Sam and Caleb: Gone North artwork

Sam and Caleb: Gone North

52 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

Two expats, one American and one British, casually discuss topics relevant to those who have or will move internationally, with a focus on living in Norway. Occasional guests join to add perspective and topic specific expertise.

Places & Travel Society & Culture expat travel norway immigration move
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Episodes

47 - The Loppemarked

May 01, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

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. 

46 - Guest Matt Thomas

April 17, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MB

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

45 - Guest Marco Di Zinno

April 01, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

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

44 - Guests Dimitri Yogaratnam & Tony Sailer

March 15, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

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

43 - Guest Camilla Stormo

December 01, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

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

42 - Where to Find the Food

November 17, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MB

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. 

41 - World Cup '22 Discussion

November 01, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

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. 

40 - Guests Stefanie Dziadkowiec & Sarah Bowes

October 15, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MB

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

39 - Guest Michael Barrett Donovan

October 02, 2022 09:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MB

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...

38 - Guest George Liapkalo

September 21, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 53 MB

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

37 - Guest Jana Scamburova

September 01, 2022 06:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

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

36 - Permanent oppholdstillatelse. Permanent residence permits

August 15, 2022 06:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

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.

35 - Guest Robin McMichael

July 15, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MB

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

34 - Guest Tony Sailer Reloaded

July 01, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MB

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

33 - Feriepenger and Summer Things

June 15, 2022 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

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. 

32 - Guest Lasse Sandaker-Nielsen (Norse Atlantic)

June 01, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

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: Guest Mike Rawson v2.0

May 15, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

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

31 - Guest Mike Rawson v2.0

May 15, 2022 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

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

30 - Guest Joe Rollwagen Redux

May 01, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

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)

29 - Getting Around Norway

April 15, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

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. 

28 - Guest Ka Man Mak

April 01, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 53.7 MB

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...

27 - Guest Evan Lewis

March 15, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 45 MB

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

26 - Winter Olympics, Eurovision, Beer.

February 24, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

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.

25 - Førerkort. Obtaining a Norwegian Driver's License

February 01, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

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. 

24 - Guest Tara Dolgner

January 15, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

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

23 - Gone North's 1 Year Anniversary

December 22, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

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...

22 - Guest Tom Donnelly

December 01, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MB

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

21 - Guest Mike Rawson

November 15, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MB

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

20 - Harrytur, Border Shopping

November 01, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

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.

19 - Guest Oleks Ivanov

October 15, 2021 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MB

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,...

18 - Welcome to the Party(ies)

October 01, 2021 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

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. 

17 - Guest Talor Browne

September 15, 2021 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

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 

16 - Guest Joe Rollwagen

September 01, 2021 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

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

15 - A Familiar Guest Jeremy Bolduc

August 15, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MB

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 

14 - Norskprøven. The Norwegian language test.

July 15, 2021 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

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.

14 - Norskprøven. The Norwegian language test.

July 15, 2021 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

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.

13 - Guest Konrad

July 01, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

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.

13 Guest Konrad

July 01, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

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.

12 - Guest Ryan Kristiansen

June 15, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MB

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

11 - Guest Tony Sailer

June 01, 2021 06:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MB

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

10.5 - Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day

May 17, 2021 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

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. 

10 - Guest Le'Von Warr

May 15, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MB

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

9 - Guest Truls Bråthen

May 01, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

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 

8 - Ocho. The Sports Cast

April 15, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

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.  

7 - Guest Kyle Knapp

April 01, 2021 06:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

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

6 - Cabin Culture

March 15, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

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.

5 - Guest Jeremy Bolduc

March 01, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

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

5 - Jeremy Bolduc

March 01, 2021 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MB

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

4 - Things That We Miss

February 15, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

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

3 - Get Outside, Enjoy Winter

February 01, 2021 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MB

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.