Fabian’s Zeitgeist

Fabian’s Zeitgeist

Fabian’s Zeitgeist is a globally-minded podcast exploring how current events, economics, social shifts, policies, and politics shape the world we live in. I offer bold commentary and personal insight on topics that matter—not just to me, but to many. This podcast is my way of making sense of the world—and opening the door to thoughtful dialogue. Whether you’re in Berlin, Boston, Bangalore, Bucharest or even in places that don’t start with a B, but where ideas are welcome, you’re in the right place. I welcome critical and contradictory opinions. Why? Because, as Socrates said, Scio me nihil scire (“I know that I know nothing”) . Only through open conversations can we learn, grow, refine our perspectives, and—even better—change them when presented with stronger arguments. Thank you for listening in and for engaging with this journey of thought. Warmly, Fabian

Episodes

October 30, 2025 24 mins

Where does appreciation end and appropriation begin? Let's unpack the messy, beautiful history of cultural exchange and asks: are we protecting culture… or imprisoning it?

A thoughtful journey through food, faith, and art — and a reminder that culture grows when it’s shared

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What happens when tradition collides with progress—and progress starts to splinter?

In this episode, we unpack patriarchy and feminism, tracing the arc from ancient Mesopotamia to modern Germany, from family dinners to boardroom quotas. But this isn’t a lecture—it’s a reality check.

We explore how gender roles have evolved, why feminism came in waves, and why the latest wave is leaving many confused. Has the movement lost its clar...

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October 2, 2025 41 mins

Are we facing a world with too many people or too few? In this episode of Fabian’s Zeitgeist, we dive into the global population paradox—an urgent issue at the heart of economics, politics, and the survival of humanity.

Discover how humanity surged from 1 billion to 8 billion people in just 200 years, and why this explosive growth is now giving way to stark demographic contrasts:

  • Aging societies in Europe, Japan, and China st...

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In this episode of Fabian’s Zeitgeist, we confront one of the most intimate and controversial questions of our time: Should we have the right to choose when to die—and if so, who truly makes that choice?

Through personal stories, historical context, and global perspectives; from ancient philosophy to modern legislation, from religious doctrine to farewell parties, this episode dives deep into the emotional terrain where autonomy m...

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September 4, 2025 21 mins

From the trenches of Ukraine to the phalanxes of ancient Greece, from the birth of Israel to the battlefields of Syria and Afghanistan, we explore the primal and complex motivations behind warfare. Is it survival, belonging, identity, or moral conviction? And how do these forces shape not just soldiers, but entire nations?

We’ll examine:

  • The fading stream of volunteers in Ukraine and the moral dilemma of sending refugees back...
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Why do we crave entertainment? Is it just a way to pass time—or is it something far deeper, more ancient, and essential to being human?

In this episode of Fabian’s Zeitgeist, we dive into the fascinating history and psychology of entertainment. From prehistoric cave art to Shakespearean drama, Roman gladiators to medieval jesters, radio shows to TikTok scrolls, Fabian explores how our need for distraction and storytelling has evol...

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In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Fabian’s Zeitgeist, we dive into the tangled web of migration—its history, its human cost, and its modern-day complexities. From prehistoric wanderers to today’s asylum seekers, Fabian explores the forces that drive people to move, settle, and sometimes return. With raw honesty, he shares his own journey from Romania to Germany, the story of Elvis from Nigeria, and the uncom...

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In a world where lifespans are rising and pension systems are creaking, are we all destined to work into our 70s — or beyond? This episode dives deep into the changing nature of retirement, the politics of aging, and the hidden costs of demographic shifts. From Germany’s push for “active retirees” to the global scramble to patch social safety nets, we ask: Is the future of retirement a soft landing or just another uphill climb? Fea...

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This isn’t a news podcast. I’m not here to chase headlines or outpace the algorithm. This is a space for reflection—for exploring the kinds of issues that take more than five minutes to understand and won’t vanish with the next 15-minute news cycle. It’s about seeing the world through the eyes of someone shaped by revolution, grounded in engineering logic, and still trying to make sense of a world that often defies both. I’ll talk ...

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