The rocks hiss as the water hits them, and then it's time for the traditional whacking of birch branches. You do it to yourself, not others!

Water & Sauna Rocks & Slapping With Birch Branch, Home - Only in Lapland - Lapland Sound Collection

How to be professionally funny in another language? How does it feel to start building your career from scratch in the US, when you’ve already made it in your own country in Europe? Ismo Leikola, a Finnish stand-up comedian is doing it all, building a successful career in comedy in the US. Ismo and Embassy of Finland’s Communications Coordinator, avid comedy fan Satu Järveläinen, sat down to discuss all the tricks of the trade behind making people laugh across cultures. Listen to find out also what joke simply doesn’t translate well enough for the American audiences.

And yes indeed, this episode was recorded at the Embassy's linen closet next to our official diplomatic sauna since that is the quietest place in our busy workplace. Ismo got to enjoy a Finnish sauna after our recording session and before his gig. #FINUS100

Ismo's website for gig information: http://ismo.fun/tour/

ISMO – Conversation about Comedy with the Funniest Finn in America | Suomi–Finland Podcast

**We're currently producing no more episodes, thank you all for tuning in! Welcome to an audio journey through all things Finnish and Finnish American! This Suomi–Finland Podcast was launched in honor of the centennial of Finland-U.S. diplomatic relations, celebrated in May 2019. What began as a #FINUS100 project by the Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C.'s Communications team, was continued further with a couple of episodes, featuring one also from Finland's Consulate General in Los Angeles. #SuomiFinlandPodcast

ISMO – Conversation about Comedy with the Funniest Finn in America | Suomi–Finland Podcast

Suomi–Finland Podcast

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