Explore every episode of the podcast The Josh and John Show

What is Swedish Christmas actually like — and why does it feel so different from Christmas in the USA?

In this episode of Josh & John, a Swede explains Swedish Christmas traditions to an American living in Sweden. From Advent candles, Lucia processions, Elf on the Shelf chaos, and Christmas calendars, to the legendary julbord (Swedish Christmas food), we unpack what makes December in Sweden so unique.

We talk about:

• Why Advent is such a big deal in Sweden

• Lucia, light in the darkness, and childhood traditions

• Elf on the Shelf (USA) and why parents are exhausted by December

• Swedish Christmas food (julbord) explained

• How traditions shape kids, families, and expectations

• The biggest culture shocks Americans experience at Christmas in Sweden

Whether you’re Swedish, American, or just curious about life and culture in Scandinavia, this episode is cozy, honest, and full of laughs.

🎄 New episodes weekly
🇸🇪🇺🇸 Swedish–American culture, faith & everyday life
🎙️ Hosted by Josh & John

We’re back with our friend Hannah Saldner for another round of hilarious Sweden–USA culture shocks. This week we dive even deeper into the everyday Swedish habits that still confuse us — from four-wheel-drive shopping carts to roundabouts, preschool hills, skohorns, weird language phrases, and even… why Swedes sell bags of moss at ICA.

We also talk about:
• Why Swedes say “ursäkta” instead of “sorry”
• The mysterious Swedish “resting confused face”
• Why Americans can’t switch languages in relationships
• Skohorn culture (and Josh’s 4-year-old’s obsession 😂)
• “Det suger,” “sjukt,” “det värsta,” and other phrases we keep messing up
• The Swedish–American struggle of wanting to sound polite but not weird
• Why Costco carts feel like a dream compared to ICA’s chaos

If you’re an expat, a Swede, or someone who loves culture-shock conversations — you’ll love this one.
Hit follow, rate the show, and send us your own “weird Swedish things.”

In this laugh-filled episode, Josh and John are joined by fellow American expat Hannah Saldner to uncover the strangest everyday quirks in Sweden — the things no one tells you before you move here.

We talk about 4-wheel shopping carts, low toilet water levels, Ullared expectations vs reality, silent parents at kids’ sports, Swedish dialect debates, parental leave culture, and why the ice cream truck arrives right at bedtime.

A perfect episode for:
🇺🇸 Americans living in Sweden
🇸🇪 Swedes who want to hear how their culture looks from the outside
😂 Anyone who loves funny cross-cultural stories

Hit follow and share the episode with a friend who’s lived abroad!

John takes Josh on a wild journey through the infamous Knutby cult — one of the most shocking and talked-about church scandals in Swedish history.
We unpack the murders, the theology, the control, Kristi brud, and the new evidence now in the news.
Plus: Thanksgiving, cultural differences, and a whole lot of laughter in between.

Fun, honest, and surprisingly deep.
New episodes every week

Trump wants to introduce 50-year mortgages in the United States — but in Sweden, people already live that way. In this episode, Josh and John break down the cultural, economic, and emotional differences between how Americans and Swedes think about housing.

We talk about:

• Why Swedes take 50-year (or interest-only!) loans without blinking

• Why Americans MUST “own” their home — and why they fear the bank

• Whether Trump’s proposal helps people or traps them

• Amortization rules, refinancing, and trust in institutions

• The surprising reasons young people struggle entering the market

A fun, honest, and very real conversation about two totally different worlds of home-ownership.

Swedes love insurance — like, really love it. 🇸🇪
Josh and John unpack why everything in Sweden seems insured, from your car to your coffee break. What does that say about trust, security, and how Swedes view life?
It’s a funny, insightful deep dive into the Swedish comfort zone (and how different it is from American “sink or swim” life).

#JoshAndJohnShow #SwedenCulture #Försäkringskassan

🍂 Fall in Sweden hits different!
Josh (the American) and John (the Swede) swap stories about cozy candles, Halloween confusion, Swedish tacos, and why Thanksgiving never really took off here. Grab a warm drink and join us for a laugh-filled dive into how Swedes celebrate fall — and why it’s so different from the U.S. 🇸🇪🇺🇸

From lost keys to pump-and-dump crypto chaos…

Josh & John dive into the wild world of modern scams — from french jewel heists to AI voices that sound like your best friend

🤖💔Would you fall for a “too good to be true” deal? Or are you the one still waiting for your Nigerian prince to text back? 👑😂

Josh just got back from Italy — and things got very American.

