What Are You Doing in Denmark?
What Are You Doing in Denmark?

What Are You Doing in Denmark?

Derek Hartman

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

163 | Why Pride Still Matters in Denmark: How Far We've Come and What's Left to Do
JUN 16, 2026
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 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: [email protected]👉 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.
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31 MIN
162 | Denmark Has a New Government. What Changes for Internationals?
JUN 9, 2026
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/ 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: [email protected]👉 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.
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31 MIN
161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark
JUN 2, 2026
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 sceneHave a question about life in Denmark? Send us a message and it might become a future episode. 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: [email protected]👉 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.
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42 MIN
160 | Why So Many Internationals Leave Denmark (Even After Landing the Dream Job)
MAY 26, 2026
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.dkMentioned Resopurces:Copenhagen CapacityInternational House CopenhagenGo to SønderborgKalundborg MunicipalitySIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration)Life in Denmark 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: [email protected]👉 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.
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23 MIN
159 | Why Denmark Is OBSESSED With Summer Festivals
MAY 19, 2026
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 festivalUlrik (guest)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ulrikorum/Heartland Website: https://heartlandfestival.dk/Heartland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandfestivaldk/ 🎟️ Come see the show in person!See our LIVE SHOW at Copenhagen's Comedy Zoo on 9 March at 19:00Tickets are available HERE ➡️ https://www.comedyzoo.dk/event/1762906📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: [email protected]👉 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.
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48 MIN