Pål Johansen is from Norway and is a licensed Oslo travel guide, sailor, filmmaker, and writer. Pål talks with Brent about Norway’s famous fjords, street food markets in Oslo, a firewater called aquavid, and why Norwegians drink so much coffee. Plus, why you can find great Pakistani food in Norway a…Pål Johansen is from Norway and is a licensed Oslo travel guide, sailor, filmmaker, and writer. Pål talks with Brent about Norway’s famous fjords, street food markets in Oslo, a firewater called aquavid, and why Norwegians drink so much coffee. Plus, why you can find great Pakistani food in Norway and why Norwegians don’t eat waffles for breakfast. [Ep 384]
An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — som…An American expat in Oslo shares some of the quirks and customs of life in his adopted home. Then, a wilderness and history author recounts what he found exploring four blank spots on the US map. And an ethnobotanist describes the healing properties of different kinds of herbs around the world — some of which might be growing in your own backyard.more
What happens when you step out of your life for a year to live, work, and connect in a completely different culture?
Don Jenkins is a 27-year high-school teacher from Washington state who spent a full academic year in Norway through the Fulbright Roving Scholar Program. Based in Oslo but constantly…What happens when you step out of your life for a year to live, work, and connect in a completely different culture?
Don Jenkins is a 27-year high-school teacher from Washington state who spent a full academic year in Norway through the Fulbright Roving Scholar Program. Based in Oslo but constantly on the move, he traveled the country visiting schools and giving workshops on American history and government, reaching thousands of students along the way.
This episode explores Don’s journey as a cultural ambassador, educator, and traveler. We talk about the surprising differences between Norwegian and American school systems, how living abroad shifts your view of home, and what it takes to build connection across cultures - whether you’re in a classroom, a sauna, or a sawed-off tuk tuk.
Whether or not you’re a teacher, Don’s experience is full of lessons on curiosity, communication, and how to embrace the unfamiliar. From practical travel tips to deeper reflections on history, education, and societal values, this episode is a reminder of how much growth comes from stepping outside your bubble.
What’s one lesson you’ve picked up while traveling that changed how you see your home? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why Don took a sabbatical to teach abroad in Norway for a year
How his “roving teacher” job works and the logistics of living in Oslo while visiting 30+ schools
Surprising insights about Norwegian classrooms, school culture, and community values
How to implement cultural lessons at home, even if you’re not a teacher
What it means to be a “mini ambassador” and have real conversations about your home country
Budget-friendly tips for traveling in Norway, including food hacks and local apps
The role of curiosity in building connections while traveling
Why honest history matters, and what happens when we don’t teach the full story
How being away from family for so long can be hard and insight on managing travel fears
And so much more
Resources:
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Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary?
Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag.
In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through …Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary?
Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag.
In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through Norway. We talk about the lessons we learned along the way, sharing insights that can be applied to anyone planning a more relaxed, rewarding road trip, whether in Norway or somewhere else.
If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling Norway without spending a fortune, this conversation offers a real-world example of how to make it work. You’ll hear about the small, in-the-moment choices that shaped each day, the unplanned stops that became highlights, and how following the weather brought a sense of ease and adventure to the whole trip. We’ll also talk about the joy of connecting with friends along the way, the simple comfort of cabin stays, and why embracing flexibility over a fixed plan deepened our connection to every place we visited.
What’s a spontaneous road trip or travel adventure you took that surprised you by how well it flowed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why letting go of a rigid schedule created our best family memories
How weather reports guided our route more than any app ever could
The exact approach I used to politely get a hotel refund
How overpacking led to lessons for smarter packing next time
Why cabins felt more authentic than hotels
The power of paper maps and local advice
What it’s like to wild-camp at 900 m with kids
How visiting friends became our travel anchor
How an unplanned ferry ride led to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches
What it felt like swimming with our kids in Norwegian fjords and lakes
And so much more
Resources:
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Stiklestad Viking Experience
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Get recommendations for enjoying scenic hiking trails in the Scottish countryside. Then learn how Oslo's renovated harbor front has become a popular place to enjoy the city's art, culture, scenery, food, and even saunas. And hear how fellow listeners have been coping with crowds at Europe's major si…Get recommendations for enjoying scenic hiking trails in the Scottish countryside. Then learn how Oslo's renovated harbor front has become a popular place to enjoy the city's art, culture, scenery, food, and even saunas. And hear how fellow listeners have been coping with crowds at Europe's major sights.more
