Introducing Sarah & Sonya

00:00:00: Welcome to Dimensions Voices, a podcast about celebrating diversity and the richness that different cultures bring into our lives in our workplaces.

00:00:09: I am Sarah

00:00:10: And i'm Sonja.

00:00:12: This is our first introduction episode of this podcast because before our guests tell their stories Our listeners need know who we are.

00:00:20: why were doing it Why you should care?

00:00:26: It's going to be personal, it's gonna be honest and vision-led.

00:00:30: The podcast is called Dimensions.

00:00:32: Why did we decide to call this Podcast Dimensions?

00:00:36: Personally I think were really thinking about a good name for podcasts And also the vision that have.

00:00:43: We discussed a lot of possible options.

00:00:46: I remember how we're thinking different names.

00:00:52: Every name in mind was like nah It's not good enough, it doesn't embody what we are thinking.

00:00:58: But

00:00:58: at the end I believe when dimensions came up on the table... ...I personally fell in love with that name

00:01:04: so i don't

00:01:04: know how you feel?

00:01:05: Same same because it covers everything Because What were talking about basically The cultural differences is such a diverse topic With So many facets and so many different areas That maybe And yeah, it just as he said embodies what we are trying to create.

00:01:32: Yeah and also We think about different cultures in different people and every story so everyone brings an own Story and experiences which is like covers a whole Different dimension of that person or the culture of their country whatever?

00:01:50: So in that case dimensions.

00:01:53: In my opinion, it's the best name we could have chosen.

00:01:56: Yeah yeah if fits perfectly.

00:02:00: And so... The format that were thinking about is inviting one guest maybe sometimes even two who knows or more.

00:02:08: who know depends on their dynamics and whom they have in mind but then its always going to be a country.

00:02:18: So It's One Two Or More Guests one country that we're going to cover and their view, and their perspective on this country or the culture.

00:02:30: And what they have experienced growing up in that country?

00:02:33: Yeah!

00:02:34: That's gonna be a very real and honest conversation about... ...their lives and how it influences them.

00:02:44: Basically you can expect as listeners an honest deep true conversations about life, about their journey.

00:02:55: About the hardships... ...about things that didn't go so well and also the things that went well The beautiful stories..the happy endings….

00:03:06: ..the richness of cultural exchange That happened through their move And their lives.

00:03:15: So

00:03:16: basically guests will open up For us and to you as our listeners, so you can hear real stories behind the country or a culture And I think it's very Very interesting too To listen two people's stories.

00:03:34: Yeah What

00:03:34: they what?

00:03:35: They bring to the table.

00:03:37: yeah, and that's how It's always been like.

00:03:40: every time we do go into your conversation with someone Like without a microphone just for life because where generally interested in people's lives, and whenever we were talking to people it was such a cool and deep conversation.

00:03:57: And well... We're just like…we need to record this!

00:04:01: It

00:04:02: is

00:04:02: crazy how people open up – I do believe patting our own backs that we create the safe space for people to share their experience and be honest about it And now we have the opportunity to share that with the world.

00:04:20: Yeah, and being able to share stories of everyday people That were met through wherever life

00:04:28: led us exactly

00:04:30: It's crazy.

00:04:31: even how many?

00:04:32: How many different countries We will be able to cover simply by the people that you know?

00:04:37: yeah that we've gotten to know over The years and for our lives and it's beautiful.

00:04:43: a lot of it really

00:04:44: is.

00:04:44: Yeah, thinking about all those conversations we already had with different people sharing their stories makes me think

00:04:53: how

00:04:54: everyone in their lives experience bumps and good times also bad times.

00:05:00: And what led the people to do whatever they are doing?

00:05:04: The story behind that.

00:05:06: sometimes I really can relate a lot of things maybe was said.

00:05:12: on the other hand it's anyway nice to hear the people, to hear their stories and...to understand a little bit more what was the driver behind that.

00:05:26: Yes!

00:05:27: Yeah And with every person opening up there's different point of view like in the world which is also such beautiful thing.

00:05:37: It IS

00:05:38: Right?

00:05:39: Being able see the world from somebody else eyes is nice.

00:05:43: it is really is.

00:05:45: So before we start talking about somebody else, let's talk about ourselves first!

00:05:49: We should introduce ourselves to our listeners and so they can get a little bit more insight on who are we?

00:05:57: And... Who was speaking with our

00:05:59: guests?!

00:06:00: Yeah...

00:06:01: Who are you?

00:06:02: Tell me!

00:06:03: Well... Let me start.. My name is Sonja and I was born in Germany But my parents are from Tunisia, so... My background is basically I would say easy.

00:06:17: I haven't had the hard time of coming into Germany and learning the language.

00:06:22: I was born here So this is like a positive thing to sort-of say.

00:06:27: And i was born in really north Of germany near to the danish border.

00:06:34: I went to school there.

00:06:37: In German it's called fachabitur, I don't know if there is an English word for that.

00:06:41: I only know A-levels which

00:06:42: are kind of

00:06:43: probably the American... Is it American or British?

00:06:48: No its American

00:06:48: right?!

00:06:49: I'm not sure please!

00:06:50: To our listeners as you know!

00:06:54: Yeah but so and then from there i moved to Cologne.

00:06:56: Mine And since then..I have been here started studying and yeah I couldn't finish that.

00:07:05: Then, when to work said okay let's go and study at some point else.

