PlusFortyNine Podcast

Ever had the urge to jump into ice-cold water? If not, today’s interview might just inspire you to take the plunge! Join us as we chat with Philipp Brügge from Ice Dippers, who shares insights about their weekly ice bathing events held at various locations across Berlin. Our host Sigrid even braved the icy waters herself and interviewed some of the other participants to learn about their experienc...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Leo Kaveh, who has been living and working in Germany for six years. He is now trying himself as an entrepreneur, aiming to create his own language learning model. We’ll delve into his experiences working in Germany and the challenges he’s faced. Additionally, we’ll recap some of this week’s highlights and take a closer look at the German term “Böllern,” explor...

In today’s episode we are talking with entrepreneur Fernanda Suárez. Originally from Mexico, Fernanda founded her business Uvas de Mexico, allowing her to blend her roots with her new life in Germany. We’ll discuss her journey of adapting to a new culture and how she found love with a German husband. In our news segment, we’ll highlight some positive stories from this week, and in “Ask a German,”...

Today we are sitting down with Eden from the podcast “common ground Berlin.“ Originally from the US, Eden brings a unique perspective as we delve into the aftermath of the recent US elections. Today, roughly one month post-election, we'll explore how Germans and Americans living in Germany perceive the election results and their implications. In our culture segment, we'll uncover the traditions be...

With only two weeks left until Christmas, the festive spirit is alive and well across Germany. So let’s focus on one of the most cherished traditions of the season: Weihnachtsmärkte! In our Interview segment we are talking with Arikia, who is originally from the U.S., with a Greek name and Irish surname. After living in Berlin for over seven years, she’s finally secured her permanent resident perm...

In today’s episode we are talking with Nikos. He is originally from Greece and now lives in Amsterdam, where he co-founded the platform “I am Expat.“ In our Interview section Nikos will tell us a little bit more about his website and events and how the Netherlands somehow cracked the welcome culture for expats. We’ll also dive into a comparison between Amsterdam and Berlin, discussing not only the...

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Gabor, who has been living in Berlin for eight years. We will discuss his project "WahlheYmat," a playful take on the German word "Wahlheimat," which describes the home one has chosen. Together with Ivan, we will talk about how his organization helps expats in Germany, discuss the upcoming elections, and explore feelings of belonging while navigating not only...

Igor has been living in Germany for over 12 years and currently resides in Berlin, where he curates the weekly newsletter “Handpicked Berlin." In this episode, we will talk with him about how the expat community in Germany has evolved over the years and share tips on how to survive the Berlin winters. In our “Ask a German“-segment you will learn why you should always look Germans into the eyes whe...

Join us today as we sit down with Jen and Yvonne from Simple Germany. One of them is a Latina, while the other is a "deutsche Süßkartoffel," and together they have created a platform that helps expats become experts in navigating life in Germany and manage everything smoothly. In this episode, they will share some valuable tips on how to get started in Germany and highlight common mistakes to avoi...

Do you have Aura or absolutely no idea what we are talking about? Listen to today’s episode to discover the meaning behind the Youth Word of the Year 2024. In our interview segemnt we are talking to Nadia Paredes, who has lived in various countries and continents, making her an expert on adapting to new homes and navigating cultural shocks. Together with Sigrid, she will reminisce about some of he...

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Höferle, a German living in the US and an intercultural trainer with his website The Culture Mastery. He shares some of his personal stories and the stereotypes he has encountered as a German abroad, while simultaneously shedding light on what truly defines being German. In this context we’ll also explore how your own culture often only reveals itself wh...

In today’s episode, we welcome comedian Chris Doering, a German who is trying to decipher the bridge between non Germans and Germans in his comedy shows. With a Latina partner by his side, Chris often draws from his own life to explore common stereotypes and cultural shocks. Join us as we dive into what it truly means to be a German, discuss how to befriend one, and mabye even how to navigate the...

Expecting a Baby or know someone who is? Join us in this episode as we explore everything you need to know about welcoming a new life in Germany. In our culture segment, Sigrid will share essential dos and don'ts for navigating parenthood in Germany and later on, we’ll sit down with maternity concierge Elodie, who will provide insights on the journey of having a baby in Germany, covering everythin...

The Darvish speaks the universal language of dance, specifically Belly dance, with the mission to unite diverse cultures through movement. In this episode he reflects on his journey with "Queens Against Borders," and shares his experiences teaching Germans how to embrace the rhythm and passion of dance. As the Oktoberfest is about to start soon, we take you on a little history tour and uncover the...

Today with us is Chiponda Chimbelu from Deutsche Welle. He is a news producer, editor, and member of editorial board and is currently living in Berlin. He will tell us a little bit more about his experiences in the city and share his thoughts on why Berlin might just be the most welcoming place in Germany, as long as you approach it with the right attitude. We’ll also dive into our news segment, s...

This week, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest changes for immigrants in Germany— the new naturalization law in effect since June 2024. What’s changing, and what does it mean for those on the path to citizenship? To break it all down, we’re joined by Fabian Graske, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Migrando Attorneys, a firm specializing in helping individuals navigate the naturalization pr...

Today’s episode is all about Migration, not just in terms of people, but also the journey of words. Let’s dive into some of the most well-known German words that have made their way into global discourse. Curious about how coconuts and avocados can become friends? Hear the answer from our special guest, Ana Alvarez, founder of Migrapreneuer. She’ll provide valuable insights into migration, particu...

Want to know the hottest spots and hidden gems in Berlin Mitte? Check out the work of Dima Samarin. He has been living in the city for around 7 years and has his own media outlet called Mitte Daily. Today we are talking with Dima about how Berlin is ever changing and what qualifies you as a Berliner. In this episode we will also take a closer look at Germanys new Skilled Immigration Act and what m...

This week’s guest is Canadian Jenna Davis. She’s been living in Germany for about ten years and shares her experiences so far. She has her webpages Life in Düsseldorf and Life in Germany and tells us a little more about the story behind them. Now also being a mother, she offers valuable tips for raising children in Germany, discussing the available benefits and how to navigate everything from the...

In today’s episode of Plus Forty Nine we are talking with Anastasia, who has been living in Berlin for almost eight years now. We’ll discuss her journey of learning the German language, her Ausbildung or apprenticeship in hospitality, and how the concept of "Welpenschutz" has been a huge benefit for her.