S1/E29: #HYGGE - The Danish Art of Happiness with Marie Tourell Søderberg

Show notes

What is Hygge - and why does it resonate far beyond Denmark? At its heart, Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish word with no direct English translation, but its feeling is instantly recognizable. It’s that cozy, contented sense of well-being you get when you’re wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea, laughing with friends around a candlelit table, or simply enjoying the quiet comfort of being fully present in a moment. More than just a trend or aesthetic, Hygge is a way of living—an intentional slowing down, a focus on gratitude, connection, and the small joys that make life meaningful. Though it’s deeply rooted in Danish culture, Hygge is universal and adaptable, offering anyone a gentle reminder to find comfort, beauty, and peace in the everyday.

Culture Chat In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Marie Tourell Søderberg who invites us into her world of Hygge — a Danish concept centered around coziness, connection, and mindfulness. Drawing from her personal experiences and her bestselling book on Hygge, Marie shares how this practice has shaped her life across seasons, cultures, and even sorrowful times.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Marie’s favorite Hygge moments,from baking with her children to enjoying tea in peaceful solitude
• The role of food, shared experiences, and simple rituals (like lighting a candle) in creating a Hygge atmosphere
• How Hygge goes beyond seasons and borders—it's not just for Danes or winter nights
• The deeper values behind Hygge: mindfulness, humility, gratitude, and emotional connection
• How Hygge helped Marie find unity and comfort during personal grief
• Insight into the challenges of social integration in Denmark and how Hygge can be both inclusive and, at times, unintentionally exclusive
• Marie’s reflections on her book’s global reach and her preference for offline, real-world moments over social media hype

Marie's Book on Hygge: Marie Tourell Søderberg (2016): Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness. Available on Amazon and in local bookstores, Marie's book has been translated into over 20 languages and continues to inspire readers around the world to seek and cherish the “little pearls” of joy in daily life.

Stay Connected with Marie: While she's not heavily into self-promotion these days, you can find Marie on Instagram and Facebook—or better yet, in a quiet café with a warm cup of tea.

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