Sweden in Focus

The Local

Sweden in Focus is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in Sweden as well as explore and explain the issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.

In each episode presenter James Savage chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local Sweden’s Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Mandy Pipher. They are frequently joined by other expert commentators.

Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.

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287 episodes
Updated July 25

Episodes287

Newest first

May 25, 2024 · 23 min
How can Sweden get more immigrants in leadership roles?
This week in Sweden in Focus: Nurses plan to strike, Sweden Democrats vow to keep on trolling, and how can Sweden combat discrimination? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local Sweden's editor Emma Löfgren and our Nordic correspondent Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Greg Fernando, the founder of New to Sweden, an organisation promoting greater workplace diversity, and Paulina Brandberg, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Nurses strike Swedish healthcare strike: What nurses and midwives' overtime protest means for you Troll factory Swedish PM won't end Sweden Democrats collaboration over 'troll factory' Inside Sweden: Why troll factory won't spark a government crisis Discrimination OPINION: ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing PODCAST: Why doesn't Sweden gather data on race and ethnicity – and should it? Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2024 · 39 min
INTERVIEW - Sweden's labour migration clampdown will harm green transition: Green Party leader
In this week's Sweden in Focus Extra: Green Party joint leader Daniel Helldén on criticism of government climate policy, the EU elections, immigration and online attacks from far-right troll accounts. After a turbulent period for the party, the Greens recently put in place a new leadership duo: Daniel Helldén, previously vice mayor of Stockholm, and Amanda Lind, the former culture minister. We chat this week with Daniel Helldén to find out about the party’s direction ahead of the upcoming EU election and beyond. We also ask where the party stands on new income requirements for work permit holders and what Helldén thinks of revelations about anonymous social media troll accounts run by the Sweden Democrats. THE KEY PLAYERS: Who's who in Swedish politics? Who are Sweden's top candidates in the European election? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18, 2024 · 24 min
Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal grows and Taylor Swift hits Stockholm
This week: Fallout from Sweden Democrat troll factory scandal, how Stockholm has prepared for Taylor Swift, excerpts from interview with Green Party leader Daniel Helldén. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Nordic correspondent, Richard Orange. The episode also features interviews with Dagens Nyheter's reporter Evelyn Jones, Stockholm Business Region's communications director Monica Engqvist and Green Party co-leader Daniel Helldén. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Sweden Democrats Sweden Democrats spread white power propaganda How the Sweden Democrats' 'troll factory' tries to shape the immigration debate Uncovering a Sweden Democrat troll factory: 'I had to get inside to get the truth' Taylor Swift Do Taylor Swift's ancestors really come from a small parish in rural Sweden? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 10, 2024 · 15 min
How will lower interest rates affect your life in Sweden, and how likely is a 4-day week?
In this week's episode: Security fears and parties in Malmö for Eurovision, how lower interest rates affect people in Sweden, and Sweden Democrats get caught running a social media troll factory. -- Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. -- Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Richard Orange and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Eurovision Sweden's Eurovision brings kitsch in the shadow of Gaza How Eurovision visitors can make the most of Malmö Money Three ways Sweden's slashed interest rate will boost your finances Which Swedish banks have the lowest mortgage rates? Politics REVEALED: Sweden Democrats' secret social media 'troll factory' Property For sale: New record as flood of apartments hits the market in Sweden How do you beat the stress of the Swedish property bidding frenzy? Sabotage allegations Swedish rail derailments could be linked to 'Russian-backed sabotage' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 4, 2024 · 12 min
Why do we get a day off for Ascension and who's the new joint leader of Sweden's Green Party?
In this week's episode: Ascension Day holiday, Nazis storm political meeting in Stockholm, preview of interview with gardening expert John Taylor, and who is the Green Party's new joint leader? -- Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. -- Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Lögren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Ascension Day Why is Ascension Day a public holiday in Sweden? Political violence EXPLAINED: What we know about the attack on a Swedish anti-fascist meeting Over a thousand people join protest against Stockholm attack Politics Dreadlocked bureaucrat: Who's the Swedish Green Party's new leader? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 27, 2024 · 29 min
How can Sweden attract and retain skilled foreigners?
