The Pod Abroad

Who actually makes the decisions in Munich? And how much influence do ordinary residents have over the city they call home?

In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I'm joined by Carmen Romano, an Italian immigrant and elected member of Munich's City Council (Stadtrat), to uncover how local politics in Germany actually works, who holds power, and how you can get involved, even if you're not a German citizen.

Carmen shares her journey from moving to Germany in 2011 to becoming a local politician in Munich. We discuss how the Munich City Council operates, how its members are elected, what politicians actually do behind the scenes, and how decisions about housing, public spending, transportation, and climate action affect everyday life.

We also explore something particularly important for Munich's international community: political participation. Who gets to vote in local elections? What is Munich's Migrationsbeirat (Migration Advisory Board)? And how can immigrants and other residents make their voices heard?

Whether you've lived in Munich for years, recently moved to Germany, or simply want to understand how local democracy works, this conversation offers an inside look at the people and decisions shaping the city. A huge THANK YOU to Carmen for sharing her knowledge in this episode!

⏰ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Carmen's Journey: From Immigrant to Politician

20:37 – How Munich's City Council Works

33:37 – Life as a Munich City Council Member

42:37 – Munich's Biggest Challenges

58:37 – Migrationsbeirat & Getting Involved

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you feel represented by Munich's local government? Did you know how much influence residents can have over decisions in their neighborhoods?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, especially if you're an international living in Germany!

If you found this conversation valuable, give it a like and share it with someone living in Munich who wants to understand their city a little better.

🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD

Howdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for 10 years.

The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday.

🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroad

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroad

Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad

Inquiries → [email protected]

🎥 CREW

Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne

Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Subscribe for more conversations about life abroad, culture, and the immigrant experience.

#Munich #MunichPolitics #LivingInGermany #ThePodAbroad #Migrationsbeirat

An American moved to Germany after dreaming about it since he was 15. Just one year later, he's running for Munich's Migration Advisory Council. But building a life in Germany has been harder than he ever expected.Meet Ryan Frankel, an American originally from Connecticut who grew up in Massachusetts, studied German and international politics, and eventually made his dream of moving to Munich a reality.Despite speaking excellent German and holding a master's degree in international affairs, Ryan has struggled to find career opportunities, navigate German bureaucracy, and secure housing in one of Germany's most expensive cities.Now he's running for Munich's Migrationsbeirat (Migration Advisory Council) with Grüne Vielfalt München, hoping to make the city more welcoming and accessible to immigrants.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we discuss the reality of moving from America to Germany, the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, why Ryan became interested in German politics, his remarkable journey learning German despite an auditory processing disorder, and why he believes Munich needs to change.We also get candid about loneliness, homesickness, the German job market, immigration office frustrations, and what it really takes to build a life abroad.💬 Would you get involved in local politics after living in a new country for just one year? Let us know in the comments!⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 The Reality of Moving to Munich 04:45 American Politics, Trump & the 2026 Midterms 12:10 Growing Up in America & His Dream of Germany 32:15 Moving to Munich: Expectations vs. Reality 47:40 Running for Munich's Migration Advisory Council 🗳️ MUNICH MIGRATIONSBEIRAT ELECTIONMunich's Migration Advisory Council represents the interests of residents with migration backgrounds and advises the city on issues affecting immigrant communities.Ryan is running with Grüne Vielfalt München, List 8, in the November 22, 2026 election.For election information, eligibility and voting procedures, visit Munich's official website: https://stadt.muenchen.de/https://migrationsbeirat.muenchen.de/🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Munich's Migrationsbeirat election is on November 22, 2026, but what exactly is the Migration Advisory Council, who can vote, and why did only 3.1% of eligible voters participate in 2023?In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I'm joined by Shipra Singh, an Indian immigrant who has called Munich home for over 11 years and is now running for the city's Migrationsbeirat with Grüne Vielfalt München.We talk about Shipra's journey from India to Germany, her experiences building a life in Munich, and what inspired her to get involved in local politics.We also break down what the Migrationsbeirat actually does, how eligible international residents can vote, and why representation matters in a city as international as Munich.Shipra shares her personal experiences with discrimination in the workplace and her campaign priorities, from making German bureaucracy more accessible to supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and addressing racism.Finally, we explore how Indian politics continues to affect Indians living abroad, women's safety, and what it means to have a voice in a country you now call home.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Why Your Vote Matters in Munich03:00 From India to Munich: Shipra's Story17:40 What Is the Migrationsbeirat & Who Can Vote?32:00 Why Shipra Is Running: Racism, Integration & Representation49:30 Indian Politics, Women's Safety & Life Abroad🗳️ MUNICH MIGRATIONSBEIRAT ELECTION 2026Election date: November 22, 2026Find out whether you're eligible to vote, how to register, and how postal voting works on the City of Munich's official website:https://stadt.muenchen.de/infos/migrationsbeiratswahlen.html📍 CONNECT WITH SHIPRAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shipra.singh.s/Yoga: https://giardino-yoga.com/shipra-singh/💬 Have you heard of Munich's Migrationsbeirat before? Let us know in the comments!🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali KhazanbeikSubscribe for more conversations about life abroad, culture, and the immigrant experience.#Munich #Migrationsbeirat #LivingInGermany #ThePodAbroad #Immigration

