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The Danish Connection

How do you access news in Denmark if you don’t speak Danish? There are 652,495 foreign citizens living in Denmark. For non-Danes, accessing news in English is….complicated. Most news outlets are paywalled and google translate does a pretty terrible job of translating Danish to English. In collaboration with Union and The CPH Post, we bring you The Danish Connection - a new podcast breaking down Danish news in English! This is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark. Hosted by María Eva, Rachel and Melissa, new episodes every second Sunday.

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August 16 · 40 min
Frederiksen and Meloni's insta collab, a brief history of Pride in Denmark and the problem wolf shot in Jylland
This week on The Danish Connection: We break down Wednesday's heated Folketing debate triggered by Spain's Ceuta crisis, where Mette Frederiksen, Morten Bødskov and Nicolai Wammen faced nearly three hours of questioning from the blue bloc. With calls to suspend Spain from Schengen to old grudges emerging over the handling of the refugee crisis in 2015, we discuss whether this was a genuine crisis management meeting or a piece of political theatre. We also break down the recent social media collaboration between Italy's Meloni and Mette Frederiksen. We also dive into Copenhagen Pride 2026 and dive into the history of Pride in Denmark, which traces its roots back to Stonewall and Denmark's own 1971 demonstrations. We discuss the return of major sponsors like Danske Bank, Google and LEGO after 2024's sponsorship exodus over Gaza. We also unpack what it really means for a company to sponsor Pride, and where the line sits between solidarity and "pinkwashing." We cover Denmark's growing wolf controversy, after a "problem wolf" that had been unsettling residents in West Jutland, including incidents involving children in Nørre Nebel and a runner near Bunken Klitplantage, was tracked down using thermal drones and shot dead near Vestjylland. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
August 9 · 38 min
A teenage terror attack attempt in Jutland, SAS expands as the green agenda dwindles, and the PM reacts to Ceuta
We look into SAS's massive expansion plans as demand increases and the green aviation agenda dwindles, while the airline industry's own leaders call climate neutrality targets "a castle in the air." We discuss how travel is changing and what impact transport is having on the environment. We unpack the arrest of three Danish teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, charged under Denmark's terrorism law over an alleged plot to attack Hadsten School near Aarhus with knives and bombs. We look at PET's warnings about a growing, hard-to-categorise wave of online youth radicalisation and the questions still remaining over why this particular school was chosen. We discuss the recent migration incident in Ceuta and PM Mette Frederiksen's threat to suspend Schengen agreements with Spain as tensions rise among EU member states. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
July 12 · 1 hr 2 min
Festival gossip, the midwife burnout crisis, a fatal assault at Islands Brygge and the church enters the Danish parliament
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack our experience at Roskilde and discuss some of the stories making the headlines this week in relation to the festival, including hidden cameras in areas where women were urinating, sexual assaults and trash issues. We discuss the fatal assault at a public World Cup screening at Islands Brygge, which resulted in the death of a Swedish man. We talk about how the assault has reignited debates around crime and immigration and unpack the Prime Minister’s social media post about the incident. We talk about a new report highlighting the growing number of Denmark’s midwives leaving the profession just a few years after qualifying, raising questions about burnout, working conditions and how long the system can sustain itself. We unpack the latest figures, the human stories behind them and what it means for the future of maternity care in Denmark. Finally, we discuss the Danish parliament’s decision to introduce a chaplain service for politicians and staff and what its says about the relationship between church and state in Denmark today. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
June 14 · 1 hr 4 min
The new government explained, tougher EU migration rules and what degrees give you top salaries in Denmark
This week on The Danish Connection: After months of negotiations following the 2026 election, Denmark finally has a new government. From strict immigration policies, reforms to the pork industry and selective citizenship processes, we break down what is (and isn’t) changing. We are joined by the amazing Nicholas Woolhead who helps us to break it all down. We also look beyond Denmark to the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact, which is set to reshape how borders, asylum applications and deportations are handled across Europe. With faster procedures, increased detention and new “return hubs” outside the EU, we discuss Denmark's role in shaping this policy. Finally, we talk about how much your degree really matters in Denmark and what degrees yield the highest salaries. With salary differences of up to 40,000 DKK a month depending on what you study, we explore which paths open doors and which ones may be trickier, especially if you don’t speak Danish. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
May 31 · 31 min
Immigrants struggle to climb Denmark’s wage ladder, shrinking job opportunities and protests in Greenland over new US consulate
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss a new report on immigrants in Denmark’s labour market, and why so many internationals struggle to get out of the bottom of the wage ladder while Danes rise to the top. With employment numbers rising but job vacancies now falling to their lowest level since the pandemic, we explore what this growing competition means for those trying to enter (and stay in) the workforce. We also bring an update on what is happening in Greenland, where the opening of a new US consulate has sparked protests and renewed the debate around sovereignty, foreign influence and Greenland’s growing strategic importance. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
