Sam and Caleb: Gone North

Episode 47. A chat about loppemarkeder, or flea markets, in Norway. Looking to donate some things and/or pick up a few things? Fall and Spring are loppemarked seasons here in Norway. We also talk about expat meet ups, tax season, and RC Cola. 

Episode 46. Matt Thomas is from New Jersey and moved to Oslo via Philadelphia in 2009. Matt is brewer extraordinaire at Beer Flag Bryggeri. Double tap on this one as we focus a blend of both expat life and craft beer topics. Topics: AiO Thirsty Thursdays, home brewing, alcohol laws, Scotland, ice hockey, Florida man

Episode 45. Marco Di Zinno, an Italian from Milan, joins us on the podcast. Marco first experienced life in Norway while on a work assignment here in 2020. He moved to Norway permanently a few months later. We chat about the why, when, and how's of all that.  Topics: Museum display cases, Tower of London, career shifts, work-life balance, fishing, language

Episode 44. We talk with two Americans who work at Oslo Brewing Company, Dimitri and Tony. Dimitri moved from Rhode Island to Norway in 2009. Tony, a three-peat guest on the podcast (episodes 11, 34), moved from Colorado to Norway in 2018. We catch up on all things beer, fatherhood, and local scenes. Topics: Pappaperm, The Nighthawk, contract brewing, cream ales, labels, hard seltzers

Episode 43. A Norwegian friend, Camilla Stormo, joins us for a chat. Camilla grew up in Lørenskog and studied in Lancaster, UK as well as London. She shares some insights for studying in the UK, her experience with the culture there, and how she transitioned her degree into a career in Norway.Topics: Across the Pond, lånekassen, UCAS, The Roses Tournament, darts, Pimm's, Sam's favorite UK food chain

Episode 42. This time we talk about grocery shopping in Norway. The choices, the stores, a bit about Sunday hours, delivery services, and where to find some American and British grocery spots. Sam shares how to make a yorkshire pudding. We also talk a bit about Tenerife and one of it's local brews. 

Episode 41. November means World Cup time? This time around, yes. We discuss some of the squads, our group stage picks, and football things.November 25th. USA v England. Where will you watch the match? We will be in Oslo. Details within. 

Episode 40. The Roller Derby podcast. We talk with Americans Stefanie and Sarah about one of their passions, Roller Derby. They moved to Norway in 2013. Both are members of Oslo Roller Derby. The club has trainings and home matches at Apalløkka idrettshall in Ammerud, Oslo. We also discuss language learning, challenges finding work, starting a business, and driver license exchanges.Derby terms: flat track, jammers, blockers, NSO, multiplayer, derby stance

Episode 39. We talk to Michael Barrett Donovan, an American who moved to Norway in 2019. Michael is originally from California and moved to Oslo shortly after finishing a Music Composition degree in New York. Within a few months of his arrival, Michael and two Norwegians started a band called Buster Sledge. We chat about moving, cultural differences (and similarities), and the music scene here.Topics: Central Valley, visas, secret language, Rogaland folk music, Landskappleiken, remembering old mediums

Episode 38. We chat with George, a Ukrainian who has lived in Norway for 8 years. George first visited Norway as an exchange student in Bergen. He liked it and moved back for more studies and now lives in Oslo. We chat about these experiences, Norwegian culture, language, and Norway's system of helping Ukrainians post February 2022. Topics: System dynamics, student life, BI, Halloween, language learning, taxes

Episode 37. We chat with Jana, who moved from Czechia to Hemsedal, Norway. Jana first visited Norway as a seasonal worker and has now settled here. We discuss ski resorts, Norway's healthcare system, sick leave, tax cards, and life in Hemsedal. Topics: afterski, downhill biking, D numbers, NAV, Jeseníky Mountains, Prague beer bikes

Episode 36. A discussion about permanent residence permits in Norway. We chat about our own paths to permanent residency. This will vary depending on your home country, current visa, etc. Best tip: always follow your UDI checklist and contact UDI directly if anything is unclear to you. We also include a chat about summer trips, disaster movies, and other tangents.

