much more!
Before moving abroad to any new country there are some important things you need to take into consideration. We're not talking about physical tasks, such as submitting paperwork, apply for visas, or finding an apartment (we’ve covered these items in a different episode). Instead, we're referring to the questions every soon-to-be expat should ask themselves before moving abroad. What kind of expat do you want to be? Do you even have the motivation to learn a second language? Are you able to be away from your family for long stretches of time? And most importantly, will you be able to handle feeling like an outsider for an uncertain amount of days, weeks, or even months? We’ll talk about all this and more during this week’s episode. It’s time to get introspective!
This week we discuss what it’s like to raise a child in Germany and the specifically “German” things that set the experience apart. Did you know the government will send you a monthly payment to help you with the extra costs? What is it like for your child’s German language skills to be better than yours or to be required to have the government’s approval of your son or daughter’s name? You’re probably saying to yourselves, “wait, Alex and Geoff don’t have children” and we won’t lie, you’re absolutely correct. That’s why we’ve invited Shaun Behrens to help us shed light on the subject. He is the host of the “Germany Experience” podcast and perhaps more importantly, a confirmed parent of three kids in Germany.
This week we discuss some of the most useful German words and phrases that can help someone who has recently moved to Germany. In particular, we will cover the phrases we had to figure out on our own and were oddly not taught to us in our language classes. We’ll explain how we came upon these German gems and in what situations they are helpful. Some things you can’t learn in your German textbook and you won’t realize what they are until your physically “on the ground”, so to speak. However, don’t worry, this is not just a boring language lesson. Plenty of funny stories are included!
We finally have a sequel to one of our most popular episodes…after 53 episodes. This week we discuss some of the many ways the USA and Germany are different in every day life. Why are you locked out of your apartment in Germany if you simply close the door? Why is the average American toilet not equipped with a toilet brush? Why does everyone in a German doctor’s waiting room say “hello” as you walk in the room? We’ll cover these odd differences, and more!
Those who move abroad will have their own unique experience, however there are a few things all expats will share. For example, the set of questions they’ll inevitably be asked by all of their friends, family, and those they meet in their adopted homelands. This week we’ll be talking about the questions all expats are asked. How are you going to get a job? When are you moving back home? Are you fluent in German yet? All questions you’ll hear constantly and soon become tired of answering.
When a person moves abroad for a long period of time, they sometimes begin to question their identity. There's a duality that comes with considering two different countries your home. What is the answer to, “where are you from?”. How has your adopted country changed your personality, who you are and what you believe? During this week’s episode we discuss our cultural identities and how they have changed after living for several years in Germany. We ask ourselves if we still believe ourselves to be American or if we are “becoming” German over time. Come along with us during this deep dive down the rabbit hole.
The “German Shuffle” is making another glorious appearance on the podcast! Love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. For the uninitiated, these are episodes in which we focus not on one topic, but several unrelated topics. Some go by quickly and some have much more “meat on the bone.” This week’s episode will cover: the maze of courtyards in German apartment buildings, the metric system, moving abroad and feeling lost due to not knowing the local language and more!
It’s finally here, a good ol’ fashioned Q & A! You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. For this week’s episode we asked all of you to send in your questions about moving to Germany, living in Germany, and…basically everything related to being an expat in Germany. Can you secure an apartment before you arrive in Germany? How easy is it to find a job if you only speak English? What does a German CV look like? We’ll answer all these questions and more, so come along for the ride.
In 2020, the world changed. We'd loved to say for the better, but it was entirely for the worse. The Covid-19 pandemic hit us all and changed life as we know it forever. How did daily life in Germany change during 2020, with all of the lockdowns, lack of social contact, closure of all entertainment venues, and the requirement of wearing masks in public? What is it like to move abroad during a worldwide pandemic and is it possible to settle in Germany during such uncertain times? During this episode we’ll describe life in Germany during Covid-19 and interview a special guest that has first hand experience moving abroad during the most trying of times.
