MY MOST POPULAR EPISODES
THIS MONTH’S TOP PICK
John Neumeier’s National Youth Ballet: the Dance, the Humanity, and the Power of Connection
(Interviews with Kevin Haigen, Raymond Hilbert, and the dancers of the Bundesjugendballett)
EPISODES IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH
GERMAN EPISODES
Mit Thomas Ostendorf über die Hamburg Hurricanes
In der Elbphilharmonie mit der künstlerischen Betriebsdirektorin Barbara Lebitsch
SPANISH EPISODES
Caballos, la legendaria Carol Jones y el Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
HUNGARIAN EPISODES
EPISODES IN MIXED LANGUAGES
Espresso and Bretzel – Matteo Fusella’s Love – Hate Relationship with Italy and Germany
The Artistry in Sports – from Fencing to Weightlifting
From Judo to Taekwondo – Olympic Combat Sports Explained
Like a Fish in Water – Olympic Water Sports explained
Communication and Miscommunication in Rowing
Athletic Events around the Track with Juliette Blanquart and Louis Rienaud
The Olympic Games in Paris – Ball Sports
Meet the French Journalism Student, Juliette Blanquart
Language Lessons – How to Say Hello in CHINESE, FARSI, RUSSIAN and TURKISH
At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with Director / CEO Julián Zugazagoitia
Language and Identity – An Interview with Nora Heaven
Saying Hello: The Roman Edition
SEASON 6 – Cultural Dialogues: Society, Identity, and the Arts
John Neumeier’s National Youth Ballet: the Dance, the Humanity, and the Power of Connection
(Interviews with Kevin Haigen, Raymond Hilbert, and the dancers of the Bundesjugendballett)
Description
In this special, uncensored episode, we step inside the world of the German National Youth Ballet, the BJB, an extraordinary ensemble comprised of nine professional dancers between the ages of 18 and 23, trained in both classical ballet and modern techniques.
One of the very special features of the BJB is that they perform not only on professional stages, but everywhere dance can forge a connection – in schools, museums, nursing homes, swimming pools, and even prisons. Their work demonstrates that dance speaks across generations, backgrounds, and life experiences, creating unity through shared artistic encounter.
This episode, made possible by the generous support of the Charlotte Uhse Stiftung, offers a candid look into the power of communication and collaboration at the heart of the BJB. It begins with a spirited conversation with Artistic and Pedagogical Director Kevin Haigen, one that starts with a small disagreement and unfolds into a passionate, thought-provoking exchange. It includes contributions from all nine dancers of the BJB, who answer questions from young amateur dancers from Kansas City. And it concludes with Ballet Master Raymond Hilbert’s reflections on connecting with audiences, the question of how a dance style is understood, and some of the most sensitive issues faced by the dance world.
This episode promises to give you intimate insight into the philosophy, purpose, and daily
reality of this remarkable ensemble.
Thank you Kevin Haigen, Raymond Hilbert, Bronte Barnett, Eleftherios Sarafis, Hannah McCloughan, Miguel Alves Oliveira, Oskar Weissel-Hetzel, Taissa Pache Pimentel, Kohanna Williams, Javier Martinez, and Zofia Jabłońska for the interviews.
bundesjugendballett.de
cultureum.com
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
SEASON 5 – Culture Exponential
Ruth Van Reken – About Third Culture Kids and Growing Up Among Worlds
Description
An intimate chat with the woman who has paved the road for Third Culture Kid research and has influenced our views about multiculturalism and global mobility over the past 4 decades. It is with immense pleasure that I bring you this very personal interview that allows you to get to know the person behind the admired researcher and writer.
cultureum.com cultureumdrj
Just a quick note – this is the last episode I am bringing out this year. I am taking a brief hiatus to gather creative energy, to write two books that I have been meaning to bring out, and to rethink and restructure the podcast a bit. But, I will be back with new episodes sometime in the spring or summer of 2025.
Thank you for listening,
Dr. J
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Zwischen Sprache und Musik
Description
Die Geigerin, Orchesterleiterin, Autorin und Pädagogin Gesine Mielitz spricht mit mir über die Zusammenhänge zwischen Sprache und Musik, über das Spektrum, in dem sich Musik und Sprache bewegen, über die interessante Übersetzung, die beim Wechsel zwischen verschiedenen Kunstformen stattfindet, über die Auswirkung der Nationalkultur auf den Stil von Autoren und Musikern, sowie über die Doppelrolle des kreativen Schöpfers und Pädagogen aller, die als Künstler sowohl in der Musik als auch in der Literatur tätig sind. Ein sehr interessantes Interview, das es wagt, schwierige Fragen zu stellen, dessen Antworten jedoch für die zukünftige Entwicklung von Sprache und Musik sehr wichtig sind.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
From Shakespeare to Fernando Arrabal – an Interview with Felicia Londré
Description
This is an interview with one of the leading experts on Shakespeare, Felicia Londré, who also happens to be a personal friend of Fernando Arrabal. In the interview, we tackle questions such as: Why do Shakespeare’s plays still appeal to audiences today? Who actually wrote the plays? How has theater developed since Shakespeare? What are some of the problems with contemporary productions? What is the future of theater? At the end of the interview, Felicia tells us the story of how she met and got to know Fernando Arrabal, and how an initial regard for each other’s work developed into a life-long friendship.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
To the listeners, a quick reminder, this is one of the last episodes that I will bring out before my break. After this episode, I will bring you one more episode in German, with a brilliant musician and teacher, and then one more in English with an expert on Third Culture Kids. Afterwards, I will take a brief hiatus to concentrate on a few other projects, but I will be back with new episodes in the spring or summer of 2025. As always, if you’d like to keep up with my activities, please visit my website: culturem.com or my instagram page @cultureumdrj.
