Stuff Dutch People Like

On this episode, Colleen and Allard discuss Dutch working culture; Allard wants to know if it really is as different as foreigners say it is, and Colleen is here to answer with a big "hell YES"!  But the big question is: are the Dutch slackers? They work the least amount of hours in Europe, have tons of holidays and seem to be home on time for the school pick-up. How do they do it?  With...

This episode starts with Colleen and Allard discussing the Dutch seasons; they both can agree that spring in the Netherlands is the bomb. But Dutch summer? Often a tragedy. Somehow they end up on the 'elfstedentocht' and the Netherlands best cookie (hint: it is NOT the stroopwafel). They then launch into their full assault of Dutch 'fashion' (think strips, red pants and bad jeans), before trying h...

Colleen and Allard discuss the differences between Dutch and North-American parenting, the benefits of treacherous Dutch playgrounds and the cultural differences on the perception of safety. Colleen professes her love for the Dutch laid-back approach to safety, laws and regulations in the Netherlands. No helmets? No life-jackets? Treating adults like adults? Yes please! Allard and Colleen discuss...

In this episode, Allard and Colleen discuss the Dutch kitchen. Allard proclaims his love for all things mashed, boiled and fried - and tries (hopelessly) to explain to Colleen the difference between Ketchup and Ketjap, the merits of all the Dutch 'spreads', and why Kale is not cool. At least they can agree on Filet Americain....or can they? Things takes a turn for the worst when they start discuss...

In this episode, Colleen and Allard discuss biking in the Netherlands. We all know the Dutch love to bike, but what's it really like to live in a city that's always on two wheels? Why does Colleen hate e-bikes so much? And why are Allard's bikes *constantly* getting stolen? Our two hosts somehow move on to an equally fascinating topic: Dutch flirting...or lack thereof. Finally something Allard and...

Allard wants to talk about 'gezellig'. Does Colleen, a Canadian, truly understand what it means? Is there really no English translation?....and more importantly, does Colleen agree with her Dutch doctor that giving birth can even be 'gezellig'? The episode also covers the odd springtime tradition of 'Rokjesdag', the Dutch love of complaining, and how Allard thinks a good cup of coffee can solve ju...

Colleen and Allard dive deep into Dutch traditions, starting with the infamous Dutch Birthday Party. What is a kringfeestje? Why do you have to bring cake to work in the Netherlands, every year, on your OWN birthday? Why does Colleen have such a problem with the Dutch kraambezoek? Why do Dutch grown adults eat sprinkles on their bread in this country?! The episode concludes with a discussion on th...

Colleen and Allard kick off the very first episode of the Stuff Dutch People Like podcast with an investigation into Dutch directness. Are the Dutch really as direct as people say they are? What do the Dutch themselves think of this honesty? And why is it such a faux-pas to brag in this country!? Colleen and Allard conclude the episode with an explanation of the Dutch kroket and bitterballen while...