What Are You Doing in Denmark?
What Are You Doing in Denmark is a podcast that helps expats navigate life in Denmark. Hosted by Derek Hartman, Conrad Molden, Brooke Black, and Mike Walsh, the show blends education, entertainment, and virtual group therapy. The hosts share their personal experiences of living in Denmark, covering both the ups and downs of adjusting to Danish culture. They also interview guests from various backgrounds, including authors, musicians, and comedians, to provide insights and advice. The tone is light, positive, and often humorous, aiming to make Denmark make sense for internationals.
Episoder
166 | Wait... Denmark Has an Amateur Space Program?
Most people think sending someone to space is something only governments or billionaires can do. In Denmark, a group of volunteers disagrees.In this episode, Derek and Conrad are joined by Jørn Skyt, from Copenhagen Suborbitals, the volunteer-run organization working to become the first amateur team in the world to launch a human into space. We talk about how nearly 80 volunteers from all walks of
165 | Is Dating a Dane Really This Hard?
Moving to a new country doesn't just mean learning a new language or figuring out the grocery store. Sometimes it means rebuilding your identity from scratch and that can put unexpected pressure on even the strongest relationships.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke respond to a heartfelt question from Laura, a Portuguese listener who's been living in Denmark for two
164 | What Danes Wish Internationals Knew: The Best Advice We've Gotten About Living in Denmark
What advice would Danes give to internationals trying to build a life here?In this special compilation episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations with Danish guests and pulling together the best advice they've shared over the years.From comedian Sofie Hagen's thoughts on standing out in a culture that values fitting in, to Cecilia Bau's practical tips for surviving Danish bureauc
163 | Why Pride Still Matters in Denmark: How Far We've Come and What's Left to Do
Denmark is often celebrated as one of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. It was the first nation to legally recognize same-sex unions and remains a leader in many measures of equality. But does that mean the work is finished?In this Pride Month episode, Derek speaks with Steve Taylor, Head of Secretariat at Copenhagen Pride, about Denmark's LGBTQ+ journey—from trailblazing victories to th
162 | Denmark Has a New Government. What Changes for Internationals?
Denmark has a new government, but what does that actually mean for internationals living here?After the longest government formation process in Danish history, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has assembled a new center-left coalition that will need support from parties outside the government to survive.In this episode, Copenhagen Post editor-in-chief, Bernardo Basilici Menini, joins Derek to expl
161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark
Moving to Denmark and wondering what happens when you walk into a Danish bar?This week, Derek, Conrad and Brooke answer a listener question about Danish drinking culture and the unwritten rules of going out in Denmark. From brown bars (bodegas) and Christmas beer chaos to workplace drinking, tipping culture, buying rounds and why the bartender might not be interested in hearing your life story, th
160 | Why So Many Internationals Leave Denmark (Even After Landing the Dream Job)
Denmark says it needs international talent. So why do so many internationals still feel uncertain about building a future here?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek talks with Dan Rosenberg from Copenhagen Capacity about the reality behind working and staying in Denmark as an international. They discuss why many internationals feel “professionally stuck” in Denmark and the hidden
159 | Why Denmark Is OBSESSED With Summer Festivals
Why are Danes so obsessed with summer festivals?In this episode, Derek and Brooke dive into Denmark’s legendary festival culture with Heartland Festival founder Ulrik Ørum-Petersen. From Roskilde Festival and Smukfest to Heartland Festival, Distortion, and Copenhagen Jazz Festival, they unpack what each festival says about Danish culture, and the people who go to them.This episode explores how fes
158 | How Denmark Became a Eurovision Favorite Again | Clara Sofie Fabricius on “Før vi går hjem”
Denmark's had a rough Eurovision track record in recent years, but is looking to continue a bounce back that began last year. How did the country that has struggled to qualify for the Eurovision final, suddenly become one of the favorites to win Eurovision 2026? It's thanks to one song: “Før vi går hjem.”In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek Hartman and Brooke Black sit down with
