Best Magic Circle Entertainment Podcasts (2025)

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124 | Ghost Stories From Denmark's Most Haunted Castle (replay) 21:03

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3d ago21:03

21:03

In this episode, we're revisiting the ghost stories of Dragsholm Slot, one of Europe's most haunted castles located right here in Denmark. From the crypt of 2024 spooky season you'll hear Derek share the tales of four different ghosts haunting the castle while paranormal skeptic, Mike, gives his thoughts and reactions. Whether or not you celebrate …

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123 | Meet Finn Holschlek, Denmark's Youngest Candidate and a Voice for Change 29:04

4d ago29:04

29:04

In this episode, Derek interviews Finn Holschlek, Denmark's youngest candidate for local office at just 17 years old. Finn shares his journey from Austria to Denmark, his motivations for political involvement, and the importance of youth engagement in politics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities faced by young politicians, t…

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122 | Danish Friends, International Circles, and Feeling Anchored 27:59

6d ago27:59

27:59

Is making friends in Denmark really that hard? Derek and Mike dig into what friendship and belonging look like for internationals in Denmark, from the comfort of expat bubbles to the challenge of entering long-standing Danish circles. They explore whether you truly need Danish friends to feel at home, or just the right people to anchor you. It’s a …

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121 | Meet Lasse Frimand Jensen: Aalborg's Mayor Creating a Modern Hub for All 38:47

11d ago38:47

38:47

In this episode, Derek is joined by Lasse Frimand Jensen, the mayor of Aalborg, to explore the city's transformation from an industrial hub to a modern center for education, green energy, and culture. Discover how Aalborg is embracing its growing international community and leading the way in sustainable development. Lasse shares insights from his …

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120 | Ghosts, Witches, and Modern Magic in Denmark 31:30

13d ago31:30

31:30

Witch hunts, haunted castles, and modern magic. Derek, Brooke, and Conrad dig into Denmark’s witchy past — from real 17th-century witch trials to modern-day magic and haunted castles. Along the way, they mix eerie history with humor, ghost stories, and a few surprising facts about why Danes still burn witches on midsummer bonfires. It’s a spirited …

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119 | Stand-Up, Sobriety & the Danish Way of Laughing 38:53

20d ago38:53

38:53

Can a joke survive translation? Danish comedian Jacob Taarnhøj has been finding out for over a decade—performing stand-up in Danish, English, and even Norwegian. From the comedy clubs of Aarhus to TV specials and international stages, Jacob shows how humor shifts across languages yet still connects people through shared absurdities. In this convers…

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118 | Where Your Tax Money Goes in Denmark and How to Have Your Say 29:03

27d ago29:03

29:03

Voting turnout among internationals in Denmark is often under 30%, compared to over 70% for Danes. We can do better than that, right? Local elections in Denmark decide more than you think. Derek and Brooke get all the voting as international details from Narcis George Matache in this conversation. From Denmark’s upcoming local and regional election…

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117 | Expat Facebook Groups in Denmark: Comedy, Chaos, and Common Sense 39:48

1M ago39:48

39:48

Helpful or Hilarious? In this episode, Derek is joined by comedian Jefferson Bond to explore the wonderfully unhinged world of expat Facebook groups in Denmark. These online spaces are meant to help newcomers navigate life in Denmark — but they’re also overflowing with conspiracy theories, questionable advice, and the occasional comedy gold. Highli…

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116 | Denmark’s Drinking Culture: Shortcut or Stumbling Block? 36:13

1M ago36:13

36:13

Beer, bonds, and belonging in Denmark. In Denmark, alcohol isn’t just a drink—it’s a social shortcut. From Friday bars to school parties, booze is woven into daily life in ways that can shock newcomers. For internationals, it can feel like you have to drink just to make friends, join in at work, or even learn the language. But is that really true? …

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115 | Policing in Denmark: Myths, Realities & What Internationals Should Know 42:10

2M ago42:10

42:10

Respect. Trust. Laws. Myths. Police. Denmark. Policing in Denmark isn’t what you might expect. In this episode, Allan Hansen, Deputy Chief Superintendent of Copenhagen Police, joins Derek, Mike, and Brooke to demystify how policing really works here. From the difference between 112 and 114, to what’s legal (and what’s not) when it comes to biking, …

