Swedes on the Loose

n this heartfelt and hilariously unpredictable episode of Swedes on the Loose, Christina and Sandra finally return after an unexpected podcast hiatus, including a mysteriously lost horse episode featuring Sandra’s sister. Christina joins from Sweden, where she’s been helping her father navigate serious health challenges and experiencing the realities of the Swedish healthcare system firsthand after her own electric bike accident left her with a concussion and whiplash.The conversation weaves through everything from elderly care advocacy and frustrating medical bureaucracy to long-haired dachshunds, dream farm properties, horse schools in Arizona, and Mother’s Day plans. Sandra also shares a tense barn-side encounter with strangers asking for help, proving that motherhood sometimes requires equal parts compassion and pepper spray.Along the way, the duo celebrates new listeners, discusses Swedish-American history, and dreams about future travels to Swedish communities across America. It’s classic Swedes on the Loose: honest, funny, emotional, and delightfully all over the place.

Sandra and Christina welcome Sofia - Sandra's sister - for a lively conversation about life in the saddle across countries. From Sweden’s structured riding culture to Belgium’s competitive circuits and Arizona’s cowboy spirit, the trio shares stories of horse ownership, training styles, and the surprising cultural differences in how people care for and ride horses. It’s an honest, funny, and insightful look at how horse culture changes depending on where you hang your saddle

Family updates, Swedish-style Easter, and a little real talk. Christina’s heading to Sweden, Sandra’s celebrating Easter traditions, and somewhere in between they’re dreaming up a horseback podcast tour. Life, laughter, and big ideas… just another week on Swedes on the Loose.

Pack your bags, because this episode is one big American road trip, Swedish style. We sit down with Martin, the host of Letters from America, who traded everyday life in Sweden for a 12-month adventure across the U.S., traveling in an Airstream and documenting the stories of people with Swedish connections all over the country.Along the way, he’s discovered everything from Swedish-founded towns in Alabama to horse trainers in Texas and communities keeping Scandinavian traditions alive in the most unexpected places. But beyond the history and the miles, what’s really stood out is the generosity of strangers and the stories that never make it into the headlines.

What does it really take to pack up your life and move to Paris? In this episode of Swedes on the Loose, Christina and Sandra chat with Gabrielle (also known as Belle), founder of Move Me to Paris, about turning a relocation nightmare into a thriving business. From navigating French bureaucracy and visas to raising kids in the famously tough French school system, Gabrielle shares what life in Paris is actually like. The conversation is filled with expat stories, cultural surprises, and plenty of laughs about the challenges and joys of building a life abroad.

In this inspiring episode of Swedes on the Loose, Hulda Guðmundsdóttir shares her journey from Iceland to Sweden, the United States, and back again. A registered nurse and breast cancer survivor, Hulda opens up about navigating different healthcare systems, facing life-changing challenges, and choosing to live one day at a time. Now pursuing advanced training as a nurse anesthetist in Sweden, she reflects on motherhood, resilience, and the courage to follow your heart home.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Christina and Sandra sit down with Lisa Lannon — former Las Vegas police officer turned co-founder of Warriors Heart, one of the nation’s leading treatment centers for veterans and first responders.Lisa shares the raw story behind her husband Josh’s battle with alcoholism and how that journey led them to open their first rehab facility in 2003. What began as personal survival evolved into a national mission: helping those who serve others heal from addiction, PTSD, and trauma.Set against the Swedes on the Loose backdrop of female empowerment and honest conversation, this episode is about resilience, redemption, and building something bigger than yourself.www.warriorsheart.com

In this episode of Swedes on the Loose, Christina and Sandra get candid about the reality of building a podcast from scratch. They talk openly about a rocky start, stalled momentum, and what it really takes to grow traction without losing authenticity. From brainstorming collaborations and guest ideas to leaning on their community for feedback and support, this conversation blends strategy with real life updates, travel plans, and creative pursuits. A refreshingly honest look at growth, patience, and staying connected while finding your voice.

In this upbeat episode Sandra and Christina check in, reflect on 2025, and walk through Mel Robbins’ “Make This Your Best Year” questions. They share honest high and low points (losses, health goals, career wins), lessons learned about resilience and self-worth, and practical intentions for 2026—more outdoor movement, decluttering, and stronger boundaries.