Belonging Beyond Borders with Megan Norton
Description
Do you know what the difference is between Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and Cross Cultural Kids (CCKs)? How about the difference between flux culture and core culture, or ethnocentric and ethno-relevant views? Do you know where to draw the line between acting as a cultural ambassador and being guilty of cultural appropriation? Do you know what these terms refer to: passport culture, code switching, heart homes, shared identity, global citizenship, or cultural markers?
Did you know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives have of late added a B to the acronym DEIB – to also address issues of belonging? Well, all this is the topic of this episode, in which we “unpack belonging” and discuss the pressing cultural issues of today’s world.
Megan’s book: Megan Norton. Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Mit Thomas Ostendorf über die Hamburg Hurricanes
Description
Der deutsche Defensivspieler Thomas Ostendorf spricht mit mir über seine Fußballmannschaft und erzählt über die Initiativen des Vereins zur Förderung von Multikulturalität und Inklusion sowie über die Bemühungen des Vereins, für Gerechtigkeit und Gleichheit in der Welt zu kämpfen.
hamburg-hurricanes.com @hamburghurricanes
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
The Hamburg Hurricanes – an Internationally Flavored Football Club
Description
Do you know these gentlemen in pink who play football every Sunday in Hamburg’s Central Park? Would you like to meet them? In this episode, three Hurricane players, George Balakrishna, Thomas Ostendorf, and Oussama Bensat, talk to us about the international character of this awesome grassroots football club, about their own cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and about the teams’ creative initiatives to make the world just a little better.
hamburg-hurricanes.com @hamburghurricanes
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Kymia Kermani and the Art of Communicating as an Ensemble
Description
This episode welcomes the clarinetist Kymia Kermani, who is also the founder and artistic director of the Ensemble Sinn-Phonietta and a member of the Duo Kermani Gentili. Kymia takes us backstage and gives us a peak into the life of an ensemble – How do they communicate – with each other, with the music, with the audience? – What are the practical considerations that we no longer see when we attend one of their performances? And what messages do they wish to leave the audience with?
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
sinn-phonietta.com @sinnphonietta @duokermanigentili
kymiakermani.com
Music Speaks – with conductor Mercedes Díaz Garcia & composer Juan José Colomer
Description
An intimate chat with two brilliant musicians about the meaning and the development of contemporary music. Filled with personal anecdotes and examples, this episode brings you into the world of a composer and that of a conductor, and allows you to hear how they approach the art of communicating through music.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Farkas Zoárd Világa
Description
Magyar szülők egyetlen fia, Zoárd Dániában született, Spanyolországban járt iskolába, most pedig Ausztráliában nő fel. És Zoárd egy nagyon tehetséges úszó reménység. Ezek a nézetei a nyelvről, az utazásról és a kulturális identitásról.
Third Culture Kid Zoárd Farkas
Description
These are the views of a 14-year-old Hungarian-Australian-Danish-Spanish young man, who happens to also be an Olympic hopeful in swimming.
Fashion, Cuisine, and Diplomacy
Description
Associate Professor at Georgetown University, Myriam Vukovic, helps me recap the episode originally recorded in German with the French Consul General to Northern Germany, Valérie Lübken, the fashion influencer, Britta Ahrens (@mrsmoin_hamburg) and the chef and restaurant owner, Sebastian Junge from the restaurant Wolfs Junge. This episode connects fashion, cuisine and diplomacy historically and in modern times by looking at how Louis XIV approached fashion, cuisine, and diplomacy, or how Chanel is more than just a luxury fashion brand, or how the fashion atelier MadeaufVeddel and the restaurant Wolfs Junge work out of the same principles.
cultureum.com de.ambafrance.org/-Hambourg-Consulat-
wolfs-junge.de mrsmoin.de
The entire episode is in English.
Valérie Luebken
Mode, Küche und Diplomatie
Description
Wie ging Ludwig XIV. mit Mode, Küche und Diplomatie um? In wie fern ist Chanel mehr als eine Luxusmodemarke? Was haben das Modeatelier MadeaufVeddel und das Restaurant Wolfs Junge gemeinsam? Findet heraus, wie die französische Generalkonsulin zu Norddeutschland, Valérie Lübken, diese und weitere Fragen beantwortet. Hört, wie sich die Diskussion entwickelt, wenn die Mode-Influencerin Britta Ahrens (@mrsmoin_hamburg) und Sebastian Junge, der Inhaber und Küchenchef des Restaurants Wolfs Junge, ihre Ansichten teilen. Diese Folge verbindet Mode, Küche und Diplomatie historisch und heute.
cultureum.com de.ambafrance.org/-Hambourg-Consulat-
wolfs-junge.de mrsmoin.de
The entire episode is in German.
Valérie Luebken
Study Tips and Language Advice from Dr. J
Description
In this episode, I let you in on some of my favorite language learning exercises and talk to you about the most important considerations you should make in your effort to learn or maintain a language. The advice I provide in this episode can also be applied to improving speaking skills in your mother tongue and to public speaking in general.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Just a quick note:
In the weeks to come, I will bring you 4 more episodes and will then take a little break from podcasting to write two books that have been swirling around in my head for quite some time now. But I will be back with more episodes in the spring or at the latest in the summer of 2025.