May 17 · 58 min
Police fail to investigate cases, ghetto law under scrutiny and social media ban for under 15s
This week on The Danish Connection: We talk about Denmark's controversial 'ghetto law' which has been brought to the European Court of Justice, with residents of Mjølnerparken arguing that the policy discriminates based on ethnicity. As the case moves to the Danish courts, we look at what is happening in Mjølnerparken now, from gang violence and pressuring renters to leave to broader questions about integration and gentrification. We discuss a huge scandal unfolding in the media right now: a major government audit has revealed that Danish police have been closing thousands of cases without investigation while telling victims otherwise. We break down how this practice, known internally as 'case washing', came to light, what the findings show and what it could mean for trust in Danish institutions going forward. We talk about a proposed EU ban on social media for children. With Denmark among the countries pushing for stronger regulation, we unpack what this could look like in practice and the role of tech platforms in young people’s lives. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
May 3 · 46 min
A train crash in North Zealand, an increase in Danes using AI for psychological support and concerns over food in Danish elderly homes
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss the train collision in North Zealand that left multiple people injured and raised major questions about safety on Denmark’s local railways. As investigations continue, we talk about how signalling systems work, where they may have fallen short and why experts say a crash like this “should not be possible.” We talk about a recent study that uncovers a rise in Danes using AI chatbots for advice and emotional support. While experts warn that these tools can blur the lines between helpful support and something more sinister, we talk about why this increase might be happening and where to go from here. Finally, we discuss why elderly homes in Copenhagen are serving primarily vegetarian food and an excess of lentils to people who are crying out for the old Danish classics. What does it say about a welfare system when meals for the elderly become a point of criticism, and when are only allowed meat on their birthday? As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
April 19 · 51 min
Wolt strikes in Copenhagen, fathers take more parental leave and a US-backed oil drilling project in Greenland
This week on The Danish Connection: We look at the recent strikes by Wolt couriers in Copenhagen, where riders are demanding better pay and working conditions. As many couriers push back against falling wages and rising costs, we explore what this says about the realities of gig economy work and whether “flexibility” truly exists for those relying on these jobs, especially migrants. We also discuss a major shift in Danish family life, as fathers are taking significantly more parental leave than ever before. Following recent policy changes, we unpack how this is reshaping gender roles, workplace dynamics and long-term equality in Denmark. Finally, we dive into new revelations uncovered in a Danwatch investigation about a US-backed oil project in Greenland, despite the country’s decision to halt new oil exploration. With plans moving forward and major investments involved, we discuss the environmental, political and global implications. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them.
March 29 · 57 min
Election results and Noma drama
This week on The Danish Connection: We unpack the results of Denmark’s election, which has left the country without a clear government and heading into potentially weeks of negotiations. With a fragmented parliament, a weakened governing coalition and the rise of right leaning parties, we look at what the future government might look like and why Denmark’s complicated citizenship process is such a hot topic right now. We also discuss the controversy everyone is talking about: The Noma abuse allegations. After a major investigation brought forward allegations of emotional and physical abuse in one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, the story sparked an international debate. We unpack the allegations, take a look at Noma’s history and discuss how the culture in high-end kitchens has changed. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
March 15 · 37 min
CPH DOX 2026: A conversation with the festival programming team
This week on The Danish Connection, we talk to the programming team of one of the world’s biggest and best documentary festivals happening right now in Copenhagen – CPH:DOX. We speak with Adam and Lars about the history of the festival, what it’s like to work there and how they narrow hundreds of documentary submissions down to the final programme each year. We also explore some of the inner workings of the festival, how this year’s programme reflects the complicated moment we are living in, and we ask about the films they are most excited for audiences to experience. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
March 7 · 41 min
8M with La Grupa: Advocating for Spanish-speaking migrant women in Denmark
Kvindernes internationale kampdag This week we have a special episode highlighting the story of La Grupa – an organisation doing amazing work for Spanish-speaking migrant women here in Denmark. What began as a small community space founded around International Women’s Day six years ago has grown into an NGO helping women to navigate everything from loneliness, language barriers and cultural adjustment to housing issues, accessing legal aid and crisis situations. We speak about the importance of solidarity networks for migrant women, why community spaces like this make such a difference when building a life in a new country, and why immigrant perspectives should be more present in Danish politics. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them! *If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, you can contact La Grupa via their website https://www.lagrupa.dk/da or call to 1888 for domestic violence and abuse. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn under the handle LaGrupaDK.
