Episodes
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Meet Ben Glassberg, the dynamic young conductor from the UK who has quickly become a beloved figure in Vienna since his arrival in 2023. Starting 2024, Ben takes on the prestigious role of Music Director at the Wiener Volksoper, a position he embraced without hesitation. Both the city of Vienna and his orchestra won his heart at first sight, setting the stage for an exciting musical journey.
In this episode, Ben shares the whirlwind of his special day in Vienna – juggling two performances and a son in the hospital. But with Vienna's great healthcare system, easy bike access to nearly everywhere, and locals who are often less "grantig" (grumpy) than they might initially seem, everything turned out just fine.
Get to know this cool, spirited, and energetic conductor as he talks about his experiences, his deep love for Vienna, and his journey with the German language – a must for classical opera and TV interviews, but something Ben navigates with grace.
Don’t miss this episode filled with humor, passion, and a deep appreciation for Vienna’s unique charm! -
Rahul Raman hails from New Delhi, India, and has been calling Vienna home since 2019. A talented programmer, Rahul's journey to Vienna was driven by destiny and his true love, his "Schatz." He describes his time in Vienna as the best of his life, filled with joy and laughter. Whether it's in front of the Karlskirche, at the Prater, or on the Donauinsel (how cool is it to have a swimming island in the middle of the city?), Vienna is the perfect place for Rahul.
Why is Vienna so special to Rahul? In India, coming out is often challenging for many, but Vienna gave him the space and courage he needed. Despite some ongoing challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community, Rahul has found a place where he can truly be himself, both in his personal life and career — Love without lies!
Of course, the transition wasn't without its hurdles. The population density in India is much greater than in Vienna, and the diversity is different. Yet, Rahul has adapted and now considers Vienna his home. As for learning German, he's playing a bit of hide-and-seek with the language but is determined to improve, knowing that Viennese appreciate the effort.
Rahul’s message is simple and heartfelt: Spread love and be happy! -
Episodes manquant?
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Meet Denise Jardim, a talented make-up artist from Brazil who made Vienna her home in 2014. Denise moved to Vienna for love and now enjoys life in the Austrian capital with her husband and two children. She adores the city for its beautiful blend of urban charm and surrounding nature, from vineyards and “Heurige” to zoos and parks.
In this episode, Denise shares her amusing adventures, including the time she got locked in the Lainzer Tiergarten after losing track of time. Is it the enchanting beauty of Vienna or the early closing times to blame? You'll hear about cinematic moments and interesting culture clashes, such as the prevalence of public nudity in saunas and sunbathing areas, the wonderful privilege of Viennese tap water, and the local habit of giving babies sweet animal names.
Tune in for a delightful and entertaining episode of One Day in Vienna, and be sure to check out our beautiful guest Denise's stunning make-up looks on Instagram. -
Meet Polina Sattler, an adventurous event manager from Ukraine, who came to Vienna in 2016. Married with two children, Polina initially couldn't imagine living in Vienna and made a brief stop in Switzerland before settling down in the Austrian capital. In this episode, Polina shares her journey of adapting to life in Vienna, highlighting special encounters and a cultural clash involving “Kartoffelsalat.”
Polina loves summer, exploring Vienna's parks and markets, and the surrounding vineyards. Hear about the time she found herself in line for a glass of wine and ended up meeting a very notable Austrian figure. And as life often goes, you run into people more than once. Want to know who she spotted (again!) – walking a dog at Heldenplatz? Tune in to find out!
Polina also beautifully describes Viennese German as swimming in the sea – a melodious up and down, just float with it like she does. Don't miss this delightful episode full of personal stories and charming insights into life in Vienna! -
This week, join us for an exciting episode as we turn the tables on our usual host, Lauren Löw, and delve into her captivating journey through Vienna. In a delightful twist, Lauren, known for her charming and humorous demeanor, finds herself in the hot seat as Mitar, the founder of INNES, takes on the role of the interviewer.
Lauren, a designer hailing from the UK, has called Vienna home since 2008. Married with two children, she is the proud owner of the jewelry label "Heirs". Not only that, but her sister is also an entrepreneur with a small café, and in her early twenties Lauren moved to Vienna to assist her in its establishment.
Initially, Lauren's love for Vienna was not immediate, arriving during a cold, dark November – a tough transition. However, her sentiments have since transformed, and she now adores the city with all its diverse facets, opportunities, and dialects.
Tune in to hear Lauren regale us with her quirky and amusing tales, including unexpected encounters that paint a vivid picture of her experiences. It's as if you were right there with her on that cold November day in 2008, when an unknown lady suddenly appeared in her apartment…
Strange interactions are not uncommon in Vienna, but "strange" doesn't always imply negativity. One thing is for sure – there's never a dull moment in this city, brimming with diverse characters and unique locations, as we learn in this beautiful episode with Lauren. -
Join us in this episode as we meet Jelena Andjelkovic, a Serbian-born interpreter who has called Vienna home for nearly 30 years. Arriving in 1994, Jelena beautifully highlights a unique aspect of Vienna: the opportunity to enjoy clean, beautiful waters of the Danube for a refreshing swim, all within a vibrant city.
Tune in to hear how Jelena's almost perfect day turned truly perfect. This episode is a wonderful reminder of two important things: the power of kindness and the fortune of living in a place like Vienna. Jelena also shares her experiences learning German – an initially tough but ultimately rewarding journey that eventually becomes "leiwand." Discover the beauty of Vienna, the charm of the university, and a touch of local "Kitsch." Don’t miss out! -
Meet Ian Huang, an audio engineer from Singapore who moved to Vienna in 2021. Seeking a less stressful environment to raise their children, Ian and his wife decided to leave the bustling life of Singapore. After a "pit stop" in Germany, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, where Ian spent some time as a stay-at-home dad, they chose Vienna — a city they had never visited but saw as full of opportunities. Vienna, with its rich cultural landscape and vibrant spots like the Naschmarkt, a blend of cultures, food, and bustling flea markets, offered a unique charm and captivated them. It's also a fantastic place for families, with numerous opportunities to explore nature and enjoy family-friendly activities.
While adjusting to the infamous Viennese "Grant" (grumpiness) was challenging at first, Ian shares how he came to see it as just part of the local charm, sometimes even as a game. Tune in to hear Ian's fascinating journey from Singapore to Vienna, his insights on adapting to a new culture, and his favorite family-friendly spots in and around the city. Don't miss his unique perspective on life as an expat in Vienna! -
Meet Gergö Fazekas, an expert in international communication and co-founder of MajorDesign — a collective of professional communication, media, and graphic designers. Originally from Hungary, Gergö's journey led him from diplomatic missions for the Hungarian Foreign Ministry across Europe and North Africa to Vienna, where he's resided with his wife and now three kids since 2013.
Drawn by Vienna's rich cultural landscape and its proximity to Hungary, Gergö saw many opportunities in the city for both his family and his firm, collaborating with numerous Hungarian and international artists. However, settling into Vienna wasn't without its culture clashes, despite his beautiful childhood memories of the city. He humorously recounts stories from inviting four neighbors for dinner, leading to some awkward encounters, to navigating Viennese coffee house culture during his time as a waiter. Particularly fond of the authenticity and coziness of Viennese coffee houses, Gergö gained insights into both coffee and people. His favorite spots overall are where people of all ages and backgrounds converge, embodying the city's dynamic spirit.
Additionally, Gergö honestly acknowledges the challenges of learning German, especially with its dialects throughout the country, but finds solace in the whimsical quirks of the language. Join us und Explore Vienna's cultural treasures through Gergö's eyes. -
Another week, another episode. This time with Ester Sökjer-Petersen from Sweden. Ester has been living in Vienna since 2019, where she works as a sommelier. Turning 30 can be tricky, but Ester's bold move to Vienna was driven by a desire for change.
However, her arrival was met with the infamous "Viennese grumpiness," which, at times, can be quite disheartening, especially when directed towards foreigners, making Ester's initially sunny One Day in Vienna a memorable yet not-so-pleasant experience - perhaps a gentle reminder of the importance of kindness towards others. Nevertheless, Ester's resilient spirit prevailed, guided by the principle of treating others as she wishes to be treated.
Ester speaks German very well - just imagine having to describe wine nuances in another language – it's quite impressive. But writing can sometimes be a bit challenging – all those cases in German are simply a hassle. However, the more and the faster you learn and speak German, the quicker the "settling in" process in Vienna.