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114 | When Does Denmark Finally Feel Like Home? 23:32

2M ago23:32

23:32

In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek, Mike, and Brooke dive into the adaptation stage of culture shock. It's that turning point when life in Denmark starts to click. Listeners share their own stories and voice notes about the moments they realized they were doing more than just getting by. They share what made them realize they w…

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Ghostwriting the Greats: Legacy, Lights & the Language of Spectacle with Dan Shipton 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

Step behind the curtain with Dan Shipton, the visionary creative director whose spectacular work has dazzled millions worldwide. As co-founder of Black Skull Creative, Dan has crafted some of entertainment's most unforgettable moments—from Sam Ryder's Eurovision triumph to Jade Thirlwall's groundbreaking Brits performance, and the awe-inspiring spe…

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113 | Reverse Culture Shock: A Dane Returns After Many Years Abroad 51:06

2M ago51:06

51:06

Reverse culture shock hits home hard. Coming home isn’t always easy. After thirteen years in London, Danish comedian Sofie Hagen returns to Denmark and finds that re-entry can be just as surprising as moving abroad. From missing rye bread and blunt small talk to discovering how “first of all” sounds like starting a fight in British emails, Sofie sh…

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112 | After you’ve been in Denmark for a while: Your questions answered. 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

Once you’ve been in Denmark a while, the questions get more nuanced. From the mystery of dating to whether hygge blocks new friendships, internationals notice the cultural puzzles beneath everyday life. In this listener Q&A, Derek Hartman answers the second-layer questions of international life in Denmark with humor, honesty, and a few surprises. E…

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111 | Denmark vs. Deepfakes: Who Really Wins? 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

Denmark Says: You Own Your Face. Denmark just handed its citizens a legal copyright on themselves — your face, voice, and body are officially yours. Instead of clamping down on deepfake tech like a digital killjoy, the law flips the script and makes it an ownership game: if someone makes a fake of you, you can force them to take it down. Derek and …

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Midlands to Main Stage: Leaps, Lashes & Limitless Ambition with Harvey Bowen (aka Naya Thorn) 1:03:04

3M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Meet Harvey Bowen – the 23-year-old creative force behind the fierce fashions and perfect paint of rising drag sensation Naya Thorn. In this intimate conversation, Harvey takes us from childhood in the Midlands to centre stage in the UK drag scene with refreshing candour and surprising wisdom. "I always knew I was going to be a star in some capacit…

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110 | Danish vs. International School in Denmark: A Cultural Conversation About Choice, Language, and Belonging 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

What makes a Danish school... Danish? This week, return guest Ilana Bull—an international school teacher and parent—joins Derek and Brooke to explore how school systems in Denmark reflect much more than just academics. From class structure to communication styles, from birthday customs to the role of play, this episode dives into the everyday cultu…

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109 | Homesickness, Red Soda and Comedy culture in Denmark versus the UK with Comedian Sofie Hagen 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

Out of place, even back home. Sofie Hagen left Denmark to pursue comedy in London—and came back a different person. This conversation with Derek, Conrad, and Brooke explores the mix of pride, pressure, and self-doubt that can come with returning to your home country after years abroad. But because the topic is comedy—across Denmark, the UK, and bac…

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108 | Redefining Belonging for Internationals in Denmark 45:54

3M ago45:54

45:54

Narcis didn’t just move to Denmark—he moved the needle. What began as a frustrating student experience turned into a powerful journey of activism, visibility, and political impact. From challenging exclusion in student councils to launching Last Week in Denmark, a very popular newsletter now published in nine languages, he’s running for city counci…

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107 | New Visa Rules in Denmark: What’s Gained, What’s at Stake 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

Who really benefits from Denmark’s visa changes? Denmark just rewrote its work permit rules so Derek and Mike are here to break them for you. At first glance, it looks like Denmark is opening the door to more internationals. But in reality, the move may not bring many new people in. Instead, it’s likely to benefit those already living in Denmark—es…

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Ballet to Bridgerton: A Life Beyond the Barre & Breaking Through with Max Westwell 1:06:03

