Living a Nordic Life with Fiona McKinna
Episodes
87: Summer hygge: Cosiness in the Summer, A Nordic Guide
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Summer hygge is the softer side of Nordic living, where long light-filled days replace the need for cosiness by firelight. It is found in slow evening...
86: Simple Living isn't About Owning Less, it's about Wanting Less
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Simple living isn't about having less and paring your life down to the bare minimum. It's about wanting less and feeling that gentle shift...
85: Everyday Life in Spring in the Nordics
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Spring in Norway doesn’t arrive loudly—it gathers, gently, in signs you could almost miss if you weren’t looking. The first flowers pushing thro...
84: Why a Nordic Life Looks Simple but Feels Deep
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the outside, Nordic life can look simple—quiet homes, slow routines, and the ideas of hygge and lagom. But beneath that simplicity is something...
83: Hi I'm Fiona, let me introduce myself
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hi I'm Fiona, the voice behind the Living a Nordic Life podcast and I'll like to introduce myself and welcome you to the podcast. My journ...
82: The Rise of the Digital Nomad in Scandinavia
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee in a sleek Copenhagen café, laptop open, surrounded not by students but by nomads juggling clients across time ...
81: Nordic Winter Outdoor Habits to Improve Wellbeing
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Boost your wellbeing this winter with Nordic outdoor habits. From friluftsliv and forest walks to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sauna rituals...
80: Sami National Day: How to Prepare & Celebrate
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Every year on 6 February, the Sámi people, the Indigenous inhabitants of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, celebrate Sámi National Day. ...
79: Starting the New Year with Nordic Sustainability
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Start the new year with Nordic-style sustainability by embracing minimalism, mindful consumption, and slow living. Discover practical tips for eco-fri...
78: January in Old Norse Culture; Fire, Ice & Kinship
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the deep midwinter of the Old Norse world and discover what January meant to the Vikings. In this episode, we explore Yule’s lingering e...
77: Romjul, a Very Nordic Post Christmas Tradition
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Romjul is that time between Christmas and New Year that might feel a little bit of a non-event. Here in the Nordics it has a special place and is a ...
76: Norwegian Christmas Traditions my Family & Friends Love
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is a time for traditions — from family rituals to national customs — that connect us to our roots and bring warmth during the darkest ...
75: How Norse Mythology Still Matters; The Epic of the Eddas
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From stormy seas to streaming screens, Norse myths refuse to fade. The Eddas still shape Nordic identity—whispering of resilience, trickery, and hop...
74: What is self care and do we even care?
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self care is more than a few fluffy blankets, an indulgent lunch or an hour in a bubble bath. It's a deep, sustainable and grown up commitment ...
73: Ben Ward: Remote Norway, TV Fame and the Simple Life (or Not!)
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From London to the Mountains of Norway: Ben Ward swapped London life for a remote farm in the Norwegian mountains, and it hasn’t always been easy. I...
72: Friluftsliv: The Word That Changed How I Live
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we dive into the Norwegian word friluftsliv — “open-air living” — and how it shapes everyday life in ...
71: My Nordic Morning Routine
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me, Fiona of Living a Nordic Life, as I share my simple and seasonal morning routine in my little corner of southern Norway. No 5am runs or fre...
70: Simple Pleasures, Slow Days: The Nordic Art of Doing Less Outside
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we wander into the quiet beauty of the Nordic outdoors — not with skis or hiking poles, but with a slower, ...
69: Lingonberries in Scandinavia: Nordic Nature's Wild Treasure
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Step into the Nordic forest with me as we explore the story of lingonberries—Scandinavia’s tart red superberry. From ancient traditions and foragi...
68: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: Why the Nordics Go Outside Anyway
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Living a Nordic Life, we explore one of the most beloved Nordic sayings: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothi...
67: How to Make Life Easier with Menu Planning
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life can be pretty hectic whether we like it or not, but taking back some control can be simple and easy. One of the ways we can be better organised...
66: Getting Prepared: School Starts Soon in Norway
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The middle of August is the start of the new school year in Norway. It's a time of excitement and a few nerves, but before school starts we hav...
65: What is a Norwegian Confirmation?
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All throughout the whole of Norway in April, May and June you will people celebrating in a very traditional way. It's all part of the "kon...
64: Why are Scandinavians so Happy?
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are people in Scandinavia and the Nordics so happy? There are lots of factors that contribute to happiness and wellbeing in these countries. L...
63: Perennials: A Game Changer for Your Edible Kitchen Garden
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Creating an edible garden or kitchen garden is incredibly rewarding and it's fun to replant every year, but for something more sustainable that w...
62: How to Throw a Nordic Midsummer Party
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Midsummer and the celebrations around it are a big deal in the Nordics. We love to throw a party and celebrate the longest day of the year. It&apo...
61: Join me for a Perfect Nordic Summers Day
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's high summer in the Nordics and we like to make the most of the long day and warm weather. Let's take a virtual trip out to a special ...
60: You Don't Need to be Perfect
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are under constant bombardment from social media, magazines, and TV programs to be more and more perfect. It's exhausting!! Not to mention...
