What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Episodios

• 162 | Denmark Has a New Government. What Changes for Internationals? 09.06.2026 31m

  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/ 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark 02.06.2026 42m

  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. 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 160 | Why So Many Internationals Leave Denmark (Even After Landing the Dream Job) 26.05.2026 23m

  Denmark says it needs international talent. So why do so many internationals still feel uncertain about building a future here?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek talks with Dan Rosenberg from Copenhagen Capacity about the reality behind working and staying in Denmark as an international. They discuss why many internationals feel “professionally stuck” in Denmark and the hidden career challenges foreigners face after getting hired that make changing jobs can feel risky - especially when your residency depends on employment.Along the way they discuss how this squares with Denmark’s growing dependence on non-EU workers and why political rhetoric often doesn’t match economic reality. It's not all doom and gloom, Dan highlights some Danish municipalities that are actually doing international retention well while explaining why welcoming internationals takes more than just work permits.The conversation also explores the future of international talent in Denmark, whether Denmark is truly competing globally for skilled workers, and what needs to change for internationals to feel wanted and not just needed.Whether you’re newly arrived, job hunting, considering permanent residency, or wondering if Denmark is really a long-term fit, this episode offers one of the most honest conversations yet about life as an international in Denmark.💼 Check out a Kintobe Bag with your EXCLUSIVE listener discount of 20% at: Kintobe.dkMentioned Resopurces:Copenhagen CapacityInternational House CopenhagenGo to SønderborgKalundborg MunicipalitySIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration)Life in Denmark 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 159 | Why Denmark Is OBSESSED With Summer Festivals 19.05.2026 48m

  Why are Danes so obsessed with summer festivals?In this episode, Derek and Brooke dive into Denmark’s legendary festival culture with Heartland Festival founder Ulrik Ørum-Petersen. From Roskilde Festival and Smukfest to Heartland Festival, Distortion, and Copenhagen Jazz Festival, they unpack what each festival says about Danish culture, and the people who go to them.This episode explores how festivals can actually help internationals better understand Denmark, and maybe even integrate into Danish society. If you’re new to Denmark, curious about Danish culture, or planning your first Danish summer festival, this episode is your guide to navigating festival season like a local.Topics explored:Why Denmark has so many festivalsRoskilde as a “rite of passage”Why Danish summers feel so intenseFestival camping vs glampingDanish music trends and local-language artistsHow festivals became part of Danish identityTips for internationals attending their first Danish festivalUlrik (guest)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulrikorum/Heartland Website: https://heartlandfestival.dk/Heartland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandfestivaldk/ 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 158 | How Denmark Became a Eurovision Favorite Again | Clara Sofie Fabricius on “Før vi går hjem” 12.05.2026 36m

  Denmark's had a rough Eurovision track record in recent years, but is looking to continue a bounce back that began last year. How did the country that has struggled to qualify for the Eurovision final, suddenly become one of the favorites to win Eurovision 2026? It's thanks to one song: “Før vi går hjem.”In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek Hartman and Brooke Black sit down with Danish musician, producer, and songwriter Clara Sofie Fabricius, one of the co-writers behind Denmark’s Eurovision entry “Før vi går hjem,” performed by Søren Torpegaard Lund.Clara Sofie shares the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how the song came together during a songwriting camp that included an untimely injury, wine hangover, general exhaustion, and somehow resulted in Denmark’s biggest Eurovision hype in years. Oh and the heavy lifting of the song came to be in less than an hour. You have to hear this story to believe it.They also discuss:Why Denmark struggled at Eurovision after 2013How Dansk Melodi Grand Prix worksThe process of writing a Eurovision songWhy “Før vi går hjem” connected with fans across EuropeThe meaning behind the lyrics and stagingWhether Eurovision is finally becoming “cool” againWhy Eurovision matters so much in DenmarkWhether you’re a longtime Eurovision fan or completely new to the contest, this episode explains why Eurovision is such a huge cultural event in Denmark — and why this year felt different.Listen to “Før vi går hjem”: https://youtu.be/dz6P3YTNG0M?si=Pgb8nhw2Bqj_3gy9Clara Sofie (guest):Spotify profile: LINKSongs I wrote: LINKSongs I wrote and produced: LINKInstagram: LINKFacebook: LINKLinkedIn: LINK Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustTopics: Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Eurovision, Denmark in Eurovision, Danish Musicians 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 157 | Why Does Everyone Hate Randers? Explaining Denmark's Most-Mocked City 05.05.2026 30m

