The SDCN Podcast:
Stockholm is a State of Minds

In this episode, we look at Sweden’s progressive family policies, which are renowned for promoting gender equality and supporting work-life balance. We’ll look at the extensive parental leave system, which gives parents 480 days of shared paid leave, and how the ‘daddy quota’ ensures that fathers are actively involved in raising their children.

Our guest is Roger Klinth, President of Marie Cederschiöld University. As a historian specialising in Swedish family policy with a special focus on fatherhood, he knows all about Sweden’s historical struggle for gender equality and how the political arguments were formulated for reforming both labour market and the family’s dynamics, with better conditions for both women and men.

In this episode, we dive into the emotional and psychological challenges of moving to a new country. The process can be overwhelming, filled with excitement, but also stress, uncertainty, and cultural adjustment.

If you’re feeling anxious about your move to Stockholm, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and ready to take on the world. With the help of our guest, Giorgio Grossi, you will get practical tips on how to manage stress during the transition, including how to stay grounded, cultivate resilience, and embrace new experiences without feeling overwhelmed.

Giorgio Grossi is licensed psychotherapist, and associate professor in medical psychology with a background from Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet. He has worked extensively with research and treatment at Stressmottagningen in Stockholm, specializing in the rehabilitation of people with severe burnout syndrome. Today Stressmottagningen is virtual, offering therapy, counseling, and coaching.

Are you dreaming of owning a home in Stockholm but feeling overwhelmed by the process? In this episode, we dive into the ins and outs of buying a property in one of Europe’s most competitive real estate markets. With our guest David Garrett, a real estate agent at Bjurfors, we cover everything from ‘bostadsrättsförening’ to ‘lånelöfte’ and what the home means to a Swede. You will also get the answer to the question: What makes a good neighbor? Tune in to learn how you can turn the dream of owning a piece of Stockholm into a reality!

Rerun from February 2024: In this episode you will get to know the essentials about the Swedish job market, how to get a foot in the door and what benefits you get access to as an employee in Sweden. Our guest, Lee Wermelin, also talks about the impact of unions and what the Swedish Model means for the entire Swedish economy. Networking is key to getting a job in Sweden and in this episode you will get some great tips on how to network like a pro in Sweden.

Lee Wermelin is former chairman of one of Sweden’s largest labour unions. With years of experience in sales and leadership, she has a great overview of the job market, but also invaluable insights into how to get in.

In this episode you get to know the Swedish Job Market from the view of the enterprises. The Chief Economist at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, Sven-Olov Daunfeldt talks about one of the big issues in Sweden today: the search for competence and the vital role of international talent to the Swedish job market. He emphasizes the importance of better aligning workforce skills with market needs, a key factor for the country’s economic growth. He also highlights how international workers contribute to innovation, fill skill gaps, and help drive growth in key industries.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses view the Swedish economy and how the job market works.

In this episode we dive into the unique and fascinating world of dating in Sweden. Join us as we explore the cultural norms, dating practices, and relationship attitudes that define the Swedish dating scene. From the importance of equality and independence in relationships to the role of dating apps, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding love in Sweden.

Our guest Elin Ribjer shares her expert insights and practical tips on navigating the Swedish dating landscape. Elin is matchmaking director at Lemarc Thomas matchmaking agency in Stockholm. If you’re new to dating in Sweden this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. The episode is also for you who already have met your person, and are curious about how love works in this Nordic country. And to be honest the same rules can be used in other relationships like friendship too.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about love, relationships, and the subtle art of dating in Sweden. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the dos and don’ts of Swedish dating etiquette.

In this episode we embark on a cultural journey to explore the rich and enchanting traditions of Sweden. We’ll delve into the customs that shape Swedish life and bring communities together.

Our special guest, Jonas Engman, an ethnologist from the cultural-historical museum Nordiska Museet, shares his deep knowledge of Swedish traditions, offering insights into their historical roots and contemporary significance. We’ll uncover the stories behind iconic Swedish festivities like Lucia Day, Walpurgis Night, and the way Swedes celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Join us as we discuss the importance of these traditions in Swedish society. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about Swedish traditions and discover how these time-honored practices continue to thrive in modern Sweden.

Visit the exhibition ‘Traditions‘ at Nordiska Museet and learn more!

In this episode, we explore the LGBTQI community in Sweden, looking into the history, challenges, and progress of the LGBTQI rights movement in the country. We take a closer look at how Sweden has embraced diversity, inclusion and the ongoing journey toward equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Whether you are a member of the LGBTQI community, an ally, or simply interested in learning more about LGBTQI issues in Sweden, this episode offers some great insights that are both valuable and engaging.

