The Icelandic Roots Podcast
by Icelandic Roots
Showcasing Icelandic heritage and culture from the past and present through folklore, language, literature, and music. We’ll shine a light on notable Icelanders throughout history and talk to some interesting people along the way! Created by volunteers of the non-profit organization, Icelandic Roots.Visit www.icelandicroots.com to learn more about Icelandic culture, heritage and our organization.
Episodes
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Touring Iceland with Snorri Plus: Where Physics, Healthcare & Libraries Intersect
Julie Summers brings us together with three Snorri alumni - Helga, Peter, and Diane - to explore the Snorri Plus experience. Their 30+ touring program brings participants to Iceland where they can engage deeply with culture, heritage, and contemporary life. In our conversation, we'll hear...
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Reykjavík Composer on Jazz, Sagas, Eiríksstaðir & the Creative Life of an Artist
Hafdís Bjarnadóttir is a Reykjavík-based composer and guitarist known for breaking boundaries between genres - drawing on everything from jazz and folk to avant-garde, poetry, and contemporary classical. In this conversation, we trace her path from learning jazz guitar to composing award-winning...
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Weaving Njáls Saga Across the World: The Traveling Tapestry Tour
Claudia Peterson is the driving force behind the North American tour of the crowd-sewn, Icelandic-wool Njáls Saga Tapestry — an extraordinary living artwork born in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, with the mission of rallying support for a permanent museum to showcase this saga masterpiece in its hometown....
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How Icelandic Roots is Growing with Cousins Across the Ocean | New Books, Festivals & Genealogy Ideas
Sunna Furstenau, President of Icelandic Roots and head of the Genealogy Team, along with Becky Byerly-Adams, the Outreach Director, joined us to explore everything from new books and upcoming webinars to the evolving future of the Icelandic Roots database—and why preserving our stories matters…
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A Necessary Distance: Thinking on the Page Across Generations with Julie Salverson
Julie Salverson is a fourth-generation Icelandic-Canadian author whose new memoir, A Necessary Distance: Confessions of a Scriptwriter’s Daughter, braids family memory with global history. In this episode, we explore Julie’s reflections on her father, CBC writer George Salverson, and her...
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The 3 Most Icelandic Cities in the World | Denmark, Greenland & Canada & Riding a Bicycle
Atli Halldórsson is the co-project manager of the Snorri Programs, splitting his time between Iceland and Vancouver, Canada. In this episode, we explore the deep cultural ties between Iceland, Scandinavia, and North America—through the lens of an Icelander dedicated to reconnecting people of...
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Iceland’s 1800s Medical History | Infant Mortality, Mormon Migration, Vestmannaeyjar to Utah
Susan Huff is a genealogist and a descendant of Icelandic immigrants who emigrated from the Vestmannaeyjar to Spanish Fork, Utah—the oldest continuous Icelandic settlement in North America. In this episode, we explore her work with the National Archive of Iceland, where she uncovered fascinating...
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Iceland in the 1970s | Fishing, Language & Brennivín: A Western Icelanders Experience
Mark Petursson is the president of the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club in Calgary and a dedicated member of the Western Icelander community. In this episode, we discuss his journey of reconnecting with his Icelandic heritage, from working in Iceland’s fishing industry as a teenager to his ongoing...
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Writing Family Histories: Turning Memories into Novels & Publishing on Amazon
Brian Borgford is a prolific writer with 40 books published on Amazon. In this episode, we go over his writing process and the philosophy behind publicly sharing family histories. Brian explains how he transforms biographies of family members into novels, bringing their lives and times to the…
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Beyond Borders | Contemplations on Family & Global Identity
Audrey Ledford, a Seattle native and recent Georgetown graduate, wrote a reflective piece titled Meditation on Family and Home - Snorri 2024 for our blog. In this episode, Jack connects with Audrey—now teaching in Spain—to explore her journey with the Snorri Program and its impact on her…
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An Icelanders View on North America and Modern Life in Iceland
Sigfús Haukur Sigfússon was the 2024 Snorri West Alumni Intern, who has been exploring his family emigration connections across North America with Icelandic Roots. Recorded live in Reykjavik - Sigfús shares his journey of tracing family branches, and filling in the gaps of genealogy. We explore...
