What Are You Doing in Denmark?

If you’re raising kids in Denmark and still feel confused every time you deal with the healthcare system, this episode will make things finally click.

Derek and Brooke return for part two of their conversation with Emma, a British pediatrician based in Copenhagen. This time, the three of them talk about what it actually feels like to navigate Danish healthcare as an international parent, from getting used to the child-focused, community-based setup to knowing when to push a little, when to trust the process, and how cultural norms can shape the care you get. Emma also shares what it is like to be both a doctor and a mom in a country where the style, communication, and systems can feel completely different from what you are used to.

Navigating Denmark’s healthcare system as an international can feel confusing, surprising, and occasionally hilarious, but it doesn’t have to. Derek and Brooke sit down with Dr. Emma, a British pediatrician in Copenhagen, to unpack how the system really works for internationals. They cover why the GP is your main gateway into care, why appointments can feel too short, and how cultural communication styles can lead to misunderstandings. Emma explains why some treatments seem missing, breaks down the logic behind antibiotics and screenings, and shares practical tips for advocating for yourself without feeling like a hypochondriac.

This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation. Today’s episode focuses on the general system and the everyday realities of navigating medical care as an international, while part 2, coming Thursday, dives into pediatric care, emergency experiences, and the digital tools you will definitely need.

Referenced Websites:

In this second half of our conversation with comedian Mikkel Klint-Thorius, we dive even deeper into Danish humor, cultural taboos, political satire, and how comedy evolves with the times. From reflections on “casual racism” in old material to Denmark’s unique relationship with free speech, intent, and edge-pushing jokes, Mikkel gives a refreshingly honest look at what it means to perform comedy in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape.

We also explore how internationals can navigate Danish humor, why Danes love when the joke is about them, and the social dynamics that shape what’s acceptable and what crosses the line. And yes, there’s talk of politics, cancel-culture waves, generational trauma, the US comedy civil war, and why Norwegians find Danes a bit… intense.

It’s an insightful, funny, and very open conversation about identity, comedy, culture, and everything in between.

In this episode, Derek and Conrad sit down with Danish stand-up comedian Mikkel Klint Thorius, one of the sharpest, most fearless voices in Danish comedy, to talk about the jokes behind the jokes, the culture that shapes them, and why Denmark works precisely because Danes refuse to think it does.

Mikkel shares how he first stepped on stage at age 10, thanks to an unusually supportive teacher. Since then, his path from suburban kid to national headliner has been fueled by curiosity, self-deprecation, and a sharp instinct for cutting through Danish hypocrisy.

You'll hear Mikkel's take on:

• Why Danes complain their way into a better society
• How Danish comedians “tear their own people a new one” - lovingly
• His new show, Nok om mig (Enough About Me)
• Balancing comedy with new fatherhood and personal boundaries
• The art of pushing audiences to the edge and pulling them back

It’s a conversation about comedy, culture, criticism, and the strange Danish superpower of never being satisfied, delivered with the honesty and humor that make Mikkel one of the most compelling Danish comedians working today.

➡️ This is part one of our conversation. Make sure you're following the show and catch part two.

Mikkel Klint Thorius (guest)

Denmark’s 2025 local and regional elections delivered anything but the usual political calm. Historic strongholds flipped, long-dominant parties stumbled, and unexpected winners surged—reshaping the political map just months before a likely national election.

In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh break down the biggest surprises from election night with the help of a special guest: Bernardo Basilici Menini, editor-in-chief of The Copenhagen Post. Bernardo has been following the campaigns, the numbers, and the fallout and he joins us to explain what the results really mean.

Don’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.

For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:

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

Mike Walsh:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillymike999