SpanSwede

Juan Fernandez
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I’m Juan, an argentine who’s lived so long in the Nordics I sometimes feel more Swedish than the Swedes. In this podcast, I share stories from my life in Sweden, explore philosophy, culture, and identity, and reflect on whatever sparks my curiosity. Expect personal insights, detours to Spain, and thoughts on navigating two cultures while chasing meaning and a bit of calm. You can also listen some episodes of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanswede You can also listen to the episodes in Spanish here: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. MAR 8

    The Origin of the Universe in Norse Mythology

    How did the ancient Norse imagine the origin of the universe? In this episode, I explore the creation of the cosmos according to Norse mythology. Long before the world, humans, or even the gods existed, there were only three things: fire, ice, and the vast empty void known as Ginnungagap. From the clash between the fiery realm of Muspelheim and the frozen world of Niflheim, the first being emerged: the primordial giant Ymir. Soon after appeared Audhumla, the cosmic cow whose milk nourished the first life, and from the ice eventually emerged Buri, ancestor of the gods. From his lineage came Odin, Vili, and Vé, the first Norse gods who would shape the cosmos. This episode tells the story of how the Viking-age peoples of Scandinavia imagined the birth of the universe, based on ancient oral traditions later written down in Iceland in texts such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. Beyond gods and giants, these myths reflect a universal human question: where did everything come from? Follow the podcast on other platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanswede Listen to the podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede/id1740094241 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/37CXiQV9JQ5Edq2nsXFrxw Acast Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede Acast Podcast en Español: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol #NorseMythology #Vikings #NorseCosmology #Odin #ScandinavianHistory #Mythology #VikingAge #SpanSwede #HistoryPodcast #MythologyPodcast If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min

  2. MAR 2

    19 Swedish Idioms You’ll Hear All the Time

    In this episode, I explore 19 very common Swedish idioms that you will hear again and again in daily life. Idioms exist in every language, but their literal meaning often makes little sense when translated word for word. That’s exactly what makes them interesting. I break down each expression by explaining its literal meaning, what it actually means in real life, and I give a simple example to make it easier to remember. Many Swedish idioms follow a rhythmic structure with two words connected by “och” (“and”), which gives the language a very characteristic sound. If you’re learning Swedish, living in Sweden, or simply curious about how language reflects culture, this episode will help you understand everyday conversations more naturally. If you enjoy this content, make sure to follow the podcast and connect with me on social media: YouTube: @spanswede Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanswede Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede/id1740094241 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/37CXiQV9JQ5Edq2nsXFrxw Acast Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede Acast Podcast en Español: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol See you in the next episode. If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min

  3. FEB 8

    Sweden and Argentina: Two Distant Countries with More in Common Than You Think

    At first glance, Sweden and Argentina seem like complete opposites. North and south. Cold and warm. Order and chaos. But when we look a little deeper into history, something interesting appears: these two countries share far more connections than most people realize. In this episode I explore some of the historical, cultural and social links between Sweden and Argentina. From Swedish migration to South America, to Antarctic expeditions, architecture, literature, music and even food traditions, there are many fascinating points where the histories of both countries intersect. We will talk about the Swedish colony that helped found the city of Oberá in Argentina, the dramatic Antarctic rescue of a Swedish expedition by the Argentine navy in 1903, the Swedish architect who designed important monuments in Buenos Aires, and the influence of Argentina on the work of the famous Swedish songwriter Evert Taube. The episode also explores cultural parallels such as rural traditions, folklore, barbecue culture, the role of religion in shaping society, labor unions, and the shared historical commitment to social protection and workers’ rights. Finally, we discuss the powerful human rights story of Dagmar Hagelin, a Swedish-Argentine citizen who became a symbol of Sweden’s engagement with human rights during Argentina’s military dictatorship. Having lived in both countries myself, this episode is also a personal reflection on how two seemingly distant cultures can share unexpected historical and cultural ties. Follow the podcast on other platforms: YouTube: @spanswede Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanswede Podcast in English: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede/id1740094241 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/37CXiQV9JQ5Edq2nsXFrxw Acast Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede Podcast in Spanish: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede-en-espa%C3%B1ol/id1869977014 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vVzU7x9YNUspFcSTdt4SB Acast Podcast in Spanish: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol #Sweden #Argentina #SwedenArgentina #CulturalConnections #HistoryPodcast #MigrationHistory #NordicHistory #LatinAmerica #SpanSwede #Podcast If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min

