Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a Viking garden might surprise you? In this episode, join me as I return from a refreshing break filled with travel and new adventures to discuss the unexpected herb knowledge of Vikings and debunk the myth of their all-meat-and-beer diet. That is one of 5 stories I talk about in based on the herbs in my garden. Wait for the rest!I celebrate over 6,000 downloads with a heartfelt thank you to my listeners, especially in the United States, and share the ...

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered how a fresh perspective could change your life? Meet Ruth Iren Holand, a 59-year-old Norwegian singer whose journey of personal growth and creativity has led her to create the inspirational musical piece "Land of Hope." Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams. We'll explore Ruth's transformative experiences and how her relentless pursuit of a loving and merciful understanding of God paved the way for her musical achie...

Send us a Text Message.Can a single disaster reshape a nation's destiny? Reflecting on the Alexander Kielland oil platform disaster of March 27, 1980, which tragically claimed 133 lives just a day before my birth, I take you through this poignant chapter in Norway's history. This event serves as a sobering backdrop to our exploration of Norway's oil adventure, contrasting Norway's strategic, people-centric investments with the paths taken by other oil-rich nations like Venezuela, Saudi Arabia...

Send us a Text Message.Can you imagine the lengths someone would go for a beloved childhood toy? Picture this: my father once drove all the way from Denmark to Germany to retrieve my sister's forgotten stuffed seal. Join me as I recount how this humble seal became the protagonist of my very first stories, recorded on cassettes with lovingly hand-drawn covers. Reflecting on those early days, I share how supportive teachers nurtured my creative spirit, despite my restless nature, ultimately sha...

Send us a Text Message.Caring for someone is a journey with its own unique grief, a path I've walked down myself. It’s a role that transforms you, one where love and sorrow intertwine, and where feeling overwhelmed is often an understatement. In our latest episode, we introduce the Norwegian concept of "livssorg," or "life sorrow", as articulated by Jeanette Røset. We're not here to offer easy solutions but to shed light on the emotional complexities that caregivers endure, and the resilience...

Send us a Text Message.Venturing beyond the safety of scripts and structured dialogues, I embark on a vulnerable expedition into the heart of mental health awareness. Facing the societal whirlwind of stigma and the personal tug-of-war between openness and career vulnerability, I lay bare my own encounters with these invisible battles, hoping to light a beacon for more compassionate discourse. This episode travels through the murkier waters of mental health repercussions, from the shadows of p...

Send us a Text Message.Join us on an auditory journey through the melodic battleground of the Eurovision Song Contest, where the shimmer of sequins often belies the shadow of political dissent. As a lifelong devotee of the competition, I've witnessed firsthand the transformation of Eurovision from a purely artistic showcase to a stage where political activism plays out in song and spectacle. We reminisce about iconic acts like ABBA and Celine Dion, while grappling with the contentious reactio...

Send us a Text Message.As the first buds of spring unfurl in the heart of Norway, I, your Norwegian Storyteller, have woven together narratives as rich as the history of Hamar itself. Picture this: a quaint restaurant, the concept of 'hygge' wrapped around us like a warm shawl, and the stunning Lake Mjøsa acting as the perfect backdrop to tales of pilgrimages and medieval wonders. I share my personal springtime adventures, from the culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds to the serene...

Send us a Text Message.ARE YOU AMERICAN WITH NORWEGIAN HERITAGE? I can help you find your roots in Norway. FILL OUT THIS FORM.Imagine your roots intertwining with the stories of those who braved new worlds for a chance at freedom and opportunity. That's the journey we're taking as I share the inspiring migrations of my Norwegian family to America—a narrative echoed in the lives of many listeners, particularly those in the United States, with Boston leading the charge in tuning in. This episod...

Send us a Text Message.Settle into an enlightening exploration of happiness as we're guided by "The Yak in the Classroom," a Bhutanese film that mirrors the contrasting worlds of tradition and modernity. Our narrative begins with Ugyen, a young teacher whose heart is torn between the Western allure and the tranquil simplicity of his Himalayan roots. As we weave through his story, we unravel the complexities young Bhutanese face in their pursuit of contentment, a journey that echoes across con...

Send us a Text Message. ARE YOU A SOUTH KOREAN LISTENER? FILL OUT THIS FORM As a storyteller, I've crossed paths with countless tales, but none as intriguing as the silent stories of you, my South Korean listeners. Today, I'm reaching out to the 45% of you, mainly from Seoul, who've become such a significant part of my audience. I'm curious about the cultural bridge that's formed between us, and this episode is dedicated to understanding that connection. Join me in a heartfelt conversation...

Send us a Text Message. Navigating the often unspoken realm of mental health, my own journey through the cultural silence of Norway's society reveals the deep-seated challenges and stigma surrounding this issue. As we peel back the layers of discrimination in the workforce and the generational echoes of mental health struggles, this episode offers a raw look at the unseen battles many face. Moving from the Nordic quietude to the vibrant cacophony of Nepal, we uncover a global perspective,...

