Plus Forty Nine is the ultimate podcast for internationals and expats living in Germany. Each week we dive into the personal stories and experiences of other expats. Together, we look back on their unique journey and explore how they have adapted to life in Germany. We address key challenges, offer practical solutions and valuable tips to help you truly feel at home here. In addition to these conversations, we offer you a select news section, up-to-date information on local events and our ASK a German segment, where we get answers directly from our German friends to bridge the cultural gap. Whether you've just arrived or have lived here for years: Plus Forty Nine is your guide to life in Germany.
In this episode of Plus Forty-Nine, we speaks with Yash Das Sharma, a marketing and business development professional originally from Kolkata, India, who has been living in Berlin for six years. Trained in political science, international relations, and public policy, Yash’s path into communication was anything but linear. The conversation explores how Berlin shaped his professional identity, the role of brutal honesty in German work culture, adapting to direct feedback, and the challenge of setting boundaries in environments that reward efficiency over people-pleasing. Yash also reflects on leadership, migrant work ethics, failure as a learning tool, and the question many internationals quietly ask: why punctuality matters so deeply in Germany. An honest, thoughtful episode about growth, resilience, and learning how to communicate impact without losing yourself along the way.
05.02.26 • 30:24
In this episode, we sit down with Chiemela, a product manager from Nigeria living in Berlin, whose name means “God has done well.” What starts as a conversation about moving to Germany for work quickly becomes a deeper reflection on language, cultural adjustment, community, and the quiet ways belonging is built over time. Chiemela shares what surprised him most about German directness, why adapting your communication style matters more than changing who you are, and how finding community through work, faith, and friendships makes life here feel grounded. We also talk about winter survival, vitamin D, Germany’s love of paperwork, and whether this country is really as automated as it thinks it is. The episode closes with a reflection on German honesty: where it comes from, why it’s not meant to be rude, and how learning to read it differently can make life here a little easier.
30.01.26 • 29:48
Laura Soto never planned to stay in Germany. Like many internationals, she arrived through love, stayed through circumstance, and slowly built a life through resilience, curiosity, and openness to change. In this episode, Laura shares how Germany became home after heartbreak, bureaucracy, a second master’s degree, and an unexpected journey into entrepreneurship. As a Colombian founder working in Germany’s startup ecosystem, Laura reflects on cultural differences between Latin America and Germany, why migrants often thrive in innovation, and how learning not to “submit” to perfection became essential to her confidence. From navigating German structure and skepticism to embracing risk, failure, and difference, this conversation explores what it really means to belong without losing yourself. It’s an honest, warm, and practical reflection on building a life between cultures and learning to take the best from all of them.
22.01.26 • 33:51
What happens when you build a business before you’re fully prepared for it and then have the courage to let it go? In this episode, Andrea speaks with Munay Zamorano, entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of the Female Founder Academy. Born in Germany to Chilean and US-American roots, Monaisa reflects on growing up between cultures, buying her first company at twenty-three, navigating German bureaucracy, and learning when growth becomes misalignment. They talk about business succession instead of the usual startup myth, the emotional reality of entrepreneurship, failure as a learning space rather than a flaw, and why migrants are often more willing to take entrepreneurial risks. Monaisa also shares how her multicultural background shapes her leadership style, why she never struggled with impostor syndrome, and what she sees every week working with founders across Germany. A grounded conversation about ambition without burnout, structure without rigidity, and why sometimes the most radical move is knowing when to sell, rest, and begin again. Perfect listening for anyone building something new in Germany or questioning whether the path they’re on still fits.
17.12.25 • 33:51
In this episode of PlusFortyNine, we talk to life and career coach Simon de los Rios about what really happens when you reinvent yourself far from home. Simon grew up in Colombia, spent almost two decades in Miami, studied in Europe and eventually chose Germany as the “hardest” next step: new language, coldest climate, barely any prior connection. Behind that decision were years of high-pressure leadership jobs, a pattern of burning out every five years and several long sabbaticals that ended in a silent retreat in Indonesia – and the realisation that something had to change. Together they talk about migration as a permanent transition, the pressure to just “take any job” to keep the visa, how to make space for intuition in the middle of bureaucratic chaos, and why he now makes decisions based on excitement rather than fear. Sigrid shares her own crash-landing from diplomat to suddenly visa-less in Berlin – and why she still chose to stay. This episode is a reminder that if you’ve managed to migrate, you’ve already done something incredibly hard. You’re allowed to be proud of that, even while you’re still figuring out what comes next.