  Randers has one of the strongest and strangest reputations in Denmark. But where does it actually come from?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad unpack the myths, stereotypes, and history behind Denmark’s sixth-largest city. From “Randers Champagne” to royal-approved gloves, we explore how a place can be both mocked and have a lot to be admired at the same time.Along the way, we share our own experiences, surprising facts, and the cultural reasons Danes love to joke about Randers.Is it fair… or just a really persistent meme?Referenced Episodes:Graceland Randers aka Memphis Mansion (Danish Copyright Fights)Himmelbjerget and Denmark's Highest PeaksDerek 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 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 156 | “You’re Welcome… But You Don’t Belong” Life in Denmark as an International 28.04.2026 45m

  A conversation about identity, moving abroad, and why belonging in Denmark isn’t always as simple as it seems.What does it really mean to belong, especially in a place like Denmark?In this episode, Derek sits down with French author and artist Aurélia Durand to talk about identity, moving abroad, and the often complicated reality of building a life in Denmark.Drawing from her memoir Belonging, Aurélia shares her journey growing up between Paris and La Réunion, and how living in Denmark forced her to confront deeper questions about who she is and where she fits.They explore:Why finding work and community in Denmark can feel harder than expectedThe hidden role of networks, language, and cultural “sameness”What it’s like to be included — but still feel like an outsiderThe tension between assimilation and staying true to yourselfAnd how living abroad can reshape your identity in ways you don’t expectAurélia also opens up about relationships across cultures, returning “home” and no longer fitting in, and how art became her way of processing it all.If you’ve ever struggled to feel at home in Denmark, or anywhere, this conversation will resonate.Aurélia Durand (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4ur3lia/Order Belonging: https://atelieraureliadurand.com/pages/instagramSee All of Aurélia's Work: https://www.aurelia-studio.com/Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 155 | Stuck in Limbo: Denmark’s Election and the Future for Internationals 21.04.2026 38m

  Denmark still doesn’t have a new government weeks after the election... so what’s going on, and what does it mean for internationals living here?In this episode Derek and Brooke break down the current political stalemate and why forming a government has been so difficult this time around. Featuring a short interview with Bernardo Basilici Menini, they explain where negotiations stand, who holds the power, and what could happen next.This episode also dives into what different coalition outcomes could mean for internationals in Denmark including: changes to citizenship rules, work permits, international students, deportation policies, integration, housing, and the cost of living.Whether you’re an expat, student, or planning to move to Denmark, this episode will help you understand how the election could impact your life here.🎙️ Topics covered:Why Denmark hasn’t formed a government yetThe role of Mette Frederiksen and Lars Løkke RasmussenCitizenship and immigration policy changesWork permits and international hiringStudent visas and staying after graduationDeportation and integration policiesHousing and cost of livingBernardo Basilici Menini (guest):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-basilici-meniniCopenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/author/bernardo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernie.basilicimenDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustSubscribe to The Copenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/subscription/Topics: Danish election, Denmark politics explained, expats in Denmark, coalition government, minority government, immigration policy Denmark, Nordic politics 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 154 | Public Failure, Danish Humor, and Creative Resilience (with Henrik Danielsen) 14.04.2026 30m

  Fail Publicly. Survive. Get Better. Repeat. Bombing on stage feels like dying, and that’s okay.Hosts Derek Hartman and Conrad Molden sit down with Danish stand-up comedian Henrik Danielsen to talk about failing in public and why it’s sometimes necessary to improve. Before becoming one of Denmark’s sharpest observational comics, Henrik spent years bombing and returning to the stage anyway.What begins as a comedy conversation turns into a mini therapy session on resilience, ego, and cultural expectations. They explore how failure shaped his craft, why Danish and international audiences react differently, and how self-deprecation works as both humor and social survival. This episode isn’t about overnight success. It’s about surviving awkwardness long enough to get better.➡️ Thank you to the sponsor of this episode: COOL ACCOUNTSDerek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkHenrik Danielsen - This One Time at Comedy Zoo - English Stand-up Comedyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBfnKriSXJQhttps://www.instagram.com/henrikcomedy 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares) 07.04.2026 39m