157 | Why Does Everyone Hate Randers? Explaining Denmark's Most-Mocked City
Randers has one of the strongest and strangest reputations in Denmark. But where does it actually come from?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad unpack the myths, stereotypes, and history behind Denmark’s sixth-largest city. From “Randers Champagne” to royal-approved gloves, we explore how a place can be both mocked and have a lot to be admired at the same ti
156 | “You’re Welcome… But You Don’t Belong” Life in Denmark as an International
A conversation about identity, moving abroad, and why belonging in Denmark isn’t always as simple as it seems.What does it really mean to belong, especially in a place like Denmark?In this episode, Derek sits down with French author and artist Aurélia Durand to talk about identity, moving abroad, and the often complicated reality of building a life in Denmark.Drawing from her memoir Belonging, Aur
155 | Stuck in Limbo: Denmark’s Election and the Future for Internationals
Denmark still doesn’t have a new government weeks after the election... so what’s going on, and what does it mean for internationals living here?In this episode Derek and Brooke break down the current political stalemate and why forming a government has been so difficult this time around. Featuring a short interview with Bernardo Basilici Menini, they explain where negotiations stand, who holds th
154 | Public Failure, Danish Humor, and Creative Resilience (with Henrik Danielsen)
Fail Publicly. Survive. Get Better. Repeat. Bombing on stage feels like dying, and that’s okay.Hosts Derek Hartman and Conrad Molden sit down with Danish stand-up comedian Henrik Danielsen to talk about failing in public and why it’s sometimes necessary to improve. Before becoming one of Denmark’s sharpest observational comics, Henrik spent years bombing and returning to the stage anyway.What begi
153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares)
Why is the F-word everywhere in Denmark - even around kids? Derek and Brooke unpack one of the biggest culture shocks for expats, from parenting dilemmas to why the word just doesn’t mean the same thing here.From hearing it in schoolyards, on the radio, and even at kids’ events… to navigating it as a parent, this conversation explores what happens when language, culture, and values collide.In this
152 | Are You Annoying Your Danish Neighbors? (Live in Copenhagen)
We’re live from Copenhagen’s Comedy Zoo 🎤In this special live episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, we break down the unspoken rules of Danish apartment living... and all the ways internationals accidentally get them wrong.From passive-aggressive laundry room notes and party etiquette to recycling confusion and noisy neighbors, this episode is packed with real stories, cultural insights, and p
151 | Denmark’s Election Is Over… So Why Isn’t There a Government Yet?
Denmark just held an election… but the real story is what happens next.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark?, Derek and Brooke break down the results of the Danish election, and why forming a government might be more complicated than ever.With no clear majority between the “red” and “blue” blocs, everything now comes down to coalition building, political trade-offs, and one key role: t
150 | From False Spring to Flat Hierarchies: Life in Denmark Explained
In this special Q&A episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark?, Derek and Conrad answer your listener questions covering everything from dark winters and Danish workplace culture to raising multilingual kids and navigating cultural quirks.They share how they met (after a two-year missed message), what it’s really like getting through February in Denmark, and why “false spring” is both hopeful a
149 | Denmark’s Election Fuels a Growing Citizenship Debate
Denmark is heading to the polls, but if you’re an international living here, there’s a good chance you won’t have a vote.In this episode, Derek Hartman breaks down the upcoming Danish national election and what it means for the hundreds of thousands of residents who live, work, and pay taxes in Denmark but cannot participate in the country’s parliamentary vote.Joining the conversation is Torben Al
148 | Feeling Lonely in Denmark? A Therapist Explains Why
Moving abroad can be exciting, but it can also be lonely.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek speaks with therapist, coach, and author Lucy Vittrup Christensen about loneliness, why it affects so many internationals in Denmark, and what people can do to build real connection in a new culture.They explore the difference between being alone and being lonely, why cultural differenc
