What's Up Åre

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly gone? Olle Larsson always saw himself as a runner—until an injury changed everything. In this episode of What’s up Åre, he opens up about losing his identity as an athlete, navigating recovery, and finding new ways to move forward.

We dive into the mental and physical challenges of reinvention, how he got into gravel biking and the bike community, and what he learned about adapting to life's unexpected turns. Olle also shares insights from his time freelancing in Amsterdam, his love for languages, and how movement—whether running or biking—continues to shape his perspective on life.

Whether you’re an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone dealing with a major life shift, this episode is packed with inspiration and real talk about overcoming setbacks and rediscovering purpose.

Featured Quotes:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - Intro & First Impressions

(00:04:15) - Growing Up & Finding Running

(00:13:50) - The Injury That Changed Everything

(00:20:30) - Struggling with Identity After Injury

(00:29:30) - Discovering Gravel Biking & The Social Aspect

(00:38:40) - Freelancing & Life in Amsterdam

(00:46:00) - The Mental Battle of Recovery

(00:56:45) - Balancing Sport, Passion & Social Life

(01:07:40) - Future Plans & New Perspectives

(01:18:15) - Closing Reflections & Takeaways

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Meet Lina Hallebratt—dog sledder, adventurer, and the first person to connect Sweden’s White, Blue, and Green Ribbons. She’s also tackled the Pacific Crest Trail, kayaked Sweden’s coastline, and explored Europe’s wildest landscapes with her loyal sled dogs.

In this episode, Lina shares her extraordinary journey: relying on her dogs in extreme conditions, overcoming unpredictable challenges on solo expeditions, and finding the strength to move forward after surviving a life-threatening attack in Lithuania. Whether it’s crossing mountain ranges or paddling through open waters, Lina’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the transformative power of nature.

Packed with wild adventures, hard-earned lessons, and moments of humor, this episode will inspire anyone who dreams of exploring the world. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or anyone looking to embrace their own journey.

Featured Quotes:

Chapters:

(00:00:12) Starting the Adventure

(00:09:30) Surviving an Attack

(00:18:20) Completing the Three Ribbons

(00:27:10) Lessons from the Wilderness

(00:34:40) Embracing Risk and Growth

(00:42:15) Building Resilience in Nature

(00:49:50) Inspiring Through Stories

(00:58:25) Balancing Adventure and Life

(01:07:05) Dreams for the Future

(01:16:00) Reflections on the Journey

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Meet Martin Hollstrand—a skateboarder, innovator, and entrepreneur who has turned his passion for skating into a philosophy for leadership and success. In this episode, Martin shares how skateboarding taught him to embrace failure, foster creativity, and build thriving communities.

We dive deep into his journey from co-founding Because Mondays, a freelancer community platform, to working with big names in the music industry and pushing the boundaries of innovation in Europe. Along the way, Martin reflects on the parallels between skate culture and entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from falling (literally and figuratively), and the power of blending passion with purpose.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and thinking outside the box. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking for inspiration, Martin’s story will leave you motivated to take risks and embrace the journey.

Featured Quotes:

Chapters:

(00:00:12) Skateboarding Roots

(00:07:30) How Skating Fuels Innovation

(00:14:20) Applying Skate Culture to Leadership

(00:22:10) Lessons in Falling and Getting Back Up

(00:28:40) Building Community, On and Off the Board

(00:36:15) Finding Purpose Through Passion Projects

(00:43:50) Challenges as Growth Opportunities

(00:51:25) Balancing Family, Work, and Passion

(01:02:05) Exploring the Future of Action Sports and Startups

(01:14:00) Final Reflections on Creativity and Resilience

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Meet Sara Gärdegård—a graphic designer, community builder, and the creator behind Upptäck Jämtland, a project uncovering the beauty of Jämtland. In this episode, Sara dives into her mission to preserve Jämska, an endangered local language, through an innovative game she designed. From her early struggles with mountain life to rediscovering the charm of Åre, Sara shares the stories that shaped her journey.

