April 26, 2023
Travel Through Time in
Berlin with TIMERIDE!
We both recently had the chance to visit the TIMERIDE attraction in central Berlin and we were really surprised that we hadn't gone before! They offer multiple tours, but first, we experienced their brand new “Berlin 1985” VR tour. It’s a 45 minute virtual reality experience that gives you a tour of Berlin, but of course not your standard walking tour. Instead, they use technology to take you back in time and travel on Berlin's streets in historic time periods.
First, they present you a summary of the history of the divided city of Berlin in the 1980’s, as you actually "look through" the Berlin Wall itself!, Then, you’re introduced to 3 real-life Berliners who experienced what life was like in 1985 in both East and West Berlin. This was a crazy time period, when the punk scene was growing in West Berlin and the power of the secret police, the Stasi, was growing in East Berlin. You're able to choose one of the Berliners to be your guide as you start your final journey - a "bus" tour through Berlin in 1985!
The virtual experience was really exciting. We actually felt like we were sitting on a real bus! The seats vibrated as if you were really driving down the streets of Berlin and the virtual reality headset lets you look in any direction you would like.
We can truly recommend the TIMERIDE experience to all of you living in Berlin and those visiting the city as a tourist. The tours are offered in German, Spanish, Italian, French and of course English.
To learn more, go to Timeride.de or just stop by Zimmerstrasse 91, Berlin. They're located barely a 2 minute walk from "Checkpoint Charlie" in the heart of Berlin!
March 1, 2023
Learn German with the
Lingoda Online Language School!
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? We know exactly who can help you out!
We're very happy to be teaming up with the Lingoda Online Language School, once again. They are such a great resource to learn Spanish, English, French, and of course German. Lingoda can help you to learn a second language with real, LIVE teachers. These experienced teachers work with very small classroom sizes of only 3-5 students, which allows them to focus on helping you to beef up your language skills with real conversations and engaging grammar lessons.
Lingoda is currently offering a 7-day free trial offer, in which you can take 1 private lesson or 3 group lessons. Again, this is totally free!
We think one of the best reasons to choose Lingoda to learn German, or any language, is that the online classes they offer are 24/7, which means you can be flexible and choose what time works for you! Are you ready to learn language skills from the privacy of your own apartment, car, boat, or wine cellar?
Click here to try the Lingoda 7-day FREE TRIAL
If you decide to stick with Lingoda, ue our discount code AMERICANSINGERMANY to receive a 30% discount on your first payment!
February 1, 2023
Celebrate With Us Our 3 Year Anniversary!
This February marks the 3rd anniversary of the AGDW Podcast, which we're very excited to celebrate via the release of four special episodes! Each week this month you'll be able to listen to either a special edition episode or type of episode that has not yet been featured on our show. We thought this was the best way to say thank you to all of you, our wonderful listeners. Since the beginning, you have been so kind to the both of us and we will continue to do our best to return the favor! Thank you to everyone that has come along with us on this journey the past few years.
This month's special episodes will be as follows:
February 1
A deep dive into both of our lives (by popular demand)
February 8
The host of the "Feli From Germany" YouTube channel will join us once again. However, instead of discussing Germany or living abroad, we will be focusing on the behind the scenes of making a YouTube channel and podcast. Feli will share with us some never-before-heard stories!
February 15
For the first time, we'll be letting YOU choose the episode's topic. Suggestions given to us by our listeners will be put to a vote and whichever wins, we MUST make an episode about that topic!
February 22
LIVE EPISODE: We will record an episode live, which will allow anyone to join and ask us questions and chat with us on air.
December 6, 2022
Learn German Today with KLEO!
One of the hardest aspects of moving to Germany is learning the German language and we all want to find the quickest, most effective way to boost our language skills. Both Alex and I once again would like to recomend to you a new language learning app called Kleo that we think you should all give it a try!
Kleo is a language learning app in which you can learn not only German, but also Spanish, Italian and even Ukrainian as well. This app offers a completely unique learning experience that sets it apart from all the other language learning apps we've tried over the years. The app teaches you with interactive videos in which your virtual tutor will prompt you with vocabulary, phrases, and grammar. They will then ask you questions regarding how to say a phrase, for example, and the virtual tutor will actually rate your pronunciation! The app now has the World’s first ever virtual pronunciation coach. Kleo features Feli from the extremely popular "Feli from Germany" YouTube channel, sharing all her best tips for the toughest sounds in German. You're able to get as much “face-to-face” practice with Feli as you want!
