Berlin’s streets hold countless stories - but many have been forgotten, buried beneath time and lost through neglect. With their app People’s Berlin, focusing on 800 Years of History from Below, Iris and Kirsten are bringing them back to life: stories of women’s history, Jewish Berlin, queer Berlin, postcolonial Berlin, migration, and revolutionary events – all of which bear witness to the impact of civic action on shaping the history of Berlin from the bottom up. In this episode, we walk with them through the city - from Treptow Park, where Kwelle Ndumbe, a member of the Duala royal family of Cameroon, turned the tables on the voyeurs who came to gawk at him at the Colonial Expo of 1896, to the Babylon Kino where the movement against the abortion law was ignited by the premiere of a feature film, and other hidden places that still echo with the voices of the past. This isn’t just about history. It’s about seeing the city differently — and the people who came before us not as shadows, but as guides and agents of change who can inspire us today.

People’s Berlin is hosted on the platform of the berlinHistory app.

Download the app here: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dotcombinat.berlinhistory

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/berlinhistory/id1436230809?l=de&ls=1

What Berlin story do you wish more people knew? 

Tell us in the comments.

In our new episode, we explore the incredible power of collaboration. We follow a unique event, where three major business networks in Berlin joined forces to share their knowledge, expertise, and skills to tackle important issues in the city. Hosted in the historic home of artist Max Liebermann, this event was more than just a meeting—it was a mission to create social impact. Through a structured process, participants shared ideas, worked together, and transformed insights into actionable plans. This episode highlights how businesses grow and create a positive change not by competing in isolation but by sharing resources and solving real-world challenges together. The result? A ripple effect that benefits not only the companies involved but the broader community as well. Discover how collaboration can be the key to driving meaningful impact, and learn how you can apply these lessons to your own journey.

"Where would we end up if everyone could do whatever they wanted?" – But perhaps this is precisely the key – to self-awareness, further development and overcoming personal problems. In our new episode, we get to know Mohammad & Hussein Eliraqui and the ACT theater group. Here, young people work together to develop plays based on the "veto principle" on topics that are hot on their minds. The rule of thumb here is that everyone can do (or not do) what they want – within a certain framework. This approach encourages personal responsibility and self-reflection on the part of the participants. The results are fascinating, sometimes provocative and sometimes moving. For this episode, we accompanied the group working on their new piece "A safe haven". See for yourself. 

In this heartwarming behind-the-scenes look at a theater group in Kassel, we witness the power of creative collaboration beyond labels. The Irrlichter, a diverse group of friends, have been making theater together for years. In this episode I get to meet them on the final performance of their latest play. Join us as we celebrate the power of friendship, creativity, and unity in this week's episode. 

Channel teaser

I asked strangers to compliment other strangers.

I decided to spend the next year and a half of my life doing and promoting good deeds. why? The answer is in the film. 

About the human spirit. The "Zug der liebe", The train of love, is a demonstration of love and solidarity. In 2021 it was stopped because people haven’t kept the Corona rules. Instead of the demonstrations, an illegal party has started. 

Five weeks after the floods in Germany I joined the helpers that are doing their best to rebuild and give a hand to the victims.

About unconscious bias, and me being a jew in a box. 

My two cents on technology and its effects on us. 

I found my old polaroid camera and decided to put it back to good use. The plan was to give random people a polaroid photo. The problem was that my camera is too old and I couldn't get the film in time for our shooting day. At the last minute, a "good one" came to my rescue. 

My wife and I saved about 15 Kilos of apples from the field. We didn't want them to get waisted so we made a whole bunch of apple crumble and gave it to people who look like they could use it.

This week I wanted to do something that is out of my comfort zone. I wanted to help a street juggler. The only problem was - I don't know how to juggle. Arbenita, a street performer, invited me to join her and see if I can improve her earnings. That day, I learned how to juggle and also a thing or two about life.

