The Forrin Podcast

Welcome back to the enthralling second part of The Forrin Podcast Interview with broadcaster, audiobook reader, editor and journalist Morten Rønnelund. Pat, Morten and Mike discuss a range of topics including Brexit, Trump, Danish politics and football.The guys are in awe of the dulcet sounds of Mortens voice and are fascinated by his insight. We just hope you are too.Enjoy.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook. You can follow Morten Rønnelund on Instagram @roennelundThis episode was mixed and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Forrin Podcast is honored to have interviewed Morten Rønnelund for this, and next, week's episodes. Morten is among many other things the UK Correspondent for the newly revamped Danish Radio 4. He also does audiobooks, is the Head of Department for Vejle Library. He an editor. He gives talks - many, many strings to his bow.In this part of the interview Morten talks about his background, where he's from and why he loves London and the UK so much. Pat and Mike ask him about whether he feels his Danish identity has been affected by his immersion in British culture and Morten laments how he often falls into speaking American English, rather than his preferred British English, and of course much, much more.Part II will be out next week.Enjoy.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook. You can follow Morten Rønnelund on Instagram @roennelundThis episode was mixed and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week's hiatus due to Pat and Mike veritably speechless after the US election result, the team finally peel themselves off the floor and try to find some kind of solace in making sense of it all. Pat discusses the affect of the media and the pitfalls of capitalism, while makes looks inwards and blames himself, and everyone else like him. The pair also discuss whether definition the term "foreign" should be expanded.It's a doozie.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Pat GarrattMusic by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat GarrattAdult Literacy in the United StatesHere’s what Trump has promised to do in a second term ("Freedom cities" and flying cars)PolitiFact | Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign promises: Here are her plans for the presidencyLatino men just didn’t want a woman president Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is a mixed bag. Pat and Mike talk about how the Danish political party, Liberal Alliance wants to test whether you think like a Dane before you can become a Danish citizen. They believe being vetted by the Danish intelligence services PET is a possible solution. Then the pair go on to vilify The Royal Family after the revelation that they profit from the British National Health Service, schools and the military adding yet more fuel to the fire of just how much good does The Royal Family do for Britain? Finally, the American election and the racist, incendiary remarks at Trump's NYC rally last weekend are touched on.Oh, and Mike sticks the boot into Joe Rogan after he publicly endorsed Trump, four years after endorsing Bernie Sanders.Enjoy!Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Pat GarrattMusic by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat GarrattRoyal estates 'receive millions from public bodies and charities'https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4l1lzv2nroLA vil kun give statsborgerskab til personer med de rette værdierhttps://www.kristeligt-dagblad.dk/danmark/la-vil-kun-give-statsborgerskab-til-personer-med-de-rette-vaerdierTrump headlines Madison Square Garden rally after vulgar, racist remarks from allieshttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-kick-off-final-week-campaign-with-madison-square-garden-rally-2024-10-27/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Forrin Podcast Season 2 Episode 7, Pat and Mike discuss how the way we refer to others not only affects the way we perceive them and their status in society, but can also result in political legislation. They start by referring to an article (linked below) that discusses the use of the term migrant in US politics by both the Republicans and now the Democrats, how its usage only serves to slowly dehumanise the groups in which it refers, and how such rhetoric has ultimately led to Donald Trump's campaign promise of reinstating The Alien Enemies Act of 1798...Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat GarrattYou Should Stop Calling Immigrants “Migrants”https://theintercept.com/2024/09/24/immigrants-migrants-language-harris-trump/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=The%20Intercept%20NewsletterMigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants: What’s the difference?https://www.rescue.org/article/migrants-asylum-seekers-refugees-and-immigrants-whats-differenceTrump Wants To Use This 18th Century Law To Deport Undocumented Immigrantshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/10/16/trump-wants-to-use-this-18th-century-law-to-deport-undocumented-immigrants/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should The England National Team have appointed a foreign manager? Does nationality matter...at all? The Daily Mail thinks so, and, uncomfortably, Mike thinks so too. However, we hasten to add, for entirely different reasons. This week Mike tries to convince a very sceptic Pat, that it does actually matter. Well to him, at least. Listen as Mike makes his case and Pat shoots him down at every turn!Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Pat Garratt.Music by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guess who's back? The Forrin Podcast is. Pat and Mike are. This time, it's personal etc. In short, the guys talk about being unemployed in Denmark and France and the hoops you have to jump through in order to get any kind of support from the government. Also, Pat's job situation is discussed and Mike's tells a tale of what his grandad thinks about unemployment benefits.