  4. JAN 11

    9 Things You Need If You Want to Live in Sweden

    Living in Sweden can be an amazing experience, but it can also be challenging if you arrive with unrealistic expectations. In this episode I share nine essential things you will need if you want to live in Sweden long term. These are not generic expat tips, but reflections based on more than ten years living and working in Sweden. I talk about key topics such as the importance of language, the determination required to learn Swedish, the need for an open mind, the impact of cold weather and long dark winters, the individualistic nature of Swedish society, and the personal sacrifices involved in living far from family and friends. Many people arrive in Sweden with an idealized image of the country. This episode aims to offer a more realistic perspective to help you better understand Swedish society and avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when moving here. Follow the podcast on other platforms: YouTube: @spanswede Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanswede Podcast in English: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede/id1740094241 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/37CXiQV9JQ5Edq2nsXFrxw Acast Podcast: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede Podcast in Spanish: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/spanswede-en-espa%C3%B1ol/id1869977014 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vVzU7x9YNUspFcSTdt4SB Acast Podcast in Spanish: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol #LivingInSweden #MoveToSweden #LifeInSweden #SwedenLife #ExpatLife #NordicLife #SwedishCulture #SpanSwede #Podcast If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  5. 12/21/2025

    Premises That Helped Me Get Through 2025

    As this year ends, I want to share the thoughts that helped me navigate loss, uncertainty, and personal growth. These are not magic answers, but reminders that offered calm, clarity, and perspective during difficult times. I hope they may also help you in your own journey. #reflection #philosophy #wisdom #selfhelp #growth #life #meditation #stoicism #mementomori #ego #meaningOfLife #mentalhealth #thoughts #resilience #livinginthepresent If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Eratosthenes and the Size of the Earth

    In the 3rd century BC, Eratosthenes figured out how to measure Earth’s circumference using only a stick, basic geometry, and observation. While there was no shadow in Syene during the solstice, there was in Alexandria. Using this difference and the distance between the cities, he calculated Earth’s circumference as 40,000 km — missing the real value by just 75 km. A brilliant example of curiosity and rational thinking. #Eratosthenes #HistoryOfScience #SphericalEarth #Curiosity #Education #AncientScience #CriticalThinking #Astronomy #AlexandriaLibrary #Egypt If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    4 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    10 Tips to Get a Job in Sweden

    After more than a decade living in Sweden, I share 10 essential tips for anyone looking for a job in this country. From the importance of learning Swedish to how to use LinkedIn, avoid mistakes with startups, negotiate salaries, or practice interviews. It’s not easy, but with strategy and support, it’s possible. Perfect for migrants, international professionals, or anyone thinking about moving to Northern Europe. #jobinsweden #workingabroad #swedenjobs #careertips #movetoSweden #Swedishlanguage #expatlife #Swedishsalary #Swedishinterview #Swedishstartup If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Returning Home

    An intimate reflection on detachment, ego, migration, and reconnecting with oneself after more than 20 years away from home. Leaving Argentina, living in Spain and Sweden, losing roots, and rediscovering inner peace. This episode explores what “coming home” really means when everything has changed — except you. #reflectivepodcast #migrationstory #detachment #cominghome #lifeinspain #argentina #expatlife #philosophy #marcusaurelius #egojourney If you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so at ko-fi.com/spanswede. Thanks for listening! This podcast shares personal reflections on life in Sweden, culture, philosophy, and more. Listen on: YouTube: youtube.com/@spanswede Follow me on social media: Instagram: @spanswede TikTok: @spanswede If you enjoyed the episode, please rate or share it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
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About

I’m Juan, an argentine who’s lived so long in the Nordics I sometimes feel more Swedish than the Swedes. In this podcast, I share stories from my life in Sweden, explore philosophy, culture, and identity, and reflect on whatever sparks my curiosity. Expect personal insights, detours to Spain, and thoughts on navigating two cultures while chasing meaning and a bit of calm. You can also listen some episodes of this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spanswede You can also listen to the episodes in Spanish here: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/spanswede-en-espaol Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Juan Fernandez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Juan Fernandez
  • Show Website
    SpanSwede