What's with the Schuldenbremse and the Schwarze Null? Ted interviews Philippa Sigl-Glöckner (@PhilippaSigl), director of the economic policy think-tank Dezernat Zukunft, about German politicians' aversion to running deficits and how that affects people's lives in Germany and beyond. Following the interview, Ted (@ted_knudsen) and Michelle (@shhellgames) read a piece by Wolfgang Schäuble published earlier this year in the Financial Times so you don't have to. Produced by Isaac Würmann (@wuermann).

To learn more about Philippa and Dezernat Zukunft, check out their website (www.dezernatzukunft.org) or follow them on Twitter (@DezernatZ).

In a few weeks, we'll also be doing our first live show with fellow podcasters Corner Späti! Join us at Donau115 in Neukölln on September 26th for election night. We'll be there from 17:30 making fun of politicians and collectively groaning as the results roll in. For more info, check out the Facebook event page.

Follow Spaßbremse on Twitter (@spassbremse_pod). Music by Lee Rosevere. Art by Franziska Schneider.

8 - Spar'n Spar'n Spar'n on the Autobahn (German fiscal politics w/ Philippa Sigl-Glöckner)