In Germany, the past is always present. So let’s dig deep into German history with John Connelly — a professor of history at UC Berkeley. John is a foremost scholar of eastern and central Europe. He has spent much of his career trying to understand why Germany is the way it is based on what it was — and what was going on around it.

Steven Hill’s books focus foremost on digital innovation, labor, and economic policy. His professional tours of Germany and around Europe allow him to look at U.S. domestic issues through a European lens. As a long-time resident of the San Francisco area, Steven was well positioned to see the pitfalls of Silicon Valley euphoria long before others.

Get more of Steven at his Substack.

Like so many others in the culture industry, William fled to Berlin when life in London became impossible to sustain. Unlike so many others, he never wanted to come and was not keen on sticking around — but can’t seem to stay away. We spoke at the turn of the year about that dialectic, while he had a chance to be back in London.

Get more of William on Insta, buy a book … and don’t miss the merch or the music! If you’re interested in some of the people and places mentioned in the interview:

cittipunkt

Musa Okwonga

Isabella Bortolozzi

Ed. note: Occasional strong language to be expected.