The last weeks of the year are a time for reflection and peace – at least in theory. But how do Germans actually spend the holidays? Is family the focus, or are more and more people packing their bags to celebrate under palm trees? In this episode, we not only take a look at Christmas and New Year's traditions in Germany and share surprising facts, but also give a few tips on how to truly start the new year relaxed.

Egoism has no place in our society anymore – more and more Germans agree on this. But what drives selfish behavior, and how can we break free from it? In a time when prosperity often triggers fear of loss and a competitive mindset, solidarity becomes a key skill. In this episode, you'll learn not only why egoism is often irrational and how it reinforces mistrust between people, but also what approaches exist to foster compassion and work together towards a more equitable future.

Why does donating make us happy? And how does it affect our life satisfaction? In this episode, learn how income, as well as cultural and religious motives, shape our donation behavior and what Germans prefer to donate to. We talk about the most generous donors and, as always, take a look at the future: how important will donations be for our society in the future, and what does increasing technology mean for our willingness to give?

How do Germans get their information in a time rife with fake news and filter bubbles? While the younger generation increasingly relies on social media, traditional news sources are falling behind. In this episode, we discuss how the information-seeking behavior of Germans is evolving, the role influencers play, and how to ensure quality journalism. We also take a look at future developments and offer predictions on how the information landscape might change in the coming years.

Video games have long been an integral part of everyday life for many Germans. The gaming industry is growing rapidly, driven by technological innovations and societal changes. But who actually plays, and what impact does playing video games have on us? In this episode, you'll learn some fun facts about gaming, what exactly e-sports is, and whether it has Olympic potential. We'll also take a look at the future and where the industry might be headed.

Digital learning tools have great potential to transform education. Current programs support teaching methods, organization, and collaboration in the classroom and offer valuable additions without replacing personal contact and direct interaction between teachers and learners. In this episode, you'll learn not only how the integration of media could lead to learning tasks that are individually tailored to each learner's knowledge level and interests, but also why they reflect the current state of adult education and where it is headed.

Time is a precious commodity these days, and more and more Germans are shopping online to save time. But who is willing to accept longer travel times to shopping streets and malls, and why? For many, unique experiences are worthwhile, while for others, service is increasingly becoming a distinguishing feature.

In our increasingly digital world, fewer and fewer people regularly spend time with friends – only one in five meets up with them at least once a week. This is also reflected in the number of close friends, which has declined significantly in recent years, from an average of seven to three. In this episode, you'll learn not only why the need for genuine connections and companionship is so great, or why values like responsibility and trust are becoming increasingly important, but also why challenges – like wind for trees – are necessary for growth.

In this episode, we explore how social media is changing our lives and society – with all its positive and negative aspects. From global networking to its downsides, such as the spread of misinformation and addiction. Learn not only about the paradox of loneliness and how social media influences our communication, our interactions, and our society, but also how we can find a healthy way to use it.

Fairs and festivals have been captivating visitors for centuries and have retained their special charm to this day. These time-honored events offer a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and community that continues to draw people in. In this episode, you'll learn more about the history of fairs and festivals, how they differ internationally, and their significance for society. And, as always, we'll take a look at the future.