Everyone Is Moving To Berlin

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

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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)

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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]

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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)

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