Schnitz & Giggles

Send us Fan Mail Returning from an unexpected hiatus, Mr. Giggles (Michael) and Dr. Schnitzel (Lukas) dive into what it truly means to belong in Vienna after 15 years as expatriates. What begins as a casual catch-up about summer weather quickly evolves into a profound exploration of cultural differences that continue to shape their experiences in Austria. The hosts unpack Austria's remarkable...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when three friends with intimate knowledge of Vienna's public transportation system compete to draft the ultimate team of U-Bahn stations? Pure transit-based entertainment, that's what. Welcome back to the Schnitz and Giggles podcast, where we're joined by returning guest "Mr. Algebro" for our first-ever Vienna U-Bahn draft. Before diving into...

Send us Fan Mail Bite into a pink, rum-soaked pastry with us as we unwrap the rich traditions of Fasching - Austria's beloved "fifth season." When Mr. Giggles takes his first taste of Punschkrapfen (gifted by Dr. Schnitzel), he's surprised to discover these innocent-looking cube-shaped treats contain alcohol, launching us into a fascinating cultural exploration. Don't worr...

Send us Fan Mail What's the secret to navigating the delightful maze of German and Austrian cultural quirks? Our special guest, Heiko, a German national who's been living in Austria for eight years, might just have the answer!  In a rollicking session filled with laughter and light-hearted anecdotes, Heiko shares his journey from teaching German in China to deciphering the charming intri...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to uncover the second part of Vienna’s waste management including legal oddities? Join us on Schnitzel & Giggles as we navigate through the intricacies of Vienna's bin system and have a good chuckle at the humorous marketing campaigns by MA48, the city's waste management authority.  Discover why you really shouldn't leave your old sofa on the street, and e...

Send us Fan Mail Can Vienna truly be the cleanest city in the world, or is it just an urban myth? Join the Edelwisecrackers as Dr. Schnitzel admits to loving the chance to correct Mr. Giggles but proves unsuccessful in keeping him from wandering off topic. Discover how Vienna's MA48 department orchestrates a perfectly choreographed trash collection, often likened to an "orange ballet,&qu...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what Austria has up its sleeve beyond sports records? Prepare to be amazed as we explore Austria's most fascinating records, including the world's oldest zoo and the intriguing tale of Tyrol's "mother of all mines." Discover how salt, dubbed "white gold," shaped regions like Salzburg, and get ready for a whirlwind tour of Austria&ap...

Send us Fan Mail What if the cultural heartbeat of Vienna still resonates in the United States today? Join us for a lively conversation as we unpack the hidden threads of Austrian influence embedded in American culture. From iconic figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger to the subtle presence of Austrian architecture and communities, we explore how these elements have woven themselves into the fabric...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why Austrians playfully abduct brides or melt tin on New Year's Eve? Uncover the whimsical and often surprising customs that color Austria's cultural landscape. From the heartwarming tradition of "Schultüte" cones filled with goodies for first graders to the thrilling yet eerie Krampus and Perchten processions that roam the countryside during the...

Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine a world where "full suitcase" is an insult? Welcome to Austria! Join us on the Schnitz & Giggles podcast as we unravel the mysteries of maledictology, the study of swearing and cursing, with the help of our fffff... fascinating hosts, Dr. Schnitzel and Mr. Giggles. Prepare to explore the unique landscape of "Schimpf-Kultur" in Austria, where...

Send us Fan Mail Can a river shape the destiny of a city? Discover how Vienna's relationship with the Danube has influenced its history and future as we explore the city’s battle against the river's unpredictable nature. Join us for a deep dive into the recent heavy rains and unprecedented flooding that have rocked the region. We trace the Danube’s journey from a Roman Empire border to a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why navigating Vienna's public transportation feels like an adventure in a maze? Get ready for laughs and insights as Mr. Michael Giggles and Dr. Lukas Schnitzel inaugurate Season Two of the Schnitz & Giggles podcast. We reminisce about our unforgettable finale with Mr. Algebro and tease future guest appearances by Uncle Harnold and the elusive Spruce Wayne....