If you can't buy it- Print it. Shuki had a problem. He needed to work with his laptop on the train, but the distance between the chair and the table was too big. so, he designed a simple product that solves the problem and then 3D printed it. Shuki could have made this product into a good business, but he decided to give it away for free and shared the plans online. 

The 40 hours work week was presented to us for the first time in the 1920s by Henry Ford. It was good back then but it does not mean that it should stay that way. I asked some friends about their time. I wanted to know how they use it and how would they use it - if they could work less. 

I created a pop-up event on the first day of Hanukkah the Jewish festival of light. The idea was to gather people and light together the first of the 8 candles. After the ceremony, we gave away free homemade "Sufganiyot" to the people walking by. 

In order to celebrate the World Toilet day I invited friends and some people I met in the park to play "musical chairs". Instead of chairs, we played on toilets. 

I volunteered to help Jan, from a neighborhood house in Berlin, distributing a donation of 1500 thermos bottle to homeless shelters. I met so wonderful "good ones" and learned a thing or tow, about the Christmas spirit. 

In the middle of 2021, I have decided to go back to my first love - making videos and movies with meaning for the next year and half. On my path I had help - good hearted persons in my life. Find out in video where my motivation came from and until we meet again - look for the good ones :) With love,  Guy

Currently rated #1 on Trip advisor, animal rescue sanctuary in Nepal - Stand up for elephants, gained the respect of the locals. Michael Bailey and his wife Floriane, founders of the sanctuary, are spreading awareness of elephants welfare and also help local trainers to gain a new pride in their long lost profession. Their vision is to show a new model of elephant care, without sticks and punishment. Find out in video how these cute giants react on the new method - time and positive reinforcement and until we meet again - look for the good ones :) With love,  Guy 

After getting out of the Israeli "Big brother", Asif Elkayam realized that he has a lot of power and influence. He decided to use them and help people with mental health challenges to become a part of volunteering groups in Tanzania After a long struggle to make this ambition a reality, in December 2021 the first pilot program went on its way. In the two weeks that followed, the aid delegation members had to face a demanding schedule. They renovated schools, took care of children, and faced unfamiliar conditions. Find out in the video how they managed to overcome their difficulties and experience breakthroughs in their therapeutic processes. I hope that you will enjoy this story as much as I did, And until we meet again, Look for the good ones. With love, Guy. 

In one of our darkest moments. When the phrase world war 3 suddenly seems to pop up in every corner. When memories of a shameful time arise and hope is challenged. The good ones emerge. This week I was wandering around the streets of Berlin and saw a huge amount of wonderful people devoting their heart, time and energy to help the people of Ukraine. These volunteers are representing humanity at its best. They are everywhere. They are out on the streets screaming stop Putin stop war and singing Ukraines national anthem. They help bring people out of the fighting zone. They help refugees from the moment they get out of the train. They gather supplies, create meeting places, translate, offer their homes and something to eat. This week's film is an homage to all of them. There is still a lot more that needs to be done. 

A month ago I took on a well being challenge. The idea was pretty simple. I planed to use the first 10 minutes of every day to practice the asian squat. My goal was to be able to sit comfortably for at least 5 minutes. At the end of the day I had to answer two questions: What are the 3 things that went well today? And was was my role in them. Like in physical training, answering the same questions every day was a way to use repetitive action to strengthen my ability to confront the “negativity bias”. It was suppose to be a fun challenge An achievable start. A way to incorporate healthy and supportive habits to my daily routine. When I started this challenge, I thought that it would be a piece of cake for me. As it turns out, it was much harder than what I expected.

The Asian squat is supposed to be a very simple thing, but I just can’t do it. Years ago it wasn’t a problem, but I have neglected my physical well-being for too long. So, I decided to finally do something about it and start a 30 days challenge. My challenge will not only be a physical challenge. I will also tackle the mental part of my well-being and try to give my brain tools to cope with the negative bias. Find out in film what is the negative bias and how it affects the way we perceive our reality. Learn how to use tools from the physical training world in order to develop a healthy and supporting habit for your mental well-being. I hope you find this episode useful. With love, Guy. 