Send us a Text Message. Discover the heartfelt origins and enduring legacy of the Marius sweater, a piece of Norwegian national pride stitched with history and heritage. Our journey through the threads of time will reveal how a mother's love and a designer's vision created a fashion phenomenon that has warmed the souls and bodies of many, from mountain adventurers to Norwegian royalty. Join us as we pay tribute to the remarkable Bitten Eriksen, who knitted the first Marius sweater for her...

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever felt the sting of being the reliable one, the steady hand that's rarely celebrated? That's a pang I know all too well, and it's why the Parable of the Prodigal Son strikes such a chord in my heart. Our latest episode peels back the layers of this age-old story, revealing its deep insights into mercy, forgiveness, and divine grace. Join us as we traverse the complex dynamics playing out within the so-called functional family and the silent battles of those...

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever caught yourself in the mirror and wondered, "When did these laugh lines show up?" Imagine living under the harsh glare of Hollywood's spotlight, where every wrinkle is scrutinized. Today, we're peeling back the curtain on the unrelenting pressure women in the public eye face to maintain a facade of eternal youth. We're talking about the scrutiny of women's bodies and the aging process, as seen through the experiences of Piers Brosnan's wife, who has been...

Send us a Text Message. Remember the day Norway stood still, basking in the glow of a fiery sunset painted by the triumph over Brazil in the '98 World Cup? That same spirit of victory courses through our latest conversation as we explore the cultural fabric of Norwegian sports, stitching together the tales of football fervor and the hallowed tradition of cross-country skiing. Our guest peels back the layers of national pride, illustrating how a single game against a football titan can spark...

Embark on a journey of enlightenment as we explore the legacy of Sirene, the radical feminist magazine that stormed through 1970s Norway with a force that resonated far beyond its time. With cultural and media scholar, Synnøve Skarsbø Lindtner, shedding light on the magazine's enduring impact from her doctoral thesis, we trace the ripples of change and challenge that Sirene sent through society. The magazine, with its bold take on politics as a personal moral choice, redefined the cultural...

Ever wondered why someone in Norway might accuse you of being 'apple-handsome' or 'high on a pear'? Buckle up for a linguistic ride through the orchard of Norwegian expressions where we reveal how common words in Norway aren't just about taste, but also about painting colorful pictures of our emotions and perceptions. Our latest episode is ripe with juicy insights, as we uncover why feeling 'sour' could mean you're more than just in need of some sugar, and how being 'crispy' goes way beyond...

When we peel back the layers of society's attitudes toward disability, we find stories that resonate across borders and hearts. Enter the world of Jan Grue, a Norwegian professor with a muscle disorder, whose memoir "I Live a Life Like Yours" has earned acclaim from none other than Michael J. Fox. The profound connection between these two men, each grappling with their physical conditions, highlights the universal struggle against ableism—a subject that hits close to home for many. We don't...

When I stepped into the interview room, I never imagined that my health condition would overshadow my qualifications. The silence that followed my disclosure was deafening, marking the start of my stark encounter with ableism in Norway's job market. On this episode, I share the often untold story of a society applauded for its inclusivity, yet one that quietly lets down its citizens with disabilities. Researcher Gagan Chhabra unravel the deep-seated biases that pervade even the most...

Ever wondered why certain pastimes become so ingrained in a culture that they shape a nation's identity? Imagine a childhood where the heroes weren't caped crusaders, but cross-country skiers gliding across snowy landscapes, and where chocolate bars are not just treats, but an integral part of hiking traditions. This week, I'm peeling back the layers of what it means to be Norwegian, inspired by the side-splitting reflections of Zahid Ali, a stand-up comedian with a talent for pinpointing the...

As a child wrapped in the comfort of my Christian upbringing, I never imagined the trials that my faith and mental well-being would endure. Today, I lay bare the intricacies of navigating the stormy waters of adolescence, mental health, and spirituality. In an intimate reflection, I recount the lessons of forgiveness and reconciliation that have been the bedrock of my journey, particularly during the solemnity of Good Friday. The echoes of Christmas and Easter within my life serve as beacons,...

As I navigate the ebb and flow of life, I can't help but reminisce about the moments that have sculpted me, from the tender echoes of '90s love songs to the triumphant conquering of speech sound hurdles. Aboard this episode, you're invited to a nostalgic trip to 1998's Norway, where the romance of Titanic stirred more than just cinematic hearts. I weave you through my own love story with Anders, a narrative shimmering with the innocence and passion of Rose and Jack's affair, and how those...

Emerging from the depths of severe depression and an arduous journey through psychiatric care, my life at 44 is a rich mosaic of challenges and victories. Each episode of this series offers an intimate glimpse into the pivotal decisions and profound insights that have shaped my existence. As your host, I promise to guide you through my raw and unfiltered narrative, unveiling the delicate interplay of darkness and light that has taught me the resilience of the human spirit. Join me as we...