Grieving while living abroad is one of the hardest parts of living abroad. When you lose a loved one back home, how do you cope with grief, distance, and the guilt of being across the world?In this episode of The Pod Abroad, I'm sharing something I never wanted to have to talk about: the passing of my beloved grandmother, my Guela, at 94 years old.Living in Germany while my family is in Texas has taught me a lot about distance, but losing someone I love has brought an entirely different layer to it. I want to tell you about the remarkable woman my grandmother was, from her life as a Mexican immigrant in the United States to the childhood memories I'll cherish forever. I also reflect on the complicated emotions of grieving someone who lived a long, beautiful life, the experience of watching a loved one live with dementia, and the guilt that can come with building a life so far from family.This episode is about love, loss, family, and learning to give ourselves permission to grieve, even when life keeps moving around us.If you've ever lost someone while living abroad, struggled with being far from your family, or experienced anticipatory grief, I hope this conversation makes you feel a little less alone. ❤️Chapters:00:00 - intro07:35 – losing someone while living abroad12:00 – remembering my grandmother19:00 – her extraordinary life and legacy28:00 – dementia and grieving before goodbye34:19 – learning to live with griefThank you for listening and for allowing me to share a little piece of my Guela with you. ❤️🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

After 2 years living in Munich, Germany, why is an American moving back to the USA? Bailey shares the reality of life in Germany vs. America, German culture shocks, friendships abroad, and saying goodbye.My friend Bailey, a Southern girl from the U.S., is moving back to Nashville, Tennessee, after spending two years in Munich with her husband. When she first arrived in Germany, she struggled with cultural differences, German directness, and finding her community. Now that Munich finally feels like home, it's time to leave.In this episode of The Pod Abroad, we get into the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating parts of living in Germany as an American. We compare everyday life in Munich and Nashville, Southern hospitality vs. German directness, grocery shopping, public transportation, healthcare, friendships, and quality of life.Bailey also opens up about returning to her career as a nurse in the U.S., the friendships that changed while she was abroad, and what two years overseas taught her about belonging and the meaning of home.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Germans Can Be Cold: The Reality of Living Abroad00:35 Why Bailey Is Leaving Germany03:15 The Bittersweet Reality of Saying Goodbye09:40 Germany: Expectations vs. Reality13:30 Southern Hospitality vs. German Directness18:30 Everyday Life in Germany vs. America29:20 Finding Friends and Feeling at Home Abroad35:15 Moving Back to America and Returning to Nursing42:50 What Germany Taught Me: Memories and Lessons🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Berlin Marathon 2026, first marathon training, and the reality of running 42.2 km! My mom takes over The Pod Abroad to ask me everything about long-distance running and what six months of training REALLY feels like.From running injuries and early morning long runs to runner's stomach (never trust a fart), fueling, recovery, and the sacrifices nobody sees, we're getting into the less glamorous side of preparing for my first BMW Berlin Marathon.Eleven years ago, I could barely run 2 km continuously. Now I'm preparing to run 42.2 km. So why do I keep running when sometimes it genuinely feels like sh*t?My mom MJ asks the questions every non-runner is probably thinking, and we get into some unexpected personal stories along the way, including the first time I told Tim I loved him at the finish line of a half marathon in Cape Town.Whether you're training for your first marathon, a seasoned runner, or just wondering why anyone would voluntarily run for four-plus hours, this episode is for you.