Common Ground Berlin
Common Ground Berlin
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson brings together prominent voices from all walks of life to tackle questions on vital and fascinating topics to increase public awareness and understanding.
The future of Common Ground Berlin
Happy New Year and what's next for Common Ground Berlin!
The elusive “Führerschein” – Why drivers from abroad have a hard time getting a license in Germany.
Jen Palacios of Simple Germany in Dusseldorf and Matthias Roth of Asphalt-Profis in Berlin join host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson in an informative and humorous conversation about the woes of getting a driver’s license in the land of Autobahns.Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? And should you, if you live and work in Germany?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores whether people who move to Germany actually need to learn German with Steffen Sottung, managing director of international affairs at the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg; Britta Schneider, professor of language use and migration at Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), and Patric Prager, a consultant in Cologne helping immigrants integrate into the German labor market.Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman.
What happens to us now? Part II: How the outcome of the U.S. election affects transatlantic relations and the German government crisis.
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Berlin Chapter President Constance Chucholowski of Democrats Abroad and Research Director Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign relations about the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous elections in U.S. history, including in Germany, the EU and Ukraine.The live discussion, recorded on Dec. 2 via Zoom featured an audience from both sides of the Atlantic from FAWCO, an international network of independent volunteer clubs and associations in 28
What happens to us now? How the outcome of the U.S. election will affect women and democracy.
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Senior Fellow Rachel Tausendfreund of the German Council on Foreign Relations and Berlin Chapter President Constance Chucholowski of Democrats Abroad about the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous elections in U.S. history.This episode was recorded live in Berlin at the FAWCO Region 5 meeting on “Women in Democracy.”Produced by Eden Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.
Germany’s Culture of Remembrance – Is it enough?
Since World War II, Germans have struggled with how best to deal with their history. But even with a formal government policy of “Never Again,” anti-Semitism is on the rise in Germany and other atrocities aren’t always acknowledged. Guest host Eden Brockman speaks with historian and City College of New York professor Dirk Moses, author of German Intellectuals and the Nazi Past about the changing nature of Germany’s “Erinnerungskultur” and how it shapes its collective memory and national identity
Leaving the nest? The challenges of Berlin’s housing crisis for young people.
Berlin was recently declared by the Mercer Cost of Living Survey to be the most expensive city to live in Germany. Berlin also has a chronic housing shortage. So how are young people starting out navigating the crisis in the German capital? Join host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests: Hypofriend CFO Christian Mulder, Messe Berlin event production assistant Bernadeta Lygnugaryte and Sebastian Sheath of Las Aguas Productions to hear their experiences, prognosis and tips. Produced by Eden Broc
United or Divided? An “East-West” conversation with a best-selling author and award-winning producer about Germany, 34 years after reunification.
Germany became one country again in 1990. But just how unified is it really? And who is fanning the lingering divisions between eastern and western Germans? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks again with Katja Hoyer, a journalist and historian who is the author of the bestseller, “Beyond the Wall,” and with award-winning producer Joerg Winger, co-creator of the hit series “Deutschland 83” and “Sam: A Saxon,” among others. Their edited conversation was recorded on Oct. 10, 2024.Produced by Eden Bro
Missed opportunity or an opportunity not to be missed? Germany’s new visa or "Chancenkarte" and how to make the most of it.
Germany’s new Chancenkarte, or Opportunity Card, is supposed to make it easier for skilled foreign workers to find a foothold in the German job market. But how does it work and are there pitfalls? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to employment-related immigration lawyer Csilla Rostas; Yvonne Koppen, co-creator of Simple Germany, which helps clients navigate Germany’s complex bureaucracy, and Chancenkarte applicant Ben Currey. Produced by Eden Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.
From Currywurst to Seitan Schnitzel: Is Germany Going Vegan?
Guest hosts Eden Brockman and Nour Trabelsi talk about Germany’s not-so-easy shift to veganism with Lia Carlucci from Food Campus Berlin and Jens Tuider from ProVeg. Join us to find out what’s cooking in German kitchens!Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman
Live At PodFest 2024: “Stammtisch: A Scintillating Look At The News.” Vol. 4
Is it time for immigrants to leave Germany? Or should they instead go out for a non-alcoholic beer? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson joins The Local Germany’s Rachel Loxton, Comedian Josh Telson, and POLITICO Berlin Playbook's Rixa Fürsen, for a deep and humorous dive into German regional elections and more at our fourth annual Stammtisch. This episode was recorded live at House of Color on Sept. 7, 2024, and was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman.
Berlin Techno brought down the Wall – Can its renewed recognition boost Berlin’s clubs?
The heartbeat of the German capital city’s nightlife and a symbol of its post-reunification identity after a decade-long campaign is now officially recognized by the German National Registry of Intangible Cultural Heritage. But what does this recognition for Berlin Techno really mean? Guest host Eden Brockman speaks with Lutz Leichsenring, co-founder of VibeLab and executive board member of Clubcommission Berlin, and Detroit-born, Berlin-based DJ and multidisciplinary artist Alan Oldham
Attend a taping of our show during PodFest Berlin 2024 at House of Color in Berlin!
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Fading Hopes of the Forgotten
Women’s and girls’ freedoms and opportunities have eroded at an alarming rate in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power there three years ago. But there is little agreement internationally or even among Afghans on how to reverse that trend. Intense ethnic and ideological divisions between Afghan women activists in the diaspora aren’t helping. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaks to former Afghan education minister Rangina Hamidi and Human Rights Watch’s Heather Barr. This episode was made poss
Beyond the Briefing with DW's Rina Goldenberg
Will Germany’s federal budget end up in court? Can Germany deliver on its global military commitments? And what's happening with German beer? It may be summer, but the news is hopping with Common Ground Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Berlin Briefing’s Rina Goldenberg bringing you the latest on German politics and society.Produced by Eden Brockman.
What's the sexual health of Germany?
Eighty years after the sexual liberation movement began, many people are still uncomfortable talking about sexually transmitted diseases and infections. But in our explicit and provocative episode commemorating the late Dr. Ruth, you will learn what’s going on with STDs and STIs in Berlin and beyond, along with tips on protecting your sexual health.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Audio and Visual Editor Eden Brockman speak to:Dr. Martin Viehweger of ViRo Praxis in BerlinLou Zucker of Pr
Will Germany’s new Self-Determination Act deliver?
It’s Pride Month in Germany and we are discussing the new Self-Determination Act, or “Selbstbestimmungsgesetz,” which will soon make it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary teens and adults to legally change their names and gender.The new act, which takes effect in part on Aug. 1 and in full, on Nov. 1, will replace a costly, red-tape-laden law that’s been in effect for more than 40 years. It also amends a 2018 law that only allows intersex people to legally identify as a thi
Moving to Germany? Here’s what you need to know.
You’ve decided to become an “expat” and live in Germany. But how do you navigate the bureaucracy and German culture? Can an English-speaker even make it here? What are some ways to ease the transition? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson gets the answers to those key questions and more from fellow immigrants and experts Jenna Davis of Life in Germany, Sigrid Arteage of Surviving in Berlin, Bastien Allibert of Settle in Berlin and Nicolas Bouliane of All About Berlin. We also answer questions fr
Finding the Way Part III: Keep on dancing!
