Last Week in Denmark

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Last Week in Denmark

Narcis George Matache, Katie Burns, Fionn O'Toole, Kalpita Bhosale, Golda Fania & Dominika Handzlik

61 episodes

6 hours ago

Send us a text We're starting early to build a better Denmark. This week, Dom and Fionn explore Billund’s new International Party, Denmark’s 2026 Finance Plan, and a pilot program adding mental health to school curriculums. From sugar tax cuts to climate investments and classroom wellbeing, they unpack how these changes reflect a Denmark that’s slowly becoming more inclusive—socially, politically, and emotionally. Listen to the full episode to learn how internationals, families, and students ...

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All content for Last Week in Denmark is the property of Narcis George Matache, Katie Burns, Fionn O'Toole, Kalpita Bhosale, Golda Fania & Dominika Handzlik and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Send us a text We're starting early to build a better Denmark. This week, Dom and Fionn explore Billund’s new International Party, Denmark’s 2026 Finance Plan, and a pilot program adding mental health to school curriculums. From sugar tax cuts to climate investments and classroom wellbeing, they unpack how these changes reflect a Denmark that’s slowly becoming more inclusive—socially, politically, and emotionally. Listen to the full episode to learn how internationals, families, and students ...

Show more...

News Commentary

Places & Travel,

Society & Culture,

Episodes (20/61)

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark’s International Party Movement, Budget 2026 Highlights, Students Learn Mental Health: LWID S4E12

Send us a text We're starting early to build a better Denmark. This week, Dom and Fionn explore Billund’s new International Party, Denmark’s 2026 Finance Plan, and a pilot program adding mental health to school curriculums. From sugar tax cuts to climate investments and classroom wellbeing, they unpack how these changes reflect a Denmark that’s slowly becoming more inclusive—socially, politically, and emotionally. Listen to the full episode to learn how internationals, families, and students ...

4 days ago

38 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Raising Denmark’s Share Account Limit, Reviewing International Student Permits, More Women Candidates in Politics: LWID S4E11

Send us a text Change is taking root in Denmark. Two long term international living in Denmark, Kalpita and Narcis, tackle three big stories in this conversation: the proposal to raise Denmark’s share account limit, the review of Bangladeshi and Nepali student permits, and the rise of women and internationals in local elections. Each topic asks what kind of Denmark we’re investing in, who gets to belong, and how change really happens. Topics: (01:05) Raising Denmark’s Share Account Limi...

1 week ago

28 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Scrapping Denmark’s Integration Council, Banning Social Media, Protecting Endangered Species: LWID S4E10

Send us a text Have you ever wondered if feeling at home in Denmark is up to you—or the system? In this episode of Last Week in Denmark, Fionn and Kalpita unpack Denmark’s decision to scrap the National Integration Council, the government’s plan to ban social media for under-15s, and the alarming new report showing that nearly half of Denmark’s species are at risk. As internationals living in Denmark, they reflect on responsibility, belonging, and what it means to care—for people, for childre...

2 weeks ago

36 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

School Phone Ban, Hate Crime Surge, and How to Handle Denmark’s Rat Season: LWID S4E9

Send us a text In this episode: Cohosts: Dominika - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominika-handzlik-200010/Golda - https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldafania/Podcast Manager: Stephanie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dstephfuccio/Audio Editor: Cecilia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliagfoster/Transcript Editor and Podcast Project Lead: Francesca - https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-hills/YouTube assistant: Lei - linkedin.com/in/lei-zhang-2409a1205 ❓ Have questions, ideas or feedba...

3 weeks ago

27 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark Drone Scare, New Immigration Minister, Jobs and Growth Update: LWID S4E8

Send us a text Drone Scares, Politics, and Optimism: This week’s episode unpacks a tense but hopeful stretch of news in Denmark: the wave of drone activity that shut down airports and raised questions about hybrid attacks, the appointment of hardline politician Rasmus Stoklund as the new Immigration Minister and what that could mean for internationals, and the National Bank’s unexpected forecast of economic growth despite major job cuts. Guiding the conversation are Katie and Kalpita, i...

