What's Up Åre

What's Up Åre
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Welcome to What’s Up Åre, the video podcast that offers a 360-degree view of life in our beloved Scandinavian mountain town. We’re convinced that everyone here has a story worth sharing, whether they’ve spent their whole life in Åre or just recently found their way here. Each week, your hosts, Val Cook and Tim Boffe, invite you into their cozy studio for relaxed, authentic conversations that cover everything from bold entrepreneurial ventures and outdoor adventures to heartfelt personal stories. A new episode launches every Wednesday, so be sure to tune in and join us!

  1. Jon (Spijon) Reinklou: AI Startup, DJ Booths, and a Passport Full of Curiosity

    04/30/2025

    Jon (Spijon) Reinklou: AI Startup, DJ Booths, and a Passport Full of Curiosity

    Jon (Spijon) Reinklou grew up in the small village of Föllinge with parents who believed anything was possible—and he took that to heart. In this episode of What’s up Åre, Jon shares the journey that took him from selling lottery tickets at age 13 to building AI software with one of Asia’s biggest tech consortiums. He’s traveled to 61 countries, played packed DJ sets in Åre, and somehow still finds time to chase new ideas and passions. We talk about growing up in Jämtland, building businesses, facing setbacks, staying grounded, and why Jon thinks curiosity is his greatest asset as a Swedish tech entrepreneur. You’ll also hear how he keeps his energy high, navigates life in the mountains, and embraces contrast in everything he does. Whether you're into tech, travel, music, entrepreneurship, or just good stories—this one’s a ride. “I started working when I was 13. I sold lottery tickets and stuff.” “People probably think I’m crazy, but I spend 2700 SEK a month on AI tools.” “I’ve traveled to 61 countries. It gives me perspective.” “At some point, I just said—I’m going to stop caring what people think.” — Jon Reinklou (00:00:00) Intro and Snowy Beginnings (00:05:30) Growing Up in Föllinge (00:12:10) Work Ethic, Early Hustles, and Belief Systems (00:20:40) Traveling to 61 Countries and Finding Perspective (00:28:20) DJing in Åre and Creative Expression (00:36:00) Building AI Businesses and Big Tech Deals (00:44:10) Balance, Resets, and Staying Grounded (00:51:50) Mindset, Community, and Embracing Change (00:59:00) Why Curiosity Is the Best Strategy Jon Reinklou: @reinklou Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design This episode is available on YouTube and YouTube Music Subscribe, rate, and share it with someone curious, creative, or always chasing their next idea. And hey—what would you build with unlimited curiosity?

    1h 7m
  2. Michaela Boson: Big-City Dining, Pink Vibes, and the Heart Behind Mrs. Maggie

    04/23/2025

    Michaela Boson: Big-City Dining, Pink Vibes, and the Heart Behind Mrs. Maggie

    Michaela Boson spent years working in high-end restaurants in Stockholm—but it wasn’t until she moved to Duved that she found the space to create something truly her own. In this episode of What’s up Åre, Michaela shares her journey from polished kitchens to cozy chaos, where everything revolves around human connection, heart, and making people feel welcome. She talks about how she ended up running Mrs. Maggie, the cozy restaurant in Duved, after jumping into an opportunity that just felt right. We dive into her bold shift from fine dining to heartfelt hosting, raising a family in the mountains, and how attending a unique culinary school shaped her creative mindset early on. Michaela also reflects on the adventure of working in the Alps in her early twenties—an experience that sparked her love for hospitality and mountain life long before Åre came into the picture. She opens up about seasonal life in Åre, the chaos of parenting while running a business, and the joy of creating a space where people can feel at home—pink car and all. Whether you're a dreamer, a foodie, or someone who's ever taken a leap without a plan—this episode will leave you smiling. “I worked in really fancy places... and then we moved here and I didn’t want to do anything fancy at all.” “It wasn’t a plan. We just jumped on the idea. It felt right.” “People come in, and you just want them to feel like home.” “And yes—my car is pink. Obviously.” — Michaela Boson (00:00:00) Intro and Colorful First Impressions (00:04:50) Spontaneity, Style, and Starting Fresh (00:11:20) From Stockholm Fine Dining to Life in Duved (00:19:10) The Birth of Mrs. Maggie (00:27:00) Pink Cars, Breaking Norms, and Owning It (00:35:40) Work Ethic, Family Life, and the Joy of Chaos (00:42:30) Food, People, and Hosting with Heart (00:50:10) Seasons, Energy, and Finding Freedom (00:56:50) Letting Go of Fancy and Embracing Flow Mrs Maggie Duved: @mrsmaggieduved Michaela Boson: @michaelaboson Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design This episode is available on YouTube and YouTube Music Subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who’s ever dreamed of switching things up, starting fresh, or opening a place that feels like home. We’d love to hear your story too.