Our guest is Tawar Dabaghi, Secretary General of RFSL – The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights. RFSL strives to create an equal world where all LGBTQI people’s human rights are respected and no one is left behind.

RFSL – The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights

How many different parts of Sweden have you visited? In this episode you will learn more about Sweden as a tourist destination – how to get around and where to go. With four different seasons, there are plenty of things to do all year round. City life, outdoor activities, cultural heritage and gastronomy.

In this episode, Maria and Philip have invited Susanne Andersson, CEO of the official national marketing company Visit Sweden. On their website VisitSweden.com you can learn more about Sweden as a top destination for “coolcation”, get all the tips you need for family fun and how to find all the hidden gems all over Sweden.

Sweden’s official website for tourism and travel information: Visit Sweden

This week, we’re diving into all things related to a move to Sweden. By listening to this episode, you’ll get amazing tips on how to tackle both practical challenges and find the right mindset for a smooth and successful settling-in process in Sweden. Moving TO, instead of moving FROM, is one key to success. Another key is to have a long-term perspective from the beginning, even if your plan is to stay for a shorter period of time.

We’re thrilled to have Lena Rekdal, the founder of Nimmersion, a relocation company, as our guest on the podcast. With almost 30 years of experience, Lena is a true expert in relocation issues, immigration regulations, finding a home and a school, and landing successfully in Sweden.

Learn more about Nimmersion

By following Nimmersion on LinkedIn you will get a lot of practical information, updates and tips: Nimmersion @ LinkedIn

Stockholm is a city with active people with a lot of running, cycling and going to the gym. In this episode, Maria and Philip invite the Professor of Sports Science, Elin Ekblom Bak, to talk about different aspects of physical activity, public health and the importance of exercise. They also talk about how the sports movement plays an important role in Swedish society and affects public health not only physically, but also how it has an important social function in keeping society together.

Elin Ekblom Bak is a professor at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences. In fact, she was appointed professor on the same day as the recording! Besides being a professor she is very active herself, she has been a professional football player and is now a football coach in the local club on a voluntary basis. She has also been a football commentator in TV.

Money, debt, household finances, pensions, public finances – this episode explores a wide range of economic topics. What characterizes the Swedish economy? Join us as we learn about how Swedish public finances have evolved over time, “from top notch to the middle of the pack”. And how do Swedes relate to money?

Our guest and our guide is Klas Eklund, a well-known Swedish economist who has worked in both the public and private sectors. He has an impressive background, having served as chief economist at one of Sweden’s largest banks and as an expert for the Swedish government, among other roles.

Klas Eklund, Vår ekonomi: En introduktion till världsekonomin, (15th edition, 2020).

Do you feel like you are not fitting in? In this episode our guest Lola Akinmade Åkerström talks about finding your voice and finding your place in a new culture. Lola has created her own super culture by combining the best parts of Nigerian, American and Swedish culture. Her message is that you are more than enough!

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is a Nigerian-American-Swedish storyteller. She’s an international bestselling author with two novels, an award-winning travel book, and a book about the Swedish word ‘lagom’. As a photographer her work has appeared in such prestigious publications as National Geographic and has been named a Hasselblad Heroine 2022.

More about Lola Akinmade Åkerström

The photo project ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ at Instagram @theafroswede

Books by Lola Akinmade Åkerström:
In Every Mirror She’s Black
Everything is Not Enough
Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well
Due North

For the past two years, Sweden’s application for NATO membership has been high on the political agenda. In this episode you will get the context for this historical change – Sweden going from being a neutral, non-aligned country to applying for NATO membership.

To explain this complex twist, we have invited Robert Egnell, who is Vice-Chancellor of Swedish Defence University. He is a professor of leadership and command and control. He is also a Senior Fellow with the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. Our guest will also talk about the current security situation in Sweden and in the world.

In this episode you will get to know the essentials about the Swedish job market, how to get a foot in the door and what benefits you get access to as an employee in Sweden. She also talks about the impact of unions and what the Swedish Model means for the entire Swedish economy. Networking is key to getting a job in Sweden and in this episode you will get some great tips on how to network like a pro in Sweden.

The guest of this episode is Lee Wermelin, former chairman of one of Sweden’s largest labour unions. With years of experience in sales and leadership, she has a great overview of the job market, but also invaluable insights into how to get in.

