Over Here, Over There: International Politics & Culture Podcast

What if the most important democratic document of the last 250 years wasn't written in Philadelphia — but in post-war Germany? In this episode of Over Here, Over There, Claudia Koestler makes a case that might surprise you: Germany's Basic Law — the Grundgesetz — is one of the most sophisticated constitutional documents ever written.  Written in 1949, in the rubble of the darkest chapter...

America turns 250 this year. But do Americans plan to celebrate it, or are divisions in the country putting people off the joyous occasion? In this episode of Over Here, Over There, Claudia (DE, Germany) and Dan (American, living in the UK) get personal about the United States' Semiquincentennial — and ask the questions most people are afraid to say out loud. They explore the significance of...

Imagine moving to a country where you didn't speak the language and had to perform on stage and TV to live audiences. Daunting? Definitely. But not only did singer, songwriter, and entertainer Gayle Tufts do just that, but she has also become Germany's best-known American and a leading cultural bridge-builder. In this engaging conversation, hosts Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler explore v...

🎙️ LIVE from the Amerikahaus Munich | Over Here, Over There — The Podcast Across Borders What does America really look like — from the outside? German journalist and author Johanna Roth spent four years reporting from inside the United States as a foreign correspondent for one of Germany's most respected newspapers, Die Zeit. What she found was a country at war with its own ideals — a nation...

Be honest — when did you last feel genuinely optimistic about the future? With Trump, Putin, climate chaos, wars, inflation and a media machine built on doom — it's never been harder to stay hopeful. But what if optimism isn't just a feeling? What if it's a science-backed survival skill — and the single most important force keeping democracy alive? In this live episode, recorded at...

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are heading to Washington — but is this the most  politically charged royal state visit in modern history? With the UK-US "Special Relationship" under unprecedented strain, a gunman at a White House dinner, the Falklands sovereignty row reigniting, and Donald Trump at his most unpredictable — what can Britain's greatest diplomat actually achieve? I...

Over Here, Over There is pleased to launch a new series exploring international comedy across cultures, countries, and genres. At a time of global uncertainty and division, we turn to humour to better understand ourselves — and each other. In this series, we travel across borders in search of what makes people laugh — and why. While the world may feel increasingly divided, laughter remains a unive...

In this episode of 'Over Here, Over There', hosts Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler engage in a deep conversation with David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and expert on Donald Trump. Johnston shares his insights on Trump's rise to power, his manipulative tactics, health issues, and the implications of his presidency on American democracy and global relations. The d...

In partnership with the Amerikahaus in Munich, Germany, Over Here, Over There's Claudia Koestler explores the profound insights of renowned photographer Jeff Dunas, in his latest exhibition, capturing the essence of smalltown America and blues legends. Discover how his long-term projects reveal cultural identity, the power of photography, and the enduring legacy of blues music. At times when...

When you hear 'German local elections', you may think, understandably, that they don't have much impact on your way of life. Au contraire , or more appropriately, nicht so . In this episode, Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris explore the recent local elections in Germany, analyzing their implications for local and national politics, the rise of the far-right AfD, and the state of democ...

'Over Here, Over There' podcast co-host Claudia Koestler gives a quick heads up regarding the German local elections and why they will indicate the direction of politics not only in Germany but across Europe. More to follow, so stay tuned. Please don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and comment. Thank you!

The White House launched something unprecedented: an official government website targeting journalists by name. As a Senior Editor and a journalist at The Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany's largest daily newspaper based in Munich, and podcast co-host of Over Here, Over There, Claudia Koestler breaks down what this means for democracy, press freedom, and why European media is sounding an alarm. Wh...

Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler, hosts of the Over Here, Over There Podcast, dive deep into the Greenland controversy that's sending shockwaves through the European capitals and the world. In this impromptu dialogue they explore the reasons why the US wants Greenland, why European leaders are in emergency mode, what strategies are necessary to stop Trump, The NATO implications, and what Green...