    1h 12m
  3. Joel Söderström: Motocross Beginnings, Snowboarding Soul, and Klättermusen Vision

    04/16/2025

    Joel Söderström: Motocross Beginnings, Snowboarding Soul, and Klättermusen Vision

    Joel Söderström grew up with motocross, found identity in snowboarding, and now blends his passions into storytelling and community-building. In this episode of What’s up Åre, Joel talks about growing up as the youngest in a blended family, how motocross helped shape his drive, and why snowboarding became more than just a sport—it became his creative and emotional outlet. We explore how Joel ended up working with the iconic outdoor brand Klättermusen, how he started the “Snowboardpodden”, and what he sees as the future of snow culture and outdoor fashion. From splitboarding through powder days to designing functional clothing and cultivating conversations around snowboarding—Joel offers a grounded, funny, and insightful take on what it means to carve out a life in the mountains. Whether you love deep snow, thoughtful gear, or real stories from mountain locals—this episode hits home. “Snowboarding became something I could just identify with. It was home.” “My dad was technically better. I just had to jump over him to get ahead.” “We had Daniel on the podcast.” “At Klättermusen, we’re designing for real functionality. It's not just looks.” — Joel Söderström (00:00:00) Intro and First Impressions (00:05:10) Joel’s Accent, American Movies, and Big Sisters (00:10:40) Motocross Roots and Racing with Dad (00:18:30) Discovering Snowboarding and Finding Identity (00:25:10) The Move to Åre and Learning the Culture (00:32:00) Creating the Snowboardpodden (00:39:50) Working at Klättermusen: Function Meets Style (00:47:00) Splitboarding, Sustainability, and Slow Fashion (00:55:30) Community, Culture, and the Soul of Snowboarding (01:02:10) Reflections on Parenthood, Tech, and the Next Generation Joel Söderström: @joel_soderstrom Snowboardpodden: @snowboardpodden Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design This episode is available on YouTube and YouTube Music Subscribe, rate, and share it with your favorite snow nerd, gearhead, or mountain-loving friend. Ever created something from a passion? Built community in unexpected places? We’d love to hear your story. 🎿 Huge thanks to Skisport Åre for sponsoring this episode!

    1h 31m
  4. André Britzen: From Ski Patrol to Surf Breaks and Vanlife Adventures

    04/09/2025

    André Britzen: From Ski Patrol to Surf Breaks and Vanlife Adventures

    Growing up deeply immersed in the world of skiing and snowboarding, André Britzen has always chased adventure both on snow and in surf. From competitive beginnings at age 12 to embracing life in Åre’s ski patrol team, André’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Filled with laughter, passion, and a healthy dose of spontaneity, his story is one of taking the scenic route—often literally. In this episode of What’s up Åre, André opens up about growing up in the competitive skiing community, his shift from elite sports to embracing the unpredictability of ski patrol life, and how his passion for surfing fuels his adventures far beyond the mountains. He also shares the inspiring story of spending over a year traveling Europe in a van with his family, highlighting the highs, lows, and transformative moments that come from stepping off the beaten path. Whether you're curious about mountain rescue, vanlife realities, surfing dreams, or simply the art of balancing family and freedom—this episode delivers. “We don’t have typical days in ski patrol—it's part of the fun.” “I started competing in snowboarding and skiing when I was 12.” “We traveled around Europe in our van for more than a year.” “Surfing and snowboarding have always been my passions.” — André Britzen (00:00:00) Intro (00:05:20) Early Competitive Days in Skiing and Snowboarding (00:12:10) Life and Challenges at the Ski Gymnasium (00:19:30) Ski Patrol: Unpredictable Days and Mountain Adventures (00:26:40) Transitioning from Competition to Lifestyle Sports (00:34:50) Surfing Passion and Global Travels (00:42:10) Family Vanlife Journey Across Europe (00:50:00) Raising Kids with an Adventurous Spirit (00:57:20) Reflections on Freedom, Family, and Balance (01:04:30) Staying Warm: Ski Patrol Tips and Avalanche Control André Britzen: @andrebritzengson Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design This episode is also available on YouTube and YouTube Music. Subscribe, rate, and share it with anyone who's ever chased waves, snow, or the open road. Ever experienced ski patrol, lived the vanlife dream, or changed paths in pursuit of passion? We’d love to hear your story. 🎿 Huge thanks to Skisport Åre for sponsoring this episode! Featured QuotesChaptersFollow Our Guest and TeamWatch and ListenEnjoyed the episode?Thanks to Our Sponsor

