<p>In this week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra, we hear from the Umeå-based Canadian writer. Mandy Pipher about what it's been like moving to Umeå in northern Sweden.&nbsp;</p><p>Mandy wrote recently in an article for The Local about the ignorance and prejudices people from Norrland often face about a region that makes up more than half of Sweden’s surface area.&nbsp;</p><p>We wanted to catch up with her to find out more about why she moved to Umeå and what kind of reactions she has had when telling people about her move to northern Sweden.&nbsp;</p><p>She also talks about the complicated history underpinning many southerners' preconceived notions about a part of the country she describes as 'magical' in many respects.&nbsp;</p><p>Tune in to this week's episode for the full interview with <strong>Mandy Pipher</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>READ ALSO:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251201/why-northern-swedes-feel-ignored-and-underappreciated?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Why northern Swedes feel ignored and underappreciated</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20251124/four-reasons-why-sweden-is-not-the-canada-of-europe?tpcc=podcast-article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Five reasons why Sweden is not the Canada of Europe</strong></a></li></ul><h2>Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts</h2><p>Sweden in Focus Extra is a podcast for The Local's Membership+ subscribers.</p><p>Sign up to Membership+ now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday.</p><p>Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+</p><ul><li><strong>For signed-in members: </strong><a href="https://www.thelocal.se/members/podcasts?tpcc=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Upgrade to Membership+</strong></a></li><li><strong>For new members:</strong> <a href="https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Get Membership+&nbsp;</strong></a></li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Become a member at <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock">https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>