147 | When Living Abroad Feels Like a Normal Part of Family Life
When distance doesn’t weaken family bonds. Living abroad doesn’t automatically pull families apart. This episode flips the usual story about adult children moving overseas. Instead of loss or rupture, Conrad and his mom Jane talk about what happens when living abroad becomes normal for a family. Their relationship was already shaped by travel, mobility, and independence long before Denmark entered
146 | What's Covered in Denmark's Healthcare System? A Real Talk Q&A
How does the Danish healthcare system really work? When should you call 1813? Can you get a second opinion? And what happens if you show up at the ER?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke welcome back Emma Grint, Dr. Mum-for-Kids, to answer your listener questions about healthcare in Denmark.We cover:Visitors’ access to healthcare in DenmarkEmergency vs. non-emergency
145 | Should Working Out Be Taxed? Why Denmark Just Made Gyms More Expensive
Denmark added 25% VAT to gym memberships and personal training, and it’s already changing the fitness landscape. In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Annie sit down with personal trainer and educator Mikkel Valgreen to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who’s most affected.The change stems from an EU classification that defines fitness services as “commercial”
144 | Denmark’s Highest Mountain Explained, and Why People Think It’s Himmelbjerg
Denmark’s Highest Point Isn’t the Point. Denmark doesn’t have mountains, but it’s residents do have opinions about hills. Strong ones. Derek and Conrad are here to unpack why a modest hill called Himmelbjerg became one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, even though it’s not the country’s highest point. Along the way, they explore how definitions, measurements, and perspective shape what we think
143 | What Is Fastelavn? Denmark’s Weirdest Winter Tradition
If you’re in Denmark in February, you’ll probably notice children in costumes, wooden barrels being hit with bats, and an alarming number of cream-filled buns in every bakery window. That’s Fastelavn, one of Denmark’s most beloved and confusing traditions.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you shou
142 | Hunting in Denmark: Guns, Tradition, and Why Danish Gun Laws Actually Work
How does hunting work in Denmark and how can a country with strict gun laws also have a strong hunting culture?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke sit down with David Carsten Pedersen, author, founder of Always Hunting, and host of the Danish podcast Jagt Radio, to unpack what hunting really means in Denmark for those looking in from the outside.Together, they explo
141 | What Happens If You Lose Your Visa Job in Denmark?
No one plans to lose their job in Denmark, but knowing the rules ahead of time can make a stressful moment a lot less scary. Derek and Conrad know and they’re here to unpack a topic most internationals quietly worry about but hope they’ll never need. They walk through what happens to your work and residence status if a job ends, covering how the rules differ for non-EU and EU residents, with a few
140 | Denmark 2026 Changes Explained, Taxes, Cost of Living, and Everyday Impact
Denmark is changing. Here’s what matters. Derek and Brooke highlight what’s changing in Denmark in 2026 and why it matters, with the goal of helping you feel more grounded in your adopted home. No matter if top-top SKAT is in your future or not, these changes shape daily life in ways that are worth understanding. This conversation connects the dots between everyday costs, small policy shifts, and
139 | The Cultural Shifts That Quietly Rewire You After Living in Denmark
Living in Denmark doesn’t usually change you overnight; it sneaks up on you and quietly rewires your brain. Derek and Mike share listener responses and their own “wait, when did I start doing that?” moments as they talk through the small cultural shifts that stick over time. The conversation wanders through everyday life, work, and unspoken social rules that slowly reshape how internationals move
138 | What to Expect on a Danish New Year's Eve
What should you expect from your first New Year’s Eve in Denmark? Couch-jumping? Royal speeches? Fireworks that feel slightly… unregulated?In this end-of-year episode, Derek and Conrad break down Danish New Year traditions from the perspective of internationals who’ve learned them the hard (and funny) way. From watching the King’s speech at 6 pm and playing speech bingo, to the cult classic Dinner
137 | Danish Christmas Culture Shocks (replay)
