Understanding Train Station

Understanding Train Station

By Josh and FeliSociety & Culture
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Understanding Train Station episodes

  • EP70: Friendships & Social Life in Germany vs. USA

    Living abroad can be one of the most amazing experiences, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. While the topic normally takes a back seat to amazing travel experiences with amazing food and landscapes, friends and social circles can make or break your experience while living away from your home culture. In this week’s episode, Josh and Feli discuss their opinions on the importance of building a strong circle of friends while abroad, their tips on how to do so, and share some differences in how people socialize in Germany and the U.S. Make sure to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments. We love hearing from you and you might just help someone else!

    You can also watch this podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ or listen on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Podbean⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazon Music⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠iHeart Radio⁠⁠!

    Buy our merch ▸⁠⁠https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station⁠⁠ • Follow us on Instagram▸⁠⁠instagram.com/understandingtrainstation⁠⁠ • Support us on Patreon▸⁠⁠patreon.com/understandingtrainstation⁠⁠ • Buy us a coffee▸⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast⁠⁠ • Email us▸⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 18 min
  • EP69: On The Streets of Munich - We Asked Your Questions!

    If you follow us on Instagram (@understandingtrainstation) you know this episode has been in the pipeline because a few weeks back we asked you all what you wanted to know from the people of Munich. Armed with the questions we collected from you, we hit the streets and got talking to people. From Munich specific questions about travel tips, rent and favorite breweries to stereotypes of Americans, we collected the answers you wanted! We hope you all enjoy this episode and since we plan on doing a counterpart of this episode in Cincinnati soon, let us know what you want us to ask the people of Cincinnati!

    Mentioned episodes:

    ▸Feli using Global Entry
    ▸EP66: Our Visa Stories (Doing It The Legal Way)
    ▸EP4: Work-Life & Office Culture feat. Niklas
    ▸EP20: Vietnam - USA - Germany. Living & Studying in 3 Countries feat. Hien
    ▸EP34: La vie avec les boches - From France to Munich feat. Laetitia & Chloé
    You can also watch this podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠ or listen on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Google Podcasts⁠, ⁠Podbean⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠, and ⁠iHeart Radio⁠!

    Buy our merch ▸⁠https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station⁠ • Follow us on Instagram▸⁠instagram.com/understandingtrainstation⁠ • Support us on Patreon▸⁠patreon.com/understandingtrainstation⁠ • Buy us a coffee▸⁠buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast⁠ • Email us▸⁠[email protected]⁠

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 27 min
  • EP68: Y’all Talk Funny! Guessing YOUR Accents and Dialects - Pt. 7

    While we were both in Munich we tried to make the most of our time together and record as much for you as possible and that, of course, includes a dialect episode! We’ve been doing this series for a while now and after 7 episodes we finally made it through all the audio files you sent in! We love getting to hear from our listeners so this a fun way for us to connect with you and vice versa! Make sure to let us know in the comments how many you were able to guess correctly and if you want to participate and have your dialect included make sure to send us an audio file via anchor.fm/understandingtrainstation. We hope you all enjoy!

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    50 min
  • EP67: Expect the Unexpected - Culture Shocks That Surprised Us

    Greetings from Munich! Even though Feli's trip came with some complications, she made it home and we got to record an episode in person for you! Granted, we're fresh off a sugar high from all the Krapfen from Fasching/Karneval/Fastnacht… you get the point! Just as a lot of people are surprised to hear that Fasching is celebrated in Munich, we have both been surprised by certain things or culture shocks in our respective chosen countries when we first moved there. From the size of the infrastructure and the true “rudeness” of customer service in Germany or the gun violence and religious prevalence in the U.S. there is a big difference between knowing something and truly experiencing it. Even the most well-prepared travelers can’t be prepared for every situation and quickly learn that it’s best to expect the unexpected. We hope you all enjoy the episode and let us know what surprised you when interacting with other cultures!

