Mad in Germany

Oliver Moody: Russia, Germany's Security Blindspot & the Baltic Warning Could Russia really strike Berlin? Times correspondent Oliver Moody reveals why Germany has catastrophically underestimated the threat from the East, how "Wandel durch Handel" became a strategic trap, and what the Baltic states can teach Europe about deterrence in the new era of great power conflict. We explore: ⚡ Russia would target Berlin first — why a Baltic war wouldn't stay in the Baltics ⚡ Germany as NATO's weak link — the political shock war would bring to German society ⚡ "Wandel durch Handel" backfired — how transformation through trade transformed Germany instead ⚡ The Petersburg Dialogue deception — how Russia played German elites for decades ⚡ Nord Stream's strategic mistake — the new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact ⚡ Merkel's profitable illusion — cheap Russian gas, Chinese exports, American security ⚡ Baltic lessons for Europe — what northeastern Europe knows that Berlin doesn't "Germany thought they were building civil society ties to nudge Russia toward liberal democracy. They were absolutely played." "There's still latent desire in German media to restart the gas flow and rebuild the relationship." 👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations:    / @madingermany   🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #MadInGermany #OliverMoody #Russia #Germany #Geopolitics #NATO #BalticStates #NordStream #Ukraine #EuropeanSecurity #TheTimes #WandelDurchHandel #Putin #Merkel #ForeignPolicy #DefensePolicy CREDITS Mad in Germany Host: James Jackson Guest: Oliver Moody (Times Berlin Correspondent, Author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe") Editor: Luardo Eduardo Gamero Producer: Lya Cuellar Thumbnail: Kern Mangan-Walker 🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes. ❤️ Support Mad in Germany: https://www.patreon.com/c/madingermanypod TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction — Oliver Moody on Germany's geopolitical blindspot 00:03:15 Would Russia attack the Baltics? — The real threat assessment 00:06:40 Germany as prime target — Why Berlin would be hit first 00:10:20 Germany's peace tradition — Soft on Russia politics and historical baggage 00:15:45 "Wandel durch Handel" — How transformation through trade backfired 00:22:30 The Petersburg Dialogue — Russia's strategic manipulation of German elites 00:28:15 Nord Stream pipelines — The new Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact 00:35:50 Merkel's profitable illusion — Cheap gas, Chinese markets, American protection 00:42:20 Germany's Russia problem — Elite capture and commercial self-interest 00:48:10 NATO's deterrence challenge — What war in Europe would really look like 00:55:30 Baltic lessons — What northeastern Europe can teach the West ABOUT OLIVER MOODY Oliver Moody is The Times' Berlin correspondent and author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe" (published in German as "Konflikt an der Ostsee"). His book examines geopolitics in northeastern Europe and what the West can learn from the Baltic states' approach to Russian aggression and deterrence strategy. As a correspondent covering Germany and European security, Moody provides in-depth analysis of Germany's Russia policy, NATO dynamics, and the strategic challenges facing Europe in an era of renewed great power competition. His reporting combines on-the-ground journalism with deep geopolitical insight into one of the world's most volatile regions. Note: This conversation was recorded in December 2024. While some specific geopolitical developments have occurred since then, the strategic analysis of Germany's position and European security dynamics remains highly relevant. Thumbnail image is not AI generated. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on Mad in Germany are their own and do not reflect those of the producers or its licensees. The appearance of this programme on social media platforms does not imply endorsement. The producers disclaim any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures is based on publicly available information and does not imply wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