59: Six US Cities Where Scandinavian Culture Thrives
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a longing to visit Scandinavian and experience true Scandinavian culture, but you simply can't get there right now, this episode is f...
58: Nordic Wisdom: The Holistic Approach to Women's Health
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Nordic approach to health rarely focusses on one part of the body, but more on the whole body and mind. Women's health in particular shows ...
57: Charming Nordic Easter customs
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not all Easter traditions revolve around the festival of Easter itself. In the Nordics there are some fun and less conventional traditions that happ...
56: Essential Nordic living ideals explained quickly
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lagom, sisu, hygge, friluftsliv and fika are all Nordic concepts that can seem a little mysterious, but they contribute to the great quality of life t...
55: Unlock the secret power of to-do lists
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To-do lists get a bit of bad press. They are seen as something that uptight people tend to do, but I want to share a few things that might change yo...
54: How to celebrate your birthday Norwegian style
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Birthday celebrations are different the world over and even from family to family. Norwegian birthday celebrations are no exception, but there are s...
53: Procrastination: is it always a bad thing
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Procrastination gets a really bad press. We are encouraged to be busy and productive at all times, so is procrastination the worst thing in the worl...
52: 10 ways to make life lovely
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We might strive to have a life we see on social media or in magazines, but we actually have what we need to live a lovely life already. We simply ne...
51: What to expect when your child starts 1st grade in Norway
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a parent it's nerve-wracking when your child starts school, but even more so when it's in another country. This episode is for everyone...
50: Førjulshygge, the cosiness before Christmas
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Norway there is a special word for the cosiness before Christmas. It's called førjulshygge and it's taken very seriously. Join me in...
49: The mysteries of the Nordic primstav
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Nordic primstav or runic calendar is an iconic piece of Norwegian cultural history. Although no longer in use it still has a profound influence ...
48: How to Start Embracing a Simpler Life
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a busy, pressured and technology filled world, simple living seems ever more appealing. We don't need to completely strip away our lifestyle...
47: How to stop hating winter
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unless you live in a tropical climate, winter is something we can't avoid. But we don't need to dread it and endure it. In the Nordics p...
46: 17 Simple or Free Autumn Activities
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Autumn is a magical time when it's perfect to be outside and making the most of the coller weather before winter arrives.Lots of us love autumn, ...
45: How to embrace Scandinavian coffee culture
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You might not instantly think of the Nordic countries when you think of coffee culture, but they are the biggest coffee drinkers in the world.Join me ...
44: The Harryhandel, some modern Norwegian culture (if you can call it that!!)
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The harryhandel is a bit of modern Norwegian culture that you might not have heard of if you don't live in Norway or Sweden. Join me in this ep...
43: A beginners guide to foraging
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Foraging can be an enormous amount of fun and really rewarding. Not only does it get us outside into the fresh air, but we learn new skills, learn a...
42: Den utedo
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Den utedo or the Norwegian outside toilet is a slightly mysterious looking and rather cute building, but it also has a great deal of history and is an...
41: What can Nordic habits do for you?
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Changing our habits in small ways can have a huge impact on our lives, but we don't need to sweep everything off the table to make a difference a...
40: Nordic Folk tales with Eric Stavney of Nordic on Tap
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a folk tale?In this episode I talk to Eric Stavney of Nordic on Tap about the importance of folk tales in our lives and what Nordic folk ta...
39: Bærtur, the annual Nordic berry picking trip
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the late summer and early autumn the forests in Norway are full not only of berries, but berry pickers. It can be a bit of a surprise for those o...
38: 7 Reasons to keep chickens
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am a firm advocate of keeping hens, but it's for more than simply to collect eggs. They offer us so many things including a wonderful benefit...
37: Nostalgia, the secret hygge ingredient
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nostalgia has a special way of raising our level of happiness and we don't even have to have experienced something to appreciate the nostalgia Fo...
36: How to have a Nordic conversation (Nordic conversations are different)
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nordic conversations are not quite the same as conversations we might have elsewhere. There are some subtle differences that you might miss if you w...
35: How to celebrate Syttende Mai your way
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
17 May is Norway's national day and after Christmas is probably the biggest celebration of the year for Norwegians. It's taken very seriou...
34: Hyttelivet, more than just a trip to the cabin
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hyttelivet or cabin life is an integral part of the Nordic life. Many people in Norway have access to a cabin either as owners or a family cabin and...
33: Norwegian schools, what are they like
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nordic schools are often hailed as being the best in the world and they are certainly ver good, but as a new parent in te Nordics (or one arriving fro...
32: How to enjoy Easter like a Norwegian
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Easter in the Nordics is a time of longer days, shorter evenings and some more unusual traditions that you might not expect like "påskekrim"...
31: How to greet spring like a Norwegian
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a long, dark winter the promise of spring is pretty exciting in the Nordics. And it's really embraced with gentle enthusiasm. The sligh...
30: How to eat a healthy Nordic diet
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Nordic diet and way of eating has been popular for many years and there are lots of different resources showing us how to do it. But how do peop...