Students from the Sophie-Barath-Schule on Language, Culture, and their Lives
Description
The students from a private Catholic school in Hamburg, Germany speak about the role of culture in their every-day lives – from the food they eat to the languages they speak. Each stemming from a different cultural background, the students offer insight into what it means to be mono, bi, or multicultural.
sophie-barat-schule.de cultureum.com @cultureumdrj Linkedin: Dr. Henriette J. Runte
Third Culture Kid, Kyle Akins, and the Sociocultural Effects of Multiculturalism
Description
Recorded before a live audience at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, this episode kicks off Season 5 of the podcast and starts a discussion about the many sociocultural aspects of multiculturalism. In this episode, I speak with Kyle Akins, the son of a US-American diplomat and a Japanese mother. Kyle has already lived in 8 countries around the world, although he is only 19 years old. The interview looks at how Kyle views his international upbringing, hones in on his social and individual development in this multicultural context, and explores his personal experiences in the various countries.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj Linkedin: Dr. Henriette J. Runte
SEASON 4 – Latin America in Focus
Reflections of an Argentinian Abroad
Description
Dr. Mario Navarro is an Argentinian linguist and rugby player, but he calls Hamburg, Germany home, which is where he lives with his wife and children, coaches rugby for FC St. Pauli, and works at the University of Hamburg. This episode wraps up my season on Latin America through Mario’s observations about the Spanish language and how it is spoken in the different parts of the world, through personal stories about family and friendship that transcend cultural differences, and through reflections on Argentina’s history and lifestyle from abroad.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
LinkedIn: Dr. Henriette J. Runte
A Brazilian in Florida via Indonesia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia
Description
Reflecting back on her home country of Brazil, my guest this week, Veronica Ricansrud, tackles the question of what divides and what unites Brazilian society. The conclusion she reaches is that politics, religion, and soccer tend to polarize, while music (especially samba), food and partying, or spending time together, unite. A fun and informative episode with an energetic and genuinely cheerful guest.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
A Paraguayan living in Germany via Spain
Description
This episode looks at the distinct cultural aspects of Paraguay, from Guaraní to tereré and Paraguayan polka. We look at what sets Paraguay apart from other Latin American countries, how a Paraguayan upbringing compares to growing up or raising kids in Europe, and what cultural similarities exist between various countries. My guest in this episode is Annalia Lenguaza Ullon, a Paraguayan friend from college who is married to a Spanish aerospace engineer. Along with their two daughters, they have lived in Brazil and Chile, before moving to Germany.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
El arte en Argentina / Art in Argentina
Description
Este episodio les presenta a Bellatrix, uno de los proyectos de arte más emocionantes que conozco. Con Bellatrix, Betina Kühlcke se propuso inmortalizar la fauna y la flora del antiguo campo de su padre y traducirlas en arte. Imaginó un museo por dentro y por fuera que enseñaría e inspiraría. Bellatrix es un homenaje a la naturaleza, la historia y el abolengo de la región. A través de las estatuas, pinturas y creaciones por encargo que se exhiben, también es un gran aporte a la escena del arte contemporáneo en Argentina. Bellatrix, una experiencia artística verdaderamente única y el tema del episodio del podcast de esta semana.
Por favor, no olvide dejar una calificación para el podcast. Esto realmente ayuda a otros a descubrirnos también.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj https://bellatrixart.com.ar @bellatrixart._
This episode presents to you Bellatrix, one of the most exciting art projects I have ever come into contact with. The owner of Bellatrix, Betina Kühlcke, set out to immortalize the fauna and the flora of her father’s old farm and to translate it into art. She envisioned an inside and outside museum that would teach and inspire. Bellatrix is a tribute to nature, and to the history and ancestry of the region. Through the commissioned statues, paintings and creations that are displayed, it is also a great contribution to the contemporary art scene in Argentina. Bellatrix, a truly unique art experience, and the subject of this week’s podcast episode.
Please don’t forget to leave a rating for the podcast. This really helps others discover us as well.
Tourism – From Latin America to Scandinavia via the United States of America
Description
What does it mean to travel well? What makes an ugly tourist? What are the biggest differences between traveling in Latin America as compared to visiting Scandinavia? These are only some of the questions discussed in this episode, conducted in dialogue with Marcelo Guimaraes, a Brazilian friend from college who happens to also own a travel agency.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
discoverscandinaviatours.com
LinkedIn: Henriette J. Runte
Please don’t forget to leave a rating for the podcast. This really helps others discover us as well.
Caballos, la legendaria Carol Jones y el Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
Description
Haber podido conocer a Carol Jones y pasar tiempo con ella y sus caballos en su estancia fue uno de los aspectos más destacados de nuestro viaje de dos meses a Argentina el año pasado. En este episodio, Carol se une a mí a través de Internet. Hablamos sobre la historia de su familia: su viaje al corazón de Argentina, su trabajo con los caballos y su increíble conexión con leyendas como Davy Crockett, Buffalo Bill y Butch Cassidy y Sundance Kid. Aunque la casa de Carol está en la Patagonia, Argentina, justo al lado de Bariloche, en el Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, ha viajado mucho, habiendo vivido y trabajado, por ejemplo, en los EE. UU., Francia e Inglaterra. Carol es una de las personas más auténticas y fascinantes que conozco. Sus puntos de vista sobre los animales y la naturaleza son maravillosamente perspicaces. Su forma de vivir y trabajar es inspiradora.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
caroljones.com.ar @caroljonesriding LinkedIn: Henriette J. Runte
Por favor, no olvide dejar una calificación para el podcast. Esto realmente ayuda a otros a descubrirnos también.
An American in Argentina
Description
This episode with guest Jane Hermstedt plays a pivotal role in Season 4 of the podcast, dedicated to Latin America and more specifically to Argentina. A US-American who has traveled the world and has recently lived in Argentina for two years, Jane brings an interesting perspective to the conversations I am having this season. On the one hand, we reminisce about our time spent in college in the company of „Latinos,“ and on the other hand, we compare the first hand experiences we have had in Argentina and in other parts of Latin America.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj LinkedIn: Henriette J. Runte
Please don’t forget to leave a rating for the podcast. This really helps others discover us as well.