In the mood for some romance? This week we’re going to discuss what it’s like to date in Germany. What’s it like as a foreigner to have a relationship with someone from a different culture? Will the language barrier make it difficult to forge a relationship with your partner’s family? As someone from abroad, dating in Germany is at the same time entirely the same and entirely different as dating in your home country. We’ll reveal our own experiences as Americans in Germany and explain the positives aspects of being with someone from a different county.
Ever had a strange roommate? This week we’re focusing on “WG” life in Germany. 'WG" is short for Wohngemeinschaft, which means a shared apartment. A great way to grow your social circle after moving to Germany is to live with some locals, but how do you begin? During this episode we’ll discuss the process of finding a room in a German apartment, the interview process, the dynamics of the flat sharing lifestyle, and of course…the weird roommates.
These things actually exist? This week we’re talking about strange, cool, surprising things that we did not know existed until we moved to Germany. One of the beautiful things about living abroad is being constantly surprised. We’ve come across machines, food and items that we had no idea there was a need for. Some are very useful and we wish they were more wide spread, but others we can definitely do without. Have you heard of vomit sinks, fresh sausage from a vending machine, or poop shelves? We know you want to hear more, so let’s go!
The AGDW podcast is back and we think the best way to start 2021 is with a classic “German Shuffle.” This is a series of episodes in which we focus not on one topic for an episode, but a wide variety of unrelated topics. It feels like a good ol’ fashioned variety show! This week’s episode will cover: the phenomenon of well trained German dogs, U.S. taxes as an expat living in Germany, the differences between U.S. & German beer packaging, popular German brands most people pronounce incorrectly, and more!
During this week’s episode we both look back at our move to Germany and the many years we’ve spent living in Berlin. Our goal is to find what we did wrong, what regrets we have, and how we might have done things differently, knowing what we know now. We hope our honest reflection and advice might help anyone who’s considering a move to Germany or has recently made the trek abroad. In addition to being a nostalgic look back, this is also our last episode of 2020. But, don’t worry, we’ll be back in a few weeks on January 6th!
The title says it all! During this episode we will present to you our list of the most frustrating things about living in Germany, also known as “pet peeves.” Obviously, we enjoy living in Germany or we wouldn’t have stayed all these years. However, Germany is not perfect (who is?), and during our daily experiences we’ve come across a few things that continue to annoy, frustrate, and downright irritate us. Have you ever felt trapped in a grocery store when you don’t buy something, experienced the horror that is German customer service, or wish your windows had screens on them? Come along as we describe those little things that sometimes our brains just can’t understand.
It’s December and the holiday season is upon us! Celebrating Christmas in Germany can be a magical experience. This week’s episode will explore the German Christmas traditions that make the holiday different than what you may have experienced in the USA or elsewhere. Did you know that the act of bringing a tree indoors to celebrate Christmas was a tradition started in Germany? We’ll discuss the history of the holiday and also the fun ways Germans have turned Christmas into a month celebration, rather than just a single day. Put on your snow boots and let’s go!
On this edition of the “Expat Files” we interview Prayag Thakkar, an Indian living in Berlin. We will discuss his journey from Gujarat, India all the way to Germany, which in fact was the first time he ventured out of his native land. We’ll begin with a cultural misunderstanding with a German exchange student in India and then lead into his experiences navigating a new culture abroad, while trying establishing himself in the German capital.
It’s time to introduce you all to the German Shuffle. What is it, a dance? Not quite! The German Shuffle is a new type of episode in which we will focus not on one topic the entire episode, but a wide variety of smaller unrelated topics. Over the course of making this podcast, we’ve had many ideas we wanted to talk about with you, however they were too small to fill an entire podcast episode on their own. We’ve decided that instead of throwing those ideas away, we’re going to roll a few of them into one variety show. This week’s episode will cover: how have Germans changed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, how we get our fill of German news, the pluses and negatives of an American becoming a German citizen, and more!