However, the hosts of your favorite expat podcast are now on the app as well! CLICK HERE to see our special lesson (iPhone Link only). We discuss phrases related to the Christmas season here in Germany.
DISCOUNT CODE: AGDW1
With the above code you'll get your first month for only $5!
You can find the Kleo app on the Apple app store and it’s coming soon to Android as well.
To find out more about Kleo:
July 24, 2022
It Was a Successful Meet up!
Just a few days ago, on July 22nd, we had our second in person meet up and you guys did not disappoint. This event was twice as large as our first Berlin meet up with over 16 people attending! It was really exciting to meet all of you for the first time in the flesh. Many of you had been corresponding with us over the years and it was nice to finally put a face to those conversations.
We lucked out with having 2 large tables reserved for us at the Mokum Bar in Prenzaluer Berg and the weather was also perfect for some outdoor beer drinking.
Our only regret is we were not able to spend as much time with each individual person as we would have liked. We'll be honest, when the end of the night came, we realized there was 1 or 2 individuals that we didn't have the chance to sit down with and talk personally, and this really bothers us. We're taking this as a learning experience and we're going to make sure this does not happen again at any future meet ups.
We had such much time with everyone that we completely forgot to get a group picture when everyone was still around (stupid, we know). Luckily, we finally remembered to grab a picture at the end of the night with the few remaining people who stuck it out until the end with us (see above).
Thanks again to everyone who took time out of their day to come hang out with the AGDW podcast crew!
July 1st, 2022
The "Shelf of Fame" Is Now Online
Over the years there has been one consistent part of our podcast and it's all of you! We truly can't put into words how much we appreciate all of your support, which has come in the form of messages, gifts, reviews and even donations. It eventually became clear to Alex and I that we needed a way to properly thank those of you that have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Hence, the "Shelf of Fame."
The shelf is where our most devoted listeners will be memorialized until the end of time. How exactly do you get on the "Shelf?" We can't say, but here are many ways to earn your spot in history!
Check out the shelf here.
June 23, 2022
Podcast "Meet Up" on July 22nd!
We're excited to announce that we'll be hosting our 2nd in person meet up for listeners of the podcast on Friday, July 22nd, from 7-10 PM. The location will be MOKUM bar in Prenzlauer Berg. We'll have tables reserved outside in the fresh summer air. Come and join Alex and I for a few beers and chat about who-knows-what. We'll also have a little game planned and possibly...a prize! We look forward to seeing you there.
NOTE: If you're feeling sick/under the weather, we'd kindly ask that you stay at home this time. We want to avoid ruining everyone's weekend :)
June 1, 2022
Learn German Today with KLEO!
One of the hardest aspects of moving to Germany is learning the German language and we all want to find the quickest, most effective way to boost our language skills. Recently, Alex and I came accross a brand new language learning app called Kleo and we think you should all give it a try!
Kleo is a language learning app in which you can learn not only German, but also Spanish and Italian as well. This app offers a completely unique learning experience that sets it apart from all the other language learning apps we've tried over the years. The app teaches you with interactive videos in which your virtual tutor will prompt you with vocabulary, phrases, and grammar. They will then ask you questions regarding how to say a phrase, for example, and the virtual tutor will actually rate your pronunciation! The Kleo app offers fun tutors to learn with, such as Felicia, the host the "Feli From Germany" YouTube channel.
However, the hosts of your favorite expat podcast are now on the app as well! CLICK HERE to see our special lesson (iPhone Link only). We discuss phrases related to ordering drinks in a local Berlin pub.
You can find the Kleo app on the Apple app store and it’s coming soon to Android as well.
To find out more about Kleo:
May 4, 2022
Don't Forget to File Your U.S. Taxes By June 15th
Americans living abroad in Germany still need to file a tax return in the USA, even though they are no longer living there and they don’t actual owe money to the US government. It’s hard enough filing taxes in Germany and we know that also having to file a return in the U.S. can be a pain. But don’t worry, you can file a US tax return easily and stress-free via MyExpatTaxes.com! You can file your return through their website in as little as 15 minutes without missing a single deduction and always feel confident you’ve completed everything, since they include all the forms an expat would need. Taxes for US expats are due on June 15th this year, however you can file a free extension via the MyExpatTaxes software and once they submit the extension to the IRS, you'll then have until October 15 to complete your US taxes.
Also, don't forget that MyExpatTaxes standard package includes the filing of the FBAR as well. You might be asking yourselves, what is a FBAR? The document regarding Foreign Banks and Financial Accounts is something ALL expats that have $10,000 or more in their foreign bank account, at anytime during the year, must fill out and send to the IRS. It sounds like unnecessary extra work, however, there's no need to worry because it will be taken care of for you!
If you haven’t ever filed your US taxes while living abroad, no worries. MyExpatTaxes will help you to complete the IRS tax amnesty program, where you can make up missed years of filing, penalty free. Their Streamlined Procedure is one of the most affordable programs available. Trust me, we know from experience!
April 6, 2022
We've Reached our 100th Episode!
Believe it or not, we have now been around for 100 episodes! We're a bit shocked ourselves, to be honest. Today we recorded this very special episode, which included a live audience over instagram and a lot of "behind the scenes" stories. We decided this episode would be completely different than our usual fair, and would have special features and a completely different theme. Over the past 2 years, our listeners have made it known they enjoy hearing about the production of the podcast and any personal stories related to the work that goes into making the show. This episode was the perfect opportunity to make this the focus of an episode.
We both had so much joy recording this 100th episode. It was humbling to see how many of you showed up to watch us live and ask us questions throughout. This episode is now officially our favourite episode of the entire run of the podcast!
September 9, 2021
AGDW Interviewed & Featured on the
"Hier & There" podcast
We were recently invited on an episode of the "Hier & There" podcast, hosted by Günther Michael Jahnl and produced by the Germanic-American Institute in St.Paul, Minnesota. We had such an enjoyable time during the interview that they had us return a couple weeks later for a second episode! This entertaining podcast brings you an interesting mix of stories and interviews about transatlantic relations, German culture, insights into the German language, information about upcoming GAI events, and more.
The episode featuring Alex and I will be released in the coming weeks. Until then, please click here to enjoy the rest of the podcast's episodes.
June 23, 2021
Expats & Students:
Move to Germany with less headaches
We’d like to introduce you to our new sponsor, Expatrio.com!
Expatrio is a relocation platform for international students and expats wishing to live in Germany. They offer an all-inclusive service to minimize the German bureaucracy you’ll face when making the move. Both Alex and I know applying for a visa or residency permit to stay in Germany, includes a lot of paperwork. On Expatrio.com, customers can sign up for a Blocked Account & health insurance quickly, affordably, and completely online in English. A Blocked Account is a special bank account required when applying for a German visa (it provides proof of sufficient funds). Proof of Health Insurance is also required for visa applications and Expatrio will provide you with health insurance that is guaranteed to be accepted by the immigration office in Germany. In addition, their has many articles that provide information on studying abroad, working abroad, and living in Germany in general!
To learn more, please go to Expatrio.com & find the answers you seek.
May 19, 2021
No Podcast Episode This Week
We're taking a little break this week, but we'll be bringing you a fresh new episode next Wednesday, May 26th. Don't worry, just a little one week break to take care of some things in this hectic thing we all call life!
April 1, 2021
AGDW Interviewed & Featured on
the "Understanding Train Station" podcast
We were recently invited on an episode of "Understanding Train Station podcast, hosted by Felicia and Josh. You might already know Felicia as the host of the YouTube channel "A German Girl in America", who we've had on our own podcast twice as a guest. We had lots of fun talking with both of them and sharing our language learning experiences. Please check out the episode on YouTube here or you can listen to in in audio only format on whatever podcast platform you use.
February 17, 2021
AGDW Interviewed & Featured on
the "Germany Experience" podcast
This week we were invited on an episode of Shaun Behren's podcast, the Germany Experience. We both had a wonderful time chatting with Shaun and being on his show. The topic covered was extremely interesting and we couldn't figure out why we had never talked about it on our own show. Please check out the episode when it is released on Monday, February 22nd.
December 29, 2020
Check out Stuttgart Expats!
If you're interested in the expat community in the beautiful city of Stuttgart or just interested in the expat community in Germany as a whole, check out StuttgartExpats.com. They have a page that has useful links to the best shops, blogs, pubs, etc. in Stuttgart.