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. ___ What are the main challenges for Swedish employers when recruiting internationally and how can they harness the experience of the many skilled internationals already living in Sweden? In this special live recording of the podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined on stage by Maria Fogelström Kylberg, CEO of Stockholms Akademiska Forum, Amanda Herzog, founder of Intertalents in Sweden, and Laureline Vallée, an environmental engineer from France who recently secured her first job in Sweden. The podcast was part of Talent Talks, an afternoon of discussions at the Stockholm Business Region offices on how to attract and retain foreign workers in Sweden. Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 20, 2024 · 17 min
How a Swedish nepotism scandal highlights poor recruitment practices
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. ___ This week: how Sweden voted on new gender law, horrific murder in Stockholm suburb, former Moderate Party leader faces nepotism allegations over jobs for friends. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Politics Sweden votes 'yes' to lowering age for legal gender change How Sweden's legal gender bill has split the government ARCHIVE: Where did it all go wrong for ousted party leader Anna Kinberg Batra? Crime Stockholm shooting victim 'completely innocent' say distraught family Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 13, 2024 · 21 min
50 years of Abba, children’s residence permit row, Sweden regressing on rule of law
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. ___ This week: Child residency permit row, Sweden regressing on rule of law, and 50 years since Abba's Waterloo win. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. As mentioned in the episode we will be recording the podcast in front of a live audience on April 24th at the offices of Stockholm Business Region as part of the Talent Talks event being held there that day. You can sign up here if you'd like to attend. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Residency permits Boy who went viral raising 5 million for charity gets Swedish residence permit Music How ABBA paved the way for Swedish pop 50 years ago Politics ARCHIVE: 'Civil rights groups in Sweden can fight this government's repressive proposals' Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 6, 2024 · 20 min
Gender law splits government and will there be a Swedish pope?
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ and how to get access to all episodes in our help centre. __ In this week's episode: Snow chaos on Sweden's roads, April Fools' traditions, government divided on new gender law, and will there be a Swedish pope? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's James Savage and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Weather 'Are they on Easter holiday?': Swedish government under fire after snow chaos Snow chaos on Swedish E4 road 'worst since 1995' April Fools' Day April Fools' is back: here are nine of this year's best jokes in Sweden Religion Swedish bishop named as possible next pope Gender Law EXPLAINED: How Sweden’s legal gender bill has split the government Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 30, 2024 · 15 min
How happy are Swedes?
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre __ In this week's episode: Easter opening hours, news quiz, World Happiness Report. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Easter Witches and herring: Seven traditions that reveal it's Easter in Sweden Seven must-have dishes for a very Swedish Easter celebration Quality of life How happy are people in Sweden compared to the rest of the world? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 23, 2024 · 16 min
Waffle Day, terror arrests, Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats in war of words
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre __ In this week's episode: Waffle Day, foiled plot to attack Sweden's parliament, Busch and Åkesson trade insults. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local’s Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Waffle Day How March 25th became Sweden’s national Waffle Day, thanks to mispronunciation Recipe: How to make traditional Swedish waffles on Waffle Day Terror plot Two men held in Germany over Swedish parliament terror plot Politics ARCHIVE: Sweden Democrats admit Nazi roots in new ‘white book’ Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 16, 2024 · 14 min
New migration numbers and why a Swedish kids' magazine ignores prudish parents
This week: New migration stats and a uniquely Swedish kids' magazine. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, and we also chat to the editor of KP, Lukas Björkman, about the children's magazine's enduringly popularity in a digital age and how to stay relevant by listening to children and ignoring parents. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Migration Foreigners in Sweden: How the migration paradigm shift affects our lives What's the current status of Sweden's planned migration laws? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2024 · 43 min
INTERVIEW: 'Lots of kids growing up in Sweden are not allowed to feel Swedish'
How does someone who grew up in a Stockholm suburb become the leader of a traditionally agrarian party? Why is the party opposed to new work permit rules? And what's it like being Sweden's first culturally Muslim party leader? This and more in our interview with Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is joined by The Local’s publisher James Savage for a wide-ranging interview with the leader of the Centre Party, Muharrem Demirok. __ Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 9, 2024 · 22 min
'Better late than sorry' as Sweden joins Nato, and will Norwegians sing for Sweden?