The funny and emotional conclusion as host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her journalist husband Erik Nelson walk from Portugal to Spain on their first-ever Camino. Hear about the “arrow” debacle, spiders and singing nuns! And whether they actually make it to Santiago de Compostela.Featuring Casa Alternativo “albergue” host and Camino veteran Dries Nuitten; Camino veteran, author and co-founder of the Facebook group “Senior Travelers on the Camino” Brian John Skillen, and Camino newbies fr
Finding The Way, Part II: The thrill of the Camino and the agony of the feet.
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her journalist husband, Erik, begin their Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, Spain and quickly learn the meaning of “The Camino provides!” Join them on their challenging, rewarding and even funny adventure, and hear from the experts: Author and “Senior Travelers on the Camino’ Facebook group co-founder Anne Pedersen; German political scientist and Camino veteran Joerg Steinert; Stingy Nomads’ Alya Akhmetgareeva and Lithuanian influenc
Finding The Way, Part I: The Camino de Santiago and why it’s hard to resist.
Have you ever done a Camino? Or wanted to do a Camino? Or wonder what a Camino even is? Learn from the experts, including authors Brian John Skillen and Anne Pedersen (pen name Lele Beutel) who started the popular Facebook group “Senior Travelers on the Camino,” political scientist and Pilgerwahnsinn.de creator Joerg Steinert; Stingy Nomads’ Alya Akhmetgareeva, and our host, Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, who plans with her husband to walk from Portugal to Spain on the adventure of a lifetime they firs
Bye-bye, Berlin – Are artists and others in creative fields that gave the city its post-Cold War identity leaving?
Berlin has been referred to as a “creative utopia,” where the arts and cultural scene exploded after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Nowadays, the city’s draw as an artist hub is fading and its spaces are being displaced, thanks to skyrocketing real estate prices and limited space, among other things.But does this mean Berlin’s artists are leaving? And how are Berliners in creative fields coping with the changes to what then German mayor Klaus Wowereit our “poor but sexy” city? Host Soraya
Berlin Blues - Navigating mental health care in the German capital and beyond.
Berlin is ranked as one of the three unhappiest states in Germany. What role does a shortage of therapy play? And is there a way to get around that shortage if you need help? Guest host Eden Brockman explores the accessibility and quality of mental health care in Berlin and across Germany with Jöran Mandik, host of Get Help Berlin, and Berlin-based psychologist Irene Joubert. Also featuring Gus Gaston, an American living in Cologne, and Diana Martsynkovska, a Ukrainian living in Berlin,
Out of Work – What to do about rising unemployment in Berlin and Germany.
The number of people who are out of work in Germany increased by more than expected in February 2024 to more than 2.7 million as the slowdown in Europe’s largest economy bears down on the labor market. That translates to the highest jobless rate across Germany since 2021, with Berlin being one of two German cities where it’s the worst.But is there actually a shortage of jobs? And what can people do to find employment in these tough times? Our team speaks with Enzo Weber, head of researc
Update on getting dual citizenship in Germany – What works and what doesn’t
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed untangle the landmark reform to Germany’s citizenship law with guests:Jan Schneider, deputy managing director of The Expert Council on Integration and Migration and head of its research unit;Gökçe Yurdakul, Georg Simmel Professor of Diversity and Social Conflict at Humboldt University in Berlin and director of the Berlin Institute of Migration and Integration Research. We also hear from Aiyona Hayman, an American in Duesseldor
A U.S. election the world is anxiously watching – Part One: What role do voters abroad play?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the role of overseas voting in the 2024 U.S. primaries and why you should care, even if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, with guests: Constance Chucholowski, chairman of the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad;Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Gary Schmitt, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
Whither Ukraine – If Western support wanes, will Russia win? And what does this mean for Berlin and Germany?
It’s been two years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that is not going well for Kyiv at the moment. The war has killed and wounded a half million people and sent millions of Ukrainians fleeing to the West. Some 60,000 of them live here in Berlin. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed update you on what’s happening in Ukraine and what it means to us here in Germany and the West with guests: Ukrainian journalist Katerina Malofeyeva in Ky
A BER report card – Is Berlin’s airport the one to use or one to avoid?
Everyone has an opinion of BER, and many of them aren't kind: Passengers recently ranked it 19th of 20 airports in Germany, which suggests it still isn’t the airport of our dreams. In this episode, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson spoke on Feb. 6, 2024 with urban planner Dieter Faulenbach da Costa, who first helped plan BER and later often criticized it. We also hear about the latest improvements in the works from BER spokesman Jan-Peter Haack, plus comments from passengers and our new segme
Being Franz Kafka, Part Two: How the iconic author who was sensitive to sound affects today’s music.
When we think of Franz Kafka, it’s usually about his books and short stories. But Kafka Band founder and Czech author Jaroslav Rudiš and world renowned Irish composer Gerald Barry say the noise-averse author influences today’s music, too. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed bring you their interviews that are part of the “Zeitgeister on Air” project, our joint collaboration with Goethe Institut.Produced by Dina Elsayed and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.
Being Franz Kafka, Part One: How the unconventional author affects life today.
Join host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed who interview TV personality and Kafka sleuth Kathi Diamant, in San Diego; National Library of Israel archivist Stefan Litt in Jerusalem, and figurative abstract artist Marianne Kolb in Sacramento on how Franz Kafka changed their lives and why the iconic author who died 100 years ago is still so relevant today. The interviews are part of the “Zeitgeister on Air” project, our joint collaboration with Goethe Institut.Produc
Our 100th Episode
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed share key moments, personal insights and a look ahead as Common Ground Berlin kicks off its 2024 season. Featuring German Comedian Christian Schulte-Loh; Iranian-American Comedian and Actor Maz Jobrani; Renae Watchman, who is an indigenous studies professor and co-author of “Indianthusiam,” and the late US Ambassador to Germany John Kornblum, among others.Music: “A Thought” and “Gentle Chase” by Podington Bear. “Rodolfo’s Deat
Guten Rutsch from Common Ground Berlin!
How do young Germans view the United States? A look at the shifting attitudes and whether student exchange programs can help.
What Gen-Zers think of the United States is definitely not how their parents and grandparents view Germany’s important ally. So can student exchange programs help improve transatlantic relations? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed talk with the German Marshall Fund’s Gesine Weber and Niklas Ebert, as well as Knut Moeller of AJA, a Berlin-based, umbrella organization for long-term youth exchange programs in Germany, and with Christian Andersch of YFU – German
Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – The Finale: Mary Louise Kelly and Kamal Nasir Hamyar
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson interviews NPR icon and All Things Considered co-host Mary Louise Kelly as well as Kamal Nasir Hamyar, an Afghan journalist who was part of an on-air project the Germans helped create to ease Afghan mistrust of the West after the Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan in 2001.Produced by Dina Elsayed
No Place to Call Home, Volume II – The latest on Berlin’s affordable housing crisis.
Rents in “poor, but sexy” Berlin continue to skyrocket as the inventory of apartments remains low. But buying a home may not be the answer, either. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores whether the German capital’s housing crisis can be solved with Wibke Werner, director of the Berlin Tenants’ Association and Konstantin Kholodilin, senior researcher and housing expert at the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin.Produced by Dina Elsayed.
