Paid work shapes our everyday lives – financially, socially, and culturally. But what does the term actually mean? And what does it mean today to not just function at work, but to find self-fulfillment? In this episode, find out what expectations people have of their work, how the understanding of paid work has changed over the decades – and which questions we will be asking ourselves more frequently in the future.

Trust is built on a small scale – in relationships that provide us with support. For the majority of Germans, family and friends are considered central pillars in life, especially in uncertain times. But how does this trust shape broader social interaction? In this episode, learn what role close relationships play in our self-confidence and the resilience of society, why personal trust has far-reaching consequences – and how family structures change over time.

The media play a central role in a democracy – they inform, contextualize, and facilitate the formation of public opinion. However, trust in their independence has declined, while the spread of misinformation is on the rise. In this episode, learn how the public assesses the credibility of traditional and social media, the importance of dealing with fake news, and what measures can help strengthen trust in the long term.

Trust in political institutions is a central foundation of our democracy. But what is the current state of this trust – and what happens when it erodes? Amidst personal disappointments, political scandals, and calls for greater transparency, fundamental questions arise for the future. In this episode, learn how trust in parliaments, courts, and decision-makers has evolved, what role individual figures play in this process, and what paths exist to secure and rebuild political trust in the long term.

Whether in politics, media, or everyday life – trust is built through words. But when does communication strengthen trust, and when does it undermine it? Between clarity, transparency, and emotional appeal, it becomes clear: language shapes our interactions far more than it initially appears. In this episode, learn about the role of clear communication in building social trust, why too much openness can also be unsettling, and how trust might evolve in the digital future.