Hear My True Story
by Otako
Welcome to Hear My True Story, where ordinary moments become extraordinary through the power of authentic storytelling. Each episode dives into real-life experiences, blending laughter, tears, and triumphs that resonate with the shared human journey. Here, stories connect us, revealing the strength in vulnerability and the beauty of our collective truths. Tune in, and let the magic of true storytelling inspire and unite us all.
Episodes
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LGBTQI+-Aktivist Ivan Kakonge: Verfolgt und verhaftet | Teil 2
Nach seiner Festnahme verschärfte sich die Verfolgung. In diesem Teil erzählt LGBTQI+-Aktivist Ivan Kakonge aus Uganda, welchen Gefahren er ausgesetzt war, wie sich sein Leben von einem Tag auf den anderen veränderte und warum er schließlich keine andere Wahl hatte als zu fliehen. Sieh dir Teil 2...
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Ivan Kakonge, LGBTQI+-Aktivist aus Uganda, berichtet von Verfolgung, Festnahme und Flucht.
Eine persönliche und bewegende Folge über Mut, Menschenrechte und das Überleben unter großem Druck - Ein Aktivist und LGBTQI plus Advocate aus Uganda spricht offen über Verfolgung, Diskriminierung, rechtliche Bedrohungen und die Realität für queere Menschen im Land - Die Geschichte zeigt, wie...
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Nobody Warned Me About German Shared Apartments (WG Trauma Explained)
Moving to Germany? Let’s talk about the real challenge nobody mentions: shared apartments. From WG auditions to kitchen chaos and bathroom drama, this episode breaks down the reality of migrant life in Germany — with humor, honesty, and cultural insight. If you've ever searched for a room in...
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My Life as a Migrant in Germany | A True Story
In this episode of Hear My True Story Podcast, I share my personal experience as a migrant living in Germany in January 2026. This is not a political story. This is not about numbers or statistics. This is a real-life story. I talk about what it feels like to live as a migrant, to walk on the...
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I’m Back: A New Start in 2026
After a long silence, I am finally back on Hear My True Story Podcast. In this episode, I share the real reason why I stopped publishing new episodes for almost a year. I talk honestly about podcast blockage, becoming a father, working a full-time job, and the difficult balance between passion…
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Greetings in Germany You Didn’t Learn in School
Ever greeted someone in Germany and got that look — the one that says, “You just broke a rule you didn’t even know existed”? Yeah, same here. In this episode of Hear My True Story, we’re diving into the world of German greetings — from the ultra-formal “Herr Doktor Schmidt” handshake to the...
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Living as an Immigrant: The Burden of Representation & The Bread Test
What does it really mean to be an immigrant in Germany? In this deeply personal episode of Hear My True Story, I share my experiences navigating life as a migrant—from the painful realization that one immigrant’s crime can define an entire community to the humorous challenge of integrating…
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Migration in Deutschland: Die ungehörten Geschichten
In dieser Folge von Hear My True Story spreche ich über ein Thema, das mich persönlich betrifft – das Leben als Migrant in Deutschland. Während die politische Debatte über Migration oft von negativen Schlagzeilen dominiert wird, gibt es unzählige Geschichten von Menschen, die tagtäglich zur...
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Barfuß im Schnee und andere deutsche Überraschungen
In dieser Folge von „Hear My True Story“ erzähle ich euch von meinem allerersten Besuch in Deutschland – einem Land voller Überraschungen! Von Menschen, die barfuß im Schnee laufen, über schräge Wellness-Trends mit Bienen bis hin zu einem erwachsenen Mann, der verzweifelt nach Muttermilch sucht –...
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Why You Must Learn German Before Moving to Germany in 2025
Are you planning to move to Germany in 2025? In this episode of Hear My True Story, Otako shares why learning German is essential before making the big move. From education and housing to making friends and integrating into daily life, the German language is your key to success. Discover…
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Inclusive Education in Germany
In this episode, we explore Integrative Kindergartens, a unique daycare model in Germany where children with and without disabilities learn, play, and grow together in an inclusive environment. We’ll cover: • What makes Integrative Kindergartens special. • A typical day and how activities are...
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Raising Bilingual Kids: Exploring International Kindergartens in Germany
Are you raising bilingual kids or curious about multilingual daycare options in Germany? In this episode, we explore Bilingual and International Kindergartens, a great choice for migrant families or parents who want their child to grow up speaking multiple languages. We’ll cover: • How these...
