Shows
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastCourtney El RefaiWelcome to another episode of Take Your Shoes Off - the podcast that's usually released on Thursdays, but this week we're running on American time, which means....it's ready when it's ready, tack så mycket! Today we're talking to someone who has one foot in Sweden and the other in a San Francisco hospital. Our guest, Courtney El Refai, has only been in Sweden for six months, which means her takes are fresh, her enthusiasm is intact, and Swedish quirks are still charming. She lives here while working as a neonatal nurse...in California. She literally s...2025-07-0451 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastHazemToday's episode is about the Long Way Home. About what it means to find a new life in a new place, sometimes even a new name. Most importantly, you will hear about how we cannot get through this life alone.Hazem came to Sweden the hard way, after fleeing war in Syria. He shares his story with us, his journey to Sweden but also how he has built a life here. Take your shoes off and join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...2025-06-221h 07
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastMartin ArvebroThis week we sit down wit Martin Arvebro - video wizard, long-time vlogger, and certified rock enthusiast (the headbanging kind, not the geological kind....although who knows, really?). Martin creates videos for politicians by day and makes fun of language and cultural quirks by night - or is it the other way around? We dive into his love of storytelling, the joys of being silly on purpose and how poking fun at societal norms can actually be a form of public service. Finally, you'll realize your best bet to learn Swedish is to spend more time...2025-06-051h 03
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastJonathan RollinsThis week, we’re joined by Jonathan Rollins: U.S. Air Force vet, Founder of The Laugh House - at least the longest running consistent English-language comedy club in Stockholm, and the kind of guy who believes Swedish comedians are top-tier… and Swedish comedy is bottom-shelf. He’s got opinions—about fruit, laughter, and the strange truths of life in Sweden.Let’s just say… some people relocate when they laugh. And after this episode, you might too.Check out Jonathan Rollins’ own podcast “Så vad händer?” here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xhdetUEUnAPwpR...2025-05-2254 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastKim KraftKim Kraft is a professional educator with over fifteen years of experience. She is member of the faculty at University of Washington and she joined us to talk all things Swedish and to also teach Mikael I thing or two about Swedish culture.She will be a visiting researcher at Lund University and American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellow for the 2025-2026 academic year. She is planning a research project called: Learning Swedish Beyond the Classroom. If you are an adult English speaker, who is attempting to learn Swedish while living in Sweden, she would love to hear about...2025-05-0855 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastStephen In SwedenThis week's guest is Stephen Lessard, known online as @stephen_in_sweden. He left behind Fenway franks and Dunkin' coffee for a land of licorice, quiet buses, and pastries that sound like cartoon characters. He's American by birth, Swede by awkward social adaptation, and has some strong opinions about the Semla.Stephen shares his experiences adpating Swedish culture through engagin and often comedic videos. His content covers topics like cultural differences, Swedish traditions, and everyday life in Sweden. You can find his content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where he continues to share anecdotes about...2025-04-241h 01
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastS’more, please!In today's episode, we subject Mikael to a full-on American snack attack - think Ho-Hos, Twinkies and enough sugar to give a hummingbird heart palpitations. Watch in real time (well, listen) as his Swedish sensibilities and blood sugar levels spiral out of control. It's processed, it's powdered, it's patriotic - and it's absolutely horrifying to Mikael. Let the snackocalypse begin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-04-1043 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastAndrea KilinThis week, we’re joined by a guest with a truly international resume: a Hungarian-Romanian who has lived in Malta, loves Sweden, and sings in a queer choir. her name is Andrea and we cover all the important topics—like whether CSN loans are a scam, why semla is basically an edible conspiracy, and if Systembolaget is secretly the most Swedish thing ever.Oh, and there’s Dracula. And garlic. And somehow, despite our best efforts, Mikael actually manages to tie it all together.Strap in, take your shoes off, and let’s get into...2025-03-2753 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastChef MamaIn this episode, we sit down with Emily Fowler from Chef Mama in Malmö, the fearless baker on a mission to bring bagels to Sweden—one chewy, golden ring at a time. But she doesn’t stop there. From snickerdoodles that could make your grandma jealous to Thin Mints that might just start a black market among expats, Chef Mama’s got it all.We talk about the magic of a perfect bagel, why Sweden needs more choices, and whether Mikael can be converted from his lagom ways to fully embracing American-style bagel indulgence. Grab a snack...2025-03-1346 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastKen NeptuneFrom the glitter of Studio 54 to the midnight sun of Sweden, Ken Neptune has seen it all. Spinning records, writing for Billboard, and hanging out with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the land of meatballs and melancholy. Tune in as we dive into his wild journey and find out why Sweden became the ultimate remix of his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-2743 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastSki Fast, Talk Fast: Tales with PhilWelcome back to Take Your Shoes Off, the podcast where we kick back, relax, and occasionally wonder why we ever left the warmth of home. Today, we’re diving into sportlov—Sweden’s beloved ski holiday—and who better to join us than an Irishman who talks faster than a downhill slalom?Our guest is Phil O'Connor a sports reporter, author, podcaster and someone who could probably narrate an entire Olympic ski race before the first turn. We’ll be chatting about winter sports, ski vacations, and whether the Irish approach après-ski with the same enthusiasm...2025-02-1350 