Episode 35. We chat with a good friend of Sam's, Robin McMichael. Robin is a Brit living in the UK who works for Fuller's and quite enjoys football. We focus both in this UK-centric chat. Fittingly, Brentford F.C. and London Pride dominate the conversation.Check out The Bell & Crown next time you're in Chiswick. Topics: Ceilidh weddings, Brentfjord, Griffin Brewery, Fronty-arrr, Gregg's, a bus stop in Hounslow

Episode 34. Tony Sailer (episode 11) joins us again for a chill cruise through reporting a child's birth abroad, embassy visits, sports, splitboarding, and of course beers. Tony is a Wisconsinite who moved to Norway in 2018. We chat about Oslo Brewing Company, ACCN's upcoming Independence Day Celebration in Frognerparken, and the community here.Topics: OBC collabs, Sod's law, private labels, NFL games in Europe, Redcoats, mountaineering

The episode about feriepenger and summer. We chat about words that are a bit odd when translated, summer weather, trips, and summer beers. Our focus this time is on styles from Graff Brygghus, BrewDog, and Sierra Nevada. Festival Finnskogen, Untappd, and grapefruit spoons are thrown into the mix. 

Episode 32. We chat with Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen, Norse Atlantic Airways' Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer. Lasse is a well traveled Norwegian who studied several years in Maryland. We discuss Norse's backstory, bases, and routes. Topics: Towson, Baltimore, Sir Francis Scott Key, studying abroad, avgeeks, 787s, Transatlantic

Episode 31. Back for Round 2, we chat with Mike Rawson. Mike moved to Oslo from California in 2012. This time we focus on Norway's biggest holiday, 17. May / Syttende Mai, which is just around the corner. We also talk pubs, fashion trends, and of course pub quizzes. Check out The Magical Mystery Quiz on FB for upcoming quizzes.Topics: Bunad police, Twister, Barnetoget, St. George's Day, Piknik i parken, Take it to the Top

Episode 30. Back on to tell us the latest baseball happenings, we chat with Joe Rollwagen. Joe is an American who has spearheaded the creation of Oslo's newest baseball club, Vålerenga. We chat about the 2022 Eliteserien season, which just recently started. 2022 is the inaugural season for Vålerenga baseball. Check out Vålerenga Baseball on their Facebook page or in action at Rommen Ballpark.Topics: AL Central, Tenerife, airfare, hobby sports, youth development, European Cup (baseball)

Episode 29. Just in time for påske holiday, we chat about getting around in Norway. We discuss car hire apps and also mass transit options. For many, owning a car here is not a requirement. We also talk about Kystbussen, The Norwegian arm, and magic robot cars. 

Episode 28. We talk to Ka Man Mak, a Brit who moved to Norway initially in 2007. She has studied here in Oslo and, among other things, founded The Olso Desk. We chat about moving to Norway, studying here, and generally trying to "fit in" as a journalist and parent.  We also dive into the important bank account opening discussion. A challenge all too familiar for many of us here. Check out The Oslo Desk at www.oslodesk.com, Facebook, and YouTube. They also have a podcast, TODcast on Spotify and elsewhere.Topics: journalism, racism, podcasting, bank accounts, Valid IDs, parenting, cultural differences

Episode 27. We chat with Evan, an American who moved from California to Norway in 2004. Evan and his wife co founded Ægir Bryggeri . We chat with Evan about moving, settling in, and brewing.Check out Ægir Bryggeri at www.aegirbryggeri.no, Facebook, and Instagram.  Topics: career changes, CVs and cover letters, Flåm, language learning, Why Not?, brew pubs

We catch up after a short break to talk about the Winter Olympics and Norway's dominance, this years crazy Eurovision entry for Norway and lots of good beer talk.