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Sheep, Sagas & Sustainable Future - From the Westfjords to the Laxdæla Sagas History
Sigmundur Geir Sigmundsson, known as Simbí, grew up on a Westfjords dairy farm before attending agriculture school and traveling North America with the Snorri West program. Join us for a conversation near his home in Búðardalur, where we delve into the changing landscape of Icelandic family farms...
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Aquaponics Pioneer: From Hólar to a Hofsós Warehouse (Fish Farming, Microgreens & Agritourism)
Amber Monroe is the Owner and Founder of Ísponica. In this episode we explore what lead her from the United States to start her Aquaponics company in Iceland. Amber's path, starting from her studies on lumpfish at Hólar University, has led her from a Hólar barn basement to a unique aquaponics…
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Tuberculosis in Iceland: Hælið Museum, the Romantic Disease and Björk of Course!
Our guest is María Pálsdóttir who operates the Hælið Museum - a sanatorium turned museum highlighting Iceland's fight against Tuberculosis. TB, a persistent scourge, has haunted humanity for millennia, leaving its mark on countless lives, societies, and even driving medical advancements. This...
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Exploring East Iceland with Dog Sledding, Hiking, & Abandoned Farms
Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir is a passionate traveller, hiker, genealogy enthusiast, and dog breeder. With Icelandic Roots, Hjördís brings her excitement for recording diverse information in the database and correcting errors in Icelandic-language texts. In this episode, Hjördís shares her love for the...
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Unraveling an 8-Generation Family Ghost Genealogy - Pastor on Bibles & Icelandic Heritage
Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane Canadian/American pastor and author, brings her passion for Icelandic heritage to the podcast. As a descendant of immigrants she is a passionate genealogist and a trained opera singer with a PhD in bible studies. Doreen's family history fuels her writings, including her...
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How to Approach the Icelandic Sagas - Insights into Origins, History & Legacy
Jason Doctor is an American of Icelandic descent, a public policy professor at USC with a PhD in psychology. As Public Outreach Director at Icelandic Roots, he promotes Icelandic heritage through education and events. In this conversation, Jason shares his unique approach to delving into the...
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The State of Tourism in Iceland | Living, Working & Travel Tips
Kent Lárus Björnsson is a Western Icelander with a unique perspective. Born and raised in Gimli, Manitoba (Canada) with deep Icelandic roots, Kent eventually returned to his ancestral homeland. Now living in Reykjavik, he works at a local school and shares his passion for exploration by offering...
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Cancer Risks: Icelandic Gene Mutation Awareness | Community Advocacy & Heritage Stewardship
Join Curtis Olafson as he sheds light on efforts to raise awareness about a prevalent gene mutation in individuals of Icelandic descent. The CDKN2A mutation significantly increases the risk of melanoma, pancreatic, and other cancers, present in 10-25% of families with multiple melanoma cases and...
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Deacon of Myrká, Stephan G. Stephansson, Poetry, Oral History & Folklore Ghost Tales
Continue our discussion on the essence of art, podcasting, and poetry with Karen Gummo. Karen shares her "storytelling affirmation" and her ties to Calgary's Leif Erikson Icelandic Club and more tales from her Icelandic travels; intertwining history, myth & legendary locales. Special to this...
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Karen Gummo Part 1 | Paranormal Stories, Nordic Folklore & Icelandic Sagas + Writer Laura Salverson
Karen Gummo's world of storytelling & history Part 1 of our interview. We unravel tales from her recent trip to Iceland, where she performed in the grand opening of the Edda building. Learn the origin story that ignited Karen's fascination with Laura Goodman Salverson (1890–1970), who was a...
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Strong is the Bond - Future of Language Learning, Genealogy & Cultural Connections
Part 2 with Atli Geir Halldórsson and Julie Summers, co-project managers of the Snorri Programs. Continuing our exploration of language learning, touching on the influence of technologies like AI language models. We look ahead to the future of genealogy, pondering what the next generation of...