Why do so many organizing systems fall apart, even after buying the bins, labels, and shelves? Professional organizer Jessa Scott from Professional Organizing Plus joins Christina and Sandra to reveal the step most people skip: decluttering first. Jessa breaks down her proven 5-step reset method, shares practical tips for tackling garages, closets, and pantries, and explains how to get the whole family involved without turning it into a battle. The conversation also explores the psychology behind clutter, why letting go is so hard, and how to start small so your organizing efforts actually stick in 2026.

From the environmental cost of AI and unexpectedly warm winters to Swiss fondue traditions and New Year reflections, we ease into a wide-ranging conversation about family rhythms, health goals, retirement dreams, and what it means to build a life with intention. The episode culminates in a powerful vision for a farm community supporting young adults with special needs.

In this cozy, end-of-year catch-up, we trade stories from the holiday hustle, from tech hiccups and Christmas decorating to pets taking over the house and kitchens filled with gingerbread, bread baking experiments, and Swedish holiday traditions. Along the way, we swap gift ideas, share family updates, and explore how AI tools are quietly reshaping everyday work and education. Equal parts festive, personal, and practical, this episode feels like a warm conversation over coffee, mug warmer optional.

Sandra and Christina swap Thanksgiving stories, from Beef Wellingtons to smoked turkey feasts. They gush over a new high-tech barn, and chat Christmas décor, glögg mishaps, kitten adoptions, and preparations for the Swedish-American Christmas Market. With Advent traditions, shopping plans, and upcoming visits, it’s a festive whirlwind of food, horses, and Swedish holiday spirit.

n this episode of Swedes on the Loose we and some of our Swedish friends compare Thanksgiving memories and traditions as Swedish expats—debating turkey vs. alternatives (prime rib, beef Wellington), favorite sides and desserts, and low-pressure Friendsgiving ideas. We chat with Lena, Suzanne and Anki, share family anecdotes, plan meetups, plus a fun horse-health tangent about “cresty” necks. Warm, community-focused, and full of food talk and laughs.

We catch up on life — a whirlwind New Orleans trip, rescued kittens needing vet care, the ever-growing dog & cat crew (Charlie, Gunner, Tucker, Finnegan, Phoenix, Felix), and plans for visiting a new barn with lessons and a jumping arena. We discuss podcast tech/platform worries and Ricky helping with editing, Ability360 and Mia gaining independence via paratransit, and an incredible Northern Lights sighting with requests for time-lapse photography tips. Cozy, pet-filled conversation with plans to record from the barn in December.

Today we recorded a short podcast episode to inform our listeners about difficulties with our current podcast provider, Pod Populi, which has been unreliable and failed to release scheduled episodes. We are actively seeking a new provider to handle podcast hosting, editing, and distribution, and are asking our audience for recommendations of reliable companies. Sandra recorded from New Orleans, where she is at a conference with Robert, her boss. We discussed our experience with a recent pivot in our podcasting venture, acknowledging a temporary setback with our videographer, editor and company. Sandra shared a personal story about the business venture, "Do Good Goodies," which faced challenges at a horse show event but resulted in positive connections and experiences. We emphasized how we are able to adapt and learn from setbacks, and we will continue producing content. 

Christina is fostering some kittens, we do a “warm up” about what makes us Vikings. Our mentality and approach on life. Since we are planning to gave a cool cat on the show. Sandra shares her motto, and that she wants to be useful & helpful.  Modus Operandi  meaning. And why are we the way we are??

Pernille (former President of IKEA North America) shares her story on how and why she moved from Denmark to the U.S. We get the inside scoop on what makes a good effective leader. Pernille's story is fascinating and inspiring. She is the most humble, relatable woman and we enjoyed every minute discussing what work/life balance looks like and how to achieve it. Check out her "new" company a Good Life Designed and take one of their courses! https://www.goodlifedesigned.com Follow them on IG: @goodlifedesigned

We share our thoughts on self-love and how the concept differs between Sweden and the U.S., we dive into cultural differences and generational perspectives. We cherish unexpected rain showers and hailstorms We reflect on email management, family life, and the importance of finding balance through small but meaningful self-care rituals. We invite our listeners to share their own definitions of self-love! 

Christina & Sandra talks with Suzanne from Scottsdale, Arizona—a marathon runner, IKEA fan, and dedicated SWEA advocate. Suzanne shares her journey from Sweden to running marathons like Boston and New York while balancing family and staying connected to her Swedish roots through SWEA a global Swedish women’s organization. We discuss the importance of Swedish groups like SWEA and Swedes Abroad, share stories about running, parenting, sobriety, and Swedish traditions like Fika.

