Episode 16: When you think life is hard in Finland

Views towards Näsineula tower in Tampere, summer 2009

Very Finnish Problems creator Joel Willans chats with Joe Konderla, writer at the Finniot, a blog on adjusting to Finnish quirks. Topics include British imperialism in Wales, Helsinki versus Tampere and overdosing on Moomins. Co-host Thomas Nybergh advises against home ownership and suggests learning Swedish to fast-track Finnish citizenship.

 

Contact: [email protected]

Produced by Thomas Nybergh / Ink Tank Media

 

Shownotes:

Joe’s blog

Joel’s new book: More Very Finnish Problems

The City of Tampere

Integrate in Finland through learning Swedish, an official language in Finland

The Finnish constitution, see Section 17 – Right to one’s language and culture

English is now an official language in Espoo, a Helsinki suburb

FAQ on Helsinki metro expansion, look for section on platform length

Joe’s recommendation: Time Timer, a productivity tracking app that helps keep focus with visual cues

Joel’s recommendation: Alita Battle Angel (trailer)

Thomas’ podcast recommendation: It Could Happen Here, war journalist explains the second American Civil War

Thomas’ recommendation: ‘Chernobyl’, the TV series, which is excellent, but scientifically inaccurate

Moldovan-American journalist on Chernobyl

Exiled Russian journalist Masha Gessen on what ‘Chernobyl’ gets right and wrong

Thomas’ Finnish music pick: “Waterfalls”, a song from LCMDF’s, fun, catchy sophomore album Sad Bangers (Spotify, Apple Music)

 

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About the show

What’s so weird and wonderful about Finland? British born Joel Willans, creator of Very Finnish Problems, discusses, with a variety of fascinating guests, what he’s learnt after 15 years living in his much-loved, adopted country.

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Title photo: Derek Yu

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