Most of us have traditions that are important to us and we try to keep alive. Some we’re taught to us by our family, some are from the culture around us and others are the traditions we create on our own. During this week’s episode we discuss which traditions from our lives in the USA we’ve continued after moving to Germany and those new traditions we’ve adopted after arriving. To help us we have as our guest Mari Tischner, the host of the YouTube channel “Adventures of La Mari.” She is an American-Peruviann author from the USA currently living in southern Germany.
The Mythbusters are back! Ok, maybe it’s not the famous pair you were hoping for. Regardless, we have created part 3 of our ongoing series and we’ll be brining you more myths, stereotypes & misconceptions about Germany and its people! Do Germans really love David Hasselhoff? Is it really a big deal if you wish someone, “happy birthday” the day before? We’ll crack these myths and more, in this week’s episode.
Learning a new language takes a lot of commitment and hard work. We all have such high hopes for a speedy road to fluency, but some of us unfortunately fall short. In earlier episodes, we’ve given advice on learning German and what steps we would suggest someone takes when they first arrive in the country. However, we didn’t dive deep into our personal experiences learning German and what we did wrong. This week, we’re going to give a very honest picture of our language learning journeys, in the hopes that all of you learn from our mistakes and improve your German skills faster than we did. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
Everyone experiences growing pains, no matter where you may have called home as a kid. This week, we’re going to look into the differences between childhood experiences in the USA and Germany. Some of the major differences include the schools, the level of independence from parents, and of course, when a teen will be able to buy their first beer! To help give us the German side of the story, we are once again joined by Felicia, the host of the YouTube channel “Feli From Germany.” We compare her experiences growing up in Munich against ours in California and Rhode Island. Prepare to feel forever young!
Feli From Germany - YouTube Channel
Berlin kommt wieder! We weren’t able to cover Germany’s capital city with just one episode, so here comes a sequel. One of the reasons the city is so different than the rest of the country is the international influence from the large population of foreigners. Over 777,000 non-Germans are currently living in the city! Join us now for the second instalment of our series covering the city that is, “poor, but sexy.”
We're sure you've all heard of it, but what is it exactly? Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest and it all started over 200 years ago as a - not so simple - wedding celebration. Today, it's a massive beer festival in which 7 million liters of the bubbly stuff is consumed over a 2 week period, mostly in September (only a few days bleed over into October). It's a massive celebration people that brings people to Munich, Germany from all over the world. We'll give you details of the goings-on and some tips to help you survive if you ever attend yourself.
This week's episode will focus on how expats can make connections with Germans and possibly create long lasting friendships. A lot of people who move abroad usually feel lonely and isolated when they first arrive. One of the first steps to making their new country a home is to connect with locals and find those you can spend time with. To help us, our guest is Shaun Behrens, the host of The Germany Experience Podcast. He moved to Germany many years ago from South Africa and lived in small German villages, not large cities full of other expats. Shaun has some insight into what will help you befriend Germans and what will result in a loud, “nein!”
The Germany Experience Podcast: https://www.thegermanyexperience.de/
Hello Berlin! Throughout past episodes we’ve given little tastes of the city, but oddly enough, we’ve never given a full picture of the German capital. Did you know it was once just a giant swamp? This week we’ll discuss Berlin’s history, its districts, the cost of living, what makes it so special and more! This time we bit off more than we could chew, so we ended up making this a two parter. Join us now for the first instalment of our series covering the city that is, “poor, but sexy.”
Lights, camera, action! This week we're talking about German media and more specifically, German film and television. The productions created within Germany have differences from their USA counterparts, however they have been improving in quality and international reach during the past decade due to online streaming. Did you know everyone living in Germany is required to fund all public TV and radio out of their own pockets? Did you know every year big American blockbuster movies are filmed in Germany because of the tax breaks and government incentives? Grab some popcorn and listen as we give you the inside scoop!
