This Week we’re joined by freelance reporter and broadcaster James Jackson. James is based in Berlin, and he covers a range of topics including news, business and culture in Germany and Central Eastern Europe for publications like the BBC, Sunday Times, Time Magazine and others.

We discuss how a seemingly unimportant decision to study German at school led James to moving to Germany’s capital, and how once he’d arrived, he built up an impressive body of work over the last seven years. James tells us what it’s like to write stories in both English and German, and how culture impacts the editorial focus in the UK and Germany.

We also find time to chat about some of James’ more controversial stories, what happens when journalists become the focus of social media backlash, while also finding time to talk about his new podcast.

For those of you looking to support Ukraine or the many refugees currently fleeing the conflict, please take a look at these different charities and consider donating if you can.

Ukraine Crisis Media Centre - A list of different donation pages to help the Ukrainian military response.

Disaster Emergency Committee - Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Save the Children

Ärzte ohne Grenzen

Theme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß

Episode 189: Dodging Curveballs