4M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

When Max Westwell stepped away from a successful 12-year career with English National Ballet, many thought he was making a catastrophic mistake. But Max has always been driven by curiosity and evolution, refusing to be confined to a single artistic path. From his earliest days as an energetic, dyslexic child finding expression through movement, Max…

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106 | Danish Language Mindset Tips with Brooke Fossey 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

Learning Danish? Stop waiting to feel ready. Brooke Fossey joins Derek and Mike to share why mindset matters more than mastery, and how choosing joy over perfection can transform your language journey. From awkward public mistakes to unhelpful corrections, Brooke’s approach blends consistency, curiosity, and a refusal to give up—even when Danes swi…

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Blue Circles and Breaking Boundaries: The Art of Drag & Self-Discovery with Pip Doran / Sister Sister 1:02:52

4M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Creativity blooms in unexpected places. For Pip Doran - better known to fans worldwide as the blue circle-wearing Scouse drag superstar Sister Sister - early inspiration came from a female-led household where art experimentation wasn't just allowed, it was celebrated. From fashioning portraits out of family laundry to channeling the energy of belov…

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105 | Stand-Up Across Scandinavia: What Lands and What Doesn’t 51:37

4M ago51:37

51:37

Laughter, lies, language, and cultural clashes. Some jokes don’t survive the border. Abby Wambaugh and Dharkshika Christopher join cohosts Derek and Conrad to talk about the challenges—and joys—of performing stand-up across languages and cultures. With sets in Danish, Norwegian, English, French, and Swedish, they’ve experienced what works, what doe…

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Spectacle with Substance: Rooted in Community, Built on Vision with Niccy Hallifax 1:01:26

4M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Meeting Niccy Hallifax feels like encountering a whirlwind of creative energy. This extraordinary producer and artistic director has shaped some of our most memorable cultural moments – from Olympic ceremonies to city-wide cultural celebrations, from transforming industrial relics into breathtaking art installations to championing voices traditiona…

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104 | Living in Denmark with Ilana Buhl, @lykke_charm: Integration, Identity, and Everyday Life 37:33

4M ago37:33

37:33

Love, visas, identity, motherhood, burnout, Denmark. Ilana Buhl didn’t just move for love—she rebuilt her life from scratch. In this candid conversation with cohosts Derek and Brooke, Ilana shares how a three-day trip turned into a lifetime abroad. From navigating Denmark’s tough family reunification process to finding her footing as a teacher, par…

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From Wishbone to World Stage: A Life in Performance, Purpose, and Passing It On with Helen Thom 1:16:44

4M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

What happens when your childhood wish on a chicken wishbone shapes your entire life? For Helen Thom, that wish for ballet lessons at age six sparked a journey from passionate young dancer to transformative educator who has touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. Helen's story unfolds with warmth and authenticity as she shares pivotal moments …

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103 | Sankt Hans Special: Weird Danish History 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

Bonfires, jesters, glass kings, pirate royals. Danish history is weirder than you think. Released for Sankt Hans—Denmark’s midsummer celebration of fire and folklore—this episode brings the heat with tales that blur the line between fact and legend. Comedian Adrian Mackinder joins Derek, Brooke, and Conrad to explore everything from a court jester …

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Storytellers Wanted: No Gatekeepers Allowed as the Stage Belongs to Everyone with Suzie Henderson 1:01:59

5M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Meet Suzie Henderson, a fierce advocate for community-driven creative leadership who's helping rewrite the rules of cultural spaces as Creative Director at Storyhouse in Chester. With warmth and candour, Susie shares her unexpected journey from a youth theatre in Tamworth to becoming a pioneering voice in the creative sector. What makes Suzie's app…

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102 | Denmark Expectations Versus Everyday Reality 24:56

5M ago24:56

24:56

Denmark consistently tops the world’s livability rankings—but what do those lists really tell you about life here? In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Mike take a closer look at the glossy reports versus the everyday realities of living in Denmark. From healthcare hurdles to hidden costs and navigating local systems without a corporate package, the…

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Chaos Demon in a Tailcoat: When Illustration Meets Drag with Sev Heyn / Franz Genau 57:12

