Hi, I’m Dr. Ashton Schottler.
A former teacher and architectural historian with a PhD in Human Geography…. You can say, I like studying communities and I do that by examining how humans across the globe have shaped them.
And as someone who has lived, studied and worked in both the United States and in Germany, I especially love the juxtaposition of life that manifests itself from one country to another.
From macro-economics down to micro-urbanism, I explore and explain the political economics, society, and culture that shapes the world around you…. And I share all of this through my personal lens of an immigrant navigating that world with you.
Uncovering the storytelling behind the data, I hope to keep these topics accessible, easy to understand, and interesting… I hope you will be entertained, and maybe learn something along the way.
Do you have a question worth diving into? Well, Type Ashton and let’s find out together.
Type Ashton
I recently had the pleasure with chatting with the Martin Ganslmeier from the ARD German Public Radio on the topic of "How do Americans view Germany and the Germans?".
Check out our chat here!
www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/wie-schauen-die-us-am…
6 days ago | [YT] | 197
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Type Ashton
Americans often assume Europe “just doesn’t believe in air conditioning” — but the real story is a messy mix of old buildings, energy costs, climate politics, culture, and a continent heating faster than it was built for. In this video, we break down what Americans often get wrong about Europe’s heat problem, why AC is still controversial, and what the future might actually look like. Check it out now!
1 week ago | [YT] | 122
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Type Ashton
Don't Sweat it - NEW POSTING TIME!
Given the feedback from you, I'm going to try out a new posting schedule for the next few weeks. Today's video will be debuting at 12:00 Central European Summer Time (06:00 Eastern).
A little "teaser" for the next video: It's going to be a hot one.
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts on this heated debate.
1 week ago | [YT] | 255
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Type Ashton
Check out my latest video out now on the culture shock of sex education between the USA and Europe, and let me know - how different was the kind of education you received?
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 67
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Type Ashton
Popular media often portrays cafeterias as serving nothing but greasy pizza and unbaked French fries. But is this actually true?
In this week's video, I compare the USA School Lunch with Finland, Germany and Japan to ask:
What does American school lunch reveal about how America treats children, poverty, food, and public health?
And why do school lunches look so dramatically different abroad?
Check it out here!
1 month ago | [YT] | 69
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Type Ashton
Over the past few months I've seen a recent growth in my audience from the US - which has had me considering the optimal posting schedule for videos. The algorithm "rewards" channels when subscribers and regular viewers watch a video shortly after posting (the first few hours are often the most critical). When that does well, only then does Youtube suggest that video to a newer, wider audience. At the moment my schedule is for 9am Central European Time - but I am considering a more friendly time for North America posting schedule (unless of course you are a night owl 🦉). If you could please, let me know what time would work best for you on Sundays - and in the comments, any suggestions or recommendations are always appreciated. Thanks everyone!
1 month ago | [YT] | 207
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Type Ashton
I recently visited a farm in the Black Forest and was surprised to find a "Milchautomat" or a "Milk Vending Machine" - offering direct-from-the-farm organic milk. Have you ever used such a thing? What did you think?
1 month ago | [YT] | 175
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Type Ashton
A new research study from Brown University School of Public Health found that even the richest Americans face shorter lifespans and healthspans than their European counterparts.
The analysis compared data from more than 73,000 adults in the U.S. and different regions of Europe who were age 50 to 85 in 2010 to determine how wealth affects a person’s chances of dying. The results revealed that at every wealth level in the U.S., Americans have shorter lifespans on average than the wealthiest Europeans; in some cases, the wealthiest Americans have survival rates on par with the poorest Europeans in western parts of Europe.
Furthermore, the study found that Europeans generally have greater healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—compared to Americans too.
In other words: Americans die earlier at all wealth levels and spend more years with disease or disability.
The cause is multifaceted, including differences in diet, access to preventative and curative treatments, and greater levels of physical activity and *movement*.
Consider this: Another study from the NIH found Europeans walked about 382 km/person/year versus 140 km in the U.S., and bicycled 188 km versus 40 km.
That matters because 30–60 minutes of extra daily movement from commuting, errands, and stairs can affect weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk far more consistently than a few intense gym sessions per week surrounded by an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.
Europeans don't necessarily exercise more intensely than the U.S. Instead, Europeans move more consistently across their entire lives — and that consistency shows up with greater health outcomes for those later in life.
And I witness it everyday. When I’m walking around my village in the Black Forest, I see far, far more adults over the age of 70, 80 and 90… that are leading much more active and independent lives than those in the US. Elderly persons cycling to their social activities or walking with their shopping trolly to the grocery store and back.
In the US losing your driver’s license is functionally the end to your autonomy…. But it isn’t here. Here, you can continue to meet friends, enjoy public spaces and parks, and continuing to be an active member of your extended community for a far longer period of time.
Health in old age is built by decades of small daily movement — not just workouts.
But yet, for many Americans, exercise is something you schedule. It’s an activity that you pencil into your calendar. Fitness is something you go do. …But in Europe, movement is something you live and more quality life is what you are rewarded with.
Read more about the studies I mentioned here:
www.brown.edu/news/2025-04-02/wealth-mortality-gap
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19164816/
2 months ago | [YT] | 788
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Type Ashton
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Brent - a fellow American who left the US behind to live in Europe. While I landed in the Black Forest, Brent landed in Lisbon, Portugal. We had a fun time chatting about our favorite foods, cycling culture, and how food has transformed our relationship with local producers and community.
To give it a listen, check out this link here: radiomisfits.com/ded377/
And for more from Brent and his adventures around Portugal, you can check out his Youtube here: youtube.com/@destinationeatdrink946
4 months ago | [YT] | 309
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Type Ashton
Okay - I'll admit it, I waited until Monday to "officially" kickstart my 2026 New Year's Resolution. Anyone else? 😂 🙋🏻♀️
The last couple of years have been challenging to say the least. I've been working to create a better work/life balance: mainly, growing a channel while also making sure I am as equally as dedicated at home.
But for 2026, my goal is to help increase the reach of my content. I want to share my videos with new audiences who might benefit from them and also connect with new viewers who provide valuable perspectives, ideas and feedback in return.
That's why I am putting in new energy and life into my Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels. Long-format videos on Youtube will remain unchanged and still posting every 2 weeks, but I look forward to also bringing in some shorter content with shorts and reels as well.
If you are active on any of these platforms and enjoy my content, I would really appreciate a follow!
Your support truly does make a huge impact in my ability to continue creating and sharing content.
Thanks everyone!
- Ashton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/typeashton/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/typeashton/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@typeashton
6 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 285
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