Welcome back to the Spool podcast. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Nils Roemer, a German historian and expert in Jewish cultural history. In this episode, Dr. Roemer reflects on his upbringing in Hamburg, Germany—a vibrant city shaped by its harbor, which fueled his curiosity about the world beyond. He shares his experiences traveling to England and France, where he navigated the perceptions of those around him in the shadow of World War II. Dr. Roemer discusses a transformative program that took him to Israel, where he worked in a research library alongside Holocaust survivors. We discuss the global ramifications of the Kennedy assassination and explore the significance of the Berlin Wall’s fall, an event that resonated deeply with his generation, who grew up in a divided Germany. He also recounts his journey to America, where he found the freedom to redefine himself. Finally, Dr. Roemer shares the opportunity that led him to Columbia University and his eventual role at the University of Texas at Dallas. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of history, identity, and the power of place.