The music scene in Berlin is legendary, especially for the unofficial punk and techno clubs that popped up around the city - East and West Berlin - during the 1970s and 1980s. Neither music style was born in Germany’s capital, however it was in Berlin that they were truly turned into movements that united the youth of Germany and helped them to express themselves during turbulent times. During this week’s episode we’ll discuss the history of Berlin’s music scene and also talk with our guest Matthew Conway, the lead singer of the indie punk rock outfit “The Roxies.” He’ll give insight into his passion for music and the journey that took him from England all the way to Germany.
The Roxies: https://roxies.bandcamp.com/
When was the last time you got a check-up? Have you been avoiding a trip to the doctor? Fear not! This week we discuss all of the differences between visiting the doctor in Germany vs. the USA. We talk about finding an English speaking doctor, the medical offices in apartment buildings, the unusually affordable medication and more. Let’s go to the Arzt!
Moving abroad to any country can be a challenge. How do I find an apartment? What’s the visa process? How do I meet people? This week we discuss the do’s and the don’ts of moving to Germany. We’ve used both of our own personal experiences to create a comprehensive list, which will hopefully make your own move go much more smoothly.
When you think of Germany, there are probably a few things that immediately come to mind: lederhosen, sausage, and beer. Did you know that you should also be thinking of whiskey? Over the past 30 years Germany has been building a thriving whiskey industry and now have more active distilleries than in Scotland. Yes, more than the land of Scotch! Let's talk about this relatively unknown German passion, which includes a trip down to the award-winning Spreewood Distillery on the outskirts of Berlin. While there, we discovered many interesting "nuggets" about German whiskey and also about how difficult it is to get 5 bicycles to fit in a German regional train on a busy summer weekend.
A low cost of living, ample green spaces and no where to pee. We've both lived in Berlin, Germany for many years - through the good times and the bad. The city has become a second home to us and we thought it'd be only natural for us to finally discuss what we believe are the best and worst things about living in Berlin.
Taxi drivers not using their meters, a "free" rose that actually isn't free, and a glass of wine that costs 115 Euro? One thing that we’ll all eventually become victim to while traveling in Europe are SCAMS. This week’s episode focuses on tourist scams! We share our personal experiences being scammed and give advice on how you can avoid them altogether.
Running out of gas is not allowed? Speaking the wrong form of “you” might land you a ticket? This week we’re discussing weird German laws you probably didn’t know existed and even some from the USA for good measure. Alex and Geoff will also play a little game of, “guess where this law comes from.”
This week by popular demand we have dived into the workplace, which might be at a big corporation or just your laptop in your living room. We discuss doing business in Germany with the focus on the main differences between being a full time employee and working as a freelancer. There are pros and cons for both, which will be illuminated with the help of our guest Ryan, who has experienced both sides of this complex coin.
Who are the Mythbusters? This week, it’s not "Adam and Jamie". Instead, Geoff and Alex are tackling more myths, stereotypes & misconceptions about Germany and its people in the second part of our ongoing series.
As Americans living in Germany for many years there is plenty we love about our new home, otherwise we wouldn’t still be here. However, after much reflection and comparison it’s obvious Germany is not perfect and there are things that the United States does a little bit better. This week’s episode focuses on the things the USA does right, which we wish could be universal.
The best way to integrate into your new community is to learn the language, but how important is knowing German? What is the best way to start the process? What mistakes did we make when we first arrived in Germany and how would we start our language learning journey differently if we could? During this week’s episode we discuss everything related to learning a new language, especially German. To help us, we are joined by the co-host and producer of the YouTube channel “Easy German”, which produces fantastic videos that help teach casual German to expats.
Easy German: https://www.easygerman.org/
Prepare yourselves for the beauty of nature. For this week's episode we'll be stepping out of the big cities and exploring the forests, mountains, and beaches of Germany. However, there’s no need to be afraid, because oddly enough, the German wilderness has very few dangerous animals.
