In this episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we move on to Scandinavia. Starting off in Denmark, we looked for Lego, noticed the size of the Little Mermaid, and enjoyed spending time in Copenhagen. From Denmark it was a short ferry ride to Sweden, and while my Dad and I muse that we don't h…In this episode of the Van Life Diaries: Europe 1985, we move on to Scandinavia. Starting off in Denmark, we looked for Lego, noticed the size of the Little Mermaid, and enjoyed spending time in Copenhagen. From Denmark it was a short ferry ride to Sweden, and while my Dad and I muse that we don't have many strong memories from our time there, my Mum's diary does the heavy lifting contributing details about our time in some seaside islands, followed by Stockholm, and an intriguing visit to a timber mill area. Finally, we chat about how much we loved Norway, including time in Oslo, the fjords and playing badminton in Bergen.
This is the fifth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn't taken place! Throughout the series, I'll include chats recorded with my Dad this year, extracts from my late Mum's travel diary from 1985, and of course my own memories and thoughts.
A big thanks to Context Travel for sponsoring this series, and an even bigger thanks to my Dad for agreeing to be part of it.
Links:
• Context Travel - https://bit.ly/contexttravel - use the code THOUGHTFULTRAVEL to get 15% off any online booking. Context Travel operate walking tours in cities around the world, and have interesting and qualified subject-matter experts leading your walk
• Listen to Part 1 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 348 - https://notaballerina.com/348
• Listen to Part 2 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 351 - https://notaballerina.com/351
• Listen to Part 3 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 355 - https://notaballerina.com/355
• Listen to Part 4 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 359 - https://notaballerina.com/359
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/364 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/
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What can happen when a filmmaker decides to spotlight invisible geniuses and hidden stories that change how we see the world?
Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker known for embarking on a bold quest to create 100 short films revealing the everyday impact-makers whose stories remain unto…What can happen when a filmmaker decides to spotlight invisible geniuses and hidden stories that change how we see the world?
Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker known for embarking on a bold quest to create 100 short films revealing the everyday impact-makers whose stories remain untold. Based in Stockholm and often traveling worldwide, Robin explores humanity, creativity, and empathy through compelling, intimate films.
In this episode, Robin shares how the “100 Documentary Project” began, what fuels the journey, and why storytelling rooted in purpose can reshape our lives.
Robin shares how a one-year TV course and leap from IT sparked his filmmaking path and why his “100 Documentary Project” became both a purpose and a personal challenge. You’ll hear what it means to reframe your side hustle as your main work, and how traveling to places like Uganda and Bali shaped his storytelling. Robin opens up about the emotional depth he seeks in his subjects, why integrity matters more than clicks, and the biggest creative lesson travel continues to teach him. Whether you’re a storyteller, creator, or traveler, you’ll walk away with new insight into the value of empathy and everyday impact.
What hidden stories in your life or community deserve to be shared? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why a dinner with a pasta maker in Lisbon led Robin to start his filmmaking quest
How counting down from 100 shaped the structure and mindset of the project
Advice for identifying emotional moments even when subjects are camera‑shy
Why reframing the side hustle as your main purpose can change everything
How storytelling connects emotion and deeper impact
How travel constraints sparked creative solutions on location
How collaborating with a mission‑driven coffee company enabled an unforgettable shoot in Uganda
Tips for filming long‑form with limited gear and adapting when tech breaks
Insight into the editing grind, the “80/20 rule,” and the tweaks that take the longest
And so much more
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Robin’s website
YouTube
Instagram
Want More:
Making IMAX Films Around the World, Mindful Travel, and Working with Jane Goodall with Mike Day
Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz
Immersion Travel: Becoming a Porter in Nepal with Nate Menninger
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Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes wrapped up her trip to Portugal last week spending some time in the Azores and Medeira so we'll hear the highlights and get some tips on visiting there. Plus Dani Musse from Booking.com will join us to talk about Stockholm, Sweden and find out all the gre…Send us Fan Mail Travel expert Onanta Forbes wrapped up her trip to Portugal last week spending some time in the Azores and Medeira so we'll hear the highlights and get some tips on visiting there. Plus Dani Musse from Booking.com will join us to talk about Stockholm, Sweden and find out all the great things to see there. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions will be along to give us a few destination ideas and travel deals with our Weekly Round Up. Support the showmore
Vincent Marcus is a foodie tour guide for Food Tours Stockholm as well as a sommelier and an advanced degree student studying marine food systems. He talks with Brent about marine food sustainability, new Nordic cuisine, coffee culture, and the surprising wine culture of Sweden. Plus, there’s pickle…Vincent Marcus is a foodie tour guide for Food Tours Stockholm as well as a sommelier and an advanced degree student studying marine food systems. He talks with Brent about marine food sustainability, new Nordic cuisine, coffee culture, and the surprising wine culture of Sweden. Plus, there’s pickled herring and Swedish drinking songs [Ep 300]
Welcome back to the No. 1 TRAVEL PODCAST in the whole world by sisters who are also disaster experts!
This week we chat about that terrifying turbulent Singapore Airlines flight, things to do in Stockholm and how we missed our connecting flight to the USA because Madrid's airport is a logistical ni…Welcome back to the No. 1 TRAVEL PODCAST in the whole world by sisters who are also disaster experts!
