Over Here, Over There: International Politics & Culture Podcast

Over Here, Over There is pleased to launch a new series exploring international comedy across cultures, countries, and genres. At a time of global uncertainty and division, we turn to humour to better understand ourselves — and each other.

In this series, we travel across borders in search of what makes people laugh — and why. While the world may feel increasingly divided, laughter remains a universal language. Through these conversations, we hope to highlight our shared humanity and perhaps remind ourselves that the person on the other side of the border is not so different from us after all.

🎙️ This Episode

In this episode, Over Here, Over There co-hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris speak with renowned German comedian and Kabarett artist Arnulf Rating about the unique world of German Kabarett — its history, cultural significance, and enduring role in political and social commentary.

Together, they explore how humour functions as a form of protest, a mirror to society, and a powerful tool for navigating complex political realities. The discussion also compares German Kabarett with American and British comedy traditions, offering fascinating cross-cultural insights into how different societies use humour to challenge authority and reflect on themselves.

The humourist and author Mark Twain once said, 'A German joke is no laughing matter'.  As you'll see and hear, Arnulf proves otherwise. 

🎧 How to Listen

This is primarily an audio episode and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

On our YouTube channel, you can also watch a companion version featuring a curated slideshow highlighting key discussion topics and moments from our conversation with Arnulf Rating.

📣 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe — it really helps us grow.

We’re always keen to hear from our listeners: how does comedy work in your country? What makes people laugh where you are? Share your thoughts and suggestions — we may feature your perspective in a future episode.

🧠 Key Topics

•  The history and significance of German Kabarett
•  Comparing German humour with American and British comedy 
•  Humour as a form of protest and societal reflection 
•  The future of political satire in a changing world 

⭐ Special Guest

Arnulf Rating — legendary German comedian and Kabarett artist

🔗 Resources & References

• Arnulf Rating's Website
• Monty Python
• The Daily Show
• Bassem Youssef
•  Werner Fink's Performances
• Billy Wilder Films
• Ernst Lubitsch Films

🌐 Guest Links

• Website
• Twitter

In this episode of 'Over Here, Over There', hosts Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler engage in a deep conversation with David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and expert on Donald Trump. Johnston shares his insights on Trump's rise to power, his manipulative tactics, health issues, and the implications of his presidency on American democracy and global relations. The discussion also touches on Trump's tax practices, the potential impact of the Epstein files, and the risks posed by Trumpism in future elections. Johnston emphasizes the need for courage in journalism and politics to confront the challenges posed by Trump and his administration. This episode was recorded before the onset of US/Israeli hostilities with Iran, but all the content is more relevant than ever. 

Please don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and add your comments about this episode below. Why do you think Trump does what he does? How is his administration affecting your life, and what are you going to do about it? David Cay Johnston challenges all of us to uphold our democratic values during these challenging times, and at a minimum, make sure you register and cast your vote in November's midterm elections.

Here are links to David Cay Johnston's resources: 

Wikipedia bio; DC Report; Rochester Institute of Technology Profile

Here are a few of David Cay Johnston's outstanding investigative works in Amazon Books:

‘The Making of Donald Trump’; ‘The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family'

'It's Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration Is Doing to America'

See also David's bio and other resources: Wikipedia bio; DC Report; Rochester Institute of Technology Profile

In partnership with the Amerikahaus in Munich, Germany, Over Here, Over There's Claudia Koestler explores the profound insights of renowned photographer Jeff Dunas, in his latest exhibition, capturing the essence of smalltown America and blues legends. Discover how his long-term projects reveal cultural identity, the power of photography, and the enduring legacy of blues music.

At times when politics so often drives a wedge between people — and especially across the transatlantic relationship — Dunas's insight and artistry offer something rare: a look at the America we all carry in our hearts.

Dunas's work looks past ideology. His lens turns instead toward the human side of America: through it, the diners, dusty roads, and soulful portraits of Blues legends become not symbols of division but echoes of home, no matter which side of the Atlantic we stand on. His images remind us that beyond politics and noise, there’s still a universal language in the light, faces, and rhythms of everyday life — the America of the heart, not headlines.

📍 Visiting Munich?
See Jeff Dunas’ exhibition “Smalltown America” and “Blues Legends” at Amerikahaus through July 31, 2026.

More at
AMERIKAHAUS.DE

For more information on Jeff Dunas's work, please see https://www.dunas.com/.

A special thanks to the Amerikahaus Munich, which provides thought-provoking and engaging events throughout the year.

Please see our website at Over Here, Over There , and please don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and comment on this and other episodes. Your support makes this podcast possible. Thank you!

