Rasenfunk
What does the EM cost us? Just before the start of the European Football Championship, such a question may dampen the enthusiasm. Frank Helmschrott and Max-Jacob Ost, who have been running the Rasenfunk podcast since 2014, ask it nonetheless. And they invite two guests, Germany's radio editor Matthias Friebe and Correctiv author Stella Hesch, who relate the (apparently already predetermined) UEFA record profit of 1.7 billion euros to the calculations of the venues, in order to inquire about winners and losers. In addition to such abstract analyses that extend beyond the day, the podcast also offers plenty of concrete content around the Bundesliga for women and men, the national teams, and other European leagues. And all of this without advertising, paywalls, or sponsors. The intricately produced show is funded solely through donations from football- and podcast-enthusiastic listeners.
NDA – The File Kasia Lenhardt
"NDA" refers to a non-disclosure agreement – the podcast of the same name is about stories that are not meant to be told. The first season with five episodes deals with what occurred in the relationship between Kasia Lenhardt and professional football player Jérôme Boateng. Kasia Lenhardt died in early 2021 – suicide. What role did potential violence in the relationship and Boateng's media and legal power play in this? The podcast also investigates this with the help of personal messages from Kasia Lenhardt's phone.
BlackRedGold: Mesut Özil Guesting with Friends
First there was the integration Bambi, then photos with Erdogan, and finally a tattoo featuring a motif of the far-right Grey Wolves. Mesut Özil was once a celebrated football prodigy. As the grandson of Turkish immigrants, he became a world champion for Germany and then - also due to his own faults - fell into disgrace. In eight episodes, the podcast traces Özil's career during a time when a Thilo Sarrazin dominated the discourse on immigration.
Maik with AI
Attention, nerd alarm! Which transfers were really worth it? Which club is being relegated, and which is being promoted? Which lineup makes sense? These and many other questions are also discussed in the pub, but in this podcast with the help of a huge database and statistical models. It sounds dry, but is surprisingly accessible and provides a deep dive into tactics and club strategy.
Zeigler & Köster
Two men are talking about football. This little unoriginal idea is implemented by Arnd Zeigler and Philipp Köster in a highly entertaining and professional manner. The conversation between the two sports journalists goes beyond current football events – into other sports, often into the past but also into the future.
60 Years of Football Bundesliga
Goals that weren't really goals; footballer failures; Christoph Daum's cocaine scandal or the alleged murder of Lutz Eigendorf. In 40 very short episodes, this podcast looks back at significant, tragic, and comedic events in Bundesliga history.
