Since I talk so much about Sweden I decided to explain my background and how I came to live in the far north near Gällivare, Sweden. Then you will have a better understanding of where my perspectives come from. I was born and raised in Southern California. My mom's side of the family has predominantly… Continue reading How I came to live in the far north of Sweden
In my previous Youtube video titled, "So frustrated with Sweden," published September 29, 2026, I talked about "skolresa," which is the Swedish term for a school field trip. I am going to discuss this subject in more depth because I have always felt school field trips are interesting and are very important experiences for students.… Continue reading Organizing a school field trip in Sweden near Gällivare
I recently saw a few posts on Instagram about Mental Health Week, which apparently is recognized October 5-9, 2026 in Sweden. It reminded me that I had recently seen an event flier about a psychologist speaking at folkets hus (the theater) in Gällivare, so I connected the dots that he was probably speaking for mental… Continue reading Discussing mental health in Sweden
For a number of year's my daughter's elementary school in Sweden organized an annual field trip where students traveled to popular destinations in the region, such as Stora Sjöfallet, LuleÃ¥, Lofoten (Norway), Rovaniemi (Finland) and even Tromso (Norway). Of course I was excited for my daughter to experience a school trip. However, there was a… Continue reading So frustrated with Sweden
I was recently featured in a story published by NSD, a news outlet that covers the Norrbotten region in Sweden. The written story was published on August 8, 2026, as well as a video. The link can be found here, though it is behind a paywall so the text is listed in English below. For… Continue reading Lauren Ell recently featured in NSD, Norrbotten media
I was recently featured on the conservative Youtube channel The Brass Exchange to discuss my views on politics and social issues. The discussion was recorded on February 7, 2022. During the discussion we focused on homeschool, the traditional family model, atheist organizations, conservative atheists, Planned Parenthood, voter engagement, similarities between Sweden and the US and… Continue reading Recently featured on conservative Youtube channel The Brass Exchange
Last updated March 4, 2023 I have become increasingly interested in documenting Scandinavian businesses closing throughout the United States. It seems every time I turn around I am hearing about another Scandinavian business in the US closing. I feel their closures show waning public interest in Scandinavian culture, as well as economic challenges, such as… Continue reading Closed and operating Scandinavian businesses in the United States
I was recently featured on a livestream interview hosted by the Youtube channel HistoryNET where I discussed my organization Republican Atheists, the US atheist community and life in Sweden. One of the hosts of HistoryNET has been following Republican Atheists' social media for some time and recommended that HistoryNET should interview me. The channel primarily… Continue reading My latest livestream interview where I discuss Republican Atheists and more
Since living in Sweden for nearly three years, one of the most bizarre things I have observed is the push for police women officers by The Swedish Police Authority, Sweden's official police organization, as well as Sweden's national media outlets. When a story about crime comes up in Swedish news, more often than not the… Continue reading Sweden’s bizarre push for police women
Many people tend to be offended by my critical analysis of Sweden because they do not understand that there are negative aspects of Sweden. When young Americans are asked which country they admire most, often times they will respond, "Sweden," "Sweden," "Sweden." Over the years it has become a mission of mine to break this… Continue reading I criticize Sweden so the world will acknowledge it is not a “utopia” country
