What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Episodes

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  Is it Danish Humor or Just Bullying? 03.11.2026 31m

  When does a joke stop being funny and start becoming bullying?Derek and Conrad are joined by fellow-comedian, Neil Fitzpatrick to talk about the controversy surrounding Danish comedian Rasmus Wallbridge and TV 2’s Alle elsker Rasmus. The program convinced him he was making his dream film for four months, with nearly 150 people helping keep the elaborate deception alive. After a wave of criticism, TV 2 pulled the programme and apologized.But there's a bigger conversation here than one controversial television show.What makes Danish humor so distinctive? Is taking the piss a sign of affection, or can the expectation to laugh along sometimes push things too far? And what happens when everyone is in on the joke except the person it's about?We also explore Denmark's famously flat hierarchy and consensus culture. When everyone is supposedly equal, does responsibility sometimes become so diffused that nobody feels accountable? And is there a difference between having the freedom to speak up and actually feeling comfortable being the person who does?From workplace banter and Janteloven to groupthink and the fine line between comedy and cruelty, we unpack what this story might reveal about Danish culture and what internationals can learn from it.See Derek, Conrad, and Neil for a night of English Standup Comedy in Copenhagen on 26th November ➡️ TICKETSSign up to get Conrad's King Carrot special on 15/December: https://conradmolden.dkNeil Fitzpatrick (guest)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilfitzcomedy/🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Can I Be Friends With My Colleagues in Denmark? 27.10.2026 22m

  Is it possible to become friends with your colleagues in Denmark, or are work friendships strictly a Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-4 arrangement?This week on What Are You Doing in Denmark?, Derek and Brooke tackle a question many internationals in Denmark have probably wondered about: Why does everyone seem to disappear the second the workday ends? And is it weird to ask a Danish coworker to grab a beer, just the two of you?We discuss Friday bars, Danish work-life balance, the unwritten rules of workplace socializing, and why company outings don't always translate into actual friendships. We also compare the spontaneity of American happy hours with Denmark's more scheduled approach to social life.Plus, if you've ever felt rejected when a Danish colleague didn't take you up on an invitation, we have some advice: it might not be personal.So, should you ask that coworker out for a beer? Yes! Just be prepared to adjust your expectations, respect people's boundaries, and remember that making friends as an international takes time.Have a question about life in Denmark? Send us a DM, leave a comment, or send us a voice message. We love hearing from you!Chapters:00:00 – Can You Be Friends With Your Colleagues in Denmark?00:38 – The Question: Why Does Everyone Leave at 4 PM?01:19 – Danish Work-Life Balance and the School Pickup Schedule02:25 – Friday Bars: A Culture Shock for Internationals04:06 – Why Doesn't Anyone Want to Go Out After Work?05:06 – The Unwritten Social Contract of Danish Workplaces06:48 – Are You Missing Out If You Skip Friday Bar?07:06 – Julefrokost, Company Parties and Workplace Bonding08:10 – Does Drinking With Colleagues Actually Make You Friends?09:39 – Keeping Work Friendships Separate From Real Life10:19 – Do Danish Colleagues Actually Want to Hang Out?11:04 – Can You Make Friends With Danish Coworkers?11:51 – American Happy Hours vs. Danish Social Life13:48 – Is It Weird to Make Plans With Just One or Two Colleagues?15:06 – Do Company Outings Actually Help You Bond?15:29 – The DHL Relay: Team Building or Just a Run?16:50 – Adjusting Your Expectations When Moving to Denmark17:29 – Should You Keep Asking If a Colleague Says No?19:39 – Danish Work-Life Balance and Personal Boundaries20:36 – Can You Be Your Whole Self Around Coworkers?21:08 – Our Advice: Go Ahead and Ask Them for a Beer21:51 – Send Us Your Questions About Life in Denmark🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Where Are You REALLY From? Growing Up a Refugee in Denmark with Lena Rexhepi | 181 20.10.2026 37m