Have you ever climbed into a WWII bunker, walked through a defunct amusement park, or sunbathed next to a forgotten Prussian palace? This week we’re discussing the abandoned buildings of Berlin and the pastime of "urbexing", also known as urban exploration. Join us as we detail the history of how these buildings became abandoned and why they’re still receiving visitors.
There’s the common myth that traveling and living abroad changes you…oh wait, it’s not a myth! In this episode we discuss the many ways we’ve changed personally after living in Germany for these many years.
To learn more about the Equal Justice Initiative, please visit: https://eji.org/
In this episode we decided to step back and look at things from a different perspective: the German perspective. We conducted a very interesting interview with Felicia, the host of the YouTube channel “Feli From Germany”. The discussion focuses on a German’s view of the United States, including: making friends with Americans, the differences between American and German cultures, her life as an expat in Ohio, and more!
"Feli From Germany": https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxCR9QT9YTuUa4ONm7zAaA
Lager, Pilsner, Weißbier and more! You can not discuss Germany without mentioning beer. Some of the best beer in the world is made in Germany and it is a part of daily life here, whether you like it or not (hopefully you do). We discuss the history of German beer, our first experiences with it and how the beer culture differs from that in the USA.
There's more to Germany than just big cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Join us as we "read between the lines" and take a look at the beautiful German villages that dot the countryside. We'll discuss the people, the nature...the dinosaur themed bowling alleys?
Going out, grabbing beers, and maybe doing a little dance? Let's talk about going out for a good time with your friends in the evening. We'll go over bars, getting into clubs, and how to get home in the end. Grab a beer and come along with us.
It's time to have some fun in the Sun! Enjoying public ping pong tables, exploring abandoned bunkers, and hanging out with friends in the park...this week we’ll discuss activities Germans do during the summer in the great outdoors.
Dealing with loud neighbours, bringing a desk on the subway and...where’s my bike? This week we’ll discuss the positives and negatives of living in a big metropolitan city in Germany.
Clever windows, weird toilets, high ceilings and more...this week we'll discuss German apartments and how they might differ from those in the USA. We'll also go over the basic steps of searching for an apartment in Germany and what obstacles you may face.
Recently, a listener of our podcast asked us a thought-provoking question: why are you staying in Germany? In this episode, we discuss our personal reasons why we still enjoy living here and have not yet moved back home.
It’s time to take a bite out of German food. We’ll talk about the classic dishes that come out of the land of Deutsch and also cuisine that is specific to Berlin. To celebrate our 10th episode we each cooked a German dish ourselves. We saved you some leftovers.
(Disclaimer: This was recorded 2 weeks ago, we are now staying at home and practicing social distancing) The life of an expat isn't all fun and sunshine. For some it can be a struggle to find where they fit in their new home.
Culture shock...in the reverse. That's the best way to describe what it's like for an expat to visit their home country after living abroad for so long. We'll describe what it's like for us to go back to the USA during the holidays each year. More importantly, stay healthy everyone!
Germans use beer in the cereal instead of milk, right? Today we'll be discussing the myths, stereotypes & misconceptions about Germany and its people.
Germany celebrates many weird and oddly fun holidays, festivals, and traditions. From Oktoberfest to needing to be kissed by a virgin...join us.
Compared to our home country of the USA, the social systems in Germany are quite different. Let's jump down the rabbit hole and see exactly where our taxes are going...
Traveling around Europe can be a true adventure with so many different countries and cultures "within an arms reach." We'll discuss our own experience and also how to get around on a low budget.
Sometimes culture shock can hit you hard if you've never lived abroad. How are things done differently in Germany?
It's difficult to find your way around a new country if you don't know the language...or is it? We'll discuss getting around with English, learning German, and drink more whiskey.
In this episode we introduce ourselves and explain why we separately ended up moving abroad to Berlin, Germany. Each story is very different and occurred many years ago, however last summer we found we both had a passion for helping other expats and of course, a passion for whiskey. This was when our podcast "Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey" was born. Come along with us as we describe life being an expat, provide advice on making the move yourself, and give you taste of what to expect from a life in Germany.