Who is Friedrich Merz, and why is the world watching Germany’s new chancellor? In this special monologue, Claudia Koestler, co-host of the Over Here, Over There podcast, dives into the dramatic rise, fall, and stunning comeback of Friedrich Merz. Discover his unique biography, from corporate lawyer to CDU leader, his years in political exile, and his return to power at age 69. Claudia unpacks the controversies, the coalition drama, and what Merz’s conservative, transatlantic vision means for Germany, Europe, and the world. Whether you’re a politics buff or just curious about global leadership, this episode brings you the insights and stories behind the headlines. Subscribe for more international perspectives!

Takeaways

• Friedrich Merz has a complex political history
• His rivalry with Angela Merkel shaped his career
• Merz's return marks a shift in CDU leadership
• He is perceived as arrogant and divisive
• His approach to the far-right is controversial
• Merz's policies may be more confrontational than his predecessor
• He faces challenges in a fragmented Bundestag
• Public perception of Merz is mixed and critical
• His leadership could impact transatlantic relations
• The future of German politics is uncertain under Merz

Please see this and other 'Over Here, Over There' episodes at www.overhereoverthere.org. Please don't forget to like, subscribe, and add to the discussion. Thank you!

Summary

Over Here, Over There podcast hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris discuss the current political landscape in Germany and the EU, as Dan was passing through Munich Franz Joseph Flughafen (Airport) enjoy a which also included a delicious alkohol-frei Pilsner beer. On tap was the light of recent tariffs and the shifting dynamics of international relations. Claudia emphasizes the need for Europe to find its own voice and unity in the absence of a reliable US partnership, while also addressing the implications of rising right-wing politics within the EU. Dan, being a multi-national citizen, concludes with reflections on the evolving special relationship between the UK and the US post-Brexit, with Italy and Georgia Meloni's government getting a special mention.

Takeaways

• The German government needs to find its backbone and voice
• Europe must seek independence and shared values
• China is forming alliances while the US is less reliable
• Trust issues in partnerships are becoming more pronounced
• Multilateralism is challenged by current US politics
• Europe needs to present a united front for democracy
• The UK-US special relationship is under scrutiny post-Brexit
• Right-wing politics are gaining traction in some EU countries
• Countries are pursuing their own agendas within the EU
• The future of EU unity depends on overcoming internal divisions

So Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office - but to what consequences? In this episode of Over Here, Over There, German journalist Claudia Koestler and US/UK commentator Dan Harris dive deep into the whirlwind first 100 days of Trump’s second term. From Berlin to London and beyond, Claudia and Dan unpack the personal and political fallout:

• How have Trump’s executive orders, tariffs, and global shakeups changed daily life and travel for Europeans and Americans alike?
• Is Germany still a safe haven, is the US now too unpredictable to visit?
• What do Europeans really think about “America First,” and how are protests and politics shifting on both sides of the Atlantic?
• Can the EU find unity in the face of US unpredictability, or will divisions (like Hungary’s stance) hold it back?

With honest, sometimes raw, and always insightful perspectives, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about how Trump’s policies reverberate far beyond US borders. Tune in for a transatlantic conversation you won’t hear anywhere else!

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the debate in the comments: How do YOU see the US and Europe changing in Trump’s second term?

#Trump2025 #EuropeReacts #OverHereOverThere #PoliticalPodcast #Transatlantic #TrumpSecondTerm

In this episode, Dan Harris discusses the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States with BBC Five Live host Laura McGhie, highlighting the chaos and controversies that have characterized his administration. The conversation explores Trump's global impact, particularly through his tariff policies, and the influence of figures like Elon Musk. The role of social media in shaping Trump's presidency is examined, along with his fluctuating popularity and the constitutional limits on Trump's potential future terms.