    1h 43m
  5. Rebecka Harlaut: Healing Knees, Designing Skis, and Raising the Next Generation of Freeriders

    04/02/2025

    Rebecka Harlaut: Healing Knees, Designing Skis, and Raising the Next Generation of Freeriders

    Rebecka Harlaut grew up between Åre and Duved, skiing from an early age and always chasing the joy of movement. But her journey through the ski world hasn’t been a straight line. From alpine racing to moguls, from competitive freeriding to physiotherapy, Rebecka has carved her own route—with plenty of detours, injuries, and epiphanies along the way. In this episode of What’s up Åre, Rebecka talks about growing up in Ullån, making peace with stepping away from elite racing, and how a major knee injury changed everything—sparking her interest in recovery, anatomy, and eventually becoming a physiotherapist. She also shares the story behind Mother Tree skis, a freeride ski she helped design and develop in collaboration with Åre Skidfabrik. And we explore Inspire Us, the women’s ski community she co-founded to bring more connection, confidence, and representation to the slopes. Whether you’ve battled injuries, felt out of place in competitive sports, or just love hearing real mountain stories from badass women—this conversation hits deep. “I realised this was too serious for me.” “We started a women’s community called Inspire Us.” “I tore my ACL, and that led me to study physiotherapy.” “We created a ski called Mother Tree.” — Rebecka Harlaut (00:00:00) Intro (00:04:10) Leaving Alpine for Moguls and Freeride (00:10:00) Growing Up in Ullån and Åre (00:16:20) Discovering the Freeride World and Traveling (00:23:00) Knee Injury and the Path to Physiotherapy (00:30:10) Co-Founding Inspire Us (00:36:40) Developing Mother Tree Skis with Åre Skidfabrik (00:43:30) Life as a Mom in the Mountains (00:50:50) Community, Shifting Priorities, and Finding Balance (00:58:30) Reflections on Kids, Tech, and Freedom (01:07:20) Creativity, Leathercraft, and Caribbean Dreams Rebecka Harlaut: @rebeckaharlaut Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design This episode is also available on YouTube and YouTube Music. Subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who’s ever taken the scenic route—on skis or in life. Ever bounced back from an injury, shifted paths, or started something new in the mountains? We’d love to hear your story. 🎿 Big thanks to Skisport Åre for sponsoring this episode! Featured QuotesChaptersFollow Our Guest and TeamWatch and ListenEnjoyed the episode?Thanks to Our Sponsor

    1h 28m
  6. Patrik Viklund: Banked Slaloms and Grassroots Snowboarding.

    03/26/2025

    Patrik Viklund: Banked Slaloms and Grassroots Snowboarding.

    Patrik Viklund is a driving force behind Åre’s snowboarding scene—organizing events like the Trillevallen Banked Slalom, helping revive a legendary local snowboard club, and showing up for the mountain and its people in every way. In this episode of What’s up Åre, we explore Patrik’s long-standing connection to Åreskutan, the joy of snowboarding for fun, and the power of community. From spotting an old 1989 club sticker to co-founding a new snowboard club built on passion (not podiums), Patrik shares what it means to ride with purpose. We also talk about the origins and spirit of the Banked Slalom, the choice to separate from the Åre Slalom Club to build a more inclusive space, and why helping kids feel seen might be the most important win of all. Whether you're into board sports, grassroots movements, or just love a good mountain story, this episode is full of stoke, insight, and a whole lot of heart. (00:00:00) Welcoming Patrik: A Local Legend in the Making (00:04:45) From Holiday Club to the Heart of the Mountain (00:08:20) The Åre Snowboard Club Reborn (00:14:10) Creating a Club for Fun, Not Fame (00:21:00) Banked Slalom: What It Is and Why It Matters (00:27:30) Independence and Identity: Leaving the SLK (00:35:00) The Kids, the Vibes, and the Future of the Club (00:41:50) Designing Community Events That Stick (00:49:15) Passion Projects and Why Åre is Home (00:55:40) The Power of Showing Up—On and Off the Slopes Featured Quotes “I owe it to the mountain because I live here.” “We didn’t want a club for competitions—we wanted it for the fun, for the kids, for the feeling.” “It’s not about being the best snowboarder. It’s about being part of something.” — Patrik Viklund Follow Our Guests and Team: Patrik Viklund: @patrikviklund Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design Watch and Listen: This episode is also available on YouTube and YouTube Music. Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who knows the joy of carving turns with friends. Do you have a favorite snowboarding memory or community project? Let us know!