00:07:09: then in the year of two thousand nineteen i started again with my bachelor degree And still working...I changed My workplace a couple times.

00:07:19: Since

00:07:19: twenty

00:07:20: four...twenty-twenty four Wink!

00:07:23: I'm working on Monheim which is like between..inbetween Düsseldorf & Cologne.

00:07:27: When I start studying now working for my master's degree I have two older brothers which was really interesting growing up with just brothers.

00:07:36: So basically, this is the important things to know about me maybe.

00:07:41: and it was interesting growing in Germany because I lived... And grew between two cultures.

00:07:47: so you have a German one.

00:07:49: then you had Tunisian-Arabic culture.

00:07:52: that's different!

00:07:55: In school we were like different ethnicities nationalities people are so diverse basically, which is like interesting seeing other peoples and cultures.

00:08:05: On the other hand trying to grow up in a country where you don't feel particularly home but on the other end having roots another country were your German.

00:08:18: so this kind of an interesting balance that needs find when you go out sometimes not funny looking back it was fine.

00:08:29: Yeah, kind of in between cultures your whole life.

00:08:33: You've been juggling with your identities?

00:08:37: Sometimes I really had troubles knowing who i am.

00:08:40: but it's not just me... ...I know there are some

00:08:43: more

00:08:44: and other people that have the same experiences than I did even from other countries.

00:08:49: most of them think what I heard And for those people whom I talk to they have the similar experience in this case.

00:08:58: Yeah, I've heard that before and i believe that to be very stressful And also challenging too.

00:09:05: kind of find yourself when on one hand you grow up with a culture That is introduced by your parents who have lived?

00:09:16: and experienced that culture and then Also Being in an environment and with friends at school.

00:09:25: And everywhere kind of which is like completely different also trying to fit in and finding your place there.

00:09:34: Yeah, it's a struggle.

00:09:35: It

00:09:35: is especially fitting in when you're liking the teenage

00:09:39: yeah age

00:09:41: Something like this and everything is about.

00:09:44: The groups that I build

00:09:46: belong to

00:09:46: fit-in Exactly, and then you have the dynamics on different groups.

00:09:50: So basically you want to fit in, but at some point it's difficult.

00:09:55: To fit in thinking back It was kind of a struggle But on the other hand like I said i had a diverse environment and school

00:10:04: Mm-hmm so

00:10:06: it Was basically fine?

00:10:07: So i would say i had The best of both worlds

00:10:09: yeah,

00:10:10: so In this case And now i'm really happy that it came

00:10:15: okay Yeah That's good.

00:10:17: Yes

00:10:18: if You have more questions about me

00:10:20: Just

00:10:21: you can write it down, tell us a comment if you have anything else.

00:10:25: If you can relate also let us know

00:10:28: your

00:10:29: experiences so we can exchange information.

00:10:34: Yes So how about you?

00:10:50: diverse group, friend-group.

00:10:52: You mean just me right?

00:10:54: –You are the only person that I talk to!

00:10:55: This

00:10:56: is the diversity you get…that's

00:10:57: what i can offer!

00:10:58: So yeah no...I do have a very diverse friends which am proud of and believe this is beautiful because we got to..i had a lot of intercultural exchange starting from young age also due my family which I'm going to go into more detail later.

00:11:20: And then, yeah kind of through all that fell in love with cultures and intercultural exchange... ...with understanding people… …with China see the world through a different lens….

00:11:31: …and being curious about people – being curious by their stories!

00:11:35: And also experience.

00:11:38: if you are open and curious A lot of people are very nice

00:11:42: They are.

00:11:43: And they're happy to share their stories when you genuinely curious and can feel that, so asking questions out of curiosity and truly trying understand what's going on... That really helps open up and it is a genuine interest in people

00:12:03: I believe also the open mind through their stories and theirs, not to put your own stamp on the story.

00:12:13: To see.

00:12:14: okay I cannot relate that so it doesn't care but this is not what's about...I think its more of a mind openness you need have..to really think ok i will hear a story which may be different from my own.

00:12:30: even if I can't relate ,i try understand.

00:12:36: And yeah, I've kind of carried this through my life and then also started studying international management.

00:12:47: Yeah...I think that a big influence on how i see people in the world comes from my family.

00:12:57: Teased already?

00:12:58: My grandparents were the ones who set the first stone especially after, so they both experienced world-wide.

00:13:11: And then saw what happened and thought it was a terrible thing.

00:13:14: So... What they wanted to do is get people to exchange getting to know each other understanding what's going on exactly we're doing right now.

00:13:26: They joined the group of People Going To Israel For I think if i remember correctly what my grandma and my grandpa told me they visited fifteen times stayed with families.

00:13:39: And to this day, my grandmother still calls and texts and regularly sends messages too.

00:13:47: the members of his family stay in contact.

00:13:52: The building that I grew up is a building with several apartments And it was several generations.

00:14:03: So my grandparents, my parents and my brother-in-law who lived there... ...and we still had a separate apartment that then was rented to international students

00:14:15: who

00:14:16: came to Duisburg to study there because it's very popular for their technical parts.

00:14:22: so the only Duisborg ass in this is popular for the technical division.

00:14:28: And these people, whoever came as soon they moved in were part of the family.

00:14:36: So we invited them to our family gatherings birthdays Christmas Easter like everything whatever we celebrated.

00:14:42: They were also invited and a part of it... ...and two Russian students who stayed with us for eleven years and still celebrate The big festives even though there are not like living in the building anymore.

