What Are You Doing in Denmark?

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 Alexander Klinger, founder of Project Vote Talk and a candidate for Venstre, who helps unpack how Danish elections work and why this snap election was called. They also discuss the growing debate around citizenship, the freezing of citizenship applications during the election period, and what that means for internationals waiting years to become eligible voters.The conversation explores a bigger question about democracy in Denmark: what does it mean to belong to a society if you can’t participate fully in its political system? With internationals making up nearly 17% of the population, the discussion highlights the tension between Denmark’s strict citizenship rules and its reliance on international workers.Even if you can’t vote in this election, understanding how the system works and the debates shaping it might help Denmark make a little more sense.Thank you to today's sponsor ➡️ Cool Accounts - your go-to service for expat taxes in DenmarkThorbern Klingert (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taklingert/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taklingert/Candidate Website: https://www.venstre.dk/personer/thorbern-alexander-klingertDerek Hartman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting

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 differences in Denmark can make friendships harder to build, and how feelings of isolation can sometimes lead people to withdraw even further.Lucy also shares practical strategies for reconnecting, from contributing to communities to embracing vulnerability and finding connection through shared activities and nature.If you’ve ever felt disconnected while living abroad, this conversation offers insight, reassurance, and practical ways to rebuild connection.Topics include:Why loneliness affects so many internationals in DenmarkThe difference between being alone and feeling lonelyCultural differences in social connection and friendshipWhy people sometimes withdraw when they feel isolatedHow vulnerability helps build stronger relationshipsPractical ways to find community in Denmark⚠️ This episode discusses loneliness and mental health. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help. Crisis resources are listed below.Key Mental Health Crisis Resources in Denmark:Livslinien (Lifeline): Phone 70 201 201 (open 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM daily) for suicide prevention and counseling.Psykiatrifonden (Mental Health Helpline): Phone 39 25 25 25 (Mon-Thu 10:00-22:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-18:00).BørneTelefonen: 11 61 11 (24/7 helpline for children and youth).Startlinjen: 35 36 26 00 (support for, life crises, 16:00-23:00).Regional Psychiatric Hotline: +45 78 47 04 70 (Central Denmark Region, 24/7)Lucy Vittrup Christensen (Guest)https://www.instagram.com/lucy_vittruphttps://www.facebook.com/lucy.vittrup.christensen/Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

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 the picture. Over time, they’ve adapted through frequent visits, immersive time together, everyday technology, and a shared openness to seeing life from different places. The conversation explores how closeness can be redesigned rather than lost, and how family life can stretch across countries without becoming fragile or distant. For listeners living abroad long term, or thinking about it, this episode offers reassurance without pretending distance is effortless.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk

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 care (112 vs. 1813)How to get a second opinionChanging your GP (family doctor)Wait times and specialist referralsWhat’s covered under universal healthcare in DenmarkMental health and psychiatry waitlistsPregnancy and birth in Denmark (midwife-led care, epidurals, C-sections)Patient advocacy in the Danish systemIf you’re an expat or international living in Denmark, this episode will help you understand your rights, your options, and how to navigate the system with confidence.💬 Have more questions? Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidEmma:https://www.doctormumforkids.com/instagram.com/doctormumforkidsemail: hello@doctormumforkids.comDerek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

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” rather than healthcare. That means higher prices for gym memberships, personal training, and classes while taxes on things like sugar and alcohol are being reduced.We break down:Why the VAT was introducedHow gyms and trainers are respondingWho is exempt (and who isn’t)The political debate around whether fitness should count as healthcareWhat it means for Denmark’s long-term public healthPlus, Mikkel shares practical advice for actually sticking to your fitness goals in 2026 without burning out by the end of February.If you live in Denmark, work in fitness, or just care about how policy affects your daily life, this episode is for you.Mikkel Valgreen (guest):https://www.mikkelvalgreenpt.dk/https://www.instagram.com/valgreen_pt

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 is true and why a flat country spends so much time debating elevation. The story reveals more than geography. It offers a window into Danish humor, identity, and the quiet art of not taking yourself too seriously. Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk