When you visit a Danish household, apartments in particular, there tends to be one hard and fast rule....the podcast title probably gives it away, but give this episode a watch and weigh in with your own stories and experiences. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics ...
Dec 24, 2018•5 min•Season 1Ep. 57
The meal was amazing. The portions were bottomless. You're ready to go home but feel guilty about wasting food. You're also feeling a bit lazy - why cook tomorrow morning? So, you ask for a doggy bag. What's a doggy bag? It's a to-go bag for your leftovers and while it may eventually find its way to a canine friend, the food you save and take home is usually reserved for human consumption as delicious leftovers. At least, that's how we do it in the US. But, what about Denmark? If you're Danish h...
Dec 12, 2018•5 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Yikes! It's a hard topic. What's up with all the Danes wearing fur and working it into Danish fashion? Why is it still so popular in Nordic and Scandinavian fashion when most other regions have abandoned it? I encourage everyone tow atch the full video for commenting, particularly as I know it's an emotional and sensitive topic for most. Right or wrong is up to you, but, as with everything in this series - I aim to better understand and explain the what and the why. The rest, I leave up to you. ...
Nov 17, 2018•6 min•Season 1Ep. 55
They may be delicious and a simple candy, but that does not mean they're not noteworthy and are without controversy. Tune into this episode of Denmark 101 for a look at one of Denmark's most iconic candied treats! **I opted for the American black licorice spelling, but yes, I'm aware you probably prefer "Liquorice"** If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you...
Nov 06, 2018•5 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Starting in late November, the Christmas Lunch / Danish Julefrokost season starts and it is a wild and crazy time. With charming dinners, fancy clothing, wonderful food (and not so wonderful food) as well as inappropriate flirtations and more than one or two frisky encounters - it's quite the cultural experience. Here's a quick down and dirty look at what it is and some casual observations. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishl...
Sep 02, 2018•7 min•Season 1Ep. 53
WTH is Snaps? Is it the same as Akvavit? Do you spell it snapps, schnaps, akvavit, or aquavit? In this episode of Denmark 101 I take a shot at explaining how Danish snaps is made and its cultural significance in preparation for next week's julefrokost video. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to ...
Aug 04, 2018•6 min•Season 1Ep. 52
At the heart of understanding Denmark, Danish history, and Danish culture is the Danish economy. To do that, I've put together this video summarizing and discussing a number of statistics that serve as a great insight into where Denmark's job market is centered, where the country's economy is going, potential pitfalls in the future, and exciting opportunities. Figures for this video are pulled from: http://atlas.cid.harvard.edu/explore/?country=64&partner=undefined&product=undefined&...
Jul 22, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 51
For my 50th Denmark 101 episode it's time to circle back around to the topic of Danes and Nudity, this time, let's focus in on beaches, breasts, and general nudity. Is it legal? Is it true that Europeans run around beaches naked? Are the men naked? Do people still go topless? Tune in and find out in this episode of Denmark 101 - and just a reminder for those watching, idiotic or disrespectful comments will be treated with disrespect or re-located to where they belong; the trash. If you're Danish...
Jul 15, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Do you know the difference between København V, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, Christianshavn, Christiania, Amager and Frederiksberg? Each is widely different with very distinct with their own unique personalities. I do my best in this episode of Denmark 101 to give you a quick crash course run-through. Hint: If you're not familiar with Copenhagen, you may want to also pull up a map for this one! If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outla...
Jul 10, 2018•11 min•Season 1Ep. 49
There are few things more Danish than the Bodega. Far from a local corner shop which might share the same name in other countries, a Bodega is the name for the traditional Danish corner bar. They're small, they're gritty, they're a bit rough, and they're overflowing with charm. In Today's Denmark 101 episode I dive into what a Bodega is, why they're an important part of Danish culture and some of the more subtle observations I've come to learn from my time in Denmark. If you're Danish hopefully ...
Jun 23, 2018•6 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Hygge? You bet, but don't forget your candles! In today's episode I dive into the differences between how Americans deal with and view candles (especially southwesterners like myself from warmer regions) and how Danes view and use candles. Five years in, I've got to admit the Danes have won me over completely and I'm now decidedly on #teamcandle and loving the warmth and charm they offer. Though, we're still going to have to agree to disagree on how to use aromatic candles. If you're Danish hope...
May 14, 2018•5 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Root Beer. As an American it's a classic cornerstone of American culture. Even though it's not as popular these days, it's still the definition of iconic for many Americans right there next to a Hamburger shop or Drive in Movie. For Danes though? Whew. Not so much. So, which side of the Root Beer divide do you fall on? Team Root Beer or Team Toothpaste? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner com...
May 13, 2018•4 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Experiencing Danish culture means experiencing Danish alcohols. From Gammel Dansk to Aalborg Gold and Fisherman's Friend in-between, this episode is dedicated to exploring many of the most common Danish hard alcohols. Just writing this description and thinking about how horrible a lot of it is gives me chills and goosebumps. So, on that note, enjoy and...skal! If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreig...
May 12, 2018•8 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Without fail one of the things most non-Nordics find captivating about the Nordic countries are their liberal approach to sex and the stunning beauty of their populations. It doesn't take long looking for information about Denmark before the beauty of Danish men and women comes up. In the last few years there have even been some very widely viewed TV commercials which tackled the topic, such as Speis' "Do it for Denmark" campaign. But, one thing that doesn't get mentioned much, despite Danes rep...
May 11, 2018•6 min•Season 1Ep. 44
You requested I share observations about religion, religiosity and related considerations in Denmark, including some comparisons to what I was exposed to growing up in the US. In this episode, I attempt to dive into a very complex topic while still trying to keep things fairly brief. As usual, this likely is somewhat biased towards Copenhagen (and the other major cities) and may not be as completely applicable to more rural areas which tend to be more religious and practice religion differently ...
