What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Hosted by Derek Hartman

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163

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Jun 2026

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About the show

What are You Doing in Denmark is the podcast that helps you make Denmark makes sense. The name is inspired by " hvad laver du i Danmark, " one of the most-asked questions of foreigners living amongst the Danes. This show delivers a blend of education, entertainment, and virtual group therapy from your hosts Derek Hartman, Conrad Molden, Brooke Black, and Mike Walsh. The WAYDID crew have been living in Denmark for years. They've been through all the ups and downs of living abroad and adjusting to the Danish lifestyle. Their stories spare no detail about fitting in, and not fitting in as foreigners in Denmark. The show keeps things light, positive, often hilarious - and always real. Besides their personal trials and triumphs, you can expect wonderful guests who share their knowledge and enrich the dialogue. Fellow internationals from all walks of life and corners of the globe frequent the podcast - even some Danes have been known to stop by for a yap. Authors, musicians, comedians, actors, and more share their knowledge, advice, and experiences on What Are You Doing in Denmark, the podcast that helps you make Denmark make sense . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 16, 202631 min

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

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 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/Topics discussed:Denmark's LGBTQ+ history and legacyWhy Pride remains relevant todayConversion therapy and legal protectionsTrans and intersex rights in DenmarkLGBTQ+ asylum seekersPride beyond CopenhagenRecent challenges across EuropeCopenhagen Pride and Pride Month events 🎟️ 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.

June 9, 202631 min

162 | Denmark Has a New Government. What Changes for Internationals?

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.

June 2, 202642 min

161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark

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.

May 26, 202623 min

160 | Why So Many Internationals Leave Denmark (Even After Landing the Dream Job)

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.

May 19, 202648 min

159 | Why Denmark Is OBSESSED With Summer Festivals

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.

May 12, 202636 min

158 | How Denmark Became a Eurovision Favorite Again | Clara Sofie Fabricius on “Før vi går hjem”

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.

May 5, 202630 min

157 | Why Does Everyone Hate Randers? Explaining Denmark's Most-Mocked City

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.

April 28, 202645 min

156 | “You’re Welcome… But You Don’t Belong” Life in Denmark as an International

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.

April 21, 202638 min

155 | Stuck in Limbo: Denmark’s Election and the Future for Internationals

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.

April 14, 202630 min

154 | Public Failure, Danish Humor, and Creative Resilience (with Henrik Danielsen)

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.