00:14:58: This is

00:14:58: so nice, really wholesome!

00:15:00: Yeah we had a Syrian family who had to flee the country and my grandma was a teacher for German So she usually did some German class with

00:15:14: these

00:15:15: people as well.

00:15:17: We had I don't know what else Chinese.

00:15:20: We had someone from Romania for a couple of months.

00:15:24: Now there is an Ukrainian mom with her son and also, her husband living here And it's just... yeah It has been like that my whole life.

00:15:37: So I was exposed to diversity different opinions, different ways of life from an early age and that's what made me curious.

00:15:48: Yeah, yeah it's how I grew up and that is what i know.

00:15:54: but

00:15:54: would you say this as usual?

00:15:56: No!

00:15:57: For...I wouldn't say that right.

00:15:58: no so this will be my first impression that normally this isn´t very usual..no

00:16:06: well you know I was ...that's how we grew up.

00:16:08: That's why everybody thought like Was a harsh truth that I had to understand, but it's not like that.

00:16:16: But yeah... Like i was always told by friends That this is how it is because my family also very close right?

00:16:25: So It's not only We lived in the same building and also my aunts and uncles Also.

00:16:32: everybody lives very close And we were celebrating birthdays with at least thirty people, if not more.

00:16:39: Wow!

00:16:40: My eighteenth birthday was a celebration with I think eighty-something people... Most

00:16:47: of them.

00:16:48: family?

00:16:48: Only

00:16:48: family.

00:16:49: Only?!

00:16:50: Oh

00:16:50: my god!

00:16:51: Apart from like...

00:16:52: Sounds like an Arab gathering for

00:16:55: lunch.

00:16:55: Yeah but it's both sides of ...my parents and mom as well.

00:17:00: yeah so this is just that how i grew up the norm, that especially from what I've heard Germans like to stay for themselves and it's not... they don't usually connect that much.

00:17:16: From what i have heard you know?

00:17:19: The people who are with are not like this or these bigger festivities-I dont think there is a usual thing And also

00:17:28: and also taking

00:17:29: in

00:17:29: foreign

00:17:30: nuts.

00:17:30: Not knowing who's going to be there, like what are they gonna be like?

00:17:34: And you have open doors... They have access to everything.

00:17:37: so yeah but it has always been beautiful.

00:17:41: It's always been nice.

00:17:43: We never had or I can't remember a bad experience.

00:17:48: It was always very loving.

00:17:52: How do say it?

00:17:54: I'm lacking my words!

00:17:56: Loving Knows

00:17:58: no cherish.

00:17:59: I don't even remember the German word for it.

00:18:02: Oh, maybe you can.

00:18:03: let's try something i have learned in school.

00:18:05: if You don't Remember what Try to describe What you want To say.

00:18:08: yeah so?

00:18:10: Appreciative

00:18:11: There you go there

00:18:12: you Go i explained In my mind and then wow okay It was a very appreciative connection.

00:18:20: So Yeah that's for my story.

00:18:23: And now I want to kind of continue this family legacy, if you will and create a space of my own?

00:18:30: That is what we do!

00:18:31: I have the perfect partner to do it with.

00:18:34: Oh

00:18:34: my God thank You so much!

00:18:37: Yeah

00:18:38: which takes us basically too... The story how we met?

00:18:42: oh yeah

00:18:43: i don't know.

00:18:44: Do We Want To Start?

00:18:45: So This Is Like..I think one Of The Funniest Memories I Have Since I've Known You Which Is Like Seven Years Now

00:18:52: More than seven years.

00:18:54: Seven

00:18:54: and a half years now, yeah

00:18:56: Wow Yeah.

00:18:58: So it all started with my mom

00:19:04: And then they had me.

00:19:05: hi is your name Ryan?

00:19:07: No

00:19:07: no um I made the decision to well after My education that That's not it.

00:19:14: i want to go study teachers, people who are basically in the workforce and it's like a after-work weekend situation called The FOM.

00:19:31: Are we allowed to say that?

00:19:33: I don't

00:19:33: know but this... But we do!

00:19:35: Here we go unpaid marketing move here And they had an introduction ceremony kind of where They were introducing a couple of people Who have already finished their studies and also like all of the new students came there to start their university journey.

00:19:58: And we were a room full of, I don't know how many students.

00:20:02: who are they?

00:20:03: I think it was like

00:20:04: two... Yeah!

00:20:05: It was lot of people.

00:20:06: yeah A LOT OF PEOPLE!

00:20:08: I imagine that i mean less could be more but i think its like two-three hundred people.

00:20:13: Yeah..and All those were students with different subjects.

00:20:19: they made us stand up for our studies that we had.

00:20:25: And then, we could look around and already see who's studying with us... Do you know the first person I saw?

00:20:33: No, I don't.

00:20:35: Valerie was the first one!

00:20:37: He was standing like five or six rows in front of me ...and he was the only one standing up!

00:20:43: in the front.

00:20:44: and I was like

00:20:45: oh god is it just us two?

00:20:48: And then i looked around, okay fine.

00:20:50: Yeah also...I remember sitting not at the front rows

00:20:55: but

00:20:56: somewhere on which side.

00:20:59: so when they say everyone for international management please stand up Where are the other ones?

00:21:07: They hung around to see the back of the room.

00:21:09: And then I saw some more people

00:21:11: and we were a group Of how many people where at the ceremony in total

00:21:16: or just that day,

00:21:17: um Just that they like ten fifteen maybe.

