What Are You Doing in Denmark?

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📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com👉 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.

When distance doesn’t weaken family bonds. Living abroad doesn’t automatically pull families apart. This episode flips the usual story about adult children moving overseas. Instead of loss or rupture, Conrad and his mom Jane talk about what happens when living abroad becomes normal for a family. Their relationship was already shaped by travel, mobility, and independence long before Denmark entered the picture. Over time, they’ve adapted through frequent visits, immersive time together, everyday technology, and a shared openness to seeing life from different places. The conversation explores how closeness can be redesigned rather than lost, and how family life can stretch across countries without becoming fragile or distant. For listeners living abroad long term, or thinking about it, this episode offers reassurance without pretending distance is effortless.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com👉 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.

Denmark added 25% VAT to gym memberships and personal training, and it’s already changing the fitness landscape. In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Annie sit down with personal trainer and educator Mikkel Valgreen to unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who’s most affected.The change stems from an EU classification that defines fitness services as “commercial” rather than healthcare. That means higher prices for gym memberships, personal training, and classes while taxes on things like sugar and alcohol are being reduced.We break down:Why the VAT was introducedHow gyms and trainers are respondingWho is exempt (and who isn’t)The political debate around whether fitness should count as healthcareWhat it means for Denmark’s long-term public healthPlus, Mikkel shares practical advice for actually sticking to your fitness goals in 2026 without burning out by the end of February.If you live in Denmark, work in fitness, or just care about how policy affects your daily life, this episode is for you.Mikkel Valgreen (guest):https://www.mikkelvalgreenpt.dk/https://www.instagram.com/valgreen_pt📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com👉 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.

If you’re in Denmark in February, you’ll probably notice children in costumes, wooden barrels being hit with bats, and an alarming number of cream-filled buns in every bakery window. That’s Fastelavn, one of Denmark’s most beloved and confusing traditions.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you should expect as an international living in Denmark. From its roots as the Northern European version of Carnival, to historic Fastelavn processions, children singing for treats, and the very strange tradition of “hitting the cat out of the barrel,” we explain how this holiday evolved and why it still matters today.We also talk about Fastelavn songs, costumes, and most importantly fastelavnsboller, the cream-filled buns that quietly turn February into Denmark’s sweetest month.Whether you’re new to Denmark or just wondering why everyone suddenly cares so much about pastries, this episode will help Fastelavn make a little more sense.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustReferenced:Check out Ilana Buhl for fastelavnsboller contenthttps://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charmhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charm📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com👉 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.

No one plans to lose their job in Denmark, but knowing the rules ahead of time can make a stressful moment a lot less scary. Derek and Conrad know and they’re here to unpack a topic most internationals quietly worry about but hope they’ll never need. They walk through what happens to your work and residence status if a job ends, covering how the rules differ for non-EU and EU residents, with a few notes for students too. This conversation is about preparation, just in case.Along the way, they talk about garden leave, A-kasse, common misunderstandings, and the very real difference between being told you’re losing your job and officially being unemployed. With personal stories, a bit of humor, and plenty of practical context, this episode is designed to help you feel more prepared and less panicked, whether you're facing layoffs now or just want to understand the system better before you need to.Relevant Links:Visa Information (english): https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/Contact SIRI (english): https://nyidanmark.dk/pl-PL/Contact-us/Contact-SIRI/Call-SIRIBorger Service (english): https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/More on A-kasse: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/working/work-rights/unemployment-benefitsJob seeking episodes: 29 | Help! I’m in Denmark and I can’t find a job! https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjVmOTkwOTg2MTNlNzgwMDE2MDRjNGI330 | They asked you WHAT?! Job interviews in Denmark, Danish work culture myths, and much more. https://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjYwMTJmM2NlNDE0YTYwMDE2YTU3YzA4Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F📢 Send your questions and/or comments.voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydidemail: derek@whatareyoudoingindenmark.com👉 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.