A gripping street-level view of America’s most consequential election yet, as European-American duo Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris take you through the pulsing streets of downtown Philadelphia. Watch as these international commentators decode the electric atmosphere, share candid voter conversations, and offer unique insights into this historic showdown between Harris and Trump. From early morning lines to evening tension, experience the raw energy of democracy in action through fresh, non-American perspectives. See why Philly could once again determine America’s future.
Buckle up for a wild ride with Claudia as she unveils the truth behind Oktoberfest—the festival that turns Munich into a unique playground for tourists! While millions flock to the beer tents, locals grapple with overcrowded streets, drunken revelers, and the commercialization of their beloved tradition. In this eye-opening episode, you’ll hear firsthand accounts of Munich residents who flee the city or barricade themselves in their homes. Discover why a simple stroll to work can feel like navigating a horror movie, and learn about the cultural clash that turns authentic Bavarian spirit into a carnival of costumes. Prepare to rethink your Oktoberfest experience as this episode reveals the sobering truth behind the Lederhosen, Steins, and Pretzels.
Claudia flips the script to highlight what makes Europeans stand out in the US. From childhood wonder at green road signs and skyscrapers to adult realities of being constantly recognized as European, it’s a wild ride. Accents, non-Hollywood teeth, and confusion over American coffee sizes are dead giveaways. Metric system struggles, tipping etiquette, and small talk woes add to the fun. Spotting a European? Look for someone squinting at grocery labels or fumbling with cash. Be kind and offer a good espresso—they’re navigating a land where football means two things! Tune into Claudia’s insightful and entertaining perspective and add your feedback below or on our website: overhereoverthere.org.
‘Over Here, Over There’ podcast cohost Claudia Koestler explores recent comments of Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance regarding his belief that a woman’s worth is tied to her role as a mother. Claudia discusses the harmful effects of this belief and emphasizes the intrinsic value of every person. She highlights the importance of respecting women’s choices and autonomy and addresses the double standard and deep-rooted sexism in judging women based on their decision to have children. Claudia concludes by emphasizing that every individual’s worth transcends societal expectations and JD Vance isn’t qualified to represent anyone with his stated belief.
In this episode, Claudia Köstler discusses President Biden’s announcement to step down as the Democratic nominee in 2024 and what that means for the U.S. and the rest of the world. She expresses her love for America but also raises concerns about the political landscape and the recent happenings. Claudia emphasizes the importance of the upcoming American federal election and the choice between continuing the constitutional republic or voting for an authoritarian regime. She discusses the lack of a succession plan within the Democratic Party and suggests that Kamala Harris should take over as the presidential candidate. Claudia highlights the need for someone to build bridges and bring people together, and she believes that Kamala Harris, as a woman and a black woman, is the ideal candidate to do so.
We’re tackling the buzzworthy topic of cannabis legalization in Germany. Grab your preferred chill beverage and join Claudia! Cannabis in Germany has a long history, from its hemp heyday in the 1920s to its criminalization in the 1970s. Fast forward to 2017, medical cannabis was legalized, and as of April 2024, small quantities for personal use are allowed. The new law aims to curb the black market and ensure quality, but don’t expect Dutch-style weed shops—Germany’s sticking to cannabis social clubs and other limited channels. Opinions are split, but one thing’s clear: times are changing, and so might our society. What about Claudia? Does she avail herself of this new freedom? Tune in and find out.
Bavaria’s Sundays are slower than the rest of Germany and many other countries. Most public and private organizations are closed, which has its plusses and minuses. It’s a matter of personal choice, Claudia says, but – spoiler alert! – for those wanting to get things done, she likes how Sundays are managed elsewhere.
OHOT will be bringing more episodes in different formats with international and celebrity guests. Exciting and engaging topics that our audiences have told us they want to hear about. So stay tuned, spread the word, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Farmers strikes are prevalent throughout the EU, some of which can have a distinct impact on a country’s economy and across society. In Germany, recent farmer protests have caused chaos, blocking roads and factories. In this podcast episode, Over Here, Over There’ co-host Claudia Koestler provides an in-depth explanation of the ongoing farmers’ protests in her country. Learn about the issues, demands, and troubles as farmers voice their concerns and fight for their rights – while some take intolerable measures and deepen the division of society. Stay informed on the background and latest developments surrounding this new and significant movement in Germany.
Having something for long a time one could start thinking, rightly or wrongly, that it is yours. The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are Greek sculptures that have been housed in the British Museum for more than 200 years. As Claudia explains, the Marbles were taken controversially from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. It is believed they were forcibly removed and sold to the British government, sparking a debate that continues to this day. This is a classic ‘Over Here, Over There’ issue about how the Greek and British governments each view this intractable matter. But let’s leave it to Claudia to offer a solution and tell us why it is important not only to these two countries but to world heritage.
Tune in to hear how different Monday mornings are from your town or city as Claudia makes her way to work in her Alpine splendor in Bavaria. Some things may be familiar, but the breathtaking landscape certainly helps distract her from the Monday morning blues. So, if you’re listening to this on your way to work in Los Angeles, Buenos Aires, New York City, Berlin, or Sydney, just imagine – with Claudia’s help – what it would be like to be among the snow-capped mountains, frosty air, and pristine lakes of this beautiful Alpine region. But remember to keep your eyes on the road! Enjoy.
‘Life is too short to learn German’, said Oscar Wilde. And even for a native German speaker, it does have its challenges. Over Here, Over There podcast co-host Claudia Koestler takes you through the quirky nuances and daunting tongue-twisters that give credence to Wilde’s perspective. Still, it can be rather amusing to hear a German word that is as long as a football pitch or another that captures the tone and feeling that only the preciseness that the German language can do. Enjoy (Genießen)!
‘There’s no place like home’, said Dorothy in one of the most famous final lines in cinematic history in The Wizard of Oz. The concept of home has intrigued writers, scholars, travelers, artists, soldiers, students, and every human being who has ever walked the planet. So it has with Claudia as she prepares to leave a place she has called home for twenty-seven years and start anew somewhere else. She explores the uniqueness of the German meaning of Heimat, which its closest equivalent in English is ‘homeland’. Claudia doesn’t break out into ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, but you will want to listen to how she explores the usage of Heimat over time in Germany and asks listeners to think of the visceral and poignant nature of its meaning in their language and to humanity.
In this episode, Claudia Koestler considers the ‘Over Here, Over There’ aspects of politeness and kindness in Germany relative to her experiences abroad. She provides three anecdotes that highlight the friendliness, or lack thereof, and unfeeling directness that make her wistfully remember how it was done ‘over there’. An interesting perspective from a frequent international traveler about her countrymen and women.
Bavaria’s Sundays are slower than the rest of Germany and many other countries. Most public and private organizations are closed, which has its plusses and minuses. It’s a matter of personal choice, Claudia says, but – spoiler alert! – for those wanting to get things done, she likes how Sundays are managed elsewhere.
OHOT will be bringing more episodes in different formats with international and celebrity guests. Exciting and engaging topics that our audiences have told us they want to hear about. So stay tuned, spread the word, and don’t forget to subscribe!