00:21:19: yeah Yeah It wasn't no big cause anyway But it was like ten to fifteen people.

00:21:24: and Then We got talk and you know Talk about University what we expect What do think?

00:21:32: i remember That from from the introduction and you starting to speak.

00:21:38: I was like, oh

00:21:39: my God!

00:21:40: I love

00:21:41: her all day!

00:21:44: So I was just like okay this is...this is my girl.

00:21:48: i'm going to stick with

00:21:49: her.

00:21:50: And then when everybody left we were still there talking.

00:21:54: I remember They went and left The room emptied.

00:21:58: At some point they looked at each other.

00:22:00: We're probably need go.

00:22:01: Yeah True

00:22:04: We left the building, but we didn't leave the site.

00:22:07: No!

00:22:07: Because we stood there outside in front of the building.

00:22:11: it was

00:22:12: February... It was so

00:22:13: cold!!

00:22:13: It was

00:22:13: cold!!!

00:22:14: We were

00:22:14: standing outside and just talking and talking

00:22:20: forty-five minutes straight.

00:22:21: Forty

00:22:22: five minutes?

00:22:23: And I felt like it was ten.

00:22:25: maybe yeah look at my watch.

00:22:26: i'm like oh fuck i gotta go home.

00:22:28: yeah

00:22:29: can we swear?

00:22:30: i don't know.

00:22:31: sorry

00:22:32: I don't know,

00:22:33: of course we can.

00:22:35: It's our podcast!

00:22:36: Who is going to stop us?

00:22:38: Okay...I'm not gonna stop you.

00:22:40: go ahead

00:22:41: Maybe i'll cut that

00:22:42: out.

00:22:42: You could beep it.

00:22:45: When think really clicked.

00:22:49: when talking about the stain on shirt.

00:22:51: Oh my

00:22:52: god.

00:22:52: yes Yes

00:22:54: At this point She's my girl.

00:22:57: Because

00:22:58: we both had a stain on our shirts from the way that we ate earlier.

00:23:02: Oh, clumsy!

00:23:04: Damn... And I remember yours was just like below your chin.

00:23:09: It was so center That you couldn't miss it.

00:23:13: When he looked at me You could see his...

00:23:15: It was waving.

00:23:16: basically

00:23:18: He didn't blink

00:23:23: and then I believe this went through the whole time that we were there together.

00:23:32: It was just such an intense bond from start, but it is how sometimes you meet people and you're like... Exactly!

00:23:42: That's what i'm talking about.

00:23:46: Yeah We think up some times

00:23:49: And thats also why would say make a good team because its not Always agreeing or always being of the same opinion, but we do have a way Of communicating that is very honest and very open in A Very laid-back Way.

00:24:07: Yeah

00:24:08: so that We That we Have The Foundation And a good chemistry

00:24:14: I'm really good at

00:24:15: very good chemistry to To start a project like that

00:24:19: yeah?

00:24:19: And also as we've mentioned before this I mean, i'm patting our own backs again.

00:24:25: But being able to create an environment where people feel safe To share we've created this for each other as well

00:24:34: Mm-hmm.

00:24:35: but yeah Being able to to share all stories their stories then be able to share their stories my god.

00:24:41: And when were sharing our story before?

00:24:43: Yeah

00:24:45: That's what

00:24:45: I wanted say.

00:24:46: obviously I know you're the bad

00:24:49: guy.

00:24:50: Okay, wow.

00:24:51: And you know what I really appreciate also about our dynamics that we have is like if there's someone... Who doesn't know you?

00:25:00: I think i have access to your premium personality.

00:25:02: Yeah, yeah

00:25:03: You've subscribed.

00:25:04: Take an automated renewal!

00:25:06: You have a lifetime membership my girl

00:25:09: No possibility to cancel.

00:25:11: So basically when there's someone who Doesn't know that well You can come across a little bit reserved Like quiet Maybe some kind of introverted.

00:25:22: And im the complete opposite.

00:25:25: so Im outgoing where going, sometimes I can be introverted as well depending on the context.

00:25:32: But normally i'm really outgoing.

00:25:34: so...I think this is in combination.

00:25:38: This something that I really appreciate because it helps I wouldn't say help some dynamics but It does Something with it!

00:25:46: And has an influence..I don't know I cannot describe.

00:25:50: there's a big influence With our personalities also

00:25:54: and yes I go off vibes heavily with people, so it's just... It depends.

00:26:01: I basically mirror?

00:26:02: Its not that i am NOT me!

00:26:05: its just that..i decide on how much i share of my personality based on who is standing in front of me and the vibes from these people.

00:26:17: And when i feel comfortable you're gonna get the whole experience.

00:26:21: You'll get the premium membership for a lifetime.

00:26:25: don't want to miss that.

00:26:27: It's gonna show from time-to-time!

00:26:29: I

00:26:29: still remember sometimes when we wanted to study for some exam and were at home, this was really intense because you couldn't start learning before.

00:26:41: we didn't do like a forty five minute dance workout in the kitchen?

00:26:48: Yeah

00:26:49: why?!

00:26:50: I don't know.

00:26:51: maybe To

00:26:54: let out the energy.

00:26:55: Yeah,

00:26:56: we need to

00:26:58: be on that

00:26:59: to be.

00:27:00: That is a question!