10.12.25 • 30:44
This week, we dive into something many newcomers think about sooner or later: getting a pet in Germany. And let’s be honest - nothing prepares you for how seriously Germans take dogs, cats, and every creature in between. We talk with Katja Herbst, a Tierheilpraktikerin - basically an animal health practitioner who works with dogs, cats, and horses using traditional Chinese veterinary medicine. She explains what you need to know before adopting a pet, how to choose the right breed for your life, why some “trendy dogs” struggle with health issues, and what makes German adoption centers so thorough. We also explore acupuncture for animals, what a first appointment looks like, and why even the most energetic dogs suddenly melt into deep relaxation when the needles go in. Katja shares her approach, what she looks for in an animal’s environment, and why prevention matters as much as treatment. If you're thinking about bringing a furry friend into your life or you already have one and want to understand Germany’s approach to pet care this episode is for you.
03.12.25 • 27:47
In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, Andrea hosts her first interview in the series and sits down with Vanessa Muñoz-Pretzell - a yoga teacher from El Paso with Mexican, Lebanese and Cherokee roots who has been living in Berlin for eight years. They talk about how yoga became Vanessa’s path, what it means to move from warm, open cultures to Berlin’s rough edges, and how language, community and small rituals can slowly turn a foreign city into home. Vanessa shares what shocked her, what she’s grown to love, why she still misses desert sun and good tacos, and how Berlin taught her to set boundaries and use her voice. It’s a conversation about migration, identity, yoga as community and yes, about one of the most “very German” topics of all: the culture of nudity in saunas.
26.11.25 • 32:01
Week 47 of Plus Forty Nine takes us to Berlin with Andrew and Maurice, the two minds behind 20 Percent Berlin – a newsletter and podcast that translates the city’s news, quirks, and politics for the 20% of residents without a German passport (and the many more who feel that way). In this episode, we dive into how 20 Percent Berlin emerged from a pandemic layoff and became a lifeline for anyone who needs Berlin’s news in English to feel included. We get into the idea of German burnout - the deep fear of change, the “no experiments” mindset, and why something as small as a platform change on a train can send people into panic mode. We also unpack Germany’s complicated relationship with technology, from faxes and EC cards to cash-only signs and Datenschutz anxieties that seem rooted in a fear of repeating history.
19.11.25 • 34:39
We’re replaying one of our favorite conversations with Jen and Yvonne from Simple Germany—a smart, funny guide to making life here actually work. We talk language as the real unlock, the first steps after arrival, and how to avoid the classic newcomer traps.
17.11.25 • 20:18
In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we speak with Andrea Fahmel, who grew up between Mexico and Germany - two cultures that shaped her identity, language, and sense of belonging. Andrea shares what it’s like to live with a “liquid identity,” how German communities in Mexico kept traditions alive, and why directness something she once found intimidating has become one of her favorite parts of German culture. Together, they talk about homesickness in the age of social media, the power of language in shaping integration, and the quiet lessons learned when you start understanding not just a country’s words, but its rhythm.
05.11.25 • 22:05
In this warm and reflective episode, Mika - a Venezuelan entrepreneur and now the Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Cómplice in Germany shares her story of migration, reinvention, and finding ritual in a new home. From escaping instability in Venezuela to falling in love with Mexico’s rich mezcal traditions, her journey is one of resilience, identity, and cultural connection. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual depth of mezcal, how it’s lovingly handcrafted over generations, and why it should never be "shot," but savored. We also talk about living through Berlin’s long winters, finding seasonal joy, and why Día de los Muertos is less about mourning and more about celebrating love that endures.