Mad in Germany - Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus: Childhood in Israel, Life in Germany Berlin-based Israeli author Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus talks about his new book Keinheimisch. Kindheit in Israel, Leben in Deutschland, the impossibility of feeling indigenous after October 7, and about living in a country that believes in its own redemption as a completed project. 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @madingermanyod   🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CBmcHw... CREDITS Mad in Germany Host: James Jackson Guest: Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus Editor: Luardo Eduardo Gamero Producer: Lya Cuellar 🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes. ❤️ Support Mad in Germany on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/madingermanypod TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction: Keinheimisch, the impossibility of feeling indigenous in Israel after October 7 00:01:45 Facing the past: Dealing with war crimes within family history 00:07:44 No Wiedergutmachung: The treatment of Holocaust survivors in Israel 00:14:01 Silent roots: Growing up in Israel 00:16:28 Undigenous: A theoretical twist to indigeneity 00:23:23 Diaspora: Fighting antisemitism here and everywhere 00:27:12 Jewish "Community" in Germany 00:31:46 Redemption: Are Germans good now? 00:41:33 Ordnung muss sein: Beating protesters in the name of law and order 00:43:35 Conversion in Germany: What DID you experience? 00:53:54 Erradicating antisemitism: Bad faith actors turn the conversation antisemitic 00:59:39 A teller of uncomfortable truths: Being a "controversial" writer in Germany ABOUT TOMER DOTAN-DREYFUS Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus grew up in Haifa, Israel, and has been living in Berlin as an author and translator since 2011. He writes regularly about Israel and Palestine as well as antisemitism in Germany. His articles appear in publications such as Süddeutsche Zeitung, taz, and Berliner Zeitung. His first novel, Birobidschan (Voland & Quist), was longlisted for the 2023 German Book Prize. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on Mad in Germany are their own and do not reflect those of the producers or its licensees. The appearance of this programme on social media platforms does not imply endorsement.  The producers disclaim any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures is based on publicly available information and does not imply wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/madingermanypod Mad in Germany - Norman Ohler: The Hidden Pharmaceutical History of the Third Reich From the Führer's opioid addiction to Germany's methamphetamine-fueled Blitzkrieg, from CIA mind control experiments to a potential 2033 chancellor bid—bestselling author Norman Ohler reveals the hidden pharmaceutical history that shaped the 20th century and explains why he believes psychedelics hold the key to humanity's future. We explore: ⚡ The Führer's substance cocktail — oxycodone, hormones, and the doctor who kept him high ⚡ Pervitin and the Blitzkrieg — how crystal meth powered German military victories ⚡ The toxic bond — a dictator and his doctor's codependent pharmaceutical nightmare ⚡ From German labs to MKUltra — how LSD became a weapon of war ⚡ Chancellor Ohler 2033? — why he's serious about running for office ⚡ The War on Substances — a Cold War relic that must end ⚡ Germany's right-wing surge — AfD, Merz, and echoes of Weimar "The National Socialists were actually Germany's first anti-substance government. That was the propaganda. And that propaganda carried all the way through." "Fascism hates the other because you have a problem with yourself." 👉 Follow us on Instagram: @madingermanypod #MadInGermany #NormanOhler #Blitzed #Tripped #Germany #WWII #History #Psychedelics #GermanPolitics #AfD #HistoryBooks #Documentary #ThirdReich #MKUltra #ColdWar CREDITS Mad in Germany Host: James Jackson Guest: Norman Ohler Editor: Luardo Eduardo Gamero Producer: Lya Cuellar Thumbnail: Luardo Eduardo Gamero 🎥 Click to watch. Subscribe for new episodes. ❤️ Support Mad in Germany:   / madingermanypod   TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction — How oxycodone kept the Führer charismatic 00:03:20 Blitzed — Rewriting Third Reich history through pharmaceuticals 00:08:16 The personal physician — Dr. Morell's experimental treatments 00:19:23 Pervitin — Germany's methamphetamine miracle weapon 00:22:01 The Blitzkrieg explained — tanks on crystal meth through France 00:34:03 Academic battles — Praise and criticism from historians 00:46:54 The fascist character — Psychology of fear and aggression 00:50:06 Norman Ohler for Chancellor 2033 — A serious announcement 01:00:22 Israel and Palestine — German responsibility to speak truth 01:08:15 The AfD surge — Germany's dangerous right-wing moment 01:15:50 Tripped — LSD, the Third Reich, and CIA mind control 01:26:30 Drug legalization — Why all substances should be legal ABOUT NORMAN OHLER Norman Ohler is a New York Times bestselling German author, novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. His groundbreaking book Blitzed: Substances in the Third Reich (published in over 30 languages) revolutionized our understanding of that period by exposing the regime's massive pharmaceutical use—from methamphetamine-fueled soldiers to the Führer's opioid dependency. His follow-up, Tripped: Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age, traces how German LSD experiments influenced the CIA's MKUltra program and shaped modern policy. Ohler spent five years researching in German and American archives, uncovering the personal physician's notes and military distribution records. He also wrote The Bohemians about resistance in Berlin. A former writer-in-residence in Ramallah, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, Ohler conducted the last interview with Yasser Arafat. He lives in Berlin and plans to run for German Chancellor in 2033. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on Mad in Germany are their own and do not reflect those of the producers or its licensees. The appearance of this programme on social media platforms does not imply endorsement.  The producers disclaim any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures is based on publicly available information and does not imply wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de The German Left party have gone from strength to strength and look set to overtake the Greens nationally and even the SPD in the capital. But how did they achieve that and why are some people still not happy with their positions? Daniel Bax looks at these questions as well as the enfant terrible Sahra Wagenknecht’s conservative socialist party BSW

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de In this conversation, journalist and author Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi talks about her new book Rausländer: Our Suitcases Are Packed, a bold and deeply personal examination of racism, exclusion, and belonging in today’s Germany. In Rausländer, Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi explores how life in Germany has become increasingly shaped by fear, alienation, and everyday racism for people with migration backgrounds. Drawing on her own experiences and conversations with activists, artists, and thinkers — including Enissa Amani, Tupoka Ogette, and Lamya Kaddor — she reveals how discrimination manifests not only in political rhetoric, but also in daily encounters, workplaces, and education. Published by Rowohlt in April 2025, Rausländer combines memoir, reportage, and social critique, confronting the dangerous normalization of exclusionary ideas, from “remigration” to “overforeignization.” It’s both a wake-up call and a hopeful appeal for a more inclusive, empathetic society. 