Initiatives to speed-up the entrance to the Swedish job market for foreign-born academics: Jobbsprånget,Korta vägen

Swedish language training for academics:
SIFA

Networking initiatives for new people in Sweden:
Yrkesdörren, Kompis Sverige, Svenska med baby

Ametist Azordegan is a Swedish hip hop expert and social entrepreneur. Listening to this episode will introduce you to a side of Swedish culture that may not be the first you encounter. Ametist’s hip hop skills include recognising different hip hop sounds from different parts of Sweden. Ametist talks to Maria and Philip about the potential for academic research to study hip hop culture to understand what is going on in society, but also how hip hop in Sweden has changed over time.

Ametist Azordegan is the founder and chairperson of the non-profit Juice Studio Foundation. Juice Studio Foundation creates life chances for young people in socially disadvantaged areas, using hip hop culture as the basis for all projects.

Novel mentioned in the episode: A drop of midnight / En droppe midnatt a novel by Jason Diakité

The hip hop artist Jason “Timbuktu” Diakité’s vivid and intimate journey through his own and his family’s history — from South Carolina slavery to twenty-first-century Sweden.

In this episode Ulf Lindgren, who is a priest in the Church of Sweden, visits the podcast. Listen as he talks about the history of Swedish Christianity and the role the Church plays in Swedish society today. Together with Maria and Philip, he reflects on whether Swedes are the most secular people in the world? The three also talks about how to find your faith community in Stockholm.

In the episode you can get some tips on where to find a faith community for your own values and beliefs. See the show notes below for the names and addresses of the places mentioned in the episode, as well as some not mentioned.

In this intro episode we meet our hosts Maria and Philip. Maria, who is Swedish by birth, but left a part of her heart abroad during her 15 years as an expat. And Philip, an American who found his place called home in Stockholm three years ago. They also explain the name of the podcast: Stockholm is a State of Minds. Let’s go!

2023, 30 MAY
A New Community in International Stockholm – Maria Fogelström Kylberg

In this episode Maria Fogelström Kylberg, CEO of Stockholms Akademiska Forum and the chief architect of Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN), joins the podcast. She tells the story behind and explains how SDCN supports and facilitates career development for partners and spouses of international employees in Stockholm.

2023, 16 MAY
The Bridge and Swedish TV – Hans Rosenfeldt

Meet the screen writer and novelist Hans Rosenfeldt when he visits the podcast and talks about Swedish TV. Hans has impressive experience as a screen writer for TV, and made an international breakthrough when he created the Scandinavian series The Bridge.

2023, 2 MAY
Swedish News in English – James Savage

Listen to James Savage, the CEO and publisher of The Local. He talks about his daily job as a news provider to an international audience in Sweden.

2023, 18 APRIL
Swedish Pop Music and Hit Factories – Petra Markgren Wangler

In this episode Petra Markgren Wangler, music journalist, documentary film director and TV producer, visits the podcast. Her introduction to Swedish pop music ranges from Swedish nature, melancholy, folk music and jazz to hit factories and Swedish tech companies.

2023, 4 APRIL
Swedish Food and Gastronomy – Karsten Thurfjell

Meet Karsten Thurfjell, a cultural journalist well-known from Swedish Radio, as he visits the podcast and talks about Swedish food.

2023, 21 MARCH
Swedish Inventions and Technology – Anders Houltz

Listen to Anders Houltz, Research Director at the Centre for Business History, who tells about Swedish innovations and business history.

2023, 7 MARCH
Swedish Nature: From Ice Age to Midsummer Flowers – Sara Cousins

Listen to Sara Cousins, professor of physical geography at Stockholm University, as she explains everything you need to know about Swedish nature.

2023, 21 FEBRUARY
Broad Horizons at Stockholm School of Economics – Lars Strannegård

In this episode Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics shares how to best prepare for the future by being free and alive in relation to the unknown.

2023, 7 FEBRUARY
Swedish Fashion and Courage – Karina Ericsson Wärn

In this episode Karina Ericsson Wärn, CEO and Vice-Chancellor at Beckmans College of Design explains how basic and practical clothing became the Nordic fashion DNA.

2023, 24 JANUARY
Stockholm Syndrome and Nordic Noir – Christoffer Carlsson

In this episode you will meet Christoffer Carlsson, a criminologist at Stockholm University and Nordic noir novelist.

2023, 17 JANUARY
Intro: The Guru and the Opera Singer – Elisabeth Ericson and Julia Miller

In this episode you get to know Elisabeth and Julia, “The guru and the opera singer”.