Israel’s war in Gaza – Could the United States and Germany have stopped it?
Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson of Common Ground Berlin and Rachel Tausenfreund of the German Marshall Fund of the United States host a powerful and international conversation about the invasion of Gaza and its consequences with guests:Menachem Klein, a political scientist in Jerusalem and former advisor to the Israel-PLO final status talks.Palestinian-American journalist Hebh Jamal in Mannheim.Senior Policy Fellow Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Affairs in London. German journali
Live at Podfest Berlin: "Stammtisch: A Scintillating Look at the News." Vol. 3
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests, AFP correspondent Deborah Cole and Comedian Josh Telson tackle a variety of topics including Berlin and U.S. political follies, climate protests and rising costs of beer.This episode was recorded live at Noisy Rooms on Oct. 14, 2023 and produced by Dina Elsayed.
Why is reunified Germany still divided, 33 years later? A conversation with bestselling author Katja Hoyer and hit miniseries producer Joerg Winger.
It was a time of jubilation when East and West Germany became one country again in 1990, with Berlin as its capital. But the honeymoon quickly wore off and to this day, divisions fester. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with journalist and historian Katja Hoyer, author of Beyond the Wall, and award-winning producer Joerg Winger, co-creator of Deutschland 83 and Sam: A Saxon, about why Germans are still at odds.This episode was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – Part II: Anna Winger, Rik de Lisle and Lulu Garcia-Navarro.
This is the second of three episodes by Common Ground Berlin and Goethe Institute commemorating a century of German radio by bringing you stories from influential and interesting broadcasters worldwide who have had a lasting effect on radio. Senior Producer Dina Elsayed walks down the nostalgic memory lane and discovers how to keep the passion for radio alive with Emmy-and-Peabody winning screenwriter Anna Winger (Deutschland 83, Transatlantic), ‘Der Alte Ami’ Rik de Lisle, and audio jo
Germany’s “Energiewende” – A path to transformation or tribulation?
The German Bundestag passed a controversial measure in September to reduce emissions from heated buildings, which accounts for an estimated 15 percent of Germany’s carbon dioxide output. But will this and other strategies of the German government to transform energy production and consumption help Germany reach its climate goals? In this latest Transatlantic Takeaway episode recorded as world leaders discuss climate change at the UN General Assembly in New York, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Ne
Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – Part I: Steve Inskeep, Keri Jones and John Masuku.
The first of three episodes by Common Ground Berlin and Goethe Institute commemorating a century of German radio by bringing you stories from influential and interesting broadcasters worldwide who have had a lasting effect on radio. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson delves into the triumphs, challenges and childhoods of American radio icon Steve Inskeep of NPR, U.K. community radio expert Keri Jones and John Masuku of Zimbabwe, who is UNESCO’s campaign coordinator for World Radio Day in 2023
Germany’s Beer Wars: Is it time to bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to the purity law?
#Beer is a staple of German culture and in partnership with the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed explore the debate over the restrictive “#Reinheitsgebot” or purity law that beers in Germany are expected to abide by versus popular #craft beers by brewers eager to try new things. Adding to tensions is that brewers in Germany are struggling with declining consumption and rising costs. Join our team for this exciting episode that t
Will AI end democracy? Part Two – Germany and Europe
The government of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently announced plans to protect the public from AI misuse in the foreseeable future, but critics complain the time for action is now, especially when political actors like the far-right Alternative for Germany are using artificial intelligence to spread hatred and misinformation. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed delve into the sometimes shady world of AI in Germany and Europe with artist and controversial So
Will AI end democracy? Part One – The United States.
Artificial Intelligence is proving to be a useful tool to Republican frontrunner and former president Donald Trump. But the Biden administration and Congress are struggling to regulate AI technology, a catch-up game similar to the one they’ve had with social media. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson went to San Francisco to talk to Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer about what steps are needed when it comes to AI. Steyer met with President Biden to discuss those steps earlier this summer at an
Comeback or coincidence? What a resurgent Alternative for Germany means for the country.
German polls suggest that if elections were held today, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) would garner more votes than most of the country’s mainstream parties, including those in the governing coalition. That has some politicians rethinking their “firewall” against the populist faction and whether it makes sense to partner with the AfD on local issues. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Politico Europe Senior Politics Reporter in Germany Hans von der Burchard, the German M
Germany’s new national security strategy – Groundbreaking or status quo?
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet recently unveiled their country’s long-awaited national security strategy, the first since World War II. Co-hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund explore whether this strategy is groundbreaking as its proponents claim and the impact on Germany’s allies and enemies. This week’s guests are Michal Baranowski, senior fellow and managing director of the German Marshall Fund East, based in Warsaw, and Gesine Weber, a fellow with th
An iconic speech that changed the world – Does John F. Kennedy’s “ich bin ein Berliner” still matter?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson hosts a special “town hall” in collaboration with the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of a speech that lasted less than 10 minutes and shook the world.Joining her in the studio and via Zoom to discuss why the speech still matters were:Johanna Ruediger, head of social media strategy at Deutsche Welle, the German network that provides journalistic and cultural content in 32 languages around the globe. Rachel Tausendfreund, co-h
A German duel over dual citizenship – Are decades-old barriers to “Einbuergerung” coming to an end?
Millions of immigrants living in Germany should find it easier to become German citizens as the Bundestag prepares to vote on the long-awaited measure overhauling “Einbuergerung.” But as it turns out, the legal change to Germany’s citizenship law is only half the battle. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the draft law and its obstacles with guests:Rachel Loxton, editor at The Local Europe and host of its podcast, Germany in FocusZeynep Yanasmayan, head of the migration department at
Comeback kid or has been? The future of startups in Berlin.
The German capital has long been a startup capital in Europe. But the global financial shakeup and supply chain disruptions hit Berlin’s startup scene hard.This year, with the market more or less expected to stabilize and supply chain problems easing, can Berlin’s startup scene make a comeback? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Lukas Breitenbach, head of corporate communications at Berlin Partner and Aggi Cantrill, a tech reporter for Bloomberg News who covers Berlin’s startup scene.
Zan, Zendegi, Azadi – Will the Iranian uprising that’s electrified the world succeed?
A conversation with Farnaz Fassihi of the New York Times and Azadeh Moshiri of the BBC News about the consequences of the “women, life, freedom” protests that exploded after Jina Masha Amini’s death and whether they can lead to lasting change.Dina Elsayed produced this episode.
Germany, the Scapegoat – The GOP’s latest tact in the race for US president.
In this episode of “Transatlantic Takeaway,” hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund delve into how Germany is fodder for the GOP’s campaign strategy for the 2024 elections with guests Majda Ruge, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Sudha David-Wilp, Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund and director of its Berlin office.Dina Elsayed produced this episode.
Shooting the breeze with Anna Winger, creator of “Unorthodox” and “Transatlantic” on Netflix
What do host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and the Emmy-winning Anna Winger have in common? Find out the answer to that and many more questions in this episode about the Berlin-based creator of the Netflix blockbusters “Transatlantic” and “Unorthodox.” You’ll also hear about the stories behind the series and its colorful characters, including Dagobert the dog! (Recorded on April 18, 2023).The episode is produced by Dina ElsayedThe “Transatlantic” music is by Mike Ladd
Berlin cycling 2.0 – What happens after a car-friendly, city-state government is sworn in?