With Christmas just around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite holiday episodes from last year. In this festive roundtable, Derek, Conrad, Brooke, Annie, and guest Steven Feraru, talk about the big and small culture shocks that come with celebrating Christmas in Denmark as an international.From julekalenders and gløgg to julefrokost chaos, gift-opening traditions, and why Christmas se
136 | How to Survive a Danish Winter (According to Unhinged People Who Actually Live Here)
Winter in Denmark isn’t just cold, it’s dark, windy, wet, and emotionally confusing. In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Conrad are joined by comedians Jeff Bond and Jacob Taarnhøj to break down how to actually survive a Danish winter.From cycling through sideways wind, understanding seasonal affective disorder, navigating public transport misery, January despair, and Denma
135 | Parenting Through Denmark’s Healthcare
If you’re raising kids in Denmark and still feel confused every time you deal with the healthcare system, this episode will make things finally click.Derek and Brooke return for part two of their conversation with Emma, a British pediatrician based in Copenhagen. This time, the three of them talk about what it actually feels like to navigate Danish healthcare as an international parent, from getti
134 | Navigating Healthcare in Denmark as an International
Navigating Denmark’s healthcare system as an international can feel confusing, surprising, and occasionally hilarious, but it doesn’t have to. Derek and Brooke sit down with Dr. Emma, a British pediatrician in Copenhagen, to unpack how the system really works for internationals. They cover why the GP is your main gateway into care, why appointments can feel too short, and how cultural communicatio
133 | Enough About Mikkel Klint Thorius (part 2)
In this second half of our conversation with comedian Mikkel Klint-Thorius, we dive even deeper into Danish humor, cultural taboos, political satire, and how comedy evolves with the times. From reflections on “casual racism” in old material to Denmark’s unique relationship with free speech, intent, and edge-pushing jokes, Mikkel gives a refreshingly honest look at what it means to perform comedy i
132 | Enough About Mikkel Klint Thorious (part 1)
In this episode, Derek and Conrad sit down with Danish stand-up comedian Mikkel Klint Thorius, one of the sharpest, most fearless voices in Danish comedy, to talk about the jokes behind the jokes, the culture that shapes them, and why Denmark works precisely because Danes refuse to think it does.Mikkel shares how he first stepped on stage at age 10, thanks to an unusually supportive teacher. Since
131 | Denmark’s Local Election Results: The Big Shifts Explained
Denmark’s 2025 local and regional elections delivered anything but the usual political calm. Historic strongholds flipped, long-dominant parties stumbled, and unexpected winners surged—reshaping the political map just months before a likely national election.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh break down the biggest surprises from election night with the
130 |The Danish Classic Julekalender Explained for Internationals
Every December in Denmark, a very specific kind of chaos takes over and it all traces back to one quirky Christmas show. It’s time to explore The Julekalender, the 1991 Danish Christmas classic that internationals always look up when they’re trying to make sense of December in Denmark. Derek and Conrad are joined by an actual Dane, Henrik, who grew up with the show and helps break down the Danglis
129 | Why Internationals Stay in Denmark
Most internationals who make it past the first few years in Denmark stay for one of two reasons and they’re not what you think. That’s what Derek found out when he chatted with Dan Rosenberg from Copenhagen Capacity about their latest expat survey. While Denmark attracts record numbers of global talent, keeping them is getting harder. Dan breaks down the data behind why some internationals settle
128 | Housing, Schools, and Jobs: Meet the Candidates Eager to Take on Copenhagen's Biggest Issues
This is our final episode talking to candidates for the 2025 local and regional council elections. This week, Derek sits down with Asbjørn Reissman from Social Democrats, Heidi Wang from Venstre, and Joanne Bywater from Liberal Alliance to discuss the biggest issues in Copenhagen's local elections.From schooling to housing prices, the candidates share their opinions and debate the issues, finding
127 | Addiction in Denmark: From a sense of disconnection to hope
Belonging, loneliness, and coping in Denmark. The line between belonging and losing yourself can be thin sometimes. That’s what Derek, Brooke and therapist and author guest Lucy Vittrup Christensen explore in this episode. Together they explore how the pressure to fit in, the loneliness of expat life, and Denmark’s open drinking and drug culture can blur the line between social habits and addictio
