Baby, Don't give up

Yes, these are difficult times. Societies are becoming divided. Right-wing populists are gaining strength. A man who mocks any criticism of himself as a “witch hunt”, who denies climate change, despises people and indulges nationalists, has been elected President of the world’s foremost democracy for a second time. We are running out of time to save the climate and many species. And yet: didn’t hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets at the beginning of the year to demonstrate against inhumane ideology? Didn’t the millionaires Marlene Engelhorn and Sebastian Klein give away large portions of their fortunes? And haven’t we discovered that every flower box on a balcony and every hedge helps to prevent insects from dying out? Don’t lose your nerve and don’t lose hope: these are the aims of the series BABY, DON’T GIVE UP! The writer and podcaster Traudl Bünger takes a break from doom-scrolling and invites authors, philosophers, utopians and solarpunks to celebrate democracy and demand that wealth be distributed fairly and crises overcome. Because one thing is clear: there are stories out there that can fill us with courage, inspiration and guidance for our thinking and actions. And we want to tell them.

 JANUARY 

with Traudl Bünger and Mahmood Ahmed Malhi

Mahmood Ahmed Malhi is an imam of the Ahmadiyya community. The “Muslim Peace Cycling Club” he founded cycles for peace – and in December 2024, after an Islamist threat, they stood protectively in front of Cologne Cathedral.

 FEBRUARY 

with Traudl Bünger and Barbara Blaha

Barbara Blaha, “one of the most sought-after political non-politicians in Austria” (Die Zeit), fought for justice even during her school days through her school newspaper. Today, she heads a think tank that develops strategies for a just and sustainable society. She discusses why we need feminism for this at BABY DON’T GIVE UP!, a talk at the Schauspiel Köln for everyone who doesn't want to lose heart or hope.