Tag: germany

German Spotify Original Podcast ‘Die Podcast Games’ Brings Game Show Thrills to Audio

January 18, 2022

Households worldwide have spent decades watching game shows with bated breath. Now, in Germany, game show enthusiasts can enjoy the same rush by listening to the new Die Podcast Games (The Podcast Games), an exclusive Spotify Original podcast. The show is the first German-language podcast of its kind, but it’s in experienced hands with well-known television host Jeannine Michaelsen. The weekly show’s first episode is now available to stream, with new episodes premiering on Saturdays.

“One of our core missions and values at Spotify Studios is innovation,” explained Daniel Nikolaou, Content Development Lead at Spotify DACH and Die Podcast Games producer. “As part of that, it is very important to us to move the conversation surrounding podcasts forward. One thing that we saw was missing in Germany was a full-fledged, entertaining, and well-produced game show. Die Podcast Games is a great example of how podcasts truly don’t have any creative boundaries.”

The game show pits eight celebrity contestants against one another to test their knowledge and quick thinking. Throughout the season, guests face off in three stages—a set of four preliminary rounds, two semifinals, and then the finale—to compete for the prize of 20,000 euros donated to the charity of their choice. Guests span the entertainment world and include artists Alli Neumann and Drangsal, as well as co-host of podcast Zum Scheitern Verurteilt Laura Larsson, television presenter Aminata Belli, model Stefanie Giesinger, YouTube star JokaH Tululu, content creator Papaplatte, and co-host of Spotify Original podcast Offline + Ehrlich and YouTube star Varion.

Tokio Hotel’s Bill and Tom Kaulitz Are Airing All on a New Spotify Original Podcast

September 1, 2021

Musicians and identical twin brothers Bill and Tom Kaulitz, known for their band Tokio Hotel, are taking their talents to a new realm in audio: podcasting. The pair are freshly minted hosts of German Spotify Original podcast Kaulitz Hills, a recorded weekly conversation in German about pop culture and their lives in Hollywood. The brothers—well known by fans for their close relationship—will tackle a range of topics, from personal confessions to gossip, accompanied by a few rounds of drinks and a heavy dose of sarcastic humor. 

Bill and Tom made their boy band debut in Magdeburg, Germany, in 2001. Four years later, they reached number one with their first single, “Durch den Monsun” (“Through the Monsoon”). After touring for five years and becoming the biggest boy band in Germany, the Kaulitz twins moved to Los Angeles, where they have been living ever since. The show’s name, Kaulitz Hills, is a nod to their Hollywood Hills recording studio, where they record music and will be capturing their conversations for the podcast.

In preparation for the big launch, For the Record asked Bill and Tom to jointly answer a few burning questions about what we can expect from this new project. 

Spotify’s Music + Talk Show Format is Expanding Across the Globe

August 18, 2021

Music + Talk gif

Last October, Spotify launched a pioneering listening experience called Music + Talk that brings together music and spoken-word content. The unique format weaves full songs and talk commentary together​ into one show.

Through Anchor, Spotify has also made Music + Talk an accessible format that anyone can use to create these unique shows. Anchor’s suite of tools is already available to users in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Starting today, we’re expanding the experience to millions more creators and listeners around the world and sharing the tool with 15 new markets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. 

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where in the world is Music + Talk?

With this expansion, Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia will have access to the blended audio experience.

Creators in these markets will now have access to the “Music” tool in Anchor, where they can incorporate full songs from Spotify’s library of 70 million tracks into their spoken-word audio creations. And in return, listeners can interact directly with the music within an episode by liking, saving, and sharing with each track as they would in any playlist. 

The shows will be available to Premium and Free listeners. Spotify Premium users will hear full tracks as part of these shows, while Free users will hear 30-second previews of each song. Shows can be listened to globally wherever Spotify is available.