When you hear 'German local elections', you may think, understandably, that they don't have much impact on your way of life. Au contraire, or more appropriately, nicht so. In this episode, Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris explore the recent local elections in Germany, analyzing their implications for local and national politics, the rise of the far-right AfD, and the state of democracy in Europe. 

From the micro to the macro, join us for insights into how local German election results reflect broader political trends and what they mean for the future of democracy. Please don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and leave your comments below on this episode and elections in your area of the world, and how they impact your country and the rest of the world.

For more information on the podcast, please check out overhereoverthere.org, and click on our social media channels above. Vielen Dank!

'Over Here, Over There' podcast co-host Claudia Koestler gives a quick heads up regarding the German local elections and why they will indicate the direction of politics not only in Germany but across Europe. More to follow, so stay tuned. Please don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and comment. Thank you!

The White House launched something unprecedented: an official government website targeting journalists by name. As a Senior Editor and a journalist at The Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany's largest daily newspaper based in Munich, and podcast co-host of Over Here, Over There, Claudia Koestler breaks down what this means for democracy, press freedom, and why European media is sounding an alarm.

What You'll Learn:

• Inside the White House "Media Offenders" website and its chilling features
• Why German journalists are calling this a "frightening step" toward authoritarianism
• The psychological appeal of lists and why that makes this so dangerous
• How this affects young people considering journalism careers
• Why accountability should come from citizens, not governments
• The international implications for global press freedom

TRANSATLANTIC PERSPECTIVE: Get the outside view on America's press freedom crisis from someone who understands both sides of the Atlantic.

Why This Matters:
This isn't just about journalists - it's about your right to know what your government does in your name. When governments start making enemies lists of reporters, democracy itself is under threat.

STAY INFORMED:
Subscribe for more analysis on press freedom, democracy, and international perspectives on American politics. Hit the notification bell - in times like these, staying informed isn't just important, it's essential.

SHARE THIS: If you believe in press freedom and democratic accountability, share this video. The more people understand what's happening, the better we can protect our democratic institutions.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes. All analysis is based on publicly available information and represents personal professional opinion as a journalist covering democratic institutions.

About: Independent journalist providing transatlantic perspective on American politics, press freedom, and democratic institutions. European viewpoint on global democracy trends.

Explore the podcast

Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler, hosts of the Over Here, Over There Podcast, dive deep into the Greenland controversy that's sending shockwaves through the European capitals and the world. In this impromptu dialogue they explore the reasons why the US wants Greenland, why European leaders are in emergency mode, what strategies are necessary to stop Trump, The NATO implications, and what Greenlanders would sacrifice leaving Denmark and the EU. This isn't just about ice and politics - it's about reshaping global power dynamics in real-time. From melting ice caps opening new shipping routes to massive mineral deposits, discover why this frozen island has become a new cold war battleground - and the hottest real estate on the planet. 

What do YOU think? Should Greenland stay with Denmark or go independent? Drop your thoughts and have your say! And don´t forget to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell for more transatlantic political breakdowns!

In a recent interview, 'Over Here, Over There' co-host Dan Harris joined BBC Radio 5 Live host Nicky Campbell to examine the roots of political anger across the UK and US, arguing that deepening inequality and unresolved racial divisions are driving today’s populist movements. The conversation explores the long arc of America’s culture wars, the evolution of MAGA, shifting voting patterns among minority communities, and how political leaders exploit fear and grievance. They also discuss free speech, the influence of money in politics, and why recent pressure on late-night comedy shows represents a worrying threat to democratic norms.

Please check out this episode and leave your comments and share/link/subscribe. Thank you. We very much appreciate your support! You can find all of our video and audio episodes here.

🔮 This episode will CHANGE how you see 2026! What's coming for Trump, politics, and the world? Join Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler from the podcast Over Here, Over There as they try German tin casting, American Magic 8-Ball, and Asian fortune cookies to predict the wildest political year ahead! From World Cup drama to global elections, the podcast Hosts are channeling world leaders and reading the signs.

Filmed in an authentic British pub in the Cotswolds, this entertaining episode starts a new series of the podcast, which combines signature political analysis with fun predictions that you won't find anywhere else. 

A massive THANK YOU to the brilliant Tim and Catherine Mountain from ‪@EvenlodeFilms‬! Check them out for their incredible creative and professional works!

While America debates immigration raids, a Town in the Federal State of Bavaria in Germany literally imported demons to chase families through Christmas markets. Sounds crazy? Wait until you hear the logic behind it. Claudia Koestler, co-host of the podcast ‪@OverHereOverThere‬ witnessed the Krampuslauf firsthand and discovered something about human nature that explains both German Christmas demons AND American ICE raids. This isn't just about folklore - it's about how societies choose their monsters. You won't look at either country the same way again.

See more of our episodes here, and please don't forget to like, subscribe, share and comment. We look forward to hearing from you!