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Mike Bowden.Music by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America. Mike went there. In this, the fourth episode of the second season, listen to Pat and Mike talk about their experiences in Minnesota, Los Angeles and more. Want to know what it's like to go to a MAGA shop? Mike did it and literally bought the t-shirt. As a bonus, listen to Mike uncover the deleted verse of the British national anthem than calls for the crushing of the Scots.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Patrick Garratt.Music by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the third episode of Forrin's second season, as promised in S2 E2, Pat and Mike talk the peculiarities of the English and French national anthems, what they actually say, and how, if it all, they actually reflect a sense of culture and/or togetherness in the UK, France and Denmark. That could've probably have been two or even three sentences but I wanted to see how far I could push it.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook.This episode was mixed and edited by Mike Bowden.Music by Mike BowdenEpisode art by Pat Garratt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of Forrin's second season, Mike talks about his lifelong love of football and his relationship with the England's national side. He talks with Pat about how his link to the team has changed since he moved to Denmark 25 years ago, and this episode ends with a promise to look into the peculiarities of the English and French national anthems.Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys are back! After a slightly extended summer break - as is their wont - Pat and Mike talk about, well, what they did on their holidays.Pat reminisces about the zombie apocalypse he experienced in England whilst Mike became everything he hated whilst in Barcelona. In short, they had a blast!Also, while you’re here, don't forget to follow the guys on Instagram and Facebook. You can email the boys at [email protected] episode was produced and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the last episode before the summer break, Pat and Mike - well, mostly Mike - talk about trying to hide their nationality when holidaying abroad. It's a complex issue, which takes Mike almost the episode to get to the bottom of just why he does it. Pat chips in with a few pointers, and together they reach the conclusion that it's a language thing.Seriously, you'll have to listen to find out what on earth we're talking about!Also, while you’re here, don't forget to follow the guys on Instagram and Facebook. You can email the boys at [email protected]'ll be back in Monday, 5th of August.This episode was produced and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike and Pat talk about conscription in this latest episode of The Forrin Podcast. Mike's facing the real prospect of one of his four children being called up for military service in Denmark, where the length of conscription had just been lengthened from four to 11 months. The British Prime Minister this week announced that a form of national service will be reinstated in the UK if the Conservatives win the election this year.Pat talks about his experiences in the army cadets in Wales and gives a quick history of conscription in France, including details of current youth service schemes.And here's the link from the discussion about levels of absolute poverty in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the 16th episode of Forrin. This week, Pat and Mike consider how living in another country has affected their relationship with their family. As Mike's parents are divorced, he feels that perhaps he feels even more estranged from his parents. Whereas Pat still feels close to his family.Pat opens up about how the death of his father affected him as he received the news while he was several hundred miles from his homeland, and the pair discuss how they feel about their parents getting old.So without further ado, get your AirPods in, or your headphones on, or, turn up the volume on your stereo and take a trip in to the land of foreignness.Also, while you’re here, don't forget to follow the guys on Instagram and Facebook. You can email the boys at [email protected] episode was produced and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the 15th episode of Forrin. In this episode Pat and Mike talk about the things they miss, and really don’t miss, from live in the UK. If you take a quick glance at the episode title and image, it’ll give you a clue as to some of things they get their teeth into! So without further ado, get your AirPods in, or your headphones on, or, turn up the volume on your stereo and take a trip in to the land of foreignness. Also, while you’re here, don't forget to follow the guys on Instagram and Facebook. You can email the boys at [email protected] episode was produced and edited by Patrick Garratt. Music by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode sees Pat and Mike tackle the new-Nike-flag-on-the-England-kit controversy! Mike gets told on Facebook about the sacrifice made for the St. George's cross...Big Lebowski style! The pair go on to talk about the history of the 'Dannebrog' and the 'Tricolour' and how the French and the Danes would feel if their flag on their football team's shirt was changed as a result. Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook. You can email the boys at [email protected] episode was produced and edited by Mike Bowden.Music by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Pat and Mike answer listener Rasmus' question about the school systems in the UK/DK and France. They talk about pedagogy - or the lack thereof - in school when they were young, and how much has changed since the 80s and early 90s when they went to school. They also touch upon the last survey showing that Denmark is the second happiest country in the world, whereas France doesn't even make the top 20. Pat muses on why that might be.Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and comments at [email protected], or via our instagram, @forrinpodcast.This week's episode was produced and edited by Patrick Garratt.Music by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unfortunately, due to technical issues beyond our control, there is no pod this week. Back in a couple of weeks!Pat and Mike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike and Pat, two men from England who now live in Denmark and France respectively, continue to talk about issues related to foreigners an foreignness. Here they discuss an email from Pat's mum about whether or not they feel a sense of cultural identity. Mike does, Pat doesn't.In this hour-long episode, the pair explore the concept of cultural identity, how it can be confused with national identity, what it means to Mike to come from London and methods of buying tea.Next episode the subject will be the Danish and the French education systems and how they differ from their British equivalent. Don't forget to follow on Instagram and Facebook. Watch Pat and Mike talking on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11 of Forrin answers a listener's question that reads, "Do you find that there are situations where you prefer one language over another? Does one language support one part of your personality better than the other? Do you feel more confident expressing certain ideas in one language over another?"With that as a starting point, the pair discuss how French and Danish can both heighten and hamper their every day experiences. For example, Pat talks about how, in French, the pronoun "you" can be both informal and formal, and the varying complexities of when to use which and with whom. Mike recounts meetings at work where his relatively limited Danish can come across as confrontational and not be a fair reflection of what he was trying to convey. To much hilarity of everyone (including Pat!)The first 30 mins of this episode can be viewed on YouTube! More video content to come in the future!Next week, the idea of cultural and national identity will be discussed. Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and comments at [email protected], or via our instagram, @forrinpodcast.This week's episode was produced and edited by Patrick Garratt.Music by Mike Bowden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to the Forrin podcast extra! This week, we’ve interviewed a good colleague of mine, Nerrma Dedic Palomino Aedo. It’s a fascinating interview about how she travelled to Denmark in the early 90s at just 8 years old and how she became the woman she is today. I feel her story is fascinating, relevant and important. Not only in terms of integration, but also her strength, mindset and outlook are all in many ways inspirational regardless of cultural and notional background. When we do these interviews we’re at the mercy of the location that we find ourselves in, and that can affect the audio quality. We have, as always, done our utmost to give you the best sound quality possible. So I urge you to sit back, grab a coffee, and have a listen. Produced and edited by Mike Bowden.Music by Mike Bowden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forrin turns 10! In this episode, Mike and Pat reply to emails on anarchism, passports, Marine le Pen (again) and the new French immigration laws before chatting about the subject of work in Denmark and France. They touch on unionism, work contracts and working culture, before turning to their favourite topic (education) and the state of play regarding the university and college systems in their respective adopted countries.Also, a couple of FYIs. Firstly, this is the first episode to be filmed. Mike worked on the edit all weekend, so be sure to check it out on YouTube. Also, Mike interviewed a Bosnian colleague at work last week, so the second episode of Forrin Extra will be published next Monday, February 12. Don’t miss it!References from this episode:France brings in stricter French language requirements for foreigners (thelocal.fr)"What Is an Apparatus?" and Other Essays (Meridian: Crossing Aesthetics)Ni Dieu, ni Maître (Nouvelle éd. en 1 vol.) (Poches essais): Anthologie de l'anarchismeThe Philosophy Of Social Ecology: Essays on Dialectical Naturalism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 9th Episode of Forrin, Pat and Mike talk about the French and Danish naturalization process and discuss why Pat wants to attain French nationality and thereby a French passport, and Mike’s reasons for not wanting to under the current regulations. In the process, they briefly touch upon their old friend Marine LePen, the encroachment of the far right in Germany, the concept of anarchism and the repercussions of Brexit. It’s a wild ride. Enjoy. 