Common Ground Berlin

It used to be older Germans who flocked to Alternative for Germany. But nowadays, it’s actually younger Germans – especially men – who are casting their ballots for the far-right faction and helped the historic surge of AfD in the recent German federal election. What's happening in Germany is similar to the move of young voters to the fringes in the United States. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to American and German university students about what young voters want from their leaders and what they are not getting. And why their future may not be as bright as they deserve. Featuring Cammie Davenport and Camdyn DeShields from University of South Carolina Upstate and Arlow Bünning and Malte Broyer from Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal.Music: "disappear" by Koi-discovery(Source: FMA)Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Dinneen. In partnership with Checkpoint Charlie Foundation.

In the second of three episodes, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson  explores how and why Alternative for Germany is embracing voters and leaders with immigrant backgrounds and what that means for the far-right party and the federal republic. Featuring Hesse MP Anna Nguyen, (AfD), Robert Benson, associate director at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. as well as insights from Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony.Music: "disappear" by Koi-discovery.(Source: FMA)Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Dinneen.In partnership with Checkpoint Charlie Foundation.

In the first of three episodes, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson  explores the real impact Alternative for Germany has on Germany institutions and laws as well as mainstream parties and government leaders. Featuring insights from Robert Benson, associate director at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony.Music: "Sad Boi" by HoliznaCC0(Source: FMA)Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Dinneen.In partnership with Checkpoint Charlie Foundation.

The hosts reflect on the remarkable journey with 56,000 downloads and 128 fascinating discussions. They express heartfelt gratitude to their loyal listeners. A temporary hiatus is announced as they plan to reimagine the show, promising an exciting comeback with fresh formats in 2025. It's a moment of celebration, farewell, and anticipation for what lies ahead!

Join Jen Palacios, co-founder of Simple Germany, and Matthias Roth, a driving instructor at Asphalt-Profis, as they navigate the perplexing labyrinth of obtaining a driver’s license in Germany. They unveil the bureaucratic hurdles and personal anecdotes that foreign nationals face, from paperwork to varying instructor attitudes. The duo also compares driving education systems between the US and Germany, revealing unique driving customs and safety measures on the Autobahn. Get ready for an engaging mix of humor and practical insights!

Steffen Sottung, Director of International Affairs at the Federal Employment Agency, emphasizes the critical need for language in navigating life and work in Germany, showcasing personal success stories of non-German speakers. Britta Schneider, a migration language expert, discusses the socio-political implications of language in integration, while Patric Prager highlights the support structures aiding immigrant workers. They delve into the challenges of finding language classes and employer initiatives that bridge communication gaps, advocating for more inclusive language education and strategies for better integration.

Constance Chucholowski, head of the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad, and Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, dive into the potential shifts in U.S.-European relations after the recent election. They analyze how a second Trump term could complicate negotiations over Ukraine and increase trade tensions. The duo also discusses the implications of ambassadorial appointments and European defense strategies against Russian threats, while highlighting challenges for Americans abroad and the broader impacts on democracy and journalistic freedom.

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. 

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.  Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman

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 Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson