What Are You Doing in Denmark?

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 education.It’s an overview on how to decide on which school your child should go to and also a reflection on what school says about belonging, trust, independence, and integration in Denmark.What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:https://instagram.com/waydidpodhttps://facebook.com/waydidpodhello@robe-trotting.comhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FIlana Bull (guest): https://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charmhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charmDerek 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

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 detour into stationery obsessions and homesick cravings for red soda and rye bread. From navigating Denmark’s deeply rooted humility culture (Janteloven) to relearning how to write jokes in her native language, Sofie opens up about identity shifts, outsider feelings, and why it’s harder to be funny in Danish than in English. It’s a thoughtful, hilarious look at creativity, community, and the weirdness of repatriation. Whether you’ve lived abroad, felt like too much, or wondered how culture shapes your voice, this one’s for you.August 14-16, 2025: Sofie Hagen With Friends:https://billetto.dk/e/sofie-hagen-with-friends-billetter-1313358What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:https://instagram.com/waydidpodhttps://facebook.com/waydidpodhello@robe-trotting.comhttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FSofie Hagen (Guest)https://www.instagram.com/sofiehagendkhttps://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1313358-7b2afhttps://www.sofiehagen.com/ 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/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk

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 internationals are seen—pushing to replace the outdated Ministry of Integration with a Ministry of Internationals. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or wondered how real change happens, this episode shows exactly what’s possible.What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:IG: https://instagram.com/waydidpodFB: https://facebook.com/waydidpodWhat Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:YT: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2Femail: hello@robe-trotting.comNarcis George Matache (guest):IG: https://www.instagram.com/narcisgmatacheFB: https://www.facebook.com/NarcisGMatache/Last Week In Denmark (LWID) newsletter: https://lastweekdk.substack.com/LWID podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/5dFxU6ujQ6ktjNNTaPNVKu Vote Home Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3El6T0rZFAr0QV6P0ocyL6Derek Hartman: IG: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk YT: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFB: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:IG: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjustTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

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. There’s layers of politics, religion and of course, economics in these changes that bring up concerns around fairness, the risk of being tied to an employer, and how internationals can navigate these shifting rules with more strategy and independence. For anyone living or planning to live in Denmark, it’s essential context. Listen to learn who’s really impacted, what this signals about Denmark’s future immigration path, and how to protect your ability to stay.Immigration process and visa application: nyidanmark.dkWhat Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodFacebook: https://facebook.com/waydidpodemail: hello@robe-trotting.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike999

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, embarrassed, or just plain stuck with Danish, this episode offers a new way forward. Listen now and rediscover the joy of learning—even when it’s messy.What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodemail: hello@robe-trotting.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FBrooke Fossey – GuestInstagram: @nearlydanishdameDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike999

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. From literal-minded Danish crowds to multilingual punchlines and awkward silences, this episode explores what it really means to be funny across cultures. What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:IG: https://instagram.com/waydidpodWatch on YouTubeDharkshika Christopher (Guest):IG: https://www.instagram.com/dharshika.christopherFB: https://www.facebook.com/DharshikaChristopherComedyAbby Wambaugh (Guest): IG: https://www.instagram.com/abbywambaughPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/helpholepod/Derek Hartman:IG: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYT: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFB: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:Ig: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYT: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden FB: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkWAYDID episodes about Danish humo(u)r:92 | Going Viral in Denmark: Mathias Bach on TikTok Fame, Danish Humor & Applesauce: https://open.spotify.com/episode/72hAGh4sx2QkVj2PgYJlG358 | Are Danes as funny as they think? Navigating Danish humor (part 2): https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kzbCwzJwGDlUa0CSosSre?si=BMPu03IzQHGxGN98-B7bKA56 | Are Danes as funny as they think? Navigating Danish humor (part 1), https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KakZgNO7Kpq5AsxOOShqN?si=5960799d612a4b19

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 unpack culture shocks, language learning, and why stepping back from social media can be the right thing to do sometimes.Ilana Buhl (guest): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charmTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charmWhat Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodWatch us on YouTubeDerek Hartman:IG: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYT: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFB: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:IG: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjustTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

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 Andersen’s fear of being buried alive. If you’re gathering around a fire tonight, this is the perfect episode to spark conversation—and maybe a little disbelief. Listen now.What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodYouTubeDerek Hartman:IG: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYT: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFB: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:IG: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjustTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:IG: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYT: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden FB: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkAdrian Mackinder:http://www.adrianmackinder.co.uk/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adrianmackinder/Book: Death and the Victorianshttps://linktr.ee/deathandthevictorianspodcast: History For You:https://open.spotify.com/show/6K2vBAjWoOcPmJUgEcRmxNAdrian’s previous episode of WAYDID: https://shows.acast.com/what-are-you-doing-in-denmark/episodes/adrian-mackinderAnn Marie;s WAYDID episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/83-the-danish-king-who-played-the-dating-game-of-thrones/id1704607322?i=1000693279405

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 way, they talk privilege, Paris Syndrome, and why your personal community matters more than any global index. Consider this the messy bits that don't fit into a neat list but are essential to understand before moving to a new country. What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodemail: hello@robe-trotting.comWatch these episodes on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/robetrottingYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrottingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:Instagram: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjustTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike999