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Artwork for The Zeitgeist
Germany
China
LGBTQ+ Rights
European Union
Ukraine
NATO
United States
Economy
European Parliament Elections
Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance
Trade Policy
Russia
Discrimination
LGBTQIA+ Rights
Angela Merkel
Alternative For Germany
Economic Security
Stonewall Riots
U.S. Presidential Election
Same-Sex Marriage

Building a Smarter German-American Partnership

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Zeitgeist

Latest Episodes

Five state elections will be held in Germany in 2026. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) enters this “super election year” in a strong position: it is the largest opposition party in the federal government, it continues to poll close to 25 percent nat... more

The BSW (formerly the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, now Alliance for Social Justice and Economic Reason) had early successes after its founding in 2024, winning seats in the European Parliament and three state parliaments in eastern Germany. The BSW ap... more

How have increased geopolitical competition and changing trade policy objectives affected the transatlantic relationship, and what are the shared priorities for German and U.S. business? On this episode of The Zeitgeist, CEO of DHL Group Tobias Meyer... more

The European security landscape is shifting. The United States is pressuring Europe to manage the defense of its region, and many NATO allies have growing doubts about the long-term reliability of the U.S. security guarantee, even as Russia continues... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Wolfgang Muno
Chair of Comparative Politics, University of Rostock
University of Rostock
Episode: Episode 142: The AfD and the 2026 State Elections
Jan Philip Tomacek
Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Potsdam, specializing in voting behavior and political parties
University of Potsdam
Episode: Episode 141: Germany’s Other Populist Party
Tobias Meyer
CEO of DHL Group and Chairman of the Transatlantic Business Initiative
DHL Group
Episode: Episode 140: The Transatlantic Relationship in a Transforming Global Trading System
Justyna Gokowska
Deputy Director of the Center for Eastern Studies, a Polish think tank focused on security and defense.
Center for Eastern Studies
Episode: Episode 139: The German-Polish Relationship amid Changing European Security Challenges
Klaus Dieter Frankenberger
Non-resident Senior Fellow.
Episode: Episode 138: The Trump Administration, the AfD, and German Foreign Policy
Nicole Bastian
Co-head of podcast, video, and live journalism at Handelsblatt
Handelsblatt
Episode: Episode 137: Friedrich Merz: Foreign Policy Chancellor
Juliana Cohnen
German social entrepreneur and founder of Innatura.
Innatura
Episode: Episode 136: The Role of Communities in Times of Crisis
Casey Pick
Director of Law and Policy for the Trevor Project.
The Trevor Project
Episode: Episode 136: The Role of Communities in Times of Crisis
Holger Schmieding
Chief Economist of Berenberg
Berenberg
Episode: Episode 135: Reenergizing the German Economy

Host

Jeff Rathke
President of the American German Institute at Johns Hopkins University and host of discussions about transatlantic relations and pertinent socio-political issues.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • I like it! But perhaps…

    …I’m biased, because I’m the host! Thanks to all who give us a listen - Jeff

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Liam R.
    United States3 years ago
  • Unique Information - Excited to Hear Future Episodes

    So far, very unique Information! I'm excited to hear future episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SkyMakai
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the unique and informative insights shared, often highlighting the quality of the guests and the depth of discussions.
The focus on nuanced issues and diverse perspectives is frequently praised, making the content engaging and relevant.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#193
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#107
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#34
Finland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#119
South Africa/Government
Apple Podcasts
#124
Poland/Government
Apple Podcasts
#177
Austria/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 142: The AfD and the 2026 State Elections
Q: What would it mean if the AfD had a minister-president from their party at the state level, and how would it affect German politics overall?
At the national level, it would have limited influence due to voting power within the Bundesrat, but at the state level it could reshape education, policing, and media, potentially altering curricula and public institutions, while broader national impacts would be constrained.
Episode 141: Germany’s Other Populist Party
Q: What accounts for the inability of the BSW to recalibrate for a post-Sahra Wagenknecht future?
The party has a unique structure focused on ideological alignment over political experience, leading to organizational weaknesses.
Episode 141: Germany’s Other Populist Party
Q: Will the BSW exist at the next German federal election in your opinion?
It's uncertain, as it depends on recount outcomes and Sahra Wagenknecht's involvement.
Episode 140: The Transatlantic Relationship in a Transforming Global Trading System
Q: How serious is the competition from China, and how should Germany respond?
It's serious, and Europe needs to enhance its competitiveness while engaging in dialogue with China.
Episode 140: The Transatlantic Relationship in a Transforming Global Trading System
Q: What can be done to ensure that Europe remains a technology leader in the future?
There needs to be better integration of financial markets and a resolution of bureaucracy issues.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Zeitgeist

What is The Zeitgeist about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused primarily on the intricate dynamics of German-American relations, the content engages listeners with a variety of pressing global issues, including foreign policy, economics, and cultural movements. Each episode often features relevant guest experts, shedding light on significant topics such as the interplay between U.S. politics and European dynamics, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, and the ongoing debates about nationalism and extremism in both regions. The discussions provide a nuanced perspective on how historical and contemporary events shape the transatlantic partnership, making it a valuable resource for everyone interested in international affairs, diplomacy, and community activism.

A unique aspect of this conte... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Zeitgeist?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Zeitgeist:

1. The Rachman Review
2. The NPR Politics Podcast
3. In Our Time
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. On the Media

How many episodes of The Zeitgeist are there?

The Zeitgeist launched 7 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Zeitgeist?

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What guests have appeared on The Zeitgeist?

Recent guests on The Zeitgeist include:

1. Wolfgang Muno
2. Jan Philip Tomacek
3. Tobias Meyer
4. Justyna Gokowska
5. Klaus Dieter Frankenberger
6. Nicole Bastian
7. Juliana Cohnen
8. Casey Pick

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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