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What Are You Doing in Denmark?
28 | Why is making friends in Denmark like dating?
This week, Annie and Derek continue their conversation about making friends in Denmark and why it’s so hard. Annie discusses the mixed emotions of relief and overwhelm she feels when visiting her native United States, and jumping back into a very social culture with different social boundaries. She also explains why her son struggled to socialize with Danish classmates as he transitioned from American schooling to Danish schooling. What did it mean when his teacher described him as “too American for his peers”?
Derek explains the reason that you should approach making friends in Denmark the same way you approach dating and defines the word “friend crush”. Annie and Derek offer advice to a listener who describes himself as “quirky” and is concerned about making friends in Denmark if he accepts a job offer there.
The show delivers some helpful tips on socializing with Danes and laughs along the way so that you can be fully equipped to handle every social situation.
For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:
What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpod
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F
Derek Hartman:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/robetrotting
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrotting
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting
Annie Samples:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/annieineventyrland
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@annieineventyrland
Expat Insider Survey: https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/
🎙️ Upcoming Live Shows — What Are You Doing in Denmark? — Come Join Us! 🎉
🗓️ 9 August 2025, Odense Studenterhus
🗓️ 9 September 2025, Copenhagen Comedy Zoo
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105. 105 | Stand-Up Across Scandinavia: What Lands and What Doesn’t
51:37||Ep. 105Laughter, 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=5960799d612a4b19104. 104 | Living in Denmark with Ilana Buhl, @lykke_charm: Integration, Identity, and Everyday Life
37:33||Ep. 104Love, 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/@brookeblackjust103. 103 | Sankt Hans Special: Weird Danish History
38:06||Ep. 103Bonfires, 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=1000693279405102. 102 | Denmark Expectations Versus Everyday Reality
24:56||Ep. 102Denmark 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/phillymike999101 | Becoming a Nearly Danish Dame: Brooke Fossey’s New Life in Denmark
33:59|🎧 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 new life abroad—navigating motherhood, identity, and the Danish social scene, all while learning a language that everyone says you’ll never master. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start over and still feel like yourself, this conversation is for you.📢 Share This Episode: Take a screenshot of this episode and send it to friends who’ve made the move to Denmark (or are thinking about it) and.or post it on the socials!🎙️ Leave Us a Voice Note 🗣️ speakpipe.com/waydid📧 Email: hello@robe-trotting.com🎧 What Are You Doing in Denmark podcastInstagram: @waydidpodEmail: hello@robe-trotting.com📺 Watch on YouTubeWAYDID Episodes Playlist👤 Derek HartmanInstagram: @robetrottingYouTube: Robe TrottingTikTok: @robetrottingFacebook: Robe Trotting👤 Mike WalshInstagram: @phillymike999👤 Brooke Fossey – GuestInstagram: @nearlydanishdame100 | How to Handle Houseguests When You Move to Denmark (or Anywhere)
20:11|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, and this is our 100th episode recorded live at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo with your host Derek Hartman and an illustrious panel voices living in Denmark:British comedian Conrad Molden,American content creator Mike Walsh,American writer and creator Brooke Black,And Danish comedian Cecilie BauTogether, you'll get their stories of guests who have pushed boundaries (hopefully) without burning bridges. We also poll our audience to ask:How long is too long for a houseguest?Do you ever feel obligated to say yes?And is bringing a bottle of wine really enough?🎟️ Tickets for our next live show at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on September 9th: https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1298885What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodWatch our episodes on YouTubeDerek 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/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:Instagram: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden Facebook: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkCecilie Bau:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilie_bauTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ceciliebau99 | From Ukraine to Denmark: Kateryna’s Story of War, Refuge, and Stand-Up Comedy
31:13|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 for granted or wondered how art can help us survive the worst, this conversation will stay with you.🗣️ You can leave your own voice note for us here: speakpipe.com/waydid or email hello@robe-trotting.comShare this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodWatch our episodes on YouTubeDerek 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/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:Instagram: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden Facebook: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkKat Attack (Kateryna):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyberkatattack98 | Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid: The Strange Saga of Denmark’s Most Famous Statue
27:46|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 even a diplomatic detour to China — the Little Mermaid has seen it all.Laugh along as the guys explore her controversies, vandalism, obscure trivia, and some outrageous one-star reviews of the statue. There are some big feelings in Denmark and beyond so if you're planning a trip to Copenhagen or just love weird cultural history, this episode is for you!🗣️ You can leave your own voice note for us here: speakpipe.com/waydid or email hello@robe-trotting.com and be a part of a future episodeDon’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media: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/robetrottingConrad Molden:Instagram: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden Facebook: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenSee Conrad Live: https://www.conradmolden.dkMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike99997 | I Didn't Tell My Friends I Was Visiting Home, Now They're Mad
24:05|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 Dharshika Christopher and Abby Wambaugh to unpack the emotional politics of going home, how to navigate expectations from friends and family, and why you can’t be everything to everyone. If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt, time pressure, or hurt feelings when visiting home, this episode is for you.Plus: tips for setting boundaries, avoiding drama, and keeping your friendships intact—even from across an ocean. And listen to Episodes 27 and 28 for deeper discussions on making friends in Denmark and why it may be different.Need advice, have a question, or have a story to tell? Leave us a voice note ➡️ speakpipe.com/waydidDon’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast: Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodWatch 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/robetrottingConrad Molden:Instagram: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden Facebook: https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkDharkshika Christopher:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharshika.christopherFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DharshikaChristopherComedyAbby Wambaugh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbywambaughHelp Hole Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/helpholepod/