Excerpts from our recent live show at the Selina Hotel Mitte in central Berlin. Joining host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson on stage was Heinrich Stroessenreuther, who helped draft dozens of bicycle referendums across Germany and founded Changing Cities, German Zero and more recently KlimaUnion, a grassroots movement within the CDU and CSU parties seeking Germany’s transformation into the first climate-neutral industrial nation; Oliver Walker, a contemporary artist with exhibitions and residenc
Meet Berlin’s New Government, Same As The Old Government?
Berlin’s new mayor is widely expected to be conservative Kai Wegner. He would be the first Christian Democrat to hold the post in two decades and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), who would be junior partners in Wegner’s government, vow that they and the CDU will get a lot done. But is that even possible? And can this new government regain the trust of Berlin voters? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses with moderator Alfonso Pantisano of the SPD Landesverband and political scien
Germany’s “turning point” or not?
Last month before the Bundestag, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hammered home the need for a defense-capable Europe. His speech marked the anniversary of his groundbreaking pledge to deliver a “Zeitenwende,” or sea change, ending Germany’s long-standing, military-averse policies. But have Scholz and his government delivered? And what impact is it having on the Russian war in Ukraine? Hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund discuss with the German Marshall Fund’s Guido Goldm
Germany’s colonial past – A historical blind spot?
Germany’s colonial history isn’t something many Germans like to talk about – Some argue they weren’t as “bad” as other European colonialists or that focusing on German colonialism draws attention away from the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis during World War II. But critics of German silence over its colonial past argue those narratives ignore the impact Germany had on the places it colonized and perpetuate German racist attitudes to this day.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Prod
Without a voice – Should non-Germans be allowed to vote in German elections?
Some 10 million non-citizens living in Germany are unable to vote. In Berlin, the number is even higher – 1 of every 5 residents. The voting exclusion in Germany extends to local issues, even though all residents – regardless of citizenship – are subject to the same taxes, fees and laws. Is it time to allow the growing number of non-citizens in Germany a say at the ballot box? Or would that spark a German identity crisis? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to: Berta Del Ben, of Democrac
The royal “Putsch” that wasn’t – Is Germany in danger?
Led by a prince, a judge and a retired paratrooper, the plot was as bizarre as it was chilling – Kill Chancellor Olaf Scholz and overthrow Germany’s government. So was the plot foiled during a counter-terrorism sweep last December a fringe one? Or is it the tip of an extremist iceberg that threatens Germany? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Der Spiegel National Security Reporter Fidelius Schmid; Maximilian Ruf of the Violence Prevention Network, who is a research fellow at the Cen
For better or for worse? A transatlantic forecast for 2023.
In this first Transatlantic Takeaway with co-hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund, German Marshall Fund senior fellow Daniel Hegedus and GMF Paris office director Martin Quencez delve into what we can expect in 2023, including from EU relations with the U.S. and with Russia; from the war in Ukraine, and from the world’s likely next nuclear power, Iran.
DERAILED – The tribulations of European train travel.
In our last episode of 2022, we tackle a topic that is timely, namely rail travel! Except these days, traveling by train in Europe is anything but timely. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what’s behind the chaos with Hidden Europe Magazine co-founder Nicky Gardner, author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide, and communications professor and blogger Jon Worth. His grassroots “Cross Border Rail Project” featured in The New York Times lays bare the shortfalls of European rail trave
The war in Ukraine – What’s next?
In this first anniversary episode of Transatlantic Takeaway, a Common Ground Berlin and German Marshall Fund of the United States collaboration, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund talk about the sweeping 10-month-long war Russia is waging in Ukraine and its impact on Europe and the United States with GMF Guido Goldman Distinguished Scholar for Geostrategy Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff and Michal Baranowski, senior fellow of the GMF office in Warsaw. Is there an end in sight
A German Conundrum: Dual Citizenship
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests debate a much anticipated change to an outdated German law that would allow Americans and other non-EU nationals who live in Germany to keep their original citizenship if they choose to become Germans. But will the updated law lessen the hurdles to German citizenship?This week’s guests are:Immigration lawyer Julie Schaefer, whose practice is in Dusseldorf;20 Percent Berlin co-founder Andrew BulkeleyBusiness and international relations journalis
UN Climate Action Summit 2022 – A venue for meaningful change or empty pledges?
Scores of nations are attending the 27th annual COP in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el Sheikh. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what the international gathering will deliver and whether climate diplomacy is enough to keep the planet from the point of no return, especially when leaders of some of the biggest polluters skip such summits. Her guests:Andrzej Ancygier, Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst with Climate Analytics;Lutz Weischer, Head of Policy, Berlin of Germanwatc
U.S. Midterm Elections 2022 – The end of American democracy?
Although a record turnout is expected on Nov. 8th, opinion surveys show many Americans no longer trust U.S. elections nor their government. Many Republican voters still embrace the “Big Lie” that President Trump had the 2020 election stolen from him. So what does the growing mistrust, President Joe Biden’s low ratings and the worst inflation in four decades mean for the midterm elections and American democracy in general? In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway by Common Ground Berlin
Live in Amsterdam: The Far-Right Playbook
In Common Ground Berlin’s international debut at Podcastfestival 2022, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Mick ter Reehorst of Are We Europe broke delve into why the far right is thriving and what role the media and internet play in their propaganda with guests: Nina Horaczek, Viennese journalist whose work on far right movements was shortlisted for the 2019 European Press Prize;Bharath Ganesh, University of Groningen professor specializing in new media and political communication. This sh
Inflation forecast in Europe and how to combat it.
An insightful talk on Twitter Spaces about the current state of inflation in Europe and what the future holds for people and businesses, especially in Berlin. Featuring Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and guests James Kantero of EU Scream podcast, Bloomberg tech reporter Aggi Cantril and Ted Knudsen, who co-hosts the podcast Spassbremse.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Wilkommen, Maz Jobrani! An Iranian-American comedian does Deutschland.
In this special episode of Common Ground Berlin, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson interviews her favorite comedian ahead of his debut in Germany in September.They talk about performing in Europe and what his mom thinks of his comedy; his deep love of politics, and growing up Iranian in the United States. If there’s something you don’t know about Maz Jobrani, the answer might be in this episode!To catch one of his shows in Germany, look for tickets here. This show was produced by Soraya Sarh
Sea Change or Empty Promises? An update on Germany’s “Zeitenwende.”
In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson examines whether plans announced six months ago by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to revolutionize Germany’s defense strategy are actually happening and if Ukraine can still count on Germany to stand against Russia. Her guests are Sudha David-Wilp, GMF Senior Transatlantic Fellow and deputy director of the Berlin office and Anna Sauerbrey, foreign editor of the weekly Die Zeit and a contributor to the New York Times op-ed se
No Place to Call Home – An update on Berlin’s housing crisis
“Poor, but sexy” Berlin was famous for its cheap rents, but these days, the capital city is the second most expensive in Germany and among the 50 priciest in the world. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores Berlin’s residential crisis brought on by a shortage of housing and inflation and what cities in Europe may offer a solution with guests:Barbara Steenbergen, head of the EU liaison office of the International Union of Tenants; Wibke Werner, deputy manager of the Berlin Tenants’ Union;
Money with No Strings Attached – Is “Grundeinkommen” a good idea for Germany?
Times are hard, but is money provided unconditionally by the government the best way to ease the burden? Pilots in three federal states are planned soon to test the feasibility of a universal basic income in Germany and host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about that and the German plan to overhaul social and unemployment benefits with guests:Alexandra Borchardt, veteran journalist and media consultant.Jürgen Schupp, Senior Research Fellow at the German Institute for Economic Research. Lau
American Football in Germany – Touchdown or Fumble?
Fussball may be king in Germany, but Deutschland is also said to be the biggest market outside of North America for a different football game – the American kind! It’s why the NFL decided to launch its new season in Munich this year, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play the Seattle Seahawks. Common Ground Berlin’s Dina Elsayed takes you into the competitive world of American football in Deutschland, where the NFL, a European league and a German league battle it out for status and fa
Common Ground Berlin Stammtisch, Vol. 2: A Scintillating Look at the News.
How are Germans responding to inflation? Do cheap transit tickets make up for it? And what should we make of President Joe Biden’s handshake diplomacy in the Middle East? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson asks her guests to weigh in on these and other issues at Podfest Berlin 2022. Joining her for a chat and libation are: Agence France-Presse Correspondent Deborah Cole, Comedian Carmen Chraim and Podfest Berlin Founder Daniel Stern.Plus a special appearance by YouTube sensation and comedian D
Mobility Blues in 2022: How war and politics affect the way we get around
In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund debate the growing problems with plane, train, car and bike travel in Germany and beyond and government attempts to fix them. Their guests: Dirk von Schneidemesser of Changing Cities, an initiative specializing in democratic sustainability transformation.Katja Diehl, host of the podcast: “She Drives Mobility” and author of “Autokorrektur – Mobilität für eine lebenswerte Welt.” (Autocorrect:
Smooth Sailing or Rocky Road? How U.S.-German relations are faring amid the global upheaval
It’s been 18 months since Donald Trump left office, but with one global crisis after another, the relationship between the United States and Germany has not had time to rebound. But does it matter? Is Germany squandering an opportunity to set its own international agenda? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the state of German-U.S. relations in these precarious times with:Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a former advisor to the State D
From Crime to Choice and Back – The Transatlantic Experience with Abortions
Any day now, the Supreme Court of the United States will almost certainly overturn the landmark ruling known as Roe v. Wade. That will make it harder – if not impossible – for women to get abortions in dozens of states. But in Germany, the new government is headed in the opposite direction, trying (to a point) to ease access for women to abortion services. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about these impending, monumental changes and how they are linked with guests: Constance Chucholow
Exit, Ukraine?
In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund delve into scenarios to end Russian President Vladmir Putin’s war on Ukraine and how the conflict is changing the global order. Their guests are:Michal Baranowski, senior fellow and director of the GMF office in Warsaw.Gesine Dornblueth, co-author of “Ruhmlose Helden,” a book on a plane crash that changed German-Russian relations. She is a former Moscow correspondent for Deutschlandradio.Lian
The Angst about Denglisch
Handy. Public Viewing. Home Office. Boostern – It’s hard sometimes to tell German from English. But is the incorporation of English into German a bad thing? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the impact of the resulting hybrid called Denglish with Anatol Stefanowitsch, an English linguistics professor at the Free University of Berlin and Oliver Baer of the Verein Deutsche Sprache or German Language Society. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Why Germany loves Winnetou -- An Obsession with Indigenous peoples in the United States
In this special episode, guest host Abigail Megginson examines the widespread use of American Indian imagery in German culture since the 18th century. But is it flattery or racism? Her guests are Renae Watchman, co-author of “Indianthusiasm,” which examines indigenous people’s responses to the German obsession with American Indians, and Florian Schleburg, chair of the Karl May Gesellschaft, a group dedicated to the prolific German author who fueled that obsession.This show was produced
To Weed or not to Weed – Germany’s plan to legalize cannabis
On April 20 – a date associated with marijuana – we hosted a spirited debate on Twitter Space about Germany’s controversial proposal to make personal cannabis use legal for adults.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson moderated the talk with Steffen Geyer, legalization activist and longtime head of the annual “Hanfparade” or hemp parade in Berlin; Joa Helms, CEO of Green House Amsterdam coffee shops and Kevin Sabet, former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy advisor and founder of
The Digital Markets and Digital Services Acts: What do they mean for Big Tech and you?
In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund dissect sweeping new EU digital laws and their impact on large tech companies, start-ups and users with guests: Constance Chucholowski, founder and managing director at Candid Public Affairs; Travis Todd, co-founder of Silicon Allee; and Julia Trehu, program manager and Fellow with the German Marshall Fund’s Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Make your mark on Common Ground Berlin -- We'd love to hear from you!
The new surge: How Ukrainian and other refugees are faring in Germany and the EU
The Russian war in Ukraine has led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing, many of them to the West. How are Germany and its neighbors handling the new refugee surge? And what does it mean for others escaping war, terrorism and persecution who come to the EU?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the crisis with Wiebke Judith, legal policy advisor for the refugee group, Pro-Asyl; Julia Chenusha, deputy chairwoman of the Blue-Yellow Cross German-Ukrainian Association; and Sami Sharifi, an Afgh
A Woman’s Touch? Female Correspondents and How They Change the Way We Look at War.
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley and Joanna Kakissis, and Ukrainian journalist Katerina Malofeyeva discuss their experiences reporting on the Russian war in Ukraine and how women journalists redefine the way conflicts are covered. Recorded on Twitter Spaces on March 22, 2022.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Stefano Montali.
Join our first ever live conversation on Twitter Spaces on Tuesday, March 22.
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson @sorayanelson will be talking with fellow war correspondents Eleanor Beardsley @ElBeardsley, Joanna Kakissis @joannakakissis and Katya Malofeyeva @KatyaMalofeyeva on Twitter about our experiences reporting on the Russian war in Ukraine and how women journalists are reshaping the way combat is covered. Join this important conversation on Twitter by following @cgberilnpodcast and tune in at 9 p.m. Central European on March 22nd. You can also hear highlights of
A German about-face – Is the “Zeitenwende” sustainable?
A watershed speech by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in late February that cast off Germany’s long-standing, military-averse policies is lauded by NATO and the United States. But can Germany enhance its armed forces quickly enough to protect Europe against Russia? And what does this sea change mean for a proposed European army?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the new German tack and its ramifications with Rachel Tausendfreund, editorial director for the German Marshall Fund and co-host of T
Is it finally over? An update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about the future of vaccines, social restrictions and Vladmir Putin’s impact on the pandemic with Korinna Hennig, science editor and co-host of German public broadcaster NDR’s weekly podcast “The Coronavirus Update” and molecular Kai Kupferschmidt in Berlin who writes for the magazine, Science.This show was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Abigail Megginson.
