In our second Zeitgeist episode, we’re diving into what’s happening in the world—and in our lives—right now. We break down how Austrian elections work and the latest on coalition talks, before taking a detour to discuss why on Earth the Detroit Lions have made the Austrian news.  Responding to a listener email from Joanna, Carmen shares a review of the Christmas markets she’s already visited (impressive, considering they’ve only been open a week!). And while we do talk about the elephant in the room—the U.S. election—we also admit to sticking our heads (or feet, in Carmen’s case, who was literally on the beach) in the sand. So grab yourself a glühwein and tune in for some casual conversation and hot takes.

For more, check us out on social media at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

Detroit Lions make it on ORF: https://sport.orf.at/stories/3134174/

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier-Prozent-H%C3%BCrde_(%C3%96sterreich)

This week, we dive into the rise of Austria’s far-right FPÖ party and its controversial leader, Jörg Haider, whose meteoric ascent left a lasting mark on Austrian politics. As we explore the twists and turns of Austrian politics and Haider’s influence, Stephen’s dog Bo voices his disapproval loudly in the background. We also take some classic Viennese detours, including the city's obsession with academic titles and Carinthia’s infamous road sign debates. Join us for a revealing look at Austria's political landscape—and how we got to where we are today.

For more, check us out on social media at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

Links

https://www.derstandard.at/story/2000122364439/ein-blick-auf-den-zauber-des-joerg-haider

https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/jorg-haiders-fatale-erbschaft-7060375.html

https://time.com/archive/6944641/joerg-haiders-troubled-legacy/

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6rg_Haider

The FPÖ of Jörg Haider - Populist or Extreme Right-Winger? (archive.org)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/feb/04/austria.ianblack

Jörg Haider Interview from the 80s: https://youtu.be/gfFKCx6IY3Q?si=rale3TFtzpZH_-tX

Oe24 Haider documentary: https://youtu.be/--T7O6gurwQ?si=9cAMlbJCI8-ulQtP

ORF Haider documentary: https://youtu.be/zyieK8ZSID8?si=FgYWHTWxOfbP3T2G

What does an assassination attempt have to do with the height of Vienna's City Hall? More than you’d expect. In this episode, we uncover the strange connection between political violence and architecture, with a surprise appearance from Mexico along the way. Stephen and Carmen agree that, when it comes to underground enclosures, they'd much rather explore a wine cellar than a crypt filled with skulls and bones. And despite what you may think, it turns out the Viennese love bending the rules. Get a glimpse into how these quirks shaped Vienna's skyline—best enjoyed with a glass of wine!

For more, check us out on social media at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

Welcome to our first-ever Zeitgeist episode, where we chat about what's happening in Vienna, the world, and in our lives right now. This week, we're tackling everything from single-use plastics and Cybertrucks to the terrorist threat that forced Taylor Swift to cancel her Vienna shows. Plus, we attempt to introduce the German word Sommerloch to the American lexicon—because let’s face it, the English translation just doesn’t cut it. Join us for a lively, casual conversation about the headlines, our hot takes, and a few good laughs along the way.

For more, check us out on social media at viennapastandpresent, viennapastorpres on Instagram, or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

What do Mozambique, Tianjin, and the Nicobar islands have in common? Very little! Except that they were all sites of the Habsburgs' clumsy attempts at an overseas empire. In this episode, we dive into three little-known and ill-fated colonial ventures that saw the Habsburgs trying their hand at global expansion with less than stellar results. And while the lasting impacts of these colonies are near non-existent, you can see some in one of these places – if you squint.