May 11, 2018•13 min•Season 1Ep. 43
When I graduated from Arizona State with my Bachelors there were three separate ceremonies all of which required I purchase and wear a maroon robe. I was initially skeptical of it all, choosing to only attend one, and thinking it was overhyped, a bit tacky, and ridiculous. But, later, I came to realize it offered a sense of closure and bookmarked the end of one chapter and the start of another. So, when it arrived in Copenhagen ready to attend the University of Copenhagen for my Master's nearly ...
Feb 27, 2018•6 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Remember the incredible experience that came with graduating from High School or Gymnasium? The Danes know how to kick things up a notch with their Studenterhue and "wagon" ride around town. It's a crazy fun tradition that involves white sailor's hats denoting a recent graduate combined with a day spent touring the city, raising hell, drinking, dancing, smiling, and celebrating with friends and family from the back of an old converted military transport with lots of fake flowers, horns, and larg...
Feb 24, 2018•7 min•Season 1Ep. 41
This is the final part in my sub-series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. Searching for a job in Denmark was something that ended up being deeply educational, humbling, and challenging. In this episode I explore what I learned during the process, advice I wish I'd known at the start, and some of the tangible first-steps I suggest for job seekers gearing up and hunting for w...
Dec 03, 2017•15 min•Season 1Ep. 40
This is part two in my sub-series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. This episode is dedicated to the subtle (and not so subtle) differences in how Danes write their resumes. I discuss the evolution my resume had to go through and point out a few key differences I've picked up on. Of course, resume varies widely from industry to industry, not just country to country, so use ...
Nov 01, 2017•11 min•Season 1Ep. 39
This kicks off a series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. This episode is dedicated to ties, neck ties more specifically. Sound like a strangely specific topic to focus on? Watch and see why I've decided it deserves its own episode including the significance of neck ties during the job search process and when deciding what to wear for public speaking gigs and fancy restaura...
Oct 05, 2017•5 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Summer homes are a key and common part of Danish culture. In this episode of Denmark 101 I delve into what they are, how they fit within culture and how I've typically seen them used. When I first arrived in Denmark I found it particularly surprising just how prolific summer homes/summer cottages were. Over time, I've come to realize just how integral a role they play in Danish culture and history. To the Danes watching - care to elaborate on what summer homes mean to you? Do tell! If you're Dan...
Oct 03, 2017•6 min•Season 1Ep. 37
The Danish tax system is relatively simple (for a tax system). However, it's still quite different than what most of us are used to in our home countries. In this Denmark 101 I discuss what people get wrong about tiered tax systems, discuss how the Danish tax system works, and hit upon how much simpler and more streamlined the process has been living and paying tax here in Denmark compared to doing the same in the US. A great guide to how tax brackets work: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/dont-f...
Oct 01, 2017•10 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Denmark is a country with a long and rich history. So, it only makes sense that they'd have equally rich wedding traditions. In this episode of Denmark 101, I delve into Danish wedding traditions, things to expect at Danish wedding receptions and discuss some of what you'll find when couples in Denmark decide to tie the knot. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series, I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most...
Sep 20, 2017•9 min•Season 1Ep. 35
You've asked repeatedly for a video covering biking rules, norms, and suggestions for Copenhagen (and the rest of Denmark). After debating recording a traditional Denmark 101 video it struck me that it would be far better to go out and recruit some locals to tell you a bit about their approach to biking in Copenhagen, the rules...norms...and then to offer up some great (and some really bad) advice. In this Denmark 101 video I'm joined by Tuni a German-Vietnamese international student alongside T...
Sep 20, 2017•8 min•Season 1Ep. 34
What are Danish New Years celebratory traditions? I dive into several of the major ones and describe the series of events that make up a typical Danish new year in this episode. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to...
Jul 18, 2017•9 min
Have you heard the stories about Danish parents leaving their young children in strollers outside while they enjoy a coffee or do some light shopping? Those stories are true and the focus of this episode of Denmark 101. The NY story I mention: "A 14-month-old girl who was taken away from her parents after being left alone in her stroller outside an East Village restaurant while her parents dined was ordered returned to her mother by a Family Court judge yesterday." http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05...
Jul 01, 2017•5 min
Danish mailmen and women often ride bikes - regardless of the weather or time of year. Rain? Snow? Wind? No problem. You'll find Denmark's stalwart bike mailmen and women making their rounds. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Dani...
Jun 18, 2017•4 min
Visiting Denmark? There are some things you should know about how their credit card system works. This includes the incredibly cool and secure Nem ID security code system used for all secure Danish logins (think taxes, city services, your doctor, etc.), passwords, and credit cards, as well as some of the challenges foreigners face when attempting to use non Dankort credit cards in Denmark. I also explain how chip and pin credit card systems work and how they differ from magnetic strip and sign o...
Jun 11, 2017•7 min
Denmark's homeless population has taught me a very humbling and important life lesson. In today's Denmark 101, I delve a bit into the topic and the humbling realization that virtually all of Denmark's homeless are better linguistically educated than I am. This is a touchy subject, so I invite you to approach comments and discussion with an open mind and to be respectful of reach other. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly off...
May 22, 2017•6 min
The Freetown of Christiania is famous the world over as a fascinating cultural experiment. In this episode of Denmark 101 I attempt to combine a mixture of the history, with my own experiences/observations and commentary that has arisen during conversations with Danes. The result is a look at what Christiania was, has become, and how it has experienced radical changes over the past decade which make it a vastly different place than it was 5, 4, or even as recent as 2 years ago. If you're Danish ...
May 15, 2017•16 min
