MaiThink X – The Show

Why do we punish? What is the purpose of punishment and does it work at all? Comedienne Hazel Brugger gets to the bottom of these questions and questions the meaningfulness of our penal system in particular. In her search for answers, she goes behind the prison walls and to the edge of legality.

What does Selena Gomez have to do with the moon landing? Is Angela Merkel a lizard? But most importantly, why do we all have such a sweet spot for the patterns of conspiracy narratives? In this episode of MAITHINK X, journalist Salwa Houmsi explores the propensity of millions of Germans for myths about conspiracies and explains why this propensity is deeply human, sometimes helpful and far too often dangerous.

Social position and origin determine the course of life in this country - more than in almost any other. Which school career do we pursue, how much income do we earn and how healthy do we live? People living in poverty die on average ten years earlier and are often exposed to discrimination. Presenter Aminata Belli looks at structural discrimination based on social background and shows why the myth of equal opportunities is a growing threat to our society.

Water in recyclable plastic bottles, going on vacation by cruise ship and happily filling up with petrol - all “climate neutral”. Sounds like bullshit? It often is - it's greenwashing. Not only is it annoying to wade through the chaos of labels in the supermarket or to wonder whether the plastic-free or organic cucumber is better for the environment, greenwashing is also damn dangerous. Late-night host Oliver Welke shows the way out of greenwashing.

On average, men die five years earlier than women. Is masculinity costing men their lives? Why is that and how can we change it? Psychologist Dr. Leon Windscheid shows why masculinity is even deadly, what role gender stereotypes and testosterone play in this and why men are allowed to feel so much less than women.

A free ride for free drivers is still the motto in many parts of Germany. While Berlin is currently turning back the clock on the mobility transition and giving priority to cars alone, exciting approaches for all forms of mobility are emerging elsewhere. Journalist Eva Schulz explores these ideas, the insane stumbling blocks that stand in their way and the role our habits play in the process in the latest episode of “MAITHINK X”.