5M ago57:12

57:12

Step into the captivating world of Franz Genau, a self-described "German drag king chaos demon" whose white-faced, mustachioed persona has become a striking presence in Liverpool's vibrant drag scene. Behind this compelling character stands Severus Heyn – illustrator, producer, performer, and creative powerhouse whose journey defies conventional na…

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101 | Becoming a Nearly Danish Dame: Brooke Fossey’s New Life in Denmark 33:59

5M ago33:59

33:59

🎧 Bikes. Buns. No Danish friends? Challenge accepted. Brooke Fossey, The Nearly Danish Dame, moved to Denmark for a one-month vacation—and never went back. What followed was a full-blown reinvention: from running a bagel business out of a bike in Boston to becoming a cheerleader for awkward, honest language learning on Instagram. In our conversatio…

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The Renegade Journey: From Digital Disruptor to Bestselling Author with Maya Gabrielle 1:19:00

5M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

Maya Gabrielle, better known to millions of young readers as bestselling children's author M.G Leonard, takes us on an exhilarating journey through her remarkably unconventional career. From managing The Divine Comedy band in the 90s to pioneering digital content at Shakespeare's Globe, Royal Opera House, and National Theatre, Maya reveals how bein…

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100 | How to Handle Houseguests When You Move to Denmark (or Anywhere) 20:11

5M ago20:11

20:11

What happens when visitors overstay their welcome or were never really welcome to begin with? In this episode, we’re diving into the messy, funny, and sometimes awkward world of hosting guests, especially when you live abroad. Whether it’s friends booking a “free hotel” or well-meaning others who blur the line between visiting and moving in, expats…

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From Darkness to Finding Light: Shooting Icons & Shaping Culture with Magnus Hastings 1:02:16

5M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Magnus Hastings carries the rare distinction of being a photographer whose work you've likely seen even if you don't recognise his name. From capturing President Bill Clinton and pop icons like Demi Lovato to becoming the definitive visual chronicler of drag culture, Magnus has developed a signature style that celebrates authenticity and artistry i…

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99 | From Ukraine to Denmark: Kateryna’s Story of War, Refuge, and Stand-Up Comedy 31:13

5M ago31:13

31:13

Kateryna fled Ukraine when the war began, but that was only the beginning of her journey. Now living in Denmark, she’s rebuilding her life one punchline at a time. In this episode, she tells Derek, Conrad, and Brooke how comedy helped her cope with trauma, how it feels to perform stand-up in a new country, and what it means to create joy when the w…

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Crafting Characters: The Art & Business of Creative Partnerships with Shep & Chris 1:40:41

5M ago1:40:41

1:40:41

What makes the perfect creative partnership? How do character designers breathe life into the magical beings that captivate audiences? And how can creative professionals maintain their passion while navigating the harsh realities of the industry? Shep and Chris, the brilliant minds behind Fuzzy Lightbulb, take us behind the scenes of their 40+ year…

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98 | Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid: The Strange Saga of Denmark’s Most Famous Statue 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

You’ve seen the Instagram photos and passed the crowds in Copenhagen, but how much do you really know about the Little Mermaid statue? In this episode, Derek, Mike, and Conrad have a laugh-filled discussion about the strange history of Denmark’s most iconic statue. From her origins in a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale to being commissioned by a …

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When Hearts Synchronise: The Healing Power of the Arts with Emma Nowell 1:01:45

6M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Emma Noel's creative journey reads like a masterclass in artistic resilience and reinvention. From backing vocals at Eurovision 2003 (with the infamous "nil points" Gemini entry) to West End stages, gritty British films, children's TV sensation Hi5, and finally founding director of Pop Vox Choir – her career defies conventional paths while showcasi…

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97 | I Didn't Tell My Friends I Was Visiting Home, Now They're Mad 24:05

6M ago24:05

24:05

When you live abroad, visiting your home country can be a whirlwind—especially when you only have a few days. In this episode, we answer a real listener dilemma: Danielle, who lives in Odense, went back to Toronto for a short trip and chose to spend all her time with family. She didn’t tell her friends she was in town, and now… they’re upset. Derek…

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The Dance of Revolution: Resilience and Adaptability with Laura Harvey 1:21:48