126 | How Denmark's International Residents Can Decide Local Election
In this episode, Derek sits down with Anders Storgaard from The Conservatives and member of the Frederiksberg Municipal Council, and Mads Hvid from The Socialist People’s Party (SF), who’s running for the Copenhagen Municipal Council. Together, they explore why internationals in Denmark should make their voices heard at the ballot box and how to decide where to put that vote.The conversation touch
125 | Pandas on the Loose and Other Wild Zoo Scandals in Denmark
Behind the zoo cages lies something deeper. Denmark’s comfort with nature, death, and education sets it apart from much of the world and nowhere is that clearer than in its zoos. While other countries hide the realities of life and death, Denmark puts them on display, even for children. What shocks outsiders often feels completely normal to Danes, who see honesty and curiosity as essential to lear
124 | Ghost Stories From Denmark's Most Haunted Castle (replay)
In this episode, we're revisiting the ghost stories of Dragsholm Slot, one of Europe's most haunted castles located right here in Denmark. From the crypt of 2024 spooky season you'll hear Derek share the tales of four different ghosts haunting the castle while paranormal skeptic, Mike, gives his thoughts and reactions. Whether or not you celebrate Halloween, you're in for a scary good time revisit
123 | Meet Finn Holschlek, Denmark's Youngest Candidate and a Voice for Change
In this episode, Derek interviews Finn Holschlek, Denmark's youngest candidate for local office at just 17 years old. Finn shares his journey from Austria to Denmark, his motivations for political involvement, and the importance of youth engagement in politics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities faced by young politicians, the impact of being a foreigner in Denmark, and the
122 | Danish Friends, International Circles, and Feeling Anchored
Is making friends in Denmark really that hard? Derek and Mike dig into what friendship and belonging look like for internationals in Denmark, from the comfort of expat bubbles to the challenge of entering long-standing Danish circles. They explore whether you truly need Danish friends to feel at home, or just the right people to anchor you. It’s a thoughtful look at what it means to build real con
121 | Meet Lasse Frimand Jensen: Aalborg's Mayor Creating a Modern Hub for All
In this episode, Derek is joined by Lasse Frimand Jensen, the mayor of Aalborg, to explore the city's transformation from an industrial hub to a modern center for education, green energy, and culture. Discover how Aalborg is embracing its growing international community and leading the way in sustainable development.Lasse shares insights from his personal journey living abroad, the challenges of i
120 | Ghosts, Witches, and Modern Magic in Denmark
Witch hunts, haunted castles, and modern magic. Derek, Brooke, and Conrad dig into Denmark’s witchy past — from real 17th-century witch trials to modern-day magic and haunted castles. Along the way, they mix eerie history with humor, ghost stories, and a few surprising facts about why Danes still burn witches on midsummer bonfires. It’s a spirited episode that’s equal parts spooky and fun.Other sp
119 | Stand-Up, Sobriety & the Danish Way of Laughing
Can a joke survive translation? Danish comedian Jacob Taarnhøj has been finding out for over a decade—performing stand-up in Danish, English, and even Norwegian. From the comedy clubs of Aarhus to TV specials and international stages, Jacob shows how humor shifts across languages yet still connects people through shared absurdities. In this conversation with Derek and Conrad, he reveals what it’s
118 | Where Your Tax Money Goes in Denmark and How to Have Your Say
Voting turnout among internationals in Denmark is often under 30%, compared to over 70% for Danes. We can do better than that, right? Local elections in Denmark decide more than you think. Derek and Brooke get all the voting as international details from Narcis George Matache in this conversation. From Denmark’s upcoming local and regional elections—what councils actually do, who can vote, an
117 | Expat Facebook Groups in Denmark: Comedy, Chaos, and Common Sense
Helpful or Hilarious? In this episode, Derek is joined by comedian Jefferson Bond to explore the wonderfully unhinged world of expat Facebook groups in Denmark. These online spaces are meant to help newcomers navigate life in Denmark — but they’re also overflowing with conspiracy theories, questionable advice, and the occasional comedy gold.Highlights include:A now-legendary post about someone rep
116 | Denmark’s Drinking Culture: Shortcut or Stumbling Block?