00:27:01: So this was really fun and I think This whole makes us get the

00:27:10: both worlds Hannah Montana in my way through life.

00:27:14: My god We've been talking about Okanation so much But why?

00:27:19: Why did we decide to start a project like that?

00:27:22: We've already stated our connection with culture and why.

00:27:26: we have some kind of...we had some exposure on the topic of intercultural communication.

00:27:34: And this came up in our studies as well, I think…didn't i tell you but..I don't know!

00:27:43: But it also comes from a class called intercultural competencies and we, I think pretty much in the beginning both of us said that.

00:27:53: We were looking forward to it because we're very interested in this topic And... That's kind of what was like.

00:28:01: And This year In February

00:28:04: Again?

00:28:05: February.

00:28:06: Yeah!

00:28:06: That is our month.

00:28:07: Yes

00:28:08: We went to a museum Very interesting one in Cologne.

00:28:14: It was another day going outside Standing there in the rain under a teeny tiny roof

00:28:21: Mm-hmm

00:28:22: talking and as we always do.

00:28:24: We were just standing there talking for Fifty minutes, I don't know guy who was at the reception probably thought what are these girls doing?

00:28:33: Why did they not move?

00:28:35: What?

00:28:35: why is well?

00:28:36: what's going on?

00:28:37: have

00:28:38: you ever had a dream

00:28:39: where you when your

00:28:41: welcome

00:28:41: to my brain

00:28:43: I love it

00:28:44: so much going on at the same time My mouth is way slower than my brain is?

00:28:50: please

00:28:50: stop talking leave room for imagination.

00:28:52: okay yeah but

00:28:54: oh no we were standing there again having our conversation pidd talking about like these this and that.

00:29:01: And then I was like Sonja, i have an idea...I've been thinking about this before But in that moment..i was like ''i want to do it with you''.

00:29:09: I knew that.

00:29:09: the-in that moment i was like yeah let's do this.

00:29:12: and....we talked abou starting a podcast, we talked about what the concept could be.

00:29:19: We talked about how still cultural exchange is big interest and love for each of us that especially in these times right now want to bring people back together and creating space where people can share are able to listen to stories and being able to experience what we have experienced so many times before, which is seeing the world from somebody else's point of view.

00:30:00: And being able see it through their lens.

00:30:03: Also I believe at this point after we've talked about for years that there was a root deep down in I don't know, in us.

00:30:16: So...I think at this moment we both knew that we really have a passion

00:30:21: of

00:30:22: bringing people together and sharing their stories to help other peoples'.

00:30:30: if they want come here to Germany All the

00:30:32: Peoples People!

00:30:33: Yeah okay sorry No

00:30:35: worries I'm fine That's funny.

00:30:38: It is not funny.

00:30:40: i've got school.

00:30:41: Leave it out now.

00:30:43: Thanks

00:30:43: my little meme museum.

00:30:45: You have a museum too, like the meme museum?

00:30:48: I do!

00:30:49: Yeah we both do.

00:30:50: Yes We Both Do and this is good AND bad.

00:30:55: for some times i'm like...do people understand?

00:30:57: Am I to chronically online?

00:30:59: Did that

00:30:59: just expose my screen time?

00:31:01: The

00:31:02: worst thing is referring to something And People don't know what you're talking about.

00:31:06: Oh

00:31:06: My God

00:31:07: This Is

00:31:08: so embarrassing and YOU NEED TO EXPLAIN THIS

00:31:11: And even then trying to find the meme and show you two people?

00:31:15: They

00:31:16: don't find it funny anyway.

00:31:17: Yeah, I knew take like what... It takes forever for you to find this meme because how do you type in there?

00:31:25: What are you gonna...?

00:31:28: embarrassing sometimes.

00:31:29: You know, I really wanted to explain the Spider-Man meme sometime where they stand exactly... Thank you!

00:31:36: Just for your information.

00:31:37: she just pointed fingers which was really interesting because this is exactly the meme i was talking about?

00:31:41: yeah Where three spider man standing in a circle and pointing at each other.

00:31:46: Yeah So I was trying to explain..I just made that movement And said ha ha Spider Man.

00:31:52: The two people were with.

00:31:54: They looked me like what does he talk out?

00:31:58: Do you know Spider-Man, the meme?

00:32:00: And they were like no.

00:32:01: Like oh okay well so there's a meme and I start to explain what the meme looks like!

00:32:08: Well then just looked at me with sadness... So i thought maybe that they are very compassionate.

00:32:16: But then the reception guy he said this was really interesting seeing you trying to explain the spider man meme To boomer.

00:32:25: Oh, well do you know the meme?

00:32:27: You was like of

00:32:28: course!

00:32:28: I

00:32:29: should rethink that.

00:32:33: So basically sorry

00:32:36: for this little excursion.

00:32:39: coming back to the passion we have about bringing people together and learning from each other also To be more open-minded maybe And understand a bit more what the struggles are.

00:32:52: Yeah,

00:32:54: to help other people who can relate.

00:32:57: To see that they are not alone but also on the other hand... ...to help people understand what others are going through.

00:33:07: So I think it's kind of a multi-sided dimensional way so to speak.. ..to look at this whole thing.

00:33:17: We have developed a little bit of concept to describe a thing of culture and intercultural exchange.

00:33:27: See yourself as a shelf with drawers, every time you are exposed to the situation either you already have a drawer that this experience fits into or create your new drawer.

00:33:41: put it in there.