Our catalog of Music + Talk Spotify Originals will also get a boost across a number of markets as new shows from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, India, Japan, and the Philippines join our library today. Plus, there’s more to come from all the markets included in our latest launch. These shows will explore the many facets of music, from the stories and inspiration behind a song to the listening trends of the modern age, and they will offer an opportunity for artists to engage listeners in a unique way.

More ways to get inspired

Along with the market expansion, Spotify will begin offering a variety of new educational and inspirational resources for creators interested in using Music + Talk.

Today also marks the launch of an exciting new Spotify Original called Music + Talk: Unlocked, which will explore creative uses of the Music + Talk format—from guided runs to music trivia and more. Listeners and creators can find more best-in-class shows in the Music + Talk hub in the Spotify app.

Since we rolled out Music + Talk last year, we’ve learned from the needs and behaviors of listeners, as we always do with new products. Savvy streamers will notice that we’ve implemented small tweaks to improve the listening experience and reflect those needs: clearer visual distinction between the music and talk segments of an episode and music previews on episode pages.

We can’t wait to see new creativity and stories from around the globe as more markets make the audio storytelling features their own. Check out Anchor’s blog post and creator landing page for more information on how to get started with Music + Talk.

Julien Bam and Rezo Bring the Cultural Conversation Directly to Fans With New German Podcast ‘Hobbylos’

July 16, 2021

What do you get when you put a pair of video personalities in front of a microphone with no cameras in sight? According to German social media star Rezo, “We can just sit naked in front of the microphone and no one cares.”

Combine Rezo’s humor and personality with that of best friend and cohost Julien Bam, one of Germany’s biggest creators, and the result is Hobbylos. In German, “hobbylos” refers to people who are generally so busy that they don’t have time for a hobby. The Spotify Original podcast gives Julien and Rezo a chance to slow down in an honest and stripped-down format that includes current event recaps, clever bouts of humor, and occasional musical sidelines. 

Photo Credit: Harald Schaack

Rezo and Julien have been making videos together for years, and it’s safe to say they’re familiar with putting it all out there. But as Julien shared, “A podcast is something new for both of us thematically.” It has them exploring a new, more intimate way of interacting. “With a podcast, we can talk at the drop of a hat and at the same time go deeper into the subject matter.”

“We look forward to just being heard and not seen,” added Rezo. “That’s one thing we aren’t used to.”

Fans can expect weekly episodes where the pair recaps current events and what’s trending online, from hotly debated social media topics to political headlines. “Sure, sometimes [our conversations] will be about $h*tstorms or trends that happened during the week, but we’ll also get to talk about personal things,” Julien told For the Record.

Listeners will get to know the hosts as they share personal stories and show off their entertainment skills. 

Check out the Hobbylos trailer below and stay tuned for the first episode, dropping July 17 exclusively on Spotify.

What Type of Fan Are You? Celebrate the Arrival of Spotify’s Football Now Playlist in the U.K. and Germany

June 10, 2021

League preferences and team allegiances may differ, but one thing remains consistent in the world of football: the sport’s legion of passionate fans. For those wanting to stay on top of the latest and greatest, Spotify’s new Football Now playlist is the perfect companion.

Similar to Spotify’s Daily Sports and Daily Drive playlists, Football Now gives fans one destination for access to the sport’s best audio content. The playlist also includes music based on a user’s personalized preferences, making it a unique experience that’s tailored to every listener.

Updated daily, this football-specific playlist is currently accessible for fans in the U.K. and Germany. Whether you prefer to yell “goal!” or “gol!” Spotify has plenty of football podcasts to give you the game commentary, latest news, interviews, opinions, and more about your favorite leagues, players, and clubs.

Need help deciding which football podcast to explore first? We’ve rounded up suggestions of some of our favorite U.K. and German podcasts based on their topics. Check it out below:

For the fan who wants to hear stories from the professionals

Einfach mal Luppen (German): This podcast is cohosted by two professional footballers—and brothers—Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and Eintracht Braunschweig midfielder Felix Kroos. In the episodes, which will be released three times a week, Felix calls up his brother to discuss the latest updates surrounding the German national team.