Episode 25. A discussion about the Norwegian licensing system. We chat about the steps to obtain a driver's license here. For many there is an exchange option with requirements that vary depending on your home country. We discuss this and many of the country specific details. We end with an overview of the entire license application process, helpful for first time license holders or arrivals who do not have the exchange option. 

Episode 24. We chat with Tara, an American who moved from Maryland to Norway in 2015. Among other things, Tara is a co-founding member of Oslo Soup. Oslo Soup is a micro-granting experience that supports community-based projects. We discuss the "soup concept", moving to Norway, weather, work culture, and networking.Check out Oslo Soup at oslosoup.org, Facebook, and Instagram.  Topics: Winter sunlight, allergen filters, CVs/resumes, Detroit Soup, social meetups, winter clothing

Episode 23. We wrap up our first year of podcasting, and our first ever competition, with a Q&A session. Thanks if you submitted a question! We answer about gas and diesel prices here in Norway, what services we recommend if you need to move funds between countries, a little run through of what permittering means and how that works. We also answer about some mobile phone plans that new arrivals might like. It has been fun. It has been great. Catch us in 2022 for some new and exciting stuff. From both of us to all of you, thanks and God Jul!

Episode 22. We chat with Hull Tom, a Brit who moved to Norway in 2011. Tom now works in the Norwegian Energy sector. He is also one half of CNiRats, an Oslo area punk band. We discuss living in Norway, cultural differences, and Jul/Christmas season things. Check out CNiRats on FB and Bandcamp. Topics: Pub golf, NOKUT, suit culture, julebord, juleøl, julebrus, Panda Pop, pålegg

Episode 21. We talk with Mike, an American who moved to Norway in 2010. Among other things, Mike hosts several English language pub quizzes in Oslo and online. Listen and join our conversation about living in Norway and all things beer, quizzes. Check out The Magical Mystery Quiz on FB for specific dates, places, themes. Topics: Pub quizzes, California, Siste Sang (RIP), surviving the shutdown, Gardermoen beers, Las Vegas

Episode 20. We road trip south from Oslo to Nordby/Strömstad, Sweden for a harrytur. We discuss the how and where of the border shopping culture. From Abisko in the north to the massive center at Nordby  in the south, there are many places to go. We also direct compare the prices of some items we found.

Episode 19. We chat with Oleks, a Ukrainian who moved to Norway in 2018. Oleks is a software programmer who has also lived in Spain. He is an avid cyclist and we chat about a two week cycling trip he took in northern Norway. We discuss working in Norway and end with a list of our favorite "non-Oslo" pubs, restaurants, and views. Here's one for the many great places and businesses all around the country. Topics: Belgian beers, Oslo nature, software development jobs, the Norwegian workplace, expat meetups, Northern Norway, Svalbard

Episode 18. The national elections were a few weeks ago. We discuss the results and summarize the top performing parties in Norway. Recently we each took a political party test. We end with an analysis of our results.Update: since recording, SV has left the coalition talks. 

Episode 17. We talk with Talor, an Australian who moved to Norway in 2012. Talor has also lived in France. She has been called the Doughnut Queen. Talor built and runs Talormade (3 Oslo locations). Join us for a chat on location at the Lillo Gård shop.Topics: Wodonga VIC, coffee, doughnuts, Paris, Northern Norwegians, feriepenger, starting a business in Norway 

Episode 16. We talk with Joe, an American who first moved to Norway in 2018. Joe has also lived in UK, Slovakia, Austria, and Sweden. Among other things, Joe is a 1st baseman/pitcher and Vice President for the Oslo Pretenders Sportsklubb. The Pretenders currently have baseball, softball, basketball, and disc golf teams.Topics: baseball, MN Twins, UEA in Norwich, networking with a hobby, Oslo v Stockholm, New Orleans, softball, baseball clubs in Norway

