Let’s Talk About Denmark

Have you ever wondered why the Danes, who were once some of Europe’s most feared warriors, the notorious Vikings, are now one of the happiest, most trusting, most equal, and most democratic people in the world? The podcast “Let’s Talk about Denmark” takes a closer look at the Danes and the values of their welfare state and explores how happiness, trust, welfare and democracy go hand in hand. The podcast is produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in cooperation with Aarhus University Press. Read more about Denmark on www.Denmark.dk. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet.

The Digital Denmark

One of the keys to Denmark’s digital success, is a responsible approach to technology that puts people, human rights, and democracy at the heart of digital developments. This podcast episode explores what the digital Denmark looks like from a citizen perspective, and looks at how Denmark can leverage its digital strengths to support responsible development and integration of technologies on a global scale. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet Guests: Adam Moe Fejerskov, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies and Helene Friis Ratner, associate professor at the University of Education at Aarhus University

05-03
27:54

Energy and Green Transition

Denmark was once totally dependent on imported oil, but today, 60% of Danish electricity consumption derives from renewable resources such as wind and solar. On a good and windy day, all electricity in the Danish sockets comes from renewable resources. In this podcast episode the two experts Mogens Rüdiger and Anna Aaberg talk you through Denmark's green trajectory, and why has it been successful. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet.Geusts: Mogens Rüdiger and Anna Aaberg.

09-19
26:17

Denmark in the UN

Denmark is one of the founding members of the United Nations and a candidate for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council 2025-26. Fighting global inequality, injustices, and advancing sustainable development, peace, and security as well as human rights and human dignity are long-standing core UN priorities for Denmark. This episode explores how a small country like Denmark can make a difference on these broad agendas within the UN.Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet.Geusts: Kristine Kjærsgaard and Richard Gowan.

09-19
29:39

Green architecture and urban liveability

Listen to this podcast episode and hear why Denmark, with its strong legacy within architecture and innovative urban development, has some of the most liveable cities in the world, as the two experts Ellen Braa and Camilla Van Deurs discuss how architecture and urban planning play a huge role when it comes to creating a greener and more liveable future. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet. Geusts: Ellen Braa and Camilla Van Deurs.

07-04
31:10

Modern Danish democracy and the quality of life

Denmark is one of the oldest democracies in the world. It stands on the values of equality, solidarity, individual freedom, and of the unspoken agreement that it is okay to disagree. This episode explores how a flourishing democracy tends to correlate with high levels of trust, happiness and quality of life. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet. Guest: Professor Svend-Erik Skaaning, Aarhus University.

02-23
25:12

Does Danish welfare make you lazy?

The Danish welfare state ensures social benefits such as free education, medical care and subsidized childcare. University students get study grants, social benefits are available for people in need, and homelessness is rare. This episode argues that welfare does not take away the incentive to work, and that high taxes go hand in hand with economic growth. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet. Guest: Professor Carsten Jensen, Aarhus University.

02-23
25:07

Are Danes too trustful?

Nowhere in the world is the level of trust higher than in the Nordic countries. In Denmark, people leave their children sleeping outside in baby prams, lost wallets are returned with money inside, and a word is a word when doing business. This episode explores why the level of social trust is so high in Denmark, and how trust is beneficial for people, society, and business. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet. Guest: Professor Gert Tinggaard Svendsen, Aarhus University.

02-23
25:01

Are Danes really that happy?

Denmark is known to be one of the happiest countries in the world. This might seem peculiar considering the Danish grey winters and the reserved nature of the Danes. This episode looks at the underlying causes of why that is, and gives suggestions on how to raise the level of happiness. Host: Emma Elisabeth Holtet. Guest: Professor Christian Bjørnskov, Aarhus University.

02-23
24:25

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