Stuff Dutch People Like

In this episode Colleen and Allard ditch their usual jokes to respond to a listener who wrote in about having a hard time making a new life as an immigrant/expat in the Netherlands. It's not the first time they've been asked the question: "how the heck do I make friends with the Dutch?!" so they decided to share their personal advice on how to get down with the Dutchies! Oh and you don't wanna miss the first time Colleen tried to make a Dutch friend and the terrible turn it took!! Moving abroad is not for the faint of heart --but if you dare to take a leap outside your comfort zone our hosts truly believe you will reap the rewards!

On this episode Colleen finally gets to talk about her favoruite Dutch institution: the brown bar/brown café! What the heck is a 'brown bar' you ask?! Well it's one part cozy, one part fun...and all things gezelligheid! Take a listen as Allard and Colleen walk you through the history of the Dutch bruine kroeg and what you precisely need to et, drink and listen to (hint: smartlappen) when visiting one! Oh and of course they will share their top 3 jaunts in Amsterdam...followed by a short quiz proving just how cruel the English language actually is to Dutch people! Curious? Tune in and find out!

In this episode Colleen and Allard are visited by 'Canadian boyfriend Rob' who is here to administer the official Dutch inburgering (civic integration) exam to our two hosts. The inburgering exam is a series of tests on the Dutch language and society. The exams are a requirement by the Dutch government to get a permanent residence permit or a Dutch passport Much has been said about this infamous exam and its utterly absurd questions! Will Allard and Colleen pass the test and be allowed to remain living in the Netherlands?! Would YOU pass? Tune in, play along and find out!

In this episode Colleen talks about the differences in driving in the Netherlands --- specifically about how damn near impossible it is to get a driver's license in the Lowlands in 2024! Allard and Colleen then launch into "part two" of their list of things to most definitely never do while in the Netherlands! Show up unannounced? Nope! Refuse cake? Not a good idea! Call the Netherlands, Holland? NEVER!!! p.s. Colleen's brother makes a surprising admission about his experience with Dutch directness!

In this episode Allard and Colleen discuss what NOT to do in the Netherlands! They've made a list and you're going to want to hear their insider tips on some of the surprising things you really don't want to do while visiting or living in the Netherlands. From peeing in the canals (it's deadly!) to talking on your phone while ordering a coffee, here are some of the things that will get you majorly told off in the Lowlands!

This year's edition of Kingsday has sadly come and gone but that doesn't mean that Allard and Colleen don't have A LOT to say about it! Curious about the history of this curious day? Looking to refresh your knowledge of the Dutch royals? They've got your covered! From their personal favorite Kingsday anecdotes to the incredible treasures they have scored on the street, listen to find out insider tips on how the Dutch *really* celebrate this day!

In this episode Colleen and Allard are looking back through history at all the cool shit the Dutch invented! And we aren't talking deep fried snacks my friends, we are taking MASSIVE life-changing inventions. Who invented essentially all the major tech developments of the last century?? The Dutch! Are you currently reading this on that little magical device in your hand? Well guess what, it couldn't do half the stuff it does without our cheese-loving Lowland friends! Come take a deep dive into history with us, and we promise we'll have you laughing along the way as well! P.S. Allard and Colleen make a surprise call to a special guest this week, to find out where Allard went wrong with his NorthAmerican/Dutch culture clast!

The fans have been sending in A LOT of questions and Colleen and Allard finally sit down and randomly select a few to answer. The results? Hi-larious, of course! From questions about Dutch weddings, the cost-of-living, how much money Amsterdammers really make and Dutch toilet habits (eeww), our listeners have questions and luckily Allard and Colleen have answers! Ever wondered why Dutch people are so poorly portrayed on TV & Film? Allard has a theory! Plus, have you heard Matt Damon speak Dutch. Our hosts are seriously impressed!! (Oh, and don't miss some very "direct" criticism of both Allard and Colleen's podcast habits. This one is worth a gasp!)

In this episode Allard and Colleen re-visit one of the most talked about topics surrounding Dutch culture: directness! And guess what? Allard finally is starting to understand what all the fuss is about! From Allard's recent experiences at a Dutch circle party, to Colleen's endless anecdotes of the Dutch blurting out whatever is on their minds, tune in to hear how they handle it! Oh and find out that one Dutch letter Colleen still has a hard time pronouncing! Doei!

Colleen and Allard are back from their North American travels, but they do have a few things they wish the Dutch would learn from overseas! From the seemingly trivial 'doggie bag' to washers and dryers that ACTUALLY WORK, the SDPL duo has questions and WANTS answers! Next up, Colleen is utterly baffled when her kids request a 'dropping' in a Canadian forest. She learns (to her huge amazement) that her own daughter was 'dropped' in the Netherlands in the middle of the night at school camp. Allard is of course totally unfazed about this wild Dutch tradition and has a few stories of his own! What the what?! Tune in and find out!