6M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

What does it mean to choose fulfilment over happiness in a creative career? Laura Harvey, Head of Creative Programmes at English National Ballet, shares her powerful journey from dancer to industry change-maker in a conversation that challenges traditional notions of success in the arts. With infectious energy and hard-won wisdom, Laura reveals how…

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96 | Culture Shock in Denmark: The 4 Stages No One Warns You About 33:06

6M ago33:06

33:06

Moving to a new country is more than learning the language and eating new food—it’s a full-body, emotional rollercoaster. In this episode, your hosts Derek, Brooke, and Mike break down the 4 stages of culture shock and share personal stories from their lives in Denmark—the excitement, the frustration, the weird in-between moments, and finally… that…

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When the World Is Watching: Creating Moments That Matter with Martin Green CBE 54:38

6M ago54:38

54:38

What does it really take to create cultural moments that captivate millions? Martin Green CBE pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary career spanning the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies, Hull City of Culture, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and now the Eurovision Song Contest. From an unexpected start helping with a school production of A Midsumm…

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95 | Cecilie Bau on Dating, Coming Out, and No Such Thing as Oversharing in Denmark 27:10

6M ago27:10

27:10

In this episode you'll get to know the brilliant Danish comedian Cecilie Bau, who also happens to be our special guest for our upcoming live show! She sits down with Brooke, Conrad, and Derek to talk about dating in Denmark, coming out, and how it's all just comedic inspiration. We also dive into her work as a mental health advocate and how the sti…

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94 | Why You Can't Name Your Baby 'Banana' in Denmark (with Mathias Bach) 31:11

6M ago31:11

31:11

Ever wonder why there are so many common names in Denmark? In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad dive into Denmark’s strict baby naming laws - with plenty of laughs along the way from our friend Mathias Bach. From government-approved name lists to the historical reasons behind them, we break down what you can (and can’t) name your kid if you'r…

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Dance Like Everybody’s Watching: Community, Creativity and the realities of a dance career with Paul Doyle 47:52

6M ago47:52

47:52

What does it take to build a thriving dance career against the backdrop of dwindling arts funding and disappearing courses? Paul Doyle reveals exactly that, sharing his remarkable journey from a shy schoolboy choreographing cringeworthy dance routines to becoming the driving force behind Liverpool's resurrected LEAP Dance Festival. This conversatio…

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93 | PD2, PD3, and WTF — Do You Really Have to Learn Danish? 32:13

7M ago32:13

32:13

In this episode, you'll learn all about the complicated world of learning Danish as a foreigner in Denmark with an update from Conrad, who’s currently prepping for the PD3 exam, and Mike, who recently passed PD2. Derek explains what the difference is between the two tests (and why it matters), which one you need for permanent residency or citizensh…

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92 | Going Viral in Denmark: Mathias Bach on TikTok Fame, Danish Humor & Applesauce 36:26

7M ago36:26

36:26

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning Danish creator Mathias Bach—TikToker of the Year, mastermind behind some of Denmark’s most viral videos, and former child YouTuber who once tried to shorten school days for everyone. Brooke, Conrad, and Derek get Mathias's view on growing up in Denmark, what most foreigners really don’t understand abo…

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91 | Denmark’s Bizarre Copyright Wars: Elvis, Harry Potter & McDonald's 18:32

7M ago18:32

18:32

What do Elvis Presley, Harry Potter, and McDonald’s all have in common? They’ve all taken legal swings at Denmark. In this episode, Brooke brings Derek and Mike three wild tales of copyright lawsuits that landed in Danish courtrooms - from a replica Graceland in Jutland to a magical festival that had to lose a little Hogwarts to survive. Plus, a ho…

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90 | How Denmark Handles Stress, Birthdays & Climate Change (Better Than You?) with Mathias Bach 24:17

7M ago24:17

24:17

Denmark had an eventful week, and we’re breaking it all down! Brooke dives into the surprising but very Danish reason a popular band replaced their lead singer. Derek explores how Denmark is tackling rising groundwater caused by climate change. And Conrad shares a heartwarming (and extremely Danish) birthday tradition that caught him off guard. Plu…