I’m delighted to share the first episode of Kaffee+Kuchen Catchup! This is a (most likely) monthly podcast created by me and my fellow writer and journalist friend Sarah Magill. We are both freelancers in Berlin who are eager to chat about lots of topics over coffee (and preferably also cake).

Here’s what we talk about in this episode (with links in case you want to dig deeper):

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ‘Stadtbild’ (cityscape) comments have sparked a huge debate in Germany, with many accusing him of racism. We chat about what’s going on, why it’s not that surprising and the shift to the right.

We also talk about some of the societal problems in German cities.

Further reading/watching:

What’s behind Merz’s ‘Stadtbild’ remarks?

OPINION - Merz’s divisive comments are a distraction from real problems in German cities

Berlin’s struggling club scene - As the legendary queer nightclub SchwuZ, founded in 1977, announces its closure, we chat about the changing Berlin club scene (and, yes, we need to get out more).

Further reading:

Queer club SchwuZ announces closure

Berlin club culture and the joy of a night out

Freelancing in Germany - I share how I’m getting on with freelancing, and Sarah chats about her creative projects.

Autumn in Berlin - Why did it turn into winter all of a sudden? (I am working on a Substack guide to get us through this time so stay subscribed)

We end with a few recommendations.

Further reading:

The Rose Field by Philip Pullman

Where can I find Ophelia? How Taylor Swift put a German museum in the spotlight

We hope you enjoy our catchup. Please go easy on us – doing a podcast is hard work. We will get better as we go 😅 Please share with anyone you think would like it, and leave a comment 🤎

If you’ve enjoyed what I’m doing and want to support my work, you can subscribe, upgrade your subscription or tip me by buying me a coffee.

Other ways you can support me is by liking, commenting and/or re-stacking, my work or forwarding it to a friend.

See you soon!

Credits:

Thank you to Reflektor for hosting us.

Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ill-kitchen/mind-fck

License code: HBKR2OPODT4MB4WL

Kaffee+Kuchen is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Kaffee+Kuchen at rachloxton.substack.com/subscribe

Folgen-ID: 1000734439860

GUID: substack:post:177583427

Erscheinungs­datum: 31.10.2025, 13:53:46