    Mentioned videos:

    EP63: Christmas Live Stream ▸https://youtu.be/I2ZbRJpSnKg
    EP43: From Sunny Australia to Running in Shorts in Munich feat. Lachlan ▸https://youtu.be/WcQEauVlvtE
    EP3: Homes and Household Habits (and what's up with those German guest slippers?!) ▸https://youtu.be/dwWoFZZVLGI
    REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK returning to Germany from the USA ▸https://youtu.be/yIUyaHJAoYk
    Circumcision USA vs. Germany - HUGE DIFFERENCE!😱 ▸https://youtu.be/MNQYnqkFvFc

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 9 min
  • EP66: Our Visa Stories (Doing It The Legal Way)

    Go to https://try.lingoda.com/UTS_Sprint_Challenge and use our code UTS2023 to get 20€ ($25) off your deposit when signing up for the Lingoda Sprint! #sprint202302

    ▸Moving to a foreign country, even if just for an exchange semester, can be daunting and confusing. For many, it is the first time they are confronted with the complexities of dealing with foreign governments and applying for visas. While it all can seem really scary and almost insurmountable, we wanted to help provide a light at the end of the tunnel and share our experiences with immigrating and applying for the necessary permits and visas that allow us to live in the U.S. and Germany. Please keep in mind that we aren’t official advisors on this subject, but we hope you all can gain some inspiration and insights into how it all works. :) We really covered it all in today's episode: From what it’s like to have an interview at the consulate to being interrogated at the border after an unintentional overstay. We would love to read about your experiences and questions on the topic in the YouTube comments! 

    Mentioned Videos:

    CARNIVAL IN GERMANY - People go crazy! ▸https://youtu.be/IVQL_70rBgg
    Packing My Whole Life Into TWO SUITCASES?! Moving to the USA Q&A ▸https://youtu.be/FwPSxq2CSS0
    EP65: "Work to Live" or "Live to Work"? ▸https://youtu.be/mAAq7SdnRFE
    I WON THE GREEN CARD LOTTERY! ▸https://youtu.be/BkGCd3-T_zc
    DV Lottery Process - My experiences with Interview, Medical, Activation ▸https://youtu.be/GKoVplHQ2gE

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 40 min
  • EP65: "Work to Live" or "Live to Work"?

    When it comes to adulting, one thing is inevitable - we have to work. Whether you have a 9-5, do shiftwork, or are self-employed, we all have our own ways of financing our lives. While it is something so fundamental to modern society, there are many differences between how work is seen in the U.S. and Germany. A common saying is “In Germany, one works to live while in the U.S. one lives to work” - but is that true? In this week’s episode, we talk about our work experiences in both countries, what stereotypes exist in the work world, and even the physical environments we work in. Whether you’re currently in a “Großraumbüro”, in a cubicle, or just enjoying the podcast in your free time we hope you enjoy this week's episode and make sure to let us know your thoughts on this topic too!

    Related Links:

    EP4: Work-Life & Office Culture feat. Niklas (and life update from Josh!) ▸https://youtu.be/ireY7viwbBk
    EP64: From U.S. Farm Country to the German Bicycle Mecca feat. TheBlackForestFamily
    ▸https://youtu.be/ktMfL-tuPiI
    TikTok about unlimited vacation time by @americanbaron  ▸https://in.tiktok.com/@americanbaron/video/7142555024072215854

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 8 min
  • EP64: From U.S. Farm Country to the German Bicycle Mecca feat. The Black Forest Family ​

    Go to https://try.lingoda.com/UTS_LanguageWins and use our code WINWITHUTS to get 20€ ($25) off your deposit when signing up for the Lingoda Sprint! #sprint202301

    ▸After a bit of a Christmas hiatus, we are excited to start the new year with some highly requested guests! Jonathan and Ashton are originally from the Midwest but have found their home in Germany's Black Forest. On their YouTube channel The Black Forest Family they regularly analyze complex differences between Germany and the US, like why Germans seem to increasingly turn away from religion or which country leaves their residents with more money, but they also document their personal journey of raising a child there and even building a house! From cycling through the beautiful area around Freiburg and the French Alsace region to the struggle of finding American-style household appliances and wanting to learn German to be able to understand their son, Jonathan and Ashton had so many fascinating stories to share and we hope you guys enjoy them as much as we did! :) Make sure you check out their website ▸ https://www.blackforestfamily.com/ and YouTube channel ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlackForestFamily to hear more about what life is like for a young ex-pat family in Southwest Germany!