La mujer en Argentina
Description
¿Cómo se comparan las mujeres argentinas con otras mujeres latinoamericanas o con las mujeres europeas o americanas? ¿Cómo ha cambiado la identidad de la mujer argentina desde la generación de nuestras abuelas? ¿Cómo se compara el nivel de educación de las mujeres argentinas con el de los hombres? ¿Cómo se tratan los temas de la sexualidad en Argentina? ¿Qué es lo más importante para la mujer argentina? En este episodio, Cecilia Pérez Giménez de Córdoba, Argentina, responde todas mis preguntas y nos enseña mucho sobre las mujeres de su propia familia y sus puntos de vista sobre las mujeres en Argentina en general.
cultureum.com, @cultureumdrj, @americo_vidaintegral
Perspectives of a Colombian
Description
My guest in this episode reflects back on his childhood in Colombia and compares his upbringing to that of his son who was raised in the US. The episode offers insights into daily life in Colombia and presents some of the hidden marvels of this beautiful country. The episode points to some of the forces that unite Latin Americans around the world, but also touches on some of the animosities that have led to conflict in the past.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Please don’t forget to give the podcast a review or a rating; this really helps others discover us.
La educación en Argentina
Description
Este episodio presenta los puntos de vista de dos docentes y directores de escuela en Esquel, Argentina. Hablamos de todos los aspectos de la educación, desde las responsabilidades de las escuelas hacia los estudiantes y la sociedad hasta las diferencias del sistema educativo argentino en comparación con otros países de América Latina. Hablamos también de literatura argentina y de libros modernos y antiguos que todo el mundo debería conocer. El episodio ofrece una primera mirada a la cultura argentina y la vida en la Patagonia.
Autores de literatura argentina recomendados: Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Abelardo Castillo, Adolf Bioy Casares, Roberto Arlt, Marco Denevi, José Hernández, Rodolfo Walsh, Silvina Ocampo, Samanta Schewlin, Mariana Henriquez, Luisa Valenzuela, Agustina Bazterrica, Alfonsina Storni, Alejandra Pizarnik.
Poetas de literatura mapuche: Liliana Ancalao, Viviana Ayilef
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Por favor, no olvide dejar una calificación para el podcast. Esto realmente ayuda a otros a descubrirnos también.
A Venezuelan of Italian Descent Living in Spain
Description
This episode kicks off Season 4 of the podcast and brings you the cultural reflections and stories of Carlos Palmitesta, a dear friend who grew up in Caracas, Venezuela in an Italian family, studied and worked in the US and England, and has now settled down in Madrid, Spain. Carlos and I talk about a Venezuela of the past that both he and I know and feel very nostalgic about. We discuss Venezuela’s cultural standing within Latin America. We talk about some of the many cultural treasures Venezuela has to offer. And we reminisce about time spent in the company of a tight group of Latin Americans while we studied at the University of Kansas.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Please don’t forget to give the podcast a review or a rating; this really helps others discover us.
SEASON 3 – Kansas City
Politics
Description
From addressing issues faced by the police to discussing education, community leadership, housing, transportation, the fire department, and the founding principles of the US in general, the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, Tyrone Garner, talks quite candidly about his plans and visions for bettering people’s lives through his public service. Mayor Garner is a former police officer and deputy chief of police. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico. He is a great supporter of Barack Obama’s ideas for community policing. He is an advocate for unity and humanity and working together for the common good. Website: cultureum.com; Instagram: @cultureumdrj; LinkedIn: Henriette J. Runte
Jazz!
Description
This episode is basically a lesson in jazz, in dialogue with an amazing musician, Clint Ashlock, the artistic director of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. Clint is also a trumpeter and a composer and has been featured as a solo artist all over the world. The episode discusses the origins of jazz, how it compares to swing or the blues, goes into New Orleans Jazz vs. Kansas City Jazz, and delves into some of the socio-cultural aspects of jazz. Clint Ashlock exudes music even when he’s speaking.
His verbal imitation of different beats and styles is incredibly informative and entertaining. And, you will find musical treats from the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra both within this podcast episode and on our website cultureum.com.
kcjo.org
clintashlock.com
Video: Both Sides Now – featuring Molly Hammer, Clint Ashlock and the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. Complements of KCJO.
Football – as in soccer
Description
The sport known in the US as soccer and referred to everywhere else in the world as football has an amazing culturally unifying effect on both the players and the spectators. In this episode I talk to Peter Vermes, the Manager, Director and Head Coach of Sporting KC. Peter is a former professional soccer player and member of the US national soccer team (1988 – 1997). He went to the Olympics with the US national team in 1988 and played in the World Cup in 1990. He is, as of 2020, the longest tenured head coach in Major League Soccer. Peter and I talk about how soccer can transcend borders, about the significance of language and culture to national and club soccer, as well as about how success in soccer requires universal leadership and team-building strategies.
Molière
Description
January 15th 2022 marks the great playwright Molière’s 400th Birthday as well as the day I turned 50. This episode aires the lecture I held this past November at the Kansas City Museum. The lecture is entitled “Molière and me” and aims to draw parallels between the playwright and myself, and to entertain while informing the audience about Molière’s life and theater.
Food!
Description
What do we eat and why? How do we nourish our families and our communities? How can cultural integration occur through the sharing of food? What is the actual value of our food – the fruits and vegetables we consume, the dairy products we use, the animals we eat… Jennifer Doty from the Lenexa Farmers Market joins me to answer these questions and more.
Grace
Description
As I grow older, I find myself often preoccupied with trying to achieve a sense of beauty and elegance that I would call ageless grace. My guest in this episode is Michele Hamlett-Weith, a retired Dutch-American ballet dancer and an all-around graceful person. Together, we tackle three main questions: How do we go through life and the many obstacles it throws in our way with grace? How do we age with grace? How does grace affect everything we do?