28.10.25 • 33:20
Berlin 2035 – Music, Global Goals, and the Vision of a World Expo In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we speak with Henning Wehmeyer, Managing Director of EXPO 2035 Berlin GmbH, about the bold idea of bringing the World Expo back to Germany this time to Berlin. From the city’s open-air pianos symbolizing the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals to the concept of a multi-centric expo that stretches across neighborhoods rather than staying confined to a single site, Henning shares how Berlin’s story of transformation from division to diversity could become a global stage for cooperation. We explore how Expo 2035 aims to connect local projects with international dialogue, why civil society is driving the bid, and how Berlin can inspire solutions for sustainability, mobility, health, and peace. Along the way, Henning reflects on music as a universal connector, the lessons of past Expos, and the message he hopes to pass on to his children: that diversity, openness, and small steps can create big change.
22.10.25 • 27:48
Speaking Across Borders – Stories of Identity and Connection In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, Nancy Bravo, founder of Bravo Intercultural, shares how identity, and culture intersect in the lives of newcomers to Germany. Drawing on her work as an intercultural consultant and trainer, Nancy reflects on the hidden emotional labor of adaptation, the power to shape belonging, and the fine balance between maintaining heritage and embracing change. She also discusses the tools needed for successful integration both for migrants and host communities including insights from her book and the practical frameworks she uses in workshops that help people adapt across cultures.
15.10.25 • 24:43
Arriving, Joining, Belonging – Stories about Life in Germany In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, Sukesh Das, co-founder of MyRelocater, talks about how his platform helps German companies connect with skilled professionals from India arriving with the new Opportunity Card visa. We also discuss the latest developments in Germany’s migration policy, the tradition of the Stammtisch as a space for community and conversation, and why rules in Germany often have more to do with fairness than rigidity — plus a touch of autumn magic from the pumpkin farms around Hannover.
13.10.25 • 26:23
In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sort through some major shifts in Germany’s political landscape. From Manfred Webers call for a fresh approach to migration, highlighting the critical role migrants play in filling key jobs like healthcare to Germany ramping up efforts to attract skilled workers, especially after the U.S. dramatically raised visa fees for top talent. In culture, we focus on a uniquely German TV icon: Bernd das Brot, the famously grumpy bread who recently made waves on US late-night TV. Our guest this week is Rebeca, a trainer who shares her experience as an expat building community in Berlin and a heartfelt love letter to the city. And in Ask a German, we explore the curious question of why Germans seem to stare so much.
29.09.25 • 35:11
In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sort through some major shifts in Germany’s migration landscape, including a slight decrease in the refugee population and increasing government action against social welfare misuse. We also explore Germany’s rich tradition of Volksfeste, revealing how local folk festivals keep community and culture thriving beyond the world-famous Oktoberfest. Our guest this week is Alejandro Wagner, a finance adviser originally from Mexico. Alejandro shares practical advice on navigating German banking, budgeting, and investing—offering tips on where to start with ETFs and how to manage your finances with confidence. Plus, in Ask a German, we unpack why Germans tend to keep work and social life separate, especially when it comes to after-work hangouts with colleagues.
23.09.25 • 32:39
In today’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we welcome Rufruf, an international student from Pakistan who has been living and studying in Berlin for over six months. Rufruf shares candid insights into her experience navigating German bureaucracy, overcoming language barriers, and discovering what Berlin truly has to offer. We also delve into cultural differences around friendship and social life—why making friends in Germany can sometimes feel more challenging than expected. As always, we start with this week’s top headlines: Germany’s schools have reopened across the country, and Oktoberfest is about to kick off in Munich—the world’s biggest folk festival. We explore how cities like Frankfurt and Rostock are pioneering solutions to Germany’s skilled worker shortage, and the federal government’s plans to streamline deportations to Afghanistan. Plus, a closer look at Germany’s international students, and the challenge of retaining talent after graduation. Don’t miss our “Ask a German” segment, where we tackle why Germany has so many public holidays — yet many people aren’t quite sure what they evene celebrate.
