Common Ground Berlin

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores whether people who move to Germany actually need to learn German with Steffen Sottung, managing director of international affairs at the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg; Britta Schneider, professor of language use and migration at Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), and Patric Prager, a consultant in Cologne helping immigrants integrate into the German labor market. Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Berlin Chapter President Constance Chucholowski of Democrats Abroad and Research Director Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign relations about the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous elections in U.S. history, including in Germany, the EU and Ukraine. The live discussion, recorded on Dec. 2 via Zoom featured an audience from both sides of the Atlantic from FAWCO, an international network of independent volunteer clubs and associations in 28 countries and the American Women’s Club in Berlin. Produced by Eden Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.

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

Is it time for immigrants to leave Germany? Or should they instead go out for a non-alcoholic beer? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson joins The Local Germany’s Rachel Loxton, Comedian Josh Telson, and POLITICO Berlin Playbook's Rixa Fürsen, for a deep and humorous dive into German regional elections and more at our fourth annual Stammtisch. This episode was recorded live at House of Color on Sept. 7, 2024, and was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman.

The heartbeat of the German capital city’s nightlife and a symbol of its post-reunification identity after a decade-long campaign is now officially recognized by the German National Registry of Intangible Cultural Heritage. But what does this recognition for Berlin Techno really mean? Guest host Eden Brockman speaks with Lutz Leichsenring, co-founder of VibeLab and executive board member of Clubcommission Berlin, and Detroit-born, Berlin-based DJ and multidisciplinary artist Alan Oldham. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson interviews Marlen Meissner, head of the “Heritage, Nature, and Society” department at Germany’s UNESCO branch. Produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman. Music: “Techno My EchoOo” by KidNNasty and “Reflecting Pool” by Mr Smith, both courtesy of Free Music Archive (CC BY-SA).

Women’s and girls’ freedoms and opportunities have eroded at an alarming rate in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power there three years ago. But there is little agreement internationally or even among Afghans on how to reverse that trend. Intense ethnic and ideological divisions between Afghan women activists in the diaspora aren’t helping. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaks to former Afghan education minister Rangina Hamidi and Human Rights Watch’s Heather Barr. This episode was made possible by Jutta von Falkenhausen and was produced and edited by Eden Brockman and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson. Music: “Reflecting Pool” by Mr Smith, courtesy of Free Music Archive (CC BY)

Will Germany’s federal budget end up in court? Can Germany deliver on its global military commitments? And what's happening with German beer? It may be summer, but the news is hopping with Common Ground Berlin host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Berlin Briefing’s Rina Goldenberg bringing you the latest on German politics and society. Produced by Eden Brockman.

Eighty years after the sexual liberation movement began, many people are still uncomfortable talking about sexually transmitted diseases and infections. But in our explicit and provocative episode commemorating the late Dr. Ruth, you will learn what’s going on with STDs and STIs in Berlin and beyond, along with tips on protecting your sexual health. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Audio and Visual Editor Eden Brockman speak to: Dr. Martin Viehweger of ViRo Praxis in Berlin Lou Zucker of Pro Familia Christopher Clay of Checkpoint BLN in Berlin Produced by Eden Brockman.

It’s Pride Month in Germany and we are discussing the new Self-Determination Act, or “Selbstbestimmungsgesetz,” which will soon make it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary teens and adults to legally change their names and gender. The new act, which takes effect in part on Aug. 1 and in full, on Nov. 1, will replace a costly, red-tape-laden law that’s been in effect for more than 40 years. It also amends a 2018 law that only allows intersex people to legally identify as a third, non-binary gender. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson delves into the pros and cons of the new act with Finn Ballard and Malkina Vargas in Berlin, Miltos Pavlou of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and Lasst Uns Sprechen. Produced by Eden Brockman

You’ve decided to become an “expat” and live in Germany. But how do you navigate the bureaucracy and German culture? Can an English-speaker even make it here? What are some ways to ease the transition? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson gets the answers to those key questions and more from fellow immigrants and experts Jenna Davis of Life in Germany, Sigrid Arteage of Surviving in Berlin, Bastien Allibert of Settle in Berlin and Nicolas Bouliane of All About Berlin. We also answer questions from our fans on social media! Produced by Eden Brockman

