How to Live in Denmark
Life as an international in Denmark, one of the world's most homogenous countries, isn't always easy. In Denmark’s longest-running English-language podcast, Kay Xander Mellish, an American who has lived in Denmark for more than a decade, offers tips for enjoying your time in “the world’s happiest co… read more
Donald Duck, Anti-Depressants, and the Myth of Danish Happiness
Hello, and welcome to the How to Live in Denmark podcast. I'm Kay Xander Mellish.
Whenever I hear that Denmark is the happiest country in the world, I think of Donald Duck.
Donald Duck is extremely popular in Denmark, as he is in all Nordic countries. He is much more popular than Mickey Mouse. He even has his own Danish name - Anders And. Which means, basically. Anders the Duck.
I don't know how much you know about Disney characters, but Donald Duck - or Anders Duck - is kind of a second-class citizen. While Mickey Mouse is the perfect gentleman, outgoing and take charge, the face of Disney, Donald is lazy. He likes to come up with clever ways to avoid work, or avoid any exercise whatsoever. He likes to play fun little tricks on people. He's often short-tempered, and jealous of Mickey.
Donald Duck is an underdog, and Danes identify with the underdog. They identify with the idea of low expectations, and then being pleasantly surprised when things turn out well.
This is the secret to Danish happiness. While Americans might identify with bright, happy Mickey, there's a lot of room for disappointment if your bright, happy plans don't work out the way you hoped they would.
Danes are OK with dashed expectations, of disappointment.
Educational
Interesting
Funny
Agree
Love
Wow
Are you the creator of this podcast?
and pick the featured episodes for your show.
Listen to How to Live in Denmark
RadioPublic
A free podcast app for iPhone and Android
- User-created playlists and collections
- Download episodes while on WiFi to listen without using mobile data
- Stream podcast episodes without waiting for a download
- Queue episodes to create a personal continuous playlist
Connect with listeners
Podcasters use the RadioPublic listener relationship platform to build lasting connections with fans
Yes, let's begin connecting
Find new listeners
- A dedicated website for your podcast
- Web embed players designed to convert visitors to listeners in the RadioPublic apps for iPhone and Android
Understand your audience
- Capture listener activity with affinity scores
- Measure your promotional campaigns and integrate with Google and Facebook analytics
Engage your fanbase
- Deliver timely Calls To Action, including email acquistion for your mailing list
- Share exactly the right moment in an episode via text, email, and social media
Make money
- Tip and transfer funds directly to podcastsers
- Earn money for qualified plays in the RadioPublic apps with Paid Listens
Updated privacy policy: We have made some changes to our Privacy Policy. Please note that your continued use of the RadioPublic services following the posting of such changes will be deemed an acceptance of this update. Learn more.