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 8: Ballin' with the Tyus FamilyWhat do basketball, Swedish dolphins, and the perfect balance of lagom have in common? Honestly, we're still figuring it out. This week, we sit down with professional basketball player Marcus Tyus and his wife, Maggie, to talk hoops, family life, and why Sweden may or may not have the best basketball development program. Plus, a little Magic Johnson, a dash of life advice, and the eternal struggle of finding 'just the right amount' of everything. Tune in for the fun, stay for the surprises - and check out our guests on Instagram @tyus.together https://www...2025-01-3045 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 7: From Pints to Lagom with David VineAfter a short holiday break, we are ringing in the New Year with our good friend, David Vine!He comes to us from just outside London, now making Sweden his home. His wife is English, but Welsh. His daughter is English, but Welsh. His son is English, but Swedish. Meet David, the last Englishman.Come on in, but please - take your shoes off! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-1647 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 6: Pod Reflections and Happy ContinuationsOn this episode we decided to kick back, ditch our guests (just this once), and unwrap life's quirks - from our Christmas table favorites to the curious case of Swedish 'Happy Continuations.' Cozy, candid, and always a little unexpected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-2623 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 5: Colm As You AreHoliday Happenings, Swedish food revolution, and more….varsågod and join us for our latest episode with Colm, the true Irishman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-1947 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 4: Going bananas with Jim LegatesBananaGate, politics, superficial niceties and avoiding eye contact with strangers…this and more in the latest episode. Links in our profile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-1245 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 3: From ABBA to Gnats with Dodi AxelsonIn 1994, Dodi showed up in Linköping as a college student eager to learn the language and absorb the culture. Thirty years later, she's teaching a few podcasters about the history of Swedish dans band and sharing bold views on the ritual of fika in the workplace. Listen in to hear Dodi's reflections about life as an expat both back then and now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-0548 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 2: Dissertations for babies and endorsements for Sweden with B KeessonIn this episode, B Keesson shares her journey of moving, adapting, and finally finding a place to call home. As an expat who's experienced the highs and lows of relocation, B reflects on the life choices that led her to settle in the forests of Sweden.From having a baby to discovering a culture that truly aligns with her values, B walks us through the unexpected twists - like choosing a Swedish multinational over an NGO career, falling in love with a Swedish-American (or is it American-Swedish?) partner, and even developing a surprising affinity for local...2024-11-2852 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastEpisode 1: Two Americans and a Swede walk into a podSo how did two Americans and a Swede end up with a podcast? Sweden attracts so many people from around the world with unique backgrounds, ambitions, and values.In this first episode, Bob, Micke, and Kelly dive into the wild world of podcasting, share a bit about their own backgrounds, and have some laughs about quirky cultural differences. In a time when things can feel uncertain, we’re here to bring a fresh, curious mindset to exploring different cultures, lifestyles, and points of view.We’re just warming up, so take your shoes off...2024-11-2130 min
TaleWindThe Essays of Warren Buffett by Lawrence A. CunninghamLawrence A. Cunningham is the Director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware. He currently serves as a Director for several publicly-traded companies: Markel Group (NYSE: MKL), Kelly Partners Group Holdings Limited (ASX: KPG), and Constellation Software (TSX: CSU), where he serves as Vice Chairman. Before becoming a professor, Cunningham practiced corporate law with Cravath, Swaine & Moore, where his practice areas included corporate governance, M&A, finance, and international. In 2018, Professor Cunningham received the B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). 2024-11-0741 min
Take Your Shoes Off, the PodcastTrailerLaunch trailer for "Take Your Shoes Off, the Podcast" on life abroad in Sweden. Launches November 21. Subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-0402 min
The Shadowdance EdgeWhat happens when you want to know everything about everything?Clinton Swaine, world traveler, Frontier Trainings CEO, experiential games creator extraordinaire, takes a moment on my front porch to share the challenges and triumphs of running a global company that was created to empower millions. Love this interview? Check out Frontier Trainings' generous taster platter of learning and training in the form of elaborate deep experiential games. Go to https://frontiertrainings.com/ptw/happines, grab your seat and tell 'em Heather sent you ;)
And be sure to join our community on Facebook for extra fun. https://www.facebook.com/groups/shadowdanceedge
A BIG Thank you...2022-08-2317 min
Bad With NumbersShrek 2On this week's show, we're celebrating our first birthday with three-quarters of a Good With Numbers episode as we talk about 2004's Shrek 2! How many references can you fit in one montage? Who's the sexiest cartoon? Why couldn't they have stuck with their first choice for Shrek? All this, plus Mungo appreciation and the occasional barbed comment from a mean old grump who thinks this movie stinks.Shrek 2 is directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, and stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Saunders, Rupert Everett, Julie...2021-10-181h 40Bad With NumbersFreddy Vs JasonOn this week's show, the gang are off to Springwood, Ohio for some much-needed rest with 2003's Freddy Vs Jason, directed by Ronny "Bride of Chucky" Yu. How did we end up with this version of the movie? Why is there way more exposition than there are kills? What 'versus' movies do the gang want to see? All this, plus we play a game about Freddy quips!Freddy Vs Jason is directed by Ronny Yu, and stars Robert Englund, Monica Keena, Kelly Rowland, Katharine Isabelle, Jason Ritter, Lochlyn Munro, Christopher Marquette and Ken...2021-03-111h 20