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 43 min
  • EP63: Christmas Live Stream

    ++Good audio quality starts at 00:07:02++

    For the last episode of the year, we decided to make it extra special! 😊🎄 So we got cozy in front of the Christmas tree with some Glühwein and recorded the episode while we were on a live stream so that you guys could interact with us and ask questions! (The live stream took place on the Feli fom Germany YouTube channel due to technical issues.) Thank you so much for everyone tuning in and asking questions! We wish you all happy holidays and a "good slide into the new year" as the Germans say: "Guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr!"

    Check out the following episodes we mentioned:

    EP8: Christmas Traditions in the US vs. Germany (Are St. Nikolaus and Santa Claus the same?!) ▸https://youtu.be/3x8JcTMFfy0
    EP29: Where It All Began - An Interview with Josh's High School German Teacher ▸https://youtu.be/m0V3CT0vuTA
    Dialect Series ▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsR1CX0-8-V-yXY0Q_r_9Pl1hKSyOO9JJ

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 25 min
  • EP62: An International Love Story feat. Joss and Janik

    Go to https://try.lingoda.com/UTS_Dec and use our code UTSWINTER to get 20€ ($25) off your deposit when signing up for the Lingoda Sprint! #sprint202212 

    This week, we have a real power couple join us on the podcast! Some of you might already know them and for the rest of you, we think it's about time you meet them! Joss and Janik are content creators and entrepreneurs and share a lot of their experiences with the world on YouTube and Instagram. Janik is from Germany, Joss is from Mexico and they're currently enjoying the Christmas season in beautiful London. Together, we talked about how they met, the struggles that come with a long-distance relationship, and living abroad, what it's like dating people who don’t share your native language/culture, and about their plans for the future! We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it! 

    Check out Joss and Janik

    on YouTube: ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@JossAndJanik  and ▸https://www.youtube.com/user/jossalmm
    on Instagram ▸https://www.instagram.com/jossalm ▸https://www.instagram.com/janikruehl ▸https://www.instagram.com/jossandjanik
    and check out NATOLL shampoo bars ▸https://www.natoll.co https://www.instagram.com/natoll_co


    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 36 min
  • EP61: Q&A - Midterms, World Cup, Celebrity Encounters and More!

    You asked - we answered! It's time for another Q&A episode and this time, we covered everything from serious topics such as the midterm elections in the U.S. or the controversy around the World Cup in Qatar to lighthearted topics like our understanding of comedy and satire in our second language or our taste in music. And maybe your question made it into the episode as well? If it didn't, make sure to leave your questions for us in the YouTube comments and follow us on Instagram (http://instagram.com/understandingtrainstation) so that you won't miss it next time when we ask for your questions in our story! 😊

    You can also watch this podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, Amazon Music, and iHeart Radio!

    Buy our merch ▸https://felifromgermany.com/collections/understanding-train-station • Follow us on Instagram▸instagram.com/understandingtrainstation • Support us on Patreon▸patreon.com/understandingtrainstation • Buy us a coffee▸buymeacoffee.com/utspodcast • Email us▸[email protected]

    Check out all the videos with Josh and Feli on the "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel▸https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcmNAGhcEEMm1zpbbFcz41YALTd2eAed

    1 hr 12 min

About Understanding Train Station

From the publisher's feed

In our podcast “Understanding Train Station”, we (Josh and Feli) explore the intricacies and pitfalls of living between cultures. The title is derived from the German idiom “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof”…