What Are You Doing in Denmark?

What Happens When an American Goes to Denmark's Democracy Festival? | 167

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. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F] 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid [ https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid] email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod [https://instagram.com/waydidpod] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Wait... Denmark Has an Amateur Space Program? | 166

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 astronaut Learn more about Copenhagen Suborbitals, support their work, or book their workshop tour through the links below: Website: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/ [https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/] Tours: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/394401 [https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/394401] Support: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/support-us/ [https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/support-us/] 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F] 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid [ https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid] email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod [https://instagram.com/waydidpod] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Is Dating a Dane Really This Hard? | 165

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 abroad * The emotional labor of constantly asking questions about Danish culture * Why Danes can feel exhausted being asked to "represent" their entire country * How cultural differences affect communication, conflict, and expectations * Why building your own international community can make all the difference As 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. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F] 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid [ https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid] email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod [https://instagram.com/waydidpod] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

What Danes Wish Internationals Knew: The Best Advice We've Gotten About Living in Denmark | 164

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 Denmark Why having Danish friends matters Learning Danish (and why it's worth the effort) Navigating apps, MitID, e-Boks, and bureaucracy Janteloven and the fear of standing out Why your weird interests might be your greatest asset Featured guests: Sofie Hagen Cecilia Bau Mathias Bach Steven Feraru Links to the full episodes are included below: Reverse Culture Shock [https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjhhYzc3MjYzNTJiNTY1ZGViYWJmYTA0] (Sofie Hagen) Dating, Coming Out, and No Such Thing as Oversharing [https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjgxMjhkZDBjZWE2NjgyOTg2NzRkZmRi] (Ceceila Bau) Going Viral in Denmark [https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjdmZDA4MjdkNWVkMGQ1YjlkOWFiNDli] (Mathias Bach) Are Danes Making it Harder for You to Learn Danish [https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjdkOGI4NzZhZjFkMDQzMDU1Mjg0NTgx] (Steven Feraru) 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F] 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid [ https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid] email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod [https://instagram.com/waydidpod] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Pride Still Matters in Denmark: How Far We've Come and What's Left to Do | 163

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 [https://kintobe.dk/?utm_source=waydid_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=waydid&utm_content=homepage] 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/ [https://www.copenhagenpride.dk/en/events/] Topics discussed: * Denmark's LGBTQ+ history and legacy * Why Pride remains relevant today * Conversion therapy and legal protections * Trans and intersex rights in Denmark * LGBTQ+ asylum seekers * Pride beyond Copenhagen * Recent challenges across Europe * Copenhagen Pride and Pride Month events 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F] 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid [ https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid] email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod [https://instagram.com/waydidpod] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.