  What does it mean to grow up in Denmark and still be treated like a foreigner?In this episode, Derek sits down with Lena Rexhepi, who arrived in Denmark from Kosovo as a nine-year-old refugee in 1999. Now the author of But Where Are You Really From? Foreign There, Foreign Here: From Kosovo to Denmark, Lena shares her story of fleeing war, rebuilding her life, and navigating what it means to belong to two places without always feeling completely at home in either.Lena opens up about the lasting impact of childhood displacement, the changing political rhetoric around refugees and immigrants in Denmark, and the everyday experiences of racism and othering that can follow you even when you've grown up here, learned the language, and built a successful career.From having to explain her name in professional meetings to confronting assumptions about her background on dates and at dinner parties, Lena explores how seemingly innocent questions can carry deeper messages about who belongs. She also shares what she genuinely loves about Danish culture, the differences she sees between Denmark and Kosovo, and why identity doesn't always fit neatly into one box.This is a conversation about migration, identity, resilience, and the difference between living in a country and feeling at home in it.In this episode:What Lena remembers about fleeing the Kosovo War as a childHow Denmark welcomed her family — and how her experience changed as she grew upWhy “Where are you really from?” can be a loaded questionRacism, stereotypes, and being othered in everyday lifeNavigating identity, dating, names, and professional life in DenmarkWhat Lena appreciates about Danish culture, despite its contradictionsWhat it means to be told to “go back home” when you're not sure where home isLena's memoir is But Where Are You Really From? Foreign There, Foreign Here: From Kosovo to DenmarkOrder it here: https://lenarexhepi.com/about-the-book/Chapters00:00 Introduction01:01 Lena's story: From Kosovo to Denmark02:01 Fleeing the Kosovo War04:19 Writing about childhood trauma06:14 Finding refuge in Denmark09:00 Denmark's changing attitudes toward refugees11:24 Everyday racism and stereotypes12:16 Being judged by your background15:56 The subtle ways we make people feel like outsiders16:08 Having to explain your name18:00 Choosing a name that fits in20:20 How othering affects dating and relationships23:46 Living between Danish and Albanian identities24:10 What Lena appreciates about Danish culture26:07 Danish directness vs. Albanian warmth29:00 Identity, labels, and the meaning of belonging32:00 Being told to “go back home”34:24 Class, privilege, and belonging within Denmark35:37 What Lena would tell her nine-year-old self🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Why Is It So Hard to Relax in Denmark? | 180 13.10.2026 30m

  Denmark is supposed to be good at work-life balance. Five weeks of paid vacation, a culture that encourages you to switch off, and a whole summer when it feels like the country collectively disappears. So why is it still so hard to relax?This week, Derek and Brooke talk about the work habits they brought with them to Denmark, and the ways they've struggled to leave them behind. From hoarding vacation days and working through the summer shutdown to overloading a holiday with so many activities that it stops being relaxing, they unpack what it actually takes to slow down.They also get into the unwritten rules of Danish workplace culture, why working longer doesn't necessarily mean working better, and whether ambition and standing out can sometimes clash with the Danish preference for fitting in. Along the way, they answer a listener's question about navigating expectations, office humor, and career goals as an international employee.Because sometimes, learning to make Denmark make sense means learning when to close your laptop and leave it closed.In this episode:Why Americans and other internationals can struggle with Denmark's work-life balanceWhat to do with those five weeks of paid vacation (and why you should actually use them)How the Danish summer shutdown affects work and planningWhy filling your free time with activities isn't always the same as relaxingThe unwritten rules of Danish workplace cultureAmbition, productivity, and the pressure to fit inHave a story about learning to switch off in Denmark? We'd love to hear it. Get in touch through our SpeakPipe!🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Convenience vs. Community: A Very Danish Debate | 179 06.10.2026 25m