We talk about the power of connecting with your roots, the surprising joys of small-town living, and what it means to create something meaningful for your community. This conversation is packed with inspiration, culture, and a fresh perspective on life in the mountains. Tune in to explore the hidden gems of Jämtland with Sara as your guide.

Featured Quotes:

“I didn’t understand why people loved living here until I started seeing Åre through fresh eyes.”

“Learning about Jämska made me realize how much of Jämtland’s history is woven into its language—it’s something worth saving.”

“Jämska is spoken by around 30,000 people, mostly the older generation. It’s not just a language—it’s part of this region’s identity.”

“When I created Upptäck Jämtland, it was about more than a website. It was a way for people to discover the beauty and stories of this place.”

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Discovering Åre: From Skeptic to Believer

(00:08:05) Becoming a Jämtland Ambassador

(00:16:11) The Birth of Upptäck Jämtland

(00:24:17) Preserving Jämska: A Language Worth Saving

(00:32:22) Life in Åre: Adventures and Community

(00:40:28) Mapping Jämtland: Challenges and Insights

(00:48:35) Creativity Meets Connection: Sara’s Design Journey

(00:56:39) Mountain Reflections: Balancing Work and Nature

(01:04:44) Reviving Tradition in Modern Times

(01:12:52) Closing Thoughts: Sharing Jämtland’s Stories

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In this episode, we dive into the creative and inspiring world of Jennifer Hammervald. From her surprising love for horror movies to her journey as a product designer for Minecraft, Jennifer shares how her passions have shaped her life. She talks about crafting pop culture-inspired patches and pins, her unexpected move to Åre, and the joys of embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle in the mountains. Along the way, we explore her thoughts on technology, creativity, and finding balance in a world that’s constantly changing. Whether you're a fan of Twin Peaks, a lover of design, or just curious about living in a digital yet grounded way, this episode has something for everyone.

Featured Quotes:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - Horror Movies as Comfort

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Amanda Eliasson’s life has been full of surprises. From handling frustrated customers at IKEA’s Return and Reclamation Department—where she mastered the art of staying cool under pressure—to becoming a target on Expedition Robinson (Sweden’s Survivor), Amanda’s journey is anything but boring.

In this episode, Amanda shares hilarious and eye-opening stories from her time on reality TV, including the advice her friend gave her before the show: “You’ll have a hard time—you’re strong and you talk.” Spoiler: she was right!

Growing up near Åre, Amanda also has a hunting license, though she admits she’s more about enjoying the outdoors than actually taking a shot. With roots in sustainable living and a love for nature, Amanda’s perspective is as refreshing as it is relatable.

This is a fun and honest conversation filled with real-life moments and insights into what makes Amanda tick.

Featured quotes:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) From IKEA to Anger Management

(00:09:39) Stepping into the Robinson Spotlight

(00:19:18) The Reality of Reality TV

(00:28:57) Growing Up Near Åre

(00:38:36) A Lazy Hunter's Philosophy

(00:48:15) Lessons in Staying Grounded

(00:57:54) The Power of Conversations

(01:07:33) Balancing Strength and Vulnerability

(01:17:12) The Magic of Åre’s Community

(01:26:51) What’s Next for Amanda

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What does it take to carve out a life filled with reinvention and adventure? This week, we chat with Anders Forselius, whose journey has taken him from working as a doctor to founding a med-tech software company, and even representing Sweden on the national surfing team. Anders shares how his passion for exploration led him to break away from the conventional path and embrace a life of bold decisions, from living in Costa Rica to rediscovering surfing at 28. Packed with incredible stories and honest reflections, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible.

Featured quotes:

"I quit my job as a doctor and took a year just traveling the world."

"I started surfing every day as a kid, and years later, rediscovering it felt like coming home."

"Creating my med-tech company was about finding solutions where none existed."

"Leaving stability behind isn’t easy, but it’s where the real adventure begins."