Join Ester on her podcast episode as she shares fantastic tips on coffee, pizza, wine, and swimming spots in Vienna. Tune in, take notes, and experience Vienna through Ester's expert-expat recommendations. -
Anastassia Solomonova from Moscow, Russia, owner of a language travel agency and the official representative of the University of the Arts, London is our guest this week and has been in Vienna since 2020. Her journey to Vienna was driven by love – during a trip to the city, she "accidentally" met the love of her life. While her relationship with her husband blossomed quickly, her bond with the city took a bit more time to form. But it did, and over time, she seamlessly transitioned into the role of a local, offering insider insights herself and residing in a quintessential Viennese “Altbau”. Anastassia's narrative also vividly portrays Vienna as a city of perpetual surprises and endless fascination – it never gets boring – whether with international politicians or with oversized animals in the park...
Although she humorously refers to her German skills as "Supermarket German," she even understands the Austrian dialect very well and is quite a Pro in pronouncing it. Her favorite events – and at the same time, a good tip for other expats – ranging from exhibition openings at the Albertina to Poetry Reading Evenings and diverse music gatherings, underscore Vienna's diverse cultural landscape and possibilities. Subscribing to newsletters from various cultural centers ensures one remains abreast of the city's vibrant cultural scene. Keep your eyes open and relax, like Anastassia.
Anastassia's insights prompt intriguing discussions. She feels that Viennese people are consistently punctual, especially compared to people from Moscow. Is punctuality a common trait among people in Vienna? And while many say it takes time to feel comfortable here, the payoff is well worth it? -
Jeffrey Crowder, also known as "The CaliWiener," is not your average English teacher and translator – he's also an author and comedian originally from sunny San Diego, California. A self-proclaimed cultural and culinary refugee, his first encounters with Austria involved Lederhosen and the Sound of Music as a toddler. However, it was upon moving to Vienna in 1997 that Jeffrey truly discovered the depth of this remarkable country. Vienna, as Jeffrey describes, is a haven for expats, offering boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's a harmonious blend of classical grandeur and contemporary vibrancy, where tradition seamlessly meets innovation. Ludwig Wittgenstein once famously wrote, “Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt" (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, 1921, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world”). Jeffrey embodies this sentiment, having delved deep into the German language and mastering it with sympathetic finesse. A linguistic virtuoso, Jeffrey not only converses fluently in the Austrian dialect but also delights in quirky wordplays unique to the region or sometimes even on a small stage, where he belts out the occasional Cali-Wiener-Waltz, embodying the Austrian soul. And isn't it refreshing to trade "Wiener Grant" for "Wiener Schmäh" sometimes? Just be mindful of your appearance when mingling with the older locals – greasy locks might not go unnoticed! Join Jeffrey, the Californian Viennese, as he shares his love for Vienna, his favorite spots in the city, and how Austrian legends like Tante Jolesch and Helmut Qualtinger introduced him to the local dialect. It's expat advice from one insider to another – don't miss out!
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Originally from Belgrade, Vladimir Novicic embarked on a unique journey upon his arrival in Vienna in 2005. Trained as a veterinarian, he initially aspired to work with small animals. However, he discovered a new path, and together with his wife, he now co-owns and manages a Balkan delicatessen store called MezeSliva in the heart of Vienna. His path led him from treating small animals to transitioning into the food hygiene department, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles along the way. In this episode, Vladimir shares his inspiring story of resilience and determination, illustrating the importance of taking control of one's destiny and persisting in pursuit of one's dreams. His experience underscores that Vienna, despite its reputation for grumpiness, can be remarkably accommodating. Imagine arriving in Vienna and realizing that your veterinary studies are exclusively in German, with complex terminology and specialized jargon to navigate. Despite the challenges, Vladimir persevered, mastering the language and finding fascination in the disparity between the sounds of words and their meanings. Join Vladimir on a rollercoaster of emotions as he recounts his day filled with anticipation, waiting, joy, and ultimately, success. Discover how he seamlessly integrated into Vienna's cultural tapestry and enriched the city with his delectable offerings. In Vladimir's story, there's no room for "what ifs" – it's all about taking action and making things happen.
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Manaho Shimokawa, a Japanese performance artist and dancer, model, and director, has been captivating Vienna since 2010. Manaho moved to Austria with aspirations in ballet, but it wasn't long before she found her true calling in contemporary and barefoot dance. Accepted into the Konservatorium (MUK), she has been dancing through Vienna for 14 years now. Throughout the ups and downs and the chilly winters of Vienna, Manaho has grown deeply fond of the city and its marvelous spots. Picture this: getting accidentally locked inside the vast halls of the Kunsthistorisches Museum at night, with only the haunting gaze of Rembrandt paintings piercing through the darkness. A bit unsettling, you might think, but what does Manaho do? Exactly – she dances. It's a moment that transforms the spooky atmosphere into something magical, creating an unforgettable image.
