The task
Vivantes wanted a corporate podcast that would captivate patients just as much as it would employees—one that was informative, entertaining, and engaging. The goal: to stand out positively from the competition, come across as young, approachable, and forward-thinking, while covering medical topics and everyday hospital life within the context of Berlin.
The idea
A storytelling podcast that was meant to be more than just a guide—it was designed to authentically and emotionally showcase Vivantes’ image as a healthcare company: at home in Berlin’s neighborhoods, yet also a major hospital group playing a special role in the metropolitan region’s healthcare landscape. A wide range of topics, real people from all departments and facilities—from everyday life behind the scenes to some “extreme” topics.
The Implementation
This project was based on a particularly trusting, open, and creative collaboration between the client, the production company Maniac Studios, Soundpool Studio, and UVA.
The topics range from medical specialties to the hospital’s history to the CEO’s perspective. We’ve enlisted the young Berlin actress Nellie Thalbach as our narrator—with her natural charm, easygoing manner, and Berlin flair.
All the protagonists speak off the cuff, without a script—respectfully, openly, authentically, and honestly. Every sound—whether from a hospital hallway, a helipad, or a street café in Neukölln—was recorded right there on the spot; nothing is staged. This immediately immerses the listener in the subject matter and the day-to-day life of the hospital. What stands out is the palpable sense of teamwork among the staff in the segments—which also puts Vivantes in the spotlight as an employer.
The result
The podcast is available on all major platforms and was a hit right from the first episode: After just three weeks, it had 18,000 listeners and ranked 21st on the Apple Podcasts charts in the Society and Culture category. Three seasons have now been released—with a total of over 350,000 listeners to date.
