Time. At the moment you’ve either got more than you know what to do with, or even less than normal, whatever ‘normal’ is these days. Yet one thing I always make time for, whether it’s while commuting to work, walking the dog or trying to unwind before bed, is to listen to a podcast.
It probably comes as no great surprise that many of my current favourites have a Nordic theme, whether it’s about interiors and lifestyle, history and politics, or design and culture. What they all do however is give me plenty to think about, inspire lots of new ideas and most of all give me hope in what people can achieve if they put their minds to it.
So, turn off the news, pop on your headphones and give one of these a try:
1. Hello Holly
I fell in love with Holly Becker’s decorating and lifestyle blog Decor8 over a decade ago, so when she recently launched her bi-weekly Hello Holly podcast there was no question that I would be tuning in. Starting with an episode dedicated to Scandinavian design and an in-depth conversation with best-selling author and award-winning blogger Niki Brantmark, it’s certainly a must-listen for me.
2. The Great Indoors
The Great Indoors is for anyone looking to make their house a home no matter what their sense of style. Celebrating and debating the latest trends, product launches and book releases, Kate Watson-Smyth and Sophie Robinson always bring a smile to my face. Also check out their interview with happiness expert Meik Wiking who I’ve also had the pleasure of chatting with on the Nordic Notes blog.
3. The Modern House
The new Modern House podcast is presented by Matt Gibberd, co-founder of the London based estate agency with the same name. Asking guests to share details of their three favourite homes from across the world, so far, I’ve adored the conversations with founding editor of Cereal magazine, Rosalia Park and founder of spectacle makers Cubitts, Tom Broughton who takes listeners on a tour of his penthouse apartment in the iconic Isokon Building.
4. The Nordic Mum
Nordic Mum presenter Susanna shares the secrets of Scandinavian living from her Australian home. With episodes dedicated to travel tips, healthy lifestyle choices, creating that all important feeling of hygge and of course how to juggle a successful career and parenting. Her recent chat with one of my favourite bloggers, Ingrid Opstad from That Scandinavian Feeling is also fab.
5. Archipelago
Archipelago is a podcast about arts, culture and creative ideas in Denmark. Host, British freelance writer, James Clasper may be living my dream life, but at least he’s sharing it! There are so many fantastic episodes to binge on, covering everything from the Copenhagen food scene, the Danes obsession with chairs or a moving new ballet created for the Royal Danish Theatre. Fellow blogger Hannah Trickett also joins an episode too.
6. Danish Design Podcast
If want to find out more about Danish design, its history, its impact and its influence then this three-part Danish Design Podcast from the Designmuseum Denmark is for you. Get to know designers like Hans Wegner, Børge Mogensen and Arne Jacobsen, and learn what qualities have made, and still make, Danish design so influential and inspiring.
7. Let’s Talk Architecture
For me, no trip to Copenhagen would be complete without visiting the Danish Architecture Center (DAC). So, what better way to keep up to date with what’s happening in this amazing city than be listening to their podcast, Let’s Talk Architecture. Listen now to some of the world’s leading architects, designers, planners, and engineers about their incredible work and ideas.
8. Global Denmark Podcast
Recorded in the same location as DAC, the BLOX building in Copenhagen, is the Global Denmark Podcast. Hosts expats, Thomas Mulhern and until recently, Ed Ley, chat with leading writers, business owners and political leaders about issues and innovative ideas that are not only affecting Denmark but the wider world too. I particularly enjoyed their talk with Rufus Gifford, the former US Ambassador to Denmark and one of my favourite writers, Helen Russell.
9. The Creative Voyage
Creative Voyage is a podcast I’ve only recently discovered, but its soon become a thought provoking listen on my daily walk. In each episode Mario Depicolzuane interviews creative professionals about the things that matter most to them, both professionally and personally. So far, I’ve loved the episode with Norm Architects’ Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and designer and trend-spotter, Nina Bruun.
10. Creative Boom
Full of fun and honest conversations with artists, designers, illustrators and photographers, the Creative Boom podcast is hosted by the lovely Katy Cowan. There’s something rather nice listening to someone with a Northern accent a lot like mine for a change. I totally recommend her incredible chat with portrait and fashion photographer Rankin about what he’s learnt over the last 50 years, or the episode with Salford design graduates Jaheed Hussain and Yasmin Banks, their creative energy and enthusiasm is completely infectious.
Hopefully, this list has provided you with some new discoveries. Do let me know if you have any further recommendations as I’m always on the lookout for more.
Like this post? You might also enjoy reading more about my favourite interiors magazines too.
All images by Nicola Capper.
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