A crash course in weird Swedish traditions

If you're ever thinking to come to Sweden, you should be prepared for these unusual traditions.</p> With the help of my wife Lina, we go through some of the odder traditions that are a real thing here in Sweden. </p> If you're enjoying this show, tell your friends about it :)</p>  </p>

00:33:57

Sweden's obsession (and success) with Eurovision

Do Swedes love music? (Yes)</p> Are they obsessed with Eurovision? (Yes)</p> And what is Melodifestivalen? (We'll get to that).</p> Today's guest is Christer Björkman, the king of bringing Sweden success in the Eurovision Song Contest. In fact, he even represented Sweden as the main act in 1992.</p> Enjoy our chat and be sure to spread the word if you enjoy it!</p> The only channel to get more from The Earful Sweden: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p>  </p>

00:43:48

Talking Sweden with the Australian Ambassador

Here's a chat with the Australian Ambassador to Sweden, Bernard Philip. </p> We cover everything from Saint Lucia to Daniel Solander, a Swede who was the first university-educated scientist to set foot in Australia (find more about him and the society named after him here: <a href= "https://www.danielsolander.se/english.htm">https://www.danielsolander.se/english.htm</a>).</p> Be sure to follow The Earful Sweden on Instagram to get a lot more out of this show and to see the view from Bernard's office!</p> https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p>

00:31:41

The Vasa: Sweden's most fascinating museum

The Vasa Museum has one million visitors a year and it's not surprising. It's magnificent. </p> If you've not heard of it before, the Vasa Museum is home to the very well preserved remains of a Swedish warship that sank almost 400 years ago.</p> You can find more info on the official website here: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en</p> Today's guest was Maria Dalhed Persson who has worked at the museum for 28 years across many different roles.</p> You can see loads more pictures and videos from my visit on The Earful Sweden's Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p> If you enjoy this show, tell your friends and maybe leave a review ;)</p>

00:36:11

Has the English language taken over Stockholm?

It seems to me like English has taken over Stockholm.  You can't escape it. Shops, cafes, and English words that are creeping into the local lingo. What's going on?</p> I met with James Savage, the CEO and founder of The Local Europe, to chat more about the topic. </p> We met at a cafe/bakery called Stinas Bageri, in Vasastan, to get to the bottom of it. </p> Find James on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SavLocal</p> Follow The Earful Sweden on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p> And don't hesitate to leave a podcast review and to tell your friends :)</p>

00:35:31

Are Swedes obsessed with America?

Could Swedish people really be obsessed with America?</p> There certainly are a lot of NY Yankee hats, Bruce Springsteen music, and nostalgia cars.</p> I put the question to Beth Dacey, an American a cultural consultant and writer based in Stockholm.</p> Follow The Earful Sweden on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p> And don't hesitate to leave a podcast review and to tell your friends :)</p>

00:32:25

An introduction to Sweden's old town

What do you know about Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan)?</p> Peter Segelström, the head of Stockholm Ghost Walk, shares a deep insight into the history of this intriguing island. He also shares a few spooky ghost sighting stories...</p> Find more about the Ghost Walks here: https://www.stockholmghostwalk.com/en/</p> Follow The Earful Sweden on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p> And don't hesitate to leave a podcast review and to tell your friends :)</p>

00:32:13

An Idiot's Guide to the Swedish Royal Family

What do you know about the Swedish royal family?</p> What should you do if you meet the king? Who's next in line to the throne? And is it true the queen refers to people in the third person?</p> Writer and royal expert Roger Lundgren answers all these questions and a whole lot more on this episode of The Earful Sweden. </p> Find Roger on Instagram here: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/royal_roger/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/royal_roger/?hl=en</a></p> If you're enjoying this show, please tell a friend and leave a review. </p>

00:38:24

Ten oddest habits of the Swedes

The Swedes are an unusual bunch, aren't they? And I say it with the utmost respect and fondness for them. I married one, after all!</p> And she's today's guest, in fact. Meet Lina Nordin Gee, my Swedish wife and occasional podcast sidekick.</p> In this first episode, I pitched to Lina the ten most unusual things I've noticed about Swedes to see what she thought.</p> Here's that conversation.</p> A similar version of this episode was released on my Paris podcast in the summer of 2020 and was published on The Local Sweden here: https://www.thelocal.se/20200909/ten-weird-habits-of-the-swedes-oliver-gee</p> Enjoyed the episode? Please spread the word and leave a review! </p>

00:37:20

Welcome to the Earful Sweden

Hi there! You've stumbled upon The Earful Sweden. </p> This is a podcast all about the Swedes, their country, and a whole lot more.</p> Expect interviews with musicians, tour guides, journalists, diplomats, and a whole lot more!</p> New episode every Wednesday, tell your friends, and find more on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/theearfulsweden</p>

00:05:12