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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...

In honor of International Women’s Day—but not just because of it—we’re creating space for seven incredible women to share their personal stories. From navigating motherhood to breaking into male-dominated fields, chasing dreams, and shaping the future—this episode is filled with powerful perspectives, raw experiences, and inspiring insights. These women remind us why it's so important to speak up, be heard, and create change. We’ll also dive into a history segment, exploring the women’s movement in Germany, including milestones like the right to vote and key moments that have shaped the journey toward equality.

In this week’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sit down with Amelia and Tarek, the founders of Co-Tasker, a platform connecting people in need of quick and reliable help with skilled professionals looking for flexible work opportunities — or maybe even someone to stand in line at Berghain for them. We’ll talk about what brought them to Berlin and how they built a community-driven service that makes life easier for expats and locals alike. Additionally, in our Ask a German segment, we once again dive into some cultural curiosities, for instance why Germans always wait for the green light,...

In this week’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we’ve officially arrived at election week. To help you make sense of the vote, we’re diving into the Wahl-O-Mat, an online tool that matches your views with party platforms. Joining us is Giorgi, co-founder of Loyi, a gamified loyalty platform working with brands like Deutsche Telekom and BMW. We’ll talk about customer loyalty in a digital world, the challenges of building a business in Germany, and Giorgi’s personal experience as an expat. Having lived here for over 13 years—and even married a German—he’s got plenty to share about navigating life in Germany,...

In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we explore key political and economic developments in Germany, including a new law extending maternity leave to women who experience miscarriage and the sharp decline in Tesla sales. We also dive into German winter culture, uncovering the tradition of après-ski—where skiing meets partying.
Our guest, Ben Wilkins from Earlybird, shares insights on supporting migrant entrepreneurs through Vision Lab. Finally, in Ask a German, we explain why Germans embrace nudity in saunas.

Today, we’re talking with Sufyan, an entrepreneur from Pakistan now living in Berlin and the founder of HonestDog, a platform designed to help you find your ideal dog while connecting directly with verified breeders and shelters. He shares the story behind his project and what it takes to be a responsible pet parent—especially when it comes to dogs. With the federal elections approaching in February, we also take a look at recent developments in the Bundestag regarding migration and their potential consequences. Additionally, in this week's culture segment, we break down how the German election system works.

In today’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sit down with internal communication specialist Monique to explore the fascinating intersection of internal communications and AI. Monique, author of Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, brings her expertise to discuss how AI is transforming the way we connect, collaborate, and communicate in the workplace.
We’ll debate the impact of AI on learning a second language, examining its potential to reshape traditional methods and enhance language acquisition efforts.
As always, we’ll also bring you the latest news from Berlin and beyond, along with an insightful dive into German work culture.