Feast or Famine? The turbulent start of 2022 and its impact on the economy
Blame it on Omicron, Vladimir Putin and Europe’s biggest war in decades, but the global economy is in a weaker position this year than anyone expected. So what exactly is the impact the pandemic and Ukraine crisis are having on businesses and consumers in Germany and the United States? And are key economic players doing enough to keep it from getting worse?On the day Putin invaded Ukraine, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund talked with Jacob Kirkegaard, Senior Fellow
The Young and Restless – A new generation of German MPs take charge
Chancellor Angela Merkel defined politics in Germany for a generation and with her gone, younger German politicians have a rare opportunity to reshape the governance of their country and address key topics facing it. This episode features excerpts of a virtual town hall Common Ground co-hosted with our partner, the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with young German parliament members about their plans for the future and the pressing issues for
Forging Ahead? Or Hanging by a Thread?
Afghanistan’s former education minister, a female activist who climbs mountains and a German foundation director dissect the Taliban’s impact on the Central Asian country on the semi-anniversary of its return to power.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaks with guests: Ellinor Zeino, Southwest Asia regional program director at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.Rangina Hamidi, Afghanistan’s former education minister and professor of practice at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of G
Street Names
Why is a Nazi resistance fighter big in Brazil and unheard of in Germany? How did an African American bass-baritone artist become a national hero in the former GDR? Does Onkel Toms Huette refer to a German man and his cabins or the protagonist of a controversial American 19th-century novel? Senior Producer Dina Elsayed explores the fascinating stories behind Berlin’s unusual street names in this special Common Ground collaboration with the Goethe Institute for The Big Ponder series. Fe
Transatlantic Takeaway #2: Europe on the brink of war?
Russia appears ready to invade Ukraine, with the recent deployment of roughly 100,000 Russian troops along their mutual border. In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway -- a monthly collaboration between Common Ground and the German Marshall Fund of the United States -- Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests discuss the ongoing crisis and its impact on the EU, the United States and Moscow. Our experts: Rachel Tausendfreund, GMF editorial director in Berlin and host of “Out of Order
Humor – Do Germans have any?
Our collaboration with the Goethe Institute that shatters the stereotype of the unfunny German – Or does it? Laugh at and learn about German humor with host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guest comedians Carmen Chraim, Christian Schulte-Loh and Daniel Stern as well as German Institute for Humor founder Eva Ullmann and Nicola McLelland, a German professor and linguistics expert at the University of Nottingham in the U.K.The music was Latin by Crowander and Lemoncholy by Tea K Pea.This sh
A new German Chancellor and French EU presidency -- Are the changes a recipe for more gridlock in 2022?
On the inaugural episode of Transatlantic Takeaway -- a monthly collaboration between Common Ground and the German Marshall Fund of the United States -- Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French taking over the EU presidency will mean for the European bloc and the United States. Her guests: Rachel Tausendfreund, GMF editorial director in Berlin and host of “Out of Order” podcast;Sudha David-Wilp, GMF deputy director in Berlin and Senior Trans
Waiting for the Punchline? Stay tuned to Common Ground for an episode on German humor
Common Ground’s First-Ever Stammtisch: A Scintillating Look at the News
How will Germans respond to beer getting more expensive? What will the outcome of the ongoing coalition talks mean for younger Germans? How do Americans perceive the legacy of Angela Merkel? And is Joe Biden a hit or a miss in Germany?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests delve into these issues and more on this special episode of Common Ground, which was the opening event of Podfest Berlin 2021. Joining her are guests: Agence France-Presse Correspondent Deborah Cole (@deborah); Co
Happy Fall! Common Ground will be back later in October
Being Jewish in Germany -- What does that look like as the country marks 1,700 years of Jewish life?
In A.D. 321, an edict drawn up by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great appointed Jewish people to the Cologne town council. This decree is the oldest known document showing Jewish life thriving north of the Alps.But what does it mean to be Jewish in Germany today? In this episode, guest host Stephanie Wolf speaks with Anti-Defamation League’s Assistant Director for European Affairs, Dalia Grinfeld, and visual and performance artist Rachel Libeskind.This show is produced by Dina Elsay
Mildred Harnack: Resistance leader or obedient wife?
Today marks the birthday of Mildred Harnack, an American academic and spy who was murdered by the Nazis in Berlin and who is the subject of Rebecca Donner’s New York Times bestseller “All The Frequent Troubles Of Our Days.”In this episode, Common Ground host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Donner about her great-great-aunt's life, the state of women in the Third Reich, and how sexism distorted her legacy. Plus, Donner reads a few of her favorite passages. We also hear from German histor
Coming up on Common Ground: A conversation with Rebecca Donner, author of the New York Times best seller: "All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days."
Tune in to a special episode of Common Ground on Sept. 15th, which is the birthday of the protagonist of Donner's new book about an American heroine in Nazi-era Berlin.
“None of the Above?” It’s a horse race to determine who will succeed Angela Merkel
In this joint episode by the Common Ground and Out of Order podcasts, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and GMF Senior Transatlantic Fellow Sudha David-Wilp examine the struggle to elect the first new chancellor in 16 years and what Germany’s top three political parties in opinion surveys are doing about it. Featuring:Tobias Hans of the CDU, minister president of Saarland;Katarina Barley, SPD European Parliament Member;Katharina Schulze, parliamentary leader of the Greens in the Bavarian stat
Vexed Over Vaccinations
The pandemic has dramatically changed our lives for nearly 18 months now. The learning curve of how to deal with COVID-19 has been steep and definitive answers remain elusive. So were the experts right about the vaccines? What about booster shots? And should children be inoculated against the coronavirus? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaks with German Ethics Council Chair Alena Buyx; Korinna Hennig, science editor and co-host of public broadcaster NDR’s weekly podcast: “The Coronavirus
Is the Party Over? How COVID-19 has changed Berlin’s iconic nightlife
If you like music and dancing, Berlin has a club for you. At least it used to until the pandemic struck. But now that there’s light at the end of that tunnel, will the German capital’s culture of clubs return? Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson hosted an on-air special on Aug. 13 at Germany’s top electronic music radio station, sunshine live, and spoke with DJs, club scene leaders and more. We bring you the highlights in this Common Ground episode.Featuring guests:Georg Kössler, Berlin MP and Club
Preview: The Fate of Berlin's Famous Club Scene -- LIVE on sunshine live!
Coming up on Aug. 13, Common Ground and Germany's top electronic music radio team up on air to bring you the latest on nightlife in the German capital, which continues to grapple with COVID-19. Tune in from 7 p.m to 10 p.m. CET Guests and DJs include United We Stream’s Robin Schellenberg, Berlin's Club Commission’s Lutz Leichsenring and Georg Kössler of the Green Party. (Find your local FM station and streaming links at sunshine-live.de).
Cycling in Berlin -- A bonanza or a bust?
This episode of Common Ground -- the last before our summer hiatus -- was recorded outdoors in the Berlin neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg, where host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the mounting challenges facing cyclists with Andrew Bulkeley, who writes for Berliner Zeitung English Edition; Dirk von Schneidemesser of Changing Cities, an initiative specializing in democratic sustainability transformation and award-winning journalist and author Matthew Schofield. This show is produced by
Federalism Fail? How COVID-19 exposed “German inefficiency.”