1 month ago

34 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark’s Missile Plans, Bangladeshi International Student Scandal, Porn Addiction Study: LWID S4E7

Send us a text From missiles to migration to addiction, Denmark’s headlines this week couldn’t be more explosive. Internationals Fionn O'Toole and Katie Burns share their take on how these stories shape life for those of us living here—from the government’s dramatic shift toward long-range weapons, to Roskilde University’s controversial recruitment of Bangladeshi students, to a study revealing MANY Danes struggling with porn addiction. Topics: (02:56) Denmark's Long Range Missile ...

1 month ago

38 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Tougher Citizenship Tests, Assisted Dying, and Denmark’s Starry Nights: LWID S4E6

Send us a text Hard Questions, Human Choices. In this week’s episode, Golda and Dominika, both internationals with strong ties to Denmark, tackle three powerful conversations: Denmark’s proposal for tougher citizenship tests and what they mean for democracy and belonging, the country’s exploration of assisted dying as a dignified choice at the end of life, and the growing trend of Danes sleeping under the stars in free nature shelters. It’s Dominika’s very first time on the podcast — join her...

1 month ago

21 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Nurse Quotas, School Meals, and Bus Fares in Denmark: LWID S4E5

Send us a text Healthcare, Candy, Buses: Denmark’s Big Choices. Katie and Kalpita, two internationals living in Denmark, take on the week’s sharpest debates. From the government’s new quota on non-EU nurses, to billions for candy tax cuts instead of free school meals, to Aarhus testing cheaper bus tickets — these choices reveal what Denmark values, what it risks overlooking and how these changes could impact internationals living here. Topics: (00:00) This week's topics (01:03) Da...

1 month ago

37 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Cheaper Coffee, Safer Vaccines, Fishy Politics in Denmark: LWID S4E4

Send us a text Taxes, Science, and Mysterious Eels. Denmark’s 2026 Finance Law brings tax cuts on chocolate, coffee, and books—changes that spark both cheers and debate. Hosts Katie and Fionn, both internationals living in Denmark, also dive into a landmark study of over one million children confirming no link between vaccines and conditions like autism or allergies, a vital pushback against global misinformation. And for a lighter touch: Denmark’s national fish vote, the quirky protest pig, ...

2 months ago

36 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark’s Week of Cuts: Coal Use, Power Taxes & Book VAT: LWID S4E3

Send us a text This week on Last Week in Denmark, Katie and Kalpita — both internationals living in Denmark — discuss a wave of cuts making headlines. Denmark has gone three months coal-free, the government is proposing a major power tax cut, and book VAT may finally be reduced. Are these real steps forward, or just election-season promises? Topics: (00:00) This week's topics (02:01) Denmark's 3 months coal free win (11:36) Power tax cuts in Denmark (20:40) Book VAT reduction in Denmark...

2 months ago

36 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

From High Grocery Prices to Greenlandic Parental Rights: Denmark’s Big Challenges for Internationals: LWID S4E2

Send us a text Prices, Parenting, and Politics Collide in Denmark. This week, Golda and Kalpita unpack how Denmark’s big debates hit everyday life. From soaring grocery bills to Greenlandic parents fighting for their rights, and the government’s bailouts of major companies like Ørsted, these stories raise tough questions about fairness, identity, and who bears the cost of change. With their close connection to Denmark, Golda and Kalpita bring both international insight and personal perspectiv...

2 months ago

31 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Novo Nordisk, Zoos & Alcohol Free Drinking Culture in Denmark: LWID S4E1

Send us a text Pharma Shake-Up, Zoo Debate & Sober Shift: We’re back from summer break with Season 4, as Fionn and Golda explore how Novo Nordisk’s leadership change, Aalborg Zoo’s livestock feeding debate, and Denmark’s growing alcohol-free culture touch daily life for internationals in Denmark. Both with a strong connection to Denmark, they link the headlines to real concerns – job stability, cultural surprises, and finding your place in social life. Hear their candid, cross-cultural ta...