Nursing
Description
Gain insight into nursing in the USA from this interview with Leslie Rogers, a surgical nurse with 48 years of experience. Leslie speaks candidly about the nursing profession – the beauty, the difficulties and her hopes for the future.
Education and the Environment
Description
This episode gives you an overview of the US education system while also discussing various educational ideologies. The second part of the episode goes more specifically into education as it pertains to the environment and environmental conservation. My guest in this episode is Bridgett Chapin, a dear friend from college who holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and is now a Professor of Environmental Science at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
Clothing and Fashion
Description
Why have humans placed such importance on the way they cover their bodies? Do clothes make the man? What is the difference between mere clothes and fashion? How has fashion developed throughout history? What are some of the milestones in fashion? What is the difference between clothes, fashion, haute couture, and costumes? – these are some of the questions discussed in this episode.
My guest is Vincent Scassellati, resident costume designer for the Missouri Repertory Theater and head of the costume design program at UMKC between 1964 and 2000. Vincent has designed the costuming for more than 250 professional theater productions throughout the United States and continues to put his talent and knowledge to work at the Kansas City Costume Company.
At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with Director / CEO Julián Zugazagoitia
Description
Julián Zugazagoitia and Dr. J first discuss the linguistic and sociological effects and implications of being not only bilingual but multilingual. The conclusion is that speaking several languages can show people how life is nuance and how the many different ways of looking at the world are all legitimate.
The second part of the interview concentrates on the museum experience, and Julián Zugazagoitia draws on his intimate knowledge of many renowned museums around the world. The focus, however, is the amazing Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and how the museum represents the world in the heart of the Midwest with its fabulous and rich collections of art and its community outreach programs.
The entire interview is in English. The episode includes one brief exchange in Spanish, one in French and one in German.
Medicine in the US
Description
Dr. Tom Franey graciously answers Dr. J’s questions about studying medicine in the US and explains the most important aspects of the US medical system. Dr. J is joined in this episode by her husband, Dr. Hendrik Runte, who is a German physician, specialized in anesthesiology. The second part of the episode goes into a more in-depth comparison of day-to-day working practices in Germany and the US, and into discussing treatment protocols for ailments ranging from breast cancer and thyroid cancer to operations of the gall bladder and hernias. Finally, Dr. Franey talks about being a Kansas City doctor and about his personal attachment to Kansas City, Missouri.
Languages spoken in this episode: English
SEASON 2
Life with Coach Pop
Description
My guest in this episode is István Steve Javorek, my father, who was the National Olympic Weightlifting Coach to Romania and later to South Korea, before becoming a renowned strength and conditioning coach in the United States. He speaks to me very candidly about his life and about his exciting career coaching Olympians and incredible performance athletes around the world.
The entire episode is in English.
István Javorek
My family’s Immigration
Description
My guest in this episode is my mom. Unlike my famous and highly extroverted father, my mother has always preferred to remain behind the scenes. Nevertheless, she is a fascinating, strong woman, and I really wanted to have her voice heard as well. In this episode, my mom speaks about life in Transylvania, my father’s defection, our ultimate move to the US, and about how my family laid down new roots in the Kansas City area.
István Javorek
Swordplay with 5-time national fencing champion Peter Habala
Description
My guest in this episode is Peter Habala, a 5-time Romanian national champion in fencing, and the founder of the Red Star Fencing Club in Chicago, USA. Peter grew up in fencing rooms; both his mother and father are fencing champions and renown coaches. In fact, Peter’s father was also my fencing coach back in Romania. Peter and I speak about this amazing sport called fencing, about what it takes to become a champion, and about Peter’s personal life story and fencing career.
The entire episode is in English.
Kardjáték és az ötszörös országos vívóbajnok, Habala Péter
Description
Vendégem ebben az epizódban Habala Péter, ötszörös román nemzeti bajnok a vívásban, és az amerikai chicagói Red Star Fencing Club alapítója. Péter a vívóteremben nőtt fel; édesanyja és édesapja mindketten vívóbajnokok és elismert edzők. Péter édesapja az én vívóedzőm is volt Romániában. Nagyszerűen elbeszélgettünk a vívásról, arról, hogy mi kell ahhoz, hogy bajnokká váljon valaki, valamint a Péter személyes élettörténetéről és vívó karrierjéről.
The entire episode is in Hungarian.
Une famille française
Description
This episode is about what it means to be French, as seen through the example of the Garnier family. I speak with Jean-Luc Garnier about his very large and very international family. We discuss why and how he still feels completely French, and what aspects of the French way of life he sees critically.
The entire episode is in French. I provide a brief introduction at the beginning and a summary at the end in English as well.
Time for Another Road Trip – Cancer Road Trip and Bump in the Road
Description
Pat Wetzel is a cancer survivor and the host of the award-winning podcasts, “Cancer Road Trip” and “Bump in the Road.” She joined me to speak about her international upbringing and her initial career in finance, as well as about dealing with her illness and embracing the exciting new phase in her life through podcasting.
The entire episode is in English.
Minority Groups and Their Integration – As Seen Through the Eyes of a Hungarian Born in Slovakia
Description
László Barsi is a Hungarian IT specialist originally from the former Czechoslovakia. He was 11 years old at the fall of the iron curtain and witnessed first-hand the development of a new Slovakia. László gives us an intimate view into life in the former Communist Block and the cultural and political issues people faced. We spoke about the difficulties László encountered as a Hungarian minority in Slovakia, about his immigration to Hungary and the continued struggle for acceptance, about his work experience in Germany, and about the world of IT as seen through a range of cultural lenses.
The entire episode is in English.
Az IT-világ egy Szlovákiai Magyar szemszögéből
Description
Barsi László magyar informatikus, eredetileg a volt Csehszlovákiából származik. Kellemesen elbeszélgettünk a László magyarországi bevándorlásáról és az evvel kötött nehézségekről, valamint az ö széleskörű munkatapasztalatáról és az informatika világ különböző kulturális vonatkozásairól.