Beer, bonds, and belonging in Denmark. In Denmark, alcohol isn’t just a drink—it’s a social shortcut. From Friday bars to school parties, booze is woven into daily life in ways that can shock newcomers. For internationals, it can feel like you have to drink just to make friends, join in at work, or even learn the language. But is that really true? And how do you handle it if you’d rather not? &nbs
115 | Policing in Denmark: Myths, Realities & What Internationals Should Know
Respect. Trust. Laws. Myths. Police. Denmark. Policing in Denmark isn’t what you might expect.In this episode, Allan Hansen, Deputy Chief Superintendent of Copenhagen Police, joins Derek, Mike, and Brooke to demystify how policing really works here. From the difference between 112 and 114, to what’s legal (and what’s not) when it comes to biking, drinking, or swimming in the harbor, the team cuts
114 | When Does Denmark Finally Feel Like Home?
In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek, Mike, and Brooke dive into the adaptation stage of culture shock. It's that turning point when life in Denmark starts to click. Listeners share their own stories and voice notes about the moments they realized they were doing more than just getting by. They share what made them realize they were navigating daily routines without second-guess
113 | Reverse Culture Shock: A Dane Returns After Many Years Abroad
Reverse culture shock hits home hard. Coming home isn’t always easy. After thirteen years in London, Danish comedian Sofie Hagen returns to Denmark and finds that re-entry can be just as surprising as moving abroad. From missing rye bread and blunt small talk to discovering how “first of all” sounds like starting a fight in British emails, Sofie shares the joys and shocks of repatriation with humo
112 | After you’ve been in Denmark for a while: Your questions answered.
Once you’ve been in Denmark a while, the questions get more nuanced. From the mystery of dating to whether hygge blocks new friendships, internationals notice the cultural puzzles beneath everyday life. In this listener Q&A, Derek Hartman answers the second-layer questions of international life in Denmark with humor, honesty, and a few surprises.Episode with Narcis (question 9): https://www.po
111 | Denmark vs. Deepfakes: Who Really Wins?
Denmark Says: You Own Your Face. Denmark just handed its citizens a legal copyright on themselves — your face, voice, and body are officially yours. Instead of clamping down on deepfake tech like a digital killjoy, the law flips the script and makes it an ownership game: if someone makes a fake of you, you can force them to take it down. Derek and Mike explore how this clever move stacks up agains
110 | Danish vs. International School in Denmark: A Cultural Conversation About Choice, Language, and Belonging
What makes a Danish school... Danish? This week, return guest Ilana Bull—an international school teacher and parent—joins Derek and Brooke to explore how school systems in Denmark reflect much more than just academics. From class structure to communication styles, from birthday customs to the role of play, this episode dives into the everyday cultural signals baked into the Danish approach to educ
109 | Homesickness, Red Soda and Comedy culture in Denmark versus the UK with Comedian Sofie Hagen
Out of place, even back home. Sofie Hagen left Denmark to pursue comedy in London—and came back a different person. This conversation with Derek, Conrad, and Brooke explores the mix of pride, pressure, and self-doubt that can come with returning to your home country after years abroad. But because the topic is comedy—across Denmark, the UK, and back again—it’s anything but heavy. There's also a de
108 | Redefining Belonging for Internationals in Denmark
Narcis didn’t just move to Denmark—he moved the needle. What began as a frustrating student experience turned into a powerful journey of activism, visibility, and political impact. From challenging exclusion in student councils to launching Last Week in Denmark, a very popular newsletter now published in nine languages, he’s running for city council and calling for a complete reframe of how intern
107 | New Visa Rules in Denmark: What’s Gained, What’s at Stake
Who really benefits from Denmark’s visa changes? Denmark just rewrote its work permit rules so Derek and Mike are here to break them for you. At first glance, it looks like Denmark is opening the door to more internationals. But in reality, the move may not bring many new people in. Instead, it’s likely to benefit those already living in Denmark—especially families trying to build more security. T
106 | Danish Language Mindset Tips with Brooke Fossey
Learning Danish? Stop waiting to feel ready. Brooke Fossey joins Derek and Mike to share why mindset matters more than mastery, and how choosing joy over perfection can transform your language journey. From awkward public mistakes to unhelpful corrections, Brooke’s approach blends consistency, curiosity, and a refusal to give up—even when Danes switch to English. If you've ever felt frustrated, em
105 | Stand-Up Across Scandinavia: What Lands and What Doesn’t
Laughter, lies, language, and cultural clashes. Some jokes don’t survive the border. Abby Wambaugh and Dharkshika Christopher join cohosts Derek and Conrad to talk about the challenges—and joys—of performing stand-up across languages and cultures. With sets in Danish, Norwegian, English, French, and Swedish, they’ve experienced what works, what doesn’t, and how humor shifts with the audience. Fro
