Everyone Is Moving To Berlin

Kevin Alterfritz, historian and Potsdam aficionado, takes us beyond Berlin’s shadow to reveal why many believe Potsdam is the real highlight. We explore the city's hidden gems, from the Dutch Quarter to the Russian Colony and the palatial parks that outshine even Sanssouci. Kevin shares his personal journey with Potsdam, tips for experiencing its compact beauty, and why it's known as Germany's Beverly Hills. Berlin Welcome Package Ideas: 1 Year Free Membership for Therapy Set of Rose-Tinted Glasses Light Therapy Lamp Keychain Multitool Potsdam You can contact Kevin at kevin.alterfritz@gmail.com. He also gives private tours of Berlin and Potsdam but be aware that he is often booked-up months in advance. A great way to get to know Potsdam is with the walking tours offered by the city tourism office, Potsdamer Service & Marketing GmbH. Kevin's inside tips for the summer: Pfingstberg Belvedere Meierei brewery and beer garden (The brewery pub is open year-round) Marble Palace (This palace is open year-round on weekends) Swimming area at the Heiliger See Culture Area Schiffbauergasse Villa Colony Babelsberg (The city tourism office tours given here are only in German!) At this time of year (November and December), Potsdam offers several Christmas Markets. Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

Lony and Sean fell in love with Berlin on a summer tour and spontaneously decided to swap their life in North Carolina for a fresh start in Berlin. The couple not only navigated the maze of immigration laws and managed to secure a skilled worker's visa for Sean, who's a barber by trade, but also quickly scored work contracts and an apartment. In this episode, they reveal the steps that led to their seamless transition. Show Notes Lony's Mindmap Make it in Germany Expats in Wonderland Rowdy Barber International Women in Berlin (Facebook) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Geoff and Alex — better known as "Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey" — join us to discuss their decade-long experience of living in Berlin. We talk about quirky German traditions, what it's like when everyone switches to English for your benefit and the pros and cons of the German supermarket-experience. They also have quite a few tips for Berlin newcomers. Show Notes Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey (Website & Podcast) AGDW - An Expat Channel (YouTube) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Back from our summer break, Manuel speaks with Olivia, Rae, and Laura who all chose a plant-based lifestyle. We talk about Berlin's reputation as a vegan haven, animal rights activism in Berlin and how to survive as a vegan when traveling to smaller towns in Germany. And: So many restaurant recommendations (all linked below). Show Notes olivethevegan_ (Instagram) Dominion (YouTube) Peter Singer: Animal Liberation (Goodreads) Ed Winters: This Vegan Propaganda (Goodreads) Animal Rights Square HappyCow Veganz Garden Gourmet Veggie Lovers Pizza Vegan Community Berlin (WhatsApp Group Invite) Mentioned Cafés & Restaurants (Google Maps) Plant Base Kiez Falafel Tak Tak Nam Y La Stela Nera Milano Vice Försters Vaust Feel Seoul Good Vöner li.ke : serious||thai||vegan Swing Kitchen Vincent Vegan Vedang Veg'd Die Vetzgerei KIM999 Emira Vegan Sushi Restaurant Secret Garden Cookies Cream Kopps Lucky Leek FREA Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

We're about to take a summer break — but first, a glimpse into Jae's "toxic relationship" with Berlin: He's getting evicted, received an unexpected 1,900 euros hospital bill and has a knack for receiving all kinds of fines and fees. Despite all that, he's staying resolute and optimistic. Show Notes Deutschlandticket vs. VBB-Umweltticket der BVG 9-Euro-Fonds Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Is there too much (or too little) stuff in your life? In this mini-episode, Manuel explains how to buy and sell used things in Berlin. Besides (not-eBay) Kleinanzeigen and Vinted, two popular online platforms, there's the hugely popular Mauerpark Flohmarkt, various other fleamarkets and the Berliner Fahrradmarkt. (And: Scammers!) Show Notes George Carlin: Stuff (YouTube) Kleinanzeigen Best of Kleinanzeigen (Instagram) Vinted Flohmarkt im Mauerpark Flohmärkte in Berlin (Berlin.de) Berliner Fahrradmarkt Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Berlin is amazing in the summer! In this episode, Jae details his trip to a local nudist beach, and Manuel describes his experience at a Kings of Leon open-air show. We also recommend visiting Berlin's open-air swimming pools, and Jae shares his experience hosting a party at Tempelhofer Feld. Show Notes Teufelssee (Berlin.de) Outdoor swimming pools (Visit Berlin) Parkbühne Wuhlheide Waldbühne Berlin Fusion Festival Hurricane Festival Rock am Ring Festival Whole Festival Songkick App Bandsintown App Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Berlin, a city known for its urban "roughness," surprises visitors with its captivating parks. These green havens offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting moments of escape, peace, and unity. In this episode, Jae shares his personal connection to some of Berlin's favorite parks and the significance they hold for him. While not an exhaustive list, this episode serves as an inspiring starting point for those eager to explore the vast greenery and discover the hidden treasures within Berlin's parklands. Show Notes Parks & Gardens in Berlin (Berlin.de) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