Sandra MADE it to Christina in Wyoming! LOONG trip. BUT it was worth it, we did a lot of outdoor activities such as riding horses, exploring the Grand Tetons, and driving a UTV that could have ended at the end of a ravine!  We discuss the challenges of long road trips, managing work schedules with time zone differences, and the joy of spending time with family, including Sandra's daughter Vivi who came to Wyoming as well. We talk about language dynamics with bilingual fluency in Swedish and English, and a new housekeeper who speaks Spanish, providing an opportunity to practice languages. We also announce social media engagement efforts and invite our listeners to connect with questions or topic suggestions. We tease an exciting guest for their next episode and consider adding video elements to our podcast format. 

Sandra admits to feeling like the world is spinning way too fast with way too much on her plate. Christina suggests the tried true tool of writing things down to get things out of her head. Recently, Dr. Cal Newport was recently on The Mel Robbins Show talking about his new book Slow Productivity and attention managment which Sandra found useful if anyone else is feeling like they are in overdrive. It's also project season for Christina and Jeff in Wyoming! They are building a green house out of pallets and Christina scored old barn windows from Facebook marketplace - stay tuned for updates. Please note half of this episode was recorded with Christina in Wyoming and Sandra in AZ, but we had to cut when Christina's internet guy showed up.  For the second part of this episode Sandra and her daughter decided to drive the mere 14hrs to Wyoming to visit! Tune in!

Petter Svaetichin, an "old" friend of Sandra's from hotel school in Switzerland -HOSTA, joins us from Georgia! He takes us down a few rabbit holes from his life sharing some of his adventures working with the Swedish bllionaire businessman and explorer Frederik Paulsen developing Mammoth Vodka, restoring a Romanov castle in the wine country of Georgia: Chateau Mukhrani and developing a Padel Company, Padel Island Georgia. We learn about Georgia as a tourist destination with fantastic skiing and 12 different climate zones. Put it on your bucket list!

Christina is turning into Martha Stewart! She shares all many wonderful things about Bedford, Wyoming in the summer time. Sandra vents about the hell hole of AZ in the summer and gives an update on what her kids are up to. Christina gives us a run down on gas prices, electricity and water usage in Wyoming. We establish that Sandra met Christina's mom the very first time they met back in 2017 during a Swea event.  Here is the link to the company where Christina ordered the seafood that she talked up during this episode: www.alaskanseafoodguys.com and Sandra promotes Cafe Bliss in Fountain Hills, AZ run by a lovely Swedish family. Check them out on Facebook.  And check us out on Facebook too! Don't forget to like and subrscribe and leave us a review!

Debriefed Sandra's trip to Sweden and she shared that it felt pretty good coming back to AZ after all! Christina and Sandra invite you(yes, you!) to come sit with them for a cup of tea every week just to have a sounding board and someone to talk to. If you are in a transition phase right now, maybe just moved to a new city, starting a new job, maybe starting a new chapter of your life - it helps to feel grounded and in good company. Christina talks to her dad every day.  Who do you talk to daily? Can AI be that "person"? What's the difference moving as a 20 something yr old vs a 50 something yr old?  Who are you sharing your highs and lows with? Share them here !  [email protected]

Sandra is tuning in live from Sweden and we have a fellow Swede on who used to live in AZ and moved back to Stockholm in 2012. We discuss the challenges involved in moving back to Sweden and finding competitive employment after spending years abroad. Swedish companies tend to dismiss experience that isn't Swedish. It's typically who know you know not what you know - which is so often the case just about everywhere.  We learn a tidbit bit about Grand Hotel which is 5 star hotel in Stockholm!

Christina shares how she ended up on "The Loose" - from Skanör, Sweden all the way to Bedford, Wyoming that she calls home today. 55 years worth!

We had the pleasure of having Cecilia Borglin from the organization Swedes Worldwide on the show. We talked about what they do for us Swedes around the world, changing legislations and keeping up with the rules and regulations. We also got a glimpse into Cecilias life, and how she moved from Sweden to Australia and back. Lots of great information!

Christina and Sandra process upsetting news regarding two friends in their mutual circle. When it rains it pours. On the same day as they receive this news Sandra continues to bump up against death the very same day and runs into the daughter of someowne who helped Mia back when she was struggling with her brain tumor dx and subsequent radiation injury. They touch on a newer test called Galleri that is a early detection test that screens for many different kinds of cancer. Christina's clairvoyant friend Suzanne in Sweden shares some messages from Christina's mom who is looking to connect from the "other side".  It's a day of processing. 