Welcome to ‘Wrighty’s House’ (U.K.): Former professional footballer and television and radio personality Ian Wright hosts this podcast, where he interviews a variety of guests about the sport, personal experiences, and more.

For the fan who wants real-time updates in a concise format

kicker News (German): This podcast releases regular football updates, summarizing the latest news in brief, 90-second episodes. The show is updated throughout the day so fans can easily stay up-to-date on what’s happening with their favorite sport.

Das EM-Update (German): This Spotify Original podcast, produced in collaboration with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, provides all the Euro tournament updates you want. Episodes will be released twice a day on match days and will offer insight into all 51 matches. In addition to sharing statistics and tactical analysis, episodes will also include reporter interviews from those on and off the field. 

For the fan who wants to hear about football history

GIANT (U.K.): This weekly Spotify Original podcast is hosted by Owen Blackhurst and features guests who share their personal football stories. From the great Arsenal and Manchester United rivalry to the most legendary on-the-field penalty stories, the podcast covers a variety of topics and stories for football fans.

Players (German): This podcast goes behind the scenes of the Euro tournament through short and concise episodes that will be released twice a day. On the show, listeners will learn more about the background and context of the tournament as the host explores questions like “Who actually came up with the idea of a pan-European European Championship?” In the morning edition, host Raphael Späth and European Championship reporter Matthias Friebe will talk about the topic of the day. In the evening, the podcast will dive deeper into another narrative topic.

For the fan who wants a good laugh

The Teamsheet (U.K.): On this Spotify Original podcast, celebrity football fans serve as guest hosts who share their top fantasy picks if they were in charge of building their own football team. Over the course of a week, episodes will be released daily, and in each one guests debate the merits of whom to add for their goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker, wildcard, and manager. On the final day, the hosts design their perfect kits. Listeners can expect laughs and legends as they hear from the likes of comedian Elis James, professional footballer Lianne Sanderson, and more.

Ready for more football fun? Germany and U.K.-based listeners can find your personalized Football Now playlist here. 

Germany Takes Podcasting to a New Level With a New Podcast Parodying… Podcasts

May 18, 2021

Germany is one of the most mature markets for podcasting, with a culture that has been attuned to audio for decades. So Spotify has been active in the market, churning out Spotify Original and Exclusive podcasts for several years—while watching the format grow and mature. The growth and longevity have enabled us to experiment with unique talents, formats, and trends. 

The newest Spotify original podcast in Germany, Podcasts — der Podcast (Podcasts — the Podcast) plays on that maturity with a brand-new format. The show parodies existing podcasts, hosts, and the medium as a whole, much like TV shows and movies already do globally. The podcast serves as a touching yet hilarious love letter to the evolving, important medium. 

We talked to Saruul Krause-Jentsch, Head of Studios, Germany, to better understand why Germany’s listeners were ready for this satirical format, what it means for the future of podcasting, and why she’s excited to tune in.

We previously learned from Managing Director Michael Krause that Germany is a mature podcast market. How does that influence the types of podcasts that come out of Germany?

The first Spotify Exclusive podcast, Fest & Flauschig, came out of Germany in April 2016. So we’ve had five years of experience in Germany around podcast production since then. We understand our core podcast audience very well and have launched over 40 other successful German shows across comedy, entertainment, and relationships. Our most successful podcasts continue to be comedy and entertainment, but we’re constantly evolving into new formats and genres, like documentaries, fiction, and daily news. For example, our six daily formats have gained a lot of traction and are positioned at the top of the chart rankings in the region. 

All of this sets us up to be innovative, and now we want to grow and learn further with a more satirical podcast show like Podcasts — der Podcast. 