This week we chat about that terrifying turbulent Singapore Airlines flight, things to do in Stockholm and how we missed our connecting flight to the USA because Madrid's airport is a logistical nightmare.
00:30 Summer is almost here
1:15 It's 100 degrees already
1:40 Pool ownership is a scam
2:20 THANK YOU, listeners! We couldn't do it without you!
2:30 What is going on with Google AI?
4:00 Travel news of the week: TURBULENCE
8:30 Destination of the week: Stockholm, Sweden
9:27 Angie is a professional communicator, believe it or not
10:00 Stockholm wasn't that easy to get to
11:00 Why we loved Sweden - the VIBE
13:20 Things to do in Stockholm
13:30 Why we always do a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour in a new destination
16:00 Why we loved the Vasa Museum
18:00 ABBA Museum and the Eurovision Song Contest
20:00 Why you need to book a spa day after the Eras Tour
21:35 This week's BIG DISASTER and why connecting in Madrid (MAD) is a bad idea
26:00 One World status comes in handy when you miss your flight
26:45 TRAVEL TIP: don't have a short connection in Madrid because you won't be making your flight
28:00 Why you need a buffer day after a long trip
28:50 Summer plans for the Jet Sisters
Disaster duo Angie & Rachel are back from Stockholm, Sweden, with tips on TOUR TOURISM and how to get last minute tickets to the Eras Tour in Europe.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS SUMMER? Tell us in the comments!
1:45 Summer travel in 2024 is going to be BUSY
1:55 Why MIA is the actual worst
3:15 Readi…Disaster duo Angie & Rachel are back from Stockholm, Sweden, with tips on TOUR TOURISM and how to get last minute tickets to the Eras Tour in Europe.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING THIS SUMMER? Tell us in the comments!
1:45 Summer travel in 2024 is going to be BUSY
1:55 Why MIA is the actual worst
3:15 Reading comprehension continues to be at an all time low
4:10 The busiest summer travel season on record is now
6:00 Is airline status even worth it? Our experience with OneWorld
8:00 Tour Tourism - what is it?
8:50 Why seeing a show abroad is a great way to vacation
10:30 Where we stayed in Stockholm, Sweden
11:00 Why it makes sense to stay in the city center, even if it costs more
12:10 Where is the Eras Tour going this summer and can you still get tickets?
13:05 Buying tickets on Ticketmaster Sweden
14:05 You'll never guess how much our VIP Taylor Swift tickets cost
15:45 Welcome to the United States of Antagonism
16:30 Stockholm did it up right for the Swifties
17:15 Cities are going wild for Taylor Swift
18:00 Rae goes full Swiftie
19:30 Why Taylor Swift is the Jane Austen of our time
20:00 AP English to Taylor Swift pipeline
21:57 How to get tickets to the Eras Tour in Europe this summer last minute
23:24 Join the Eras Tour Facebook groups in each destination to connect with Swifties abroad this summer
Going to Europe this summer? Here are our favorite tours on Get Your Guide
Your favorite jet-setting sisters are back with another episode with travel news for pet lovers, our first ever special guest here to talk about how to handle a lost passport and a sneak peek into what we're wearing to the Eras Tour in Stockholm, Sweden.
2:00 Updates on Flirting with Disaster Book …Your favorite jet-setting sisters are back with another episode with travel news for pet lovers, our first ever special guest here to talk about how to handle a lost passport and a sneak peek into what we're wearing to the Eras Tour in Stockholm, Sweden.
2:00 Updates on Flirting with Disaster Book Tour
2:40 Angie needs a nap
3:10 Top Travel News of the Week
3:20 New CDC Restrictions for traveling internationally with pets
5:10 Why we don't fly with our dogs
7:19 Welcome to our first ever special guest, Disaster Correspondent Jessi Miller
9:00 Celebrating 30th birthdays abroad
9:45 Highlights of visiting Madrid, Spain
10:40 Siestas are everything
13:30 Pros and cons of staying in the middle of everything
16:00 Getting from Madrid to Valencia Spain
18:30 Topless tours in Spain? I mean, go off
18:35 Oh, TAPAS tours
20:15 Disaster of the Trip: Jessi lost her passport
22:00 When to file a police report for a lost passport
25:00 Who to call when your passport goes missing
26:50 Why you should always bring your laptop
28:40 Guess where we're going next: Sweden for The Eras Tour!
29:00 What should we wear to the Taylor Swift concert?!
29:15 What should we do in Stockholm, Sweden?
30:14 Unhinged Signoffs
Find us everywhere: @AngieAway @RaeAway @TheJetSisters @Off.Day.Adventures more
This week we're off to Stockholm, famous for its clean living, sleek design, crisp winters and long summer nights. Our guest Malcolm Jack shares the best late-night bites, the locals' favourite swimming spots and the story of an ill-fated warship extraordinarily well preserved by the Baltic waters i…This week we're off to Stockholm, famous for its clean living, sleek design, crisp winters and long summer nights. Our guest Malcolm Jack shares the best late-night bites, the locals' favourite swimming spots and the story of an ill-fated warship extraordinarily well preserved by the Baltic waters into which it sank. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Stockholm episode without mention of saunas and ABBA! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more