March 1 · 51 min
National elections called by PM, bird flu hits poultry exports, and are we getting less intelligent?
This week on The Danish Connection: Denmark is officially heading into an election after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced voters will go to the polls on March 24. With political parties already positioning themselves and polls pointing to a close race, we unpack why the election was called now and who is in the running so far to become the new Prime Minister. We discuss the bird flu outbreak confirmed in Holbæk Municipality, which has already led to international consequences, including a temporary halt to Danish poultry imports. With this being the second outbreak since October, Danish agriculture is under scrutiny yet again. Finally, we look into a growing public debate about intelligence and modern life. Are people actually becoming less intelligent, or are changing media habits, technology and education simply reshaping how we learn and process information? A recent discussion in Politiken has reignited questions about attention spans and worsening IQs. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark, and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know, please share it with them!
February 24 · 33 min
More internationals leave Denmark, exploitation of foreign farm labour and cuts to aid funding
This week on The Danish Connection: We look into growing political concern over Denmark’s agricultural trainee scheme after a sharp rise in interns arriving from Uganda prompted tighter controls and allegations that the programme risks becoming a source of cheap labour rather than education. New figures reveal that many internationals are leaving Denmark, marking the second-highest level of departures on record. While Denmark continues to attract foreign residents, retention remains a major challenge – raising questions about integration, employment and whether it is getting more difficult for people to stay long term. We also unpack a new proposal from the Liberal Party to link development aid to migration policy, suggesting countries that refuse to take back rejected asylum seekers could lose Danish funding as part of a wider global shift toward more conditional and politicised foreign aid. This is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark – and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know – please share it with them!
February 14 · 44 min
Dating in Denmark with Erinne Paisley
If you’ve been dating in Denmark, chances are you’ve used a dating app. For some, dating apps are a ticket to love, a wild night, memorable experiences. For others, they can lead to rejection, heartache and even addiction. To mark Valentine’s Day, we sat down with Erinne Paisley, a PhD Fellow at the University of Copenhagen’s Media Studies research group and a former lecturer in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam. Erinne’s research explores dating apps, digital intimacy and feminist media studies. Her most recent publication is a collaborative roundtable paper on Affordances, Diversity and Inclusion in Dating Apps. In this episode, she talks about her research, the power and influence of dating app companies and how technology is reshaping the way we connect, date and form relationships – particularly in a Danish context.
February 8 · 42 min
Lego joins World Cup in U.S as major sponsor, migrants at departure centres may be forced to wear GPS bracelets, angry veterans and a major cocaine seizure linked to Denmark
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss the government’s new deportation reform plan, including plans to use GPS ankle bracelets on foreign nationals with criminal records in departure centres. We also hear from documentary filmmaker and producer Mathilde Kirstein who made a film about one of the most infamous centres, Kærshovedgård. Stay tuned for details about an upcoming screening of her film ‘The Painters Room’. Danish toy giant Lego will be one of the main sponsors of the World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States. At a time when football, politics and migration policy are deeply entangled, can global brands stay neutral in the current geopolitical climate? We look into why the U.S embassy in Copenhagen removed flags symbolising Danish soldiers killed in U.S wars, and the show of solidarity that followed. We also unpack one of the largest cocaine seizures linked to Denmark to date, after 1.3 tonnes of the substance were intercepted in Portugal through coordinated police work involving Danish, Portuguese and Spanish authorities. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
February 1 · 35 min
Unemployment reaches 3%, government issues food checks and a bleak future for Danish drinking water
This week on The Danish Connection: We discuss the government’s new tax-free food check plan worth 4.5 billion kroner, aimed at helping families, students, pensioners and unemployed people cope with rising prices. We also discuss the uncertainty around whether internationals will be included. We look into why 27 years of efforts to protect Denmark’s drinking water have failed, agricultural lobbying and what the future might look like for Denmark’s water. Plus, we unpack the latest unemployment figures, which have risen to 3% for the first time in years. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