Two New German Spotify Original Podcasts Are Taking On Marriage—One Before and One After Saying ‘I Do’

March 1, 2021

From rom-com meet-cutes to tailored playlist exchanges, there’s a lot to love about love. Two new German Spotify Original podcasts are ready to bring their take on relationships, but from two different vantage points: One podcast follows a couple’s journey before saying “I do,” while the other takes a look at newlywed life.

First up, the before. While a wedding is often one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life, planning the event is often more stressful than blissful. So Laura Larsson, cohost of the popular show Herrengedeck, decided to document her lead-up to the altar in her new podcast Erstmal für immer. In the 10-episode series, she gives the audience an open and honest look at preparations for her wedding to her fiancé, Nils. “My favorite part of creating the show was talking to Nils,” explains Laura. “In our recordings together, I felt like I got to know a lot of new things about both him and us.” From the proposal to the walk down the aisle, listeners will follow the bride-to-be through the highs and lows of her entire planning process. Laura isn’t sparing any details. As she explains it, you can expect the journey to be “chaotic and emotional, but also quite beautiful.”

And when it comes to life after the vows? German comedians Hazel Brugger and Thomas Spitzer chronicle what happens next on their podcast Nur verheiratet mit Hazel & Thomas. After keeping their marriage a secret from the public for months, Hazel and Thomas give listeners a glimpse into their relationship, one date at a time. Over 17 episodes, the series lets listeners eavesdrop on the couple as they handle their marriage “firsts,” and learn what it’s like to date each other again.  

Whether you’re recently engaged or a few anniversaries in, get a dose of relationship chatter with the Erstmal für immer and Nur verheiratet mit Hazel & Thomas podcasts, available now exclusively on Spotify.

Spotify Listeners in 11 Markets Can Now Ask Alexa to Play Podcasts—Here’s How

December 16, 2020

Last year, we announced that U.S. listeners could ask their Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts. Starting today, listeners in 11 new markets—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, India, Austria, and Ireland—can ask Alexa to do the same. 

Podcasts delight, entertain, inform, and inspire people across the world, and there’s always more to stream, for both Free and Premium listeners. Now with Alexa, you can get listening to any of the millions more on Spotify—just by using your voice.

Ready to get started? Setup is easy, and only takes a few moments:

  1. Go to the Amazon Alexa App.
  2. Open the menu, head to Settings, then Music & Podcasts.
  3. If Spotify is not connected, tap “Link New Service” and select Spotify.
  4. Link your Spotify account to your Alexa account.
  5. If you’re in Brazil, Mexico, Germany, or the UK, tap “Default Services,” and then select Spotify as the default podcast service.
  6. Say “Alexa, play [your podcast of choice] podcast on Spotify” and get listening!


Not sure what to start with? New podcasts from every market and in many languages are increasingly available on Spotify. Just check out a few that have come out in each of the markets where Alexa is available this year:

To learn more about playing podcasts on all your Alexa devices at home, head to the Amazon Alexa Explore Spotify page.

*Update February 4, 2021: Listeners in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts.

*Update March 31, 2021: Listeners in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Sweden, Poland, and the Netherlands can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts.

*Update April 28, 2021: Listeners in Belgium and Switzerland can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts.

*Update May 26, 2021: Listeners in Singapore, Denmark, and Norway can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts.

*Update June 16, 2021: Listeners in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite podcasts.

*Update December 8, 2021: Listeners in Saudi Arabia and U.A.E can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite songs on Spotify. Users in U.A.E can also enjoy their favorite podcasts.

*Update May 25, 2022: Listeners in Ecuador, Hong Kong, South Africa, Taiwan, and Thailand can now ask Amazon Alexa devices to play their favorite music and podcasts.

Enissa Amani Explores Culture and Comedy in Her New Spotify Original Podcast

December 4, 2020

Enissa Amani is a chameleon onstage. The Iranian-born German comedian prides herself on the ability to bend and transform her material for any audience based on location, language, and culture. Now she’s also working this flexibility into a new medium for her debut German-language Spotify Original Podcast, Statements aus Seide (“Statements Made of Silk”). Like her on-stage comedy, Enissa’s new show will cover a range of topics from feminism to fashion. “I want to share the moments which all mankind has in common: the pain, the fears, the desires,” says Enissa.