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Forest Kindergartens in Germany: Outdoor Learning for Migrant Families
In this episode, we explore Forest Kindergartens (Waldkindergärten), one of Germany’s most unique daycare options. Imagine your child spending their day climbing trees, exploring nature, and learning through outdoor play—all year round, rain or shine! We’ll cover: • What a Forest Kindergarten is...
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Understanding Waldorf Kindergartens: A Creative Guide for Migrant Families in Germany
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Are you a migrant or immigrant family settling in Germany and wondering about daycare options for your child? In this episode, we explore Waldorf Kindergartens, a unique...
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Understanding Germany’s Daycare System: A Guide for Parents
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Thinking about moving to Germany with kids? In this episode, we dive into the basics of Germany’s daycare and kindergarten system, also known as “Kita.” Learn about the...
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The Key to Thriving in Germany: Why Learning German Matters
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, we explore the crucial role of language for migrants in Germany. Whether you’re a student, refugee, or skilled worker, learning...
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Balikowas Erkenntnis: Warum Sprache der Schlüssel für Migranten in Deutschland ist
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser Folge von Hear My True Story spricht Balikowa über die Herausforderungen, mit denen sein Freund, ein englischsprachiger Student aus Afrika, in Deutschland...
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Balikowa’s Insight: Why Language is Key for Immigrants in Germany
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, Balikowa reflects on the challenges his friend, an English-speaking student from Africa, faces in Germany due to the language...
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Balikowas Frustration: Migrants and the Narrative in the Germany Media
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, Balikowa shares his frustration as a migrant in Germany who faces the often negative media narrative surrounding migrants. Despite...
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Balikowas Frust: Migranten und das Narrativ in den Medien Deutschlands
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser Folge von Hear My True Story spricht Balikowa über seine Frustration als Migrant in Deutschland, der täglich mit dem oft negativen Narrativ über Migranten in…
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Germany’s Skilled Workers Immigration Act 2.0 Explained
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, we dive into Germany’s latest updates to its immigration laws, specifically the Skilled Workers Immigration Act 2.0. Host Otako...
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Naked Art and Culture Shocks
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, Balikowa shares his biggest culture shocks in Europe. What surprised him the most at first? The many naked sculptures in Berlin!…
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Nackte Kunst und Kulturschocks
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser Episode von Hear My True Story erzählt Balikowa von seinen größten Kulturschocks in Europa. Was ihn zuerst überraschte? Die vielen nackten Skulpturen in…
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Stimmen über Grenzen hinweg: Persönliche Geschichten von Podcaster auf Deutsch, Spanisch und Englisch
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser besonderen mehrsprachigen Folge von Hear My True Story erkunden wir die Motivationen hinter dem Podcasting und präsentieren Stimmen auf Deutsch, Spanisch und...
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Balikowa's Culture Shock: From Vacation Skeptic to Vacation Lover in Germany (English Version)
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!This is the English version of the Balikowa series, a dramatized account based on real-life experiences. In this episode of Hear My True Story, Balikowa shares his…
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Balikowas Kulturschock: Vom Urlaubsmuffel zum Urlaubsfan in Deutschland
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser Episode von *Hear My True Story* teilt Balikowa, ein Migrant aus Uganda, seine persönlichen Erfahrungen über den “Kulturschock in Deutschland” und die…
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Talking to Kids About Death: A Compassionate Approach Through Personal Experience | Hear My True Story
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Reflecting on the passing of his grandmother and the family rituals that followed, Otako explores how these traditions involved everyone, including children, and the...
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Navigating Friendships: Immigrants Making Connections in Germany
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this episode of Hear My True Story, host Otako is joined by guest Carol J. Smith to explore the unique challenges immigrants face when trying to make friends in...
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Swipe Left on Expectations: The Realities of Online Dating
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this captivating episode of Hear My True Story, we delve into the unpredictable world of online dating. Host Otako sits down with a guest who spills the tea on the...
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Surprising Traditions: A Journey from No Birthdays to Big Celebrations
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this special bonus episode of Hear My True Story, Otako takes us on a heartfelt journey from his childhood in a small Ugandan village, where birthdays were never...
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Balancing Art, Academics, and Activism: A Ugandan Poet's Tale
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What sparks the journey of a young Ugandan poet balancing her artistry with the demands of a pharmacy degree and a budding sports career? Join us as we highlight…
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Poetry, Education, and the Fight Against Injustice
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What happens when you mix youthful creativity with a passion for social change? Meet Taban Asha, a young Ugandan poet who started her artistic journey with songwriting…
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Poetry in the Time of Pandemic
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What if the challenges you faced in high school could ignite a lifelong passion? Meet Nabumba Belina Caroline, affectionately known as Belinda Caroline, as she recounts...
