What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Most people see Denmark as the epitome of trust and transparency, but beneath its idyllic reputation lies a fascinating and surprisingly scandal-ridden political landscape. Join us as political YouTuber Jonas Laursen, an expert on Danish politics, pulls back the curtain on some of the country's most outrageous recent scandals: mink culling, illegal instructions, social media mishaps, and bizarre political antics. Discover how these controversies have shaped Denmark’s political scene and what they reveal about the state of trust, transparency, and power in one of the world's most admired democracies.In this episode, we break down:The infamous mink culling scandal and its environmental and political falloutThe curious case of deleted messages and the phrase “Liu Mede, Live with it”The rise and fall of political parties like the Citizens Party and Denmark DemocratsHow politicians navigate social media—owning their mistakes or fueling new scandalsThe unexpected impact of personal issues—ranging from love lives to drug scandals—on political careersThe peculiar Danish election system that allows outsider candidates to challenge traditional party politicsWhy even scandals involving legal gray areas become magnified in Denmark’s unique political cultureWhy does this all matter? Because even the most stable societies have darker secrets. Denmark’s scandals serve as a mirror to its broader democracy, revealing the human flaws behind its trust and high standards. Whether you're a political junkie, a curious expatriate, or simply fascinated by how small nations deal with big issues, this episode offers a revealing glimpse into Denmark’s political secrets, stuffed with surprises that will keep you listening and laughing. Jonas Laursen is a Danish political YouTuber known for making Danish politics accessible and engaging in English. His deep expertise and sharp analysis make complex scandals understandable for international audiences, helping break language barriers and distrust around Danish politics.Perfect for anyone interested in political scandals, European democracy, or a behind-the-scenes look at a country often hailed as a Scandinavian paradise, until you dig a little deeper.Get more of Jonas:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjonaslaursen/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonas.laursen5YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasblaursen

Thinking about having a baby in Denmark? Whether you're expecting, planning ahead, or just curious about how Danish healthcare works, this episode is packed with first-hand experience.Derek and Brooke are joined once again by Ilana Buhl, who shares what it was really like to go through pregnancy, give birth, and recover as an international in Denmark. We compare the Danish and American systems, talk about prenatal care, labor, postpartum support, maternity leave, and the little cultural surprises that no one warns you about.In this episode we discuss:Why Denmark has far fewer prenatal appointments than the U.S.The surprising differences in ultrasounds and pregnancy testingGiving birth in English at a Danish hospitalEpidurals, laughing gas, and birth plansGoing home with your newborn (much sooner than many Americans expect)The home nurse who visits after birthDenmark's generous parental leave and why it changes everythingIf you've ever wondered what it's actually like to have a baby in Denmark as a foreigner, this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe to What Are You Doing in Denmark for weekly conversations that help internationals make Denmark make sense.Catch our other conversations with Ilana in these episodes:Get her advice on putting your kids in Danish or International school: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/Njg5NGU3MGQ4NmZjYTEzNjI4MTUxMWFmHear her story of moving to Denmark for love: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/Njg1ZDRlYTE0NzMxMWRlMWI2ZWUzMmY1

What exactly is Folkemødet, and why do thousands of Danes travel to a small island every June to attend it?In this episode, Derek Hartman and Brooke Black are joined by returning guest Brooke Fossey (@NearlyDanishDame) to explore one of Denmark's most fascinating democratic traditions.Brooke Fossey attended this year's Folkemødet through the Wildcard program, giving her a unique perspective as an American living in Denmark. Together, the three unpack what Folkemødet actually is, why it exists, and whether it really succeeds in bringing ordinary citizens together with politicians, journalists, businesses, and organizations.Along the way, they discuss Danish political culture, civic engagement, the Wildcard program, and what surprised Brooke most about experiencing Denmark's annual democracy festival firsthand. She's left with a question often discussed and debated, but never really answered - what does it mean to be Danish?Whether you've never heard of Folkemødet or you've always wondered if it's worth attending, this episode will help you make Denmark and Danish democracy make sense.