Have you ever made cotton candy? My friend George and I wanted to brighten up peoples winter and give them a short moment of happiness. We decided to bring a Cotton candy machine to the Ökomarkt (Schillermarkt) on Herrfurthplatz in Berlin Neuköln. When we started, we discovered that the only thing better then eating cotton candy - is making it. So we had an idea. Find out in film how did the schillerkiez neighbors reacted when they tried to make the perfect cotton candy themselves. Have we managed to brighten up their day? And in addition, a very important tip for you, if you try to make cotton candy yourself. I hope you will enjoy this episode. With love. Guy.

Monika like to reuse old material and give them new eu life. Things that were about to be thrown away transform in Monika's Berlin apartment into beautiful designs. Using simple DIY ideas Monika start with small pisces and bring them together into a work of art. When she is finished she normally gives her creation away, because she already has what she needs. In these episode you will not only get some nice “do it yourself” ideas. You will get to meet a very inspiring woman. I hope you’ll enjoy it, Guy.

Sometimes our mind is like a balloon. drifting and controlled by other influences. When things go our way we feel happy. If not, we feel sad. Our whole life we aspire to be happy, but the problem is, that normally, our state of happiness is influenced by external circumstances. It is determined by people and events that are out of our control. So what can we do about it? How can we make happiness sustainable? For the International day of happiness 2022, I want to remind you that Happiness and unhappiness are things that come from within us. They are no more than a state of mind and therefore their real cause can not be found outside. 

Sumatra is one of the "Sunda" Islands of western Indonesia. It is a beautiful place and even though it lost almost 50% of its tropical rainforest in the last 35 years. It still has a wide range of plant and animal species. What it also has is trash. And lots of it. This trash contaminates the water, creates diseases, and hurts the plants and the population. It is destructive and useless. But what if you could change it? But what if you could collect this trash and exchange it for a warm meal? And if you do, What would you do with so much trash? Would it be possible to reuse it in an original and sustainable way? This week, I met Nadine, one of the creators of the NGO “Project Wings”. A Berlin Koblenz based project that aims to make the issue of recycling and environmental protection socially acceptable. With their unique concept to handle plastic pollution, they managed to create a “green economy” in which plastic pollution is used as a commodity. They are buying “Eco bricks” from the locals and are using this trash to build the largest recycling village on the planet. With a big net of Volunteers and investors they manage to create an impact in Sumatra and give it hope for a better, clean and sustainable future. 

There is a youtube channel that I find very interesting. It’s called Stranger kitchens. Every episode they make dinner in a stranger’s home. I always wanted to try it myself and when I met Thore, I knew that the time had come. Thore Hildebrandt is a creative zero-waste chef. Together we decided that for the meal we would only use rescued food, so not only that we had to find strangers and get them to invite us to their homes but we also had to find the food to cook for them. Which means - we had a busy day… 

For the world bee day 2022, I have talked to Radesh Mohandas, one of the 3 founders of the NGO the Asiatic Bee Institute. For him “save the bees” is a life mission. In his bees health center/hospital he fights daily to help sick bees from a cureless deadly virus.

In this episode I met Elena who taught me how to extract the natural color from plants and wild weeds and use it to paint fabrics . It turns out that even the city has a lot to offer us, if we just open our eyes… 

“1982 Hilft” is a group of Hertha fans from all corners of the city, different parts of the stadium and different backgrounds. In addition to the love for the “old lady”, they are united by the desire to make Berlin a better place. I joined Andre, one of the founders of this organization in his weekly “Soup tour” for homeless people and a great game between Hertha and Hamburg. 

I decided to learn how to hula hoop. In public, near the Brandenburg Gate, one of the most visited places in Berlin. In the beginning there were just my teacher Dunja, a master hula hopper and me. Afterwards … well let’s say that there were a lot of children there. 