Please support us at: https://www.patreon.com/madingermanypod?l=de Our guest is Alice Hasters, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author of What White People Don’t Want to Hear About Racism, but Should Know Anyway. In her work, Alice examines how racism operates in everyday life in Germany: often quietly, but with profound impact. We talked about her personal experiences as a Black German woman, the myths of a “post-racial” society, and what meaningful anti-racism looks like beyond slogans.

Donate here to cover our production costs https://ko-fi.com/madingermanypod Malcolm is a Palestinian-Nigerian-German journalist known for presenting for public media about pop music and culture. He has a refreshingly positive viewpoint on Germany, despite his (Christian) Palestinian heritage - so he doesn't shy away from speaking honestly about misconceptions. 

We are joined by Chris Reiter and Willk Wilkes, authors of “Broken Republik: The Inside Story of Germany’s Descent into Crisis"

Donate here to cover our production costs https://ko-fi.com/madingermanypod We are joined by German independent journalist Hanno Hauenstein to discuss the failures of the mainstream media to capture the reality of the Middle East conflict, the “pungent display of ignorance” by Berlin’s mayor, in a refreshingly personal conversation.

Wafaa Saied is a young singer from Gaza based in Berlin. As a Palestinian in Germany her entire identity has been questioned even before 2023. She discusses her childhood in Gaza, reveals experiences of anti-Palestinian racism and talks about the power of music in the face of injustice.

Please support our production costs ! https://ko-fi.com/madingermanypod   A spectre is haunting Germany - the spectre of the left party passing the 5 percent hurdle in the upcoming Bundestag election. But how did things get so bad for the party and how are they turning it around? Long-time left-watcher and critical supporter Loren Balhorn explained the "Stalinist" roots of the "anti-deutsch", why the left is so white & middle class, and why he still has hope for a better society.   Director of Photography: Tom Wills Producer: Lya Cuéllar

Did you know that Germany, which is proud of its "social market economy," has the same wealth inequality as Mexico? Most wealth is inherited, not earned, and some comes with dark secrets. Martyna Linartas, co-founder of Ungleichheit.info, thinks the solution is simple: tax the rich!

Author and investigative journalist Mohamed Amjahid author of "alles nur Einzelfälle? das System hinter der Polizeigewalt" explains why Germans treat police like a religion, the history of violent plots by police and his pessimistic ideas for reforms.   Producer - Lya Cuéllar

Melina Borčak is an expert on anti-Muslim r*cism,  genoc*de and a Bosnian genocide survivor, author of bestselling “Mekka Hier Mekka Da” about how linguistic and media framing contributed to r*cism. She explained to @madingermanypod the brutality of what’s happening in G*za, what anti Muslim racism looks like and why it’s so prevalent on the left, and why Europe “co-operated” in the Bosnian genocide.

Germany and Israel have a historical relationship of mutual benefit, argues political scientist Daniel Marwecki, whose extensive research in the archive showed a disturbing pattern of antisemitism among postwar German officials, including those who supported the Jewish state. Their goal was to make Germany acceptable in the eyes of the world, "whitewashing" its reputation, rather than to help Jews, and they made deals to keep Nazi war criminals out of custody to achieve that.

"Israel must end the occupation as soon as possible". Professor in International Law Matthias Goldmann explains why Germany's support for Israel can be in conflict with the rule of law itself domestically and internationally, why the term Staatsräson is highly problematic, and whether police treat pro-Palestinians differently from neo-Nazis.

For the second part of this conversation, we spoke about Germany's complex relationship with its own past, the far-right influencing discourse on Israel and that impacting Germany, and her court case with Mirna Funk.   Stay mad.

"I experience German society as deeply antisemitic." In the first episode of Mad in Germany, Berlin-based independent journalist James Jackson interviews Deborah Feldman, author of Unorthodox & Judenfetisch. She is a leading commentator on Germany's "fetishizing" relationship with Jews and the way that Zionism has become a way for Germany to whitewash its history. Part 1 of 2.