As the first German comedian with a stand-up special on Netflix, she’s honed her craft—expect plenty of laughs. But in Statements aus Seide, Enissa will also share thoughtful deliberations on her life growing up as an Iranian refugee in Germany, her work as a social justice advocate, and whatever else is on her mind—all in 30- to 60-minute episodes.

Enissa spoke with For the Record about performing in different languages, her activism work, and creating her own podcast.

What can fans of your comedy stand-up expect from the podcast?

In my podcast I’ll touch upon all the issues I have not yet touched upon onstage. I’ve told my stories a few times when I was a guest on other podcasts, and the feedback was tremendous. People who hadn’t even followed my work told me that my point of view was extremely helpful to them.

Over the years, I wrote down every story of my family, my friends, and book quotes which inspired me. Those words can offer people a real way out of hopeless moments. This will be a funny podcast—an honest hour to let you begin or end your day with a smile. 

How has your background as an Iranian immigrant informed your comedy?

Being an Iranian refugee child and being trilingual helps me to approach people on different cultural levels. And every time I perform, I am a different kind of Enissa. The Berlin Show Enissa is a much rougher comic than the LA, Hollywood, Laugh Factory Enissa, who is more into the German-Persian Background Stories. The New York Enissa is much cooler than the Farsi show in Vienna, where Iranians are just starting to get into stand-up.

I get to taste all these different moments of laughter and try very different stand-up materials. 

As refugees, or “first-generation Germans,” we are torn apart between identities, but every kind of conflict always helps with comedy. 

What’s your life been like since your Netflix special premiered?

My specials changed my work. I started playing shows in three languages. I had the honor to have stage time at the Laugh Factory in LA, and the Improv, the Gotham, and the Comedy Cellar in New York. All stages I had never dreamed I’d be able to perform in a language which is not my first. I also play Farsi shows in Germany, Austria, and the UK. 

You’re not afraid to share your opinions on issues like racism and inequality. How did comedy become an outlet for you to share these thoughts? 

I’m really surprised that my activism for human rights and against racism here in Germany kind of got bigger than my work as a comedian. In the beginning, everybody told me to “stick with comedy” whenever I was outspoken about problems in our society. Now all my statements go viral with 12,000 comments sometimes, and everybody asks me to seriously get into politics. There is this running gag of my followers calling me “the chancellor.”

I love the fact that everything that your heart tells you to do—if you have the courage to follow that voice—becomes your real vocation or even destiny. 

What would you like people to take away from your podcast? 

I’m going to share my most intimate stories, experiences, and inspirations on my podcast because I know it will help through dark times. Every smile you can inspire is a smile you‘ll create for the world.

Ready to get to know a new Enissa? Check out the first of 13 episodes of ‘Statements aus Seide’ below.

Luisa Neubauer Presents the Human Side of Climate Change in the New Spotify Original Podcast ‘1,5 Grad’

November 18, 2020

In 2019, Luisa Neubauer emerged as one of the public faces of the youth-led movement to combat global warming, powering the Fridays for Future climate strikes in Germany. Now, she’s taking her knowledge and combining it with a call for urgency, empowerment, and action through a new platform: podcast.

Her new Spotify Original podcast, 1,5 Grad, or “1.5 Degrees,” which launched last week, is already the number one German show on Spotify’s trending charts. In each impactful episode, Luisa speaks to leading scientists and activists who explain the ways in which climate change is impacting our world. Throughout the show, she explores the issue in-depth with the people on the ground fighting the devastation.

“The climate crisis is usually perceived as a crisis of the climate,” Luisa says. “It’s not. It’s a crisis of people. The climate will be fine—we won’t.”

For the Record sat down with Luisa to talk about the meaning of 1.5 degrees; Fridays for Future, the youth-led climate movement; global warming as a social issue; and more.