In this episode, we share our personal experiences with therapy, offer guidance on recognizing when you might need therapy, and explain how to find an English-speaking therapist in Berlin. We also explain if and when therapy is covered by insurance in Germany, describe what a first consultation looks like, and provide tips for finding a permanent therapist. Please note: This episode discusses mental health, but it's not a substitute for professional advice. If you're in crisis, reach out to a healthcare provider immediately or contact a crisis hotline in your country. Show Notes Maybe You Should Talk to Someone (Goodreads) List of English-speaking psychotherapists in Berlin (All About Berlin) 116117 — Der Patientenservice PsychInfo: Psychotherapeuten-Suchdienst Berliner Krisendienst Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

Berliners love their lakes — especially in the summer. In this episode, Manuel recommends 7 lakes to check out when you're new to the city, explains what a "Strandbad" is, urges you to avoid the crowds and gives a primer nudist culture (FKK) in Germany. Show Notes Naked Berlin sunbather chases wild boar after it steals his laptop (I Am Expat) Berliner Seen (berlin.de) 11 schöne Seen in und um Berlin (Mit Vergnügen) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

It's been a year, and Jae is still looking for a permanent place to live. This episode is all about what he's learned in the process. Everyone who got an amazing place at a good price "just got lucky" — but you won't get lucky without being fast and prepared. We explore how to navigate ImmoScout, the popular housing platform, break down what you need to include in your housing application to stand out and remind you of the importance of personal connections. Stay hopeful! PS: Manuel here. I said "tenant" when I meant "landlord" like 50 times in this episode. Hope that's not too confusing. Sorry about that! Show Notes ImmoScout24 WG-Gesucht And here's a quick template for your housing application message in German (only if you are indeed employed and don't have any pets — translate this before sending it!): Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, mein Name ist [your name]. Ich bin [your age, just digits] Jahre alt und habe eine Festanstellung als [your job title] bei [company name]. Ich habe keine Haustiere, bin ordentlich und zuverlässig und suche eine Wohnung auf Dauer in Berlin. Über die Möglichkeit einer Besichtigung würde ich mich sehr freuen. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [Your full name]   Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

Survival mode can be a necessary response when moving to a new city, but when does it become time to transition to thriving mode? In this episode, Jae reflects on his experiences of living in Berlin for over a year and the moment when he realized he had been in survival mode for too long. He shares the impact this had on his mental health and the strategies he has been using to transition to thriving, such as finding community and prioritizing self-care. Show Notes Jae’s Website: jae-creates.com Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

In this episode, 19-year-old Olivia shares what it's like being an au pair in Berlin. She explains how to find an au pair family, shares what her working hours and pay look like, and provides "top tips to make an au pair stay great". We also dive into cultural differences between Germany and the UK. Show Notes Olivia's YouTube channel Olivia on Instagram AuPairWorld Animal Rights Squares Berlin (Facebook) Kiez Falafel near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz (Google Maps) Brammibal’s Donuts Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Berlin has sooo many libraries! In this episode, Manuel sums up the variety of resources offered by the VÖBB libraries, the Berlin State Library, and university libraries. You'll learn about the affordable library card and its benefits, including digital services and access to eBook, audio books and magazines — and hopefully feel inspired to check out your nearest library. Show Notes VÖBB - Association of Public Libraries in Berlin Map of libraries Digital services Libraries in Berlin with public WiFi access Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Official Website) Berlin State Library (Wikipedia) Digitized Collections of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Lulu Johnson, author of "Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love and Relationships", joins us to share her wild dating experiences in the city of "non-commitment". In her 8 years of Berlin dating, she's seen it all — even the proud smile of a convicted murderer. We discuss why dating in Berlin seems to be so difficult, discuss the pros and cons of using dating apps, and gather Lulu's top dating advice for those seeking love in Berlin. Show Notes Lulu Johnson: Dating in Berlin: Tales of Modern Love and Relationships Lulu on Instagram  Esther Perel: Mating in Captivity: Reconciling the Erotic and the Domestic (Goodreads) Esther Perel: The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity (Goodreads) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

