Berlin & Elsewhere

Luardo (Guten Tag Studio)

Berlin & Elsewhere is a podcast about what it means to live, work, and dream between cultures. Hosted by Luardo, each episode features in-depth conversations with immigrants, creatives, founders, and thinkers building a life in Berlin, and far from home. From identity struggles and career leaps to love, politics, and reinvention, we go beyond surface-level talk to explore the personal truths behind the big moves. 🎧 New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe and join a global community asking: what does it mean to belong?

  1. Why Berlin Makes You Feel Lonely (And How to Find Belonging)

    15H AGO

    Why Berlin Makes You Feel Lonely (And How to Find Belonging)

    Why does Berlin — one of Europe’s most exciting cities — make so many people feel lonely?In this episode, I speak with Monika Jiang, a Berlin-based writer and community builder focused on modern loneliness. Together, we explore why so many expats and internationals living in Germany struggle with belonging — even when they’re surrounded by people.You can follow Monika`s project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monika.jiang We talk about: Why big cities like Berlin can feel isolating The difference between being alone and feeling lonelyThe stigma around lonelinessGrowing up between cultures in GermanyFinding belonging as the daughter of Chinese immigrants in GermanyWhy hyper-independence makes modern life harderMale loneliness and connection in BerlinWhy loneliness isn’t a personal failure If you’ve recently moved to Germany, are navigating expat life in Berlin, or have ever felt disconnected while living abroad, this conversation is for you.Berlin is known for its freedom, creativity, and international culture — but behind the vibrant nightlife and startup energy, many foreigners and Germans alike experience social isolation. We discuss why building real friendships in Germany can feel difficult, how cultural differences affect connection, and what it truly means to belong. 💰 * Start your tax declaration and claim your tax refund with WUNDERTAX. GET ADDITIONAL DISCOUN HERE 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/3SSgKel

    1h 5m
  2. How Berlin Healed my self neglect and gave me a NEW START | Deidre Olsen

    12/11/2025

    How Berlin Healed my self neglect and gave me a NEW START | Deidre Olsen

    In this episode I speak with writer Deidre Olsen, a Canadian living in Berlin whose story shows how a change of country can completely reshape a life. After growing up with trauma, fighting self neglect, and trying to survive the high cost of living in Canada, she reached a breaking point. Moving to Germany gave her something she never had before: safety, stability, community, and the space to rebuild herself. We talk about what pushed her to leave Canada, why Berlin offered the right conditions to grow, how running and sobriety helped her find structure, and what it means to finally feel a sense of belonging after years of feeling lost. She shares her journey of healing, writing, studying, and creating a home she once thought she would never have. If you are thinking about moving to Germany, starting over in Berlin, or searching for a path that feels more aligned with who you want to become, this conversation will speak to you. It is a story about courage, rebuilding, and finding a future that feels possible. Topics covered:• Leaving Canada and seeking a better life in Germany• Berlin as a place for healing, growth, and community• Mental health, childhood trauma, and recovery• The expat experience in Germany• The reality of cost of living in Canada vs Germany• Running, fitness, and building self trust• Sobriety and personal reinvention• Creating a stable home and planning a book• Advice for newcomers in Berlin

    40 min

About

Berlin & Elsewhere is a podcast about what it means to live, work, and dream between cultures. Hosted by Luardo, each episode features in-depth conversations with immigrants, creatives, founders, and thinkers building a life in Berlin, and far from home. From identity struggles and career leaps to love, politics, and reinvention, we go beyond surface-level talk to explore the personal truths behind the big moves. 🎧 New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe and join a global community asking: what does it mean to belong?