In this episode of URSA we learn more about the UK’s divisive plans for the thousands of migrants who cross the English Channel, and explore the link between carbon-offsetting and properties in the Scottish Highlands, new discoveries in solar energy science and more.

Our featured pieces both come to you from Germany, where our producer out of Hamburg explores meditation apps, the science behind them and whether they actually work. And then we head to Berlin where we are given a look into the world of Smut Slam, a safe and intimate space where people get to share stories of their sexual lives and erotic experiences.

Then, we have Jane Silver of Exberliner, our food correspondent, this time telling us all about the “Little Tokyo” popping up in Berlin and the best sandwiches to come out of the pandemic.

Jonny Tiernan, our culture correspondent, from Lola Magazine joins us to chat about what’s happening in Berlin - from his favourite live gigs to the X-Jazz Music Festival, International Museums Day, a Ukraine Fundraiser concert at Kraftwerk and more.

To close we enjoy a short story on urban exploring and her run-ins with security from writer, improviser and musician, Tina Marie Serra.

Our theme music is from Lucas Carey, with audio from Epidemic Sound. Cover art by Sian Amber Fletcher.

This episode is brought to you by Bear Radio. Special thanks to our featured producers Alice O’Brien and Sara Cooper, and our Food & Culture correspondents, Jane Silver of Exberliner and Jonny Tiernan of LOLA.

If you’re a producer based in Europe and have an idea for an URSA story, we’d love to hear from you! We’re always accepting new pitches.

If you enjoyed this episode of URSA and would like to hear more, help us make that happen by donating to our PayPal. The linked account is info@bearradio.org