104 | Living in Denmark with Ilana Buhl, @lykke_charm: Integration, Identity, and Everyday Life
Love, visas, identity, motherhood, burnout, Denmark. Ilana Buhl didn’t just move for love—she rebuilt her life from scratch. In this candid conversation with cohosts Derek and Brooke, Ilana shares how a three-day trip turned into a lifetime abroad. From navigating Denmark’s tough family reunification process to finding her footing as a teacher, parent, and online creator. Along the way, they unpac
103 | Sankt Hans Special: Weird Danish History
Bonfires, jesters, glass kings, pirate royals. Danish history is weirder than you think. Released for Sankt Hans—Denmark’s midsummer celebration of fire and folklore—this episode brings the heat with tales that blur the line between fact and legend. Comedian Adrian Mackinder joins Derek, Brooke, and Conrad to explore everything from a court jester fired by a funnier king, to Hans Christian Anderse
102 | Denmark Expectations Versus Everyday Reality
Denmark consistently tops the world’s livability rankings—but what do those lists really tell you about life here? In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Mike take a closer look at the glossy reports versus the everyday realities of living in Denmark. From healthcare hurdles to hidden costs and navigating local systems without a corporate package, they unpack what these rankings often miss. Along the
101 | Becoming a Nearly Danish Dame: Brooke Fossey’s New Life in Denmark
🎧 Bikes. Buns. No Danish friends? Challenge accepted.Brooke Fossey, The Nearly Danish Dame, moved to Denmark for a one-month vacation—and never went back. What followed was a full-blown reinvention: from running a bagel business out of a bike in Boston to becoming a cheerleader for awkward, honest language learning on Instagram. In our conversation, Brooke shares what it really takes to build a ne
100 | How to Handle Houseguests When You Move to Denmark (or Anywhere)
What happens when visitors overstay their welcome or were never really welcome to begin with? In this episode, we’re diving into the messy, funny, and sometimes awkward world of hosting guests, especially when you live abroad. Whether it’s friends booking a “free hotel” or well-meaning others who blur the line between visiting and moving in, expats and locals alike will relate to this episode.Oh,
99 | From Ukraine to Denmark: Kateryna’s Story of War, Refuge, and Stand-Up Comedy
Kateryna fled Ukraine when the war began, but that was only the beginning of her journey. Now living in Denmark, she’s rebuilding her life one punchline at a time. In this episode, she tells Derek, Conrad, and Brooke how comedy helped her cope with trauma, how it feels to perform stand-up in a new country, and what it means to create joy when the world feels broken.If you’ve ever taken your safety
98 | Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid: The Strange Saga of Denmark’s Most Famous Statue
You’ve seen the Instagram photos and passed the crowds in Copenhagen, but how much do you really know about the Little Mermaid statue?In this episode, Derek, Mike, and Conrad have a laugh-filled discussion about the strange history of Denmark’s most iconic statue. From her origins in a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale to being commissioned by a Danish beer magnate, to her many beheadings and eve
97 | I Didn't Tell My Friends I Was Visiting Home, Now They're Mad
When you live abroad, visiting your home country can be a whirlwind—especially when you only have a few days. In this episode, we answer a real listener dilemma: Danielle, who lives in Odense, went back to Toronto for a short trip and chose to spend all her time with family. She didn’t tell her friends she was in town, and now… they’re upset.Derek and Conrad offer advice along with guests Dharshik
96 | Culture Shock in Denmark: The 4 Stages No One Warns You About
Moving to a new country is more than learning the language and eating new food—it’s a full-body, emotional rollercoaster. In this episode, your hosts Derek, Brooke, and Mike break down the 4 stages of culture shock and share personal stories from their lives in Denmark—the excitement, the frustration, the weird in-between moments, and finally… that moment when it all starts to click.Whether you’re
95 | Cecilie Bau on Dating, Coming Out, and No Such Thing as Oversharing in Denmark
In this episode you'll get to know the brilliant Danish comedian Cecilie Bau, who also happens to be our special guest for our upcoming live show! She sits down with Brooke, Conrad, and Derek to talk about dating in Denmark, coming out, and how it's all just comedic inspiration. We also dive into her work as a mental health advocate and how the stigma and treatment of mental health has evolved in
94 | Why You Can't Name Your Baby 'Banana' in Denmark (with Mathias Bach)
Ever wonder why there are so many common names in Denmark? In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad dive into Denmark’s strict baby naming laws - with plenty of laughs along the way from our friend Mathias Bach. From government-approved name lists to the historical reasons behind them, we break down what you can (and can’t) name your kid if you're raising them in Denmark. Plus, a few awkward per
93 | PD2, PD3, and WTF — Do You Really Have to Learn Danish?