00:33:43: As you grow up A lot of the drawers from your parents Or people who come very close.

00:33:52: as you start and do continue, there's more draws coming up with friends.

00:33:56: And the influence that you have on experiences at school.

00:34:00: teachers like all these things... We always say that You need These Draws to understand The world!

00:34:08: ...and you need them To be able to live because if you Always had to evaluate a situation from the Start again That would Be very overwhelming being in World we are In.

00:34:19: But What is important, when you have created a draw and see someone.

00:34:27: You open that drawer then put their person in there to be open look at the person talk with them try not understand them if they put it doesn't fit the person being able to open again sort this into another drawing or maybe create new one.

00:34:47: We believe intercultural exchange basically is creating draws and these experiences that you have gives such a big variety of options in your shelf to pick from, which are also very flexible.

00:35:07: You can easily open them or like re-sort them so it gives you good details overview of the world.

00:35:17: I think very important is also to say that putting people different backgrounds into those draws, it's kind of a mechanism from the brain to protect you.

00:35:27: so basically when we have those drawers this is where stereotypes come form and When You Say We Need To Create New Draws And To Be Flexible With Opening Them It Is Kind Of A Reflection That We Are Doing upon information that we get.

00:35:47: So to re-evaluate what we have heard and think about the draw, maybe I put a person in... To say okay this is not that stereotype situation?

00:35:59: Just want to mention it's no bad thing having these draws as you already said because your brain wouldn't be able to sort everything out from start again but its very dangerous for society, actually.

00:36:17: If the only thing that you can do with this draw is put people in but not being able to look inside and be like hmm does this still work?

00:36:25: Is it correct?

00:36:26: because that's where xenophobia comes from for example.

00:36:30: You have humans who are bad and they also behave that way But not everyone in their same realm saying culture ethnicity religion Region is the same as that person.

00:36:46: That you maybe had a bad experience with and also sometimes With cultural differences,

00:36:53: it

00:36:54: can be Misunderstandings.

00:36:57: right people have very different ways of expressing and communicating And if You don't know The background the culture background you might see certain things or you might feel that people are being rude or they're being, I don't know.

00:37:14: There's a lot of potential for misunderstandings when there is context missing.

00:37:19: so context and understanding for the differences it kind of... The key role here.

00:37:25: but also we aren't going to focus on just stereotyping.

00:37:30: We want hold up.

00:37:32: let say a sign their stories and what they have experienced, in which culture they grew up.

00:37:42: So you are able to open the drawer maybe.

00:37:45: So I have learned something new now,

00:37:49: because

00:37:50: we are going to talk about some cliches.

00:37:53: We will not focus on everything but... ...we're going to be talking about that and also understand where this is coming from?

00:38:00: Is it really a cliche or more like the drawer which was just closed without reflecting upon them?

00:38:06: This is what I would say when you want to go with those drawers

00:38:11: And then being able to put assholes in your drawer Instead of you can

00:38:17: put them in a dryer.

00:38:18: Maybe they're gonna shrink who knows?

00:38:20: Who knows.

00:38:21: but yeah, like there is space for an asshole draw and You can put people in there But it's probably going to be a very multicultural draw.

00:38:31: Yes

00:38:31: Gonna have a very multi take crowd in their.

00:38:34: wow that was so very That wasn't mouthful.

00:38:37: try again.

00:38:38: You're gonna Have a very cultural crowd in there.

00:38:42: Wow okay Yeah, that perfect got to do.

00:38:46: Perfect!

00:38:46: That's gotta do yeah.

00:38:48: and also seeing for example if we have several drawers to build a bridge so the content of one drawer is able to switch with the other one And understand it little bit more.

00:39:01: So basically We want to build the bridge For everyone who was listening

00:39:07: Build bridges not walls.

00:39:09: Sorry mid-sentence Sorry.

00:39:11: No worries, that's fine.

00:39:12: You

00:39:12: know me?

00:39:13: I know!

00:39:14: If you like me still... ...I still do no worry.

00:39:18: Okay so we want to build bridges for those who...

00:39:22: sorry guys i couldn't see my face.. I had to hold in the laugh.

00:39:25: yeah

00:39:26: she's distracting me.

00:39:27: So it's about building bridges To everyone Who is here with us Telling their stories and Everyone listening Understanding what they have been through And also So basically it could be a small bridge, big bridge.

00:39:44: It's all about bridges!

00:39:46: I think this can really good slogan.

00:39:49: What we hope changes in listener when you listen to an episode for example let say

00:39:57: Greece

00:39:58: or Austria and if you know anyone from Austria maybe have another access point into the conversation.

00:40:07: so then use that.

00:40:09: So we want to build a bridge also for you that you can use.

00:40:14: Yeah, yeah just to mention of course when We're talking to people and they share their stories It's there story.

00:40:23: it's not like everyone from That specific country has had the same experience.

00:40:28: obviously Just say that.

00:40:31: so its gonna be From The point-of-view Of that person I were Talking To And Its Gonna Be There interpretation, and it's gonna be their experience.

00:40:42: So just to mention that if you are from a country That we cover in our podcast your experience might be completely different And your experience also might be more dramatic.

00:40:59: or You think what the person is telling is false.

00:41:05: but maybe think about it and just remember that this is one point of view out of millions of people who live in a country, like grow up there.

00:41:21: But

00:41:21: if you have different experiences let us know!

00:41:24: Yes, of course.

00:41:26: Let's learn from each other right?