The funny and emotional conclusion as host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her journalist husband Erik Nelson walk from Portugal to Spain on their first-ever Camino. Hear about the “arrow” debacle, spiders and singing nuns! And whether they actually make it to Santiago de Compostela. Featuring Casa Alternativo “albergue” host and Camino veteran Dries Nuitten; Camino veteran, author and co-founder of the Facebook group “Senior Travelers on the Camino” Brian John Skillen, and Camino newbies from Vancouver, Hayley Biller and Josh Klaasen. Music: “End of the Road” and “All for Nothing” by Anthem of Rain; “Irrational-Rain” by Koi-Discovery; “Melancholy Serenade” by Universfield; “Walking on water” by TRG Banks; “Fixation” by Jangwa. (Source: FMA) Produced by Axel Scheele and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her journalist husband, Erik, begin their Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, Spain and quickly learn the meaning of “The Camino provides!” Join them on their challenging, rewarding and even funny adventure, and hear from the experts: Author and “Senior Travelers on the Camino’ Facebook group co-founder Anne Pedersen; German political scientist and Camino veteran Joerg Steinert; Stingy Nomads’ Alya Akhmetgareeva and Lithuanian influencer, Eva Voveris, who we meet on the Camino with her 2-year-old daughter, Amelia! Music by: “Sunny walk” by Pawel Feszczuk, “El Camino del Alce” by Silva de Alegria, “Emotional Sad Atmosphere with Piano and Violin” by Universfield and “Journey” by Atch. (Source: FMA) Produced by Axel Scheele and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Have you ever done a Camino? Or wanted to do a Camino? Or wonder what a Camino even is? Learn from the experts, including authors Brian John Skillen and Anne Pedersen (pen name Lele Beutel) who started the popular Facebook group “Senior Travelers on the Camino,” political scientist and Pilgerwahnsinn.de creator Joerg Steinert; Stingy Nomads’ Alya Akhmetgareeva, and our host, Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, who plans with her husband to walk from Portugal to Spain on the adventure of a lifetime they first first learned about from a Martin Sheen movie. Music: “Even More Floating” by Triple5 Here, “Fixation” by Jangwa, and “Journey” by Atch. (Source: FMA) This episode was produced by Axel Scheele and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Berlin has been referred to as a “creative utopia,” where the arts and cultural scene exploded after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Nowadays, the city’s draw as an artist hub is fading and its spaces are being displaced, thanks to skyrocketing real estate prices and limited space, among other things. But does this mean Berlin’s artists are leaving? And how are Berliners in creative fields coping with the changes to what then German mayor Klaus Wowereit our “poor but sexy” city? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Eden Brockman talk to: BBK Studio Commissioner Julia Brodauf Visual Artist Ulf Saupe The Berliner Art Editor Duncan Ballantyne-Way Music: “The last ones” by Jahzzar and “modum” by Kai Engel (Source: FMA) This episode was produced by Axel Scheele and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Berlin is ranked as one of the three unhappiest states in Germany. What role does a shortage of therapy play? And is there a way to get around that shortage if you need help? Guest host Eden Brockman explores the accessibility and quality of mental health care in Berlin and across Germany with Jöran Mandik, host of Get Help Berlin, and Berlin-based psychologist Irene Joubert. Also featuring Gus Gaston, an American living in Cologne, and Diana Martsynkovska, a Ukrainian living in Berlin, who share their personal experiences navigating the mental health care system in Germany. Music: “Remedy for Melancholy” by Kai Engel and “Emotional Sad Atmosphere with Piano and Violin” by Universfield. (Source: FMA) This episode was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, Axel Scheele and Eden Brockman.

The number of people who are out of work in Germany increased by more than expected in February 2024 to more than 2.7 million as the slowdown in Europe’s largest economy bears down on the labor market. That translates to the highest jobless rate across Germany since 2021, with Berlin being one of two German cities where it’s the worst. But is there actually a shortage of jobs? And what can people do to find employment in these tough times? Our team speaks with Enzo Weber, head of research at the Institute for Employment Research in Nuremberg and Dieter Dohmen, founder and director of the Research Institute for the Economics of Education and Social Affairs. Hosted and produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed untangle the landmark reform to Germany’s citizenship law with guests: Jan Schneider, deputy managing director of The Expert Council on Integration and Migration and head of its research unit; Gökçe Yurdakul, Georg Simmel Professor of Diversity and Social Conflict at Humboldt University in Berlin and director of the Berlin Institute of Migration and Integration Research. We also hear from Aiyona Hayman, an American in Duesseldorf, about her plans under the new law.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the role of overseas voting in the 2024 U.S. primaries and why you should care, even if you aren’t a U.S. citizen, with guests: Constance Chucholowski, chairman of the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad; Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, Gary Schmitt, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

It’s been two years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that is not going well for Kyiv at the moment. The war has killed and wounded a half million people and sent millions of Ukrainians fleeing to the West. Some 60,000 of them live here in Berlin. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed update you on what’s happening in Ukraine and what it means to us here in Germany and the West with guests: Ukrainian journalist Katerina Malofeyeva in Kyiv; Nico Lange, Senior Fellow of the Zeitenwende Initiative at the Munich Security Conference; Kseniia Gatskova, a senior researcher at the Institute for Employment Research who investigates the labor market and social integration of refugees in Germany, and her colleague Silvia Schwanhäuser, a researcher at the Institute for Employment Research.

Everyone has an opinion of BER, and many of them aren't kind: Passengers recently ranked it 19th of 20 airports in Germany, which suggests it still isn’t the airport of our dreams. In this episode, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson spoke on Feb. 6, 2024 with urban planner Dieter Faulenbach da Costa, who first helped plan BER and later often criticized it. We also hear about the latest improvements in the works from BER spokesman Jan-Peter Haack, plus comments from passengers and our new segment – Geil or not so Geil! Produced by Dina Elsayed.

When we think of Franz Kafka, it’s usually about his books and short stories. But Kafka Band founder and Czech author Jaroslav Rudiš and world renowned Irish composer Gerald Barry say the noise-averse author influences today’s music, too. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed bring you their interviews that are part of the “Zeitgeister on Air” project, our joint collaboration with Goethe Institut. Produced by Dina Elsayed and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson.