2 months ago

34 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Unlimited Sick Days: Denmark’s Dream Policy or Workplace Dilemma? LWID S3E28 (replay)

Send us a text Unlimited sick leave sounds great—until it doesn't. Golda and Narcis—both internationals with a strong connection to Denmark—explore the country’s ongoing debate around expanded parental leave to help parents take care of sick children. From the pressures on dual-income households to the impact on startups and the fairness toward colleagues without kids, this conversation tackles the policy from all sides. It’s a deeply personal yet broadly political topic, especially for inter...

3 months ago

9 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

More Autonomy, More Access: Denmark’s New Abortion Law: LWID S3E27 (replay)

Send us a text Abortion rights in Denmark expand boldly. Earlier this year, Denmark made history on abortion access. In this highlight from Season 3, Fionn and Katie reflect on the Danish Parliament’s vote to extend the abortion limit from 12 to 18 weeks and to grant decision-making rights to 15–17-year-olds. They explore the legal, medical, and emotional sides of the reform, bringing in their own Irish perspectives and lived experiences. The conversation digs into questions of bodily autonom...

3 months ago

11 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

International Booker Spotlight: Solvej Balle and the Power of Translated Fiction: LWID S3E26 (replay)

Send us a text Groundhog Day meets Samuel Beckett—cohosts Fionn and Kalpita celebrate this mind-bending Danish novel while we're on summer break. Solvej Balle’s On the Calculation of Volume follows Tara Selter, a woman trapped in a time loop, in a story has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Already awarded in Scandinavia and translated by Barbara Haveland, the novel is gaining global attention as part of a planned multi-volume series. Listen to the full episode to hear why ...

3 months ago

9 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Are adoptees in Denmark citizens? LWID S3E25 (replay)

Send us a text Adoptees or immigrants? In this highlight from season 3, Golda and Katie explore the Danish government’s attempt to reclassify internationally adopted citizens as immigrants under a welfare policy update. The move, which would have applied retroactively to 1968, sparked outrage and confusion. Many adoptees—raised entirely in Denmark—were left questioning their citizenship. During season break we're revisiting some of the most popular segments from season 3. We'll be back ...

3 months ago

9 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark's Petty Crime Crackdown: LWID S3E24 (replay)

Send us a text Denmark is a high trust society until we talk about petty crime like bicycle theft. Then the conversation is much more nuanced. Internationals in Denmark Narcis and Kalpita broke down Denmark's new petty crime crackdown early in season 3. They discuss what's being done in Denmark, what could be done and specifically how it impacts internationals. During season break we're revisiting some of the most popular segments from season 3. We'll be back with season 4 in August! Fu...

4 months ago

12 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Denmark’s Billions, Defense Spending, and a Season Wrap-Up: LWID S3E23

Send us a text Money, Missiles, and a Mic Drop. As Fionn and Katie—two internationals living in Denmark—wrap up the season, they reflect on the biggest shifts in the country and on the podcast itself—and what still lies ahead. But the world doesn’t stop: NATO’s new agreement for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense marks a dramatic pivot in global priorities, raising big questions for Denmark’s role. At the same time, the Danish treasury reports a surprise 58 billion DKK surplus—but will it ...

4 months ago

26 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Lolland in the Spotlight, Focus, Bank Fee Warnings, Copenhagen Ranked Best City: LWID S3E22

Is the future of Denmark shifting beyond the big cities? This week on Last Week in Denmark, co-hosts Kalpita and Golda—both internationals with a deep connection to life in Denmark—break down three stories that reveal how things are changing. Lolland is stepping into the spotlight as a potential new hotspot for internationals. A surprising number of people are saving up to 50,000 DKK a year just by switching banks. And with Copenhagen now ranked the best city to live in worldwide, what does t...

4 months ago

33 minutes

Last Week in Denmark

Immigrant Majority Rise, Denmark Hits 6M, African Student Scholarships: LWID S3E21

What does Denmark’s future look like in a more globalized world? This week on Last Week in Denmark, co-hosts Kalpita and Golda—both with deep personal and professional ties to Denmark—explore three big demographic shifts with long-term impact: a new projection that internationals and their descendants could become the majority by 2096, Denmark officially reaching a population of 6 million, and a government-funded scholarship program opening doors for African students. These aren’t just ...

4 months ago

24 minutes