From over-excited tourists at the Uffizi to realizing that the Ninja Turtles are actually Renaissance artists (mind blown 🤯), this episode dives into culture shock, Florence art history, and one very unexpected encounter with Liv Tyler.

We also compare Swedish chill vs American emotion… and ask: Do Americans really have to comment on everything? 🇮🇹🇺🇸👉 Drop a comment: Are you more like a “quiet Swede” or a “loud American” on vacation?

What happens when a cashless society meets AI? 🇸🇪 vs 🇺🇸
We dive into Swedish BankID, Klarna, scams, and why Swedes trust the government while Americans… don’t. Plus, childhood skating stories, hot chocolate memories, and some very strange baseball metaphors 🏒⚾.

👉 Listen now for laughs, cultural quirks, and some serious questions about trust in tech.

✨ We rewind to childhood and laugh our way through the games, toys, and memories that shaped growing up in Sweden 🇸🇪 and the USA 🇺🇸.

From VHS movie nights and yo-yo crazes to “rutan,” “burken,” and late-night neighborhood adventures—this episode is packed with nostalgia, cultural quirks, and stories that might just trigger your own best memories.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube!

What does it mean to be a man in 2025?

In this episode, Josh and John dive into the cultural waters of Sweden and the USA, exploring gender roles, expectations, and how masculinity is changing across generations.

From Charlie Kirk and culture wars to parenting, relationships, and work-life balance, they unpack the big questions about what women expect, what men fear, and how character—not macho bravado—might be the real measure of manhood today.

🎙️ Two guys, two languages, and plenty of laughs mixed with honest reflection.

🚽🇸🇪 Ever heard of “crapping in the blue closet”? We hadn’t either… until now. In this episode, we dive into some of Sweden’s strangest (and funniest) expressions — from pants, belts, and the fear of embarrassment 👖➡️😳 to the cozy truth that home is best.

It’s two cultures, two languages, and a whole lot of laughs. Come hang out with us as we break down Swedish sayings that make Americans go, “Wait… what?!” 😂

What happens when American snack culture meets Swedish school lunches? 🤯 Josh & John dive into pizza fish 🍕🐟, Italian dunkers 🥖🧀, PB&J 🥪 vs. knäckebröd 🥨, and why snacks look SO different across the Atlantic.

From baby strollers in the cold 🍼❄️ to La Croix dreams 🥤✨ and recycling like a pro ♻️—we laugh our way through the quirks of food, family, and everyday life in Sweden and the USA.

👉 Would you survive on Swedish bamba lunches or American snack packs?

From shrimp cakes 🦐🎂 to tongue-on-a-fence crush fails 😳❄️, Josh & John swap stories about first loves, Swedish dating quirks, and what it really takes to hold on through marriage & kids ❤️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

Laughs, awkwardness, and a little wisdom from Grandma Riggan 👵✨ — this one’s got it all.

🎙️ We’re back for a brand new season of The Josh and John Show! 🚀
This episode has it all:
🦀 Crab fishing with family
🇸🇪 Swedish summers vs. American hustle
🧔 John’s new beard era
🎰 Pinball dreams & gut health goals
👨‍👩‍👦 The highs and lows of fatherhood
💭 Plus a real talk on loneliness, friendship, and why Sweden just might be the jackpot.

Join us for laughs, stories, and some honest reflections as we kick off Season 3. ✨

What do you get when burnout, a jubileum, London, Öland, a busted room key, and a two-year-old with a sauna rash all collide? The final episode of the Josh and John Show’s summer season, that’s what. 😅

In this episode, Josh opens up about hitting the wall post-Chicago while John recounts the chaos of hosting Sweden’s biggest school anniversary. We debate the Swedish art of not saying sorry, ghosting vs. direct conflict, and whether the east or west coast of Sweden actually wins the summer. (Spoiler: there are graphs. And feelings.)

Plus:
– Americans say “I love you” too much?
– Does your beach have enough salt?
– How a sauna betrayed Josh’s toddler
– And why you should never take the principal’s chair.