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 life - engineers and welders to artists and teachers - are building rockets in their spare time, one ambitious step at a time.This episode is about more than rockets, it highlights one of Denmark's most unique cultural strengths: the power of foreninger (voluntary associations), trust, and the freedom for ordinary people to pursue extraordinary ideas together.Along the way we discuss:🚀 Why Copenhagen Suborbitals exists🇩🇰 How Danish association culture makes a project like this possible⚙️ What it actually takes to build a rocket on a volunteer budget🌍 Why people from around the world contribute to the project👨‍🚀 Who will eventually become Denmark's first amateur astronautLearn more about Copenhagen Suborbitals, support their work, or book their workshop tour through the links below:Website: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/Tours: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/394401Support: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/support-us/

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 and a half years and has a Danish partner. She wonders whether the challenges they're facing are relationship problems or simply the reality of navigating two very different cultures.Brooke lets us in on what it was like dating and marrying a Dane while living in her home country and now his. Derek shares the pros and cons of living in Denmark with a partner who is non-Danish and from the same native culture. While it seems like relationship complexities defy borders, this episode does offer plenty of advice, relatable experiences, and food for thought.Topics that get unpacked:Why internationals often feel like they've lost part of themselves after moving abroadThe emotional labor of constantly asking questions about Danish cultureWhy Danes can feel exhausted being asked to "represent" their entire countryHow cultural differences affect communication, conflict, and expectationsWhy building your own international community can make all the differenceAs always, you can email, DM, or leave a voice note with your thoughts on this episode or your own question. We’d love to hear from you whether you're dating a Dane, living abroad with your partner, or simply trying to make Denmark make sense, like all of us. This conversation is a reminder that you're not alone and that many of the struggles you're experiencing are more common than you think.

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 bureaucracy, to Mathias Bach's advice on learning Danish before your free language classes disappear, and Steven Feraru's help in understanding why Danes might misunderstand you - this episode is packed with insights for anyone trying to make Denmark feel a little more like home.Along the way we talk about:Finding your people in DenmarkWhy having Danish friends mattersLearning Danish (and why it's worth the effort)Navigating apps, MitID, e-Boks, and bureaucracyJanteloven and the fear of standing outWhy your weird interests might be your greatest assetFeatured guests:Sofie HagenCecilia BauMathias BachSteven FeraruLinks to the full episodes are included below:Reverse Culture Shock (Sofie Hagen)Dating, Coming Out, and No Such Thing as Oversharing (Ceceila Bau)Going Viral in Denmark (Mathias Bach)Are Danes Making it Harder for You to Learn Danish (Steven Feraru)

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 the challenges that remain today.Together they discuss Denmark's place in European equality rankings, ongoing debates around conversion therapy, protections for transgender and intersex people, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, and why progress can stall when societies assume the job is already done. They also explore the importance of Pride beyond Copenhagen, the role of community, and what recent events in places like Hungary reveal about the need to defend rights that many people take for granted.Whether you're celebrating Pride, curious about LGBTQ+ life in Denmark, or interested in how social progress happens, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at where Denmark has been—and where it still has room to grow.💼 Visit KINTOBE and use the code WAYDID20 at checkout for an exclusive listener discount - only for a limited time!➡️ Pride Month Events: https://www.copenhagenpride.dk/en/events/Topics discussed:Denmark's LGBTQ+ history and legacyWhy Pride remains relevant todayConversion therapy and legal protectionsTrans and intersex rights in DenmarkLGBTQ+ asylum seekersPride beyond CopenhagenRecent challenges across EuropeCopenhagen Pride and Pride Month events

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 explain what happened behind the scenes, why Danish politics may be entering a new era, and what internationals should watch for when it comes to immigration, housing, taxes, and public services.After listening, you'll understand: • Why it took Denmark more than two months to form a government • Why Denmark's political landscape is becoming more fragmented • What changes could be coming for housing, taxes, welfare, and transportation • Whether immigration policy is likely to become stricter or softer • What internationals should pay attention to over the next four years • Why some observers are concerned about growing political polarization in Denmark💼 Visit KINTOBE and use the code WAYDID20 at checkout for an exclusive listener discount - only for a limited time!➡️ Stay informed and subscribe to the Copenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/subscription/

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, they unpack the social norms that often surprise newcomers.Along the way, they compare Denmark to the United States, the UK, Sweden and Norway, share stories from Danish nightlife, and discuss everything from Friday bars to smoking indoors.Whether you're moving to Denmark, visiting, or simply trying to understand Danish culture a little better, this episode offers a candid look at one of the country's most famous social traditions: meeting for a beer.💼 Visit Kintobe.dk and use promo code WAYDID20 for an exclusive, limited time, 20% off discount Topics covered:• Danish bar etiquette• Brown bars (bodegas)• J-Dag and Christmas beer culture• Tipping in Denmark• Friday bars and workplace drinking• Buying rounds and MobilePay culture• Smoking in Danish pubs• How Denmark compares to the US and UK drinking sceneHave a question about life in Denmark? Send us a message and it might become a future episode.