What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Hosted by Derek Hartman

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174

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Aug 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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60 recent

September 8, 202631 min

Denmark’s Immigration Debate Is Moving Further Right | 175

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 Denmark How the Green Tripartite agreement set up a clash between farmers, environmental priorities, and the government Why Venstre MPs rebelled against their own party line, and what that says about internal party pressure How the Spain-Morocco border crisis became a Danish political flashpoint Why Mette Frederiksen’s hardline immigration stance is gaining allies, but also stirring backlash What’s behind the freeze on Danish citizenship and why more than 2,000 approved applicants are still waiting Where the new international workforce visa law fits into Denmark’s broader labor and immigration debate Jonas 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.laursen5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasblaursen 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

September 1, 202632 min

What to Expect at a Danish Wedding (part 2) with Kriti Prajipati | 174

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 wear why gifts can range from cash to very personal, very unexpected choices how Danish weddings differ from Indian, Hungarian, and mixed-culture celebrations why speeches, songs, and staged performances can stretch a Danish dinner into an all-night affair the rituals - from kissing customs to sock cutting - that can catch first-timers off guard More of Kriti: Tickets for Kriti's show at Up Festival: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/kriti-prajapati Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriticalcomedy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KritiPrajapati Other WAYDID episodes with Kriti: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjczMjdkOWE0N2JmOTIwNTRlMDZkN2Nm 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 25, 202630 min

What to Expect at a Danish Wedding (part 1) with Kriti Prajapati | 173

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 party Why speeches can feel like a full-on variety show The strange but important rules around kissing the groom, standing on chairs, and going under the table What not to wear, what to bring, and how gifts actually work How Indian weddings handle timing, rituals, guests, and the infamous shoe-stealing tradition Kriti 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-prajapati Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriticalcomedy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KritiPrajapati Other WAYDID episodes with Kriti: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjczMjdkOWE0N2JmOTIwNTRlMDZkN2Nm 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 18, 202648 min

Does Culture Shock Ever REALLY End? | 172

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 Denmark Danish School vs International School More Episodes with Brooke Fossey: How to Develop a Danish Language Mindset An American Goes to Folkemøde 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 11, 202626 min

How Copenhagen Pride Built a Free 30-Year Movement | 171

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

August 4, 202643 min

Denmark Has Political Scandals Too (Part 2) - with Jonas Laursen | 170

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.laursen5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasblaursen 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 28, 202643 min

Denmark Has Political Scandals Too (Part 1) - with Jonas Laursen | 169

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 fallout The 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 Democrats How politicians navigate social media—owning their mistakes or fueling new scandals The unexpected impact of personal issues—ranging from love lives to drug scandals—on political careers The peculiar Danish election system that allows outsider candidates to challenge traditional party politics Why even scandals involving legal gray areas become magnified in Denmark’s unique political culture Why 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.laursen5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jonasblaursen 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 21, 202634 min

Having a Baby in Denmark: What Will Surprise You Most | 168

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 testing Giving birth in English at a Danish hospital Epidurals, laughing gas, and birth plans Going home with your newborn (much sooner than many Americans expect) The home nurse who visits after birth Denmark's generous parental leave and why it changes everything If 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/Njg5NGU3MGQ4NmZjYTEzNjI4MTUxMWFm Hear her story of moving to Denmark for love: https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/Njg1ZDRlYTE0NzMxMWRlMWI2ZWUzMmY1 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 14, 202634 min

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

What exactly is Folkemødet, and why do thousands of Danes travel to a small island every June to attend it? In this episode, Derek Hartman and Brooke Black are joined by returning guest Brooke Fossey (@NearlyDanishDame) to explore one of Denmark's most fascinating democratic traditions. Brooke Fossey attended this year's Folkemødet through the Wildcard program, giving her a unique perspective as an American living in Denmark. Together, the three unpack what Folkemødet actually is, why it exists, and whether it really succeeds in bringing ordinary citizens together with politicians, journalists, businesses, and organizations. Along the way, they discuss Danish political culture, civic engagement, the Wildcard program, and what surprised Brooke most about experiencing Denmark's annual democracy festival firsthand. She's left with a question often discussed and debated, but never really answered - what does it mean to be Danish? Whether you've never heard of Folkemødet or you've always wondered if it's worth attending, this episode will help you make Denmark and Danish democracy make sense. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 7, 202635 min

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

Most people think sending someone to space is something only governments or billionaires can do. In Denmark, a group of volunteers disagrees. In this episode, Derek and Conrad are joined by Jørn Skyt, from Copenhagen Suborbitals, the volunteer-run organization working to become the first amateur team in the world to launch a human into space. We talk about how nearly 80 volunteers from all walks of life - engineers and welders to artists and teachers - are building rockets in their spare time, one ambitious step at a time. This episode is about more than rockets, it highlights one of Denmark's most unique cultural strengths: the power of foreninger (voluntary associations), trust, and the freedom for ordinary people to pursue extraordinary ideas together. Along the way we discuss: 🚀 Why Copenhagen Suborbitals exists 🇩🇰 How Danish association culture makes a project like this possible ⚙️ What it actually takes to build a rocket on a volunteer budget 🌍 Why people from around the world contribute to the project 👨‍🚀 Who will eventually become Denmark's first amateur astronaut Learn more about Copenhagen Suborbitals, support their work, or book their workshop tour through the links below: Website: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/ Tours: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/394401 Support: https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/support-us/ 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F 📢 Send your questions and/or comments. voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid email: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com 👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast. 👀 More living in Denmark tips: https://instagram.com/waydidpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.