Join host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed who interview TV personality and Kafka sleuth Kathi Diamant, in San Diego; National Library of Israel archivist Stefan Litt in Jerusalem, and figurative abstract artist Marianne Kolb in Sacramento on how Franz Kafka changed their lives and why the iconic author who died 100 years ago is still so relevant today. The interviews are part of the “Zeitgeister on Air” project, our joint collaboration with Goethe Institut. Produced by Dina Elsayed and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed share key moments, personal insights and a look ahead as Common Ground Berlin kicks off its 2024 season. Featuring German Comedian Christian Schulte-Loh; Iranian-American Comedian and Actor Maz Jobrani; Renae Watchman, who is an indigenous studies professor and co-author of “Indianthusiam,” and the late US Ambassador to Germany John Kornblum, among others. Music: “A Thought” and “Gentle Chase” by Podington Bear. “Rodolfo’s Death” by Livio Amato. “Latin” by Crowander “Lemoncholy” by Tea K Pea "Nine Count" by Blue Dot Studios. Produced by Axel Scheele

What Gen-Zers think of the United States is definitely not how their parents and grandparents view Germany’s important ally. So can student exchange programs help improve transatlantic relations? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed talk with the German Marshall Fund’s Gesine Weber and Niklas Ebert, as well as Knut Moeller of AJA, a Berlin-based, umbrella organization for long-term youth exchange programs in Germany, and with Christian Andersch of YFU – Germany. This episode is brought to you by Checkpoint Charlie Foundation and was produced by Axel Scheele.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson interviews NPR icon and All Things Considered co-host Mary Louise Kelly as well as Kamal Nasir Hamyar, an Afghan journalist who was part of an on-air project the Germans helped create to ease Afghan mistrust of the West after the Taliban were ousted from power in Afghanistan in 2001. Produced by Dina Elsayed

Rents in “poor, but sexy” Berlin continue to skyrocket as the inventory of apartments remains low. But buying a home may not be the answer, either. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores whether the German capital’s housing crisis can be solved with Wibke Werner, director of the Berlin Tenants’ Association and Konstantin Kholodilin, senior researcher and housing expert at the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson of Common Ground Berlin and Rachel Tausenfreund of the German Marshall Fund of the United States host a powerful and international conversation about the invasion of Gaza and its consequences with guests: Menachem Klein, a political scientist in Jerusalem and former advisor to the Israel-PLO final status talks. Palestinian-American journalist Hebh Jamal in Mannheim. Senior Policy Fellow Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Affairs in London. German journalist Hanno Hauenstein in Berlin. Recorded on Oct. 31, 2023. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests, AFP correspondent Deborah Cole and Comedian Josh Telson tackle a variety of topics including Berlin and U.S. political follies, climate protests and rising costs of beer. This episode was recorded live at Noisy Rooms on Oct. 14, 2023 and produced by Dina Elsayed.

It was a time of jubilation when East and West Germany became one country again in 1990, with Berlin as its capital. But the honeymoon quickly wore off and to this day, divisions fester. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with journalist and historian Katja Hoyer, author of Beyond the Wall, and award-winning producer Joerg Winger, co-creator of Deutschland 83 and Sam: A Saxon, about why Germans are still at odds. This episode was produced by Dina Elsayed.

This is the second of three episodes by Common Ground Berlin and Goethe Institute commemorating a century of German radio by bringing you stories from influential and interesting broadcasters worldwide who have had a lasting effect on radio. Senior Producer Dina Elsayed walks down the nostalgic memory lane and discovers how to keep the passion for radio alive with Emmy-and-Peabody winning screenwriter Anna Winger (Deutschland 83, Transatlantic), ‘Der Alte Ami’ Rik de Lisle, and audio journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

The German Bundestag passed a controversial measure in September to reduce emissions from heated buildings, which accounts for an estimated 15 percent of Germany’s carbon dioxide output. But will this and other strategies of the German government to transform energy production and consumption help Germany reach its climate goals? In this latest Transatlantic Takeaway episode recorded as world leaders discuss climate change at the UN General Assembly in New York, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson of Common Ground Berlin and Rachel Tausendfreund of the German Marshall Fund interview Sven Egenter, editor in chief and executive director of Clean Energy wire in Berlin and Max Gruenig, senior policy advisor in Washington, D.C., focusing on US-EU climate diplomacy for independent climate change think E3G. Dina Elsayed produced this episode.

The first of three episodes by Common Ground Berlin and Goethe Institute commemorating a century of German radio by bringing you stories from influential and interesting broadcasters worldwide who have had a lasting effect on radio. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson delves into the triumphs, challenges and childhoods of American radio icon Steve Inskeep of NPR, U.K. community radio expert Keri Jones and John Masuku of Zimbabwe, who is UNESCO’s campaign coordinator for World Radio Day in 2023. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

#Beer is a staple of German culture and in partnership with the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed explore the debate over the restrictive “#Reinheitsgebot” or purity law that beers in Germany are expected to abide by versus popular #craft beers by brewers eager to try new things. Adding to tensions is that brewers in Germany are struggling with declining consumption and rising costs. Join our team for this exciting episode that takes us to pubs in Berlin and the original German brewery, located outside #Munich and still run by monks!

The government of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently announced plans to protect the public from AI misuse in the foreseeable future, but critics complain the time for action is now, especially when political actors like the far-right Alternative for Germany are using artificial intelligence to spread hatred and misinformation. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and senior producer Dina Elsayed delve into the sometimes shady world of AI in Germany and Europe with artist and controversial Sony World Photography Awards winner Boris Eldsagen who refused his prize for his AI-generated entry and Hertie School professor of ethics and technology Joanna Bryson.

Artificial Intelligence is proving to be a useful tool to Republican frontrunner and former president Donald Trump. But the Biden administration and Congress are struggling to regulate AI technology, a catch-up game similar to the one they’ve had with social media. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson went to San Francisco to talk to Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer about what steps are needed when it comes to AI. Steyer met with President Biden to discuss those steps earlier this summer at an AI summit. This episode is the first of a two-part series on AI on both sides of the Atlantic. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

German polls suggest that if elections were held today, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) would garner more votes than most of the country’s mainstream parties, including those in the governing coalition. That has some politicians rethinking their “firewall” against the populist faction and whether it makes sense to partner with the AfD on local issues. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Politico Europe Senior Politics Reporter in Germany Hans von der Burchard, the German Marshall Fund’s Sudha David-Wilp, and others about the reasons and implications of a resurgent AfD. Also featuring students from the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. This episode was produced by Dina Elsayed.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet recently unveiled their country’s long-awaited national security strategy, the first since World War II. Co-hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund explore whether this strategy is groundbreaking as its proponents claim and the impact on Germany’s allies and enemies. This week’s guests are Michal Baranowski, senior fellow and managing director of the German Marshall Fund East, based in Warsaw, and Gesine Weber, a fellow with the German Marshall Fund’s geostrategy team in Paris. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson hosts a special “town hall” in collaboration with the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of a speech that lasted less than 10 minutes and shook the world. Joining her in the studio and via Zoom to discuss why the speech still matters were: Johanna Ruediger, head of social media strategy at Deutsche Welle, the German network that provides journalistic and cultural content in 32 languages around the globe. Rachel Tausendfreund, co-host of “Transatlantic Takeaway” and a senior fellow with the German Marshall Fund’s geostrategy team, specializing in U.S.-German relations, the European Union. Rick Allen, a Robert F. Kennedy biographer and media and technology executive who has been a speechwriter, fundraiser, and campaign manager for a host of U.S. presidential and Senate candidates. He also served as a Deputy Assistant to President Clinton and helped create AmeriCorps. We also hear from students and graduates from around Berlin! This episode was produced by Dina Elsayed

Millions of immigrants living in Germany should find it easier to become German citizens as the Bundestag prepares to vote on the long-awaited measure overhauling “Einbuergerung.” But as it turns out, the legal change to Germany’s citizenship law is only half the battle. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the draft law and its obstacles with guests: Rachel Loxton, editor at The Local Europe and host of its podcast, Germany in Focus Zeynep Yanasmayan, head of the migration department at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research Julie Schaefer, German immigration lawyer based in Dusseldorf Produced by Dina Elsayed.

The German capital has long been a startup capital in Europe. But the global financial shakeup and supply chain disruptions hit Berlin’s startup scene hard. This year, with the market more or less expected to stabilize and supply chain problems easing, can Berlin’s startup scene make a comeback? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Lukas Breitenbach, head of corporate communications at Berlin Partner and Aggi Cantrill, a tech reporter for Bloomberg News who covers Berlin’s startup scene. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

A conversation with Farnaz Fassihi of the New York Times and Azadeh Moshiri of the BBC News about the consequences of the “women, life, freedom” protests that exploded after Jina Masha Amini’s death and whether they can lead to lasting change.Dina Elsayed produced this episode.

In this episode of “Transatlantic Takeaway,” hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund delve into how Germany is fodder for the GOP’s campaign strategy for the 2024 elections with guests Majda Ruge, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and Sudha David-Wilp, Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund and director of its Berlin office. Dina Elsayed produced this episode.

What do host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and the Emmy-winning Anna Winger have in common? Find out the answer to that and many more questions in this episode about the Berlin-based creator of the Netflix blockbusters “Transatlantic” and “Unorthodox.” You’ll also hear about the stories behind the series and its colorful characters, including Dagobert the dog! (Recorded on April 18, 2023). The episode is produced by Dina Elsayed The “Transatlantic” music is by Mike Ladd

Excerpts from our recent live show at the Selina Hotel Mitte in central Berlin. Joining host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson on stage was Heinrich Stroessenreuther, who helped draft dozens of bicycle referendums across Germany and founded Changing Cities, German Zero and more recently KlimaUnion, a grassroots movement within the CDU and CSU parties seeking Germany’s transformation into the first climate-neutral industrial nation; Oliver Walker, a contemporary artist with exhibitions and residences in 11 countries who is with Netzwerk Fahrradfreundliches Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Josh Telson, who is an avid cyclist and standup comedian and filmmaker who co-hosts a monthly, storytelling open-mic show called “Four Eyes.” This episode was produced by Dina Elsayed and the live show was recorded by Josh Telson.

Berlin’s new mayor is widely expected to be conservative Kai Wegner. He would be the first Christian Democrat to hold the post in two decades and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), who would be junior partners in Wegner’s government, vow that they and the CDU will get a lot done. But is that even possible? And can this new government regain the trust of Berlin voters? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses with moderator Alfonso Pantisano of the SPD Landesverband and political scientist Viola Neu of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, which is associated with, but independent from, the CDU. Dina Elsayed produced this episode.

Last month before the Bundestag, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hammered home the need for a defense-capable Europe. His speech marked the anniversary of his groundbreaking pledge to deliver a “Zeitenwende,” or sea change, ending Germany’s long-standing, military-averse policies. But have Scholz and his government delivered? And what impact is it having on the Russian war in Ukraine? Hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund discuss with the German Marshall Fund’s Guido Goldman Distinguished Scholar for Geostrategy Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff and Jana Puglierin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and head of its Berlin office. Dina Elsayed produced this episode.

Germany’s colonial history isn’t something many Germans like to talk about – Some argue they weren’t as “bad” as other European colonialists or that focusing on German colonialism draws attention away from the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis during World War II. But critics of German silence over its colonial past argue those narratives ignore the impact Germany had on the places it colonized and perpetuate German racist attitudes to this day. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Senior Producer Dina Elsayed probe German colonialism and its modern-day consequences with cultural activist and journalist Nadja Ofuatey Alazard; MP and cultural policy spokesman Helge Lindh (SPD), and Hermann Parzinger, historian and president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. Dina Elsayed produced this episode. The music is 'Delicates' by Blue Dot Studios.

Some 10 million non-citizens living in Germany are unable to vote. In Berlin, the number is even higher – 1 of every 5 residents. The voting exclusion in Germany extends to local issues, even though all residents – regardless of citizenship – are subject to the same taxes, fees and laws. Is it time to allow the growing number of non-citizens in Germany a say at the ballot box? Or would that spark a German identity crisis? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to: Berta Del Ben, of Democracy for All, an initiative seeking to expand voting rights in Berlin and beyond; Adetoun Kueppers-Adebisi, of the Federal Conference of Migrant Organizations (BKMO), and president of the Black German culture, media and education archive AFROTAK; Jennifer Johnson, American political rights activist in Berlin and former head of the Women’s Caucus Chair for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Senior Producer Dina Elsayed and Nelson produced this episode.

Led by a prince, a judge and a retired paratrooper, the plot was as bizarre as it was chilling – Kill Chancellor Olaf Scholz and overthrow Germany’s government. So was the plot foiled during a counter-terrorism sweep last December a fringe one? Or is it the tip of an extremist iceberg that threatens Germany? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with Der Spiegel National Security Reporter Fidelius Schmid; Maximilian Ruf of the Violence Prevention Network, who is a research fellow at the Center for Applied Research on Deradicalization; Political scientist Hajo Funke of the Free University of Berlin. Produced by Dina Elsayed

In this first Transatlantic Takeaway with co-hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund, German Marshall Fund senior fellow Daniel Hegedus and GMF Paris office director Martin Quencez delve into what we can expect in 2023, including from EU relations with the U.S. and with Russia; from the war in Ukraine, and from the world’s likely next nuclear power, Iran.

In our last episode of 2022, we tackle a topic that is timely, namely rail travel! Except these days, traveling by train in Europe is anything but timely. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what’s behind the chaos with Hidden Europe Magazine co-founder Nicky Gardner, author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide, and communications professor and blogger Jon Worth. His grassroots “Cross Border Rail Project” featured in The New York Times lays bare the shortfalls of European rail travel. Produced by Sylvia Cunningham

In this first anniversary episode of Transatlantic Takeaway, a Common Ground Berlin and German Marshall Fund of the United States collaboration, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund talk about the sweeping 10-month-long war Russia is waging in Ukraine and its impact on Europe and the United States with GMF Guido Goldman Distinguished Scholar for Geostrategy Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff and Michal Baranowski, senior fellow of the GMF office in Warsaw. Is there an end in sight for the war that has killed an estimated 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers, a similar number of Russian soldiers and 40,000 Ukrainian civilians? Produced by Sylvia Cunningham

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests debate a much anticipated change to an outdated German law that would allow Americans and other non-EU nationals who live in Germany to keep their original citizenship if they choose to become Germans. But will the updated law lessen the hurdles to German citizenship? This week’s guests are: Immigration lawyer Julie Schaefer, whose practice is in Dusseldorf; 20 Percent Berlin co-founder Andrew Bulkeley Business and international relations journalist Ekrem Ekici Also featuring Peter Wägemann, Claudia Tessier and Elyzabeth Simpson. Produced by Dina Elsayed

Scores of nations are attending the 27th annual COP in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el Sheikh. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what the international gathering will deliver and whether climate diplomacy is enough to keep the planet from the point of no return, especially when leaders of some of the biggest polluters skip such summits. Her guests: Andrzej Ancygier, Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst with Climate Analytics; Lutz Weischer, Head of Policy, Berlin of Germanwatch e.V.; Luis von Randow, spokesman for Fridays for Future. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

Although a record turnout is expected on Nov. 8th, opinion surveys show many Americans no longer trust U.S. elections nor their government. Many Republican voters still embrace the “Big Lie” that President Trump had the 2020 election stolen from him. So what does the growing mistrust, President Joe Biden’s low ratings and the worst inflation in four decades mean for the midterm elections and American democracy in general? In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway by Common Ground Berlin and the German Marshall Fund of the United States, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the controversial elections with: Sudha David-Wilp, GMF’s Senior Transatlantic Fellow and deputy director of the Berlin office. Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a former advisor to the State Department during the Obama administration. Anna Sauerbrey, foreign editor of the weekly Die Zeit and a contributor to the New York Times op-ed section. Produced by Dina Elsayed.

In Common Ground Berlin’s international debut at Podcastfestival 2022, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Mick ter Reehorst of Are We Europe broke delve into why the far right is thriving and what role the media and internet play in their propaganda with guests: Nina Horaczek, Viennese journalist whose work on far right movements was shortlisted for the 2019 European Press Prize; Bharath Ganesh, University of Groningen professor specializing in new media and political communication. This show was recorded live on Friday, Sept. 30 in Amsterdam in partnership with Are We Europe and Podcastfestival 2022 and was produced by Dina Elsayed and Stefano Montali.

An insightful talk on Twitter Spaces about the current state of inflation in Europe and what the future holds for people and businesses, especially in Berlin. Featuring Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and guests James Kantero of EU Scream podcast, Bloomberg tech reporter Aggi Cantril and Ted Knudsen, who co-hosts the podcast Spassbremse. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

In this special episode of Common Ground Berlin, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson interviews her favorite comedian ahead of his debut in Germany in September. They talk about performing in Europe and what his mom thinks of his comedy; his deep love of politics, and growing up Iranian in the United States. If there’s something you don’t know about Maz Jobrani, the answer might be in this episode! To catch one of his shows in Germany, look for tickets here. This show was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Dina Elsayed.

In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway, host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson examines whether plans announced six months ago by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to revolutionize Germany’s defense strategy are actually happening and if Ukraine can still count on Germany to stand against Russia. Her guests are Sudha David-Wilp, GMF Senior Transatlantic Fellow and deputy director of the Berlin office and Anna Sauerbrey, foreign editor of the weekly Die Zeit and a contributor to the New York Times op-ed section. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed

“Poor, but sexy” Berlin was famous for its cheap rents, but these days, the capital city is the second most expensive in Germany and among the 50 priciest in the world. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores Berlin’s residential crisis brought on by a shortage of housing and inflation and what cities in Europe may offer a solution with guests: Barbara Steenbergen, head of the EU liaison office of the International Union of Tenants; Wibke Werner, deputy manager of the Berlin Tenants’ Union; Kalle Kunkel; housing rights activist with the campaign Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen and Co.; TV and newspaper journalist Erik Kirschbaum. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

Times are hard, but is money provided unconditionally by the government the best way to ease the burden? Pilots in three federal states are planned soon to test the feasibility of a universal basic income in Germany and host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about that and the German plan to overhaul social and unemployment benefits with guests: Alexandra Borchardt, veteran journalist and media consultant. Jürgen Schupp, Senior Research Fellow at the German Institute for Economic Research. Laura Brämswig, co-founder of the German project Expedition Basic Income. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

Fussball may be king in Germany, but Deutschland is also said to be the biggest market outside of North America for a different football game – the American kind! It’s why the NFL decided to launch its new season in Munich this year, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play the Seattle Seahawks. Common Ground Berlin’s Dina Elsayed takes you into the competitive world of American football in Deutschland, where the NFL, a European league and a German league battle it out for status and fans. This episode is produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Dina Elsayed.

How are Germans responding to inflation? Do cheap transit tickets make up for it? And what should we make of President Joe Biden’s handshake diplomacy in the Middle East? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson asks her guests to weigh in on these and other issues at Podfest Berlin 2022. Joining her for a chat and libation are: Agence France-Presse Correspondent Deborah Cole, Comedian Carmen Chraim and Podfest Berlin Founder Daniel Stern. Plus a special appearance by YouTube sensation and comedian Daniel-Ryan Spaulding during the Q&A. This episode was recorded live at Noisy Rooms on Jul.17, 2022 and produced by Dina Elsayed.

In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund debate the growing problems with plane, train, car and bike travel in Germany and beyond and government attempts to fix them. Their guests: Dirk von Schneidemesser of Changing Cities, an initiative specializing in democratic sustainability transformation. Katja Diehl, host of the podcast: “She Drives Mobility” and author of “Autokorrektur – Mobilität für eine lebenswerte Welt.” (Autocorrect: Mobility for a World Worth Living In). Peter Chase, GMF Senior Fellow in Brussels. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

It’s been 18 months since Donald Trump left office, but with one global crisis after another, the relationship between the United States and Germany has not had time to rebound. But does it matter? Is Germany squandering an opportunity to set its own international agenda? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the state of German-U.S. relations in these precarious times with: Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a former advisor to the State Department during the Obama administration; Joerg Lau, Die Zeit international correspondent; Laura von Daniels, head of the “Americas” research division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed. Note: This episode was taped before Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine on June 16th and announced Germany wants Ukraine to be admitted into the European Union. But extra steps are needed before that can happen.

Any day now, the Supreme Court of the United States will almost certainly overturn the landmark ruling known as Roe v. Wade. That will make it harder – if not impossible – for women to get abortions in dozens of states. But in Germany, the new government is headed in the opposite direction, trying (to a point) to ease access for women to abortion services. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about these impending, monumental changes and how they are linked with guests: Constance Chucholowski, a public affairs expert who chairs the Berlin chapter of Democrats Abroad; Dr. Caroline Scherf, a German gynecologist in Wales who in 2021 worked in a Bremen clinic run by ProFamilia, a government-funded NGO for reproductive rights; Alexandra Linder, head of the Bundesverband Lebensrecht, a Berlin-based association of German groups opposing abortion and which organizes the annual March for Life in Berlin. We also hear from Green Party activist Laura Sophie Dornheim about her struggle to get an abortion in Berlin. This show was produced by Abigail Megginson and Dina Elsayed.

In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund delve into scenarios to end Russian President Vladmir Putin’s war on Ukraine and how the conflict is changing the global order. Their guests are: Michal Baranowski, senior fellow and director of the GMF office in Warsaw. Gesine Dornblueth, co-author of “Ruhmlose Helden,” a book on a plane crash that changed German-Russian relations. She is a former Moscow correspondent for Deutschlandradio. Liana Fix, program director for international affairs at the Körber Foundation in Berlin. Joerg Forbrig, senior fellow and director for Central Eastern Europe at the GMF office in Berlin. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

Handy. Public Viewing. Home Office. Boostern – It’s hard sometimes to tell German from English. But is the incorporation of English into German a bad thing? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the impact of the resulting hybrid called Denglish with Anatol Stefanowitsch, an English linguistics professor at the Free University of Berlin and Oliver Baer of the Verein Deutsche Sprache or German Language Society. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

In this special episode, guest host Abigail Megginson examines the widespread use of American Indian imagery in German culture since the 18th century. But is it flattery or racism? Her guests are Renae Watchman, co-author of “Indianthusiasm,” which examines indigenous people’s responses to the German obsession with American Indians, and Florian Schleburg, chair of the Karl May Gesellschaft, a group dedicated to the prolific German author who fueled that obsession. This show was produced by Abigail Meginnson and Dina Elsayed.

On April 20 – a date associated with marijuana – we hosted a spirited debate on Twitter Space about Germany’s controversial proposal to make personal cannabis use legal for adults. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson moderated the talk with Steffen Geyer, legalization activist and longtime head of the annual “Hanfparade” or hemp parade in Berlin; Joa Helms, CEO of Green House Amsterdam coffee shops and Kevin Sabet, former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy advisor and founder of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM.) This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

In this “Transatlantic Takeaway” episode, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund dissect sweeping new EU digital laws and their impact on large tech companies, start-ups and users with guests: Constance Chucholowski, founder and managing director at Candid Public Affairs; Travis Todd, co-founder of Silicon Allee; and Julia Trehu, program manager and Fellow with the German Marshall Fund’s Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed.

The Russian war in Ukraine has led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing, many of them to the West. How are Germany and its neighbors handling the new refugee surge? And what does it mean for others escaping war, terrorism and persecution who come to the EU? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson discusses the crisis with Wiebke Judith, legal policy advisor for the refugee group, Pro-Asyl; Julia Chenusha, deputy chairwoman of the Blue-Yellow Cross German-Ukrainian Association; and Sami Sharifi, an Afghan lawyer and volunteer with the Kabul Luftbruecke. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Abigail Megginson.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley and Joanna Kakissis, and Ukrainian journalist Katerina Malofeyeva discuss their experiences reporting on the Russian war in Ukraine and how women journalists redefine the way conflicts are covered. Recorded on Twitter Spaces on March 22, 2022. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Stefano Montali.

A watershed speech by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in late February that cast off Germany’s long-standing, military-averse policies is lauded by NATO and the United States. But can Germany enhance its armed forces quickly enough to protect Europe against Russia? And what does this sea change mean for a proposed European army? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores the new German tack and its ramifications with Rachel Tausendfreund, editorial director for the German Marshall Fund and co-host of Transatlantic Takeaway, and Heiner Brauß, Senior Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in its security and defense program. He was a lieutenant general in the Bundeswehr and is a former assistant secretary general for NATO defense policy and force planning. We also hear from Col. André Wüstner, chairman of the German Armed Forces Association. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Abigail Megginson.

Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks about the future of vaccines, social restrictions and Vladmir Putin’s impact on the pandemic with Korinna Hennig, science editor and co-host of German public broadcaster NDR’s weekly podcast “The Coronavirus Update” and molecular Kai Kupferschmidt in Berlin who writes for the magazine, Science. This show was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Abigail Megginson.

Blame it on Omicron, Vladimir Putin and Europe’s biggest war in decades, but the global economy is in a weaker position this year than anyone expected. So what exactly is the impact the pandemic and Ukraine crisis are having on businesses and consumers in Germany and the United States? And are key economic players doing enough to keep it from getting worse? On the day Putin invaded Ukraine, hosts Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Rachel Tausendfreund talked with Jacob Kirkegaard, Senior Fellow in the Brussels office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Sebastian Dullien, an international economics professor who is director of the Macroeconomic Policy Institute of the Hans-Boeckler Foundation in Duesseldorf. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Abigail Megginson.

