Host Paul O’Mahony is joined by panelists James Savage, Richard Orange, and Becky Waterton as well as our guest this week, author and photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström.

This week's topics:

Culture shock

• These are the worst culture shocks for foreigners coming to Sweden

Valborg & May 1st

• What exactly is Valborg, and where are the best places to celebrate it?
• Why is May 1st a public holiday in Sweden?

Sweden Democrats and the EU migration pact 

• Sweden Democrats threaten to topple government

Asylum seeker child raises millions for charity

• 'Like winning the lottery'

Racism in Sweden

Finally, Lola Akinmade Åkerström tells us about In Every Mirror She's Black, her novel that tackles racism in Sweden and which Swedish publishers have rejected despite its success overseas. 

• SURVEY: 'Sweden is decades behind on racism and diversity'
• 'Stop! This is what lagom truly means'
• Analysis - ‘No such thing as race’: why Sweden’s colour-blind approach is failing
• CNN - Opinion: Why is Sweden afraid of publishing this book on race?
• New York Times - A Social Media Takedown Is a Blessing in Disguise for Sweden

Become a member at https://www.thelocal.se/podcasts/podcast-offer?tpcc=padlock.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.