The entire episode is in Hungarian.
Third Culture Kids
Description
In this episode, my guest Megan Norton and I talk about Third Culture Kids and intercultural communication,and transnational education. Megan draws from a wide range of experience. She has lived in South Korea, Japan, Israel, South Africa, various European countries and several states in the US. She is the daughter of a former U.S. diplomat and identifies as a Global Nomad.
The entire episode is in English.
Experiences of an Exchange Student in Florida
Description
Each study abroad experience is unique. Teo Karaagac’s six month as an exchange student in Florida taught him about being a teenager in the US, prompted him to think about his Turkish and German heritage, and allowed him to discover musical theatre.
The entire episode is in English.
We Fade to Green
Description
For this episode I decided to turn the microphones around and let my dear friend, Jane Hermstedt, interview me about my book, We Fade to Green. We talk about how the book came about, what parts are actually autobiographical, what role Hungarian culture and food play in the book, as well as about the importance of family and community, cultural and generational acceptance, and small business and caring for the environment.
The entire episode is in English.
More than just a flower
Description
Jean-Luc Garnier is a well-known horticulturist from the Pays de la Loire region in France, and he specializes in the cultivation of roses and of le muguet, which is lily of the valley or mayflower in English. In this episode, Dr. J and Jean-Luc Garnier talk about the French tradition of offering loved ones a bouquet of this special flower on May 1st, which is Labor Day in France. Interestingly, this episode about a flower also tackles some philosophical and political questions.
The entire episode is in English.
Une fleur n’est pas qu’une fleur
Description
L’invité dans cet épisode est Jean-Luc Garnier, horticulteur des Pays de la Loire, spécialisé dans la culture des roses et du muguet. Dans cet épisode, Dr. J et Jean-Luc Garnier parlent de la tradition française d’offrir un brin de muguet le jour du premier mai. Mais à des moments, la conversation devient aussi plus philosophique et politique.
The entire episode is in French.
From Stem Cell Research to Biotechnology
Description
This episode features Harvard Professor Chad Cowan and brings listeners closer to the man and his work. From being inspired by an astronaut neighbor, to building his own car from scratch, Chad Cowan speaks candidly about growing up in Kansas and about his initial relationship with education. He talks about the stem cell research he later conducted at Harvard University and about his switch to working in the exciting field of biotechnology. Chad Cowan also discusses national and cultural trends in science and talks about his experiences working with an international group of colleagues.
The entire episode is in English.
The Travel Bug
Description
Jane Hermstedt has lived around the world. In this episode, she shares some of her extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s getting hand fed by a Tamil maid in India, or learning from the Mapuche in Argentina, or connecting with her host sister in Albania, or about being considered Christmas cake in Japan, all of Jane’s stories are fascinating.
The entire episode is in English.
Muscadet Wine and the Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin
Description
This episode is all about a beautiful dry white wine, the Muscadet, from the Loire Valley region in France. Particularly recommended with oysters, the wine is known to have the perfect acidity, great texture and fresh, fruity appeal. The episode includes sound bites from my interview with Pierre Luneau from the Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin.
The entire episode is in English.
Le muscadet et le Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin
Description
Cet épisode vous présente un beau vin blanc sec, le muscadet, de la région de la Vallée de la Loire en France. Particulièrement recommandé avec les huîtres, le vin est connu pour avoir une acidité parfaite, une belle texture et un gout frais et fruité. Mon invité dans cet épisode est Pierre Luneau du Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin.
The entire episode is in French.
To Be or Not To Be Hispanic
Description
This episode discusses the meaning of Hispanic ethnicity in the US. Octavio Hinojosa Mier speaks very candidly about his Mexican origins and about his personal family history and identity. Together with Dr. J, he attempts to shed light on some of the controversial issues surrounding Hispanic culture in the US. Among his many other achievements, Octavio Hinojosa Mier has worked for the US Department of State, for the US House of Representatives, for the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and has served as Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Conference.
The entire episode is in English.
Ser o no ser hispano
Description
Este episodio analiza el significado de la hispanidad en los Estados Unidos. Octavio Hinojosa Mier habla sobre sus orígenes mexicanos y sobre su historia e identidad familiar. El episodio presenta con gran sensibilidad algunos de los temas controvertidos entorno de hispanoamericanos en los Estados Unidos.
The entire episode is in Spanish.
Teaching Resources
SEASON 1
From Opera to Teaching
Description
Carl Kanowsky’s academic path and career have taken him from California, USA to Korea and then again to Hamburg, Germany. Whether singing opera or teaching, Carl has had some fascinating experiences around the world. The second part of the episode focuses on Carl’s teaching English through song lyrics. Carl also goes into detail about one of his class sessions based on the musical “My Fair Lady,” sharing not only great lessons about music and music history, but also about English vocabulary and vocabulary building.
The entire episode is in English.
From In-Vitro to Solving the Problems of the World
Description
In the first part of the episode, Dr. Starks speaks about medicine and medical education in the US. He delves into how medical knowledge is passed on in practice and into details about in-vitro fertilisation. In the second part, Dr. Starks joins Dr. J in trying to solve the problems of the world. Dr. Starks and Dr. J speak about technology, the overabundant use of screens, about plastic, general culture, work-life balance and more.
The entire episode is in English.
