What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Derek Hartman

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.

  1. 155 | Stuck in Limbo: Denmark’s Election and the Future for Internationals

    4 DAYS AGO

    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 living Bernardo Basilici Menini (guest): LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-basilici-menini Copenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/author/bernardo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernie.basilicimen Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting Brooke Black: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust Subscribe 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 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    39 min
  2. 154 | Public Failure, Danish Humor, and Creative Resilience (with Henrik Danielsen)

    14 APR

    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 ACCOUNTS Derek Hartman:  https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk  https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk www.facebook.com/robetrotting Conrad Molden: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedy https://youtube.com/c/conradmolden https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden  https://facebook.com/conradmolden https://www.conradmolden.dk Henrik Danielsen - This One Time at Comedy Zoo - English Stand-up Comedyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBfnKriSXJQ https://www.instagram.com/henrikcomedy 🎟️ Come see the show in person! See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    30 min
  3. 153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares)

    7 APR

    153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares)

    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 special If 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/4doqdVc Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting Brooke Black: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust https://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 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    40 min
  4. 152 | Are You Annoying Your Danish Neighbors? (Live in Copenhagen)

    31 MAR

    152 | Are You Annoying Your Danish Neighbors? (Live in Copenhagen)

    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/4doqdVc Dharkshika Christopher (guest): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharshika.christopher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DharshikaChristopherComedy Tickets: https://upfestival.dk/om/komikere/dharshika-christopher Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting Conrad Molden: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedy https://youtube.com/c/conradmolden https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden  https://facebook.com/conradmolden https://www.conradmolden.dk Brooke Black: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust Mike 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 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    38 min
  5. 151 | Denmark’s Election Is Over… So Why Isn’t There a Government Yet?

    26 MAR

    151 | Denmark’s Election Is Over… So Why Isn’t There a Government Yet?

    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 politics Bernardo Basilici Menini (guest): LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardo-basilici-menini Copenhagen Post: https://cphpost.dk/author/bernardo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernie.basilicimen Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting Brooke Black: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust 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 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    35 min
  6. 150 | From False Spring to Flat Hierarchies: Life in Denmark Explained

    24 MAR

    150 | From False Spring to Flat Hierarchies: Life in Denmark Explained

    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/4doqdVc The YouTube video from the first time Derek and Conrad met: https://youtu.be/eZndUpBkoLs?si=r6V3nnX_LFSDWUWT Derek Hartman:  https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk  https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk www.facebook.com/robetrotting Conrad Molden: https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedy https://youtube.com/c/conradmolden https://tiktok.com/@conradmolden  https://facebook.com/conradmolden https://www.conradmolden.dk 🎟️ Come see the show in person! See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    34 min
  7. 149 | Denmark’s Election Fuels a Growing Citizenship Debate

    17 MAR

    149 | Denmark’s Election Fuels a Growing Citizenship Debate

    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 Denmark Thorbern Klingert (guest): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taklingert/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taklingert/ Candidate Website: https://www.venstre.dk/personer/thorbern-alexander-klingert Derek Hartman:  Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting 🎟️ Come see the show in person! See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    39 min
  8. 148 | Feeling Lonely in Denmark? A Therapist Explains Why

    10 MAR

    148 | Feeling Lonely in Denmark? A Therapist Explains Why

    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_vittrup https://www.facebook.com/lucy.vittrup.christensen/ Derek Hartman:  https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk  https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk www.facebook.com/robetrotting Brooke Black: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust 🎟️ Come see the show in person! See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00 Tickets 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/waydid email: 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.

    28 min

Trailer

About

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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