Mad in Germany

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de The German Left party have gone from strength to strength and look set to overtake the Greens nationally and even the SPD in the capital. But how did they achieve that and why are some people still not happy with their positions? Daniel Bax looks at these questions as well as the enfant terrible Sahra Wagenknecht’s conservative socialist party BSW

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de In this conversation, journalist and author Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi talks about her new book Rausländer: Our Suitcases Are Packed, a bold and deeply personal examination of racism, exclusion, and belonging in today’s Germany. In Rausländer, Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi explores how life in Germany has become increasingly shaped by fear, alienation, and everyday racism for people with migration backgrounds. Drawing on her own experiences and conversations with activists, artists, and thinkers — including Enissa Amani, Tupoka Ogette, and Lamya Kaddor — she reveals how discrimination manifests not only in political rhetoric, but also in daily encounters, workplaces, and education. Published by Rowohlt in April 2025, Rausländer combines memoir, reportage, and social critique, confronting the dangerous normalization of exclusionary ideas, from “remigration” to “overforeignization.” It’s both a wake-up call and a hopeful appeal for a more inclusive, empathetic society. 

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de Our guest is Alice Hasters, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author of What White People Don’t Want to Hear About Racism, but Should Know Anyway. In her work, Alice examines how racism operates in everyday life in Germany: often quietly, but with profound impact. We talked about her personal experiences as a Black German woman, the myths of a “post-racial” society, and what meaningful anti-racism looks like beyond slogans.

Donate here to cover our production costs https://ko-fi.com/madingermanypod Malcolm is a Palestinian-Nigerian-German journalist known for presenting for public media about pop music and culture. He has a refreshingly positive viewpoint on Germany, despite his (Christian) Palestinian heritage - so he doesn't shy away from speaking honestly about misconceptions. 

We are joined by Chris Reiter and Willk Wilkes, authors of “Broken Republik: The Inside Story of Germany’s Descent into Crisis"

Donate here to cover our production costs https://ko-fi.com/madingermanypod We are joined by German independent journalist Hanno Hauenstein to discuss the failures of the mainstream media to capture the reality of the Middle East conflict, the “pungent display of ignorance” by Berlin’s mayor, in a refreshingly personal conversation.

Wafaa Saied, a young singer from Gaza now based in Berlin, shares her powerful journey as a Palestinian in Germany. She candidly discusses her childhood in Gaza and the challenges of anti-Palestinian racism she faces. Wafaa highlights the emotional toll of navigating identity in a foreign land and the resilience that comes from her heritage. The role of music in expressing solidarity and fostering community is a pivotal theme, showcasing how it can bring solace amid adversity and connect individuals to their roots.

Loren Balhorn, the Editor-in-chief of Jacobin Germany and a member of the Left Party, dives into the turbulent landscape of German leftist politics. He discusses the 'Stalinist' roots influencing the 'anti-deutsch' movement and the party's struggle with internal divisions and leadership issues. Balhorn also addresses the complexities surrounding immigration policies and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian discourse, while envisioning a unified socialist movement that resonates with diverse communities. His insights shed light on hope amid challenges for the left in Germany.

Martyna Linartas, co-founder of Ungleichheit.info and author of the upcoming book, Unearned Inequality, delves into Germany's shocking wealth inequality—on par with Mexico's. She uncovers the hidden complexities of wealth distribution, emphasizing the impact of inherited wealth and Nazi-era secrets. The conversation advocates for taxing the rich to combat rising disparities and critiques the role of media in shaping power dynamics. Linartas urges a rethink of inheritance to promote equity, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in wealth and education.

Author and investigative journalist Mohamed Amjahid author of "alles nur Einzelfälle? das System hinter der Polizeigewalt" explains why Germans treat police like a religion, the history of violent plots by police and his pessimistic ideas for reforms.   Producer - Lya Cuéllar