Takeaways

• Trump's second term has been marked by chaos and controversy
• He has exported chaos globally, affecting international relations
• Tariffs have significant implications for global economies, including the UK
• Elon Musk's financial influence supports Trump's administration
• Social media remains a powerful tool for Trump's messaging
• Trump's popularity is declining despite initial high approval ratings
• The stock market's performance is a key concern for American voters
• Constitutionally, Trump cannot run for a third term, but speculation exists
• Trump's base remains loyal, but he may struggle to win broader support
• Concerns about authoritarianism and undermining democratic institutions persist

Sound Bites

• "He's exporting chaos across the world."
• "He is a master showman."
• "54% is not being hugely popular."

'Come Back America - Don't Leave Us', says the German adventurer Dirk Rohrbach. Podcast hosts Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler caught up with the 'German Bear Grylls' to dive deep into the real America. Rorhbach, journalist, radio host and doctor of medicine, shares his insider views he gained on his many travels, from paddling 1000 kilometers on the Yukon to cycling 3000 kilometers along the Pacific Coast. Dirk's experiences offer an unparalleled view on the differences and similarities between the US and Europe. Learn about the true concerns of rural America, the often-overlooked voices of Native Americans, what makes the US and Europe so truly unique and discover surprising lessons for both sides of the Atlantic in this must-watch video podcast episode of "Over Here, Over There".

Don't miss this chance to see America through fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of its complexities. Hit that like button, subscribe to our channel, and turn on notifications to never miss an episode of "Over Here, Over There"!

🎧 Want more? Check out Dirk Rohrbach's captivating podcast "50 STATES – Eine Entdeckungsreise durch Amerika" and explore his adventures at www.dirk-rohrbach.com.

#RealAmerica #AdventureTravel #CulturalInsights #USAvsEurope #OverHereOverThere #DirkRohrbach #PodcastHighlights #AmericanCulture #TravelStorytelling #GlobalPerspectives

What happens when a hospitality legend takes the helm of a historic institution? In this short clip extract from the feature-length podcast interview with @OverHereOverThere, Franck Arnold, Managing Director at the Savoy in London, opens up about how he actually got the job and about his first impressions and the challenges of leading a legendary hotel.

Are you ready to learn from the best? Watch the full-length interview with Franck Arnold on the " @OverHereOverThere " Podcast here: • Insights from The Savoy London - Interview with The Savoy's Managing Director, Franck Arnold

And please don´t forget to like and subscribe - and comment!

#TheSavoy #LuxuryHospitality #LeadershipSecrets #FranckArnold
#podcast #overhereoverthere

This time it's getting personal: During the Podcast interview with Franck Arnold, the Managing Director of the Savoy hotel in London, Claudia Koestler, co-host of the Podcast "Over Here, Over There", pulls back the curtain and reveals a never before shared juicy secret. A revelation you won't hear anywhere else...

👉 Watch the full interview with Franck Arnold on the " @OverHereOverThere " Podcast for more insider secrets and leadership lessons from one of the hospitality industry's top executives: • Insights from The Savoy London - Interview with Franck Arnold

🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews and global insights: Over Here, Over There website.

Many thanks to the brilliant ‪@EvenlodeFilms‬ who made this video podcast happen.

#podcast #overhereoverthere #savoy #FranckArnold #secret #babies #SavoyHotel #HospitalitySecrets #LeadershipInsights #LuxuryTravel #ExclusiveInterview #FranckArnold #OverHereOverThere #HotelIndustry #TravelPodcast #GlobalPerspecti

What happens when personal passion collides with professional views? In this captivating and not seen before bonus clip from the "Learning from the Best" series on the @OverHereOverThere Podcast, Franck Arnold, Managing Director of the iconic Savoy Hotel in London, shares an untold story of a challenging decision he faced. With over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Mr. Arnold reveals a secret that highlights the delicate balance that many know well.

🎥 Watch the full interview here: • Insights from The Savoy London - Inte...
💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay inspired by leaders who redefine excellence!

#TheSavoy #LeadershipSecrets #HospitalityExcellence #FranckArnold #LondonLuxury #PodcastClips #OverHereOverThere