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Connected by Genealogy & Language w/ Atli and Julie of the Snorri Programs
Meet Atli Geir Halldórsson and Julie Summers, co-project managers of the Snorri Programs, who both joined in 2023, bringing diverse experiences to the table. Atli, with a background in managing Nordjobb and volunteering at the Nordic Youth Democracy, splits his time between Iceland and Vancouver,...
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Grindavík Volcano Eruption | 2024 Predictions, Earthquake Science, Tourism Impact, & History
Part 2 of our conversation with Julian Lozos, Associate Professor of Geophysics at California State University, Northridge. We pick right back up discussing earthquake processes and the role of computer modeling in both volcano and earthquake science. We explore the impact of these technologies…
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Volcanic Turbulence: Grindavík State of Emergency, Tremors, Blue Lagoon Spa, and Lava Strikes in Iceland
Julian Lozos is an Associate Professor of Geophysics at California State University, Northridge. His work uses computer modeling techniques to understand earthquake processes, most notably within the San Andreas Fault system. Deeply passionate about geology, Julian is captivated by Iceland. He…
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Nelson Gerrard Part 2 - Myth, Story, Community | Western Iceland Genealogy | Farming
Part 2 of our interview with Nelson Gerrard; we delve deeper into his literary journey and the intricate process of bringing his books to publication as way to give back to the community that had supported him. We venture into the concept of illuminating the invisible landscape through...
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Nelson Gerrard Part 1 - Historian on Western Icelandic Heritage & Restoring the Past
Recorded within the historic walls of Éngimýri, a kaffi-fueled discourse with the great Nelson Gerrard, a Manitoba-based historian, genealogist, and author of Icelandic River Saga and The Icelandic Heritage. Our conversation delves into the Icelandic immigrant experience in North America, weaving...
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The Genealogist’s Bookshelf: Unveiling Family Tales with Heather Lytwyn
Heather Lytwyn is a dedicated genealogy enthusiast who uncovers the fascinating history of her family in what she calls 'Virtual Family Reunion.' Heather, with over 30 years of teaching English, now leads the Icelandic Roots Book Club. The Book Club has featured noteworthy authors like first lady...
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Viking Saga: Zachary Sigurdson on History, Reenactment, and Writing Books
In an engaging rendezvous, Owen Roberts reconnects with his fellow Snorri Alumni, Zach Sigurdson. In their conversation they discuss Viking History and the reaching of North America (Vinland) along with personal tales of family history. Zach is an author & Viking reenactment enthusiast from...
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Mallory Swanson on Icelandic Emigration, Genealogy | Horses, Hofsós & Heritage
In this episode, Jack welcomes Mallory Swanson from the Emigration Centre, Vesturfararsetrið, to share her personal journey of connecting to her Icelandic Roots, leading her to make Iceland her home. Together, Jack and Mallory explore the origins and historical significance of the Emigration...
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Saga of a Snorri - Special Icelandic Roots Report by Jack Plumley
In this special bonus episode, Jack shares excerpts from an article he wrote for the Icelandic Roots Blog. The story delves into his captivating journey back to Iceland for the Snorri Internship, unveiling anecdotes of earthquakes, encounters with walruses, and his work with the Emigration Centre...
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Icelandic Festival Of Manitoba - Islendingadagurinn with Marilyn Valgardson
In this special episode, we delve into the heart of one of North America's oldest and most vibrant ethnic celebrations: the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, held in the picturesque town of Gimli, Canada. Join us on a cultural journey through time, exploring the rich history and traditions that…
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Reflections at Brimnes: Bill Holm’s Legacy, The Emigration Center & Adventures with Walruses & Earthquakes
Join Jack & Sierra Jenson on their Snorri Internship in Hofsos as they reflect on their enchanting time at Brimnes, the summer home of esteemed Western Icelander, Bill Holm. Sierra illuminates the rich tapestry of humanity at the Emigration Center Museum (Vesturfararsetrið), while Jack delves…
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Iceland Geology with Erik Schoonover: From Hotdogs to Basalt in the Anthropocene Epoch
Interview with PhD Candidate Erik Schoonover discussing all things related to Icelandic geology. Erik was a fellow member of the Snorri program with our cohort in summer 2022. His grandma emigrated to the US from Iceland as part of the Post-WW2 1960’s wave. Listen and learn all about geology (and...