Cypriot Filmmaker Marios Piperides
Description
Marios Piperides is a Greek Cypriot writer and filmmaker from the divided city of Nicosia. His feature film, “Smuggling Hendrix” has thrilled audiences around the world and has earned honors ranging from Best International Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival to Best Feature Film at the Montenegro Film Festival and at the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. The first part of this interview was recorded during dinner at an Italian restaurant. While the sound quality suffers slightly, the conversation is up-close and personal, and offers great insight into the “Cyprus problem,” which is at the center of Marios Piperides’ light political comedy about the absurdity of borders and a little dog getting caught up in it. The episode includes excerpts from the Q&A session held after the premiere of Smuggling Hendrix in Hamburg, Germany. Marios Piperides and Dr. J wrap up the episode with thoughts about language and identity, and play a sound bite from the movie, that answers the question: “Do you know how a dog barks in Dutch?”
The entire episode is in English.
Hablar español y el Instituto Cervantes
Description
This episode deals with teaching Spanish, the diversity of the Spanish language, the beauty and the richness of the language, how best to learn the language, and the differences between Spanish from Spain and Latin America. Joined by Verónica Guijas Gento, Dr. J interviews the director of the Instituto Cervantes in Hamburg, Pedro Eusebio Cuesta as well as Víctor Gonzales Sanches, professor in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the National University of Distance Education in Madrid, Spain.
The interview is in Spanish, but the episode is narrated in English.
Medicine in the US
Description
Dr. Tom Franey graciously answers Dr. J’s questions about studying medicine in the US and explains the most important aspects of the US medical system. Dr. J is joined in this episode by her husband, Dr. Hendrik Runte, who is a German physician, specialized in anesthesiology. The second part of the episode goes into a more in-depth comparison of day-to-day working practices in Germany and the US, and into discussing treatment protocols for ailments ranging from breast cancer and thyroid cancer to operations of the gall bladder and hernias. Finally, Dr. Franey talks about being a Kansas City doctor and about his personal attachment to Kansas City, Missouri.
Languages spoken in this episode: English
Darion Akins
Description
Consul General Darion Akins and Dr. J speak about what it means to be an American diplomat and a Texan at that! Darion Akins talks about his college years at Texas A&M, his experiences as a volunteer in the Peace Corps and about his travels to Zambia and Japan. The central message of this episode is that with a little effort, constructive and positive communication as well as mutual understanding can take place everywhere around the world.
Languages spoken in this episode: English
Georgia on my Mind
Description
Teona and Lasha speak to Dr. J about growing up in Georgia – the country in the Caucasus, not the US state. The episode paints a beautiful picture of Georgia – the language, the food, the sense of humor, the importance of friendships and relationships. Teona and Lasha also explain what led them to fall in love with Germany and in particular with the city of Hamburg. Lasha says towards the end of the episode, “My heart beats for Georgia and Germany.” His statement marks the underlying sentiment of this episode, filled with memories of childhood and questions about belonging.
Languages spoken in this episode: The entire interview is in English. The episode includes very brief exchanges in Georgian, Russian, German and Spanish.
At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with Director / CEO Julián Zugazagoitia
Description
Julián Zugazagoitia and Dr. J first discuss the linguistic and sociological effects and implications of being not only bilingual but multilingual. The conclusion is that speaking several languages can show people how life is nuance and how the many different ways of looking at the world are all legitimate.
The second part of the interview concentrates on the museum experience, and Julián Zugazagoitia draws on his intimate knowledge of many renowned museums around the world. The focus, however, is the amazing Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and how the museum represents the world in the heart of the Midwest with its fabulous and rich collections of art and its community outreach programs.
The entire interview is in English. The episode includes one brief exchange in Spanish, one in French and one in German.
In der Elbphilharmonie mit der künstlerischen Betriebsdirektorin Barbara Lebitsch
Description
This episode takes us to the amazing Elbphilharmonie (the Elbe Philharmonic Hall) in Hamburg, Germany where Dr. J interviews artistic managing director Barbara Lebitsch. Dr. J and Barbara Lebitsch talk about the incredible artists the Elphi hosts and welcomes from around the world and the richness of the cultures and artistic styles that are represented. Filled with anecdotes and stories, the interview also offers insight into the challenges of communicating with artists who come from such diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The interview is in German.The narration and the interview summary are in English.
Consul général de France à Hambourg Laurent Toulouse
Description
Consul General to France, Laurent Toulouse generously spends over an hour talking to Dr. J about his relationship with languages, his love of the German language, his personal international family background, the role English has played in his professional life, his work with the Institut français in Hamburg, and much more. A warm and intimate view into the life and work of a great diplomat.
The interview in this episode is in French. The narration and interview summary are in English.
https://hamburg.institutfrancais.de
Pedro Villena Pérez – Cónsul General de España en Hamburgo
Description
Consul General to Spain, Pedro Villena Pérez offers great insights into the variety of languages and dialects spoken in Spain. Dr. J and Consul General Villena Pérez explore the use of English in diplomatic circles and talk about the pros and cons of English as a world language.
The interview in this episode is in Spanish. The narration and interview summary are in English.
Language and Identity – An Interview with Nora Heaven
Description
One of the central topics of this podcast is cultural identity. In this episode Dr. J welcomes a good friend, Nora Heaven, to the podcast and focuses on the question of what it is like to juggle three languages and cultures on a daily basis. Nora’s parents are Hungarian, her husband is English and she was born and raised in Germany. Nora and Dr. J experiment with speaking English, German and Hungarian together to see how their voices, their body language and their general mood and attitude change with each language.
Most of the interview is in English, with one brief part in German and a short segment in Hungarian.
Meet the Artists
Description
András Siebold is the Artistic Director of the International Summer Festival at Kampnagel, a well known theater in Hamburg, Germany. He joins Dr. J to talk about working with artists from around the world and the linguistic and cultural opportunities and difficulties this generates. András Siebold talks about Robert Wilson, Jonathan Safran Foer as well as many other artists and performers he has worked with, including La(Horde), Aszure Barton, Josh ‚Socalled‘ Dolgin, Vasya Run and Kuro Tanino.