All this and more in a chaotic, heartfelt, and slightly sweaty end to Season One. Grab your coffee, hit play, and enjoy one last hang before summer break. 🌞🇸🇪🇺🇸

In this episode, Josh and John are back from their U.S. trip — jetlagged 😵‍💫 but full of stories 📚. From accidentally announcing fancy "banquettes" 🪑 at meetings to struggling with the word "itinerary" ✈️, John shares his funniest English fails in Chicago 😂.

But it’s more than just laughs — they dive into culture shocks 🤯, night biking by Lake Michigan 🚴‍♂️🌆, tipping confusion 💵, hustle culture 💼, and why Sweden’s got some things right 🇸🇪.

Language bloopers, real talk, and goa vibbar only ✌️🎧.

🇸🇪🍪 Ever wonder why Swedes never grab that last cookie? In this hilarious episode, Josh, John, and Swedish students studying in Chicago unpack funny cultural clashes, language mishaps, and unexpected American quirks. Laugh, learn, and leave the last cookie alone! 😉

Josh and John land in Chicago and dive into the little things that make life different — and a little hilarious. From crumb drama at Burger King to surprise lasagna, they reflect on American small talk, Swedish skepticism, loneliness, and the beauty of sunny days. A lighthearted mini packed with laughs and some unexpected life lessons. 🇺🇸🍔☀️

Why is burnout rising in one of the world’s most well-balanced countries? Josh & Jon explore Sweden’s “fatigue syndrome,” the pressure to be perfect, and why so many feel stretched thin—even when life looks good on paper. A raw, honest convo about mental health, expectations, and learning to slow down.

🎙️ Soft Little Bamses and Hustle Bros 🐻💼
What happens when American hustle culture 💪💰 crashes into Swedish chill vibes ❄️☕? In this episode, we talk 4AM ice baths 🧊, side gigs 🎧, fika breaks 🥐, and why Swedes might be too comfortable—and Americans way too tired 😩.

Is working 100% in Sweden even working? 🇸🇪
Are Swedes soft? Are Americans just stressed? 🇺🇸
Let’s talk productivity, identity, and the myth of doing it all. 🔄🧠⚖️

What happens when your kid messes up—but you don’t yell, punish, or even raise your voice? In this episode, we dive into the quiet power of Swedish parenting, where disappointment speaks louder than discipline. We compare childhoods in Sweden and the U.S., talk about respect, consequences, and how love sets the best boundaries.

Spoiler: no one gets spanked!

Buckle up for this week's wild ride as our beloved mentor and first-ever podcast guest, Håkan, shares hilarious and hair-raising stories from his family trip across the American Midwest.

From feasting on TikTok-famous Crumble cookies and diving into the ultimate fast food showdown at Five Guys and Chick-fil-A, to surviving his first-ever encounter with U.S. law enforcement (spoiler: there were blue lights!), Håkan takes us on an adventure filled with laughs, cultural mishaps, and reflections on Swedish-American differences.

Whether you've ever wondered how a mild-mannered Swede handles the stress of an American traffic stop or you're curious why small-town USA reminds him of "Stranger Things," this episode has you covered!

Join us as we laugh, cringe, and navigate the culture shock together.

This is Håkan’s America—and you're invited!

From chaotic family dinners and mysterious Swedish pasta traditions… to deep reflections on America’s shifting image in the world—this episode has it all.

Josh and John talk parenting fails, trampoline upgrades, and what it means to be an American abroad in 2025.

Funny, real, and a little bit messy—just like a pot of overcooked noodles. 🍽️

Hit play, laugh with us, think with us, and tell us:
Is America still cool... or is it cancelled?

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Ever wonder what makes people go so wild? Join us as we dive into American politics and cancel culture...which leads to the chaos of March Madness, and exploring Swedish hockey heartbreaks, while unpacking the strange love-hate relationship we have with fast-food favorites.

Sports, passion, politics, and burgers—this one's got it all!

Tune in and discover just how quick & intense we all can get over the things we love.

🎤 In this episode, we’re diving into the highs and lows of life, from viral sensations and music competitions to the Swedish tradition of saunas (yes, naked saunas!). 🏆

We also get into the hilarity of Melodifestivalen, with some serious (and not-so-serious) chat about Swedish TV culture and its global impact. 🇸🇪

Along the way, we uncover the cultural differences between Sweden and America, including how we approach everything from family traditions to the concept of nakedness (spoiler: Swedes are way more comfortable). 😂

Get ready for some laughs, deep dives into quirky traditions, and a lot of cultural insight in this fun-filled episode! 🎶

One minute, we’re just two guys talking about Swedish dialects and cultural differences. The next? BAM—half a million views, a mild identity crisis, and a deep dive into why Swedes plan everything while Americans just go for it.