Germany’s handling of the pandemic has sparked a debate about whether the country’s form of government still makes sense. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson untangles the complex federal and state relationship with Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Andreas Kluth and Wolfgang Renzsch, professor emeritus at the University of Magdeburg, who has written extensively about German federalism.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Best Friends again? A transatlantic update
It’s been nearly six months since U.S. President Joe Biden took office, but has he repaired the frayed U.S. relations with Germany? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson brings you an update from both sides of the pond with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andreas Kluth; Sudha David-Wilp, senior transatlantic fellow and deputy director of the German Marshall Fund’s Berlin office and Brett Samuels, White House reporter for The Hill. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Summer’s here! But are travel and tourism?
It’s the first day of summer and #berlinreopens is trending, but are tourists coming back? And what about international travel? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores how the pandemic has changed the way we vacation and the kinds of summer travel we can expect. Her guests are: Christian Tänzler, spokesman for visitBerlin, the city’s official tourism service; Volker Adams, head of government affairs at the German Travel Association; and Nicky Gardner, travel writer and editor of Hidden Eur
Afghanistan 2.0: What happens to Civil Society and Afghan women after NATO forces leave? (Part Two)
As NATO leaders meet in Brussels, our episode features the second part of a special town hall Common Ground co-hosted with the German Marshall Fund of the United States about the future of Afghanistan once the alliance’s troops leave in the coming months. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with: Atia Abawi, award-winning foreign correspondent and children’s author.Kathy Gannon, award-winning News Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Associated Press and author.Marina Kielpinski L
Afghanistan 2.0: What happens to Civil Society and Afghan women after NATO forces leave? (Part One)
On May 27th, Common Ground and The German Marshall Fund of the United States co-hosted a special town hall with Afghan women, aid workers and analysts on three continents to talk about the future of the Central Asian Country after two decades of military and humanitarian intervention. This episode includes excerpts and interviews from that event.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with: Atia Abawi, Award-winning foreign correspondent and children’s author.Kathy Gannon, Award-winning News
Voting while young
What role will Germans between the ages of 18 and 35 play in choosing the next chancellor?Germany is often called a “pensioner democracy,” which has made it hard for young people to make a difference. That could change this year following a rare court victory and the surge of the Green Party and Annalena Baerbock, who could become the youngest chancellor in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Green Party national deputy chairwoman Ricard
Coming up on Common Ground: Young German voters and a live episode!
Why don’t women feel safe? Outrage in Europe and beyond after the murder of Sarah Everard in London
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson delves into why women struggle with fear despite wielding more political and economic power than ever before, with guests Anne Ruetten, social media manager of Plan International; Conny Vogt of Heimwegtelefon, a private initiative in Germany and Austria helping women feel safer when they walk home at night; and Sarah Riese, a researcher on violence prevention at the independent institute, Camino.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
No Roof over our Heads, Part II: The Mietendeckel is no more, so what happens to affordable housing in Germany?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what the end of the Berlin rent cap means for renters, landlords and the upcoming German federal elections with guests Wenke Christoph, state secretary in the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing; Economist Konstantin Kholodolin of the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin; and Kalle Kunkel, a Berlin activist with the Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen and Company initiative.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Old But Not Broke -- Can we afford to retire?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the impact of changing attitudes, governments and the pandemic on people’s plans to retire, with guests llka Houben, head of pensions policy at the German Insurance Association; Michael Heuser, research director of the German Institute for Wealth Creation and Retirement Insurance and Megan Leonhardt, senior money reporter with U.S. broadcaster CNBC.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Catching up with Common Ground
Tune in on Mondays for interesting insights about Berlin and beyond. Our next episode is coming up Apr. 26, 2021.
A Shot In The Arm -- Should immigrants living in Germany fly home for their COVID-19 vaccine?
Common Ground’s Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Korinna Hennig, co-host of a top German coronavirus podcast and Stefan Gosepath, a German philosopher and professor at the Freie Universitat Berlin, about the growing exodus in search of inoculations. We also hear from an American in Berlin who returned to the United States to get vaccinated and two others who are thinking of doing so.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Coming up on Common Ground
Teaser: A Shot In The Arm -- A growing number of expats living in Germany are headed home for the COVID-19 vaccine, but is it ethical or safe for them to do so?
Agree to disagree? The U.S. and German do-si-do on China
The Western allies’ coordinated sanctions on China this month for human rights abuses in Xinjiang are the first of their kind since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. But do they signal a new, unified approach by Washington and Berlin toward China? Or will the transatlantic unison be short-lived?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Noah Barkin, a senior visiting fellow with the German Marshall Fund’s Asia program and managing editor of Rhodium Group’s China practice; and Glacier
Wir Schaffen Das -- Except in the Bundestag?
Immigrants and their descendants account for a quarter of Germany’s population, but still have a hard time breaking into the political arena. Will any of that change this election year? Is the first-ever Syrian refugee candidate a good start?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with MP Aydan Özoğuz, a Social Democrat who was previously the federal commissioner for migration, refugees and integration and Andreas Wüst, a professor of political science and government at the Munich University
Time to reboot -- Germany’s rocky road to the digital age
What accounts for the slow digitalization of Europe’s economic powerhouse? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores Germany’s digital reality with Social Democratic MP Daniela Kolbe, who serves on the Artificial Intelligence Study Commission; MP Anke Domscheit-Berg, The Left party’s spokeswoman on the Digital Agenda parliamentary committee; and Philip Meissner, founder and head of the European Center for Digital Competitiveness at the ESCP Business School Berlin. This show is produced by Di
No roof over our heads -- A look at Germany’s growing housing shortage
Affordable housing in German cities is increasingly hard to find. What went wrong and can it be fixed? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Berlin housing activist Thomas McGath of Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen und Co; Barbara Steenberger, head of the EU Liaison Office of the International Union of Tenants and Konstantin Kholodilin, senior economist at the German Institute for Economic Research. Also featuring commentary by Berlin MP Iris Spranger (SPD). This show is produced by Dina E
Climate Change -- A Reality Check
Where are we in the fight to curb climate change? And will having Joe Biden as the U.S. president help? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Douglas Hengel, senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund who writes about global energy, climate and resource challenges; Tim Gore, head of the Low Carbon and Circular Economy Program at The Institute for European Environmental Policy in Brussels, and co-founder of @fridaysforfuture.de Carla Reemtsma. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Fighting Fake News - Is it censorship or necessary to preserve democracy?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck, founder of the news literacy project Lie Detectors in Brussels; Lisa Dittmer, Reporters without Borders’ advocacy officer in Berlin for internet freedom; Damaso Reyes, multimedia journalist and founder of Clarify Media; and Jacob Mchangama, founder of the Copenhagen-based think tank Justitia. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Rollout Roulette - When will we get our COVID-19 shots?
The coronavirus vaccination efforts in Germany and the EU are a mess. Why are some countries so much better at getting people inoculated? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Die Welt Middle East Correspondent and author Christine Kensche in Tel Aviv; Wall Street Journal Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov in Dubai and ARD Radio Correspondent Helga Schmidt in Brussels.This show is produced by Dina Elsayed
“Lockdown Leiden” -- Are Germany’s virtual schools during the pandemic failing?