Losing your passport (or getting it stolen) can be a very scary and daunting experience, especially if you’re not really sure what to do next. In this episode, we discuss what to do if you lose your passport while living in Berlin, including the specific process for reporting the loss or theft, obtaining a new passport, and navigating the visa implications. We also offer practical tips for preventing the loss or theft of your passport while living or travelling in Berlin. Show Notes US Travel State Website US Embassy in Berlin Berlin State Office for Immigration 1Password Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Ricardo Ancona, a true film nerd and former theater owner, declares Berlin a movie lover's paradise. In this episode, he unveils the secrets of German cinema etiquette – from sweet popcorn, licorice and wine to hushed tones – and explains audio and subtitle choices. He also provides an overview of the many independent "Programmkinos" in Berlin — many of which you can even get a monthly flatrate subscription for. Lastly, we cover Berlin's open air cinemas and ask how one attends the Berlinale film festival. Show Notes Ricardo auf Twitter: @WittyGuacamole Berlin Programmkinos: Tilsiter, b-ware, In Times, Wolf Kino, Kino Krokodil, Lichtblick, Hackesche Höfe, Brotfabrik, Filmrauschpalast (Moabit), Sputnik Hidden Gems: Arsenal, Zeughaus Kino, Kino International, Delphi Lux Open-air Kino Berlin Yorck Unlimited Yorck MonGay Silent movie at Babylon Berlin Berlinale Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

Upon listener request, Manuel explores the ins and outs of using public transportation in Berlin. You'll learn about the various types of transportation available, such as the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and trams, and how to find your route and buy tickets. You'll also hear about the different types of tickets, what the new "Deutschlandticket" is all about, and how to navigate the system with children, dogs, and bicycles. Show Notes How to use public transit in Berlin (All About Berlin) Linie 1 Musical (Wikipedia) Linie 1 - Hey Du (YouTube) BVG „Is mir egal" (feat. Kazim Akboga) (YouTube) Ferry Route Map (BVG) BVG Ticket-App (BVG) Jelbi App (BVG) DB Navigator App VBB-Umweltkarte (BVG) Deutschlandticket (BVG) How to pay (or avoid paying) a BVG fine (All About Berlin) Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord  

Michel van Collenburg is a musician and photographer living in the Netherlands who, every year, finds his way back to Berlin for it’s creativity and inspiration. In this episode, we find out more about Michel’s journey and how he has made Berlin his “second home”. Michel offers insights into his creative process, discusses his photo book and album inspired by Berlin, and gives tips for newcomers and visitors looking to explore the city's artistic side. Guest: Michel van Collenburg nobuka auf Spotify nobuka auf Bandcamp Photography: @coffeeandcigarettes_72 auf Instagram Music: nobuka_music auf Instagram Show Notes Coming To Berlin (Goodreads) Lost And Sound (Podcast on Apple Podcasts) c|o Berlin Wabi-sabi (Wikipedia) echtzeitmusik - kleiner berliner konzert kalender Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord

In this episode, Jae reflects on his 10-month journey of moving from Texas to Berlin. It explores Jae’s feelings of homesickness, what he misses most about the US, what he appreciates about Berlin, and whether he plans on staying in Berlin long-term. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Jae shares his experiences of adjusting to a new culture and finding a sense of belonging in this foreign city. Show Notes ChatGPT → if anyone want’s to try it hehe Contribute: everyone.berlin/contribute Discord: everyone.berlin/discord