  Why is the F-word everywhere in Denmark - even around kids? Derek and Brooke unpack one of the biggest culture shocks for expats, from parenting dilemmas to why the word just doesn’t mean the same thing here.From hearing it in schoolyards, on the radio, and even at kids’ events… to navigating it as a parent, this conversation explores what happens when language, culture, and values collide.In this episode:Why the F-word doesn’t carry the same weight in DenmarkThe role of English as a second languageSubtitles vs dubbing and how media shapes languageParenting in a culture where swearing is everywhereDanish vs American attitudes toward “appropriate” languageA practical (and funny) guide to Danish swear wordsA special cameo from Conrad's Danglish 1 comedy specialIf you’re raising kids in Denmark or just trying to understand Danish culture, this episode will definitely make you think twice about what words really mean.➡️ Special thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Cool Accounts ApS: https://bit.ly/4doqdVcDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust📺 Watch Conrad's full Danglish Comedy Special (with the cursing joke): https://youtu.be/kgpp1a5Pn3o?si=4seE12n0Um8xrqi8 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 152 | Are You Annoying Your Danish Neighbors? (Live in Copenhagen) 31.03.2026 37m

  We’re live from Copenhagen’s Comedy Zoo 🎤In this special live episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, we break down the unspoken rules of Danish apartment living... and all the ways internationals accidentally get them wrong.From passive-aggressive laundry room notes and party etiquette to recycling confusion and noisy neighbors, this episode is packed with real stories, cultural insights, and plenty of laughs. Featuring a live audience and a panel of comedians, we even put it to a vote: who would you actually want as your neighbor?If you’ve ever lived in Denmark (or plan to), this episode might save you from your next awkward hallway encounter.🎧 Recorded LIVE at Comedy Zoo, Copenhagen.➡️ Thank you to our sponsor, Cool Accounts ApS: https://bit.ly/4doqdVcDharkshika Christopher (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharshika.christopherFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DharshikaChristopherComedyTickets: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/dharshika-christopherDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike999 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 151 | Denmark’s Election Is Over… So Why Isn’t There a Government Yet? 26.03.2026 34m

  Denmark just held an election… but the real story is what happens next.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark?, Derek and Brooke break down the results of the Danish election, and why forming a government might be more complicated than ever.With no clear majority between the “red” and “blue” blocs, everything now comes down to coalition building, political trade-offs, and one key role: the Royal Investigator.We’re joined by insights from Copenhagen Post editor-in-chief, Bernardo Basilici Menini, who explains:Why the math doesn’t work for an easy governmentWhat a “minority government” actually means (and why Denmark can have one)Which parties gained power and whyHow Danish politics may be shifting toward more personality-driven leadershipAnd the tough reality of where internationals fit into the political conversationIf you’ve ever been confused by Danish politics or wondered how this election affects your life here, this episode will help make sense of it.Because even if you can’t vote… it still matters.Topics: Danish election, Denmark politics explained, expats in Denmark, coalition government, minority government, immigration policy Denmark, Nordic politicsBernardo Basilici Menini (guest):LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-basilici-meniniCopenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/author/bernardo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernie.basilicimenDerek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustSubscribe to The Copenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/subscription/ 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 150 | From False Spring to Flat Hierarchies: Life in Denmark Explained 24.03.2026 33m