15.09.25 • 27:45
This week on Plus Forty Nine, we explore some of the key stories shaping Germany today. We break down the surge in asylum lawsuits flooding the courts, while overall asylum applications are dropping due to tighter border controls. We also look at Germany’s future demographic challenges, with nearly a third of the workforce expected to retire by 2039. In our culture segment, it’s apple season! From the Bodensee region to towns across the country, traditional apple festivals offer tastings, orchard tours, and delicious seasonal dishes. Our guest is Kevin Wu, CEO of Leaping AI, whose voice AI agents are transforming call centers. Kevin shares how AI can relieve repetitive tasks, addresses fears of automation, and compares Berlin’s tech scene with the US. Plus, in Ask a German: why do Germans love Mallorca for a holiday?
08.09.25 • 31:00
From autumn’s wine festivals to the challenges of finding your footing in the German job market—this week on Plus Forty Nine we explore new research on migration and integration, the rise of foreign apprentices, and the vibrant local tradition of Weinfeste that fills German towns with color and celebration every September. Our guest this week is Andreza, a career coach who helps students and newcomers write great CVs, prepare for interviews, and build essential networks. She also shares her personal story of moving from Brazil to Berlin and finding her path in a new country. Plus, in our “Ask a German” segment, we uncover the charming and longstanding tradition of the “Schultüte”—the colorful school cones German children receive on their first day of school, packed with sweets, school supplies, and surprises to sweeten the start of their academic journey.
01.09.25 • 34:18
This week on Plus Forty Nine we’re diving into migration, education, and everything in between. We look at Germany’s push to attract more students from Chile to Saxony, and reflect on ten years after Merkel’s “Wir schaffen das” — where refugees stand in the labor market today. Our guest is Daniele, founder of Product Lab, who opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in Germany, his experience on LinkedIn, and why sport clubs might be the key to meeting new friends in Germany. In our culture segment, we explore Germany’s delightfully quirky tradition of Strawberry and Cucumber Queens. And in “Ask a German,” we get to the bottom of why Hausverwaltungen seem to move at a glacial pace.
25.08.25 • 33:21
This week on Plus Forty Nine, we’re diving into green living in the city. Our guest, Sophie from EasyBeeBerlin, joins us to share her expertise on transforming balconies, terraces, and small gardens into vibrant oases. From finding plants that fit your lifestyle to keeping them happy through the winter—and busting a few plant myths along the way—Sophie shows how anyone can bring more nature into their home, no matter the size of the space. In the news, we cover a new study questioning Germany’s “welcome classes” for refugee children, ongoing debates over reforming the eight-hour workday, and fresh data highlighting the persistent pay gap between migrants and locals. Plus, Berlin prepares to close its largest refugee shelter at Tegel Airport by the end of the year. And in our culture segment, we turn to one of Germany’s sweetest traditions: homemade marmalade. Why do so many people still spend summer afternoons boiling jam and then gift it to friends and family?
18.08.25 • 27:22
This week on Plus Forty Nine, we unpack Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s controversial plan to extend border controls and what it means for migration in Germany. Plus, a new Berlin law speeding up the recognition of foreign qualifications is set to make life easier for many expats. With summer back, we dive into the uniquely German picnic culture–from waterproof blankets to perfectly portioned snacks. Our guest is Susa, founder of the app ZenZen, which supports pregnant women with gestational diabetes. She shares her journey as a single mom and entrepreneur, and the challenge of starting over after uprooting her life. And in “Ask a German,” we explore the surprisingly popular socks-and-sandals combo–why do Germans love it so much?
11.08.25 • 32:22
This week on Plus Forty Nine, we’re kicking off August with a full lineup—rainy skies and all. In the news, we take a closer look at Germany’s education system, where PISA chief Andreas Schleicher warns that schools are failing migrant children and calls for better early language support and smarter funding structures. Meanwhile, the EU is rolling out its new digital border entry system, and Poland has announced an extension of its controls at the German border. In our culture segment, we’re decoding teen slang with the Top 10 contenders for Jugendwort des Jahres 2025. From “lowkey” to “tuff,” what do these words say about how young people express themselves today? And in our interview: Andreea Lungulescu from The Principal Recruiter joins us to talk about job hunting in Berlin, why gender still shapes career paths, and how to negotiate salary with confidence. Plus, this week’s Ask a German explores why it’s so hard to make local friends.
04.08.25 • 36:00
In this epsidoe we take a closer look at Berlin’s fast-track naturalization system and why Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is pushing back. Can digital-only applications really ensure democratic commitment? In culture, we explore the joys of “Balkonien”—the staycation dream that turns balconies into mini summer retreats. From urban gardening to evening grill sessions, we unpack why more people are choosing home over holiday. And in our interview: Berlin-based comedian Kat joins us to talk about surviving seven years in the capital, from dating disasters to Berghain adventures and the comedy in it all. Plus: This week’s Ask a German has us wondering—do Germans really laugh in the basement?
28.07.25 • 32:19
This week it’s getting spicy — literally. We’re talking to Mythra and Faiza, founders of ZORO Energy, about surviving German summers without AC, building a startup as a migrant in Germany, and why five spices just won’t cut it. In the news: we unpack the latest study on Germany’s persistent migrant wage gap and why Berlin’s Economy Senator is looking to India for skilled workers. Our culture segment dives into a true summer classic: the Freibad. From Pommes rot-weiß to cannonballing kids, we explore why public outdoor pools are such a staple of German life. Plus, this week’s Ask a German comes with not one but two great questions from our guests.
21.07.25 • 34:10
This week on Plus Forty Nine, we explore the many layers of migration—public, personal, and political. From Education Minister Karin Prien’s suggestion to introduce a classroom migration quota to Alexander Dobrindt pushing for a harder EU migration line. In our culture segment, we swap politics for fairy tales as we head to the hilltops and halls of Germany’s castles. And joining us in the studio is therapist Anushree from Talking Distance, who shares reflections on mental health, identity, and the invisible emotional layers of life in a new country. Plus: In Ask a German, we unpack the politeness choreography of “bitte” and “danke” and why your barista might beat you to the punch.
14.07.25 • 32:45
Summer heat, political sparks, and buried history—this week on Plus Forty Nine, we follow the flames, both literal and figurative. As wildfires rage in eastern Germany, we explore how unexploded WWII bombs are complicating firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, Poland reinstates border checks, the SPD pushes for a potential AfD ban, and Angela Merkel publicly challenges the Merz government’s asylum policies. Our guest is Theodora, founder of the travel app Velout. Raised in Germany by a Greek family and born in the U.S., she shares what it’s like to grow up between cultures She also let’s us know some of her tips on solo travel and why the road can be a path to personal growth.
07.07.25 • 28:06
In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sit down with internal communication expert Joanna for an insightful conversation about navigating different communication styles—at work and at home. As someone married to a German, Joanna also shares her perspective on intercultural relationships and the nuances of daily life across cultures. Plus, we recap this week’s top stories, from key outcomes of the EU summit to growing concerns around Germany’s doctor shortage. In our culture segment, we explore the wild world of German reality TV and what makes it so irresistibly popular. And in Ask a German, we unpack the unique charm of Berlin’s beloved Spätis.
30.06.25 • 28:46
In this episode of Xpat Berlin, we’re stepping into summer with a full lineup of stories, questions, and conversations. This week we are getting a bit philosophical with Tuğba, who joins us for a reflective, wide-ranging chat about identity, belonging, and how to stay grounded in a world that rarely slows down. We also take a look at what’s new in Germany this week—from Potsdam’s plan to diversify its public sector to the federal education minister’s push for a smartphone ban in schools. In our culture segment, we head to the grill—because what’s a German summer without Bratwurst and Stockbrot? And in Ask a German, we crawl under the covers to unpack one of the country’s most confusing habits: Why do so many German couples sleep with separate duvets?
23.06.25 • 33:02
In this week’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sit down with Zeyu, co-founder of Little Dreamers, an app developed during countless sleepless nights to help families decode baby sleep patterns and finally get some rest. She shares what it’s like to raise a child — and a startup — in Germany, and how she learned to embrace a more relaxed approach to parenting, inspired by the German rhythm. We’re also catching you up on this week’s headlines: how the health sector is betting on AI and robotics in the Baltic region, why so many migrants are rethinking their future in Germany, and much more. And for a lighter note, we’re looking at Germany’s surprising love for quizzes, from TV classics to themed pub nights.
16.06.25 • 29:45