  What if the problem with modern convenience is that it works too well? Comedians Anders Morgenstierne and Jefferson Bond join Derek to unpack why Denmark can feel slow, strange, and even inconvenient at first, and why that might actually be the point.Sparked by a question from a YouTube viewer, the conversation explores the trade-offs behind on-demand delivery, apps, and round-the-clock convenience.Along the way, the trio shares stories about potato week, delivery work, package mishaps, and the eye-watering cost of Danish taxis. Beneath the jokes about Spider-Man, Amazon, and a very suspicious Titanic theory, there’s a thoughtful question: when everything becomes effortless, what do we lose? This episode is for anyone living in Denmark, considering a move, or curious about the balance between convenience, community, and how we treat the people who make our deliveries possible.Anders Morgenstierne:Get tickets for Anders's Show HEREInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersmorgenstierneTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andersmorgenstierneJefferson Bond:Get tickets for Jeff's Show HEREInstagram: https://instagram.com/jeffersonbondcomedy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/jeffersonbondcomedyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson.A.Bond/00:00 — The convenience question from a YouTube viewer00:30 — Meet comedians Annis Moynstein and Jefferson Bond01:27 — Is Denmark inconvenient—or just different?01:46 — Potato break and the convenience of doing things yourself03:51 — The hidden human cost of instant delivery05:14 — Spider-Man, responsibility, and a delivery detour06:38 — Amazon, instant gratification, and wanting more07:59 — What happens when we stop going out?09:51 — Delivery work, schedules, and who pays the price11:20 — Courier stories from the night shift13:38 — Package pickups, secondhand shopping, and delivery doubts16:54 — DIY culture and why slower services may benefit workers17:52 — The Danish taxi-price rant19:13 — A comic detour into Irish stereotypes and Titanic theories23:20 — Up Festival show mentions and the final thought🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Why Don’t My Danish Friends Invite Me Over? Making Friends in Denmark | 178 29.09.2026 28m

  Why do Danish friends sometimes seem reluctant to invite you into their homes?This week, we answer a listener question from a Lebanese expat in Copenhagen who loves hosting dinners for friends but rarely gets invited back by their Danish friends. Is it a Danish cultural difference, a question of friendship groups, or simply a matter of personality?Derek, Conrad and returning guest, Kriti Prajapati talk about hosting, Danish friendship circles, language barriers, cultural references, social media FOMO, getting rejected by friends, and why building friendships in Denmark can sometimes require a little more intention.Plus: how to actually spend time with your Danish friends outside the usual group setting and our increasingly questionable advice for getting a Dane to invite you over.More of Kriti:Tickets for Kriti's show at Up Festival: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/kriti-prajapatiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriticalcomedy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KritiPrajapatiOther WAYDID episodes with Kriti: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjczMjdkOWE0N2JmOTIwNTRlMDZkN2Nm00:00 Welcome to WAYDID + Kriti returns00:43 Why don’t my Danish friends invite me over?02:15 Is Danish hosting actually different?04:38 The language barrier nobody thinks about08:37 Why cultural references matter in friendship11:45 Danish friends already have established friend groups13:32 Social media makes feeling left out worse14:02 Should you mix Danish and international friends?17:25 Are Danes less spontaneous about socializing?19:19 Do Danes have different kinds of friends?21:37 When should you stop trying with a friend?22:38 Is this just a Copenhagen thing?23:05 Why Danes schedule doing nothing23:55 How to actually get closer to Danish friends25:20 How to make a Dane invite you over26:48 Maybe it’s not a Danish problem27:56 Kriti’s comedy festival show28:46 Thanks for listening!🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Is Denmark Really Open-Minded? A Listener Asked. We Answered | 177 22.09.2026 31m