Driven by a curiosity for different cultures, Manaho has dabbled in a wide range of dance styles, from classic to contemporary, Forsythe Technique to Tango. This diverse mix has helped her forge a unique identity as a “Chameleon Dancer” and she combines various movements to create performances that transcend traditional boundaries of art, incorporating elements of theater, poetry, music, film, and painting. Manaho's adaptability shines through her diverse projects and roles, notably in the upcoming performance at Odeon Theater, “Das große Heft,” an anti-war piece that explores the absurdity of war but also themes of love. Having traveled the world, Vienna has captured her heart as a permanent home for her, her partner, and daughter. She advocates for embracing the city with open eyes and an open heart, engaging with its people beyond the initial surface of grumpiness to discover a warm and genuine community. For Manaho, embracing a new language and culture is a dance outside one's comfort zone, but one that is ultimately rewarding. -
We're excited to introduce Neil Ian Parker, originally from Canada. Since relocating to Vienna in 2019 to finally close the distance in his long-term relationship, Neil is enriching his retirement by diving deep into the Austrian way of life and language, embracing his new city with open arms. Among his favorite spots is the lively Yppenplatz, a melting pot of multicultural interactions, culinary delights, and educational opportunities. Neil's quest for mastering the German language took a charming turn when he enrolled at the INNES Language School. Here, he's an ambitious learner, often engaging in extensive conversations with INNES teachers on all sorts of topics (Tip from Neil: talk, talk, talk!). Despite attempting to learn German 50 years ago, Austrian German presented a delightful set of challenges, from the complexities of spelling to the nuances of local dialects. Indeed, grappling with words like “Oachkatzlschwoaf” (squirrel's tail) proves that learning can be as challenging as it is fun. Neil has stepped out of his comfort zone in the most extraordinary ways. His engaging interactions range from discussing the best reads with eight-year-olds to debating the most fearsome animals with six-year-olds and giving the elderly directions without relying on the U-Bahn, possibly aided by his wise and (already) Viennese appearance. Moreover, Neil serves as the minister of the Vienna Community Church, holding services every Sunday in the Innere Stadt (Dorotheergasse 16, 1010 Wien). He continues taking courses at INNES in order to provide better instructions to people who ask for directions.
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We are delighted to host Theresa Allsopp as our podcast guest this week. Theresa is a bilingual and bicultural freelance copywriter, fluent in both English and German. Originally from Salisbury, England, she has been living in Vienna, Austria since 2019 and is currently working at the Vienna Business Agency. Thanks to her roots, Theresa possesses a profound understanding of two cultures and languages, along with a deep love for words and communication. Theresa's journey to Vienna began with her studies in German and Italian. After her time abroad, she immediately fell in love with the city and knew she wanted to stay. Captivated by Vienna's vibrant atmosphere and the sounds of a bustling city, she found endless exploration and discovery in its diverse facets, people, and places (experiencing Vienna's richness is best done on foot). Despite being bilingual, Theresa chose to study German and occasionally faces challenges with the language. However, she sees language learning as a lifelong process, embracing the daily discovery of new words and nuances. From Theresa's perspective, German is not only visually captivating but also filled with humor in the way words are strung together, such as 'Glühbirne' (glowing pear). A word of advice from Theresa: don't take the Viennese grumpiness too personally!
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Join us for an insightful journey with this week's guest, Gregory Weeks, originally from the USA, who has called Vienna home since 1995. Gregory is deeply passionate about contemporary history, in which he holds a doctorate. While Vienna thrives in the present, its rich history offers a compelling backdrop, especially for a historian like Gregory. Also, navigating Viennese culture isn't complete without regular visits to traditional coffeehouses like the Bräunerhof, where locals gather to fuel their days. From exploring historic places and figures to delving into Middle High German and Viennese literature, Gregory immerses himself in the city's cultural heritage, enriching his understanding of its past and present. It was during a humorous Culture Clash incident at the Police Office that he learned firsthand to tread carefully not to infringe on local customs. One better not dip into the tips of Viennese locals…
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Originally from Germany, near Cologne, Lina Pohl has recently settled in the heart of Vienna since June 2022. As a young Research Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), seconded by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Lina delves into the intricate world of space policy. During her initial business trips to Vienna, she often strolled past the magnificent Belvedere Palace Gardens, a breathtaking oasis in the midst of the city. It's the kind of scenery that sets the tone for a great day ahead. Moreover, there's something magical about encountering a famous painting in real life that you've only ever seen on a coffee mug, or in this case, better, "The Kiss"-Cup.
