Berlin & Elsewhere11 Dec 2025

How Berlin Healed my self neglect and gave me a NEW START | Deidre Olsen

In this episode I speak with writer Deidre Olsen, a Canadian living in Berlin whose story shows how a change of country can completely reshape a life.

After growing up with trauma, fighting self neglect, and trying to survive the high cost of living in Canada, she reached a breaking point. Moving to Germany gave her something she never had before: safety, stability, community, and the space to rebuild herself.

We talk about what pushed her to leave Canada, why Berlin offered the right conditions to grow, how running and sobriety helped her find structure, and what it means to finally feel a sense of belonging after years of feeling lost. She shares her journey of healing, writing, studying, and creating a home she once thought she would never have.

If you are thinking about moving to Germany, starting over in Berlin, or searching for a path that feels more aligned with who you want to become, this conversation will speak to you. It is a story about courage, rebuilding, and finding a future that feels possible.

Topics covered:
• Leaving Canada and seeking a better life in Germany
• Berlin as a place for healing, growth, and community
• Mental health, childhood trauma, and recovery
• The expat experience in Germany
• The reality of cost of living in Canada vs Germany
• Running, fitness, and building self trust
• Sobriety and personal reinvention
• Creating a stable home and planning a book
• Advice for newcomers in Berlin

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Avsnitt(51)

How to Buy Real Estate in Germany Without Being Rich

Book an appointment with Albert → https://landing.immvest-deutschland.de/register2-luardoIn this episode of the Berlin & Elsewhere Podcast, I sit down with Albert García, real estate investment consul...

31 Maj 46min

What Americans Get Wrong About Germany | Ryan Charnoky

Ryan Charnoky is an American comedian and content creator living in Munich, Germany. After originally coming to Germany as an exchange student, he ended up building an entirely new life in Europe — an...

24 Maj 1h 4min

Why Dating in Berlin Is Broken (And No One Wants to Admit It) | Ari J. Cohen

Ari J. Cohen, a Berlin-based dating and relationship coach who helps men build healthier, more authentic connections. His work goes beyond pickup tactics—focusing instead on psychology, emotional awar...

7 Apr 1h 24min

From Russia to Tech Excecutive at 26: The Hidden Cost of Success Abroad with Olga Skipper

VP at 26. Multiple burnouts. 10+ hour days. Olga Skipper went from leading at one of the biggest tech companies in Russia to resetting her entire life. Now she coaches C-level executives and tech foun...

9 Mars 1h 4min

Why Berlin Makes You Feel Lonely (And How to Find Belonging)

Why does Berlin — one of Europe’s most exciting cities — make so many people feel lonely?In this episode, I speak with Monika Jiang, a Berlin-based writer and community builder focused on modern lonel...

16 Feb 1h 5min

The Simple (& Proven Way) to Pay LESS Tax in Germany (Legally) | Daniel Hannemann CEO of Wundertax

Daniel Hanemann is the founder and CEO of Wundertax, and one of the most experienced voices when it comes to the German tax system. In this episode, we sit down with Daniel to explain taxes in Germany...

17 Jan 1h 25min

He Quit his Job in Tech in Berlin to Run and Rave

What is it really like to quit a tech job and build a meaningful life in Berlin?In this episode, Ben shares why he left his career in tech in Germany, how ADHD and burnout shaped his journey, and how ...

22 Dec 20251h 8min