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We Three Snorri’s - Meet Your Hosts: Owen, Jack & Cass
Get to know your hosts Owen, Jack, and Cass as we dive into the history of Icelandic immigration to North America and discuss what we hope to achieve with this podcast going forward. Join us and discover the life-changing cultural exchange program that brought us together - the Snorri Program -...
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Julianna Gudbjartsson (Roberts) on New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli Manitoba
Join us as we dive into the exciting world of Gimli, MB with Julianna Roberts! The director of the New Iceland Heritage museum also happens to be Owen's Mom! Discover the legacy of New Iceland, where Icelandic settlers thrived despite challenges. Today, they celebrate 134 years of cultural…
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Sunna Furstenau - Embarking on a New Journey into Icelandic Heritage
Your three new hosts: Owen Roberts, Jack Plumley and Cass Heigaard, are joined by Sunna Furstenau for a quick introduction to Icelandic Roots and our focus for the new Season of this Podcast. Sunna is a prominent figure in promoting cultural exchange between Icelanders and North Americans. She…
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Emigration Investigations with Dave Jonasson and David Johnson
Volunteer Icelandic Roots genealogists Dave & David share their journey in helping to build an impressive database of Icelandic emigration records that tell the stories of thousands of families who left the island.
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Jason Doctor - The Saga Project: Maps, Stories, and Icelandic Heritage
Jason tells us about how the Saga Project is making it easier for Icelandic descendants to connect to the lands of their ancestors through maps and stories in the Icelandic Roots genealogy database. Plus, Natalie gives a PSA on how to watch the new Viking Valhalla series on Netflix.…
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Jodi Dunlop (Mise en Scene) - Artist / Musician
Jodi Dunlop is an artist and musician from Gimli/Winnipeg, Manitoba. She shares her experiences growing up in Gimli - the heart of New Iceland, working for the New Iceland Heritage Museum and the Lögberg-Heimskringla (Canada's oldest ethnic newspaper still printing) as well as her journey into...
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Volcano - Anniversary Episode
March 19th, 2022 is the one-year anniversary of the Geldingadalsgos volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. This capricious volcano captivated a global audience around the world as 24-hour webcams captured the changing nature of the fissures and lava flow. This episode features...
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Nancy Marie Brown - American Author
In this episode, Will interviews American Author, Nancy Marie Brown, author of numerous books about Viking history and culture, including her most recent novel, The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women. This episode's featured song is "Love and War" by Mise en Scene. Learn…
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Wayne Gudmundson - American Photographer / Author
In this episode, Will interviews renowned North Dakota photographer retired professor, and author, Wayne Gudmundson. Together they discuss the jigsaw puzzle that is Iceland's history and the complex story of immigration to North America. Hear excerpts from Wayne's new book, "A Song for Liv"…
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Bill Holm - Icelandic-American Poet and Essayist
In this episode, we look at the works of Bill Holm, a poet and essayist born on a farm north of Minneota, Minnesota. Holm is the author of twelve books of poems and essays covering topics about life in rural Minnesota, American society, and Iceland. For more information on Icelandic heritage,...
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Káinn - The Poet Born to Keep Tears at Bay
In this episode, we are looking at the life and legacy of the Icelandic-American poet Kristján Níels Júlíus Jónsson, aka K.N. Júlíus or Káinn (pronounced cow-en). Podcast hosts Will and Natalie discuss the timeline of his life and discuss the interesting stories that have lingered about him. We...
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Introduction to the Icelandic Roots Podcast with Sunna Furstenau
In this episode, we introduce you to Icelandic Roots: who we are, what we do, and why we started a podcast. Volunteers Jackie and Natalie take turns interviewing Icelandic Roots founder and director, Sunna Furstenau about her love of her Icelandic heritage, how she turned her hobby of genealogy...
About this show
Showcasing Icelandic heritage and culture from the past and present through folklore, language, literature, and music. We’ll shine a light on notable Icelanders throughout history and talk to some interesting people along the way! Created by volunteers of the non-profit organization, Icelandic Roots.Visit www.icelandicroots.com to learn more about Icelandic culture, heritage and our organization.
Hosted by
Icelandic Roots