😊This episode is edited by Patrick Garratt. Music by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the very first Forrin Podcast Extra! In this extra episode Mike interviews Stacy, his English colleague. They chat about all manner of immigration and integration related subjects like the fact that Stacy rather enjoys getting up on a Sunday, walking through town (Odense), and just talking to Danish people! Stacy talks about his background, what brought him to Denmark, the fact that he was inadvertently responsible for the death of Queen Elizabeth and much more!Episode produced and edited by Mike BowdenMusic by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stop everything! The Danish Queen Margrethe has abdicated! Shock waves, panic, cats and dogs living together etc. Will Denmark ever be the same again? Pat and Mike discuss Michael Billig's concept of Banal Nationalism and delve into the very concept of royalty. Do we need it? Just how intrinsic are they in terms of defining nationality? Or does the monarchy just reinforce the notion of social hierarchy and therefore hinder social mobility? These questions are discussed at length in this the 8th episode of The Forrin Podcast.Link to Michael Billig interview: https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2016/09/michael-billig-on-the-royal-family-and-nationalism/Episode edited by Pat Garratt.Music by Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the Forrin Podcast Christmas special! Pat and Mike talk about, yes, you guessed it, Christmas! Christmas in Denmark, Christmas in France and Christmas when they were kids. They simply can’t get enough of it. Merry Christmas from all of us here, at The Forrin Podcast! This episode was edited by Mike Bowden. Music composed by Mike Bowden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Pat and Mike talk about that in Denmark, over 80% of non-Western immigrants feel that they have experienced racism. The story comes from a survey done by The Danish Institute of Human Rights. The link can be found below. The pair then go on to discuss studying while being a foreigner, and Pat talks about that the majority of his studies are in French, and how that automatically makes him better than me. Please don’t hesitate to contact the team on @forrinpodcast or simply mail us the old-school way on [email protected] episode is edited by Pat Garratt. The music is by Mike Bowden. Link: Fire ud af fem ikkevestlige indvandrere og efterkommere siger, de oplever racisme - https://tinyurl.com/5xc8ya9n  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Pat and Mike talk about two of the biggest current stories related to foreignness in the world: the left-right polarisation of the Israel-Gaza conflict - exemplified by the march against antisemitism in France in November, which attracted over 180,000 protestors including far-right politician Marine Le Pen - and the return of David Cameron to champion Britain's efforts to send certain asylum seekers to Rwanda. Cameron, as you will hear, is Mike's favourite person in all existence.Many thanks for listening and we'll see you again in a couple of weeks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Forrin Podcast. In this episode Pat and Mike talk about their experiences in the Danish and French education systems. They each give their accounts of their initial impressions of taking an education both at secondary school and university. Also, they touch on what it was like to be a foreign student at their respective institutions and how their grammatical shortcomings were brought to the fore. However, as this is such a huge topic that also inevitably draws comparison with further education opportunities in England, the two agree that this topic will be continued in future episodes.Also discussed is Denmark’s new “Koran Law”, which branches into Denmark’s digression from a Competition State, to a protectionist state. Many thanks for listening and see you in two weeks!News story: https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/regeringen-aendrer-i-forslaget-til-en-koranlov?fbclid=IwAR1EVFcWvVcoRCSYWPFLB1_NLiDFtoxyNPL4efCLO6x3A2p_jRx5FFmV5PMMixed and edited by Pat Garratt.Music: Mike BowdenHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the third episode of the Forrin Podcast. Mike and Pat continue to talk about language for non-native speakers in this recording, this time with a focus on how it’s viewed when foreigners make grammatical errors in the language of their adoptive country. They drift onto the social status of being foreigners in social circles, and how they enjoy being different from others despite the irritation of being corrected.The question surfaces: are you defined by the nation in which you were born?Also discussed in the newsworthyness of a Ukrainien association giving free French lessons to immigrants in Le Mans. Finally, PAT IS VEGAN.Many thanks for listening and see you in two weeks!News story: https://actu.fr/pays-de-la-loire/le-mans_72181/le-mans-cette-association-accompagne-les-ukrainiens-dans-lapprentissage-du-francais_60183249.htmlMixed and edited by Mike Bowden.Music: Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the second episode of The Forrin Podcast, Pat and Mike discuss the politics behind language. Pat talks about France’s political stance on the subject and how the learning of French is the glue that binds the French identity, its culture and its values together.  Mike compares this to Denmark and how the Danes view language politically. The pair go on to discuss the academic opportunities both countries afford their citizens in respect to learning the language.Finally, Pat and Mike discuss their initial difficulties in learning French and Danish respectively. Links:Repères 2017 : le français langue étrangère, l’apprendre et l’enseigner en France (culture.gouv.fr)Rapport au Parlement sur la langue française (2023)Immigration : contre le «glissement à l’extrême droite» et le «chaos» du gouvernement, le PS prône «l’inclusion»Mixed and edited by Patrick Garratt.Music: Mike Bowden Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to to the first episode of Forrin, the podcast for foreigners of every flavour.Hosted by Mike Bowden and Patrick Garratt, two Britons who’ve lived respectively in Denmark and France for many years, Forrin talks about all aspects of foreignness, nationality and migration.We look at the etymology and connotations of the word “expat” in this first episode, as well as giving our reasons for leaving Britain. As a bonus, we chat about news concerning Denmark’s “bone hard” immigration laws.Many thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.