  Is Denmark really as open-minded and progressive as it seems, or is Danish culture also deeply conformist? In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek Hartman is joined by Anders Morgenstierne and Jefferson Bond to answer a listener’s question about fitting in, Danish social norms, and the tension between individuality and conformity in Denmark.The conversation explores Janteloven, Danish humor, high-trust society, quiet zones, public behavior, supermarkets, Copenhagen vs. the Danish countryside, and what it can feel like to experience Denmark as an outsider. Plus, plenty of discussion about the strange little cultural rules that make Denmark both incredibly comfortable and occasionally confusing for internationals.Anders Morgenstierne:Get tickets for Anders's Show HEREInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andersmorgenstierneTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andersmorgenstierneJefferson Bond:Get tickets for Jeff's Show HEREInstagram: https://instagram.com/jeffersonbondcomedy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/jeffersonbondcomedyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson.A.Bond/00:00 Intro: Is Denmark Really Progressive?01:07 Meet Anas & Jefferson02:03 A Listener Asks: Why Is Denmark So Conformist?03:05 The Danish Supermarket Experience04:38 Progressive Denmark vs. Conformist Denmark06:02 How Denmark Makes You Soft07:00 Is Denmark Really That Progressive?08:14 The Pressure to “Fit In”09:15 The Danish Social Rulebook10:03 Why We Love the Quiet Zone12:00 Danish Train Etiquette13:00 Don’t Play Music Out Loud on Public Transport14:01 The Velcro Shoe Defense14:55 Is It Conformity or Danish Culture?16:01 High Trust Society & Following the Rules17:01 Denmark Is a Quokka18:02 Janteloven: Taking People Down a Peg19:03 Copenhagen vs. the Danish Countryside20:01 The Great Nykøbing Debate21:02 Speaking Danish & Trying to Fit In22:06 Can You Be Yourself in Denmark?23:04 Is There a Middle Ground?24:01 Why Danish Supermarkets Feel So Different26:00 Netto, Self-Checkout & Danish Efficiency27:00 “Uniform and Joyless”28:02 When Danish Systems Break29:04 The Joy of Supermarkets Abroad30:01 The Final Verdict for Marcus30:37 Up Festival & Where to Find the Guests🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  The Reality of Being an International Student in Denmark | 176 15.09.2026 33m

  What’s it really like to move to Denmark from the US to study and then try to build a career here?In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke talk with Jose Marquez, who moved from Texas to Denmark to study wind energy at DTU. Three years later, he’s finished his master’s, built a life in Copenhagen, grown a following by sharing things to do around the city… and faced the much harder question: Can I actually find a job in Denmark and stay?Jose takes us through the reality of studying in Denmark as an international student, from the surprisingly social university experience and international student community to Danish teaching styles, group projects, Friday bars, campus food and the cultural differences between studying in Denmark and the US.We also get into the transition from university to the Danish workforce: job-search visas, networking, Danish CVs and interviews, how much Danish you actually need to get hired, student assistant jobs, career fairs and the importance of having work experience before moving.Get inspired by Jose in this episode as he shares that one of the biggest things Denmark taught him is that “if I want to, I can.”Share this episode with anyone considering studying in Denmark, wondering what happens after graduation, or simply curious about what it's like to build a life here as an international.Find Jose:https://www.instagram.com/ihad.tolaugh/https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtolaugh🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Denmark’s Immigration Debate Is Moving Further Right | 175 08.09.2026 31m

  Danish politics was anything but sleepy this summer. From a farmer revolt over fertilization rules to a high-stakes immigration showdown and a citizenship freeze that could leave thousands in limbo, this episode breaks down the summers biggest political stories that internationals in Denmark cannot afford to miss.Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh welcome back Danish politics YouTuber, Jonas Laursen, the conversation cuts through the headlines to explain what is actually happening now that Parliament is back in session. Jonas unpacks why the so-called cucumber time never really arrived this year, and why the biggest political fights are only just heating up.You’ll discover:Why the new fertilization law has triggered tractor protests across DenmarkHow the Green Tripartite agreement set up a clash between farmers, environmental priorities, and the governmentWhy Venstre MPs rebelled against their own party line, and what that says about internal party pressureHow the Spain-Morocco border crisis became a Danish political flashpointWhy Mette Frederiksen’s hardline immigration stance is gaining allies, but also stirring backlashWhat’s behind the freeze on Danish citizenship and why more than 2,000 approved applicants are still waitingWhere the new international workforce visa law fits into Denmark’s broader labor and immigration debateJonas also explains the strange political spiral around immigration in Denmark, where Social Democrats, the Danish People’s Party, and other right-wing forces keep pushing the debate further in one direction while the practical consequences land on real people - including internationals who have already done everything required of them to become citizens.On a brighter note: Jonas shares news about The Danish Dispatch, his new English-language project launching 1 October, designed to give internationals the context Danish news often leaves out. You can find more on his social media below:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjonaslaursen/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonas.laursen5YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasblaursen🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  What to Expect at a Danish Wedding (part 2) with Kriti Prajipati | 174 01.09.2026 32m