Sandra shares how she ended up on "The Loose" all the way from Sweden to AZ through several countries.  She takes us through the twists and turns of her life experiences and how she feels about being a Swede abroad.

We discuss how to give the podcast some direction!  We still need a motto. We'd like to have some guests on who can dive into various topics. What are some things that Swedes miss from Sweden. Christina promises to research the difference bewtween Nesquick and O'Boy?? Somehow we end up on the topic of curse words and how some are more accepted than others in different languages.

We judge each other! LOL! What Fathers Day is like for a divorced mom. FWY/HWY description (finally) Sandra found a Mantra! Sandra is the podcast queen. Sandra updates us on her dating life. Not Burning bridges is a great thing, Christina might get a job from it. Christina becoming an airbnb host, excited to take care of people again. We talk about Midsummer and how important it is for us. We talk about weather, and how hot it is in AZ and how pretty it is in WY. Why cactus are dying in AZ. Vivi competing in Flagstaff in eventing. Asking our audience for feedback!

Christina's trip to Sweden, things she loves about Sweden. Sandra shares about her graduates, and what they are up to. Charlie travleing to the Jimmie Awards in NYC. Vivi going to horse camp in Malibu... who made Sandra so fancy!? Charlie and Sandra to Sweden at the end of July, for Charlies Swedish studies. MANTRAS - Sandra needs one. Can you suggest one for her? Feedback from our first eposide was close our loops and finish the rabbit hole dive. Sandra gives us an update on dating life. Christina shares her job situation - still looking. 

We talk about weird Swedish expressions, where they come from and what they mean. Christina is still looking for a job. "No Dance on Roses". Sandra wants to know IF she starts dating again - how "old" should a guy be?  We talk about how different we are - and why we are such good friends because of it. Hormones! Sandra went to Jennifer the doc and got a lotion to help regulate her hormones and is already feeling a difference! Listen to Armchair Expert's podcast episode with Dr. Haver about Menopause, as well as Mel Robbins's podcast where she has Dr. Jen Gunter on busting myths and clearing up misinformation. Lots to learn! 

Sandra relives how they said goodbye to their golden doodle, Moby and the many firsts that come after someone is gone. Christina shares saying goodbye to her godfather in CA and shares more on life as a personal assistant and how varying that role can be. Sandra and Christina have both found a Swedish show on Netflix called The Glass Dome and mention a Swedish podcast called  “Rättegångs podden” .  They circle back to the 5 stages of grief and the Swiss – American psychiatrist who introduced the model. Also stay tuned to what is the difference between a freeway and a highway.

Christina admits that Sandra will always win the Bigger “Shit Show” competition and talks about her recent job interview in Jackson.  She also shares that little Gunner who was likely attacked by another dog got his 80 stitches out already. Sandra reveals that as a gatekeeper she is attempting to set boundaries at work. Moby, the golden doodle’s health is rapidly declining and his family prepare to say goodbye in the midst of high school celebrations. This leads to a discussion on the 5 stages of Grief and Christina shares a Swedish expression “Life is not always a dance on roses”.

Welcome to Swedes on the loose! We jump into life in Arizona and Wyoming. Sandra shares her golden-doodle’s recent health problems, her life motto of "improvise, adapt and overcome" and how she (almost)went on a date and why she didn’t. Christina talks about being a Personal Assistant for close to 30 yrs and explains the difference between being a PA and an EA and why she declined a recent job offer. She also shares how one of her dogs basically got skinned alive while she was in AZ! We bring up Christina’s husband and how amazing he is even though he “always comes last” in Christina’s own words! 

We’re Sandra Ovlinger-Foutz and Christina Ingemansdotter - two Swedes who left our homeland over 20 years ago and now call the U.S. home. We’re also moms (to humans and fur babies), personal assistants to high-powered, high-net worth individuals, a wife (Christina) based in WY and a single mom, (Sandra) AZ transplant, yogis, nature lovers, and longtime best friends still figuring life out in real time.Swedes on the Loose is your weekly unfiltered catch-up on the chaos of adulthood, expat life, motherhood, relationships, work, and everything in between. Think of it as a voice note from two Swedish friends who really get it because...life’s a circus and you can’t make this sh*t up!