In this episode, you'll learn all about the complicated world of learning Danish as a foreigner in Denmark with an update from Conrad, who’s currently prepping for the PD3 exam, and Mike, who recently passed PD2.Derek explains what the difference is between the two tests (and why it matters), which one you need for permanent residency or citizenship, and whether those government-sponsored language
92 | Going Viral in Denmark: Mathias Bach on TikTok Fame, Danish Humor & Applesauce
In this episode, we sit down with award-winning Danish creator Mathias Bach—TikToker of the Year, mastermind behind some of Denmark’s most viral videos, and former child YouTuber who once tried to shorten school days for everyone.Brooke, Conrad, and Derek get Mathias's view on growing up in Denmark, what most foreigners really don’t understand about Danish culture, and how he balances humor with s
91 | Denmark’s Bizarre Copyright Wars: Elvis, Harry Potter & McDonald's
What do Elvis Presley, Harry Potter, and McDonald’s all have in common? They’ve all taken legal swings at Denmark.In this episode, Brooke brings Derek and Mike three wild tales of copyright lawsuits that landed in Danish courtrooms - from a replica Graceland in Jutland to a magical festival that had to lose a little Hogwarts to survive. Plus, a hot dog vendor who went toe-to-toe with a global fast
90 | How Denmark Handles Stress, Birthdays & Climate Change (Better Than You?) with Mathias Bach
Denmark had an eventful week, and we’re breaking it all down! Brooke dives into the surprising but very Danish reason a popular band replaced their lead singer. Derek explores how Denmark is tackling rising groundwater caused by climate change. And Conrad shares a heartwarming (and extremely Danish) birthday tradition that caught him off guard.Plus, we’re joined by friend of the show and your othe
89 | Should You Move to Denmark? Here’s What to See Before Deciding
In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad help a listener who’s considering a move by breaking down what she and her family should explore beyond the tourist hotspots. What will make the visit feel authentic and what everyday realities might surprise you?Joining the conversation is Adrian MacKinder, writer, comedian, and friend of the show who made the leap to Denmark himself. Together, we share
88 | Boycott American Goods or Sell Them Eggs? Week 13 News in Denmark
In this episode, Brooke, Conrad, and Derek are joined by friend of the show, Adrian MacKinder to discuss the week's news in Denmark. You'll hear a discussion on America's egg shortage and why the US asked Denmark to buy surplus egg shipments. This leads into a debate on the merit of Danes organizing a boycott of American goods - is it a shortsighted, a solution for change, or virtue signaling? In
87 | Are Danes Making it Harder for You to Learn Danish? (with Steven Feraru)
In this episode, we explore the difficulties of learning Danish through a listener message. Mei from Taiwan, and part of the WAYDID community, shares her frustrating experience learning Danish and being quizzed and mocked by Danish acquaintances on her progress. We discuss the demotivating forces that can plague foreigners learning Danish and the ways in which Danes are knowingly or unknowingly ma
