PlusFortyNine Podcast

Week 14: Coalition Negotiations, Frühlingsgefühle and Dating

On this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we’re joined by Eleanor from The Germany List, who’s the co-founding The Germany List, a platform showcasing Ausländer-owned businesses. She’s been living in Germany since the days of the D-Mark and has experienced it all, from getting yelled at in Aldi to yelling back to the bikers in town! Eleanor takes us through her journey from arriving in Munich in 1999 with a dial-up connection and a vague plan to building a thriving career in digital marketing.
We’ll also take a look at what’s been happening...

In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we talk to Federica Moreno, co-founder of Uphavin, about building a sustainable startup in Germany and the role of social responsibility in consumerism. She also shares her take on German bureaucracy and why Germany’s direct communication was a big cultural shock for her. In our culture segment, we break down the unspoken rules of public transportation etiquette, and in Ask a German, we tackle an essential question: how many beers are too many in Germany? Plus, we’ll bring you the latest news, including the impact of international students on Germany’s economy and the...

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we bring you a very special conversation with DJ Tofee and his German friend Oliver. Tofee came to Germany from Iraq, where he not only built a new life but also learned to speak German fluently, so much so that he now navigates everything in German. Since he doesn’t speak English, Oliver will be translating for him as we hear about Tofee’s journey, the hurdles he faced as a refugee, and the strong friendship the two have built.
Additionally, we break down Germany’s latest coalition talks, what stricter border policies could mean for expats,...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of Bollywood dance with professional teacher and choreographer Shailee. Originally from India, Shailee grew up surrounded by Bollywood’s vibrant energy and now brings its magic to Berlin through her dance school, Smells Like Bolly Spirit. Shailee gives us insight into the cultural significance of Bollywood, how she introduces beginners to the style, and what makes this dance form so special. We also dive into the latest news, covering Berlin’s citizenship application delays and the ongoing coalition talks following the 2025 Bundestag election. Plus, we break down how coalitions actually work and why...