- Anders Forselius

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Anders’ Story

(00:07:36) Life as a Doctor

(00:15:12) Building a Med-Tech Software Company

(00:22:49) Surfing for Sweden’s National Team

(00:30:25) Rediscovering Surfing at 28

(00:38:02) Adventures in Costa Rica

(00:45:38) Lessons from a Life of Change

(00:53:14) The Decision to Leave Stability Behind

(01:00:51) Reflections on Passion and Purpose

(01:08:27) Parting Thoughts

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What does it take to climb mountains—both literal and figurative? This week, we chat with Maria Granberg, an adventurer who’s made discomfort her superpower. From summiting Mount Everest to surviving on half an apple for 72 hours, Maria shares her incredible journey of grit, growth, and self-discovery. Packed with inspiring stories and honest reflections, this episode will leave you rethinking what it means to embrace life’s challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that might just spark your next adventure!

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Featured Quotes:

- Marie Granberg

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Last week's giveaway:

The winner of the giveaway of last week's episode is none other than Glenn Jäderlund

In this episode, we sit down with Malin Rapp—a professional athlete, motivational speaker, and all-around inspiring soul. Malin opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, from winning a world championship to facing a life-changing accident that forced her to rethink everything. Now, she travels Sweden sharing her story, while finding her own peace here in Åre. We talk about resilience, embracing new paths, and what it means to find balance in a place that feels like home. Join us for an honest, uplifting chat with Malin about passion, purpose, and the twists life brings.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] - The Drive to Keep Fighting
[00:00:14] - Breaking Barriers in Extreme Sports
[00:00:49] - First Arrival in Åre
[00:01:03] - Family Traditions in Nature
[00:01:23] - Defining Mountain Cabins
[00:11:00] - Lessons from Hardship and Resilience
[00:18:30] - Discovering New Outdoor Passions
[00:25:50] - Introducing Kids to Adventure
[01:13:30] - Reflections on Community in Åre
[01:20:00] - Rapid-Fire Fun: Choices and Preferences

Standout quotes:

- Malin Rapp

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Special Thanks:

We're thrilled to announce an exciting giveaway in this episode of What's up Åre. We're giving away a delicious Swiss evening dinner for four people at Mrs. Maggie to one lucky subscriber.

Here's how to enter:

Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Spotify – the more channels you follow, the better your chances of winning. We'll announce the winner in the description of the next episode, so keep an eye out and see if it's you!

Don't miss out – hit that subscribe button, stay tuned, and you could be the winner.

The winner of the giveaway of last week's episode is none other than Emilia Giertta

Description: In this episode, we chat with Anna-Maria Eriksson, a lively and creative soul who’s made her mark in Åre. She shares her journey of falling in love with the town, from her first days baking flatbread to her spontaneous decision to take over a local café. With humor and a whole lot of heart, Anna-Maria talks about what makes her feel at home in Åre, her unique take on Swedish culture, and her “badass” approach to life. Join us for an inspiring, feel-good conversation about life, community, and the joys of doing things your own way.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - A beautiful place to call home

(00:07:55) - How to make the most of limited resources

(00:14:46) - Living close to nature: the joys of rural life

(00:21:15) - Exploring the charm of Tegeforsen

(00:28:04) - Facing challenges and finding solutions

(00:37:15) - Standing up for what matters

(00:45:44) - Building a supportive and creative community

(00:54:29) - Turning visions into reality

(01:01:46) - Surreal moments and unexpected opportunities

(01:09:12) - Finding connections between work and passion

(01:16:33) - Wrapping up: quickfire questions and final thoughts

Featured Quotes:

–– Anna-Maria Eriksson

Love what you’re hearing? Help us keep the stories coming! Sharing episodes and subscribing mean the world to us. To make a bigger impact, consider sponsoring an episode—your support fuels our mission to spotlight the vibrant stories of Åre.

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Special Thanks:

We're thrilled to announce an exciting giveaway in this episode of What's up Åre. We're giving away a nice package of clothing from Eivy to one lucky subscriber. Here's how to enter:

Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Spotify – the more channels you follow, the better your chances of winning. We'll announce the winner in the description of the next episode, so keep an eye out and see if it's you!

Don't miss out – hit that subscribe button, stay tuned, and you could be the winner.

The winner of the giveaway of last week's episode is none other than Jon Spijon.