The Hamburg band Sazou joins Dr. J for the second part of this episode and generously performs one of the songs from their recently released album.
Languages spoken in this episode: English.
Spracherwerb bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Description
Senator Ties Rabe starts off this episode with his views on teaching languages in schools. Senator Rabe and Dr. J tackle questions about bilingualism and multilingualism, studying abroad, and the role of parents in language learning. Dr. J then continues discussing language acquisition in children with several educators from Kindergarten to High School—elementary school teachers Esther Sydow and Dr. Tatjana Kuhn, high school teacher Rainer Pieper and kindergarten teacher Diana Cortés.
All the interviews in this episode are in German. The narration and interview summaries are in English.
Saying Hello: The Anglo-Saxon Way
Description
The topic of this episode is saying hello in English and in German. Dr. J speaks to three expats in Hamburg, Germany – Ben Feddersen from the US, Orla Mac Mahon from Ireland and Peter Witchalls from England – as well as to an international group of university students, producer Sarah and a retired Hamburg firefighter. The focus is not the words and vocabulary used in greeting somebody, but the intricate social and psychological aspects of starting up a conversation, whether you do so in your mother tongue or in a foreign language or culture.
Languages spoken in this episode: English. There is one brief interview at the end in German.
Student Contributions
Paris – ville en préparation, ville en action – journal d’une étudiante sur les Jeux Olympiques à Paris
Description
Juliette Blanquart, étudiante en journalisme et médias, partage avec nous son journal intime qu’elle a tenu pendant un an pour documenter la progression des travaux et des émotions autour des Jeux Olympiques 2024 à Paris. Une vue de derrière les coulisses des sportifs, des organisateurs, et du public !
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Dear Diary – Juliette Blanquart’s One-Year Journal about the Atmosphere in Paris around the 2024 Olympic Games
Description
Get an intimate impression of how the city of Paris changed and reacted to the Olympic Games. This is an honest and emotional account of the work and excitement that went into hosting the 2024 Olympics, as seen from the point of view of a student of journalism who served as a volunteer at the actual event. Juliette has also written 6 further articles about the various sport disciplines. Thank you, Juliette for your contributions to CULTUREM throughout this year!
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Espresso and Bretzel – Matteo Fusella’s Love – Hate Relationship with Italy and Germany
Description
An episode that ends with Matteo Fusella declaring, “When it comes to culture, I am Italian and German. When it comes to patriotism, I am European,” this episode takes you on Matteo’s train journey from Italy to Germany and back, informing you along the way about the German – Italian connection that is everywhere to find. Matteo talks about his train rides and walks through various cities in order to inform us in an intimate and sometimes humorous way about his love-hate relationship with Italy and Germany. As with his previous article and episode, entitled “The Road to Self-Discovery and Peace – Matteo Fusella’s Camino de Santiago,” he always accompanies his personal observations and experiences with historical facts and interesting anecdotes. His articles in English, German, and Italian can be found on the cultureum.com website. Within this episode, he reads first in English, then from minute 23:14 in German, and finally, from minute 40:40 in Italian. And now, here is Matteo.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
The Road to Self-Discovery and Peace – Matteo Fusella’s Camino de Santiago
Description
In this episode, the German – Italian student, Matteo Fusella, not only informs us about the Camino de Santiago, but also lets us in on his personal journey and experiences. An informative and intimate episode first in English, then from minute 15:47 in German, and finally, from minute 29:20 in Italian. Please have a look at the actual articles as well. They include many pictures from Matteo’s travels.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Czech Student Daniel’s Dialogue with his Future Self
Description
Daniel Fehrens reflects on being nearly ¼ of a century old: what he has learned up until now, what he has learned to focus on, coping mechanism he has developed, and most importantly how he is setting out to approach the next phase of his life. Daniel shares his thoughts first in English, and then from minute 12:30 in Czech.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Meet the French Journalism Student, Juliette Blanquart
Description
In this episode, a young French student speaks about studying abroad and about her passion for sports. She first introduces herself in English and from minute 7:25 in French. Her articles can be found as a pdf on cultureum.com. Juliette will contribute further articles and readings in the weeks to come.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Back to the Roots with a Czech Student, Daniel Fehrens
Description
This episode is a little bit different from previous ones. A young Czech student, Daniel Fehrens, reads you his article entitled, “Back to the Roots.” You can follow along by reading the PDF of the article on cultureum.com. Daniel’s article offers you interesting insight into the life of a Czech-German student and into his views and discoveries about culture, specifically biculturality, languages, and the importance of getting back in touch with your family history. From minute 22, Daniel also reads to you his article in Czech.
cultureum.com @cultureumdrj
Language Lessons – How to Say Hello in CHINESE, FARSI, RUSSIAN and TURKISH
Description
Making initial contact in a foreign culture is at the same time very difficult and very important. How we approach people whose language and culture we are not very familiar with sets the tone for the rest of the experience. In this episode, Dr. J explores the basics for Chinese, Farsi, Russian and Turkish. With the help of four amazing students from around the world, Dr. J tries to learn how to say hello and engage in basic conversation in these four languages.
The entire episode is in English. Some Chinese, Farsi, Russian, and Turkish expressions are discussed in English.
Saying Hello: The Roman Edition
Description
Dr. J interviews students and educators from around the world about saying hello in Romance languages – specifically Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. Adita Gordillo de Buchacher, Verónica Guijas Gento and Melanie Lopez Flores speak about Spanish. Dr. J interviews a group of international university students about saying hello in French and speaks to Faustine Guillard about French in France and Belgium. Arianna Rivero sheds light on speaking Italian, while Ricardo Filho and his students welcome Dr. J to their Portuguese class.
The interviews are in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. The narration and interview summaries are in English.
Cultureum 