Common Ground Berlin

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

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 Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

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.

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