Chancellor Angela Merkel defined politics in Germany for a generation and with her gone, younger German politicians have a rare opportunity to reshape the governance of their country and address key topics facing it. This episode features excerpts of a virtual town hall Common Ground co-hosted with our partner, the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks with young German parliament members about their plans for the future and the pressing issues for their generation. Her guests: Adis Ahmetovic, Member of the Bundestag (SPD);Ria Schröder, Member of the Bundestag (FDP);Merle Spellerberg, Member of the Bundestag (Alliance 90/The Greens).This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.

Afghanistan’s former education minister, a female activist who climbs mountains and a German foundation director dissect the Taliban’s impact on the Central Asian country on the semi-anniversary of its return to power. Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson speaks with guests: Ellinor Zeino, Southwest Asia regional program director at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.Rangina Hamidi, Afghanistan’s former education minister and professor of practice at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.Activist and mountain climber Shogufa Bayat Haidari. This show was produced by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Dina Elsayed.

Why is a Nazi resistance fighter big in Brazil and unheard of in Germany? How did an African American bass-baritone artist become a national hero in the former GDR? Does Onkel Toms Huette refer to a German man and his cabins or the protagonist of a controversial American 19th-century novel? Senior Producer Dina Elsayed explores the fascinating stories behind Berlin’s unusual street names in this special Common Ground collaboration with the Goethe Institute for The Big Ponder series. Featuring guests: Blogger and author Beata Gontarczyk-Krampe;Musicologist and historian Kira Thurman; Saxophonist and sound experimentalist Matana Roberts;Literary and cultural historian Todd Carmody;Artist Tatiana Heide; Filmmaker Thais Nepomuceno. This show was produced by Dina Elsayed and Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson. Frederic Chopin’s Prelude Opus 28, No. 9 was performed by Paul Cantrell. Also featured are "Brazil" by Serge Quadrado, "Woke up this Morning" by Till Paradiso and All is Written by Matana Roberts from their album Coin Coin: Chapter Three. And from Blue Dot Studios, we heard Nine Count, Minister Creek, Vulcan Street and Ervira. Note on the correct pronunciation of Matana Roberts' first name: equal emphasis should be given to all three syllables.

Russia appears ready to invade Ukraine, with the recent deployment of roughly 100,000 Russian troops along their mutual border. In this episode of Transatlantic Takeaway -- a monthly collaboration between Common Ground and the German Marshall Fund of the United States -- Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests discuss the ongoing crisis and its impact on the EU, the United States and Moscow. Our experts: Rachel Tausendfreund, GMF editorial director in Berlin and host of “Out of Order” podcast; Liana Fix, GMF Resident Fellow and program director for International Affairs at the Körber-Stiftung; Michael Kimmage, GMF Non-Resident Fellow and Catholic University history professor who was part of the U.S. Secretary of State’s planning staff from 2014-2016 advising on Russia and Ukraine. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.

Our collaboration with the Goethe Institute that shatters the stereotype of the unfunny German – Or does it? Laugh at and learn about German humor with host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guest comedians Carmen Chraim, Christian Schulte-Loh and Daniel Stern as well as German Institute for Humor founder Eva Ullmann and Nicola McLelland, a German professor and linguistics expert at the University of Nottingham in the U.K. The music was Latin by Crowander and Lemoncholy by Tea K Pea. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.

On the inaugural episode of Transatlantic Takeaway -- a monthly collaboration between Common Ground and the German Marshall Fund of the United States -- Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson explores what German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French taking over the EU presidency will mean for the European bloc and the United States. Her guests: Rachel Tausendfreund, GMF editorial director in Berlin and host of “Out of Order” podcast; Sudha David-Wilp, GMF deputy director in Berlin and Senior Transatlantic Fellow; Michal Baranowski, GMF director in Warsaw; Martin Quencez, deputy director of the GMF Paris office and a research fellow in its Security & Defense program. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.

How will Germans respond to beer getting more expensive? What will the outcome of the ongoing coalition talks mean for younger Germans? How do Americans perceive the legacy of Angela Merkel? And is Joe Biden a hit or a miss in Germany? Host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and her guests delve into these issues and more on this special episode of Common Ground, which was the opening event of Podfest Berlin 2021. Joining her are guests: Agence France-Presse Correspondent Deborah Cole (@deborah); Comedian Georg Kammerer (@GeorgFKa); and Podfest Berlin Founder and Performer Daniel Stern (@DanielandStern). This show was recorded live at Comedy Café Berlin and produced by Dina Elsayed.

In A.D. 321, an edict drawn up by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great appointed Jewish people to the Cologne town council. This decree is the oldest known document showing Jewish life thriving north of the Alps. But what does it mean to be Jewish in Germany today? In this episode, guest host Stephanie Wolf speaks with Anti-Defamation League’s Assistant Director for European Affairs, Dalia Grinfeld, and visual and performance artist Rachel Libeskind. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed and Stephanie Wolf.

Today marks the birthday of Mildred Harnack, an American academic and spy who was murdered by the Nazis in Berlin and who is the subject of Rebecca Donner’s New York Times bestseller “All The Frequent Troubles Of Our Days.” In this episode, Common Ground host Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson talks to Donner about her great-great-aunt's life, the state of women in the Third Reich, and how sexism distorted her legacy. Plus, Donner reads a few of her favorite passages. We also hear from German historian Arnd Bauerkaemper and president of the American Women’s Club in Berlin Shweta Gupta. This show is produced by Dina Elsayed.