In this episode, we unpack:
🛠️ How building a house is like going viral
🇸🇪 Why Swedes are careful and Americans are reckless
🎤 The fear of public speaking
☀️ Why March in Sweden feels like Groundhog’s Day (but with less sun)
📱 How one TikTok post changed everything overnight

And of course, we sprinkle in some good ol’ Swedish-English banter, questionable dialect impressions, and our best attempts at navigating this wild social media ride.

Hit play, laugh with (or at) us, and let’s figure out if we’re just gamla fjärta or actually onto something. 🎙️😂

A casual, fun, and surprisingly deep conversation about the small things that reveal big cultural differences. From Swedish swimming lessons and learning to survive in water to the great debate on wearing shoes indoors—this episode explores how everyday habits shape the way we see the world.

Join us as we swap stories, laugh at our differences, and maybe even question our own way of doing things.

In this episode we dive into cultural contrasts between Sweden and the U.S., from embassy security vibes to the open-door trust of Swedish society.

We also reflect on life’s big and small moments—ski trips, family visits, and the unexpected impact of recording a podcast.

Plus, we discuss emergency preparedness, the weight of world events, and the power of community, both online and in real life.

Somewhere in there, we even dream up a live show in Chicago.

Join us for a laid-back, laughter-filled conversation about life, trust, and finding home wherever you are.

This week's episode takes a different turn as we discuss some heavy but important topics—school shootings, racism, and the role of trust in society. Josh goes on a few passionate rants, and we do our best to process the tragic school shooting that took place in Örebro this week. It’s raw, real, and an honest conversation about the world we live in.

We’ve got a wild one for you today! We’re digging into how John and I somehow look the same age despite a 9-year gap (seriously, what’s the secret?), swapping stories and wisdom from a 95-year-old legend, and breaking down how today’s kids see money compared to back in the day. It’s a mix of laughs, life lessons, and a little head-scratching—don’t miss it!

We take a look back at our hardest lessons of 2024 while bringing up some of our hopes and dreams of 2025. All with a little bit of sports, semlor, and pinball sprinkled in the mix. Dive in with some laughs and good thoughts as we begin 2025 together.

In this episode, we catch up on life, dive into some of the latest news, and have a little fun imagining the ultimate dinner party. Who would you invite if you could choose any three guests? Tune in to hear our picks and why!

John and Josh chat about what happens in the month of December in Sweden. Lightening Candles, Meeting Santa, SVT julkalendar, and so much more. Come join the MYS!

Happy Thanksgiving! Come celebrate with us through chatting about thanksgiving, bastu culture, and what swedes and Americans can learn from one another. #Recycling. #ChillOut

Middle of November feels. : ) Catch up this week as Josh comes out of family magsjukan and John is trying to hold on until Advent.

Höstlov, Halloween, and life insurance. Josh laughs until he cries. John shares early childhood memories.

Its a good one. Enjoy!

We woke up to a new world. Here is a quick 20 minute episode of what we think...

We got an extra juicy episode with an American special guest to the podd...Chad Eric Bergman!

He flew across the Ocean to come onto the podd to explain the hidden currents of the American Election in 2 weeks!

You do not want to miss this episode! Enjoy.

Wondering how to make adult friends?! We are too....

John has got answers and has organized thoughts! Tag along for the 2nd part of our conversation.

Are John and I friends? Is it possible to make adult friends?

This episode is part 1 of 2 in a wild ride of tangents and side talks. Dive in and enjoy!

Being mentally strong on and off the field..is it possible?

Am we more than our talents?

The value of Ted Lasso.

Join us for part 2 of Mental Health and Sports.

Ultra marathons, soccer, everyday life...what does it mean to build up your mental strength through it all?

Listen and enjoy the meanderings of us as we try to figure it out.

Everything about the recent debate alongside context around why Americans vote for Trump…all this from 2 people who are not experts but have opinions. 😊

Follow along into season 2 as John and I discuss summer stories and mental tax. 🥳