Pogovor z neznanci: V Berlinu so tudi dobri ljudje

Henric Wietheger, an Austrian podcaster known for his show Lauter nette Leute, has begun recording episodes in Berlin, continuing his mission to capture spontaneous conversations with strangers. The latest session took place at a Späti, a late-night snack bar, on the Boxhagener Platz in the heart of the city. Wietheger sat on a beer bench, surrounded by the usual urban sounds, garbage disposal, dog barking, passing cars, and techno music from a nearby restaurant. He invited passersby to engage in conversation, using a small green sign placed on the edge of the table that asked, “Lust auf einen Plausch?” (“Want some chat?”). His goal was to record authentic, unfiltered dialogue, which he would later publish in his podcast. Unlike traditional formats, such as Sara Arslan’s YouTube series Take Me Späti, where guests are invited, Wietheger seeks organic interactions. He does not approach people directly, instead waiting for them to stop and speak on their own accord. This method requires patience, as he sometimes sits for hours without engaging anyone. “Man muss Sitzfleisch haben,” he jokes, meaning one must have the endurance to sit still. While such situations are rare, they do occur occasionally. Since October 2025, Wietheger has released new episodes biweekly, aiming to inspire others to initiate meaningful conversations in everyday life. The location plays a crucial role in these encounters. Wietheger prefers places with enough activity to encourage interaction but also spaces where people can linger comfortably. Parks often work well, while train stations tend to be less conducive. During his wait, he smokes cigarettes, a habit he admits helps him stay calm. When someone finally engages, he experiences a surge of excitement, feeling his heart race at the start of each conversation. Over time, this initial nervousness subsides, allowing for more relaxed exchanges. In preparation for these sessions, Wietheger once carried a questionnaire, but now he goes into each conversation without prior planning. “Es gibt immer etwas zu reden,” he says, confident that there is always something worth discussing. His focus is on building connections with the people he meets. He believes that genuine connections exist everywhere, even in cities like Berlin, where some might assume residents are less approachable than Austrians. To challenge this perception, he has chosen to spend time here, hoping to demonstrate the openness of Berliners. One of his recent conversations was with a young man named Louis, originally from Melbourne. Though he speaks only English, Wietheger had no trouble communicating. Before starting the recording, he explained the process to Louis, ensuring he understood that the conversation would be published unedited with his consent. Louis, eager to participate, shared deeply personal stories about family, education, love, sexuality, and growing up. Despite the heavy themes, the discussion remained warm and humorous, with both men laughing freely. As part of his routine, Wietheger asked Louis for a message to share with the world and a song recommendation, which he plans to include in the episode. Wietheger believes that open communication is essential for society. He argues that the idea of a divided community is misleading. Through his podcast, he hopes to foster a sense of connection among people, proving that meaningful conversations can happen anywhere, anytime, with anyone willing to listen.