  Danish weddings have rules, rituals, and surprises most outsiders never see - and Indian weddings have their own glorious chaos. Kriti Prajippati returns to share what actually happens when cultures, ceremonies, and expectations collide, from gift etiquette and dress codes to the tiny traditions that can leave you completely lost. Kriti - comedian, content creator, and host favorite - also reveals how living in Denmark for nine years shaped her new solo show, debuting at the UP Festival in Copenhagen this October. Along the way, the conversation gets wonderfully specific: the midnight timing of some Indian weddings, the Danish custom of speeches and songs, the infamous sock-cutting tradition, and the awkward reality of trying to navigate it all as an international guest.You’ll discover:what to wear to a Danish wedding, and what not to wearwhy gifts can range from cash to very personal, very unexpected choiceshow Danish weddings differ from Indian, Hungarian, and mixed-culture celebrationswhy speeches, songs, and staged performances can stretch a Danish dinner into an all-night affairthe rituals - from kissing customs to sock cutting - that can catch first-timers off guardMore of Kriti:Tickets for Kriti's show at Up Festival: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/kriti-prajapatiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriticalcomedy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KritiPrajapatiOther WAYDID episodes with Kriti: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjczMjdkOWE0N2JmOTIwNTRlMDZkN2Nm🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  What to Expect at a Danish Wedding (part 1) with Kriti Prajapati | 173 25.08.2026 30m

  Danish weddings have rules, rituals, and a lot more kissing than you think. Indian weddings have fire, midnight ceremonies, and enough momentum to leave everyone exhausted before sunrise. Kriti Prajapati joins Derek Hartman and Conrad Molden to compare the two, and the result is equal parts culture shock, comedy, and genuinely useful advice for anyone attending a wedding in Denmark. Kriti is a comedian, content creator, and longtime Copenhagen insider who brings her own cross-cultural wedding stories to the table, from a wedding where she brought a very personal gift to the bride, to the Danish traditions that caught her completely off guard. If you are headed to a Danish wedding, living in Denmark, or just love hearing how the same milestone can look wildly different across cultures, this one is packed with the kind of details you only learn by being there.You'll discover:What to expect from a Danish wedding ceremony, dinner, and partyWhy speeches can feel like a full-on variety showThe strange but important rules around kissing the groom, standing on chairs, and going under the tableWhat not to wear, what to bring, and how gifts actually workHow Indian weddings handle timing, rituals, guests, and the infamous shoe-stealing traditionKriti also shares stories from performing comedy at Danish and international weddings, teaching Bollywood dance, and building a new solo show for the UP Festival in Copenhagen. Along the way, you\ll laugh through hilarious comparisons of how different cultures celebrate, flirt, host, and overcomplicate a very happy day. Essential listening if you have a Danish wedding on your calendar, love cross-cultural comedy, or want the inside track on what really happens once the invitations go out.More of Kriti:Tickets for Kriti's show at Up Festival: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/kriti-prajapatiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriticalcomedy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KritiPrajapatiOther WAYDID episodes with Kriti: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjczMjdkOWE0N2JmOTIwNTRlMDZkN2Nm🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Does Culture Shock Ever REALLY End? | 172 18.08.2026 48m

  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🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  How Copenhagen Pride Built a Free 30-Year Movement | 171 11.08.2026 26m

  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/🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Denmark Has Political Scandals Too (Part 2) - with Jonas Laursen | 170 04.08.2026 43m

  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🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Denmark Has Political Scandals Too (Part 1) - with Jonas Laursen | 169 28.07.2026 43m

  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🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Having a Baby in Denmark: What Will Surprise You Most | 168 21.07.2026 34m

  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🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  What Happens When an American Goes to Denmark's Democracy Festival? | 167 14.07.2026 34m

  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.🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Wait... Denmark Has an Amateur Space Program? | 166 07.07.2026 35m

  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/🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  Is Dating a Dane Really This Hard? | 165 30.06.2026 20m

  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.🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.
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  What Danes Wish Internationals Knew: The Best Advice We've Gotten About Living in Denmark | 164 23.06.2026 27m

  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)🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.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.