Lights. Camera. Action.

Spotify’s Biggest German-Language Podcast, ‘Gemischtes Hack,’ Returns With a New Twist: Video

Since landing on Spotify in 2019, German-language podcast Gemischtes Hack has grown to become not just one of our most-streamed podcasts globally, but our most popular podcast in Germany. 

And earlier this month, hosts Tommi Schmitt and Felix Lobrecht returned from their summer break ready to record a fresh season of the wildly successful podcast in a brand-new studio that the pair built in collaboration with Spotify. 

Coming from the worlds of television and comedy, Tommi and Felix have brought their respective talents to Gemischtes Hack (the show’s title translates to “mixed mince” in English), where their conversations about anything and everything are filtered through a humorous lens. With perspectives shaped by their contrasting origins, the two hosts will run the gamut on a wide range of topics, including politics, society, culture, sports, and music.

The global success of the show also reflects the rising popularity and influence of podcasting in Germany, which has the second-highest number of podcast listening hours on Spotify (behind the U.S.). And when it comes to hours streamed, Gemischtes Hack ranks number two globally. 

With the arrival of the new season, the pair has also added a new dimension to the show: video. Over the past year, video podcasts on Spotify in Germany are up more than 60% year over year in terms of content uploaded, and listener engagement has nearly doubled. And now, fans will have a new way to connect with Gemischtes Hack as demand for video podcasts grows. 

For the Record sat down with Tommi and Felix to learn more about their approach to the show, their inspirations, and their shift to video podcasting by adopting one of their most popular podcast segments, “5 Quick Questions.” 

Can you tell us a little about building the Berlin studio with Spotify and recording there?

We’re proud of the fact that we weren’t just given a studio, but that we were able to shape it from the very beginning and bring our own ideas to it.

What do you like most about the video podcast format?

Felix Lobrecht (L) & Tommi Schmitt (R) Photo Credit: Marvin Ruppert

It forces us to record in one room. And with a video podcast, you’re a bit more compelled to pay attention.

How did you spend your summer break?

Felix: My summer consisted of open mics and working out. 

Tommi: My summer was all about watching the Euro, vacationing, sports, and hosting a TV show.

Gemischtes Hack episodes typically begin with a rap quote. How has hip-hop influenced your approach to the podcast?

We both like hip-hop. People said something good once, and that’s why it’s just good.

How have your experiences in television and comedy influenced your podcast?

Everything we experience influences the podcast. Our main job is not the podcast; 6.5 days a week we’re doing something else. That’s where the content is created, and of course we bring that to the podcast.

Discover more from Tommi and Felix on the new season of Gemischtes Hack.