Over Here, Over There is pleased to launch a new series exploring international comedy across cultures, countries, and genres. At a time of global uncertainty and division, we turn to humour to better understand ourselves — and each other.

In this series, we travel across borders in search of what makes people laugh — and why. While the world may feel increasingly divided, laughter remains a universal language. Through these conversations, we hope to highlight our shared humanity and perhaps remind ourselves that the person on the other side of the border is not so different from us after all.

🎙️ This Episode

In this episode, Over Here, Over There co-hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris speak with renowned German comedian and Kabarett artist Arnulf Rating about the unique world of German Kabarett — its history, cultural significance, and enduring role in political and social commentary.

Together, they explore how humour functions as a form of protest, a mirror to society, and a powerful tool for navigating complex political realities. The discussion also compares German Kabarett with American and British comedy traditions, offering fascinating cross-cultural insights into how different societies use humour to challenge authority and reflect on themselves.

🎧 How to Listen

This is primarily an audio episode and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

On our YouTube channel, you can also watch a companion version featuring a curated slideshow highlighting key discussion topics and moments from our conversation with Arnulf Rating.

📣 Join the Conversation

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe — it really helps us grow.

We’re always keen to hear from our listeners: how does comedy work in your country? What makes people laugh where you are? Share your thoughts and suggestions — we may feature your perspective in a future episode.

🧠 Key Topics

• The history and significance of German Kabarett
• Comparing German humour with American and British comedy
• Humour as a form of protest and societal reflection
• The future of political satire in a changing world

⭐ Special Guest

Arnulf Rating — legendary German comedian and Kabarett artist

🔗 Resources & References

• Arnulf Rating's Website
• Monty Python
• The Daily Show
• Bassem Youssef
• Werner Fink's Performances
• Billy Wilder Films
• Ernst Lubitsch Films

🌐 Guest Links

• Website
• Twitter

In this episode of 'Over Here, Over There', hosts Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler engage in a deep conversation with David Cay Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and expert on Donald Trump. Johnston shares his insights on Trump's rise to power, his manipulative tactics, health issues, and the implications of his presidency on American democracy and global relations. The discussion also touches on Trump's tax practices, the potential impact of the Epstein files, and the risks posed by Trumpism in future elections. Johnston emphasizes the need for courage in journalism and politics to confront the challenges posed by Trump and his administration. This episode was recorded before the onset of US/Israeli hostilities with Iran, but all the content is more relevant than ever.

Please don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and add your comments about this episode below. Why do you think Trump does what he does? How is his administration affecting your life, and what are you going to do about it? David Cay Johnston challenges all of us to uphold our democratic values during these challenging times, and at a minimum, make sure you register and cast your vote in November's midterm elections.

Here are links to David Cay Johnston's resources:

Wikipedia bio; DC Report; Rochester Institute of Technology Profile

Here are a few of David Cay Johnston's outstanding investigative works in Amazon Books:

‘The Making of Donald Trump’; ‘The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family'

'It's Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration Is Doing to America'

See also David's bio and other resources: Wikipedia bio; DC Report; Rochester Institute of Technology Profile

In partnership with the Amerikahaus in Munich, Germany, Over Here, Over There's Claudia Koestler explores the profound insights of renowned photographer Jeff Dunas, in his latest exhibition, capturing the essence of smalltown America and blues legends. Discover how his long-term projects reveal cultural identity, the power of photography, and the enduring legacy of blues music.

At times when politics so often drives a wedge between people — and especially across the transatlantic relationship — Dunas's insight and artistry offer something rare: a look at the America we all carry in our hearts.

Dunas's work looks past ideology. His lens turns instead toward the human side of America: through it, the diners, dusty roads, and soulful portraits of Blues legends become not symbols of division but echoes of home, no matter which side of the Atlantic we stand on. His images remind us that beyond politics and noise, there’s still a universal language in the light, faces, and rhythms of everyday life — the America of the heart, not headlines.

📍 Visiting Munich?
See Jeff Dunas’ exhibition “Smalltown America” and “Blues Legends” at Amerikahaus through July 31, 2026.

More at
AMERIKAHAUS.DE

For more information on Jeff Dunas's work, please see https://www.dunas.com/.

A special thanks to the Amerikahaus Munich, which provides thought-provoking and engaging events throughout the year.

Please see our website at Over Here, Over There , and please don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and comment on this and other episodes. Your support makes this podcast possible. Thank you!