January 25 · 47 min
The full Greenland update (featuring Najannguaq Hegelund and Jonas Friis De Sanctis)
This week on The Danish Connection, we bring you the full Greenland update. Melissa and Rachel discuss Greenland’s colonial past and its path toward self-rule, why Donald Trump has become obsessed with acquiring the world’s largest island, the affect the crisis has had on Denmark’s relationship with the United States, how EU leaders and Nato members have responded and some of the key points from Davos. They are joined by Najannguaq Hegelund, a Greenlandic activist working on Indigenous rights and child welfare who shares her perspective on the crisis, and Danish naval officer Jonas Friis De Sanctis, who breaks down the military developments in the Arctic and what the future of security in the region might look like. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
S1 · E4
January 4 · 1 hr 13 min
The Situation Room with Jonas Friis: UN military observer Esben Thorseth on the challenges of modern peacekeeping operations
Welcome back to The Situation Room – a special bonus series from The Danish Connection presented by Jonas Friis. Jonas is a Danish naval officer with thirteen years of military experience. Aside from that, he is interested in investigating, understanding and speaking about the Danish military and its place in the global defence context. This week, Jonas sits down with Esben Thorseth - a Danish naval officer with experience both in active service and as a UN military observer with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). They discuss Esben’s time as a UN observer in the Middle East (Israel and Syria), his reflections on UN missions abroad and how multinational peace operations actually work, and some of the structural challenges that affect recruitment and retention of young officers - especially as they begin to build families. More from Esben Thorseth: Debate/Opinion in Politiken: https://politiken.dk/debat/debatindlaeg/art10671835/Far-Hvorfor-skal-mine-b%C3%B8rn-betale-for-Caroline-Storr-Kroghs-frihed Jyllands Posten article on reflections after service in Israel/Syria and fatherhood: https://jyllands-posten.dk/debat/breve/ECE18307488/jeg-har-fulgt-mine-venner-blive-foraeldre-og-det-skraemmer-mig-ikke-som-kommende-far-men/ Berlingske column/report about his UN mission https://qoshe.com/berlingske/esben-thorseth/esben-thorseth-var-udsendt-i-israel-og-syrien-nu-vender-han-hjem-med-en-sandhed-der-er-sv-r-at-/187081358 QOSHE Frontlinjen Podcast discussing defence personnel issues  https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/forsvaret-er-ikke-indrettet-til-unge-officerer/id1527238679?i=1000736253472 In collaboration with The Copenhagen Post
Dec 21, 2025 · 40 min
A Danish sperm scandal, EU leaders rethink convention on human rights and face coverings to be banned in universities
This week on The Danish Connection: Rachel talks about the disturbing international fertility case linked to the European Sperm Bank in Denmark, where sperm from a single donor carrying a cancer-causing genetic mutation was used to conceive nearly 200 children across Europe. She looks into what this could mean for the future of cross-border fertility treatment and why Denmark plays such a central role in this industry. Melissa breaks down Denmark’s leading role, alongside Italy and 25 other countries, in pushing for a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights in relation to migration and deportation. She talks about the proposed changes, why other European leaders have been ‘inspired’ by Denmark’s hardline migration policies and what this could mean for migrants seeking refuge in Europe. Rachel looks into Denmark’s decision to compensate thousands of Greenlandic women and girls who were subjected to forced contraception for decades. Melissa talks about the government’s proposal to extend Denmark’s face covering ban to schools and universities. As always you can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or by simply clicking the link in bio. Remember - this is your place to share enquiries, opinions and tales of the immigrant experience in Denmark - and we want to hear from you. Pop us a DM on Instagram or via email thedanishconnectionnews@gmail.com and let us know if you have a story you would like to contribute. If you liked this episode and think it would be useful for someone you know - please share it with them!
S2 · E3
Dec 6, 2025 · 32 min
How do Danes deal with death?: Stories from the streets with Maria Pagola
Death is a part of life - but how do Danes deal with it? Welcome back to another episode of Stories from the Streets with Maria Pagola - a special bonus series from The Danish Connection where we take to the streets of Copenhagen to find out what Danes and Internationals really think about some of life's biggest issues. This week, we're uncovering the cultural and practical aspects of death in Denmark, and asking the question: is it cheaper to rent or to die in Denmark?

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