Get to know Lina and her "leiwande" anecdotes, where she navigates the nuances of language, exploring the quirks and differences between German and Austrian dialects. From classics like "Sackerl" vs. "Tüte" to "Schlag" vs. "Sahne" or "Melanzani" vs. "Aubergine", even in German-German translation, the charm and complexity of language prevail. Join us for a dose of laughter and insight as Lina shares her artsy and culinary discoveries in Austria's beautiful capital. -
Originally from Los Angeles, Diana Robleto moved to lovely Vienna almost two decades ago this year and never left. Her connection to the city stems from her recognition of Vienna's beauty, openness, and sense of security shortly after her arrival, evident during a memorable encounter in the Burggarten where she witnessed a woman confidently sunbathing topless. This experience, along with her humorous sauna escapade, illuminated cultural contrasts in attitudes towards bodies and aging, which Diana found remarkably invigorating among the women of Vienna. Through that, she embodies what one of her literary heroes, Susan Sontag, writes in "The Double Standard of Aging" (1972): 'Women should allow their faces to show the lives they have lived. Women should tell the truth.'
Diana has a large appetite for all that is good in this world, from engaging with interesting individuals from all walks of life to hosting friends for dinner, traveling, cultural exchanges, reading captivating books, or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, swimming in the Mediterranean, enjoying the perfect espresso, vintage shopping, and her mother's Nicaraguan Gallo Pinto. When not reporting on UN conferences, Diana enjoys spending time with her two smart and sassy teens and her sweet kitties. As a side hustle, she renovates derelict apartments from the ground up. She's a pacifist and dreams of ridding the world of autocracies, oppression, and injustice. -
This week, step into the world of Soroosh Ghahramanloo, a talented musician coming from Iran. Arriving in Vienna for the first time in 1983 at the age of 7, during the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War, Soroosh's journey was fraught with fears and challenges. However, the decision to seek refuge in Vienna proved life-saving, both for his mother and him. Returning to Vienna in 2023, Soroosh not only found his love, Stephanie, but also faced the complexities of starting anew in a foreign land with only 200 euros in his pocket. At this point, you have to get creative, and being a famous Iranian musician certainly helps...
While floating through Vienna, Soroosh discovered solace in places like the enchanting second district with its hidden courtyard trees and Café Katscheli, which soon became his home away from home. Soroosh shares his beautiful story and equally beautiful melodies of his Setar, accompanied by his soulful vocals. Through his music, Soroosh effortlessly captures the beauty of language, conveying different emotions and atmospheres with each note and word. As we explore Vienna through Soroosh's eyes let's reflect on the delightful encounters that Vienna has to offer, where every corner holds the potential for unexpected connections, imagine just for a moment where you might have unknowingly crossed paths with people... -
Moving to a new city, let alone a new country or continent, poses countless challenges. Yet, having someone by your side who not only supports you but also endeavors to make the experience as enriching as possible, that's when the magic happens. In our latest episode, Blake Sclanders, originally from South Africa, shares his heartwarming love story and his growing fondness for Vienna amidst the trials of relocation. A seasoned aviation expert, Blake has been in a relationship with his husband for 21 years now. For his 40th birthday, his husband orchestrated a memorable celebration in Vienna's 7th district. Every detail, tailored specifically to Blake, was a thoughtful gesture that eased the transition of his move and exemplified true love. Blake appreciates Vienna's inclusive atmosphere, including the LGBTQIA+ scene, places like Café Savoy, and as a vinyl enthusiast, Blake is always on the hunt for treasures in Vienna's second-hand and antique stores. Despite initial reservations about Vienna's structured nature, Blake has grown to love the city's sense of security and tranquility, especially compared to his experiences in Africa. And let's not forget his hilarious encounters with Austrian dialects – learning to roll with phrases like 'A Tschick' has been part of the fun. Join us for laughs, love, and a glimpse into Vienna's charm with Blake.
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