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. 165 | Is Dating a Dane Really This Hard?

    hace 13 h

    165 | Is Dating a Dane Really This Hard?

    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 difference As 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. 📺 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.

    20 min
  2. 164 | What Danes Wish Internationals Knew: The Best Advice We've Gotten About Living in Denmark

    23 jun

    164 | What Danes Wish Internationals Knew: The Best Advice We've Gotten About Living in Denmark

    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 Denmark Why having Danish friends matters Learning Danish (and why it's worth the effort) Navigating apps, MitID, e-Boks, and bureaucracy Janteloven and the fear of standing out Why your weird interests might be your greatest asset Featured guests: Sofie Hagen Cecilia Bau Mathias Bach Steven Feraru Links 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) 📺 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.

    28 min
  3. 163 | Why Pride Still Matters in Denmark: How Far We've Come and What's Left to Do

    16 jun

    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 📺 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.

    31 min
  4. 162 | Denmark Has a New Government. What Changes for Internationals?

    9 jun

    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/ 📺 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.

    31 min
  5. 161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark

    2 jun

    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 scene Have a question about life in Denmark? Send us a message and it might become a future episode. 📺 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.

    42 min
  6. 160 | Why So Many Internationals Leave Denmark (Even After Landing the Dream Job)

    26 may

    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.dk Mentioned Resopurces: Copenhagen CapacityInternational House CopenhagenGo to SønderborgKalundborg MunicipalitySIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration)Life in Denmark 📺 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.

    24 min
  7. 159 | Why Denmark Is OBSESSED With Summer Festivals

    19 may

    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 festival Ulrik (guest) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulrikorum/ Heartland Website: https://heartlandfestival.dk/ Heartland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandfestivaldk/ 📺 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.

    48 min
  8. 158 | How Denmark Became a Eurovision Favorite Again | Clara Sofie Fabricius on “Før vi går hjem”

    12 may

    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 Denmark Whether 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_3gy9 Clara Sofie (guest): Spotify profile: LINK Songs I wrote: LINK Songs I wrote and produced: LINK Instagram: LINK Facebook: LINK LinkedIn: LINK 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 Topics: Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Eurovision, Denmark in Eurovision, Danish Musicians 📺 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.

    37 min

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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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