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...

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. 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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.   Juice...

In this episode Ulf Lindgren, who is a priest in the Church of Sweden, visits the podcast. Listen to when he tells about the history of Swedish Christianity and what role the Swedish church plays today in Swedish society. Together with Maria and Philip he reflects on the question if Swedes are the most secular people in the world? The three are also talking about how to find your faith community in Stockholm. In the episode you can also get several tips on where to find a faith community for...

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. She also talks about the importance of friendships and a welcoming attitude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. He talks about TV-shows, describes why Swedish children's shows are so good, what it was like to participate in Masked Singer and why Swedes are watching Donald Duck at Christmas Eve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Listen to James Savage, the CEO and publisher of The Local. He talks to Elisabeth and Julia about his daily job as a news provider to an international audience in Sweden. They talk about the importance of context to really understand what's going on in a new country, and how some parts of Swedishness take years to unpack. James also talks about how Stockholm has become more cosmopolitan since he moved here 20 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Petra Markgren Wangler, music journalist, documentary film director and TV producer, visits Elisabeth and Julia. Her introduction to Swedish pop music ranges from Swedish nature, melancholy, folk music and jazz to hit factories and Swedish tech companies. This helps to understand the unique sound that has made so many Swedish music artists and producers world famous. The conversation also touches on Petra's early years as a drummer in the optional and accessible Swedish music...

Meet Karsten Thurfjell, a cultural journalist well-known from Swedish Radio, as he visits the podcast and talks to Elisabeth and Julia about Swedish food. As the Secretary of the Swedish Academy of Gastronomy, he knows all about Swedish food production, Swedish tastes and traditional Swedish food. Listen to this conversation about everything from mushrooms and tacos to salted liquorice and wine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Elisabeth and Julia invite Anders Houltz, Research Director at the Centre for Business History, to tell them about Swedish innovations and business history. He describes how creativity, combined with international contacts and politics, make up key parts of the formula which has made Sweden known as an innovative country. Julia gets especially inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of “Let’s invent it!” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Sara Cousins, professor of physical geography at Stockholm University, as she visits Julia and Elisabeth and explains everything you need to know about Swedish nature. She talks about ‘allemansrätten’ and how Swedes are rather close to their agricultural heritage. She also surprises Julia by describing how the ice age still affects Sweden through landmasses appearing. And they talk about potatoes, potatoes and potatoes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.