Zato lost his eyesight not long ago. When it happened he fell into a deep depression. With the help of his loving girlfriend Justine, he found a new reason to live - drawing. His Idea, was to draw and share his creations online. Today his social network channels are well on the way for a great success and Zato, is enjoying everything that life has to offer him. If you are looking for an uplifting and inspiring moment - watch this.

No one likes to see food wasted and this week I got to meet some good ones that try to do something about it. The "Essbar" team collects food that is thrown away and saves it in a delightful way. 

The environmental crisis is hard to handle. When we think about it as an individual it may seem impossible, it may feel like there is nothing more to do. But we mustn't forget that we are not alone. Meet "Ozeankind", this wonderful group not only makes cleanup events, but also create games in order to raise awareness and interact with the public. 
 

After a 16 years break, the love parade is back in Berlin, So my friend Ludo and I have decided to use this opportunity to celebrate love and offer people a chance to get married for as long as they like.

So many of us have so much material that we just sore or throw away. But, can we still use our unused materials? Is there a way to bring it back to life ? I have found a place that not only shows that it is possible, it also inspires you to do it yourself. 

This is the wonderful story of 2 refugee women from Ukraine that created a social project in order to help other refugees. it is an example to how one small idea can grow, evolve and make a difference in many peoples lives. 

Our technology has opened the world for us. we can go anywhere, learn anything and meet anyone.But can it be that because we look so far, we forget about our immediate environment? Well I have met a man that thinks that this is a real problem and he is doing something about it. 

This has changed my whole perception of the clothing industry. We buy overpriced items we don't really need from billion dollar companies. After a while we grow tired of it. We store it or throw it away- create more waste and help rich people be even richer. I have found a place that has an idea that can change that. 
 

Nowadays we all go to school for free, but the accessories that help us learn are not so cheap. For some of us, it is a hard financial blow, especially the first class. As a result a lot of children have to start school with a sad face and bare hands. It doesn't have to be that way. This week I met some wonderful “good ones” who decided to give more children an opportunity to smile. 

Mama duck with an arrow in her body. Abandoned pets or injured hedgehogs - no matter which animal, if it needs help, the wildlife rescuers will come to save it. This week, I have joined them for their daily tour and was amazed to see how busy are they and how much we should support them. The wildlife rescuers are on duty 24 hours a day. We have to help them to keep helping! 
 

A car. An office, and a place for people in need. Get it? Van Bo has an idea that can change our streets forever. 

should breasts be allowed to be presented in public? Isn’t the right to do it a basic human right? And if so, shouldn't we fight for it? 

For the World clean up day 2022 we decided to contact many groups around the world and collect trash together. The result was much more than what we had expected. 

The Festival for self made music lets you experience the world in a totally different way. When you are there you quickly realize that there is a lot more to this world than meets the eye. Get it? 

Everyone needs a haircut. Even if they are homeless. This week I got to join the Barber Angels Brotherhood in one of their mission days. The angels give free haircuts for homeless people, but they actually do a lot more. 

Why should we support companies that support themselves and not the ones that support us? This week I met Coral, the creator of the Zero waste festival in Berlin and got to know some wonderful people who make products that the earth will be proud of. 

In heavy rain I accompanied Anna Wasilewski on her way to an historical meeting. For the first time ever. All the important players in Berlin will be present. From the tobacco industry city council. The mission - stop littering with cigarette butts. But in this weather - Will they come? 
 

We produce millions of tires every year, and after a short time, we throw them away. Chris thinks that we should start up cycling them. He also has a very good plan of what we can do with them. His plan can change our world.

Do you think that it is possible to get people in the public transportation to sing along to “If you’re happy and you know it”? My friend Nate and I wanted to try.

After our elevator was vandalized with disturbing graffiti, we decided to act and change it to a beautiful one. Now, I want to do it world wide. Here’s how and why.

Thore, a sustainable chef, and I saved food and gave it to the children of “die Arche”. We told them that they can cook whatever they want with it. The result - a meaningful win-win situation that costs nothing. 

My friend George offered me to join him on a guerilla gardening action. Our plan was to plant 1600 flower bulbs on a grass island on the freeway. Working the land was such a nice activity that we hardly noticed the police that came to check on us. 

Spreading joy on the streets of the wonderful Schillerkiez in Berlin. With me are Santa, a guitar player and a present specialist. On Nikolaus day we gave strangers on the streets a song, chocolate and a hug. In return, they reminded us what makes the holiday season so special. 
 

"Ebru's Christmas Miracle: More than 3000 Candy Bags for Children in Need" Everybody thinks that Santa's workshop is located at the North Pole, but I have seen it in Berlin. Ebru and her friends are giving more than 3000 candy bags to children in need. You won’t believe it until you see it. 

Join us as we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas together in a special "Hanuchristmas" tradition! We'll be sharing traditional Hanukkah foods, lighting candles, and spreading joy and light in the community. This is a story about the power of community, the importance of cultural traditions, and the joy of experiencing different cultures as an immigrant. 

Are you ready for a positive change in the New Year? In this episode, I will be sharing the secret to lasting happiness and fulfillment through simple acts of kindness. Whether you're looking to improve your own life or make a difference in the world, it can all start with one simple step. 
 

Irmi, a blind man who was refused entry in a public pool, becomes leader of a group of blind individuals who are determined to learn to swim. In this episode, we follow him and his blind swimmers as they push the boundaries of their own limitations. 

One of the most important rooms in the children's department in Tel ha Shomer hospital in Israel is the present room. Every child in this department there gets to experience it. In this episode I get to meet Hadas, the woman that operates this room. Her daughter passed away in the same department a few years back and ever since then, she is determined to make the children there as happy as she can.

Get ready to be inspired by Abhinav, the vegan warrior on a mission to save the planet. In this episode, he takes us on a journey of self-discovery and how he turned his passion for environmentalism into a movement. 

Get ready to be inspired by Abhinav, the vegan warrior on a mission to save the planet. In this episode, he takes us on a journey of self-discovery and how he turned his passion for environmentalism into a movement. 

This episode explores the work of two anonymous Russian street artists who use their art to transform commercial advertisements in Berlin into smiling works of art.

At the Memorial on Platform 17, a place where the memory of the Holocaust is honored, stands a special project known as the Book Box. Here, books are available for all to sit and read, offering a unique way to connect with the past and learn about this tragedy. On the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I had the privilege of meeting Irena, the caretaker of the Book Box, and Tal, an Israeli singer who helps her in her efforts. Seeing them at work sparked reflection on the importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and ensuring that its lessons are never forgotten.

Say goodbye to disposable kitchen mixers and hello to open funk's modular, repairable and customizable solution! Discover how they're changing the game with durable, eco-friendly mixers that use recycled materials and 3D printing. Join us as we explore their maker space and see their vision come to life.

In this episode Guy meets Wil, who used to work in the beverage industry and realized the harmful impact of plastic bottles. He decided to stop being a part of the problem and instead be part of the solution so he started to promote tap water and he is doing it in a very special way.

For our Season finale we decided to invite different good ones from previous episodes for a meet THE GOOD ONES party. This party will have a lot of color, a lot of movement and a lot of connections which is the thing that is probably the most needed, if you are a good one.

What we are going to talk about today is very important because it has to do with every one of us. It is important because I'm not going to tell you something that you don't already know. But I am still going to show you what is normally missed. The second part of our season finale.

The Soup with Meaning" initiative by "Berliner Tafel" helps feed people in need. Customers can contribute €1 by ordering a bowl of soup at participating restaurants. In this episode, I explore the impact of this initiative and see how it's making a difference in the lives of those who benefit from it.

In this heartwarming behind-the-scenes look at a theater group in Kassel, we witness the power of creative collaboration beyond labels. The Irrlichter, a diverse group of friends, have been making theater together for years. In this special episode I get to meet them on the final performance of their latest play. Join us as we celebrate the power of friendship, creativity, and unity in this week's episode.

We need more laughter and joy in the world right now, don’t we? We started a social experiment on the subways of Berlin. Our courageous friend Melanie tried to infect people on the morning commute with her magnificent laughter. – The results were surprising, and revealed so much about our society, and ourselves. – See all about it in the first episode of our brand-new Season 2 of “meet THE GOOD ONES”. 
 

What is the point of caring for the environment? Facing the huge challenges of today, what can I as one person do? – This episode brings us to Brussels, the heart of the EU. In a search for new hope, we meet activists and global leaders for the kickoff of the World Cleanup Day 2023 – and even Roberta Metsola, the president of the EU-Parliament. – Can they lift our spirits and renew our faith in a good future for humanity? Find out in our new episode of “meet THE GOOD ONES”.

We have to talk about periods. It’s a very natural process. Why does it still seem like such a taboo topic? Why do men often know so little about it, and are so shy to talk about it? And why are the most common women’s hygiene products problematic? In this episode, we meet Janina, the inventor of Nookees, who had some new and revolutionary ideas about this. And we took to the streets to have a much needed conversation about periods, with surprising results.

Should we say “NO” more often? Do we say “yes” when we feel “no” too many times? Do we live by other people’s standards, ideas and expectations more than we like? Does obedience to the standards and norms of “society” hinder our individual development, the ripening of our talents, dreams and deep-rooted happiness? – These questions we explore in our new episode, where we meet Maike of ACT e.V. She developed the revolutionary “veto principle”, as a radical new way to interact with each other and re-discover our true and authentic selves.

Build yourself a glorious past! – At the end of your life, what do you want to look back on? What memories do you want to have created? Did you follow your dreams? – In this episode, we meet Christine Vogt the creator and director of the “Papillons”, an amazing theater group that brings together different generations in their shared love for acting and telling stories. Everyone has something to offer. They inspire us to see that it is never too late to discover new dreams and passions – no matter how old you are. All it needs is a little bit of assistance. – The “Papillons” are supported by @unionhilfswerk and @die.freiwilligen.berlin – A new play is already planned for 2024. And help is needed. If you would like to support them as a volunteer, please do get in touch! And make every day count, creating dreams and memories that last.

Krieg ist die Hölle! - Aber wenn Engel wie die Leute vom „BerlinOdessaExpress“ enorme Risiken und Anstrengungen auf sich nehmen, um auf eigene Faust Hilfsgüter von Deutschland in die Ukraine zu bringen, hinterlassen sie auch eine Spur der Hoffnung und inspirieren die Herzen aller, denen sie begegnen. Unser Freund Rick begleitete sie auf dieser außergewöhnlichen Reise und wurde Zeuge, dass selbst scheinbar kleine Taten der Solidarität und Menschlichkeit eine unglaubliche und wichtige Wirkung haben können.

Wenn Sie mehr erfahren möchten, hören Sie sich Kathies Podcast an:
„Wohlfühlen - glückliche Menschen - glücklicher Planet“

Diese Folge kann Ihren Blick auf die Städte verändern. 
Vor zwei Jahren haben wir eine Folge über versteckte Obstbäume in der Stadt gedreht. Wir retteten eine Menge Früchte, die wir fanden, machten köstlichen Apfel-Crumble und teilten sie mit Obdachlosen.

Heute enthüllen wir die unglaubliche Geschichte von „Berlin erntet“, einem einzigartigen Erntedankfest, das von unserem ersten Obstrettungsabenteuer inspiriert wurde. In dieser Folge werfen wir einen Blick hinter die Kulissen der bescheidenen Anfänge, des Erfolgs, der für Schlagzeilen sorgt, und der Macht, die Perspektive zu ändern.

Freuen Sie sich auf eine Geschichte über Gemeinschaft und Großzügigkeit, die ihre Wurzeln in einer unserer ersten Episoden hat. Sehen Sie zu und lassen Sie sich inspirieren!

In the face of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this video delves into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, advocating for unity and understanding.