  In this special Q&A episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark?, Derek and Conrad answer your listener questions covering everything from dark winters and Danish workplace culture to raising multilingual kids and navigating cultural quirks.They share how they met (after a two-year missed message), what it’s really like getting through February in Denmark, and why “false spring” is both hopeful and cruel. The conversation dives into expat life challenges, including feeling isolated, adapting to flat hierarchies at work, and figuring out when to speak up or just take initiative.You’ll also hear honest advice on raising children across multiple languages and cultures, blending holiday traditions (yes, including a very surprising version of baby Jesus), and what internationals should actually expect before moving to Denmark.Whether you’re already living in Denmark or just curious about expat life, this episode is full of relatable stories, cultural insights, and plenty of laughs.➡️ A big thank you to our sponsor, Cool Accounts APS, for supporting this episode and helping make the show possible. If you’re navigating Danish taxes as an expat, be sure to check them out: https://bit.ly/4doqdVcThe YouTube video from the first time Derek and Conrad met: https://youtu.be/eZndUpBkoLs?si=r6V3nnX_LFSDWUWTDerek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 149 | Denmark’s Election Fuels a Growing Citizenship Debate 17.03.2026 39m

  Denmark is heading to the polls, but if you’re an international living here, there’s a good chance you won’t have a vote.In this episode, Derek Hartman breaks down the upcoming Danish national election and what it means for the hundreds of thousands of residents who live, work, and pay taxes in Denmark but cannot participate in the country’s parliamentary vote.Joining the conversation is Torben Alexander Klinger, founder of Project Vote Talk and a candidate for Venstre, who helps unpack how Danish elections work and why this snap election was called. They also discuss the growing debate around citizenship, the freezing of citizenship applications during the election period, and what that means for internationals waiting years to become eligible voters.The conversation explores a bigger question about democracy in Denmark: what does it mean to belong to a society if you can’t participate fully in its political system? With internationals making up nearly 17% of the population, the discussion highlights the tension between Denmark’s strict citizenship rules and its reliance on international workers.Even if you can’t vote in this election, understanding how the system works and the debates shaping it might help Denmark make a little more sense.Thank you to today's sponsor ➡️ Cool Accounts - your go-to service for expat taxes in DenmarkThorbern Klingert (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taklingert/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taklingert/Candidate Website: https://www.venstre.dk/personer/thorbern-alexander-klingertDerek Hartman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 148 | Feeling Lonely in Denmark? A Therapist Explains Why 10.03.2026 27m

  Moving abroad can be exciting, but it can also be lonely.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek speaks with therapist, coach, and author Lucy Vittrup Christensen about loneliness, why it affects so many internationals in Denmark, and what people can do to build real connection in a new culture.They explore the difference between being alone and being lonely, why cultural differences in Denmark can make friendships harder to build, and how feelings of isolation can sometimes lead people to withdraw even further.Lucy also shares practical strategies for reconnecting, from contributing to communities to embracing vulnerability and finding connection through shared activities and nature.If you’ve ever felt disconnected while living abroad, this conversation offers insight, reassurance, and practical ways to rebuild connection.Topics include:Why loneliness affects so many internationals in DenmarkThe difference between being alone and feeling lonelyCultural differences in social connection and friendshipWhy people sometimes withdraw when they feel isolatedHow vulnerability helps build stronger relationshipsPractical ways to find community in Denmark⚠️ This episode discusses loneliness and mental health. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider seeking professional help. Crisis resources are listed below.Key Mental Health Crisis Resources in Denmark:Livslinien (Lifeline): Phone 70 201 201 (open 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM daily) for suicide prevention and counseling.Psykiatrifonden (Mental Health Helpline): Phone 39 25 25 25 (Mon-Thu 10:00-22:00, Fri-Sun 10:00-18:00).BørneTelefonen: 11 61 11 (24/7 helpline for children and youth).Startlinjen: 35 36 26 00 (support for, life crises, 16:00-23:00).Regional Psychiatric Hotline: +45 78 47 04 70 (Central Denmark Region, 24/7)Lucy Vittrup Christensen (Guest)https://www.instagram.com/lucy_vittruphttps://www.facebook.com/lucy.vittrup.christensen/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/@brookeblackjust 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 147 | When Living Abroad Feels Like a Normal Part of Family Life 03.03.2026 39m