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The Poet Challenging the Status Quo
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What if political poetry could move you more deeply than love poems ever could? This week, we sit down with Muhammad Raima, a trailblazing young Ugandan poet who defies...
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Young Hearts and Open Minds Understanding Diversity
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!When should we start talking to our kids about tough topics like racism and discrimination? In this episode, I reflect on a poignant question raised during a recent…
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Overcoming Language Barriers: My Journey to Becoming an Educator in Germany
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What does it take to overcome language barriers and achieve your dreams? On this episode of "Hear My True Story," I, your host Otako, share my deeply personal journey of...
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Colonial Impact and Passing Down Native Languages
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Can you imagine navigating life across three different continents, all while juggling more than ten languages? This episode of "Hear My True Story" takes you on an...
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Unraveling the Blame Game: How Migrants are Wrongly Scapegoated in Germany
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Living in Germany as an immigrant, I often find myself shaking my head in disbelief at the irrational scapegoating of migrants for just about every problem under the…
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Journey Through a Child's Inquisitive Mind
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Have you ever wondered what profound insights can emerge from the innocent questions of children? Join me, Otako, as I navigate the fascinating world of youthful…
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Raising a Child in Germany: Lessons in Parenting and Social Interaction
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Imagine a world where a simple train ride can open your eyes to the vast differences in parenting styles across cultures. On this episode of "Hear My True Story," I...
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Mit Worten gegen Rassismus: Gewaltfreie Kommunikation im Alltag
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In dieser Folge von „Hear My True Story“ spricht Host Otako mit Shérif Korodowou über den Einsatz von Gewaltfreier Kommunikation im Kampf gegen Alltagsrassismus. Shérif...
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The Power of "Hello Brother": Bridging Gaps in Predominantly White Communities
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!What if a simple "hello" could bridge the gap between isolation and solidarity? Join us in this heartfelt episode of Hear My True Story as we uncover the profound...
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Bridging Childhoods: Uganda and Germany in Early Education
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this continuation of our enlightening conversation on "Hear My True Story," host Otako and guest Carol Jay Smith, an educator in Germany, dive deeper into the…
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From Uganda to Germany: A Journey Through Early Childhood Education.
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Join us for an enlightening episode of "Hear My True Story" as host Otako sits down with Carol Jay Smith, an educator based in Germany. Together, they delve into the…
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Navigating German Etiquette: Greetings, Table Manners, and Cultural Integration
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In the next episode of Hear My True Story, host Otako and guest Carol Jay Smith delve deeper into their culture shock in Germany, focusing on the intricacies of German...
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Unveiling German Cultural Quirks: FKK, Holidays, Sick Leaves & Swimming Stereotypes
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Join Otako, the vibrant host of "Hear My True Story," and his guest Carol Jay Smith as they delve deeper into the intriguing facets of integrating into German society.…
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Becoming Truly Integrated: German Food and Cultural Shocks
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Have you ever wondered when you're really integrated in Germany? Is it when you speak perfect German, enjoy all the local breads and soups, or perhaps when you can cook...
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Grenzenlos: Eine Reise der Selbstentdeckung durch Barfußlaufen und offene Begegnungen
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Otako fühlte sich von der Idee angezogen, sich selbst inmitten der Menge zu finden und dabei seine eigenen Grenzen auszuloten. Alles begann mit etwas so Einfachem wie...
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Bridging Borders: A Journey Through International Theatre Collaboration
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!Join us for another insightful episode of Hear My True Story as we delve deeper into the world of art and culture with Isra Ghazali, a talented artist hailing from…
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Children's Voices: A Journey Through Experimental Theatre with Isra Ghazali
Your feedback matters! Share your thoughts and stories with us to inspire more narratives. Text us your views and stories today!In this special repost episode of the Hear My True Story podcast, we revisit an enlightening conversation with Isra Ghazali, an exceptional artist hailing from Egypt,...
About this show
Welcome to Hear My True Story, where ordinary moments become extraordinary through the power of authentic storytelling. Each episode dives into real-life experiences, blending laughter, tears, and triumphs that resonate with the shared human journey. Here, stories connect us, revealing the strength in vulnerability and the beauty of our collective truths. Tune in, and let the magic of true storytelling inspire and unite us all.
Hosted by
Otako
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