In a recent interview, 'Over Here, Over There' co-host Dan Harris joined BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell to examine the roots of political anger across the UK and US, arguing that deepening inequality and unresolved racial divisions are driving today’s populist movements. The conversation explores the long arc of America’s culture wars, the evolution of MAGA, shifting voting pattern...

🔮 This episode will CHANGE how you see 2026! What's coming for Trump, politics, and the world? Join Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler from the podcast Over Here, Over There as they try German tin casting, American Magic 8-Ball, and Asian fortune cookies to predict the wildest political year ahead! From World Cup drama to global elections, the podcast Hosts are channeling world leaders and read...

While America debates immigration raids, a Town in the Federal State of Bavaria in Germany literally imported demons to chase families through Christmas markets. Sounds crazy? Wait until you hear the logic behind it. Claudia Koestler, co-host of the podcast ‪@OverHereOverThere‬ witnessed the Krampuslauf firsthand and discovered something about human nature that explains both German Christmas demon...

Over Here, Over There looks back at the NO KINGS march and the Democratic election successes that followed, using both to outline a path forward for strengthening democratic norms, behaviours, and institutions that have been undermined by the Trump Administration. Not since the Civil War has the United States been so internally divided and under threat, even as foreign adversaries grow stronger an...

Over Here, Over There co-host Dan Harris speaks with BBC Radio Wiltshire presenter Graham Rogers about the implications of Donald Trump's unprecedented second state visit to the UK, exploring the political dynamics, public opinion, and the expectations from both sides regarding trade and international relations. The risk is mainly on the UK side as it tries to score diplomatic points in the b...

In this fourth on-the-ground update, Claudia from "Over Here, Over There" Podcast explores Kathmandu’s return to life. But what's next? Nepal´s geography makes it a coveted piece on the world’s chessboard. Can it stay independent, or will it become a playground for superpowers? Discover why Nepal’s strategic location, enormous hydropower potential, and vital rivers can shape the fut...

My multi-talented #podcast colleague, #Claudia # Koestler , is fearless. Thinking she would have an intriguing and relaxing holiday in #Nepal (and other #South Asian countries), upheaval and unrest followed her arrival in that mystical country. Instead of barricading herself in her hotel room, she headed into #Kathmandu 's streets in true consummate journalistic fashion to witness the widespr...

In this update, Claudia Koestler shares her experiences in Kathmandu amidst ongoing riots and political turmoil. Claudia describes the surreal atmosphere, the collapse of the government, and the resulting safety concerns for both locals and foreign visitors. She highlights the grassroots efforts of citizens to maintain order in the absence of police and reflects on the broader implications of the...

Reporting directly from Kathmandu, in this episode of the “Over Here, Over There” podcast co-host Claudia uncovers what's behind Nepal’s violent Gen Z protests after the controversial social media ban. Caught right in the middle of the ongoings, she explores the roots of youth anger, exposing corruption and lavish lifestyles among politicians’ families, and revealing why the ban felt like a b...

Over Here, Over There's Dan Harris speaks with BBC Radio Wiltshire and Gloucestershire host Graham Rogers again this week regarding the White House EU Summit regarding peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. After a disappointing meeting in Alaska for President Trump, can he rally EU leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who have gathered for an unprecedented meeting at...

BBC Radio Wiltshire and Gloucestershire host Graham Rogers explores with Dan Harris, political commentator and podcast co-host 'Over Here, Over There', the significance of JD Vance's visit to the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border. Dan describes JD Vance's background, the role of the Vice President, and Vance's potential future in politics. The discussion highlights Vance&ap...

What if a song could inspire a global movement? Join us for a powerhouse episode of the Over Here, Over There Podcast as we welcome the legendary Pleasure Bombs, the band behind the podcast’s iconic theme, “Increase Democracy By Ten Percent,” for their first in-depth interview in years! Discover why “Increase Democracy By Ten Percent” continues to be a bold anthem for freedom and justice, and why...