  When distance doesn’t weaken family bonds. Living abroad doesn’t automatically pull families apart. This episode flips the usual story about adult children moving overseas. Instead of loss or rupture, Conrad and his mom Jane talk about what happens when living abroad becomes normal for a family. Their relationship was already shaped by travel, mobility, and independence long before Denmark entered the picture. Over time, they’ve adapted through frequent visits, immersive time together, everyday technology, and a shared openness to seeing life from different places. The conversation explores how closeness can be redesigned rather than lost, and how family life can stretch across countries without becoming fragile or distant. For listeners living abroad long term, or thinking about it, this episode offers reassurance without pretending distance is effortless.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 146 | What's Covered in Denmark's Healthcare System? A Real Talk Q&A 24.02.2026 38m

  How does the Danish healthcare system really work? When should you call 1813? Can you get a second opinion? And what happens if you show up at the ER?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke welcome back Emma Grint, Dr. Mum-for-Kids, to answer your listener questions about healthcare in Denmark.We cover:Visitors’ access to healthcare in DenmarkEmergency vs. non-emergency care (112 vs. 1813)How to get a second opinionChanging your GP (family doctor)Wait times and specialist referralsWhat’s covered under universal healthcare in DenmarkMental health and psychiatry waitlistsPregnancy and birth in Denmark (midwife-led care, epidurals, C-sections)Patient advocacy in the Danish systemIf you’re an expat or international living in Denmark, this episode will help you understand your rights, your options, and how to navigate the system with confidence.💬 Have more questions? Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidEmma:https://www.doctormumforkids.com/instagram.com/doctormumforkidsemail: hello@doctormumforkids.comDerek 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 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 145 | Should Working Out Be Taxed? Why Denmark Just Made Gyms More Expensive 17.02.2026 56m

  Denmark added 25% VAT to gym memberships and personal training, and it’s already changing the fitness landscape. In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Annie sit down with personal trainer and educator Mikkel Valgreen to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who’s most affected.The change stems from an EU classification that defines fitness services as “commercial” rather than healthcare. That means higher prices for gym memberships, personal training, and classes while taxes on things like sugar and alcohol are being reduced.We break down:Why the VAT was introducedHow gyms and trainers are respondingWho is exempt (and who isn’t)The political debate around whether fitness should count as healthcareWhat it means for Denmark’s long-term public healthPlus, Mikkel shares practical advice for actually sticking to your fitness goals in 2026 without burning out by the end of February.If you live in Denmark, work in fitness, or just care about how policy affects your daily life, this episode is for you.Mikkel Valgreen (guest):https://www.mikkelvalgreenpt.dk/https://www.instagram.com/valgreen_pt 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 144 | Denmark’s Highest Mountain Explained, and Why People Think It’s Himmelbjerg 10.02.2026 29m

  Denmark’s Highest Point Isn’t the Point. Denmark doesn’t have mountains, but it’s residents do have opinions about hills. Strong ones. Derek and Conrad are here to unpack why a modest hill called Himmelbjerg became one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, even though it’s not the country’s highest point. Along the way, they explore how definitions, measurements, and perspective shape what we think is true and why a flat country spends so much time debating elevation. The story reveals more than geography. It offers a window into Danish humor, identity, and the quiet art of not taking yourself too seriously. Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 143 | What Is Fastelavn? Denmark’s Weirdest Winter Tradition 03.02.2026 28m

  If you’re in Denmark in February, you’ll probably notice children in costumes, wooden barrels being hit with bats, and an alarming number of cream-filled buns in every bakery window. That’s Fastelavn, one of Denmark’s most beloved and confusing traditions.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you should expect as an international living in Denmark. From its roots as the Northern European version of Carnival, to historic Fastelavn processions, children singing for treats, and the very strange tradition of “hitting the cat out of the barrel,” we explain how this holiday evolved and why it still matters today.We also talk about Fastelavn songs, costumes, and most importantly fastelavnsboller, the cream-filled buns that quietly turn February into Denmark’s sweetest month.Whether you’re new to Denmark or just wondering why everyone suddenly cares so much about pastries, this episode will help Fastelavn make a little more sense.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/@brookeblackjustReferenced:Check out Ilana Buhl for fastelavnsboller contenthttps://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charmhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charm 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: hello@robe-trotting.com👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.👀 More living in Denmark tips:https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.