For more, check us out on social media at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

Links

• http://english.china.org.cn/english/culture/72974.htm 

• Austrian East India Company - Wikipedia

• Bankipur (Bengal) - Wikipedia

• Austro-Hungarian concession of Tianjin - Wikipedia

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor
• https://secretvienna.org/aeiou-isnt-just-a-string-of-vowels/#:~:text=There%20are%20multiple%20possible%20meanings,comes%20from%20Frederik%20III's%20notebook.
• https://www.habsburger.net/de/kapitel/aeiou
• https://www.vienna.at/raetsel-geloest-das-bedeutet-das-kuerzel-a-e-i-o-u/7994782
• https://www.habsburger.net/en/chapter/weak-yet-tenacious-emperor-frederick-iii
• https://hdgoe.at/1919_tianjin
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_concessions_in_Tianjin

The letters "AEIOU" can be found scattered throughout Vienna, etched in stone, engraved on buildings, and inscribed in art. But what do they mean? In this episode, we unravel the mystery behind these enigmatic letters that have puzzled historians and locals alike for centuries. These seemingly simple vowels are linked to grand ambitions of world domination and the Habsburgs' intricate political strategies. Join us as we explore the fascinating history and myriad interpretations of "AEIOU", from the Middle Ages until today.

Ten years ago, Conchita Wurst took the Eurovision stage by storm, redefining glamour and shattering boundaries. Join us as Carmen pretends to be a Eurovision aficionado while Stephen rolls his eyes. Together, they reminisce about the hotel in Istanbul they stayed at during Conchita's win, and how much it smelled like cat. And that's not all: get ready to do your morning workouts with Conchita! Yes, you read that right. Tune in to find out how you can sweat it out with one of Eurovision's most iconic winners.

For more, check us out on social medias at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at viennapastandpresent@gmail. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

https://www.wursttv.com/

Russian Politicians Slam 'Bearded Lady' Conchita Wurst's Eurovision Win (billboard.com)

Conchita Wurst (@conchitawurst) • Instagram photos and videos

Before Vienna had public toilets, masked figures roamed the streets with poop buckets. Yes, you heard that right. It wasn't until the 1880s that the city saw its first public toilet, a milestone met with both relief and controversy. The church, ever vigilant, worried these new facilities would become dens of sin. And let's not forget Stephen, who shares his shameful yet hilarious experience with us. So, how did Vienna go from poop buckets to modern public conveniences? Join us as we dive into the bowels of this history, and explore the world's oldest underground toilet.

For more, check us out on social medias at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at viennapastandpresent@gmail. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

Links

https://www.geschichtewiki.wien.gv.at/%C3%96ffentliche_Bed%C3%BCrfnisanstalten

https://www.architektenlexikon.at/de/33.htm

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96ffentliche_Bed%C3%BCrfnisanstalt_am_Graben

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abtrittanbieter

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Beetz_(Bauunternehmer)

https://finanzbildung.oenb.at/docroot/waehrungsrechner/#/

https://der.orf.at/unternehmen/aktuell/pk_wiener_moderne100.html#:~:text=Die%20Wiener%20Moderne%2C%20die%20Zeit,%2C%20Literatur%2C%20Musik%20und%20Geisteswissenschaften.

https://www.sagen.at/doku/Wien_Beetz/Beetz_Wien.html

San Francisco Tried to Build a $1.7 Million Toilet. It’s Still Not Done. - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Most of us had Pez dispensers when we were growing up. Even if you think you didn't, you will later remember that you did-- just ask Carmen.

But did you know it's an Austrian story? From it's humble beginnings as an anti-smoking mint to the subject of a minor international scandal-- and a charming Netflix documentary-- we'll tackle the whole story of this ubiquitous, unassuming little candy.

For more, check us out on social medias at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at viennapastandpresent@gmail. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!

When's the last time your city elections required papal intervention? Stumped? Well in Vienna's case, it was the 1897 election of Dr Karl Lueger, a consequential, controversial figure that left an impact on the city in ways both seen and unseen. Why did Emporer Franz Josef refuse to confirm his election 3 times? And how does Carmen review the church frescos that supposedly contain his face? This 19th century political story sounds strikingly familiar today.

For more, check us out on social medias at viennapastandpresent or at viennapastandpresent.com. Reach out to us at viennapastandpresent@gmail. We love hearing feedback and ideas. Danke!