How did creating a podcast fit into your climate activism work? How does its impact differ from a march or rally?

What I do, and so many others do, is fight for the people and their right to grow old on a safe planet, no matter where they live. Yet this is not the story that is being told. With this podcast I wanted to tell the stories of the people, to dig deep. And to allow myself to approach the climate crisis with curiosity and empathy. I usually organize and mobilize for rallies. This podcast hopefully doesn’t just inform, but inspires people to take the crisis personally and to start understanding oneself as part of the solution.

Can you explain the title of the podcast? What is the significance of 1.5 degrees?

1.5 degrees Celsius is the global compromise that was made by signing the Paris Agreement. On a diplomatic level, the fact that there is such an international agreement is incredible. It is also where the world community is drawing the line in terms of destruction and suffering. And it is also the only guarantee for younger generations that promises them to grow old on an inhabitable planet. The science is very clear about the kind of danger zone we enter once we pass 1.5. This is what I committed to fight for, alongside so many others.

What can listeners expect in each episode?

I take people with me, bring them to experts, thinkers and activists, invite them to our conversation. It’s gonna be more emotional than a science podcast, more interactive than a discussion podcast. To me, this podcast feels like the listeners, the team and I, alongside my guest, sign up to an exploration.

What do people misunderstand about the climate justice movement?

Well the climate crisis is one gigantic injustice, and it produces more injustices. When we ask ourselves why exactly we are doing this, why we are fighting, why we are committing all our time to this—we inherently talk about justice. Those who are affected today, those at the front line, we refer to them as MAPA (most affected people and areas); they are the ones who remind us every day that Fridays for Future is not that much about the future as it is about the present. It’s about the very present threat the climate crisis is posing to those who are often overlooked yet should be listened to.

How is climate justice an issue of social equality as well?

The climate crisis is sometimes perceived as an issue of the elites who don’t have any other problems to care about. This is not only a misleading, but a dangerous framing. As the climate crisis escalates, it is posing more and more injustices to the ones who are already marginalized by race and gender. Engaging in real, sustainable, and just climate action is essential for real social equality.

What do you want listeners to take away after hearing the podcast?

I just really hope people ask themselves very honestly: What is my role in this crisis? Am I really doing everything I can? What is the story I will once tell about where I was, when we knew everything we needed about this crisis—and also knew there was still time to fight it?

What actions do you recommend for someone looking to get involved in climate justice for the first time?

Climate strike! Join an organization! Talk about it! Call your local politician about it! Spread the word. But mostly: climate strike and believe in yourself. Everyone counts. The power of people works when people start taking themselves seriously. That is what we ask you to do.

Check out the first episode of 1,5 Grad and watch for new episodes the second Tuesday of every month.

German LGBTTIQ* Podcasters Make Their Voices Heard Through SoundUp 2020

October 23, 2020

Every year, Spotify’s SoundUp program helps aspiring podcasters from underrepresented backgrounds gain the expertise they need to create their own podcast. The only criteria? A good idea and a big dream. This year in Germany, 20 aspiring LGBTTIQ* podcasters were chosen out of 300 applicants to take part. Those selected got a chance to start their podcasting journey through the seven-week virtual program, honing their skills in storytelling, designing a podcast, editing audio, and learning the business of the medium. 

By the end of the program, three of the participants, Fabio, Taiina aka Maria Moschus, and Tai were declared the winners. Their podcasts consist of topics such as “tracing and connecting your identity as a queer Polish-German person,” “personal stories of drag artists around the world,” and “safe spaces for marginalized groups in nerd culture.” Over the next six months, they will each have regular check-ins as part of a mentorship program, and will eventually have the opportunity to pitch their format as a Spotify Original podcast. 

Check out what each winner had to say:

Fabio: “I was able to learn a lot not only from the numerous experts in sound, technology, language and concept development, but also from the 20 absolutely horizon-expanding participants that Spotify brought together. For this experience a huge thank you to all of you—you have made the year 2020 a lot sweeter for me!”