00:41:27: So let us know what you have experienced for example.

00:41:31: Yeah so we maybe can share that at some point.

00:41:34: Right yeah We make more special episodes where he could cover more than

00:41:41: yes

00:41:42: basically.

00:41:43: That is why with curiosity are generally interested in the stories You experience.

00:41:51: Ofcourse this just one person or two However, talking about the country that they are from but nevertheless every person makes other experiences and we're all individuals.

00:42:04: And we experience things in a different way.

00:42:08: We need to be aware of it.

00:42:14: so basically on this side if you have other experiences just let us know.

00:42:20: Yes please!

00:42:21: That's what is meant for.

00:42:23: Yeah, also exchange.

00:42:24: And I think it's very important to mention that this is not going be a political bashing or religious bashing.

00:42:36: We want to highlight the richness and culture of positive things.

00:42:41: Of course we need to mention some things but sometimes we are not going deep dive into politics or the issues that are coming with it sometimes.

00:42:55: In The First Place, this is about cultural richness.

00:42:58: This is about real people Real stories and real feelings.

00:43:03: And being said when you share your experience please be respectful.

00:43:09: Please be mindful.

00:43:12: There's no need to bash someone Or someones' experiences.

00:43:19: You can still share what your point of view is with us.

00:43:23: And we're very, like we said... We are happy to include that and also cover at some points.

00:43:30: so let us know What you think?

00:43:33: How do feel about Your culture Maybe the things That You would Like To Share?

00:43:42: Yes!

00:43:43: Which brings Us?

00:43:44: Who Are Those People That We Have In The Puck

00:43:48: the life, the center of everything.

00:43:51: And it is... We're not looking to invite famous people we are not looking just go for the shiny things but its about everyday people and sharing stories from those who live in Germany their every day lives.

00:44:17: So it's gonna be, what did you wanna say?

00:44:21: Sorry I'm just... Your face

00:44:22: is talking.

00:44:23: My-I know!

00:44:24: I have subtitles in my face but i was trying to not laugh because again wanted to say It's Gonna Be May.

00:44:33: so I wanted to suppress that.

00:44:35: That's why my face... Okay

00:44:37: okay sorry You were not talking But your very loud

00:44:41: Sorry?!

00:44:42: No no no no, don't worry I thought you had something to share.

00:44:46: Yeah,

00:44:46: it's

00:44:47: gonna be made.

00:44:48: So what we promise to our guests and the environment that we want to create is a safe space where they can share without any kind of judgment.

00:44:58: We want this to be a very warm an honest atmosphere so that They are free to talk And To just Share their true selves their true perspective.

00:45:11: yeah

00:45:12: anything you wanna add?

00:45:13: I would like to add that we have decided to speak in English on this podcast because if you want help people understand a little bit more the struggles someone had here, when they came here and do it in German at some point.

00:45:30: They are not able to understand us so most of them in Germany can't speak English.

00:45:37: So... We wanted reach as many people as possible.

00:45:41: That's why to go with the English language.

00:45:45: Nevertheless, there will be some episodes that we are not able to do in English because guests don't speak English.

00:45:54: In this case We're going switch to German but you can use the

00:46:00: transcript and translation too.

00:46:02: Thank You!

00:46:03: So...you could use that to translate everything.

00:46:08: That's what I wanted to add.

00:46:12: You know, this is turning into a meme as well.

00:46:14: But that's who we are.

00:46:16: Part of

00:46:17: us yeah.

00:46:18: So um Yeah please bear with us.

00:46:21: It's probably gonna be made.

00:46:24: it's probably going to happen from time-to-time That were gonna mention a meme not too much without guests because you Know doesn't fit the situation but maybe pops up just so you know.

00:46:36: Be ready.

00:46:37: If you ever feel like we have mentioned a meme and don't know which one it is, then you need to clear your mind about this.

00:46:44: Let us now enlighten you!

00:46:49: We will find that for you... Okay

00:46:51: let's come to an end And just let everyone know why the podcast and what we do matters to you.

00:47:01: Well since I've already explained my background and why I even wanted to start this.

00:47:10: It's kind of ingrained in my DNA, if you will... And i believe that especially with the world being online a lot also like we usually see it in the workforce people working from home You don't see each other as much ...and I feel society is drifting apart And the exposure and talking to each other has been reduced due this development.

00:47:43: It's about bringing people back together, right?

00:47:47: At the same time creating understanding... ...and a better view on things.

00:47:59: I am very sensitive person so the current development really, I would say it hurts me honestly and i want to work towards a different world.

00:48:12: A more connected worlds but not internet-connected and rather real connection unless that's what i would love to achieve And thats why its so close to my heart because i truly believe that The World could be completely different place if we spoke with each other more, and explain things more.

00:48:34: And we would work together more... ...and not against

00:48:38: each-other.".

00:48:39: Yeah?

00:48:39: That's my version!

00:48:41: What is your answer to that question?

00:48:43: Well you basically said a lot which covers what I think but i would say.. ..I had this conversation some time ago with my mom where I also said if we do not talk to one another or learn from the other there's no way that we can be more open and to be more understanding, really find connection in other people.

00:49:13: In other nations countries cultures whatever how you want call it.

00:49:19: so I think my answer is also too i want help get away to be more open-minded, to being more open to other people's stories and to other peoples' cultures and countries.

00:49:39: So as you said... To get the people back together

00:49:44: right?