E-learning isn’t working the way many students, teachers and parents would like. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the ramifications with psychologist Dr. Ilka Wolter, diversity consultant and parent Annette von Wedel and Berlin teachers Ryan Plocher and Adrianne Oldham. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.
Can German automakers survive Tesla?
The California company's new facility in Brandenburg is set to open this summer, leaving Germany’s auto giants scrambling to retain their dominance in the global luxury car market.Common Ground host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Jens Hanefeld, who is in charge International and European Policy at Volkswagen, and Bloomberg Correspondent Stefan Nicola about the future of German electric cars. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed
Silencing Donald Trump – Is it justified?
Unprecedented bans by the U.S.-based tech giants are sparking debate in Germany over who should control social media.Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by German MP (Greens) Renate Künast, Bloomberg Opinion’s Andreas Kluth, digital rights blogger and lawyer Joachim Steinhöfel and Jillian York of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed
Teaser: Coming up on Common Ground...
An American ‘Botschaft’
On the last episode of Common Ground in 2020, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to a man who has profoundly influenced Berlin and transatlantic relations for many decades: Former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, John Kornblum. Tune in to hear about key moments in Berlin and the Cold War, the public radio station in the German capital he helped create, and the future of transatlantic relations. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Looking back on KCRW Berlin — Part 2
During KCRW Berlin’s last week on air, we're sharing the story behind the story. Listen to the second of a special, two-part episode in collaboration with Studio Berlin, where we reflect on our favorite on air moments from the past year and look ahead to 2021.This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.
Looking back on KCRW Berlin — Part 1
Tune into the first part of a special, two-part episode with Studio Berlin. This show was produced by Monika Müller-Kroll.
Germany’s Christmas season without Christmas markets
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Christian Gräff, CDU member of the Berlin House of Representatives; Christian Stender, culture manager at Ketering GmbH that organizes the Lucia Christmas Market at Berlin’s Kulturbrauerei, and our Studio Berlin co-host Sylvia Cunningham. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
The Future of the Workplace: Where and how will we work after the pandemic?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Helen Arvanitakis, director of London's new Design District; James Andrade, senior vice President and Head of Learning and Innovation at CapitaLand in Singapore and in Düsseldorf, Hans-Hermann Aldenhoff, country head and law partner at Simmons and Simmons. Also featuring Die Linke Berlin’s Tobias Schulze.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.
Is Germany ready for the new, transatlantic realities?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Bundestag member Daniela De Ridder (SPD), who is vice-chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andreas Kluth; Stormy-Annika Mildner, who heads the external economic policy department at the Federation of German Industries e. V. and Jana Puglierin, who heads the Berlin office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed
Becoming German - Should religion count?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Said Ahmad Arif, Imam at the Khadija mosque in Berlin; David Wengenroth, editor at the Lutheran news outlet, Idea; Sadiqu Al-Mousllie, Central Council of Muslims in Germany board member; and Ernesto Grueneberg, immigration lawyer in Berlin.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed
The upcoming U.S. presidential election and fraying U.S.-German relations (Originally aired on Oct. 5)
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by John Emerson, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany; Kathryn Watts, Pendleton Miller Chair in Law at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle; Peter Beyer, Germany’s Transatlantic Coordinator; and Ralph Freund, Vice President of U.S. Republicans Abroad in Germany. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed
Airbnb and vacation rental portals - A blessing or a curse for Berlin?
Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Wenke Christoph, state secretary in the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing, Christian Eckart, an attorney and partner at Redeker Sellner Dahs and Daniel Hofmann, housing market researcher at the Hamburg-based institute for urban, regional and housing research (GEWOS). This show was produced by Dina Elsayed
The EU’s Digital Services Act - What does it mean for Big Tech and for YOU?
The EU’s Digital Services Act - What does it mean for Big Tech and for YOU? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Alexandra Geese, Member of the European Parliament with the German Greens; Travis Todd, co-founder of Berlin’s startup community Silicon Allee; Mackenzie Nelson, researcher and project manager at AlgorithmWatch, and Lina Rusch, a journalist with Der Tagesspiegel who writes about digital politics and artificial intelligence.This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Monika
Closed borders and quarantines - Are there better ways to travel safely during the pandemic?
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on people’s travel plans and decimated the tourism industry and airlines. The German government’s guidance on travel is ever-changing and often confusing, making business and leisure travel difficult at best. With a new coronavirus wave erupting in Germany, across Europe and in parts of the US, will we see more border closures and quarantine rules? Or can increased testing help save holidaymakers’ fall and winter plans?Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined
The upcoming U.S. presidential election and fraying U.S.-German relations
What many people feel about the upcoming U.S. presidential election can be described in one word: Fear. Some worry there won't be a peaceful transition of power following the vote next month. Others wonder whether democracy and women’s rights in the United States will radically change with a new Supreme Court. There is also anxiety over U.S. foreign policy, and the tone of the recent presidential debate only added to global uncertainty. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by John Emer
Is it safe to be Jewish in Germany?
Is it safe to be Jewish in Germany? Should German authorities be doing more to stop rising anti-Semitism? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Germany's Federal Commissioner for Jewish life and against anti-Semitism Felix Klein; Sigmount Koenigsberg of the Jewish Community of Berlin; Sharon Kuckuck of Berlin’s Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom and Biplab Basu of ReachOut Berlin, who debate these questions one year after the deadly Halle attack and discuss how to reverse the trend.Produced
Cyclists vs. Pedestrians
Frustration is high in Berlin over the rights of cyclists vs. drivers. But what about the rights of Berlin’s pedestrians vs. cyclists? We explore that fraught relationship and other human-powered, sustainable mobility conflicts in Berlin on the third episode of Common Ground with guests Carolina Mazza of ADFC (German Cyclists Association), Roland Stimpel of FUSS e.V. (Organization for Pedesterian Protection of Germany), Alena Büttner of the German Environment Agency and Dirk von Schneid
Should Berlin become a tech hub?
When Google announced plans to open a campus in the Berlin neighbourhood of Kreuzberg, local opposition was so loud that it ground the tech giant’s plans to a halt. A similar wave of protests hit Friedrichshain earlier this year against Amazon’s plans to erect a 140 meter-tall office building.In this episode, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by Nina Monaghan, the vice-chairwoman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg; Yonatan Miller, co-founder of the Berlin
Who is a REAL Berliner?
John F. Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech was embraced by an overwhelming majority of city residents nearly six decades ago. But these days, there’s a lot of disagreement over who gets to call themselves a Berliner as the German capital rapidly evolves into an international city with immigrants from around the globe.In the hour-long premiere of “Common Ground”, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson is joined by a panel made up of Berlin politicians Sawsan Chebli and Christian Gräff, “Der Al
Introducing Common Ground
“Common Ground” is a 30-minute radio show airing weekly on 104.1 FM, KCRW Berlin. The one-hour premiere airs on Sept. 10, 2020.The show, hosted by former NPR international correspondent Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, aims to bring people together on sensitive issues, existential questions and flashpoints to find mutual understanding, compromise and solutions.In this short preview, we share a little about the background of the show, what it's about, and preview the one-hour premiere that is ai