    1h 18m
  7. Henrik Rettrup: A Chef’s Journey to the Mountains

    03/19/2025

    Henrik Rettrup: A Chef’s Journey to the Mountains

    Chef Henrik Rettrup’s life changed dramatically at age 16, when unexpected family events prompted him to choose a new path—one defined by cooking, creativity, and mountains. Join us on What's up Åre as Henrik shares his inspiring journey from Södertälje to becoming a beloved chef at renowned kitchens like Buustamon and Copperhill Mountain Lodge, and now innovating school meals in Duved. We discuss Henrik’s teenage years, his courageous decision to pursue culinary dreams, and his passion for local ingredients and sustainability—highlighted by his enthusiasm for seaweed and wild game. Henrik reveals why he swapped city life for mountain air, the essential lessons learned in high-pressure kitchens, and how food can transform dishes and entire communities. A must-listen for foodies, adventurers, or anyone inspired by stories of resilience and reinvention. Featured Quotes: "Cooking saved me from a life I could’ve easily fallen into." "Wild boar with curry—that’s home." "Åre gave me mountains, but cooking here gave me purpose." Henrik RettrupChapters: (00:00:00) A New Path Emerges (00:05:12) Finding Passion in the Kitchen (00:12:45) Södertälje to Åre: A Fresh Start (00:22:30) Life in the Mountains: Nature's Therapy [00:31:40] Mastering the Craft at Buustamon (00:42:15) Copperhill: Lessons in Pressure and Precision (00:51:50) Innovating School Meals at Duved (01:01:10) Sustainability and Henrik’s Love for Seaweed (01:09:25) Wild Game and Culinary Creativity (01:19:00) Food as a Tool for Community Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and share it with friends who love stories of transformation through food. Which dish changed your life? Let us know! Follow Our Guests and Team: Henrik Rettrup: @369_cooking Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design Watch and Listen:Also available on YouTube.

    1h 11m
  8. Jakob Lindvall: From the UN to Punk Rock—A Life of Unexpected Turns

    03/12/2025

    Jakob Lindvall: From the UN to Punk Rock—A Life of Unexpected Turns

    Entrepreneur, thinker, and storyteller Jakob Lindvall brings a suitcase full of experiences—and artifacts—to this episode of What’s up Åre. With a background spanning the UN, entrepreneurship, sailing, and even punk music, Jakob’s journey is anything but conventional. We dive into his rebellious start in business, why frustration often sparks the best ideas, and how breaking the rules can lead to success. Jakob shares the surprising parallels between Åre and Silicon Valley, his experience working with the UN, and what a punk band called ‘Decision Fatigue’ might sound like. Along the way, he unpacks personal artifacts that represent key moments in his life—each one a conversation starter about risk-taking, creativity, and perspective. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone who just loves a great story, this episode is filled with wisdom, humor, and unexpected insights. Featured Quotes: "Silicon Valley is a little bit like Åre. Not vice versa." "The second-best thing I ever did was start working at McDonald's. The best thing I ever did was quit." "Some of the best ideas come from frustration, not inspiration." "If I ever start a punk band, I’m naming it ‘Decision Fatigue.’" "The UN taught me a lot, but sailing is where I learned freedom." Jakob LindvallChapters: (00:07:14) From McDonald's to Entrepreneurship (00:15:29) Åre vs. Silicon Valley (00:23:49) Breaking Business Norms (00:31:44) What Makes a Great Entrepreneur? (00:40:19) Risk-Taking and Adaptability (00:48:10) Decision-Making Lessons (00:56:29) Passion, Purpose & The Future of Work (01:04:19) Sailing, the UN, and Finding Meaning (01:12:29) Artifacts & the Stories They Tell Love the episode? Hit subscribe and share it with someone who needs inspiration. Got insights on risk-taking? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear! Follow Our Guests and Team: Jakob Lindvall: @jakethewake Creative Director: Viktor Ohlin @allinvision.jpg Hosts: Val Cook and Tim Boffe @thenomadsfamily Interior Design by Theolin Interior Design Watch and Listen: This episode is also available on YouTube and YouTube Music.

    1h 45m
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About

Welcome to What’s Up Åre, the video podcast that offers a 360-degree view of life in our beloved Scandinavian mountain town. We’re convinced that everyone here has a story worth sharing, whether they’ve spent their whole life in Åre or just recently found their way here. Each week, your hosts, Val Cook and Tim Boffe, invite you into their cozy studio for relaxed, authentic conversations that cover everything from bold entrepreneurial ventures and outdoor adventures to heartfelt personal stories. A new episode launches every Wednesday, so be sure to tune in and join us!

Information

  • Creator
    What's Up Åre
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What's Up Åre
  • Show Website
    What's Up Åre