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre __ In this week's episode: Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok on how Nato membership will change Sweden. Also, who'll win Melodifestivalen? Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and Richard Orange, while James Savage and Paul interview the Centre Party leader Muharrem Demirok. Here are links to some of the topics in the episode: Melodifestivalen Why Melodifestivalen is Sweden's biggest TV show Nato What does Nato membership mean for Sweden? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 2, 2024 · 18 min
What do Swedes think of Russia and Ukraine? And bloodied 85-year-old beats ski record
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre __ In this week's episode: Reactions from Russia as Sweden creeps closer to Nato, Sweden’s support for Ukraine, the lowdown on Vasaloppet. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage. Here are links to some of the stories and topics we discuss: Nato What does Nato membership mean for Sweden? Russia threatens 'countermeasures' over Sweden's Nato membership Podcast: Is Sweden prepared for cyber attacks? Ukraine Sweden to send its largest-yet military aid package to Ukraine Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 24, 2024 · 18 min
The dreaded orange envelope, book tips, and how will Nato membership change Sweden?
The Local Sweden's weekly news podcast
Feb 21, 2024 · 26 min
What are the best tips for making friends in Sweden?
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ access Read more about Membership+ in our help centre ___ In this bonus episode we speak to Gemma Swift, a marketing professional from the UK who explains how she managed to make great friends in Sweden despite warnings from fellow foreigners that her efforts might end in disappointment. Host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange, before we listen to the interview with Gemma Swift. Gemma wrote an article last year that was well received by readers of The Local so we thought we'd get her to expand on some of her points. Here's the article: How to make friends in Sweden – seven things I wish someone had told me Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2024 · 28 min
Skiing tips, politics for immigrants, and plans for stiffer work permit rules
Sign up now for Membership+ and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ For signed-in members: Upgrade to Membership+ For new members: Get Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre __ This week: a Swedish word for February illnesses, hitting the ski slopes, devastating Liseberg blaze, changing of the guard in the Green Party, why a Social Democrat MP with Palestinian heritage became an independent, Swedish prisons in crisis mode, and what we know so far about new salary requirements for work permit holders. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Emma Löfgren and Richard Orange. Here are links to some of the stories and topics we discuss: Vabruari Swedish word of the day: vabruari Skiing Everything you need to know about skiing on 'sportlov' in Sweden Liseberg fire Huge fire destroys new attraction at Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement park Sadly, this news came through the day after we recorded the podcast: Dead body found after fire at Gothenburg's Liseberg amusement park Politics Joint leader of Sweden's Green Party announces resignation OPINION: El-Haj faced the same dilemma as all immigrant politicians in Sweden Prison crisis Swedish prison service declares 'crisis' amid cell shortage Work permits IN BRIEF: Sweden's plans to raise work permit salary threshold to 34,200 kronor Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2024 · 23 min
What makes dating in Sweden so hard (and how to succeed)?
Why do many foreigners find dating in Sweden so tough, and what's the approach to take? Hear matchmaker Lemarc Thomas give his views on how to crack the Swedish dating scene. In this bonus episode of our Sweden in Focus podcast, host Paul O’Mahony is briefly joined by panelists James Savage and Becky Waterton, before we listen to an interview with professional matchmaker Lemarc Thomas. The Stockholm-based connector tells us what makes dating in Sweden so different from anything he's experienced before. He also answers questions from readers of The Local on how to proceed in a landscape where many of the usual rules no longer apply. If you'd like to read more about dating in Sweden, make sure to check out these articles: Dating in Sweden: sex, booze and mobile phones Dating in Sweden: Is it really as tough as they say? Dating in Sweden: When is a fika a fika… and when is it a date? Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2024 · 24 min
Semla bun frenzy, anti-Semitism in Sweden, and why a Gucci cap could get you frisked
In this week's episode: semla season, better conditions for Ukrainian refugees, why Sweden is closing its NordStream blast probe, freezer malfunction spoils decades of samples at a Swedish university, an alleged Iranian plot to kill Jews in Sweden, anti-Semitism in Sweden, and new details on stop-and-search zones. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton and James Savage. We also have interview with Aron Verständig, chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, and ethnologist Jonas Engman, curator at the Nordic Museum. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Shrove Tuesday Six sticky facts about Sweden's Fat Tuesday Why I still don't understand the hype about Sweden's semlor Sweden & Ukraine Sweden to change law so Ukrainians can get personal numbers Nord Stream Swedish prosecutor shuts down Nord Stream investigation Science & Research Decades of samples destroyed in Swedish uni freezer failure Anti-Semitism Iranian intelligence suspected of plot to kill Swedish Jews Crime Sweden's government to bring in stop-and-search zones in March Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.