What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Danish life looks simple from the outside. Once you live it, the real story is all the unspoken rules, paperwork surprises, language wins, social misfires, and the very real difference between Denmark PR and Denmark reality.Derek Hartman and Brooke Black sit down with Ilana Buhl and Brooke Fossey, known online as The Lykke Charm and Nearly Danish Dame, to take a brutally honest temperature check on culture shock. The conversation moves far beyond honeymoon-phase optimism into the messier stages of adjustment, frustration, and acceptance, where everyday life in Denmark can still leave you feeling both proud and completely lost.More Episodes with Ilana Buhl:Having a Baby in DenmarkDanish School vs International School More Episodes with Brooke Fossey:How to Develop a Danish Language MindsetAn American Goes to Folkemøde

Copenhagen Pride is bigger than the parade, and this year its message is sharper than ever: until the job is done. If you care about LGBTQIA+ rights, city festivals, or the real politics behind public celebration, this conversation reveals what it actually takes to keep Pride free, visible, and impossible to ignore.Derek is joined by Steve Taylor from Copenhagen Pride for a deep look at how the festival really works - from eight days of programming in August to year-round events, volunteer coordination, and the huge parade that fills Copenhagen with hundreds of thousands of people.You'll discover how Copenhagen Pride balances protest and celebration, why the human rights tent matters as much as the stage, and what this year's 30th-anniversary theme says about the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in Denmark and beyond. Steve also breaks down the growing pressure on Pride from anti-DEI politics, sponsor pullback, and culture-war attacks - and why the organization still insists on free access, ethical partnerships, and allyship that makes space for the community itself.We also get into the messy realities most people never see: how Pride is funded, why some companies stay involved while others back away, what happened when major Prides like Manchester collapsed, and why Copenhagen's model remains distinctly local, community-driven, and very Danish.Steve Taylor helps oversee one of the most active Pride organizations in the world, with programming that stretches well beyond August. He brings insider perspective on the festival's growth, its political stakes, and the work required to keep it accessible to everyone.Essential listening if you want to understand why Pride still matters, what is changing in Copenhagen, and how a city-wide celebration becomes a frontline for rights, visibility, and solidarity.View the full CPH Pride Program here: https://www.copenhagenpride.dk/en/

In Part 2, we're joined once again by political commentator and YouTuber Jonas Laursen to unpack some of the biggest political scandals unfolding in Denmark right now.From the controversies surrounding former Conservative leader Søren Pape Poulsen (including the extraordinary claims made by his late husband) to the collapse of the Citizens' Party following the 2026 election, we explore the stories that have dominated Danish politics in recent months. We also discuss scandals involving newly elected members of Parliament, why these controversies matter, and what they reveal about political accountability in one of the world's highest-trust societies.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

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)