Almost 500 town twinnings and other partnerships connect UK and German cities through projects as varied as school exchanges, sports days, joint council meetings and much more. Our guests Ann Kennard and Petra Pilger are actively involved in the Hanover-Bristol twinning, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2022. They talk to Peter Barnes, Chairman of the British-German Association, which actively supports and promotes British-German town twinnings.

J. Willgoose Esq. from Public Service Broadcasting speaks with Gabi Biesinger of ARD about his band's latest album 'Bright Magic', which was inspired by and recorded in Berlin. They explore why Berlin has been such a magnet for British musicians, such as David Bowie and Depeche Mode, discuss what it's like to record in the hallowed halls of Hansa Studios and look at the German lyrics and British-German collaborations on PSB's new album.

What was it like for a British journalist to report on the fall of the Berlin Wall? What was the mood like in our two countries at the time? And how has the relationship between the UK and Germany changed since then? Journalists Anne McElvoy and John Kampfner, who were reporters in Germany at the time of the fall of the Wall, speak with Quentin Peel, Associate Fellow at Chatham House, in this special edition of our podcast.

How do we ensure that the voice of creativity is heard in relations between Germany and the UK? Victoria Broackes, Director of the London Design Biennale, and Thomas Geisler, Director of the Museum of Decorative Arts of the Dresden State Art Collections, discuss the influence and reach of design in the context of national perceptions with Dr Jana Scholze, Associate Professor at the Kingston School of Art.

What are the joint German-UK ambitions to tackle climate change on the way to COP26 (and beyond)? How and where can cooperation be expanded? Journalist Christoph Prössl talks to renowned policy advisors Jennifer Tollmann and Susanne Dröge, who assess their countries' goals for COP26 and analyse why both countries are seen as world leaders on climate policies. Introduction by Oliver Schramm, Head of the Economic Department of the German Embassy London.

How does the military help connect Germany and the UK? What are major insights from history and pointers for the 21st century? Deputy Head of Mission Julia Gross introduces a discussion by two military historians: Dr Peter Johnston, curator of the 'Foes to Friends' exhibition at the National Army Museum, and Professor Matthias Strohn, from the University of Buckingham and the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research.

In a Special Culture Edition former director of the British Museum and former founding director of the Humboldt Forum in Berlin Neil MacGregor and journalist Birgit Maaß from “Deutsche Welle” take us on a journey through our joint cultural history and highlight the continuing strong ties between our countries guided by questions like: How have cultural relations between Germany and the UK changed over the last decades? How do Germany and the UK define themselves culturally?

Journalists Stefanie Bolzen from 'Die Welt' and Philip Oltermann from 'The Guardian' discuss whether journalism connects Germany and the UK, or whether it too often focuses on societal differences. What does each country's different style of journalism say about its political culture? How have the pandemic and Brexit changed how journalists report?