Common Ground Berlin

Bye-bye, Berlin – Are artists and others in creative fields that gave the city its post-Cold War identity leaving?

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? Hos...

Berlin Blues - Navigating mental health care in the German capital and beyond.

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 Ber...

Episode 107: Out of Work – What to do about rising unemployment in Berlin and Germany.

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 r...

Update on getting dual citizenship in Germany – What works and what doesn’t

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 ...

A U.S. election the world is anxiously watching – Part One: What role do voters abroad play?

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.

Whither Ukraine – If Western support wanes, will Russia win? And what does this mean for Berlin and Germany?

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 Malofeye...

A BER report card – Is Berlin’s airport the one to use or one to avoid?

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 s...

Being Franz Kafka, Part Two: How the iconic author who was sensitive to sound affects today’s music.

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.

Being Franz Kafka, Part One: How the unconventional author affects life today.

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. ...

Our 100th Episode

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.  “Rodolf...

Guten Rutsch from Common Ground Berlin!

How do young Germans view the United States? A look at the shifting attitudes and whether student exchange programs can help.

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 – ...

Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – The Finale: Mary Louise Kelly and Kamal Nasir Hamyar

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

No Place to Call Home, Volume II – The latest on Berlin’s affordable housing crisis.

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.

Israel’s war in Gaza – Could the United States and Germany have stopped it?

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.  Ger...

Live at Podfest Berlin: "Stammtisch: A Scintillating Look at the News." Vol. 3

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. 

Why is reunified Germany still divided, 33 years later? A conversation with bestselling author Katja Hoyer and hit miniseries producer Joerg Winger.

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.  

Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – Part II: Anna Winger, Rik de Lisle and Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

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 audi...

Germany’s “Energiewende” – A path to transformation or tribulation?

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 Sarha...

Celebrating 100 years of radio in Germany – Part I: Steve Inskeep, Keri Jones and John Masuku.

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 ...

Germany’s Beer Wars: Is it time to bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to the purity law?

#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 th...

Will AI end democracy? Part Two – Germany and Europe

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 controversia...

Will AI end democracy? Part One – The United States.

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...

Comeback or coincidence? What a resurgent Alternative for Germany means for the country.

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 Ge...

"Sommerloch" check-in

Germany’s new national security strategy – Groundbreaking or status quo?

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 wit...

An iconic speech that changed the world – Does John F. Kennedy’s “ich bin ein Berliner” still matter?

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 Tausendfr...

A German duel over dual citizenship – Are decades-old barriers to “Einbuergerung” coming to an end?

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 depa...

Comeback kid or has been? The future of startups in Berlin.

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 ...

Zan, Zendegi, Azadi – Will the Iranian uprising that’s electrified the world succeed?

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. 

Germany, the Scapegoat – The GOP’s latest tact in the race for US president.

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. 

Shooting the breeze with Anna Winger, creator of “Unorthodox” and “Transatlantic” on Netflix

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

Berlin cycling 2.0 – What happens after a car-friendly, city-state government is sworn in?

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 resi...

Meet Berlin’s New Government, Same As The Old Government?

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...

Germany’s “turning point” or not?

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 G...

Germany’s colonial past – A historical blind spot?

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 Senio...

Without a voice – Should non-Germans be allowed to vote in German elections?

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, o...

The royal “Putsch” that wasn’t – Is Germany in danger?

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 fello...

For better or for worse? A transatlantic forecast for 2023.

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.

DERAILED – The tribulations of European train travel.

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 t...

The war in Ukraine – What’s next?

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...

A German Conundrum: Dual Citizenship

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 relatio...

UN Climate Action Summit 2022 – A venue for meaningful change or empty pledges?

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 Ge...

U.S. Midterm Elections 2022 – The end of American democracy?

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 ...

Live in Amsterdam: The Far-Right Playbook

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....

Inflation forecast in Europe and how to combat it.

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. 

Wilkommen, Maz Jobrani! An Iranian-American comedian does Deutschland.

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 S...

Sea Change or Empty Promises? An update on Germany’s “Zeitenwende.”

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...

No Place to Call Home – An update on Berlin’s housing crisis

“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...

Money with No Strings Attached – Is “Grundeinkommen” a good idea for Germany?

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 Resea...