29: How to start an edible kitchen garden with Ines & Eric Batterton of My Nordic Garden
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So many of us enjoy gardening as a way to slow down and be more intentional and it's even more rewarding if we can grow something to eat. In th...
28: Five simple ways to add some Nordic routine
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes even simple changes can make a difference to our lives and in my time living in Norway I have noticed a few things that have made really pos...
27: The Power of Boring
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Boring doesn't have to be...well... boring. It has a hidden power to it that takes a bit of digging to find. It can bring security and comfor...
26: God jul fra Norge, Merry Christmas from Norway
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
God jul fra Norge, Merry Christmas from Norway.Join me on a little journey through a Nordic Christmas as I paint you a picture of what Christmas is li...
25: How to Celebrate Christmas Nordic Style
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nordic Christmases are as magical as you would imagine with snowy scenes, the smells of spices and hot gløgg and all the beautiful Christmas decor yo...
24: Norwegian knitting culture
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You might think that knitting is for grandmas, but I can assure you that knitting in the Nordics is something that is very much alive and well! Join...
23: How to do Winter Like a Norwegian
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Winter can be a daunting time for many people, but somehow everyone in the Nordics seems to look forward to it. So what is the secret to enjoying an...
22: What is a Norwegian kindergarten like?
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Nordic schooling system is often hailed as being one of the best in the world, but is it really like?My youngest daughter recently started kinderg...
21: The Nordic Appreciation of Craftsmanship
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the Nordic countries and Scandinavia keeping traditions and skills alive is very important and because of this there is a deep appreciation of craf...
20: Ten reasons to love friluftsliv
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Friluftsliv is such a huge part of life in the Nordics. It means outdoor living, but it is so much more than just getting outside. It's all a...
19: The Art of Hygge Lighting
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into autumn in the northern hemisphere we want to create cosy, welcoming homes ready for the colder days of winter. Lighting is something...
18: Jante's Law, the Unwritten Scandinavian Law
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No, not an actual law but a secret code of "rules" that influences every part of Nordic life from the way we treat others to the Nordic char...
17: How to enjoy autumn like you're Nordic
03 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For some people autumn is an effortless love affair, but for others it's a tough season to love. I was one of those who dreaded autumn, but sin...
16. How having 2 chronic incurable diseases has made me healthier
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What a crazy statement to make and probably the craziest I have ever said! But it's a fact. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Meniere's disea...
15: How to holiday like a Norwegian
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The summer holiday season it not over yet! Norwegians are very good at holidaying, but it might not be quite what you expect. Let me tell you how ...
14: Ten Signs you might be a Nordophile
06 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You love all things Nordic! Nordic living is something that you feel is in your blood. You are a Nordophile. A Nordophile is someone who loves a...
13: What's it like to be pregnant and have a baby in Norway
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Having a baby can be a nerve-racking time, but having a baby out of you home country can be terrifying. Well, not so much if you are living in the N...
12: Travelling to Norway: 10 tips to make you look like a local
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Travelling to any other country can be daunting and culture differences can always be surprising. So let me tell you a bit about Norwegian culture s...
11: Ten Ways my Life is Better Living in Norway
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Living in Norway is very different to the life I was brought up with in England, but there are habits and traditions that I have learnt in Norway that...
10: Is Nordic Living for Me?
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You might have asked yourself this question already and it's one that we often ask ourselves when we look at a new way of living. But if you an...
9: Seven Ways to Experience Scandinavia at Home (wherever you are)
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are like me you might find yourself daydreaming of places you have visited or want to visit, but we don't have to visit Scandinavia to hav...
8: Gardening for Wildlife in Norway
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As you might already know gardening is a very popular hobby in Norway but you might not know that Nordics gardens tend to be much less formal and have...
7: How to Celebrate Midsommar Like a Norwegian
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Midsommar or Sankthans is a fun and important celebration in the Nordic calendar and something we can celebrate wherever we are in the world. It&apo...
6: Friluftsliv, How To Get Outdoors The Nordic Way
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Getting outside is a core part of living a Nordic life and something that can benefit both our minds and bodies. But how do we even start? And can...
5: What Does a Nordic Life FEEL Like?
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I talk a lot about all the wonderful Nordi habits we can embrace to make life simpler and cosier, but what does a Nordic life actually feel like? I ...
4: Ten Nordic Living Myths
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I often hear myths about Nordic living and how you have to live to truly embrace a Nordic lifestyle. So I thought it would be fun to share this slig...
3: Ten Nordic Habits That Can Do Us Good
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Nordic countries are so often used as a shining example of how to live, but what makes people so happy here? There are some Nordic habits that w...
2: What is Nordic Living?
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is Nordic living even?? It's something I am often asked and it can be a bit of a contentious subject! Let me tell you what Nordic living...
1: Welcome to The Living a Nordic Life Podcast
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Velkommen to the Living a Nordic Life podcast. Join me for a journey into the simple, intentional and cosy life of Nordic living. I'll be sha...