Episode 15. Back from summer holidays, we chat with a familiar voice (from Episode 5). Join our chat with Jeremy about traveling during a pandemic. We discuss traveling to Canada and The USA in June and July. We also taste test Canadian maple syrup. Any corona related information is ever changing and varies case by case, always check with your local authority and airline before travel. Topics: Oi Oi, Kentucky bourbon, cereal, BBQ, travel testing, travel quarantines, Olympics, maple syrup 

Episode 14. A discussion about the Norwegian language exam. Why it is needed (by some), how/where/when to enroll, some study tips, and our own experiences with the exam. We also briefly chat about Samfunns­kunnskapsprøven. The "Social Studies" exam that many of us also need for visa, citizenship steps.

On Episode 13 we speak to Konrad who moved to Norway from Poland.We chat about studying here, what its like to move over from Poland, weird English accents and training.

Episode 12. We talk with Ryan Kristiansen who has lived in Norway for several years. Ryan is a hydrographer by trade and has also lived in USA, UK, New Zealand, and Germany. Topics: offshore work, the Kents, Everett WA, Wales, London, multimeters, American Field Service, Liverpool-lapskaus, Bergen

Episode 11. We talk with Tony Sailer, an American who married a Norwegian and moved to Norway in 2018. He is the Director of Business Development for Oslo Brewing Company.Topics: American beers, visas, driver's license exchange, cloudberries, draumur, the Norwegian brew scene, cool labels

Episode 10.5. From us to all of you, Hurra for Syttende Mai!Join us for an "unscheduled" freebie, a chat about 17. May. New to Norway and need to know the backstory? Here it is, from our perspective. And some details that might help with your celebrations today. 

Episode 10. The follow up, second part of our two part series with coaches from Vålerenga Trolls, an American football club in Oslo.We talk with Le'Von Warr, an American who moved to Norway in 2010. Among other things, he is current Head Coach of the Vålerenga senior teams and founder of the Golden Leaf Foundation & Academy. Topics: Networking,  cultural differences, Spartans (not Wolverines), American football, career shifts, youth development

Episode 9. The first of a two part series with coaches from Vålerenga Trolls, an American football club in Oslo.We talk with Truls Bråthen, Co-founder of the Vålerenga Trolls and current Head Coach of the club's youth teams. Truls is also a member of Amerikansk Fotball Norge's Hall of Fame.Topics: How American football arrived in Norway, famous players, Norwegian Federation season schedules and rules, NY Jets, youth development, Lambertseter Reindeer 

Episode 8. From 'the footballs' to chess, we talk about several sports. We discuss the many connections to Norway. Some you may know, others may be a surprise.  

Episode 7. We talk with Kyle, An American from Seattle by way of Washington D.C. who has lived in Norway for 5 years. Among other things, Kyle is an admin for the expat group Americans in Oslo. Topics: Silent K's, making cider, visas, hog roasts, citizenship process for children, expat meetups

Episode 6. We discuss the in's and out's of the traditional Norwegian cabin trip just in time for Easter. Cabin trips are very common during the Påske (Easter) holiday.

Episode 5. We talk with Jeremy, a Canadian who moved to Norway in 2017. Jeremy is a Carpenter in Oslo and founder of Allskills.online, a teaching and learning platform for trade professionals and DIYers.Topics: maple syrup, carpentry, working holiday visas, skilled worker visas, moving internationally with a pet

Episode 4. A discussion about a couple key things we miss and how we have adjusted.

Episode 3. There's snow now for most of us across Norway. A short discussion of some common outside activities here. Check Sam & Caleb: Gone North's FB profile for a short list of the websites mentioned.

Episode 2. Recap of the holiday season followed by a review of useful websites for newly arrived expats. The list of discussed websites can be found on Sam & Caleb: Gone North's FB profile. 

Episode 1. A quick introduction to Sam and Caleb, short discussion of things to come and what to expect.