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to navigate cultural misunderstandings and tense encounters with kindness? Our season finale of Schnitzel & Giggles answers this as we welcome the lively YouTube sensation, Sean Sattler, aka Mr. Algebro. Sean's amusing journey of mastering German greetings, inspired by our earlier episodes, leads to a hilarious Mr. Giggles anecdote about a run-in with a...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered just how many museums Vienna really has? Join us as we embark on a whimsical yet informative discussion about Vienna's museum landscape. From the playful debate over whether there are over 100 or even 200 museums, to Dr. Schnitzel's childhood memories and recent escapades, this episode promises a delightful blend of humor and history. We'll ev...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt that awkward pause when you go in for a hug, and the other person extends a fist bump? Or struggled with the age-old dilemma of which cheek to kiss first? Discover the hilarious ups and downs of greeting customs in our latest episode! We promise you'll learn why Americans might just give a casual "hey" while Austrians may go for a more intimate cheek kiss....

Send us Fan Mail Ever tripped over your own tongue trying to navigate the intricate dance of cultural greetings? You're not alone! Uncle Harry, or should we say Harnold Schnitzel-Lecker, gives us a rib-tickling reality check on the do's and don'ts of salutations. With his blunt criticism of the edelwisecrackers and a name that's a story in itself, Harry schools us on the fine l...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a city's heartbeat is mirrored in the ebb and flow of its trams and buses? Get ready to discover the charming quirks and historical gems of Vienna's public transportation, from the emblematic D and O tram lines to the curious case of buses that run only on special days.  We're peeling back the layers of time to reveal a system that's as rich i...

Send us Fan Mail Vienna, a city of over 2 million souls, is more than just Austria's capital; it's a cultural behemoth that both overshadows and enriches the nation. This episode peels back the layers of Vienna's metropolitan allure, discussing how it manages to draw Austria's brightest to its vibrant core, often leaving a bittersweet void in their provincial origins. As we ban...

Send us Fan Mail How well do you know Austrian German? The edelwisecrackers discover how the simplicity of a soup can stir thoughts on life and laughter, and why understanding these idiomatic gems is key to truly embracing the Austrian way. Some sayings will improve your view of a culture. Na, no, na, net.  The conversation dances through the city's musical heritage, from the masters of class...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare for space travel as Mr. Giggles challenges our very own Dr. Schnitzel to an Austrian trivia face-off that will prove the Austrianness of this podcast once and for all! But we're not just here for the trivia – oh no – we're dishing out intriguing tidbits, from Alpine roads eyeing UNESCO's seal of approval to a certain spa town that snagged a spot on the world...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever listened to two grown men talking passionatly about grocery shopping? Well, this is your chance of a lifetime! The latest edelwisecrackers podcast episode whisks you away to the aisles and delightful chaos of shopping in Austria. We're joined by the ever-observant Spruce Wayne, who hails from the land of tulips and windmills, and Dr. Schnitzel & Mr. Giggles...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why cracking the code of Austrian friendship seems as challenging as understanding quantum physics? Well, you're not alone. Join the edelwisecrackers as they delve into the peculiarities of forming connections in the land of Alps and Schnitzel. We promise to reveal why Austria's 'friends quota' might leave you feeling like an outsider and share th...

Send us Fan Mail While they don't seem to be able to define the word expat, the edelwiscrackers are super enthusiastic about explaining everything there is to know about this subject. If you think moving to Vienna is going to be like learning to dance the waltz, you're about to step on your own toes—and others' as well. What's so attractive about a country where it's reall...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be regaled with the quirkiest of Viennese tales as Dr. Schnitzel and Mr. Giggles unpack the legendary saga of "Wiener," a term that stands for so much more than just a juicy snack in the heart of Austria's capital. Whether you're an American stumbling over the linguistic hurdles or a local chuckling at the unsuspecting expat, our light-hearted banter...

Send us Fan Mail What do the "edelwisecrackers", supermarkets, and Batman have in common? Mr. Giggles, the American baseball coach trying to hit a home run with Viennese culture, and Dr. Schnitzel, your native guide to all things Austrian, invite you to join them on a whimsical romp through Vienna's charming alleyways.  [By the way, the Spar logo really is a fir, but without this tr...