Taiina aka Maria Moschus: “I am super happy to finally share these exciting stories with the world! There is still a lot of work ahead of me, but I am really looking forward to the day of release. Who knows, maybe we will celebrate it with a drag show!” 

Tai: “My podcast idea was born shortly before the deadline out of frustration at the spaces I move around in. It’s incredible that I’ve gotten so much good feedback since my first application interview—which made me very proud again at the end of the pitch. This gives me confirmation as a person, because I put everything into my podcast idea that makes me special. Especially as a trans* person, working only with the voice makes me vulnerable.” 

Three participants from SoundUp 2019 who already have their own podcasts on Spotify were also involved in the 2020 program, serving as mentors and sharing practical tips on creating a successful podcast. We asked them a little bit about what’s changed from SoundUp 2019 to now.

Madita 

Podcast: Gay Mom Talking

“By now I have become a lasting part of the queer podcast world! Having produced 25 episodes made me get used to some kind of relaxed podcast routine and I am grateful for many loyal listeners. However, some interviews still make me a little nervous, but I usually feel very comfortable in my role of a podcast host which I have been for more than a year now.

In the last year I have learned a lot—both about podcasting and myself. My podcast project has even helped me to grow a bit personally. I can now make many new private and professional contacts and I am proud of having achieved what I intended with my podcast.”

Fabian

Podcast: Somewhere Over The Hay Bale

“My political opinion on queer life in the countryside becomes more clear and profound. My podcast does not only stand for visibility, but also for the constant demand of creating safety and safe spaces for “coming outs” and queer life in rural areas. Many people helped me share my point of view and I am very grateful for that. I enjoy being an advocate for these matters, receiving messages from people all over Germany—I have the feeling that my podcast and the inherent mission develops into more than just an audio file, which feels great.”

Sung Un

Podcast: BIN ICH SÜßSAUER?

“Before SoundUp 2019, I knew nothing about podcast production and what potential there was in the podcast world. Also, I was not sure if anybody would be interested in stories of queer Asian people living in Germany, since we are seldom visible in the media. Through the mentoring and lectures provided by SoundUp, however, I learned not only technical skills necessary to start my own podcast, but also developed the confidence in me that life stories of queer Asians do matter and my podcast would connect people across boundaries. As I produced the first interview of Bin Ich Süßsauer?, I stubbornly tried to stick to what I learned from SoundUp, especially regarding the length of the episode. Very soon, however, I learned that life stories needed more time to be told and people were ready to take time to listen to them. Today, I have a growing number of audience and I am grateful that they share their enthusiasm with me via mails and messages.”

Spotify’s SoundUp is held in the U.S., UK, Germany, Australia, and now Sweden and Brazil. The program assists aspiring podcasters from underrepresented backgrounds in gaining the expertise they need to create their own podcasts. Read more about it here.

In the German market, LGBTTIQ* stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer; the asterisk represents unnamed identities. 

Meet the Individuals Shaping the World in ‘Der Sandra Maischberger Podcast’

September 18, 2020

Podcasts have a long history in Germany, which makes them ripe for innovative new formats and groundbreaking conversations. With our latest German Spotify Original, Der Sandra Maischberger Podcast, the award-winning journalist Sandra Maischberger ventures into a world of leading interviews with curiosity and creativity—without shying away from uncomfortable questions.  

In each episode of her new show, Sandra will interview guests from across arts and culture, science and research, politics, economics, and media who have shaped and continue to shape the country and the world. As a host and journalist, she’ll be open and respectful as she pushes the interviewees to consider not just their own lives and work, but their roles and influence outside of their immediate circles. German-speaking listeners can look forward to a refreshing, honest listening experience that will leave them thinking about the conversations long after the episode is over.

We talked to Sandra about her own podcasting interests, the inspiration for her new show, and guests to look out for.