Podcast: Moritz Kröger and Timo van Hoorn – Die Rosen-Rabauken

Moritz Kröger actually only wanted to watch one scene in Rote Rosen: ‘I was an extra on the series – a side job.’ But even after the student discovered himself on television, he couldn't switch off. ‘I just wanted to know how it would continue,’ recalls the Schleswig-Holstein native. Moritz Kröger had caught the series fever.

His fellow student Timo van Hoorn was already infected: during and after their lectures, the two exchanged stories about custody dramas, intrigues and secret family secrets – everything that the telenovela script had to offer. Then came the idea: ‘If we're talking so much about Rote Rosen anyway, why don't we produce a podcast?’ recalls Timo van Hoorn.

The first take was recorded in November last year. Since then, a new episode of Rosen-Rabauken – probably the only active Rote Rosen podcast in Germany – has been released every week. And it strikes a chord with fans of the series: many interested listeners tune in regularly to hear the two budding business educators analyse episodes and characters with humour and passion.

The recordings take place in the modern video studio of the Leuphana Library. ‘The sound quality there is so good that we hardly need any post-production,’ explains Moritz Kröger as he adjusts his microphone and makes himself comfortable in one of the red velvet armchairs. It takes around 1.5 hours to produce an episode – including set-up, recording and a little ritual. Each episode begins with a so-called ‘Rose quote of the week’ – a concise statement by a character that sets the tone for the episode, for example: ‘You were right about all your concerns ...’

Initially, the students chatted freely with each other, but now the podcast follows a fixed structure. They are also supported by artificial intelligence: AI helps to summarise the series' plot. The Rosen-Rabauken then discuss the often quirky versions in the podcast. ‘We like to add our two cents,’ says Timo van Hoorn.

The podcast is accompanied by its own Instagram account, where fans are regularly provided with information and clips. Some of the actors from the series have also been guests – and Moritz Kröger and Timo van Hoorn present the Rosen Award for particularly outstanding scenes or characters. The likes leave no room for doubt: the actors and staff of Rote Rosen are enthusiastic. Incidentally, this isn't the only success: Timo van Hoorn won the Rote Rosen quiz at the last city festival – it was a matter of honour, too.

However, the students don't just use the video studio as Rosen hooligans, but also for exam work: ‘We're now producing a podcast for a seminar. That should work out well,’ the two explain.

After the telenovela's summer break, they'll be back on ARD – the emotional chaos in Lüneburg continues. Moritz and Timo are there with their microphones, opinions and a good dose of humour.

Production takes place in the Bib video studio at Leuphana University – a place where modern media projects are promoted. ‘We want to give people and knowledge greater reach, and we see libraries as places for modern media,’ explains Simon Schweigler, head of the video studio. Not only are podcasts created there – music, films and animations can also be edited thanks to the fully licensed Adobe Creative Space. The video studio is open to all university members by appointment. The provision of the library video studio is complemented by the MIZ's consulting and workshop services, including video and audio recording and video editing.