October 26, 2020
We're On YouTube!
Yes, the AGDW Podcast is on...YouTube. Our channel will have some of our episodes in full color video! Also, we'll have some bloopers and possibly other extras down the road. We're still just a podcast, so don't expect too much from us on the YouTube front. We can't guarantee a regular upload schedule, however, we'll do our best to add a little content when we can. We suggest subscribing to the channel because then you can ensure you'll see new videos when they go online. The best part is instead of just listening to us, you can now also see our beautiful faces. For some, a plus. For others...not so much. Regardless, enjoy!
September 30, 2020
We Have a New Sponsor!
The AGDW Podcast would like to welcome the new sponsor of our podcast, Coya Insurance! We know what you're thinking...a sponsor? So now there will be ads during the podcast?? Before you freak out, let us ease your concerns. We love our fans and would never recommend a brand that we felt wasn't valuable to the people who listened to us. I (Geoff) became a user of Coya long before we ever started the podcast. I chose them for my home insurance and my bike theft insurance. Why? Three simple, yet important factors: low cost, English support, and simplicity. I searched through many insurance carriers in Germany and found Coya was the one that supported expats the best. Everything was in English (the policy, the website, the customer support, etc.) and it was easy to sign up with no red tape. Plus, my home insurance is less than 5 Euro per month! Yes, you heard me right. I pay very little, yet it I'm covered up to 15,000 Euro in damage. We recommend Coya to anyone who is an expat in Germany and in need of home insurance, bike theft insurance, private liability insurance, etc. To learn more click here.
And, just so you know, we were not asked to say anything above by Coya. All of that is purely our opinion and a real recommendation.
September 2, 2020
AGDW Interviewed & Featured on
the "Moving Roadmap Podcast"
When it rains, it pours! We have been featured this week as guests on another podcast, which is an interview we recorded several months ago. The series is called the "Moving Roadmap Podcast" and the focus of our episode was the logistics of moving abroad, our lives in Germany since arriving, etc. The episode is online now!
August 26, 2020
AGDW Interviewed & Featured on
"The Get Up & Get Out Podcast"
We were invited to be guests on an episode of the Get Up & Get Out Podcast, which is hosted by Steve Krisel. The show features weekly interviews with real people that have "gotten up and out" of their home country to live and work somewhere in the world. He discusses with his guests the positives and negatives of living in another country along with tried and true tips for living abroad. We both really enjoyed being on Steve's podcast and think you should all check out our interview, which will be online on Monday, September 1st.
August 8, 2020
AGDW Tours the Spreewood Distillery
& Interviews Co-Founder
The Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey podcast finally took a trip down to the village of Schlepzig and visited the Spreewood Distillery, which produces the multi-award-winning STORK CLUB whiskey. It's situated in a beautiful corner of the Brandenburg countryside and is the perfect setting to learn about distilling. During our time we were able to interview Bastian Heuser, one of the Co-Founders of Spreewood Distillers and speak with him about German whiskey, being an expat in the USA, and more. The full episode will be released next week! Learn more about Stork Whisky here.
July 20, 2020
AGDW Featured on
"Top 10 Podcasts" List
The Americans in Germany Drinking Whiskey podcast has been featured in an article listing the “Top 10 Podcasts you should be listening to if you are an Expat in Germany”! The article has been published on the expat website www.citystarlings.com, which was founded by an expat in Munich, Germany.
June 19, 2020
"Easy German" Founder to be Guest on AGDW
Next week we will be interviewing Cari, which is one of the co-founders of the YouTube channel "Easy German". They create fantastic videos that help anyone to learn the German language through unscripted street interviews with everyday Germans. Each video includes subtitles in English and in German at the same time, enabling you to quickly recognize commonly used German phrases. We are sure to gain plenty of advice for those who are struggling to learn the German language. Stay tuned!
June 9, 2020
Interview on the Lost Geographer Podcast
We were invited to be guests on an episode of the Lost Geographer Podcast, which is a show hosted by Rohith Amruthur that helps you to expand your knowledge about culture, countries and travel in general. Take a listen to learn more about our moves abroad and the first culture shocks we experienced while in Germany. We had a lot of fun being guests on Rohith's podcast and hope to collaborate with him more in the future.
Click here to Listen to our episode