00:49:46: I think we can learn a lot from eachother And we should use that!

00:49:53: We could do it here at least for everyone who is listening interested in this And I believe and am sure that everyone we will bring to this podcast, will share a real story.

00:50:07: We'll bring something with them culturally speaking or from their country... ...that has meaning for them!

00:50:17: From there we can start understanding more what drives the person….

00:50:22: …and how we contribute in sharing stories….

00:50:28: Everyone else understanding more but helping other people finding a way maybe to Germany and may be in between the cultures.

00:50:39: so Yeah, I think from my side.

00:50:42: I think it's really really important that we talk to each other.

00:50:45: yeah beautiful beautiful and What do we hope?

00:50:51: That this podcast becomes in an

00:50:55: in a year and institution

00:50:56: Institution

00:50:57: I would say.

00:50:58: for my perspective I hope that this podcast becomes a platform where people can learn, connect network share.

00:51:07: A database?

00:51:08: Like a database exactly.

00:51:10: so if there's someone from...I don't know..from give me country France for example knowing about the podcasts and maybe some one shared the podcast.

00:51:22: So basically they can search up their episode for France And then listen to the content.

00:51:30: Maybe it gives them something.

00:51:34: So yeah, I hope this podcast is that's something.

00:51:38: Yeah for someone?

00:51:39: Yep a knowledge base and Also an option to connect.

00:51:44: let's say For example since we also were gonna upload on Instagram sharing info yes on there Going through the comment section you'll be finding Someone To Connect With An Exchange.

00:51:59: if they are looking for information about life in Germany.

00:52:03: And, If there's someone willing to share their story and point of view and help them support them maybe that is also something we can do like bringing people together.

00:52:12: That would be... Ah!

00:52:13: I get goosebumps.. That will so beautiful.

00:52:17: Yes it is.

00:52:19: Maybe We could create our own platform at some point but

00:52:23: yeah

00:52:24: It'll be nice.

00:52:25: There will really be a good one.

00:52:27: Nice our listeners and everyone supporting the podcast shares their, I don't know.

00:52:35: The episode that moved them the most or the episode that gave them a nice feeling to comment and interact and share stories with someone else?

00:52:47: maybe they know from the country...I really want to not address this any harder but i invite everybody to rethink and be open for what is coming.

00:53:01: And help us achieve a nicer, more understanding... ...more diverse,... ...more open world!

00:53:11: We hope to create new draws in our shelves & your shelves because we're also learning right?

00:53:19: Yeah!

00:53:20: We've been exposed to certain countries' cultures but Still, there is so many new things that are gonna be coming up and we're looking forward to it.

00:53:31: And... We would love to create new draws in the shelves that were already built with you!

00:53:39: ...and we'd like to rethink existing ones and maybe re-sort them as well being able to bring some light into the darkness of not-of the things that we don't know yet.

00:53:55: So, We would love to keep our drawers flexible.

00:54:00: Yeah and...we are looking forward taking you with us To a journey yeah..to being that flexible.

00:54:08: yeah

00:54:09: it's all about The Bridges!

00:54:11: It is ALL ABOUT THE BRIDGES.

00:54:13: Okay I think we covered everything did we?

00:54:15: i

00:54:15: think so yeah

00:54:17: nice

00:54:17: so yeah go ahead.

00:54:19: What else did I want to say?

00:54:20: So if you feel like this podcast might speak to someone, share it with them.

00:54:28: If you have someone who would be interested in knowing a certain country's story, Share It With Them!

00:54:39: Of course, we would love to see comments and ratings.

00:54:49: That's what helps us grow And also be seen in the podcast world because it is hard It's rough out here.

00:54:57: So if you like The Mission If you feel this something that You enjoy then We really appreciate you Pressing some buttons Looking forward To the journey And looking forward Also Be in exchange with you.

00:55:17: We're looking forward to all the guests that we are going have on here and...we have some very interesting conversations coming up, oh yeah!

00:55:25: And really-really-really would love to see this get bigger and bigger and create a movement.

00:55:33: so share it with the ones who you love Share it with someone who will be interested.

00:55:40: I

00:55:42: just wanted say let's make there is positive.

00:55:45: Yeah, thank you.

00:55:46: I just wanted to add that if maybe they know someone who could be a guest... Oh yes!

00:55:51: ...on our podcast- Yes They should let us know and we will evaluate it.

00:55:56: We'll check on that.

00:55:58: So there's fit.

00:55:59: You will invite the person.

00:56:02: Nevertheless If you feel like we are missing something Come in that That missing something part.

00:56:11: Yeah

00:56:13: Okay Blooper Bridge.

00:56:16: Good!

00:56:19: I think we have everything, got it in the custom?

00:56:21: We've got it into the custom?

00:56:23: yes

00:56:23: yeah.

00:56:24: so thank you all for being part of this journey.

00:56:28: Thank You All For Coming With Us Learning More Being Open Having Fun with Our Guests

00:56:35: and Hopefully With Us As Well.

00:56:38: Hopefully With us as well.

00:56:39: Yeah.

00:56:40: And So Basically We're Looking Forward.

00:56:44: Yeah, to this journey

00:56:46: you all.

00:56:47: Going through all the emotions good bad and ugly

00:56:50: It's all about bridges.

00:56:52: Build bridges not walls And keep your drawers flexible.

00:56:56: Be ready and

00:56:58: press buttons

00:56:59: for what is coming next.

00:57:01: Bye!