🏃‍♀️ IN THIS EPISODEWhy I started running and how I ended up signing up for the Berlin MarathonThe reality of six months of marathon trainingRunning injuries, recovery, motivation and the sacrifices nobody seesRunner's stomach and other unfortunate long-run experiencesRunning in Texas vs. GermanyWhat running has taught me about my body and pushing my limitsCHAPTERS00:00 The Reality of Marathon Training02:30 From 2 KM to the Berlin Marathon10:15 Why Run 42.2 KM Voluntarily?14:45 Runner's Stomach & Training Struggles23:00 Running, Love & Marathon Motivation29:00 Berlin Marathon Prep & Race Strategy🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Americans moving to Europe, living abroad, leaving the USA, moving from Texas to Germany and Spain, expat life, starting over abroad, and the reality of living far away from family.My mom and I both left Texas to move to Europe. I moved to Germany at 21, and she moved to Spain at 60. Here’s what two Americans learned about living abroad, starting over, and leaving family behind.Ten years ago, I left South Texas for what was supposed to be a two-year master’s degree in Germany. I never expected that Munich would become my permanent home, or that a decade later I would become a German citizen. My mom definitely never expected that she would eventually follow her own path to Europe too and start over in Alicante, Spain.Moving abroad and building a new life in Europe comes with its challenges. In this episode, we talk about what leaving Texas has given us, what it has cost our family, and the parts of living overseas that people don’t always talk about.We talk openly about being thousands of miles away when family members get sick, the guilt that comes with not being able to simply show up, watching parents and grandparents get older from another continent, and the frightening moments that make you question the distance.At the same time, living abroad has changed both of our lives in ways neither of us could have predicted. We’ve created communities, become more independent, found new definitions of home, and discovered that distance can sometimes make family relationships more intentional.In this episode, we talk about:• Why we both left Texas for Europe• Moving abroad at 21 vs. moving abroad at 60• Why my mom chose Alicante, Spain• What my mom really thought when I moved to Germany• Starting over later in life• The emotional cost of living far away from family• Missing major family moments while living overseas• Guilt, aging parents and grandparents, and scary phone calls from home• How our family stays close across Texas, Spain and Germany• The biggest differences between our lives in Europe and Texas• How moving abroad changed our ideas of home and belonging• What we’ve gained from leaving and what we’ve had to sacrificeWhether you’re an American living abroad, thinking about moving to Europe, considering starting over later in life, or wondering what happens to family relationships when people build lives in different countries, this is a very personal conversation about the reality of moving overseas.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 The Reality of Living Far From Family00:31 Why My Mom and I Both Left Texas for Europe12:40 Why My Mom Moved to Spain at 6021:30 The Hidden Cost of Living Abroad35:20 Moving to Europe at 21 vs. 6052:40 Building a New Life in Europe🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Training for my first Berlin Marathon has completely changed the way I think about running, distance, health, and what my body is capable of. In this episode, I’m sharing what six months of marathon training has taught me, plus the huge cultural differences I’ve noticed running in Munich, Germany vs Texas.

I’ve been running for nearly a decade, but preparing for my first full marathon has been an entirely different experience. Long runs have taken over my weekends, injuries have come and gone, recovery has become non-negotiable, and distances that once seemed impossible somehow feel normal now.

I also recently trained in Texas during August, which reminded me just how different running can be depending on where you live!! From extreme heat and car-dependent cities to safety, sidewalks, access to nature, and even how strangers interact with runners, training in Texas feels completely different from running along the Isar in Munich.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Training for my first Berlin Marathon

• What six months of marathon training has taught me

• Injuries, recovery and the strength training I should have done

• How my perception of distance has completely changed

• Running in Texas vs Munich, Germany

• Safety as a woman running alone

• Heat, walkability and access to running trails

• Why running in Munich has made me appreciate living here even more

• My personal “why” behind running a marathon

Whether you’re training for your first marathon, thinking about running the Berlin Marathon, curious about running culture in Germany, or simply interested in the everyday differences between life in Germany and the United States, this episode is for you.

