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 demons AND American ICE raids. This isn’t just about folklore – it’s about how societies choose their monsters. You won’t look at either country the same way again.
#Podcast #iceraids #OverHereOverThere #CulturalComparison #GermanFolklore #ChristmasTraditions #christmas2025
Claudia Koestler
Claudia Koestler is Senior Editor of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany's largest quality newspaper, and is co-host of the 'Over Here, Over There' podcast.
Anne Wilcox
December 21, 2025 8:07 pmThank you Claudia for this fascinating comparison. Today is the winter solstice so it is especially fitting to have encountered your episode today. The concept of controlled fear as a a welcomed phenomena is similar to why we love a good, scary movie. I would love to see Krampus festival in person! I was unaware of this counter force to St. Nick’s benevolent gift giving. Unfortunately, here in the states we are witnessing masked monsters who threaten our communities with their terrorism is a much different situation – as you have so well explained. Thank you for this astute comparison!
Claudia Koestler
December 28, 2025 10:35 pmThank you so very much for your comment! Much appreciated!