⏰ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Running in Texas vs Germany

04:37 Training for my first Berlin Marathon

13:40 Safety, heat & running culture in Texas

21:17 The cultural differences between runners

29:08 What marathon training has taught me

🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROAD

Howdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.

The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.

👉 New episodes every Tuesday.

🎧 LISTEN & CONNECT

Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OK

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

All platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroad

Instagram → / thepod.abroad

TikTok → / thepodabroad

Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroad

Inquiries → [email protected]

🎥 CREW

Video, Audio & Music → Tim ter Huurne

Design / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Oktoberfest 2026, Oktoberfest Munich, Munich Germany, Oktoberfest tips, Oktoberfest guide, Wiesn, beer tents, Munich travel, Bavaria, German culture, dirndl, lederhosen, Oktoberfest mistakesPlanning your first Oktoberfest 2026 in Munich? Want to skip tourist mistakes and experience Wiesn like a true local? 🍺 After 9 years in Germany, I’m teaming up with my friend Paloma—a real Münchner Kindl who grew up going to Oktoberfest—to bring you the ultimate insider Oktoberfest guide!EPISODE THROWBACK! From August 26th, 2025.From dirndl & lederhosen styling tips, to how to get into beer tents without a reservation, to the best Bavarian food and German beer you absolutely have to try, this is your all-in-one Oktoberfest 2025 playbook. We’re sharing entry hacks, safety tips, hidden gems like Oide Wiesn, and our craziest stories.Whether you’re planning Oktoberfest 2026, curious about Bavarian culture, or want to experience the festival like a local, this episode will help you make the most of your trip!👋 I’m Paulina, originally from Texas, now living in Munich, Germany. On The Pod Abroad, I share what it’s like navigating life between cultures with my international friends.---⏱️ Oktoberfest 2026 Guide Chapters0:00 – Intro: Texan abroad + Munich local2:00 – What is Oktoberfest?5:00 – Oktoberfest tents explained7:30 – When to go + how to get a seat12:00 – Money & drinks18:00 – What to bring 22:00 – What to wear:27:00 – Oktoberfest etiquette33:00 – Safety tips + hidden gems41:00 – Wild Oktoberfest stories55:00 – Beyond Oktoberfest: Munich tips1:08:00 – Outro & final tips 🎉🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram →   / thepod.abroad  TikTok →   / thepodabroad  Substack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik

Moving to Germany, life in Germany, American in Germany, Germany vs Texas & living abroad: I’m reacting to my 2016 YouTube videos after 10 years of living in Munich, Germany.In 2016, I was 21 years old, living in Texas, and preparing to move to Munich without ever having set foot in Germany. I didn’t know anyone there, didn't speak the language, and thought I was leaving the US for a two-year master’s degree. I never moved back.For this special 10-year anniversary episode of The Pod Abroad, I’m watching the YouTube videos I made before moving to Germany and during my first few months living here, and reacting to them with a decade of hindsight.First, I revisit my old “I’m Moving to Germany” video and hear 21-year-old me talk about moving abroad, learning German, studying at the Technical University of Munich, making videos, and everything I thought this new chapter of my life might become.Looking back at her became much more emotional than I expected. Ten years later, I’ve finished that master’s degree, built a life in Munich, learned (and still learning) German, made incredible friends, built a career, started this podcast, and am now about to officially become a German citizen. 🇩🇪Most of all, this episode is about looking back at the person I used to be and realizing that she might be incredibly proud of where I am today❤️CHAPTERS00:00 She Had No Idea…00:48 10 Years in Germany + German Citizenship03:47 Reacting to “I’m Moving to Germany”18:24 Reacting to “Germany vs Texas”22:01 What I Got VERY Wrong in 201629:38 What Has (and Hasn’t) Changed in Germany🌍 ABOUT THE POD ABROADHowdy und Servus, y’all :-) I’m Paulina — originally from Texas and living in Munich, Germany for nearly 10 years.The Pod Abroad is a long-form podcast about life abroad, cultural differences, identity, immigration, and building a life overseas through honest conversations with people from around the world.👉 New episodes every Tuesday.🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadInquiries → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik